Understanding which is better cast iron, acrylic or steel bathtub?

Criterias of choice

Let's highlight several important characteristics with which you can compare plumbing fixtures.

• Life time. This indicator affects the durability of the selected bath. If you buy a cheap product, then in the long run, the savings will turn into additional expenses. The longer the bathtub lasts, the less you will have to spend later: for repairs, dismantling, purchase and installation of a new font.
• Care and cleaning. The bathtub has to be washed daily, so caring for it becomes a grueling task if the material is too whimsical. Ease of maintenance depends on the composition and thickness of the enamel covering the surface of the product.
• A variety of shapes and sizes.For bathrooms of different sizes, different models of baths are required: you need to take into account the width, length, height and shape of the product. Sometimes a small or asymmetrical bowl is the only way to comfortably accommodate all the necessary items in a cramped bathroom. On sale there are not only standard rectangular fonts, but also angular, multifaceted, round and curly products.
• Practicality.The bathtub should not deform from exposure to hot water and bend under a person during operation. This also includes the ability to withstand mechanical stress.
• Convenience... This criterion is responsible for comfort during water procedures: how long does the reservoir keep warm? Does the bowl increase the noise when filling the bathtub? Is it possible to install additional options in the form of hydromassage and water level sensor?
• Installation... Some products are easy to install and connect on your own, but in other cases you will have to spend money on a specialist. Also, some bowls require additional metal legs or a frame.
• Weight... Most often, this indicator is paid attention to when buying a cast-iron bath. A heavy product makes it difficult to transport and install. Before buying, you should consider the subtleties of delivery: will you need a special car and movers? Will the tank fit into the elevator? If the weight of the bathroom is high, then transportation becomes an additional cost item.
• Price... For many buyers, it is the cost of the product that is the main factor when choosing a bath. The problem lies in the fact that with this approach, the design may not meet even the minimum expectations and will soon lose its appearance.

Cast iron bath

This material has remained in demand for several decades. Cast iron baths are reliable, as they are made of durable high-quality alloy. From above, the product is covered with a double or triple layer of enamel. Cast iron bowls do not differ in a variety of sizes: Russian companies make tanks with a maximum length of 150 cm, and foreign companies increase them to 180 cm.The standard width of a cast iron bath is 70 cm, but there are also 90 cm.

Features of the

The main difference between cast iron baths and steel and acrylic baths is the wall thickness, which reaches 10 mm and makes the product heavier. The finished bowl weighs about one hundred kilograms.On the one hand, this provides the tank with strength and stability, and on the other, it significantly complicates its transportation and installation. Install a heavy bath only on concrete and reinforced concrete floors. If the house has wooden floors, it is better to refuse a cast-iron bowl. When choosing, you should pay attention to the walls of the tank - the coating should be smooth to the touch, uniform, without bumps and chips.

If the enamel layer is sufficient in thickness, then using a special polishing agent, the cast-iron bath can be easily restored: you can get rid of scratches and small cracks. For more complex cases, specialists are invited.

Pros and cons

Let's highlight the main advantages and disadvantages in accordance with the selected criteria:

Acrylic bathtub

Acrylic (methyl acrylate) bowls are relatively recent, but quickly gained in popularity. The bowls are made in two ways: from a solid acrylic sheet, which is given the desired shape, or by injection molding using a fiberglass base. The second technology allows for a more durable product, which is why most people are looking for cast acrylic bowls. Minor damages on them can be eliminated with your own hands by applying grinding and a special paste.

Features of the

The main difference between acrylic baths is the lightness and pliability of the material. Modern buyers are attracted by the opportunity to choose almost any shape and size of the bowl, and, if desired, to order an individual product for specific needs. This is most important if the house is inhabited by elderly people or children who are comfortable using the built-in seat and handles. But it should be borne in mind that too complex a configuration reduces the reliability of an acrylic bath, and if additional functions such as a hydromassage are built into it, then water, electricity and maintenance costs increase.

When choosing a finished bowl, you should check the wall thickness, which should be more than 4 mm: the fact that the manufacturer saved on material is indicated by a ringing sound when tapped and the light passing through the sides.

Acrylic is a non-porous material, so dirt does not stick to glossy walls. Also, plastic is not susceptible to rust and fungus, but the surface still needs to be regularly looked after.To do this, the acrylic font is wiped with a soft sponge with soapy or a special solution (you do not need to rub hard), rinsed with warm water and wiped dry. If the detergent has not been used before, it is recommended to first test it on an inconspicuous area.

Pros and cons

Let's consider the advantages and disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs in more detail:

Steel bath

Until acrylic bowls hit the market, steel fonts have long competed with cast iron baths. They are more environmentally friendly and quite durable, although they are made of sheets only 0.35 cm thick. The modern enamel coating increases their reliability. You can also find products with thin sides (1.5 mm), but it is better to give preference to a more solid structure with a thickness of at least 2.4 mm.

Features of the

A characteristic feature of a steel bath is its low price, which is achieved due to the complete mechanization of manufacturing and the minimum cost of raw materials. Another important difference from cast iron and acrylic baths is fast cooling. Also, the surface heats up instantly, which allows you to shower immediately, without waiting for a pleasant temperature for your feet. But we attribute high thermal conductivity to the disadvantages of steel products, because the main purpose of the bowl is relaxation and comfort during prolonged lying in the water. Ultimately, it's up to the owners to decide, of course.

To check the weight of the product in the store, you can slightly press on it: if the steel bathtub easily moved from its place, the manufacturer made it too thin. It is also worth carefully examining the coating: it should be solid, uniform, without flaws and unnecessary inclusions.

Pros and cons

What are the advantages and disadvantages of steel baths - consider further:

comparison table

Having analyzed the above facts, it is easy to create a visual table that reflects all the properties of the compared products. Buy a hot tub with the characteristics that you value most in your daily life.

Which bath is better: conclusions

Here are some reasons why you can easily decide on the choice of material for the bathroom:

• If the main requirement for the tank is its size or unusual shape, then acrylic and steel will do. In a small bathroom, it is more rational to install an angular or asymmetrical bowl, thereby saving valuable centimeters. Cast iron hot tubs are mostly presented in a standard design.
• If pets live in the house, or rather, large dogs that need to be washed after each walk, then the obvious choice is cast iron or steel. Unlike acrylic products, the enamel coatings of cast iron and steel bowls are not afraid of claws and street dirt.
• If the bathroom has a large area and the owner dreams of a spacious font, it is worth choosing an acrylic structure. Any shape can be, and lightweight and durable plastic will withstand the maximum volume of water.
• If the budget is limited, then between a cheap acrylic and a steel bathtub, the latter should be preferred, since steel has a long service life, does not turn yellow and withstand mechanical stress.
• If "indestructibility" and reliability are important, then it is recommended to choose a cast-iron bowl. A product of excellent quality is installed "for centuries": having spent once, the owner will not think about replacing the tank for a long time.
• If comfort comes first, then the best option is an acrylic bath. The state-of-the-art, illuminated and turbo-massage models not only look impressive, they also offer a personal spa experience in the bathroom.

When choosing a bath, it is important to weigh all the pros and cons of various materials and purchase a durable quality product from a reputable manufacturer. If the production technology is followed in the manufacture of the font, then the bowl - steel, acrylic or cast iron - will last a long time, without causing unnecessary trouble and giving pleasant emotions during use.