A cast iron bathtub is a classic version of this sanitary product. Despite the fact that today there are structures on sale made from other materials, for example, acrylic or steel, cast iron is still quite popular. This is associated with a number of advantages of such equipment: first of all, a cast iron bath has a high level of strength, which ensures a long service life, which can reach about 50 years. It cannot be damaged or bent. Also, such a bathtub is characterized by a high level of stability, it has low thermal conductivity, so the water in it will cool much more slowly.
Our review today is dedicated specifically to cast iron bathtubs, but before moving on to considering the best models, we decided to help you with a number of tips regarding choosing such products. The fact is that the choice of bath should be approached strictly on an individual basis. It is not a fact that the model you like will be suitable for your bathroom in terms of dimensions or other parameters, so it is better to familiarize yourself with the rules for choosing a bathtub made of cast iron.
Bath rating
| Photo | Name | Rating | Price | |||
| Rating of cast iron bathtubs over 170 cm | ||||||
| #1 |
| Castalia Prime | ⭐ 100 / 100 1 - voice | Find out the price | ||
| #2 |
| Timo Tarmo | ⭐ 99 / 100 3 - votes | Find out the price | ||
| #3 |
| Station wagon Siberian 180x80 | ⭐ 97 / 100 1 - voice | Find out the price | ||
| Rating of cast iron bathtubs 170 cm | ||||||
| #1 |
| Novial Archimed 170×80 | ⭐ 100 / 100 1 - voice | Find out the price | ||
| #2 |
| Jacob Delafon Parallel E2947 | ⭐ 98 / 100 2 - votes | Find out the price | ||
| #3 |
| Roca Continental | ⭐ 97 / 100 4 - votes | Find out the price | ||
| Rating of cast iron bathtubs 160 cm | ||||||
| #1 |
| Roca Haiti | ⭐ 100 / 100 | Find out the price | ||
| #2 |
| Byon B13 | ⭐ 98 / 100 2 - votes | Find out the price | ||
| #3 |
| Maroni Orlando | ⭐ 96 / 100 2 - votes | Find out the price | ||
| Rating of cast iron bathtubs 150 cm | ||||||
| #1 |
| Roca Malibu | ⭐ 100 / 100 2 - votes | Find out the price | ||
| #2 |
| Station wagon Siberian | ⭐ 98 / 100 2 - votes | Find out the price | ||
| #3 |
| Station wagon HF-1500 Nostalzhi | ⭐ 95 / 100 4 - votes | Find out the price | ||
Which cast iron bathtub will you choose?
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Rating of cast iron bathtubs 150 cm
Bathtubs up to 150 cm have become very popular, as many houses with studio apartments are being built in Russia. Their area reaches 25 square meters. That is, the bathroom is very small. You can put a shower or a small bath there. Since shower cabins are quite large, many people prefer small baths. Therefore, it is worth considering the rating of small models that will fit perfectly into small bathrooms.
No. 3. Station wagon HF-1500 Nostalgia
This bathtub takes third place in the ranking, as it is not much different from analogues from other manufacturers. But it is she who is very popular in the market. It is produced using old technology that was used in the USSR. Therefore, it perfectly takes the place of old models that have not been produced for a long time. The enamel is quite strong. With proper care it does not turn yellow. The material keeps water hot for a long time.
Station wagon HF-1500 Nostalzhi
Characteristics:
- weight – 94 kg;
- type – free-standing;
- volume – 196 liters;
- size - 150x70x46.20 cm;
- backlight – absent;
- shape – rectangular;
- disinfection and ozonation are absent;
- Optionally, you can purchase handles and a headrest.
pros
- nice price;
- domestic production according to GOST-R;
- there are additional options;
- light weight.
Minuses
- small size;
- no default handles;
- boring and standard design.
Reviews about Universal HF-1500 Nostalgie
No. 2. Station wagon Siberian 150x75
This bathtub takes second place in the ranking because it has built-in handles and has a non-standard shape. It has an anatomical surface. The surface of the bathtub is smooth, it itself is not deep, which allows you to save water. Production using GOST-R technology in Russia. The price is low, which allows this model to confidently take second place in the ranking.
Station wagon Siberian
Characteristics:
- weight – 94 kg;
- type – free-standing;
- volume – 190 liters;
- size - 150x75x43 cm;
- backlight – absent;
- shape – rectangular;
- There is no disinfection or ozonation.
pros
- nice price;
- domestic production according to GOST-R;
- there are additional options;
- interesting design;
- increased level of security due to the presence of handles by default (but you can refuse them);
- light weight.
