Your bathtub, you see, may not be something you replace very often. However, having the same bathtub for so long can get boring as the years and trends change.
To keep up with the times and give your bathroom a new trendy decor, you might need to remodel your bathroom by fixing a tub your body will thank you for.
While there are so many different tub styles in the market, an alcove design stands in a class of its own.
Thus, our job is to help you make the right choice as well as save you the energy and time of surfing from one webpage to another endlessly.
All the bathtubs in this list fiercely fought off competitions to get picked. But we crowned the American Standard 2461002.020 Bathtub as the most outstanding in the list. It is the archetype of modern-day alcove bathtubs at the very best.
Luxury, comfort, and brilliant aesthetics are some of its major selling points. Read on to find out others that can challenge that status.
The high points of our review include what to consider before buying an alcove bathtub, examining their features, pros, and cons.
Best Alcove Bathtub
| Product Name | Latest Price | Material | Water Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Standard 2461002.020 Bathtub | Check Price | Porcelain | 52 Gallons |
| KOHLER K-1123-RA-0 Archer 5-Foot Bath | Check Price | Acrylic | 60 Gallons |
| PROFLO PFS6042LSKWH 60" x 42" Bathtub | Check Price | Acrylic | 75 Gallons |
| KINGSTON BRASS VTDE603122L 60-Inch Bathtub | Check Price | Brass | 58.2 Gallons |
| Fine Fixtures Drop In & Alcove White Soaking Bathtub | Check Price | Fiberglass | 60.23 Gallons |
1. American Standard 2461002.020 Bathtub
The Cambridge 5-Feet alcove bathtub combines style, luxury, and the Americast technology to remain a well sought-after brand.
Its glossy porcelain finish adds to the overall beauty of any bathroom.
American Standard appears to have gotten everything right with this bathtub as all their teeming customers gave nothing but positive feedback.
The bathtub incorporates a simple design and a smooth surface to allow easy cleaning. The Cambridge integral apron 5-Feet bathtub is easy to install and sports the ability to keep the heat longer.
Its depth and traction pad guarantees a safer and more relaxing experience in the bathroom.
The Cambridge integral apron bathtub from American Standard promotes relaxation at all times. It flaunts a right-hand outlet alongside an integral apron.
The bathtub augurs well with people with disabilities as it complies with Americans with Disabilities Act and ANSI A117.1.
American Standard is a household darling that has continued to build top-quality products over the years. The slip-resistant floor of the tub ensures safety while you engage in enjoyable soaking.
The simple, sturdy design and lustrous finish are some of the best features past users hold dear.
Pros
- Glossy porcelain surface
- Exceptional heat preservation qualities keep the water warmer for longer
- Built with the Americast Technology for durability and ease of handling
- Anti-slip surface
- Easy to clean and a breezy installation procedure
- 14 inches soaking depth
- ADA compliant
- Great value for money
Cons
- Deep Soak drain sold separately
- It is an expensive bathtub
If you are looking to combine luxury with simplicity, this bathtub is a perfect choice. It comes at a lesser price when compared with cast iron. Yet, it is sturdy, lightweight, and durable.
American Standard remains a trusted brand at all times. This product has all the right qualities and features for the best satisfaction. You can also see this American Standard Toilet Reviews to attractive bathroom decor.
2. KOHLER K-1123-RA-0 Archer 5-Foot Bath
The Kohler brand meticulously pays premium attention to the consumers’ body with its K-1123-RA-0 Archer 5-Foot alcove tub. It did so in a grand style.
The bathtub stands out as it integrates beveled edges and a low step-over height to support the user’s body structure.
A luxury bath with a fiberglass construction to allow for the much-needed durability you seek from a modern tub. It flaunts an integral apron, comfort depth design, and a right-hand drain. You’d be surprised that with all the tweaks, this bathtub is extremely easy to clean.
The elegant K-1123-RA-0 Archer 5-Foot Bath is easy to install and comes with tile flanges, should you prefer a three-corner installation.
