A warm bath goes a long way in improving mood on a daily basis, and if you are one of those who can’t do without having a warm soak and also wish to give your bathroom a revamp, you should really consider alcove bathtubs.
Alcove bathtubs are amongst the best bathtubs on the market. Aside from being quite easy to work with and install, they are also great for homeowners with little bathroom space to spare, and of course, they add a beautiful touch to any bathroom decor in the twinkle of an eye.
After reading this, you might be wondering what is the best alcove bathtub then, and to answer your question, this piece on the best alcove bathtub reviews the best of the best and tells you a little more about them.
Contents
What Are Alcove Bathtubs?
First off, you need to know that alcove tubs are totally different from other bathtubs in terms of installation and where they are installed; hence, their name alcove describes the method in which they are installed.
With that being said, an alcove bathtub is a term used to refer to a tub being installed into a recess in the bathroom. Simply put, the tub is installed in three joining bathroom walls or a pocket alcove, or a large window.
The alcove tub is more space functional as it takes up minimal space, and a recessed model can hold different alcove bathtubs of the same size range and can have shower and shower curtains added for more versatile use.
Also, the alcove bathtub differs from a drop-in bathtub in that drop-in tubs do not require three walls for installation like the alcove as it’s a freestanding tub. Plus, the drop-in tub comes in numerous designs, while the alcove bathtub designs only come in a rectangular or square shape, and as a freestanding bathtub, the drop-in requires more space.
Top 3 Recommendations
- Best overall – KINGSTON BRASS VTDE603122L 60-Inch Contemporary Alcove Acrylic Bathtub
- Runner up – American Standard 2460002.020 Cambridge Porcelain-Enameled Steel 60-In X 32-In Alcove Bathtub
- Best combination – PROFLO PFS6042AWH PROFLO PFS6042A 60″ X 42″ Drop-In or Alcove Soaking Bathtub
The 6 Best Alcove Bathtubs for 2021
1. KINGSTON BRASS VTDE603122L 60-Inch Contemporary Alcove Acrylic Bathtub – Best Affordable Alcove Tub
Amongst the top-rated alcove bathtub category, we have the Kingston Brass Contemporary tub, which is not just practical and functional but also highly pocket friendly with assured durability and quality.
The 60 x 30.69 x 22.06 inches rectangular alcove bathtub is one of the acrylic bathtubs that have an extra touch of fiberglass and resin reinforcement. In terms of installation, it is a three-wall alcove style alongside an integral tub apron and tile flange.
The material acrylic with fiberglass and resin material combination is not only durable but also stain resistant, scratch resistant with good heat retention properties.
Able to hold up to 58.2 gallons of water with a water depth of 13-16 inches overflow, it is perfect for a deep soak for people of different heights thanks to its 60 inches length; plus, it offers easy installation and a simplistic construction that dons a left-hand drain.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Quality material construction
- Perfect for a large bathroom
- Easy to install and repair
Cons
- No drain kit included
2. American Standard 2460002.020 Cambridge Porcelain-Enameled Steel 60-In X 32-In Alcove Bathtub – Best Comfort
The American Standard Cambridge Porcelain-Enameled steel tub is the one that offers you that desirable comfort in the best way.
Designed as a deeper tub with a 14-inch depth, the ADA compliant alcove bathtub makes a great choice for comfort with perfect heat retention to keep the hot water lasting longer and a beveled headrest alongside contoured lumbar support.
Asides from that, the material construction of durable Americast with glossy porcelain finish makes it lighter than cast iron bathtubs and also enables it to feature a slip-resistant textured floor surface, a scratch-resistant and noiseless tub with a tub skirt for an unforgettable showering and soaking experience at every use.
Pros
- ADA compliant
- Slip-resistant floor
- Strong and lightweight Americast construction
Cons
- ●Coating peels off
3. PROFLO PFS6042AWH PROFLO PFS6042A 60″ X 42″ Drop-In or Alcove Bathtub – Best Soaking Alcove Bathtub
For a remarkable soaking experience, the PROFLO PFS6042AWH is the ultimate soaking bathtub with a classic relaxing bath experience for you to enjoy.
Constructed from a premium quality acrylic material, the 60 x 42 x 20 inches soaking wonder holds up to 75 gallons of water, and as one of the deepest alcove tubs, it’s perfect for a full soak in.
And while the material acrylic construction offers durability with a scratch-resistant and a high-grade slip-resistant bottom, it can be installed either as a drop-in or a three-wall alcove configuration. Plus, the tub is covered under PROFLO’s 5-year warranty; it is easy to maintain with the Easy-Care material and comes with a pre-leveled tub bottom for easier installation.