Minuses
- small size;
- shallow compared to many competitors.
Reviews about Station wagon Sibiryachka 150x75
No. 1. Roca Malibu
This model has a confident first place among bathtubs up to 150 cm. It has several important advantages that its competitors do not have. This is a premium model, so its price is about 30,000 rubles on the market. But with its help you can really relax and have fun. These baths are produced by a Spanish company.
Roca Malibu
Characteristics
- weight – 98 kg;
- type – free-standing;
- volume – 135 liters;
- size - 150x75x42 cm;
- backlight – absent;
- shape – rectangular;
- disinfection and ozonation are absent;
- anti-slip bottom treatment;
- legs can be adjusted in height;
- Optionally you can purchase handles, hydromassage, aeromassage.
pros
- the bathtub is not slippery, so it is safe to wash in it;
- there are additional options;
- interesting design;
- high-quality applied enamel;
- light weight.
Minuses
- small size;
- small volume.
Bathtub roca malibu 150x75
comparison table
After analyzing the above facts, it is easy to create a visual table reflecting all the properties of the products being compared. Buy a hot tub with those features that you attach the most importance to in everyday life.
| Options | Cast iron | Acrylic | Steel |
| Durability | + | +/- | + |
| Easy care | + | — | +/- |
| Variety of shapes and sizes | — | + | + |
| Practicality | + | + | — |
| Convenience | + | + | — |
| Easy installation | — | + | + |
| Light weight | — | + | + |
| Low price | — | +/- | + |
Rating of cast iron bathtubs 160 cm
Bathtubs with a length of 160 cm are very popular. They fit perfectly in most Soviet apartments. They can also be installed in modern homes. They are more spacious and hold more water. This is a great purchase if you have small children at home. They will enjoy playing in the water. But there are a lot of options on the market, so it's worth considering a few of the best. This will help you make the right choice.
No. 3. Maroni Orlando
In third place is a classic inexpensive model from a Chinese manufacturer. It will be able to highlight the design of the bathroom. Cast iron has increased strength and maintains water temperature for a long time. Caring for the product is easy. If done correctly, it will not turn yellow over time. The quality of workmanship is at a high level. Can be installed on a frame.
Maroni Orlando
Characteristics:
- type – free-standing;
- volume – 170 liters;
- size - 160x70x42 cm;
- backlight – absent;
- shape – rectangular;
- disinfection and ozonation are absent;
- anti-slip bottom treatment;
- legs can be adjusted in height;
- The front panel can be removed.
pros
- the bathtub is not slippery, so it is safe to wash in it;
- you can adjust the height of the legs and remove the front part to reduce the size;
- high-quality applied enamel;
- high quality production.
Minuses
- boring and monotonous design;
- no handles.
maroni orlando 1600×700
No. 2. Byon B13
This is a bathtub from a Swedish manufacturer. It takes second place in the ranking, as it is very popular and is perfect for most consumers. Small volume allows you to save water. The walls are low, so it will be easy for older people to climb into the bathtub, and the anti-slip coating will make the process of taking water procedures safe. This is a budget option, the average price on the market is 23,000 rubles.
Byon B13
Characteristics:
- type – free-standing;
- volume – 145 liters;
- size - 160x70x42 cm;
- backlight – absent;
- shape – rectangular;
- disinfection and ozonation are absent;
- wear-resistant enamel;
- The legs can be adjusted in height.
pros
- four layers of enamel are used;
- the enamel does not turn yellow over time;
- reliable manufacturer;
- you can adjust the height of the legs;
- presence of anti-slip coating.
Minuses
- standard design;
- no handles.
bath byon b13 160x70
No. 1. Roca Haiti
This bath is confidently on the first list of the rating. The Spanish-made model is highly valued in Russia. It has handles and an anti-slip coating, so it's safe to wash. Non-standard design increases interest in the product. The enamel is of high quality and multi-layered, which indicates the possibility of long-term use without any traces of yellowness. The model is able to withstand heavy loads.