High-end bathtubs combine comfort with safety features to remain at the top. As far as safety goes, the textured bottom surface of K-1123-RA-0 Archer 5-Foot Bath does well to prevent slip. The anti-slip surface makes it convenient for both the young and the elderly.
The bathtub has a hight of 19 inches and comfortably accommodates as much water as that of a 21 inches bathtub, offering excellent value for your money.
Pros
- Textured surface for safety
- Built to align with the natural curves of the user’s body
- Guarantees a deep soaking experience with a low step-over height
- Features an Archer Suite that complements a variety of bathroom decors
- Easy to clean
- Simple installation procedure
- A bathtub with an Integral apron
- Built with quality materials for longevity
Cons
- Requires K-7271 or K-7272 Clearflo slotted overflow bath drain that you need to buy separately
- You need to change bathroom tiles during installation
The molded lumbar arch of the tub ensures a hard-to-beat level of comfort. When comfort is what drives you to buy a new bathtub, you can never go wrong with the Kohler brand.
3. PROFLO PFS6042LSKWH 60″ x 42″ Bath Tub
The best alcove bathtubs, sometimes, doesn’t come from the most popular brands. The Proflo brand is as recognized as the Kohler and American Standard, but they have quality products to offer. They happen to be the underdog that competently challenges for the crown.
The PFS6042LSKWH 60″ x 42″ Alcove Soaking Bathtub boasts all the necessary features to rival others on this list.
The product flaunts a flawless design and fabulous aesthetics that guarantees top-level comfort. It is a masterpiece and a leader by all standards, thanks to the smooth acrylic surface, which makes it very easy to clean.
Installation this bathtub is super simple, and that’s no surprise. There is an integral skirt included in the kit – for a single exposed side, and a pre-leveled base ensures easy installation.
As with all the best alcove bathtubs, Proflo integrates safety in the design. It comes with an integrated overflow drain assembly and has a textured bottom to serve as an anti-slip.
Pros
- The bathtub comes under the Proflo’s limited 5-year tub warranty
- Designed with top-quality acrylic material
- Features a textured slip-resistant bottom for safety
- Integral skirt for easy installation
- Smooth surface for easy and long-lasting clean
- The design allows for comfort and an enjoyable bathing experience
Cons
- It is not ADA-compliant
- Relatively small when compared to others
Proflo aims to remain a leading provider of cost-effective, high-quality products in the plumbing community. It explains why the manufacturers consistently push quality products into the markets.
The PFS6042LSKWH 60″ x 42″ Alcove Soaking Bathtub is one of such products. If you are looking for quality, luxury, and comfort combined in one product, this is the bathtub for you.
4. KINGSTON BRASS VTDE603122L 60-Inch Bathtub
If you’ve ever dreamed of a tub that is a lightweight, reliable, and durable, then the VTDE603122L 60-Inch contemporary alcove acrylic bathtub by Kingston Brass is all in one – and more.
The luxurious tub is one of the company’s priced jewels in the Aqua Eden collection. It flaunts a design and top-class finish that ups the decor of your bathroom without even trying.
One major highlight of this alcove bathtub is the craftsmanship that sets it apart from others. It is constructed with acrylic and strengthened with fiberglass and resin material.
These quality materials are the reason the VTDE603122L is 50% lighter than traditional bathtubs. And, as far as retaining heat goes, this bathtub excels brilliantly.
Should you nurse the thoughts of transforming your tub into a shower/tub combo, this product comes as the perfect option.
The bathtub allows you the freedom to tweak as much as you want, even when you have limited space.
No wonder the VTDE603122L is a well-known tub much sought-after in American homes today.
Out of the box, you have an Aqua Eden Acrylic Alcove bathtub by Kingston Brass measuring 5 feet in length. Also included is the apron, which is attached to the body of the tub.
Pros
- A tastefully crafted bathtub for comfort
- It comes with a firm acrylic reinforced with fiberglass and resin material
- A top-quality bath with 2.4 Mm acrylic construction
- Excellent heat retaining capability
- The tub comes with an apron out of the box
- It is lightweight, strong, durable
Cons
- The drain is purchased separately
The manufacturers offer two models for this tub – A left-hand drain VTDE603122L or a right-hand drain VTDE603122R. As a consumer, you can choose the one you deem fit for your bathroom decor.
