The range of acrylic bathtubs is now wider than ever, and the market is simply overflowing with imported and domestic products. Models for every taste and budget are offered in every plumbing store, promising comfort and durable operation. But in fact, only a part of the products meet the declared characteristics; the rest do not withstand even half of the specified service life. In order not to make a mistake with your choice, you need to know what characterizes high-quality bathtubs and which manufacturers are trustworthy.
Rating of acrylic bathtubs by quality
The nuances of choosing acrylic plumbing fixtures
For buyers, the first requirement for plumbing fixtures made of any material is its long service life. The criterion of price-quality ratio of a product is no less concerning. For example, the domestic manufacturer Radomir was recently criticized by buyers for the fact that the products were not maintained in this combination of parameters.
An acrylic bathtub is chosen not only by design. The consumer pays attention to the manufacturer as a guarantor of quality and reliability. After all, companies have been earning a name for years, and the consumer properties of their products are constantly improving. But sometimes the consumer is faced with another problem: inflated prices not because of the additional functions of the product, but because of the brand.
This leads to the conclusion that you need to choose taking into account two important factors:
- manufacturer's name;
- whether the manufacturer maintains the tandem of price and quality.
Brand selection problems
The answer to the question of which brand of acrylic bathtubs is better takes a long time to find for two reasons:
- There are a large number of manufacturers representing acrylic bathtubs on the market. Manufactured products have pros and cons.
- Many no-name companies have appeared.
Therefore, it is still worth stopping at proven brands.
UNIVERSAL HF-1500 NOSTALGIE
A small cast iron bathtub has an affordable price and good quality. The length of the bathtub is only 150 cm, but it is quite spacious, which distinguishes it from many other models. Special handles and headrests are available separately for this bathtub, which are conveniently installed and allow bathing with increased comfort.
Pros:
- Deep and roomy;
- Good quality;
- Affordable price;
- Narrow sides;
- You can purchase additional parts (handles, headrest).
Minuses:
- Quite slippery enamel.
Criteria for choosing an acrylic bathtub
The price of the hot tub chosen by the consumer leads him to the question: which acrylic bathtub is better to choose based on the following parameters:
- The material affects the price and quality of the model.
The production process is based on technical cast acrylic, which is covered with a reinforcing layer. There is also industrial acrylic. Technical has antibacterial properties. Thanks to the additives, the products will be comfortable and harmless to use. Large models are made from cast acrylic, but they are light in weight and meet all the requirements for reliability and structural strength.
In the sales area of stores there are models made of plastic (ABS) coated with acrylic and a reinforcing layer. They are lower in price, but also worse in quality.
Knowing the differences between these models will help you buy the right acrylic bathtub. If there is no conscious desire to purchase a model at a low price (from ABS), then it is recommended to study the section of the structure. A hot tub made of cast material has 2 layers, and one made of ABS has 3 layers. The consultant may say that the thickness of the model is 8 mm. This is not true, 3-4 mm is the thickness of the acrylic structure.
The beam from the flashlight does not shine through the walls of a high-quality model. Only poor quality acrylic allows light to pass through. The durable bathtub is made of opaque material. Good acrylic bathtubs can compete in reliability with steel and cast iron products, despite the fact that they are much lighter. High-quality products can withstand loads.
- Checking the structure for strength. She doesn't bend. You can easily verify this by pressing on the bottom with your hand. There are models in which the defect is hidden by a good frame, but a high-quality product should not “play.”
- A long warranty period is a guarantee of the quality of the model. After all, the manufacturer is confident that during this time he will not be bothered about replacing the product. For example, a manufacturer from Germany provides a 5-year warranty.
- A glossy and uniform surface is an important sign of quality. The absence of stains, darkening and roughness on the surface confirms the originality of the design.
- The quality of the outer layer depends on the material used. A conscientious manufacturer uses polyurethane. Then the surface from the outside will be smooth and dark. There should be no roughness or unpleasant odors. If fiberglass with synthetic resins was used, then it is worth frankly saying that saving on material and such a bathtub is not worth buying.
- The stability of an acrylic bathtub depends on the design of the frame. It looks like a bathroom mounting frame with adjustable legs and corner supports. A regular frame for the sides will be an unstable frame.
