Rating of the best manufacturers of acrylic bathtubs in 2020

Acrylic bathtubs appeared on the plumbing market relatively recently. 10 years ago you could only buy a cast iron or steel bathtub, which was usually of a standard shape and differed only in size.

With the advent of acrylic bathtubs, the situation has changed, since now the range is so wide that buyers have difficulty choosing a specific model. Acrylic bathtubs have become widespread because they are easy to manufacture, light in weight and have a wide variety of shapes, that is, they do not have the disadvantages of cast iron and steel bathtubs. The advantage of acrylic bathtubs is also their relatively low cost.

Let's look at the main characteristics and also make a rating of the best manufacturers of acrylic bathtubs in 2020.

Which brand of acrylic bathtub is better to choose?

Everyone wants to buy a high-quality bathing tank with a service life of at least 10-15 years. When choosing a model, experts recommend not saving and buying devices from trusted brands. Their products have been on the market for many years and are ISO certified. A cheap design will have to be replaced after a few years, which will require repeated spending of money.

The top presents the best manufacturers of acrylic bathtubs:

• Roca Group is a Spanish group of companies with sales outlets in 170 countries. It is a leader in the production of equipment for bathrooms. The Roca Rus enterprise was created in Russia, producing products under the Roca brand.
• Triton is a Russian company. The products have good technical performance and are manufactured using the latest technologies. In 2000, the company created the first models of rectangular bathtubs, and in 2001 - angular and asymmetrical ones. Taking into account the wishes of customers, the brand has released premium and economy class bathing tanks.
• 1Marka – the company’s policy is based on the principle of creating unique style bathtubs in which clients can relax and plunge into an atmosphere of comfort. When producing structures, engineers use German cast acrylic, which is characterized by high reliability.
• Cersanit Group is a Polish holding with headquarters in Kielce. The company is considered the largest European manufacturer of acrylic bathing tanks with antibacterial coating. High-quality acrylic bathtubs from Cersanit are equipped with the latest technologies.
• Gemy is a leading German manufacturer of acrylic bathing structures. The company produces high-quality, reliable and certified high-class models. The design, form and functionality of the products pleases all customers.
• BelBagno is an Italian brand. The production principle “Beautiful bathrooms - beautiful life” is embodied in the entire line of models of acrylic bathing tanks. Products comply with ISO standards. The devices are provided with a 10-year manufacturer's warranty.
• OOO Keramika produces products under the Santek brand. The collection of bathtubs includes designs of various sizes and shapes. They are equipped with components from European manufacturers and can be supplemented with hydromassage.
• Ravak is a Czech manufacturer of high-quality cast acrylic units at low prices. Products have been supplied to the markets of Central and Eastern Europe for more than 25 years. The demand for products is due to the author's design concept, which was awarded the Red Dot award.
• Aquanet is a Russian company founded more than 10 years ago. The company is focused on maintaining the environmental safety of products at all stages of production. Produces various furniture and sanitary ware for bathrooms. The quality of the products competes with European ones, and their prices are much lower.
• Bas is a leading manufacturer of acrylic hydromassage bathtubs in the Russian Federation and CIS countries. We have been working in the plumbing market for more than 15 years. The factories are equipped with Italian and American equipment. The model range includes 30 bathing tanks of various shapes and sizes.
• Aquatek - production is carried out on Belotti vacuum forming equipment, which ensures their durability and variety of shapes. The advantages of the brand include the compliance of the products with the price-quality ratio, comfortable noise and heat insulation, light weight and ease of installation.