In this review, attention remains on the left-hand drain VTDE603122L.
The installation of the VTDE603122L 60-Inch contemporary alcove acrylic bathtub is easy because it boasts a design that makes it simple to remove and replace.
Its beautiful smooth surface makes it easy to clean and, as such, last longer. It does, indeed, sport excellent features that can become a rewarding investment.
5. Fine Fixtures Drop In & Alcove White Soaking Bathtub
If you are one of those who see long baths as one of life’s great pleasures, then this bathtub from Fine Fixtures is the real deal. The manufacturer combines flair and top-class craftsmanship to produce a luxury bathtub.
Having the consumer in mind when manufacturing makes it one of the best soaking tubs available on the market.
The Alcove white soaking bathtub from Fine Fixtures offers its happy users the perfect bathing experience.
With a convenient step-in height, the tub is deep enough to accommodate your whole body. While you relax, the tub’s backrest provides sloped lumbar support for your back to avoid pains.
As far as comfort goes, Fine Fixtures’ Drop-In and Alcove White Soaking Bathtub is an absolute game-changer. There are only a handful of tubs out there on the market that match the comfort this tub provides.
The bathtub is easy to clean. Its smooth surface made with quality acrylic and reinforced with fiberglass allows just that. The tub’s sturdy design and strong legs are strong enough to hold both you and full bathwater.
Pros
- The bathtub can accommodate the whole body while retaining a convenient step-in height
- Comes with a backrest for support
- The tub can fit any bathroom configuration
- Easy to install
- Made with acrylic and reinforced with fiberglass
Cons
- The drain assembly is purchased separately
- No overflow drain
Just as the tub brings luxury and comfort, it also offers a more practical concern: Installation.
You can install the bathtub to the wall with tile flange all around to restrain water from going under the tiles. With four adjustable legs, it comes with a pre-leveled tub bottom for easy installation.
Considerations Before Buying Alcove Bathtub
A bathtub upgrade will do a lot to enhance the configuration and décor of your bathroom. But choosing the right tub for your home could prove a tough task sometimes.
Now that you’ve narrowed your choice to an alcove bathtub, things become more straightforward, but only after understanding these essential considerations.
In this segment of the review, the highlights of the discussion include the size and shape, construction, depth and drainage, water consumption, installation, and slip-resistant surface.
Get acquainted with all of these considerations before buying an alcove bathtub.
Size and Shape
Before you fall in love with a particular brand or model, you should take into consideration the real estate you have at your disposal because diverse bathtubs don’t have the same dimensions.
Note that standard tubs measure 60 inches long, 30 inches wide, and 14 inches deep.
If you do have a designated space in your bathroom that allows for little or no flexibility, you might want to buy a tub that fits perfectly into that space and shape.
Also, your goals and objectives will determine the size and shape of the bathtub. Make sure you do your homework right before you think about the tub to buy.
Construction
You have to look at the tub’s architecture and the materials.
While there are enameled steel and cast-iron bathtubs, most bathtubs flaunt acrylic or fiberglass with an acrylic finish.
The construction materials of the tubs go a long way to determine the tub’s price, cleanability, and durability.
Fiberglass or acrylic tubs do well in this aspect. They are easy to clean, durable, and retain heat for longer.
Depth and Drainage
Depending on your preference, you might want to check how deep your new tub should be. However, the best alcove soaking tubs for deep soaking are usually 18 to 22 inches deep.
It is also imperative to find the right drain and pipe placement for the bathtub.
Water Consumption
If you are concerned about cutting your water bills, you might want to check if your tub has a water-saving mechanism.
A report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that a full bathtub requires about 70 gallons of water.
One way of reducing water consumption is by installing a WaterSense faucet for your tub.
Installation
The installation of your new bathtub must match your bathroom décor. Hence you have to pay premium attention to the tub you choose. An alcove product, also a recessed tub, is one of the various types of bathtubs on the market.
