4 Best Bariatric Walk-In Tubs Compared (2024)

With its wide seat (24.75-inch) and door (18-inch), Safety Tub 6032 from American Standard is a good option for larger bathers. The tub, which is 32 inches wide, 60 inches long and 37 inches high, holds 80 gallons of water.

Included in the purchase are a patented door system technology, color-matched drain and overflow and a slip-resistant floor. The tub is available in the colors white and biscuit. Add-on options include a premium adjustable jet system, deluxe back massage, air bubble massage system and a fast-draining option.

The company also offers a design consultation and expert installation service.

Overall, customers have a positive experience when working with American Standard to purchase and install their walk-in tubs. They often say the sales representatives were knowledgeable and helpful, and the installation teams were professional and efficient. Customers appreciate the safety and convenience of the walk-in tubs, as well as the jets, lights and aromatherapy.

Rhonda, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Texas, said: “We needed something that was large enough to accommodate and that wasn't a fly-by-night organization. We had a wonderful experience with American Standard all the way around. Our sales guy took the time to walk us through the process and really take a look at the area, what requirements we would have, what limitations he saw if any, and any additional accommodations. ... He was fantastic. The same can be said about the installer. Everybody's using the tub. My 35-year-old son came over to our house. He is 6'4 and he went, ‘I fit in this tub. I'm taking a bath.’"

Stewart, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Illinois, said: “I like the width of the seat of American Standard. Most of the tubs are only 17, 18 inches wide. The American standard tub seat is 25 inches wide. I got this for my wife and she's fairly large, and those smaller tubs, she just would not have been able to fit in. The sales rep did a good job presenting it and what our options were. The quality of work done by the installers was very good too.”

The bariatric tub from Kohler makes a good choice for larger bathers. The dimensions of the Walk-in Bath are 32 inches by 60 inches and the seat and door width is 21.5 inches. It holds 80 gallons of water.

Kohler walk-in tubs in general offer extra deep bathing seats, easy-to-reach controls, a multifunction hand shower and heated backrests (with three heat level settings). The tubs also have easy-to-grip handrails and feature a fast-drain technology Kohler calls exclusive.

Kohler customers like the brand's trustworthiness and the quality of its products. They appreciate the convenience and safety features like the jets and heated seats.

Barbara, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Texas, said: “I liked the width of the base of the door where it was wider than some of the others are because my husband at 13 feet has very large size. It has a little bit of an exceptionally high cost but I have to agree with that. The quality of the walk-in bath is very good. I really enjoy it."

In terms of luxury features, this tub offers up to 27 air and hydro jets. Kohler was our top pick overall on our walk-in tubs guide, and it ranks high for a reason. Kohler makes high-quality, reliable products. That quality comes at a price, though. If you’re looking for a very basic model, you may want to consider a different company. Kohler offers financing options and often runs promotions on its site, so ask your representative about discounts.

We chose the Big4One from Ella’s Bubbles because this bariatric walk-in tub accommodates big and tall bathers who are up to 7 feet tall. The tub also offers an extended seat with a roomy interior which, according to the company, allows bathers to recline.

Big4One comes fully equipped with air and hydro jets, including an independent foot massage pump and a bidet feature, Tanner Tattini, an Ella’s Bubbles chief sales and marketing manager, shared.

As an add-on, you can purchase microbubble therapy, which turns the water cloudy with tiny bubbles and is meant to “penetrate” the skin’s pores and exfoliate them. Heated seats and backrests are another add-on option that can help keep a bather warm while the tub is filling and draining.

Many customers appreciate the variety of sizes and features offered by Ella's Bubbles, as well as the competitive pricing. The sales representatives are often described as helpful and knowledgeable. Overall, customers are satisfied with the tubs and enjoy the features and functionality they provide.

Donna, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Illinois, said: “I also liked the price compared to the other ones and with Ella's Bubbles, there was a variety of sizes that I could choose from. I was looking for something that was wide and long enough for my husband after he had hip surgery. I liked some of the width that some other companies had but they didn’t have so many sizes to offer.”

According to the company website, before purchasing the tub, make sure the seat fits you. The seat length of the Big4One is 21 inches, so your measurement should be at least 21 inches or more. To measure this, Ella’s Bubbles suggests you sit in a chair and measure the distance in a straight line from the bottom of the chair’s backrest to the bottom of your knee.

Another thing to consider is the size of your bathroom door to ensure the tubs can be moved into your bathroom to install, explained Tattini. The smallest dimension on the Big4One is 33 inches, so you want to make sure your doorway is at least 33 inches wide, and most are, he said.

If you’re an extra tall bather — say 6 feet, 7 inches or taller — you may want to consider a new bariatric model, The Shak, which provides an extra six inches of legroom.

Boca customers appreciate the knowledgeable and helpful sales representatives who explain the product and its features. The installation process is efficient and professional, with installers completing the job in a timely manner. Customers enjoy the low step-in height as well as the jets, aromatherapy and heated seats.

Bradley, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Virginia, said: “I have used that tub one time and I enjoyed it then. But my wife uses it most of the time and she loves it. Her leg had been broken and she couldn't lay down in a regular tub. To get up, she would need my arm to pull herself up. But now, she can get in and out, sit on that thing and take her own bath.”