Secrets of care

In order for the bathtub to retain its original whiteness and shine longer, and also to serve for a long time, we advise you to adhere to the following rules for caring for acrylic bathtubs:

1. To clean an acrylic bathtub, do not use cleaning agents, washing powders or foams. They contain chalk which will scratch the surface. As a result, dirt will accumulate in them. Hard sponges cannot be used for the same reason. The bath cleaner should not contain acetone, ammonia, or alcohol.
2. An acrylic bathtub can be easily washed with dishwashing detergent. It is recommended to use wet wipes for cleaning bathrooms, which are sold at hardware stores.
3. There are special gels that effectively remove dirt, which need to be applied to the surface and washed off after a few minutes.
4. Some stains can be easily removed with toothpaste.
5. Avoid pouring various chemicals into the bath. They can deform the surface or deprive it of its shine.
6. If you have pets, use special mats or towels when you bathe them in the bathtub to prevent them from scratching the surface.

Rating of acrylic bathtubs

The top best designs were compiled based on various tests that took into account technical data, the quality of the selected models, reviews from consumers and experts. The distribution of nominees in the ranking involves an analysis of their following characteristics:

• Thermal conductivity level;
• Weight;
• Functional features;
• Difficulty of installation;
• Structural strength;
• Form;
• Preparation method;
• Material thickness;
• Volume;
• Dimensions.

The cost of the models and the convenience of their location in the bathroom were taken into account. The review nominees are divided into 4 categories. Each presents designs with a specific form and functionality, and discusses their advantages and disadvantages.

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Repair

In case of minor damage to the surface during operation, the surface can be repaired without special costs.

What is needed for repair:

1. Find out how the acrylic is made; the method of repair depends on this.
2. To eliminate scratches on the casting surface, it will be enough to use polishing, as a result of which the visible defect will be eliminated.
3. To repair extruded material, additional costs will be required for the purchase of liquid acrylic, which can even be used to remove nicks.

Best Oval Acrylic Bathtubs

Smooth design lines allow you to create a relaxing atmosphere in the interior. At the same time, the width of oval bathtubs exceeds the standard parameters, so more space is required to accommodate them. To avoid compromising the integrity of the form, such devices are not equipped with armrests and other functional elements. The disadvantages include the complexity of installation and high price.

Gemy G9209

The average cost of a model is 53 thousand rubles. It is due to an increase in dimensions and volume by 70-100 liters in comparison with rectangular structures. This feature allows two people to simultaneously take water procedures. The design of the bathtub is made in a laconic style. The smooth lines of the surface of the structure will help it fit into any interior.

Advantages

• Removable front panel;
• The set includes adjustable legs;
• Easy to care for;
• Ease of installation;
• High quality material.

Flaws

• Lack of additional components and functions.

On the Internet you can find reviews about incomplete drainage of water. But experts say this may be due to improper installation of the model. Users have no complaints against the manufacturer. Everyone notes the design, spaciousness and ease of care.

BelBagno BB04

An Italian-Chinese acrylic bathtub with legs is made in the “Retro” style. It is inferior in depth to the Gemy G9209, so its capacity is enough for 1 person. The model is produced in white and red, the legs are painted bronze or silver. The nominee is part of the line of expensive bathing tanks; its cost exceeds 50 thousand rubles.

Advantages

• Original design;
• No need for installation on a frame;
• Durable material;
• Smooth surface.

Flaws

• Lack of additional functions and components;
• Small volume.

It is rare to find negative reviews about this rating nominee on the Internet. The main disadvantage is the high price. Otherwise, there are no complaints against the manufacturer. Acrylic is durable and resistant to mechanical stress.

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Durability of structure and frame

The strength of an acrylic bathtub largely depends on the method of its manufacture. That is, a bathtub that was made using solid PMMA acrylic casting technology, when completely filled with water, is able to retain its original shape. If the bathtub is made of extruded two-component acrylic ABS/PMMA, then when completely filled its walls may be slightly deformed. This is mainly due to the thin layer of PMMA and the thick layer of flexible ABS plastic.

Regardless of the acrylic used, all bathtubs are installed on a special welded or prefabricated metal frame, which serves as a base and holds the bathtub from excessive deformation when fully filled. At the same time, the design of the metal frame - frame, to some extent also affects the cost of the acrylic bathtub.