- Additional functions mean additional cash costs. You can save money if you buy a regular acrylic bathtub. Tips for buying a whirlpool bath: It is worth researching the manufacturers who develop and produce such models.
- The stability of the model depends on its shape. A simple form is strength and stability. The more complex the bathtub configuration, the higher quality the design should be. Hence the price increases.
- The price increase is also influenced by the design of the drain-overflow system: traditional, semi-automatic, automatic. This will not affect the quality of the models. Therefore, the buyer independently chooses which acrylic bathtubs are best for him.
PARALLEL E2947
This model is considered one of the deepest. It is perfect for people who like to soak in the bath. It is very roomy and equipped with an anti-slip coating. Narrow sides increase the volume of the bathtub, and its design fits comfortably into a medium-sized bathroom. A comfortable headrest will allow you to take a bath comfortably and thoroughly relax during the procedure.
Pros:
- One of the deepest models;
- Anti-slip coating;
- Equipped with a headrest;
- Narrow sides;
- High quality.
Comparative characteristics of manufacturers
Comparative characteristics of manufacturers - guarantors of the quality and reliability of their models, lead the consumer to the answer to the question of how to choose a high-quality acrylic bathtub. A description of the pros and cons of each brand allows you to create a rating of manufacturers of acrylic bathtubs.
- Czech. In the production of bathtubs, acrylic sheets 5-6 mm thick are used. High quality designs are produced with a backing made of special fiberglass. The strength and rigidity of models with ergonomic shapes and capable of withstanding loads are noted.
Poor equipment of some models with additional components is a shortcoming in the company’s work process.
- Polish (Cersanite). The manufacturer has achieved a combination of affordable prices and product quality. Antibacterial acrylic is used in production. Comfort is explained by the capacity of the products and their ergonomic shape. A long warranty period of 7 years increases the number of fans of Cersanite plumbing fixtures. All products are certified.
The thickness of the acrylic sheet of 4 mm prevents the installation of hydromassage on the manufactured bathtubs.
- Dutch company Riho (Riho). The company's production process is based on the use of environmentally friendly Lucite acrylic for the manufacture of sanitary ware. Its thickness is from 6 to 8 mm. Therefore, the manufacturer claims that acrylic structures are resistant to deformation and are of high quality. The brand is famous in Europe.
- Russian company Aquanet. Acrylic 5 mm thick, high quality is used. Models on sale come in different configurations: asymmetry, rectangular or oval. Bathing comfort is ensured by designed armrests and special walls.
- Polish manufacturer – company Kolo (Kolo). The company specializes in producing modern design models at an affordable price for the average buyer. Consumers who chose a bathtub with a hydromassage from a Polish company were faced with a problem: insufficient rigidity of the installation of the hydromassage.
ROCA CONTINENTAL
A high-quality cast iron bathtub with an anti-slip coating ensures increased safety and comfort while bathing. The volume of the bathtub will accommodate a person 175 cm tall. The enamel is strong enough, so you don’t have to worry about the shower accidentally slipping out of your hands. Thanks to the good quality of cast iron, the bath retains the heat of the water for a long time.
Pros:
- Good quality;
- 10 year warranty;
- Anti-slip coating;
- Durable enamel;
- Keeps warm for a long time;
- Affordable price.
Minuses
- The anti-slip coating may darken over time;
- Sometimes there are problems with attaching the legs.
Manufacturers rating
According to buyers' estimates by 2020, the list of popular companies is presented by location:
| Number in the rating | Manufacturer country | Brand |
| 1 | France | Jacob Delafon |
| 2 | Russia | Aquanet |
| 3 | Poland | Excellent |
| 4 | China | Gemy |
| 5 | Poland | Cersanit |
| 6 | Russia | Triton |
| 7 | Holland | Riho |
Silver "Prestige" 1.7
The cast iron bathtub has a special design that comes with a slight slope. This provides improved water flow into the drain, so water will not stagnate at the bottom. It is equipped with handles and a headrest, and a unique glassy enamel with silver ions has a disinfecting effect. It also saturates the water with negative charged particles, which is very useful for humans.
