Modern manufacturers not only produce, but also modernize 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 will consider the rating of manufacturers 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 types and amounts of additives, the properties of the material can vary. It is divided into two groups - unalloyed and alloyed. It also comes in several types:
- grey;
- white;
- ductile;
- high strength.
As evidenced by the reviews, there is a minus - fragility. In everyday life, cast iron is considered a durable material. Products made from it are able to serve fordecades. The rating of cast-iron bathtubs based on reviews will allow you to make the right choice.
Material advantages
Plumbing is created on the basis of gray casting material. Modern cast iron products have a variety of designs, although rectangular bathtubs are more common on sale. The disadvantage is considered a lot of weight.
From the features of operation, the rules for cleaning such tanks for bathing are distinguished. In order for the gloss of the enamel to be preserved for a long time, it is necessary to use cleaning products that do not contain abrasive particles. Do not use hard brushes. Benefits of a cast iron bath include:
- Quiet. Unlike steel, cast iron is able to absorb vibrations and vibrations.
- Reliability. The product is able to withstand even heavy loads.
- Keep warm.
- Enamel does not wear off and retains color for many years.
The quality rating of cast iron bathtubs below will help you choose the right option. There are domestic and imported products on sale. The price of foreign ones is slightly higher. This is due, among other things, to a huge variety of forms and high functionality.
Russian firms, including the Kirov Iron Works, create accessible goods with simple outlines. They are complemented with special enamel with silver ions. The Universal plant, which operates in Novokuznetsk, produces products with a three-layer enamel that is not subject to chipping. According to the reviews and ratings of cast iron bath manufacturers, we can conclude that they are in great demand among consumers.
"Universal HF-1500Classic" - place number 1
This product opens the rating of cast iron bath manufacturers in terms of quality. It is created by the Universal plant in Novokuznetsk using German equipment. The design is quite convenient in operation and installation. This cast-iron bath has dimensions of 150x70. The rating starts with her because of the high performance. 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 side, which reduces the volume of liquid, are distinguished. The surface of the bath 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 Nostalgia" - 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 use in environments where tap water is not entirely 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, freestanding. Although cast iron is used as the main material, the structure is covered with titanium enamel. There are handles on the sides. The design has a narrowed edge. Of the pluses, roominess, stability, regulation of the height of the legs, protection against corrosion are distinguished. The only downsides areheavy 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 liters, weight - 78 kg. Disadvantages include:
- no legs included;
- installation along the wall.
The cost is about 39 thousand rubles. According to reviews, the design is convenient to use, has a long service life, and besides, it is easy to maintain.
Roca Malibu 150x75 - fourth place
The rating of cast iron bath manufacturers includes the development of Spanish designers, which has a high level of comfort. According to reviews, this product is 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-plated handles. Of the minuses, a high price is distinguished, a lot of weight - 88 kg. It is necessary to separately purchase a headrest, drain-overflow. The cost is about 22 thousand rubles.
Aqualux ZYA 9-2 - Seat 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 due to its affordable price and ease of use.
Bathroom dimensions - 150x75 cm (length, width). Height is 58 cm, volume - 139 liters. The surface of the structure is covered with two-layer enamel. You can install it along the wall. Of the advantages, the presence of legs and handles in the set is distinguished. The design has armrests. But there is also a drawback - the drain-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 sought-after 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 liters, and the weight is 136 kg. The surface is covered with two layers of white enamel. The bath has a classic design, complete with handles. 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 Sanbanho Gloria 150 cast-iron bathtubs. The design from Holland 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 enameling technology. There are anti-slip notches on the bottom to prevent slipping. Included islegs. But there is also a minus - the delivery of chrome handles occurs separately.
Novial Caesar 152х77 - eighth place
At the eighth place in the rating of cast-iron bathtubs is a product from the Spanish collection in the Provence style. This design is ideal for small spaces. Its price is 84 thousand rubles.
Height is 67 cm, volume before overflow is 182 l, weight is 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 bathtub comes with golden lion feet. And silver figured ones are included with the white product. Retro style faucets that match the model are sold separately. Of the minuses, a lot of weight is distinguished.
This concludes the ranking 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.
Choice
European designs have a beautiful outer surface, this affects the price of the product. Before purchasing, you need to think about how the product will rise to the floor, how it will pass through the door of the room. If it is difficult to choose the right bath yourself, you need to take into account the opinions of experts.
Experts advise paying attention to the following parameters:
- Wall thickness. It should be at least 6–8 mm.
- It is important that the drain hole matches the placement of communications.
- The height of the legs, if the parameter does not change.
- Dimensions. The product may be small orbig.
- Sustainability.
It is important that the bathtub matches the dimensions of the room. Then the room will be comfortable.
Shapes
The bathing container is considered the main attribute of the bathroom. It comes in different forms. The design can have smooth curves that form something abstract. Or it is 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 nature of this material, which does not have sufficient elasticity, it is difficult to give bathrooms unusual shapes. Therefore, they usually produce simple and concise products. The increased carbon content in cast iron, usually over 2.14%, makes the structure durable. But still the material is fragile - when struck with a hammer, 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 popularity of the company. Baths are available:
- rectangular;
- oval;
- round;
- angular;
- asymmetric.
The round product will perfectly transform the interior. Such structures 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.
Mistakes inchoice
To make buying a bath not disappoint, you need to pay attention to the main mistakes made when choosing:
- no manufacturer's warranty or documentation;
- the buyer does not carefully inspect the enamel surface and the reverse side for the uniformity of the coating and the presence of scratches, chips, cracks;
- bathroom, doorways, stairwell and freight elevator not measured before purchase.
Before you pay for the goods, you must check the package. Everything specified by the manufacturer must be available. Often, the kit contains handles on the sides, headrests, legs, mounts and other details.
Care
The duration of operation may significantly exceed the service life indicated in the warranty card. This happens when following the rules for care and use:
- Do not overload the bath. The instructions for each container indicate the maximum load: the weight of a person plus water. Due to overload, there can be unpleasant consequences when the legs or mounts do not withstand, break.
- It is necessary to use products for washing bathtubs, where there are no acids, chlorine, abrasive components. It is preferable to choose fluids recommended by the manufacturer. Anti-slip coatings require washing after each use, otherwise the smallest dirt substances accumulate, resulting in darkening.
- After using the container, rinse it and wipe it dry. If the tap is leaking, then it needs to be fixed - due to the constant leak, a yellow coating appears that is not washed off.
- Do not drop heavy and angular objects into the bath - hammers, sinks, toilets. Impacts will break the cast iron bottom, causing the product to be unusable.
- In case of damage, you can choose a convenient method of enamel restoration. These items are highly repairable.
- The easiest way to restore is to install an acrylic liner. Such work is done independently or with the help of masters.
- You can use pouring liquid acrylic on the surface. The work can be done independently, but skill is needed. For such a coating, it does not matter what shape and size the bath has.
- Another way is to cover with enamel paint. This is a labor intensive method. Without experience and patience, it will be difficult to get the job done.
After restoration, the product can last 5–20 years. The term depends on the care and respect. All the baths mentioned in the article are in demand among buyers due to their high quality and long service life.