The simplest frame is a welded or bolted metal “sheathing” that will be located directly under the bottom of the bathtub. That is, such a frame will withstand vertical water pressure and the weight of a bathing person, but it will not strengthen the side walls.

A more complex frame for an acrylic bathtub has in its design elements that strengthen the side walls of the plumbing fixtures, which in total can extend the service life of the entire structure.

But there is also one point here that can help determine the quality of the bath. The frame frame has support points (posts and legs). The more such racks, the less durable the bath itself is. If the bathtub itself is of high quality, then the frame has supports only in the corners.

The best corner acrylic bathtubs

When choosing a model of this shape, experts recommend taking into account not only the dimensions of the structure, but also its relationship with the geometry of the room. Placement in the corner of the room requires sufficient free space, which bathtubs in ordinary apartments rarely boast. Based on length and width dimensions, corner baths are classified into symmetrical and asymmetrical. Many are equipped with a seat and space for placing bath accessories.

Santek Eder 170x110

Inexpensive acrylic bathtub with left-hand orientation. The length of the structure is 60 cm greater than the width, so it is classified as asymmetrical. The volume of the tank is 300 liters, but due to its non-standard shape, the capacity is designed for only 1 person. In the right corner there is a recess in the form of a seat. The bathtub frame must be purchased separately.

Advantages

• Removable front panel;
• Warranty – 10 years;
• Possibility of installing handles, armrest;
• Low price.

Flaws

• Anti-slip coating is not provided;
• There is no hydromassage.

The purchase of Santek Eder 170x110 is recommended by about 66% of users. They note the good wear resistance of acrylic, stylish design, low thermal conductivity and ease of installation. The disadvantages include difficulties in care, since dark stains quickly eat into the surface. It is recommended to wash it once every 4-5 days.

Ravak Avocado 160

Asymmetrical left-hand acrylic bathtub with a drop-shaped bowl. The capacity of the tank is also enough for 1 person. The bathtub can be equipped with a hydromassage, a waste set, a front panel, and underwater lighting, but there is no provision for placing a special curtain. The outside of the body is coated with polyurethane, which enhances the strength of the walls and increases the heat capacity of the bath. This is reflected in the price of the unit, which is 2-3 times higher than the cost of analogues.

Advantages

• Warranty – 10 years;
• Possibility of equipping with various types of functional devices;
• High strength of the material;
• Height-adjustable legs;
• Light weight.

Flaws

• The need to purchase components separately;
• You may encounter fakes.

The bathtub attracts consumers with its convenient dimensions and beautiful design. Experts note the ease of installation. Acrylic remains white for a long time, is easy to clean, and wear-resistant. The quality of the bath fully satisfies the stated price.

Aquanet Graciosa 150x90

The advantages of a built-in acrylic bathtub include the possibility of its location on the right and left walls of the bathtub. The volume is designed for 280 liters of water. The angle of the backrest and the elevated headboard provide comfort when taking a bath. The ledge in the corner of the bowl can be used as a seat, armrest or stand for bath accessories. When purchasing, please note that the drain, frame and front panel are not included in the kit.

Advantages

• Low price;
• Appearance;
• Antibacterial coating;
• Compact sizes.

Flaws

• Lack of hydromassage;
• Low strength acrylic.

Most users are dissatisfied with the quality of the top nominee. They rate it a "3" for practicality.

The instructions say 3 mm of acrylic, but in places of bending its thickness does not exceed 1 mm. The reinforcing layer is applied unevenly, the strong odor is difficult to eliminate.

