Kohler Walk-in Tub Review
The Kohler walk-in tub is a great bathroom addition for those looking for a safer bathing option or simply to take their bathing experience to the next level. Kohler is a brand known for quality bathroom products and good customer service.
However, there is a financial price to be paid for quality, and it is up to you to determine if the higher price tag is worth the peace of mind of having a well-made product backed by a trusted company.
Below we will explore what the Kohler walk-in tub has to offer to help you figure out if it is the right fit for you and your specific needs.
Overall Rating: 4.75
Pros & Cons
of a Kohler Walk-in Tub
Pros
Well-made.
With Kohler, you know you are getting a quality product.
Trustworthy company.
Kohler is a well-known company that has many years of earned trust. You know that if something should go wrong with your walk-in tub, Kohler makes it right under the terms of your warranty.
Versatile.
There are many customization options, so you can pick and choose what you need and what you would like to pay for or not.
Safety features.
They offer all of the top safety features currently on the market. Whether you want to pay for them is up to you.
Comfort features.
Kohler has some great comfort features such as heated seats and hydrotherapy jets.
Cons
Higher price tag.
Kohler walk-in tubs will set you back financially more than some other products on the market.
Limited availability.
The number of models available from Kohler may not meet your exact requirements. If this is an issue for you, then look at other brands first before making any final decision.
For an in-depth look at walk-in tubs in general, see our page on Walk-in Tub Pros and Cons.
What is a
Walk-in Tub?
A walk-in bathtub is one that allows users to enter from outside the shower area without getting wet. This type of bathtub can also be used as an overflow when needed. The main benefit of this kind of bathtub is its safety features which makes it ideal for people with mobility issues who may not be able to physically step over the side of a standard tub or safely stand on a shower floor.
Average Cost
of Kohler Walk-in BathTubs
The average cost of a Kohler walk-in tub is around $4,000, but you can pay much less or much more depending on the types of features you choose to include or not.
Kohler offers four main tiers of their walk-in bathtubs, as shown below:
Basic Walk-in Tub: $2,000 - $5,000
This type is the standard tub that you soak in, and it does not have additional features such as massaging jets.
Hydromassage Walk-in Tub: $5,000 - $10,000
In this version, you get water and/or air jets that massage aching muscles and elevate the tub to more of a spa feeling.
Specialty Walk-in Tub: $2,500 - $15,000
With this tub, you have the option of adding even more features, including a shower system, wheelchair accessibility, and more seating.
Premium Walk-in Tub: $7,000 - $20,000
Their highest level tub touts features like a heated backrest, additional space, and a handheld showerhead.
For some competitor pricing, see our cost pages, including Average Cost of American Standard Walk-in Tubs.
Kohler Walk-in Tub
Features
Below is a list of some of the best features offered in Kohler walk-in tubs. Some come standard in even the most basic level walk-in tubs, and some come at additional costs.
Low 3" threshold at the bath step in point
Handrails
Handrails come standard in Kohler walk-in tubs with the option to add more rails for additional support and safety.
Built-in seat for comfortable and safe bathing
Massaging jets to promote blood circulation and relaxation
Heated backrest for comfort
Aromatherapy system
Expanded seating options
You can add seating for more people to soak in the tub at once or make the main seat larger.
Hand shower head or wall-based shower head
You can turn yours into a walk-in tub and shower combo.
Bath walls in many different styles to finish off the look of your tub area
Why Should You Get One of These Bathtubs?
There are many benefits associated with owning one of these baths, including safety features, customizable options, modern aesthetics, and ergonomic designs meant to fit your body’s needs. All in all, purchasing a walk-in tub is a great investment to meet most of your bathing needs. Our Who Needs a Walk-in Tub page will explain who can benefit most from these specialized bathtubs.
