Kohler Compared:To learn more about walk-in tubs, check out our rundown of this year’s best walk-in tubs.
|
March 8, 2023
Kohler walk-in tubs provide an easier alternative to standard bathtubs. They feature seats and airtight doors, allowing users to walk in, sit down, and turn on the faucets to fill the bath.
When it’s time to get out of the bath, you can simply drain the tub, then open the door and get out comfortably. Many tubs also have safety features such as non-slip surfaces and grip handles to make getting in and out easy and safe.
In this review, I’ll be taking a closer look at Kohler, one of the most popular walk-in tub manufacturers.
Kohler Compared:To learn more about walk-in tubs, check out our rundown of this year’s best walk-in tubs.
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.
Just So You Know: Don’t worry about removing your existing tub before installation. The experts at Kohler will get rid of it for you, and all of this will be included in their cost estimate.
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.
FYI: Although many brick and mortar retailers will quote you at a price lower than that of Kohler, only Kohler’s pricing is guaranteed to include installation and any other related expenses, which could end up costing hundreds of additional dollars.
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:
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.
Get an Estimate: To be prepared in case of a fall, you might consider a medical alert device. To learn more, read our guide to the best medical alert systems.
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 handshower are all covered by this warranty, ensuring your Kohler tub is there to stay.
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.
While both walk-in baths and walk-in showers share a low step threshold for easy entry, walk-in baths offer a seated bathing experience. Additionally, they usually offer additional comfort features.
Kohler designs each of their walk-in baths to fit the area taken up by a traditional bathtub. If you currently have a bathtub in your home, then it is likely that a Kohler model will fit in your space. Speaking with a Kohler authorized dealer can help you determine if this is the case.
For people with mobility challenges, ease of access is of the utmost importance. Traditional bathtubs can have heights as high as two feet, which can present a potentially dangerous obstacle, especially on wet bathroom floors. Kohler walk-in baths have a three-inch high threshold, making it safer to step into the tub.
While specifically designed to suit people with mobility issues, Kohler walk-in baths can be a great option for anyone looking for a luxurious bathing experience.
Cleaning your Kohler walk-in bath is a simple process. All you need is a nonabrasive multipurpose cleaner, faucet cleaning fluid, and a soft cloth. From there, you spray the cleaners on the appropriate surfaces and wipe them off with the cloth.