Roca Haiti
Characteristics:
- type – free-standing;
- volume – 180 liters;
- size - 160x80x42 cm;
- backlight – absent;
- shape – rectangular;
- disinfection and ozonation are absent;
- wear-resistant enamel;
- The legs can be adjusted in height.
pros
- presence of handles by default;
- hydromassage and aeromassage are offered as options;
- you can level the bathtub if the floor in the room is uneven, thanks to the adjustable legs;
- the enamel does not turn yellow over time;
- reasonable price;
- original design;
- presence of anti-slip coating.
Minuses
- additional options are expensive.
Roca Haiti reviews
Maintenance during use
If surface contamination is not regularly removed, the cast iron bathtub will become coated.
The quality of the water in the plumbing system determines how quickly a cast iron bathtub will turn yellow. If contamination is removed in a timely manner, the enamel will last a long time and retain its natural color. Otherwise, the porous structure of the enamel will absorb dirt and rust. The enamel of a cast iron product can withstand mechanical damage, but when caring for a bathtub, it is necessary to avoid the constant use of abrasive substances and hard sponges.
When caring for small children, the bottom of a cast-iron bathtub must be covered with special mats, since the surface of the material is cold. In terms of comfort, this is inconvenient.
When caring for acrylic bathtubs, you don’t need to buy a whole arsenal of expensive products: just one special one is enough. It is used once a week to maintain surface hygiene. All water deposits deposited on the walls are removed with a sponge soaked in dishwashing detergent or regular soap.
What doesn't acrylic tolerate?
You should not pour boiling water into an acrylic bath: over time, the product may become deformed where the water comes into contact with the surface. Remember, the maximum permissible water temperature for using the bath should not exceed 60 degrees.
Pets, aggressive chemical components (acetone, gasoline, hair dyes), abrasive surface care products are all enemies of an acrylic bathtub.
Rating of cast iron bathtubs 170 cm
Bathtubs of 170 cm are usually installed in modern apartments, because they do not fit in Khrushchev-era apartments. An exception is when the bathroom is combined. But then you have to give a lot of space to the bath. These models are actively gaining popularity, since a large number of new buildings are commissioned in Russia every year. People, having received the keys to the apartment, begin renovations. One of the first things they buy is a bathtub. Despite the large number of offers, users settle on several options. It is worth considering the three most successful ones.
No. 3. Roca Continental
This is the best option in terms of price and quality ratio, but is in third place in the ranking. This manufacturer has long been trusted, knowing that it produces high-quality products. They have an anti-slip coating and can be used for more than 10 years. It is possible to adjust the height of the legs, the design is a little non-standard. The bathtub is wide on one side and tapers towards the drain. This allows the volume to be reduced to save water. The warranty period is 3 years.
Roca Continental
Characteristics:
- type – free-standing;
- volume – 182 liters;
- size - 170x70x42 cm;
- backlight – absent;
- shape – rectangular;
- disinfection and ozonation are absent;
- wear-resistant enamel;
- legs can be adjusted.
pros
- the enamel does not turn yellow over time;
- sheer sides increase capacity;
- the surface is glossy and beautiful;
- original design;
- presence of anti-slip coating.
Minuses
- no handles;
- Over time, the anti-slip coating darkens;
- the legs adjust the level, the height cannot be changed;
- short warranty period compared to most competitors.
Roca Continental reviews
No. 2. Jacob Delafon Parallel E2947
This product is from a French manufacturer that has been on the market for a long time. The company is sensitive to the choice of raw materials for the manufacture of bathtubs, which guarantees high quality of the product. The shape is comfortable, and the walls are parallel. This bathtub is often purchased by those who like to pamper themselves. It is comfortable, which is why it takes second place in the ranking. And the headrest, which can be purchased additionally, will make your vacation in the water special.
Jacob Delafon Parallel E2947
Characteristics:
- type – built-in;
- volume – 199 liters;
- size - 170x70x58 cm;
- backlight – absent;
- shape – rectangular;
- disinfection and ozonation are absent;
- high-quality enamel;
- legs can be adjusted.
pros
- the enamel does not turn yellow over time;
- large capacity;
- high reliability;
- you can buy a headrest;
- glossy surface;
- ease of care;
- original design;
- presence of anti-slip coating.
Minuses
- no handles;
- high walls can be a problem for older people;
- high price.
Reviews of Jacob Delafon Parallel E2947
No. 1. Novial Archimed 170×80
This bathtub deservedly takes first place in the ranking of models with a length of 170 cm. It is the most popular and belongs to the luxury class. This way you can enjoy water treatments. Especially if you purchase additional options. The shape of the product is original: there are no beveled walls or bends, so it is quite difficult to fall. This increases safety of use. This model is ideal for those who love rigor in everything and appreciate high quality.
