The best bathtubs in the UK 2023

An element of great comfort and synonymous with relaxation, the bathtub is a must in your bathroom with practical and aesthetic criteria. It is a shower equipment that will seduce you. It is available in several models according to your needs and tastes. In order to better guide you in your choice, we have written this buying guide on the best bathtubs.

Villeroy & Boch Oberon Oval Bathtub 170x70 cm cast marble, white 1
9/10

Best value for money

Villeroy & Boch Oberon Oval Bathtub 170x70 cm cast marble, white

The best bathtub

The Villeroy Boch brand offers you a bathtub with a classic Oberon design on straight and oval shapes. Thanks to the Quaryl material, it is resistant to shocks and scratches.

500 £ on Manomano

Quaryl is an exclusive material from Villeroy & Boch that combines quartz and sanitary acrylic. Thanks to this material, the Oberon oval bathtub has anti-slip, shock and scratch resistant characteristics. For a great comfort, it has a round inner shape of the edges and the outer straight.

White in color and oval in shape, it has a capacity of 195 liters on a weight of 40 kg. The bathtub of Villeroy & Boch has a dimension of 170 cm length, 70 cm width with a depth of 45 cm on a mode of installation to embed. The equipment includes bathtub legs on delivery with a 2-year warranty.

Duravit D-code bathtub 1600 x 700 mm - with feet - Acrylic White 2
6/10

Best value for money

Duravit D-code bathtub 1600 x 700 mm - with feet - Acrylic White

The best entry-level bathtub

For a relaxing bath, the D-Code series bathtub from Duravit adopts a sloping backrest for the perfect relaxing position. With a smooth acrylic surface, it appears in a contemporary and timeless design.

177 £ on Manomano

The Duravit D-Code bathtub is a white acrylic bathtub with a rectangular shape for installation. It fits in your bathroom with a contemporary and timeless design style. It measures 160 cm in length, 70 cm in width and 40 cm in depth with a sloping backrest for an ideal relaxing position.

Applying a smooth acrylic surface, the bathtub is pleasant to touch and easy to clean. Very practical for showering thanks to its minimalist size, very convenient to step over with a 52 mm water drainage system in the footwell area. For its capacity, it can be filled up to 100 liters. For a 2-year warranty, the product comes with steel support feet.

Jacob delafon - Neo Shower Bathtub with Bath Screen 150 X 60/80 - Left Hand Version 3
9/10

Best value for money

Jacob delafon - Neo Shower Bathtub with Bath Screen 150 X 60/80 - Left Hand Version

The best high-end bathtub

Enjoy a 2-in-1 shower and bathtub ideal for bathrooms with limited space. Made in the UK, Jacob Delafon offers a Neo model with bath screen and apron.

842 £ on Manomano

The Neo shower bathtub is an acrylic model with a large flat-bottomed shower area, the equivalent of a 90 x 90 cm shower tray. Its great advantage is related to the acrylic treated antibacterial and warm to the touch. The bathtub shower is rectangular in shape with a flush drain in the open position with a wooden step and a 50 cm reduction.

Made in the UK, it is a compact bathtub ideal for small bathrooms. It features an ergonomic back with a height maintained by the extra-flat drain and adjustable overflow from 29.5 to 34.5 cm. Available in left and right versions, Jacob Delafon offers a 10-year warranty.

OLERON Bathtub - Island bathtub 170x80cm - 3mm reinforced acrylic - White 4
8/10

Alternative

OLERON Bathtub - Island bathtub 170x80cm - 3mm reinforced acrylic - White

The best alternative for a bathtub

The OLERON bathtub is an island bathtub that could be a real decorative asset. With its minimalist shape, it gives your bathroom a trendy and elegant spirit with an oval shape made of reinforced acrylic.

613 £ on Manomano

The OLERON bathtub is a one-piece island bathtub with a sober and refined style. It is made of reinforced acrylic with a thickness of 3 mm and a capacity of 150 liters. The drainage system, or drain, is located in the middle for a versatile installation. It is a comfortable bath on both sides.

This bathtub has five leveling feet with overflow. With a white color and oval shape, the OLERON bathtub has a dimension of 170 cm in length for a width of 80 cm and a height of 54 cm. Guaranteed for 2 years, the product is delivered without drain and without faucets.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best bathtub

Any specific needs?

The best bathtub

The best entry-level bathtub

The best high-end bathtub

The best alternative for a bathtub

Your guide : Samuel

Rate this buying guide :
4.9/55 votes

By rating this buying guide, you are helping us to reward our best writers. Thank you!

