Modern manufacturers not only produce, but also upgrade cast-iron bathtubs. Thanks to modern technologies, such products are equipped with various types of hydromassage, comfortable handles, and covered with durable enamel. A prerequisite is an evenly painted surface, which should not have streaks and chips. What are the best cast iron bathtubs? We consider the manufacturers rating in the article.
About cast iron
This material is an iron-carbon alloy in which there are minor impurities of other elements. Depending on the type and amount of additives, the properties of the material can vary. It is divided into two groups - unalloyed and alloyed. It can also be of several types:
- Gray;
- white;
- malleable;
- high strength.
According to reviews, there is a minus - fragility. In everyday life, cast iron is considered a durable material. Products made from it can serve for decades. The rating of cast-iron bathtubs made according to reviews will make the right choice.
Material benefits
Plumbing is created on the basis of gray casting material. Modern cast-iron products have a diverse design, although rectangular bathtubs are more often found on sale. The disadvantage is a lot of weight.
Among the operating features, the rules for cleaning such bathing tanks are distinguished. In order for the enamel shine to be preserved for a long time, it is necessary to use cleaners where there are no abrasive particles. Do not use hard brushes. The benefits of a cast iron bath include:
- Noiselessness. Unlike steel, cast iron is capable of absorbing vibrations and vibrations.
- Reliability. The product is able to withstand even heavy loads.
- Keeps warm.
- Enamel is not erased and retains color for many years.
The rating of cast-iron bathtubs by quality, presented below, will help you choose the suitable option. There are domestic and imported products on sale. The price of foreign ones is slightly higher. This is due, inter alia, to a huge variety of forms and high functionality.
Russian firms, including the iron factory in Kirov, are creating affordable goods with simple shapes. They are supplemented with special enamel with silver ions. The Universal plant, which operates in Novokuznetsk, manufactures products with three-layer enamel that is not subject to chips. According to the reviews and ratings of manufacturers of cast-iron baths, we can conclude that they are in great demand among consumers.
"Universal HF-1500 Classic" - place number 1
This product opens the cast iron bathtub manufacturers rating for quality. It is created by the Universal plant in Novokuznetsk on German equipment. The design is quite convenient in operation and installation. This cast-iron bathtub has dimensions of 150x70. The rating begins with her because of the high operational qualities. The volume is 169 liters, length 150 cm, width 70, depth 41.7, weight 92 kg.
The product has a rectangular shape. Of the advantages, a capacious bowl, a rounded board, which reduces the volume of liquid, are distinguished. The surface of the bathtub is perfectly smooth. The disadvantages include the lack of legs in the kit, as well as anti-slip coating. Its cost is approximately 13 thousand rubles.
Universal Nostalgie - second place
This product is in second place in the ranking of the best cast-iron bathtubs. The product has a classic rectangular shape, smooth lines. It is suitable for operation in conditions where the water from the water supply is not quite clean and includes rust.
The price of the product is approximately 21 thousand rubles. The volume is 196 liters, length - 150 cm, width - 70 cm, depth - 46.2 cm. The design is single, separate. Although cast iron is used as the main material, the construction is covered with titanium enamel. There are handles on the sides. The design has a narrower side. Of the advantages, spaciousness, stability, regulation of the height of the legs, and protection against corrosion are distinguished. By cons include only a lot of weight.
Roca Continental - 3rd place
The size of this cast-iron bathtub is 170x70. The rating includes this product because of its elegant appearance and anti-slip coating. The depth of the bath is 42 cm, and the volume is 182 l, weight - 78 kg. The disadvantages include:
- lack of legs in the kit;
- installation along the wall.
The cost is about 39 thousand rubles. According to reviews, the design is convenient to operate, has a long service life, and it is also easy to maintain.
Roca Malibu 150x75 - fourth place
The rating of manufacturers of cast-iron bathtubs includes the development of Spanish designers, which has a high level of comfort. According to reviews, these products are of excellent quality, reliability and durability.
The height of the structure is 40 cm, the volume is 135 liters. This is a single wall bath. The design has legs and chrome handles. Of the minuses, a high price is allocated, a large weight is 88 kg. It is necessary to separately purchase a headrest, drain-overflow. The cost is about 22 thousand rubles.
Aqualux ZYA 9-2 - place number 5
In the ranking of the best manufacturers of cast-iron bathtubs, there is a product that emphasizes the sophistication of the interior of the room. It is in demand because of the affordable price and ease of use.
The dimensions of the bathroom are 150x75 cm (length, width). Height is 58 cm, volume - 139 liters. The surface of the structure is coated with two-layer enamel. You can install it along the wall. Of the advantages distinguish the presence of a set of legs and handles. The design has armrests. But there is a drawback - the overflow must be purchased separately. The cost of the bath is about 16 thousand rubles.
Aqualux ZYA 24C-2 - sixth place
This is also a popular product, included in the rating of cast-iron bathtubs. The manufacturer provides a 25 year warranty. The design is intended for installation in a spacious room. The cost is approximately 29 thousand rubles.