Novial Archimed 170×80
Characteristics:
- type – free-standing;
- volume – 210 liters;
- size - 170x80x59 cm;
- backlight – absent;
- shape – rectangular;
- disinfection and ozonation are absent;
- high quality enamel.
pros
- strict design;
- great attention to safety, as there are no smooth bends;
- large volume;
- durability of the model;
- adjustable legs;
- hydromassage, aeromassage and headrest can be ordered as options;
- presence of anti-slip coating.
Minuses
- no handles;
- heavy weight;
- high price.
Novial Archimed 170×80
Shape selection
When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the shape. It can be rectangular or with smooth curves. Strict and clear lines are typical for classic models in white.
Manufacturers offer models of the following shapes:
- oval;
- rectangular;
- round;
- corner;
- asymmetrical.
The round container is suitable for spacious bathrooms. It speaks of the good taste and wealth of the owner. At the same time, the model is not installed in small rooms, since the decorative design requires maintaining an approach from different sides.
Asymmetrical models are left-handed or right-handed. The non-standard shape saves usable space. As a result, in a small room you can additionally place furniture - a cabinet with a sink, a compact washing machine with a countertop at the top.
A corner bath looks good in a small room. It frees up useful space. At the same time, the capacity remains spacious. The minimum size is 115 x 72 cm.
Oval and round models are classified as free-standing plumbing fixtures. It is suitable for installation in a spacious room, as installation against a wall is not allowed. As an additional decoration, there are legs in the shape of animal paws.
Rating of cast iron bathtubs over 170 cm
Bathtubs over 170 cm are only suitable for large bathrooms. They are usually installed in new houses where the apartments are quite spacious. The cost of the models is high, as they are produced in small quantities. But competition in the market is still high, so you need to carefully study all offers. Below is a ranking of the best large cast iron bathtubs.
No. 3. Station wagon Siberian 180x80
This is a classic domestically produced bathtub. It has an affordable price, since there are no additional options, which determines its popularity and places the model in third place in the ranking. The only thing offered is the product itself. He has no handles. However, we can note the high quality of the materials used and their wear resistance with proper care. The bathtub itself is quite heavy, so you need to choose the right flooring to avoid cracks.
Station wagon Siberian 180x80
Characteristics:
- type – free-standing;
- volume – 285 liters;
- size - 180x80x45 cm;
- backlight – absent;
- shape – rectangular;
- disinfection and ozonation are absent;
- high-quality enamel;
- headrest included.
pros
- reasonable price;
- large volume;
- interesting and strict design;
- durability of the model;
- There is a headrest included.
Minuses
- no handles;
- heavy weight;
- no anti-slip coating.
Reviews about Station wagon Sibiryachka 180x80
No. 2. Timo Tarmo
This model is in second place. The product is from a Finnish manufacturer that provides a 5-year warranty. Ergonomic design, handles and ease of use make this bathtub very popular. The enamel is of high quality and does not turn yellow if properly cared for. A special manufacturing technology allows you to suppress noise when filling the bath.
Timo Tarmo
Characteristics:
- type – free-standing;
- volume – 275 liters;
- size - 180x80x45 cm;
- backlight – absent;
- shape – rectangular;
- disinfection and ozonation are absent;
- high-quality enamel;
- there is an anti-slip coating;
- noise reduction technology is used when filling the bath.
pros
- strict design;
- presence of handles;
- large volume;
- durability of the model;
- adjustable legs;
- anti-slip coating and noise reduction.
Minuses
- high price;
- heavy weight.
timo tarmo 180×80
No. 1. Castalia Prime
The first place among large-sized bathtubs is the Castalia Prime model. It is quite comfortable and has a strict shape. The presence of anti-slip coating and handles makes water procedures safer. The product can highlight the style of the bathroom. The walls are not very high, so it will be easy for older people to get in and out of the bathtub. The manufacturer is located in Italy.
Castalia Prime
Characteristics:
- type – free-standing;
- volume – 260 liters;
- size - 180x80x48 cm;
- backlight – absent;
- shape – rectangular;
- disinfection and ozonation are absent;
- there is an anti-slip coating;
- pressure on the floor is well distributed due to adjustable legs;
- noise reduction technology is used when filling the bath.
pros
- strict design;
- large volume;
- durability of the model;
- adjustable legs;
- anti-slip coating.