Comparison table of the best bathtubs

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE ALTERNATIVE
Villeroy & Boch Oberon Oval Bathtub 170x70 cm cast marble, white 5
9/10
Duravit D-code bathtub 1600 x 700 mm - with feet - Acrylic White 6
6/10
Jacob delafon - Neo Shower Bathtub with Bath Screen 150 X 60/80 - Left Hand Version 7
9/10
OLERON Bathtub - Island bathtub 170x80cm - 3mm reinforced acrylic - White 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Villeroy & Boch Oberon Oval Bathtub 170x70 cm cast marble, white
Duravit D-code bathtub 1600 x 700 mm - with feet - Acrylic White
Jacob delafon - Neo Shower Bathtub with Bath Screen 150 X 60/80 - Left Hand Version
OLERON Bathtub - Island bathtub 170x80cm - 3mm reinforced acrylic - White
The Villeroy Boch brand offers you a bathtub with a classic Oberon design on straight and oval shapes. Thanks to the Quaryl material, it is resistant to shocks and scratches.
For a relaxing bath, the D-Code series bathtub from Duravit adopts a sloping backrest for the perfect relaxing position. With a smooth acrylic surface, it appears in a contemporary and timeless design.
Enjoy a 2-in-1 shower and bathtub ideal for bathrooms with limited space. Made in the UK, Jacob Delafon offers a Neo model with bath screen and apron.
The OLERON bathtub is an island bathtub that could be a real decorative asset. With its minimalist shape, it gives your bathroom a trendy and elegant spirit with an oval shape made of reinforced acrylic.
Shape
Right - Oval
Rectangular
rectangular
Oval
Material
Quaryl
Acrylic
Acrylic antibacterial
Acrylic
Size
170 x 70 x 45 cm
160 x 70 x 40 cm
150 x 80 x 50 cm
170 x 80 x 54 cm
Capacity
195 litres
100 litres
150 litres
150 litres
Guarantee
2 years
2 years
10 years
2 years

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - bathtub

Primary Item (H2)Sub Item 1 (H3)

Why can you trust us?

Why you can trust us
Our mission
How to support us
We do NOT accept any sponsored posts or advertising.

We spend thousands of hours each year studying the major specialized websites, analyzing products of hundreds of brands and reading user feedback to advise you on the best products.

Our mission is to simplify your purchasing decisions.

We are a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your buying decisions. Our research and testing helps millions of people every year find the best products for their personal needs and budget.

We are a small team of geeks and enthusiasts.

To support us you can: use our links to make your purchases (which often earns us a small commission), share our articles on social networks, or recommend our site on your blog. Thanks in advance for your support!

How to choose your bathtub

With the multitude of bathtub types on the market, it is important to consider a number of criteria in order to be satisfied with your choice.

#1 - Dimension

At first glance, you will be faced with a bathtub style that suits your taste and brings elegance to your bathroom. As a result, there are many styles to choose from with one key factor being space. The space available in your facility will largely influence the style.

You may be inclined to a freestanding oval bathtub, but only have enough space for a round one. Size will be a major factor in your choice.

However, the size of your bathtub will also influence your comfort. In general, the measurement in length will be between 150 cm and 190 cm and in width from 70 to 100 cm.

#2 - Material

The materials will also characterize your bathtub, acrylic, quartz, enamel steel or cast iron and so many others. Originally, bathtubs were built in metal but for more comfort synthetic materials are increasingly used. Most of them are made of acrylic and resin, which are very light and resistant.

Acrylic is light and soft retaining heat but much more sensitive to scratches and aggressive cleaning products. Quaryl is a mixture of quartz and acrylic raising a particularly impact and scratch resistant character as well as being anti-slip. Toplax is an acrylic reinforced with a thermoplastic polymer that is impact resistant with good adhesion but sensitive to chemical abrasives.

#3 - Type of installation

This aspect takes a very important place in your installation and your comfort. There are several types of installation for a bathtub including the built-in, free-standing or island installation. The built-in installation is done in a reserve in the floor or by a complete cladding with an apron requiring the intervention of a mason or a carpenter.

The free-standing version has a timeless design with old-fashioned charm but modern technical qualities. And the island installation is fixed to the floor on an independent faucet with an installation reserved for large bathrooms also requiring the intervention of a professional.

#4 - Water capacity

In fact, relaxing in your bathtub will be in relation to the immersion of your body in the water of it. In relation to its dimensions, the water capacity of your bathtub will be a point to consider. You can opt for a bathtub that is more economical or more expensive in water.

In general, the rectangular shape of 170 x 75 cm requires 135 to 165 liters, while a corner shape fills up to 300 liters. And finally, the one that consumes much more is the two-seater bathtub with 330 to 550 liters to fill.

#5 - Drainage system

The drain system is the water removal system connecting the bathtub and the drain. At this level, this system is composed of a bung, a trap, joints associated with the PVC pipe. As for the interior, it is made up of a chain shutter, a valve and an overflow which is an upper drain to avoid overflow.