Pros
- Large water capacity
- Textured base and anti-slip surface for safety
- Offers 5-year warranty
Cons
- Very bulky and occupies space
4. Grayley 60 x 32 Inch Alcove Bathtub – Best Small Space
Made from reinforced acrylic with a smooth finish, it is a lighter tub version compared to any alcove cast iron bathtub while maintaining the same quality and featuring an angled back for more comfort.
With its rich-hand side located drain, it is installed in a three-wall alcove configuration. It includes an integral apron for quicker installation alongside an integrated front panel and flange.
Pros
- Compact and suitable for small fits
- Includes an integral apron for installation
- Durable acrylic material construction
Cons
- Unprofessional customer service
5. KOHLER K-1100-RA-0 Expanse 60-Inch x 32-Inch Alcove Bath – Best Roomy and Acrylic Alcove Bathtub
The Kohler K-1100-RA-O Expanse is the choice for those whose material preference is the acrylic tubs and who need something roomier.
As the best acrylic alcove bathtub, the white 62 x 32 x 17 inches acrylic tub includes a curved integral apron that bows to 38 inches at the center to create more space for users.
For added comfort and safety, the model dons a textured bottom surface, making it a great choice for kids also.
Pros
- Roomy with a contemporary design
- Good choice for shared baths
- Great material construction
Cons
- Narrow sides with little depth
6. Swiss Madison Well Made Forever SM-DB563 Voltaire Alcove Bathtub – Best Modern Alcove Bathtub
The Swiss Madison Well Made Forever Voltaire bathtub will not only allow you to enjoy deep and relaxing soaks but also beautify your bathroom with its unique aesthetics.
The acrylic fiberglass-reinforced 60 x 32 x 30 inches tub offers a classic yet modern look accentuated by its glossy white look, which appeals to the eyes and is quite easy to maintain with its scratch-resistant and easy to clean surface.
Plus, it is a 3-sided tile flange that provides quality protection against water damage and leakages to ensure it lasts longer, and it is pretty easy to install.
Pros
- Unique aesthetics
- Scratch-resistant with anti-slip surface
- Durable with a long-lasting finish
Cons
- Only available in one color
Buying Guide
Material construction
Before buying an alcove bathtub, keep in mind that it could be made from acrylic material, fiberglass, or you could get the cast iron alcove bathtub and stone resin as well as a combination of two or more of them.
Fiberglass is known to be the cheapest material option but often lasts for a short while before giving way. In contrast, the acrylic bathtub material is a reinforced type of fiberglass, which is tougher than the fiberglass with no water absorption. Still, it discolors over time and also chips over time.
Cast iron, on its part, is a top-quality molten iron material that is durable, retains heat due to its metallic composition, and is quite easy to clean but it is much heavier and also more expensive. Finally, the stone resin is solid stone bonded with special resin; it is durable with great heat retention and requires minimal maintenance, but of course, it’s quite heavy and costs much too.
Size
When buying alcove bathtubs, you need to consider the size of both your bathroom and the area where you are going to fit the tub. The average size of an alcove bath is 48 x 28 x 16 (L x W x D), and the larger ones measure 72 x 42 x 20 inches.
So irrespective of the size of your bathroom, there is a perfect alcove size for you; for a larger bathroom, you can get a large bathtub for extra relaxation space, and for small bathrooms, you can get an average-sized one.
Depth
The main idea behind an alcove bathtub is for relaxation hence the importance of a significantly comfortable depth. The minimum depth you should consider for your tub would be about 15 inches, a deep tub would allow you to soak in comfortably and it won’t hurt if the tub is also designed with extra lumbar support for better relaxation.
FAQ On Best Alcove Bathtubs
Q: What does alcove tub mean?
A: This refers to a bathtub installation process in which the bathtub is installed with three joining walls while the front is covered with an integral bathtub apron. It features right or left-hand drain and selection are often based on your bathroom configuration.
Q: How to tile an alcove tub?
A: Once you have shielded the edge of the tub with a painter’s tape, spread a thin-set adhesive on the wall and thereafter begin to lay the tiles. Ensure the joints of the field tiles are on top and aligned with grout joints. Make use of grout float to force the grout into the joints found between the tiles.
Q: How to level an alcove tub?
A: An alcove tub is leveled with shims. In this is process, the tub is set and then checked if it’s leveled. If it’s not, a helper such as metal shims or hardwood is placed under the tub (where the base touches the floor). The level is then rechecked again on all its sides and if found inadequate, then additional shims are added until the tub is leveled.
Concluding Thoughts
For a deep, healthy, and therapeutic soak, an alcove bathtub would go a long way as it saves you the headache of high cost, space, and also functionality, unlike many other tubs on the market.
With this best alcove bathtub piece, you have been able to see just why these tubs are the perfect fix for your spa-like relaxation at home, and after reading this, there is no reason why you shouldn’t get one for yourself.
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