Criterias of choice

Each buyer has his own criteria for choosing baths. Among them:

• the price of the bowl is for Russian consumers one of the main characteristics of purchased plumbing fixtures;
• the thickness of the acrylic bathtub, or rather its walls, directly affects the service life of the product;
• material - determines the strength of the font and its durability;
• sizes. In modern homes, where you can install a bathtub of any size, the length and depth of the bowls create comfortable conditions for taking water procedures. In “Khrushchev” and similar series of old houses, there is a different task: placing a bathtub in a limited space. Here, the small area of ​​bathrooms and combined bathrooms dictates the size of the plumbing fixtures;
• shape - affects the interior design of the room;
• strength - determines the service life of the product;
• the presence of additional options affects the bathing conditions.

Price factor

You can buy an acrylic bowl for 3.5 thousand rubles, and for more than 850.0 thousand rubles. Let us immediately recall the popular wisdom: a good thing cannot be cheap. Therefore, you should immediately dismiss options with a bathtub costing up to 10.0 thousand rubles. It's a composite. And its service life is about 5 years.

In this case, after a couple of years, problems will begin with the inner surface: it will begin to become cloudy and rub through to the underlying plastic layer (regular maintenance slowly wears off the acrylic coating, which in cheap options is only 0.2-0.3 mm). Therefore, professionals advise that it is better to buy a steel bathtub for little money - it will last longer and there will be less hassle in maintenance.

Acrylic bathtubs need to be chosen in two price sectors:

• composite - in the range of 10.0-14.0 thousand rubles. (more expensive composite models are inferior in comparison with inexpensive plumbing fixtures made of cast acrylic, and therefore the option of purchasing bowls made of pure acrylic for a slightly higher price seems more practical);
• cast acrylic - 20.0-30.0 thousand rubles.

With available free financial resources, there are no price restrictions - you can choose a bathtub according to your taste: size, shape and the availability of additional options.

Thickness

A unique situation has arisen in the construction industry where the wall thickness of acrylic bathtubs is the most important performance indicator. Even for all types of insulation, this evaluation criterion is behind the heat capacity. But the whole point is that for plumbing fixtures, the thickness of the bowl determines the price, and is also responsible for the strength of the product. Continuing the chain, it is logical to write that the durability of the bathtub also depends on the criterion. After all, anyone of sound mind and sober memory understands that a product made of thicker material is stronger, and, therefore, more durable.

This is where a catch awaits the unprepared buyer. In the case of acrylic bathtubs, everything is a little different. Thus, a bathtub made of composite acrylic with walls 5 mm thick will last almost half as long as a bowl made of cast acrylic 4 mm thick. Therefore, before purchasing the model you like, you first need to look at the cut. If there are 3 layers: acrylic inside, ABS plastic in the middle, and a reinforcing layer on the outside, then this is an extruded material. Such models of plumbing fixtures have very good strength, but a short service life. Two layers for bathtubs made of 100% acrylic.

Therefore, there should be two completely different approaches to assessing wall thickness.

1. With composite bowls, it is not the thickness of the material from which the bath is made that is important (although this is also worth paying some attention to), but the size of the acrylic layer on the surface. Ideally it should be 0.4-0.5 mm. But it is impossible to verify this in practice. Therefore, manufacturers do not bother with this topic, putting on sale products with a coating layer of 0.2-0.3 mm.
2. Bathtubs made of pure acrylic with a wall thickness of 5-7 mm will last 15-20 years, 4-5 mm - 10-15 years, up to 4 mm - about 10 years (depending on the frequency of water procedures). Accurate data can only be obtained by measuring the wall in the area of ​​the cut hole for the overflow. The sides show the original thickness of the sheet (during the vacuum forming process the sheet is stretched, becoming thinner), and at the drainage point there is an average value of the thickness between the sides and the walls (the bottom does not stretch as much).

Dimensions

The dimensions of acrylic bathtubs are important for two reasons.

1. In Soviet-built houses, the area of ​​combined bathrooms and bathrooms is limited. Therefore, for such premises, first of all, you need to look at whether the purchased plumbing fixtures will fit into the space vacated by the old bathroom.
2. The length, width and depth of the bowl affect the conditions for taking water procedures - correctly selected sizes make it possible to lie in the bath very comfortably.