The length of the product is 180 cm, width - 85, height 43. The volume is 180 l, and the weight is 136 kg. The surface is covered with two layers of white enamel. The bathtub has a classic design, there are handles in the kit. But there is no possibility of installing additional equipment: hydromassage, air massage, disinfection system. The design is heavy.
Sanbanho Gloria 150 - 7th place
Continues the rating of cast-iron bathtubs Sanbanho Gloria 150. The design from the Netherlands is perfect for Russian apartments. It perfectly complements the interior of the room, made in a classic style. The price is about 15 thousand rubles.
The dimensions of the product are 150x75 cm. The depth is 42 cm. The bathtub has a white glossy finish created using improved enamel coating technology. At the bottom there are anti-slip notches that protect against slipping. There are legs in the kit. But there is a minus - the supply of chrome handles occurs separately.
Novial Caesar 152x77 - eighth place
In eighth place in the rating of cast-iron bathtubs, a product from the Spanish collection in the Provence style is presented. This design is ideal for small spaces. Its price is 84 thousand rubles.
Height is 67 cm, volume to overflow - 182 l, weight - 142 kg. The design has an oval shape, you can adjust the height of the legs. Cast iron is painted white or red. The product has an ergonomic high back. The red bath comes with gold lion legs. And silver curly ones are included with the white item. Retrostil faucets suitable for the model are sold separately. Of the minuses emit a lot of weight.
This concludes the rating of cast-iron bathtubs. Reviews indicate that such products are durable, have a beautiful appearance. The main thing is to install them correctly and take good care of them.
The choice
European designs have a beautiful outer surface, this affects the price of the product. Before purchasing, you need to consider how the product will rise to the floor, how it will go through the door of the room. If it is difficult to independently choose a suitable bath, it is necessary to take into account the opinions of experts.
Experts advise you to pay attention to the following parameters:
- Wall thickness. It should be at least 6-8 mm.
- It is important that the drain hole matches the location of the communications.
- The height of the legs, if the parameter does not change.
- Dimensions The item may be small or large.
- Sustainability.
It is important that the bathtub meets the dimensions of the room. Then the room will be comfortable.
Forms
Bathing capacity is considered the main attribute of the bathroom. It comes in many forms. The design can have smooth bends that form something abstract. Or are these clear lines that make the product classic. If you need a functional bathtub that will last for many years, then you need to choose a cast-iron product.
Due to the peculiarity of this material, which does not have sufficient elasticity, it is difficult to give the bathrooms unusual shapes. Therefore, usually produce simple and concise products. The increased carbon content in cast iron, usually above 2.14%, makes the structure strong. But still, the material is fragile - when a hammer is struck, a split occurs.
Russian and foreign manufacturers offer a lot of cast iron bathtubs. They differ in shape, size, functionality, appearance, quality and price. European goods are usually more expensive. Often the price is associated with the fame of the company. Baths are:
- rectangular;
- oval;
- round;
- angular;
- asymmetric.
The round product will perfectly transform the interior. Such designs are placed in large rooms. Oval and rectangular are suitable for different rooms. Asymmetric options are divided into right-handed and left-handed. Thanks to the unusual shape, it will be possible to save the useful space of the room and install more necessary furniture.
Errors in the choice
So that the purchase of a bath does not disappoint, you need to pay attention to the main mistakes made when choosing:
- no warranty and documentation from the manufacturer;
- the buyer does not carefully examine the enamel surface and the reverse side for uniformity of coating and the presence of scratches, chips, cracks;
- Before buying, the bathroom, doorways, staircase and freight elevator were not measured.
Before you pay for the goods, you must check the package. Everything that is specified by the manufacturer must be in stock. Often in the kit there are handles on the sides, head restraints, legs, mounts and other details.
Care
The duration of operation can significantly exceed the service life, which is indicated in the warranty card. This occurs subject to the rules for care and use:
- Do not overload the bath. The instructions for each tank indicate the maximum load: the weight of a person plus water. Due to overload, there can be unpleasant consequences when the legs or fixtures do not stand up, break down.
- It is necessary to use means for washing bathtubs, where there are no acids, chlorine, abrasive components. It is preferable to choose liquids recommended by the manufacturer. Anti-slip coatings require washing after each use, otherwise the smallest dirt accumulates, which leads to darkening.
- After using the container, it is rinsed and wiped dry. If the tap flows, it must be repaired - because of the constant leak, a yellow coating appears, which does not wash off.
- Do not drop heavy and angular objects into the bath - hammers, sinks, toilets. Impacts split the cast-iron bottom, which will make the product unusable.
- If damaged, you can choose a convenient method for restoring enamel. These products are highly repairable.
- The easiest way to restore is the installation of an acrylic liner. Such work is done independently or with the help of masters.
- Pouring liquid acrylic onto the surface can be used. The work can be done independently, but skill is needed. For such a coating, it does not matter what shape and size the bathtub has.
- Another way is enamel paint. This is a time consuming method. Without experience and patience, it will be difficult to do the job.
After restoration, the product can last 5–20 years. The term depends on care and respect. All baths indicated in the article are in demand among buyers because of high quality and long service life.