Kohler Walk-In Tubs Review 2023

Kohler Walk-In Tub Pros and Cons

Who Is Kohler?

Kohler was founded in 1873 in Wisconsin, by an Austrian immigrant named John Michael Kohler. The company had humble beginnings as a foundry producing steel and cast iron products. Ten years later they entered the plumbing business, and, these days, they manufacture and sell bathroom and kitchen fittings worldwide. Kohler’s ethos is all about gracious living, adding safety and comfort features to ensure their products fit comfortably into any existing space.

With walk-in tubs, seniors can bathe more comfortably. The added safety features are reassuring for carers too, especially if the senior in their life is still independent enough to bathe unaided. Kohler’s range includes walk-in bathtubs designed to make senior life easier and facilitate aging in place. Let’s take a closer look at their offerings.

How To Purchase a Kohler Walk-In Tub

Since Kohler Belay Walk-In Baths are not available for sale at traditional home improvement retailers, I’d recommend purchasing a unit directly from Kohler themselves, as dealing straight with the manufacturer is a lot of times easier if there are problems down the road. Through either their website or customer service line, you can request a free quote from Kohler. From there, they will send out one of their installation specialists who will assess the limitations of your bathroom, discuss what you’d like from your tub, and recommend a few different options.

Once you decide on the specific model, your specialist will quote you a price. This price will cover not only the tub itself but also the complete cost of installation, from removing your current bathtub to fitting the new one with your current plumbing and electrical fixtures.

Features of Kohler Walk-In Tubs

Keeping things simple, all of Kohler’s walk-in tubs are based upon the same basic model, the main differences being the size, bathing features, and additional accessories.

To give you a sense of all that a Kohler walk-in tub can do, I figured I’d take a closer look at one of their Belay Soaker models that comes with just about every feature you could want from a tub, walk-in or otherwise.

Here’s an overview of its features:

• Ultra-Low Step-In: At only three inches in height, entering your Kohler walk-in tub is not only a breeze but also safe. With 80% of falls occurring in the bathroom, this low height helps mitigate any possible risk.
• Multifunctional Handshower: Always within reach, this handy showerhead helps to simplify the actual bathing experience, giving you the precision of a shower with the comfort of a tub.
• Easy Grip Handrails: Kohler tubs all include handrails on both the tub’s interior and exterior, allowing you a firm grip as you get up and sit down.
• Extra-Wide Entry Door: 20% wider than other walk-in tubs, Kohler’s extra-wide doors allow for a greater range of mobility. Additionally, this door provides an airtight seal on your tub, ensuring that no water trickles out onto the floor.
• Accessible Control Panel: A Kohler tub packs in a whole lot of adjustable features like the whirlpool jets, bubble jets, and heated surfaces. Luckily, all of these can be controlled from the simple ergonomic control panel. Even for shorter folks, the buttons can be reached from any position in the tub.
• Hydrotherapy Whirlpool Jets: Much like a traditional hot tub, this Kohler walk-in tub features hydrotherapy jets that can deliver a powerful massage to the back, legs, and feet. Massaging jets such as these have a demonstrable positive effect on pain and muscle strength, so let those jets fly!
• BubbleMassage Air Jets: A bit less forceful than the whirlpool jets, the BubbleMassage jets create thousands of air bubbles that surround your body in the water and leave you feeling invigorated.
• Fast-Drain Technology: Unlike a conventional tub, a walk-in tub must drain completely before you can get out, that is unless you want a flooded bathroom. Thankfully, Kohler’s fast-drain technology actively pumps the water from your tub, clearing out all the water in a matter of minutes.
• Heated Surfaces: Using no more energy than a standard light bulb, your Kohler tub can provide additional heat in the neck, back, and seat areas. It’s almost like having a waterproof heating pad. Any shoulder tension just melts away.
• Deep Tub: 30% wider than most walk-in tubs, Kohler tubs can accommodate a wide range of body types. Additionally, the textured surfaces on both the tub’s seat and floor prevent the risk of falls.
• Decorative LuxStone Bath Wall: Kohler walk-in tubs are already designed to fit in the space of your existing tub; however, with the help of a LuxStone bath wall, your tub can also be the perfect complement to your bathroom’s decor. Made of engineered stone material, these surfaces cover the walls surrounding your tub, and they come in a variety of colors, from traditional white to patterns that resemble marble.
• Faucet Finishes: Much like the tub itself, its faucet comes in a variety of finishes tailored to suit any taste. My personal favorite is the brushed nickel, which brings a bit of warmth and softness to the walk-in bath.

Kohler Pricing Overview

Kohler walk-in tubs can cost anywhere from $2,000-$10,000. The prices will vary based on the tub model and any additional features you add. You'll also have to factor in the costs of installation, which can vary widely depending on your current bathroom setup.

Their prices are competitive when compared to the likes of Safe Step, another walk-in tub manufacturer.

Warranty

Every Kohler tub is backed by their limited lifetime warranty. Since each of Kohler’s walk-in baths is installed by a Kohler professional, you can rest assured that everything will work properly; however, in the event of a defect, their warranty will cover a free repair of just about anything. The door seal, hydrotherapy systems, faucet, and hand shower are all covered by this warranty, ensuring your Kohler tub is there to stay.

Kohler vs. American Standard

Kohler and American Standard are two of the leading brands in walk-in tubs, and while both brands offer a variety of high-quality models, there are some key differences.

Kohler walk-in tubs are known for their luxurious design and high-end features. They offer a wide range of hydrotherapy options, including air jets, water jets, and whirlpools. Kohler walk-in tubs are also available with a variety of add-ons, such as heated seats, music systems, and mood lighting.

American Standard walk-in tubs are known for their affordable price and variety of features. They offer a range of hydrotherapy options, as well as features such as handheld shower wands, self-cleaning systems, and walk-in doors. American Standard walk-in tubs are also available in a variety of sizes and styles to fit any bathroom.

The best brand for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a luxurious walk-in tub with a wide range of features, Kohler is a good option. If you are looking for an affordable walk-in tub with basic features, American Standard is a good option.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which brand is right for you is to compare different models and features in person. You can also talk to a plumber or bathroom designer to get their recommendations.

Recap

From the time you receive your in-home estimate to the moment you finally use your walk-in tub, Kohler has you in good hands. Their sales representatives are knowledgeable without being too pushy, and their installation technicians will take the time to figure out exactly what you need and then clearly explain the options.

The low-entry threshold and comfortable seating ensure you safety, and the combination of jets and quick-drain technology will exceed your expectations when it comes to comfort. To anyone who either has mobility issues or works with someone who does, I can wholeheartedly say that a Kohler walk-in tub is a great way to guard your wellbeing without sacrificing comfort.