According to the advice of experts in the field of ergonomics, the optimal parameters for bowls are:

• the height of the side above the floor level is 60-70 cm. These values ​​are ideal for all family members: children, adults, the elderly;
• depth - 50-60 cm (measured from the bottom overflow point to the drain). When studying this parameter, you need to take into account that a shallow bathtub does not allow you to immerse the entire body of a bathing person in the water, and a too deep bathtub is uncomfortable due to the position of the head - it is inconvenient to hold above the surface of the water;
• length - 150-180 cm. It is selected according to the height of the tallest person in the family and must correspond to him. If there is a headrest, the length can be reduced by 10-15 cm;
• width - 80-100 cm. For obese people, the parameter increases by 10 cm.

How comfortable the length of a bathtub creates for the average person is well illustrated by the pictures below.

Attention: the illustration is taken from open sources. Unfortunately, there is a gross error on it: the overflow is not shown, and therefore the depth does not correspond to reality.

To summarize:

• The specific dimensions of the font are influenced by the height and physique of the owners. Indeed, in a standard bathtub (length 170 cm), a tall person will either sit or lie with his legs bent;
• The given figures allow you to understand how to choose the right acrylic bathtub in terms of dimensions for the owner’s physique.

Form

The plasticity of polymer materials allows the bowls of home baths to be given a wide variety of shapes. Casting is carried out using the vacuum thermal molding method. This production technology does not allow complex shapes to be obtained from a sheet of cast acrylic 7-8 mm thick - the raw material is not able to repeat all the bends of the template. Therefore, when purchasing plumbing fixtures with complex geometry, you need to remember that their wall thickness is only 3-4 mm, and therefore the risks of deformation and mechanical damage increase significantly. If such a moment does not bother you, then thanks to the original forms of plumbing fixtures you can get an interesting bathroom design.

An analysis of demand shows that bathtubs with classic, rectangular shapes still lead in popularity. In second place are corner fonts with symmetrical and asymmetrical bowls. They are mainly bought for houses of old construction - a font with a large volume of water can be “squeezed” into a tight space.

Round and oval plumbing fixtures can only be installed in spacious rooms - they require a lot of space. Due to their originality and exclusivity, such forms are also in demand.

All other bowl casting options are mainly purchased for design projects.

Strength

The material from which acrylic bathtubs are made does not itself have sufficient strength for use (although the composite is more advanced in this regard than pure acrylic). Therefore, the outside of the bowl is reinforced with a reinforcing layer of fiberglass, which is dissolved in epoxy resin, or polyurethane foam (PPU). There are a few points to consider here:

• Using polyurethane foam to strengthen the body of a bathtub allows you to obtain more durable products, while being completely safe for human health. The problem is the higher cost of reinforcement;
• polyurethane resins in combination with fiberglass are not inferior in strength to polyurethane foam. Significantly cheaper. A persistent, pungent chemical odor inhibits application;
• Epoxy resins with dissolved glass fiber have an affordable price, there are no problems with environmental friendliness, but their strength is also lower. Therefore, if it is necessary to increase the strength of the font, several reinforcing layers of epoxy are applied or polyurethane foam is used, which is almost equivalent in strength and price.

Some Russian manufacturers additionally strengthen the walls and bottom of composite baths with chipboard linings, covering them with epoxy resin. Such products are considered by specialists to be second-tier bathtubs (very cheap).

You can check the quality of the reinforcement with a smartphone flashlight. It is believed that the sides should not be visible. But this is in theory. In practice, even with famous brands, not everything is smooth. Let's hope they know what products they are offering to the buyer.

