Steel bathtubs - which are better to take?

Of the huge number of material proposals, many people prefer steel plumbing products. This is because steel baths are much cheaper than acrylic and cast iron, have a relatively small mass. When choosing steel products, one should focus on both consumer characteristics and trademarks of manufacturers. So, steel baths - which are better to take, what criteria should be followed?

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Design Features

In addition to the relative cheapness and low weight, the advantages of steel bathtubs include ease of installation and high maintainability (the ability to quickly eliminate defects).

The disadvantages of steel baths include:

• Noise during water intake.
• High level of thermal conductivity of steel (water cools quickly).
• If the product is made of thin steel sheet, it is easily deformed.
• Product instability.

Important! To reduce the heat transfer of the product, you can use the mounting foam, as an additional thermal insulation layer. This measure will maintain the temperature of the water poured into the bath for a long time.

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How to choose a steel bath: expert advice

The main parameters on which the choice of a steel product depends are the thickness of the steel sheet and the protective enamel layer. Product quality also depends on the thickness of the enamel. But before you decide on a particular model, you need to familiarize yourself with all the characteristics of the bathtubs. Consider the criteria for selecting bathtubs in more detail.

Wall thickness

High-quality bathtubs are made of stamped steel with a thickness of 3.5-4.0 mm. If the thickness of the steel sheet is less, the product will deform during operation. Estimating the thickness of the sheet when buying is quite difficult, so it is advisable to focus on the weight of the bath or the parameters specified in the accompanying technical documentation.

Important! In order not to be mistaken, you can make a choice by brand. Respectable companies value their reputation and will not sell low-quality products.

Dimensions

Assessing the size of the purchased bath, you need to build on the individual characteristics of the room where the product will be placed.

Configuration

Steel is a plastic material, so the geometry of the products may be different. In addition, a sign of high quality is a perfectly flat and smooth surface.

Important! Irregularities at the bottom and walls of the product are a sure sign of poor quality. Geometry determines not only design, but also the ergonomics of products. Please note whether there is a headrest in the bathtub, support for the back.

Design

An important factor in the design of the premises. If the interior is designed in a calm color scheme, then the classic version is appropriate. For a "high-tech" design or interior in the Art Nouveau style, baths of a bizarre, futuristic shape are suitable.

Enamel color

The most common option is white products. Other colors and shades are possible. The main thing is that the entire surface is painted evenly.

Enamel quality

Before choosing a steel bath, pay attention not only to the absence of chips and defects (they should not be by definition), but also to how the coating looks. Enamel should be perfectly smooth and uniform.

Important! Pay particular attention to self-cleaning products. The presence of damage significantly reduces this effect.

Sound insulation

Different companies have different approaches to the fight against noise when pouring water into the bath: from special coasters to expensive polymer coating.

Additional equipment

Carefully read the additional functionality of the product so as not to overpay for unnecessary options.

Important! According to experts, ceteris paribus, the best steel bath is a font of the classic form made of thick sheet steel. It is undesirable for the enamel layer to be too thick. During operation of the product, it is deformed.

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Overview of the leading manufacturing companies: rating of steel bathtubs by quality

The leaders in the production of steel bathtubs, of course, are European firms. There are bathtubs of the “elite” class from Roca, and cheaper models. Here is a ranking of steel bath manufacturers based on owner reviews.

Kaldewei (Germany)

This company offers a wide selection of products of the highest quality. The assortment includes standard models with an affordable price and bathtubs characterized by the best consumer qualities:

• The thickness of the stamped steel in the Caldevei bathtubs, even in budget items, is not less than 3.5 mm.
• Bathtubs have good sound insulation and low thermal conductivity.
• Another feature of the products of this company is durable and strong enamel. The use of a special enamel composition ensures a bath life of up to 30 years.
• In addition to the “Caldevei” bathtubs, you can purchase a special stand that improves the heat-insulating properties of the product and reduces noise during bathtub collection. Such a stand increases the stability of the product.
• More expensive products use coatings made of a polymer material that is more durable and reliable than enamel.

Estap (Slovakia):

• The peculiarity of the products of this company is that Estap uses a special technology for applying enamel coating - a dry method using an electric field. It turns out a durable solid coating.
• The length of Estap bathtubs ranges from 1.2 to 1.7 m.
• There are 6 options in basic shades and 80 modifications.
• Bathtubs are sold in both classic and complex shapes.
• Costly models are equipped with hydromassage.

Emalia (Poland)

Emalia bathing containers cannot boast good sound insulation, but are resistant to corrosion, mechanical damage, and therefore durable. The advantages of products from Emalia include an affordable price, much lower than for analogues of venerable firms.

Roca (Spain)

This company is one of the recognized leaders in the production of sanitary ware. Products of the Spanish company are distinguished by a variety of shapes, styles and colors. Despite the high price, Roca bathtubs are very popular with consumers.

Important! An attractive moment is the great variability of sizes. You can find both a large model and an option for the tiniest bathroom.

BLB (Portugal)

The products of this company are distinguished by the optimal ratio of quality and price. Thanks to innovative technology, BLB bathtubs are durable and reliable. Especially popular is the product line “Europe” with small sitting bathtubs.

Jika (Czech Republic)

This company produces various plumbing products, including steel bathtubs. The company's products belong to the middle price category. The most popular product line is Jika Riga, presented in several types of sizes.

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Stock footage

This rating of the best steel bathtubs will allow you to choose a decent option that is acceptable for you. We hope you managed to cope with the purchase of plumbing, which will serve you for a long time and do not require additional costs for restoration.