Which Bath Is Better: Acrylic, Steel Or Cast Iron, Reviews

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 22:26

Which bath is better: acrylic, steel or cast iron?

Usually, when choosing a bath, many first pay attention to the shape and size of the product. But already delving deeper into the issue of choice, it comes to understanding that one of the most important parameters is the material from which the bathtub is made - steel, cast iron, acrylic. And each of the types has its pros and cons.

Content

• 1 Baths made of steel, acrylic and cast iron - pros and cons

  • 1.1 Cast iron baths
  • 1.2 Steel baths
  • 1.3 Acrylic baths
  • 1.4 Table: comparative characteristics of cast iron, steel and acrylic baths
  • 1.5 Photo gallery: bathtubs of different shapes

• 2 Which material is better

  2.1 Reviews of bathtubs made of different materials

Bathtubs made of steel, acrylic and cast iron - pros and cons

Why some people prefer steel, acrylic bathtubs, while others remain faithful to the time-tested cast iron products, it is difficult to understand from their appearance. The only thing that catches your eye is the variety of shapes of bathtubs made of steel and especially acrylic. But this characteristic for the bath is less important than the comfort of use, for example, etc. The materials used in production have an effect on many parameters, therefore it is very useful to know their properties.

Cast iron baths

Cast iron has low thermal conductivity (retains heat well) and is resistant to corrosion. Bathtubs made of it are durable and durable, the water in them remains warm for a long time, in comparison with products from other materials. Also, cast iron bathrooms have the following advantages:

• noiselessness - the sound of water pouring into the bath is muffled due to the lack of resonance;
• resistance to aggressive cleaning agents and mechanical damage - a thick layer of enamel, which is applied in two stages, increases the service life and strength of the product, and also gives the surface shine;
• comfortable use - provided by the ease of cleaning, and the absence of pores on the enamel coating and noise when pouring water, and long-term preservation of the water temperature;
• affordable price.

The disadvantages of cast iron baths include:

• high weight and associated delivery difficulties;
• a limited number of shapes, sizes and options for installing products - for example, there are no corner structures made of cast iron;
• long heating of the surface - all because of the same property that keeps hot water for a long time (low thermal conductivity of cast iron), the surface of the bath remains cold for a long time.

Cast iron bathtubs of European production are distinguished by a more diverse design, for example, they can have handles, legs, armrests and other details.

Steel baths

Steel baths are also covered with a layer of enamel, but it has a smaller thickness, respectively, and all its positive properties are reduced. Steel baths combine a number of advantages of acrylic and cast iron models. But they also have disadvantages.

Pluses of steel baths:

• light weight;
• various designs - both in size and shape;
• relatively wear-resistant coating (less durable than cast iron, but more durable than acrylic);
• affordable price.

Cons of steel baths:

• noisy - the sound of pouring water is quite loud;
• can deform under the weight of a person;
• do not keep warm water for very long.

Steel baths can have different shapes, like acrylic, but they are stronger, although less durable than cast iron

Acrylic bathtubs

The absence of a layer of enamel affects both the strength and the appearance of acrylic baths. They have a less shiny and porous surface, respectively, dirt is more firmly eaten in and more difficult to remove. But the variety of shapes and sizes of such baths is amazing. It is the products made from this material that are used to create original bathroom interiors. They can be successfully positioned in a room of any size or shape.

Advantages of acrylic baths:

• keep warm well;
• are lightweight;
• varied in shape;
• maintainability - chips and cracks on the surface can be removed;
• availability of additional functions - acrylic baths are more convenient for equipping hydromassage systems and other functions, in comparison with cast iron or steel.

Disadvantages of acrylic baths:

• high price - high-quality models with sufficient wall thickness (4–5 mm) and properly reinforced with a fiberglass frame during the manufacturing process usually have a considerable price, as well as models of the original shape or non-standard size;
• short service life;
• difficulty in leaving.

Acrylic bathtubs can be installed anywhere in the room

After rinsing off the hair tinting agent, the old cast iron bathtub never left any trace of dye. I once had to use such a balm in an apartment with an acrylic bath. There are several spots left on it. To remove them, I had to use a liquid acrylic cleaner.

Table: comparative characteristics of cast iron, steel and acrylic baths

Characteristic	Cast iron bath	Steel bath	Acrylic bathtub
Service life, years	50	20-30	fifteen
Coverage, complexity of care	The coating is a thick layer of enamel - chips, scratches, stains and other damages rarely appear on it; it can be cleaned well both mechanically and with chemicals, retaining its appearance and strength.	Has a thinner enamel layer than cast iron models, because the bath surface is more susceptible to damage; it is not recommended to use abrasive products for cleaning.	Has no enamel coating; requires careful care and the use of special cleaning agents (without strong chemicals and abrasive components).
Forms, sizes	Oval or rectangular shape; some sizes: Russian products - length from 120 to 150 cm, width 70 cm; European models - length from 150 to 180 cm, width from 60 to 90 cm.	There are various models in both shape and size.
Weight, kg	120-150	25-30	15–20
Installation methods	Placed along the wall or in the center.	Placed along walls, in the corner and elsewhere in the bathroom.
Price (according to Yandex. Market - minimum and minimum with a rating of 5.0), rubles	3390 and 11150	3300 and 5291	6630 and 7650

Photo gallery: bathtubs of different shapes

Some bathrooms can be made as comfortable and functional as possible only by using an asymmetric bath

A square bathtub will fit into a rather large room

Multifaceted bathtubs are often installed in a corner

Oval bathtubs can be cast iron, acrylic, and steel

Semicircular bathtubs made of steel or acrylic look great against the wall of the room

And rectangular acrylic bathtubs can perfectly fit into the interior using interesting design solutions

Corner baths are varied in shape

Which material is better

Cast iron, steel and acrylic have their own attractive features and disadvantages. Cast iron bathtubs are more reliable, durable and durable, acrylic bathtubs are functional and varied in shape, and steel bathtubs are a budget option and an opportunity to buy a bathtub of any desired shape. According to the comfort of use, acrylic models can be considered the best - they are silent and retain heat for quite a long time, like cast iron, but their surface quickly becomes warm. And in steel baths, water cools down very quickly.

Reviews of bathtubs made of different materials

Decide first what is more important - durability, price, original design or other characteristics, or maybe several of them. And the described advantages and disadvantages of cast iron, acrylic and steel bathtubs will help you choose the best product for you.