Additional options

Unlike cast iron bathtubs, acrylic bowls allow you to install many additional options:

• headrests;
• pens;
• different stands;
• aero- and hydromassage, turning the bathtub into a jacuzzi. In this case, the nozzles can rotate, changing the direction of the jets;
• diode lighting that tints water jets in certain colors, which in combination with hydro and aeromassage enhances the beneficial effects of water procedures on the human body (the experts who proposed such a lighting system claim that it has anti-inflammatory properties and also stimulates blood circulation);
• built-in plasma TVs, game consoles, telephones, speakers for listening to music, etc.;
• connecting via Wi-Fi to a smart home system and much more.

When buying a bathtub with bells and whistles, you should remember that high-quality additional options are only available from well-known brands.

We looked at the criteria by which you can determine which acrylic bathtub is of better quality. The process can be simplified if you know the best manufacturers in advance.

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In terms of the degree of healing effect, physiotherapists place hydromassage in second place after manual massage. Taking a bath with this function allows you to quickly relieve fatigue and muscle tension. The procedure is useful for people with low immunity, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and musculoskeletal system. Unlike conventional bathtubs, hydromassage structures are produced in a similar design.

BAS Sagra 160×100

This is a corner model with an internal recess in the shape of a seat or shelf for bath accessories. The volume of 270 liters is designed for 1 person. Inside the bowl there are 6 nozzles that provide a relaxing and healing effect on the body of the airborne jet. A small groove on the bottom prevents slipping. The kit includes a frame, screen, fastenings, and headrest. On the left side there are system control buttons.

Advantages

• Low price;
• High quality acrylic;
• Quick relaxation after hydromassage;
• Original design;
• Antibacterial surface coating.

Flaws

• When taking a bath, it is impossible to lean on your elbows, as in a chair;
• Possible marriage;
• Persistent odor and dirt after the procedure.

Users note the spacious capacity and robust design. Most encounter defects, but when contacting the company, there are no problems with replacing components. The quality of acrylic bathtubs with hydromassage Bas corresponds to the stated price.

Aquatek Virgo HM (pneumatic)

The height of the corner structure is 20 cm BAS Sagra 160×100, but the length is 10 cm less, so its volume is only 250 liters. It is also equipped with a hydromassage function with 6 nozzles located along the entire perimeter of the side inner surface and pneumatic control. The kit includes height-adjustable legs and a removable front panel. The weight of the structure is 45 kg.

Advantages

• Easy to install;
• Durable material;
• Ease of use;
• Reliability;
• Durability.

Flaws

• High price;
• Small variety of components.

Most users are satisfied with the purchase; there are no complaints about the operation of the hydromassage. Experts note high-quality plastic, which ensures long service life and ease of installation.

Which acrylic bathtub is better to buy?

When choosing a model, it is recommended to take into account the person’s build. If you have an average build, you need to buy a design with a width of at least 80 cm, a depth of about 70 cm and a height of 65 cm. The shape of the bathing tank must correspond to the geometry of the room. To check the quality, it is recommended to check the thickness, color of the acrylic and the smoothness of the bowl. Good material should shine white and not bend when you press the bottom with your hand. If acrylic is translucent or gives off a strong odor, then it is better to refuse the purchase.

The best acrylic bathtubs from each review category are highlighted:

• Among rectangular bathtubs, 1Marka One Modern 165x stands out. The model is made of high quality German acrylic. The inside of the bowl is covered with an anti-slip coating, which ensures safe bathing. At the same time, the price of the nominee does not exceed 20 thousand rubles;
• Among oval designs, the first place is given to Gemy G. The cost of the presented models is almost the same, but the volume of this nominee is larger. This feature allows two people to take a bath at the same time;
• Aquatek Virgo HM was named the best tank for swimming with hydromassage. There are no negative reviews about the quality of this model and its performance. The only drawback is the high price.

When choosing an acrylic bathtub, pay attention to its appearance, check the technical specifications and ask the seller to present a quality certificate. This will protect you from buying a fake, which will have to be replaced after a few years of use.

Comparison table of characteristics

For a visual comparison of the presented products, we use the comparison table below.