Here, the features to consider such as overflow, diameter, type of closure as well as the bung. This system will also ensure that the bathtub fills up.

Daily maintenance of your bathtub

The new synthetic materials such as acrylic, resin, Toplax or Quaryl are hypersensitive to abrasive household products. Never use scouring powder or aggressive products such as anti-limescale or bleach to clean your bathtub, as this can cause scratches and permanent damage to the material.

Mild household products such as dishwashing liquid are preferred. Be careful not to scratch. A soaked sponge and a rinse with clear water are sufficient. Stainless steel will appreciate a little baking soda on a damp sponge.

To restore the shine to your bathtub, use a cloth soaked in turpentine from time to time. Caution: this operation should preferably be done with gloves on and with the windows open.

The different types of bathtubs

Nowadays, many individuals and professionals choose a bathtub installation according to their needs. With several ranges and shapes on the market, there are three main types of bathtubs.

Classic or basic bathtub

The classic or basic bathtub is usually installed in a home with the purpose of providing a bathing experience to family members and may perhaps involve pets, for example dogs, turtles, small mammals, to enjoy a dip, especially during hot summer days.

A true bathing experience involves a full body and head immersion in a tub filled with water. This style of bathtub would be in order to hold more water. As you would expect, there are different sizes, styles and shapes to choose from.

Balneo Bathtub

It is a bathtub equipped with hydromassage nozzles that turn it into a mini spa. The Balneo bathtub has been a recent model for some time and has made its way into the bathrooms of individuals. There are different massage systems: compressed air for soft massages, water for tonic massages with nozzles on the sides, or mixed.

The highlight of this type of bathtub is to enjoy the warm sensation of the pulsating water jet massaging and caressing every part of the body. But note that the installation of this type of luxury will undoubtedly cost more as several special dedicated equipment are required and expertly finished.

All-in-one bathtub : bathtub-shower

This

bathtub combines the option of bath and shower. If you are short on space in your bathroom, this type of bathtub will satisfy you. Generally wider at one end, with a flat bottom and a protective wall, it is a good compromise when you are short on space. A practical and comfortable option, this type of bathtub is a 2-in-1 alternative solution with the best aspects of a classic bathtub and a shower.

Acrylic bathtub or Steel bathtub

Acrylic bathtub

The acrylic bathtub consists of a 4 to 8 mm thick acrylic sheet layer reinforced from below with wooden or steel frames. The central base is further supported with a wooden or steel base. After that, fiberglass is used to reinforce the whole tub. Its great advantage is related to the optimal temperature preservation.

Acrylic is an inert material that excludes corrosion, bacteria, mold and germs. Made from molds, acrylic bathtubs come in many varieties of designs, shapes and sizes, customizable to fit the decor of your choice in your bathroom.

Its disadvantages lie in the inability to resist scratches. However, you can minimize scratches by polishing and maintaining the surface of the tub.

Enamelled steel bathtub

A single sheet of steel is used to make a steel bathtub. This steel sheet is pressed into shape and sprayed with enamel in one layer. Then an oven is used to treat the tub and react the enamel with the steel. This creates a strong and durable non-porous coating on the tub. Steel is a good conductor and dissipates more heat, allowing the water to cool down faster.

Nevertheless, it doesn't take long for the tub to warm up when hot water is added. Steel is also an inert material.

To its fault, a steel bathtub is vulnerable to rusting in case of water leakage but with the help of the enamel alloy, it is considerably resistant to scratching. But unfortunately, steel offers limited design diversity in sharp, flat and slightly curved designs.

Verdict

Indeed, each type of product has certain advantages but also disadvantages. Choosing one or the other will depend on your requirements. With the acrylic bathtub, you will benefit from better heat retention, no corrosion with the choice of a variety of design options for an economical price.

A steel bathtub can be an excellent choice if you are looking for longevity without scratches and price is not a consideration.

Tips

Descale your bathtub

If you prefer natural products. Use lemon juice, spirit vinegar and coarse salt. Spread the coarse salt in a thick layer on the scale stains, sprinkle it with boiling vinegar and rub it with the scrubbing side of a sponge, repeating the operation as many times as necessary. Soak your shower head in boiling white vinegar diluted with a little water for a day. Faucets will appreciate being cleaned with white vinegar or lemon, leave for about ten minutes, after which it will shine like new.

Unclog a bathtub

The use of a plunger is a very common method of unclogging a drain system. This system avoids the use of corrosive and dangerous products. It will create pressure to allow water to be moved through the drain to dislodge the clog. Baking soda or soda crystals are also an option. Pour a mixture of one liter of hot water plus 100 grams of baking soda into the bathtub opening and leave it for 20 minutes to 6 hours to dissolve the clog. Or use household white vinegar or crystal vinegar. Pour half a liter of white vinegar mixed with a liter of very hot water, let it act for at least 20 min and then pour another liter of very hot water.