Pros:
- There is a headrest and handles;
- Bottom with a slope;
- Disinfecting coating;
- Unique enamel coating;
- Affordable price.
Minuses:
- Slippery surface.
Novial Archimed 1700×800
Price: 83,700 rubles.
Manufacturer: Novial, Spain.
What makes Novial Archimed special is its shape. The bottom is flat, there are no distortions, smooth transitions. This font is created for those who love rigor and classics.
New engineering developments were used in the production of the model. The bathtub was created based on a design sketch. The experience of other countries in this industry was also invested. The shortcomings and reviews of cast iron hot tub lovers were taken into account.
Advantages:
- Durability of the applied material.
- Smooth surface.
- Dimensions.
- Classic design.
Flaws:
- Overpriced.
- Heavy weight.
Many users note the non-slip surface.
Noken VICTORIAN DUO 1800×770
Price: 572,846 rubles.
Manufacturer: Noken, Spain.
The sophistication and design allows the Victorian DUO to be installed in a large room. It is intended for 2 people. The materials used to create the model bring it to the “Lux” class.
The product is mounted separately from the walls; there are options when the installation is carried out in the middle of the room. The drain is made from the side. The legs and other parts are finished in chrome, but the entire bathtub is covered with high-quality enamel.
Peculiarities:
- Bath design.
- For 2 people.
- Form.
There are no disadvantages.
ROCA AKIRA
This model can be installed in the traditional way, or inside a special podium. The bathtub is equipped with a long, comfortable handle that does not slip in a wet hand. The bottom of the bathtub has small notches that prevent slipping. The bath is so large that two people can fit in it at once. The total displacement is 225 liters.
Pros:
- Anti-slip notches;
- Comfortable handle;
- Wide sides for cosmetic accessories;
- Good capacity;
- There is a choice of installation type.
Minuses:
- High price.
MARONI ORLANDO
This model has small dimensions - 150*70 cm. It is ideal for a small bathroom. High-quality enamel does not darken over time. It is equipped with a special anti-slip coating, which ensures safety during water procedures. Here you can optionally install handles to make it easier for older people or children to hold.
Pros:
- Good quality;
- Anti-slip coating;
- Does not darken over time;
- 20 year warranty;
- Corrosion resistant;
- Handles can be installed.
JACOB DELAFON ADAGIO
The cast iron bathtub is equipped with additional support for the person's back, which makes bathing easier, especially for older people. Comfortable armrests can serve as a place for a comfortable position of your arms, and you can also install handles in them. The bathtub is made of high-quality cast iron, which makes it heavy - 125 kg.
Pros:
- High quality;
- 25 year warranty;
- There is a special back support and the ability to place handles;
- Good capacity;
- High quality enamel.
Minuses:
- No anti-slip coating
Recor Antique 1700×760
Price: 114,700 rubles.
Manufacturer: Recor, Portugal.
Recor Antique is made in oval shape which makes it attractive and better than others. Thanks to its dimensions, it fits freely in small bathrooms and looks attractive in large rooms.
The product is made of high-strength cast iron using new technologies. It is covered with durable enamel with an admixture of titanium “AA”. Does not lose its color and does not crack.
Additional decor options:
- Painting the screen in different colors.
- Painting the legs in silver and gold.
- Application to the front side of the design.
Pros:
- Unique design.
- Dimensions.
- Use of titanium "AA" for roughness.
- Convenience of taking water procedures.
Flaws:
- Strange inner surface.
- The paint may peel off the legs.
Consumers believe that the cost is too high.
Elegansa Schale Gold 167.6×76.5
Price: 104,025 rubles.
Manufacturer: Elegansa, country Germany.
Elegansa Schale Gold is mounted separately from the walls. It has a raised front for greater comfort. This makes the design of the bathtub different from other models. Golden legs dilute the white tone of the enamel.
The depth is 48 cm, and its weight is 145 kg. Elegansa has an oval shape and a length of 170 cm. By installing it in the middle of the room, you can radically change the look of the room.
Advantages:
- High legs that inspire reliability.
- Dimensions.
- Complements various room styles with its design.
Flaws:
- Expensive.
- Heavy.
Some consumers note the inconvenience of lying in the font.