The installation of this type of bathtub is usually next to three walls, exposing just one finished side.
Every new bathtub comes with a manual that includes the installation procedures. It is best to always refer to this manual during installation.
Slip-Resistant Surface
When choosing your new bathtub, safety for you, the young, and the elderly have to be critical considerations. You’d want to choose a tub that complies with relevant laws like the American Disability Act (ADA).
The slip-resistant surface is one extremely significant feature of your tub. It can save and your loved ones from costly injuries or death, given that the bathroom houses items with hard surfaces, including sink, toilet, and bathtub.
Hitting your head on any of these could prove fatal. Therefore, choosing a tub with a slip-resistant surface is highly imperative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Since you are in the market to buy a new alcove bathtub, having the right information beforehand will save you lots of time and effort.
We have taken the initiative to research the frequently asked questions about alcove baths and provide the relevant answers to them.
Q. Is there a need for specific plumbing for my new alcove bathtub?
A. If what you have is a modern bathroom, it is possible to install your new alcove bathtub in there. The standard tubs flaunt designs that promote secure installation and reduced reliance on plumbers or specialized tools.
The alcove bathtubs differ from whirlpools that require additional plumbing, pumps, and filters to fit into a modern bathroom.
Q. Can I have my brand come to install my bathtub?
A. It’s no big deal if you feel your new alcove bathtub should be installed only by its makers to avoid problems.
The fact remains that it is solely dependent on your brand.
While the Kholer brand readily offers this service, others may not.
In any case, you can contact a professional plumber to help install your tub at a reasonable fee.
Q. What is the construction material of the best alcove bathtubs?
A. Bathtubs come in different shapes, sizes, and construction materials.
The tub material you choose play the roles of determining the durability, cleanability, and price of the tub.
Bathtub construction materials include plastic (acrylic or fiberglass), proprietary composites (heavy-gauge steel, porcelain enamel, and resins), cast-polymer, and cast-iron.
The construction materials of the best alcove bathtubs are either acrylic or fiberglass.
These materials allow for better heat retention capabilities and cleanability, unlike their cast-iron counterparts.
Also, the acrylic and fiberglass materials are flexible, allowing manufacturers to produce tubs of different sizes and shapes.
Q. What is the size of the standard alcove bathtubs?
A. The best alcove soaking tubs come as a single or two-person bathtub.
There are diverse makes and designs of bathtub styles, including a built-in, whirlpool, freestanding, or soaking design.
The standard soaking tubs vary in length from 60 to 72 inches, and depths ranging from 14 to 17 inches.
On average, a standard soaking tub can hold about 250 gallons of water.
Q. What does Lumbar support mean?
A. When your bathtub has lumbar support, it implies your tub has a 26-degree vertical angle opposite the drain.
The feature helps create a more convenient bathing experience.
The lumbar arch tenderly supports the natural curves of your body while you soak in the tub.
Q. Will a foaming bathtub cleaner destroy the finish of my alcove tub?
A. An alcove bathtub with porcelain finish can resist the chemicals in bathtub cleaners.
It is not the same for tubs with other materials. This is the reason we earlier advised you to check the construction material of your bathtub before buying.
Q. What is the difference between a skirted and an alcove bathtub?
A. The alcove bathtub fits in between three walls, leaving one finished side exposed. It is the most common type of bath. On the other hand, a skirted tub is one with walls behind it and to one end.
This model is also called the fitted or recessed tub.
Conclusion
Your bathroom is a very significant part of your home; consequently, investing in the best alcove bathtub will mean creating the ultimate luxury bathroom experience.
Our review presents you with the necessary information to help you choose the best alcove soaking tub that efficiently washes away the stress of the day. We’ve explained why you should gun for comfort, price, installation, and cleanability as features to consider.
It’s no surprise that there are a lot of brands claiming to be the best. For this reason, you must be diligent in your search of the alcove bathtub of your choosing should meet your needs.
No other alcove bath reviews say it as we do – real, factual, and helpful.
Good luck in your search; we hope you find the best deal out there.
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