Optimal temperature for your bath

For

a really relaxing bath, adjust the water temperature. The temperature should not exceed 38°C. You may like to relax in a hot bath. But a high temperature can mess with your blood pressure. Your heart will be under more strain and you may feel sick or dizzy. And you'll probably have trouble relaxing and falling asleep after a hot bath. For temperature, use a thermometer, especially if you're pregnant or only with your wrist and not your hand to get an accurate idea of how the water is affecting your body.

Monitor the water level to avoid overflow

At the

end of the filling process, the water level should not be more than 2/3 of the depth of the tub. Remember that when you get in, this level will rise. If you fill the tub completely, the water may go everywhere and you will end up flooding the bathroom. Then put a towel or bath mat on the floor to absorb any water that might accidentally spill from the tub, especially when you get out. This mat will also prevent you from slipping or falling.

Create relaxing conditions during your bath

If

you're looking to relax while taking a bath, it's best to avoid bright lights and noise from your neighbors. Dim the lights or light candles in the bathroom. Listen to soft music from a classical station or background music such as the sound of waves or birds chirping. If you have a curtain, draw it all the way or halfway to trap the steam and heat. Just be careful not to soak the curtain in the tub with you. Turn on the bathroom heating system to avoid getting cold when you get out of the tub. You can also close the bathroom door to get the right temperature. Make sure that this system does not get wet.

FAQ

What is the best bathtub?

The best bathtub depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.

What is the recommended space for an island bath?

For an island bathtub, check that your bathroom or shower room is large enough. You must have at least 10 m² of space to accommodate it and show it off. When installing your bathtub, allow for a space of about 60 cm around it to facilitate the passage of users.

What is the maximum load for a bathtub?

To know the maximum load of your bathtub, you must check its empty weight. Note that a bathtub weighing less than 20 kg will not be strong enough. To ensure its resistance, check also that it is not deformed so that it rests properly on the embedding surface.

How do I fix a leaking acrylic bathtub?

Leaks in the form of holes or cracks in your bathtub are only treated with fiberglass before coating it with sealant. A small fiberglass board is normally included in the repair kit.

Why have a trap door on your bathtub apron?

The bathtub apron must be equipped with an access hatch of a minimum size of 40 x 40 cm. Placed in line with the water inlets and outlets, it allows access to the various connections and, if necessary, to repair them without having to dismantle the entire bathtub.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , Thespruce.com
  2. , Businessinsider.com
  3. , Sunrisespecialty.com
  4. , Lowes.com
  5. , Remodelista.com
  6. , Leroymerlin.fr
  7. , Cotemaison.fr
  8. , Travauxapart.fr
  9. , Build.com
  10. , Canaroma.ca
  11. , Homestratosphere.com
  12. , Faucet.com
  13. , Shop.mamieandco.com
  14. , Ideesmaison.com
  15. , ouest-france.fr
  16. , mc-debouchage-curage-canalisation.fr
  17. , castorama.fr
  18. , espace-aubade.fr
  19. , destockage-habitat.com
  20. , sawiday.fr
  21. , leroymerlin.fr
  22. , leroymerlin.fr
  23. , esc-grossiste.fr
  24. , masalledebain.com
  25. , bricoman.fr
  26. , sanitaire.fr
  27. , bernstein-badshop.com
  28. , valentin.fr
  29. , bains-design.fr
  30. , lapeyre.fr
  31. , cartier.com
  32. , luisina.com
  33. , aubert.com
  34. , lapeyre.fr
  35. , twistshake.com
  36. , jacobdelafon.fr
  37. , fr.hudsonreed.com
  38. , cedeo.fr
  39. , masalledebain.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Villeroy & Boch Oberon Oval Bathtub 170x70 cm cast marble, white 9
Villeroy & Boch Oberon Oval Bathtub 170x70 cm cast marble, white
Duravit D-code bathtub 1600 x 700 mm - with feet - Acrylic White 10
Duravit D-code bathtub 1600 x 700 mm - with feet - Acrylic White
Jacob delafon - Neo Shower Bathtub with Bath Screen 150 X 60/80 - Left Hand Version 11
Jacob delafon - Neo Shower Bathtub with Bath Screen 150 X 60/80 - Left Hand Version
OLERON Bathtub - Island bathtub 170x80cm - 3mm reinforced acrylic - White 12
OLERON Bathtub - Island bathtub 170x80cm - 3mm reinforced acrylic - White

Lecteurs

Every month we help more than 1 000 000 people buy better and smarter.

Copyright © 2022 - Made with by buyingbetter.co.uk

Your reviews and buying guides 0% advertising, 100% independent!