Here are some additional reasons why someone would choose to buy a walk-in bathtub over a traditional model:
1
Safety
Walk-in bathtubs are much safer than standard bathtubs, especially for people with physical limitations. Individuals using a walk-in tub can easily open the tub door and step over a threshold that is inches above the ground rather than a large tub wall. They can also grab onto grab bars to carefully lower themselves down and comfortably sit on the high seat as they bathe themselves.
2
Mobility
For some individuals, being able to bathe independently means more freedom. They no longer have to rely on others to assist them during their daily bathing routine. This desired feature may allow them to live more independently and save money on caretakers.
3
Aesthetics
Kohler walk-in tubs are available in many different colors, shapes, sizes, and textures that can blend well with your bathroom’s decor theme. When you purchase one of these bathtubs for your home, it will become a permanent fixture, so you want it to look good.
Kohler Walk-in Tub
FAQs
Here are some Kohler walk-in tub frequently asked questions:
What is a Kohler walk-in bathtub?
A walk-in tub is designed to make it easier to get in and out of the bathtub without using any type of steps or ladders. This type of tub has much higher sides than a traditional model, providing a wall to grab onto while getting up and down and making them safer overall. These types of baths also have doors instead of shower curtains which allows water to stay contained in the tub area.
Who can benefit from owning one of these kinds of baths?
Any individual who struggles with mobility issues or discomfort while trying to step over a high tub wall on a standard bath may find great value in investing in this kind of tub, as walk-in tubs have a door with low clearance to enter.
What makes Kohler walk-in bathtubs more attractive?
They come with a number of features such as ergonomic seating, beautiful colors and designs, luxury options like jets for pain relief, or aromatherapy systems.
What is needed to install them?
In order to successfully add one of these tiles into your bathroom, there are some installation requirements that need to be met, including:
- A standard electrical outlet within five feet of where you plan on installing it
- Access to freshwater behind the walls since this kind of tub takes over part of your shower area
- Dedicated drain line installed behind the wall to carry away wastewater
What colors do they come in?
Kohler walk-in tubs come in two colors: white and biscuit. Biscuit is an off-white, cream color. In addition, they have two faucet finish options: polished chrome or vibrant brushed nickel. As a note, polished chrome is known to show water spots more easily than brushed nickel. However, polished chrome may be a better aesthetic fit for your specific bathroom and may be worth it to you.
Will a Kohler walk-in bathtub fit in a small bathroom?
Kohler walk-in bathtubs can be customized to fit in the same space as a standard bathtub.
How easy are Kohler walk-in tubs to clean?
Most areas of the tub are very easy to clean. The exception is the area behind the door inside of the tub because the door swings inward toward the tub, so it can be tricky to get back there when you’re not actually sitting inside of the tub. Additionally, it does have a self-cleaning and sanitizing system.
What is special about Kohler walk-in tubs?
These tubs have become very popular because they offer people who struggle with mobility issues an easier way to take a bath without having to worry about falling over while trying to get into the standard high sided type that most homes feature today.
What do Kohler walk-in tub reviews say?
Most of the reviews we found for these types of baths were positive, and people who have purchased them seemed very satisfied with their purchase. Most noted that they offer a safe alternative when it comes time to take a shower or bath, especially if you struggle with mobility issues such as arthritis.
How big do Kohler walk-in bathtubs come?
The larger walk-in bathtubs, known as bariatric tubs, that Kohler offers have dimensions up to 54 x 38 x 40 inches, meaning there’s plenty of room to fit most people. They also include extra-wide doors and seating so that everyone can be comfortable.
What kind of warranty does the Kohler walk-in bath have?
Kohler offers a lifetime limited warranty, which covers the faucet, handheld shower, hydrotherapy systems, door seal, as well as other features.
In conclusion, Kohler walk-in tubs are a good option for anyone with mobility issues, wants to have the luxury of spa-like jets to help them relax and relieve aches and soreness or just needs more room in the tub. Kohler makes a quality product and should be considered if you are willing to pay the higher costs to purchase one.