Minuses
- high price.
castalia prime 180×80
Device weight
The heaviest are bathtubs made of cast iron. They weigh at least 120-130 kilograms. Such a significant weight (sometimes reaching up to 150 kilograms) provides good stability, but significantly complicates installation work. Which will cost more than installing a steel or acrylic bathtub.
A European-made steel bathtub with walls from 2.5 to 3 millimeters is much lighter than a cast iron one, several times lighter. Her weight is approximately 25 to 30 kilograms.
The most “weightless” material can be called acrylic. If a bathtub made from it has a length of 150 centimeters, then its weight ranges from 15 to 20 kilograms. Products with a length of 170 centimeters weigh from 20 to 25 kilograms. By the way, when purchasing, pay attention to this: a bath that is too light, and whose weight differs greatly from these indicators, may turn out to be of poor quality. Otherwise, the manufacturer cheated by making a product with fewer reinforcing layers than it should have.
Acrylic bath
Steel bath
Cast iron bath
Results. In first place we will define acrylic products. On the second - steel baths, and on the third - cast iron, completely heavy.
How to choose a cast iron bath
When choosing a bathtub, it is better not to save money, since it is purchased for several years. If you purchase a low-quality model, it will quickly turn yellow. There is a risk that the enamel will crack. Then you will have to face the choice of renovating the bathroom or enduring such a bath. To prevent this from happening, it is worth considering what you need to pay attention to when purchasing.
- Cast iron thickness . You need to pay attention to ensure there is enough metal. Some manufacturers save money and produce thin bathtubs. They will not break, but will not be able to maintain the water temperature for a long time. The optimal thickness is 6–8 mm. However, with such dimensions it is difficult to create additional bends, so the models have a standard shape. The optimal thickness of cast iron, which allows you to create fancy bowl shapes, is 4–5 mm.
- Size . It is necessary that the bathtub enters the room and leaves a gap of about 2 cm on each side. This will allow it to be installed and adjusted correctly. At the same time, some people embed it into the wall, after which it can only be removed by damaging the tile. This approach is due to the fact that bathtubs are purchased for a long time, so repairs are not expected.
- Enamel quality . It is difficult to really evaluate this parameter in a store, so it is worth reading reviews. Users will write if the enamel wears off quickly or turns yellow. Its thickness should be at least 1 - 1.3 mm. In this case, slight waviness is allowed. When inspecting the product, be sure to make sure that there are no chips anywhere. They can cause a large stain in the future during operation.
- Legs . They must withstand the weight of a bowl of water and a person. Therefore, you need to make sure that they are thick enough. The manufacturer often indicates their maximum load capacity.
- Availability of coatings . Some manufacturers apply an antibacterial and anti-slip coating to the bathtub to make the operating process safer. Their presence slightly increases the cost of the product, but also extends its service life. Therefore, it is worth making a choice in favor of such models.
- Additional options . This is purely a commercial move to increase sales. But it works well, because many people have the opportunity to buy a bathtub with a headrest, handles and hydromassage. And the cost of these options is not very high. Therefore, many will agree to spend an additional couple of thousand rubles in order to enjoy and relax in the bath.
Installation
There are no problems during transportation, lifting and installation of an acrylic bathtub. Its weight is small: 25-60 kg depending on the configuration.
You can install the product on the installation frame yourself: the bathtub is leveled using adjustable feet. A bathtub with only legs requires more careful fixation to prevent the possibility of tipping over. Some “craftsmen” recommend installing metal strips around the perimeter of the walls where the bathtub will be installed, to which it is subsequently attached. This gives the product rigidity, and the bathtub will stand as if built in.
A minimum of two people are required to properly install a cast iron bathtub. The legs are attached to the bathtub using bolts or wedges. The bathtub is installed horizontally, without slope towards the drain. When molding the product, this bias has already been made. To check the tightness of the plumbing connection, after installation, the cast-iron bathtub is filled with water.
During the installation process, you should avoid damaging the enamel of the product, otherwise a crack will appear at the site of the scratch over time.
Based on a detailed comparison of the main characteristics of acrylic and cast iron, a summary table can be compiled:
| Consumer properties of the product | Cast iron bath | Cast acrylic 5 mm thick |
| Weight | ||
| Dimensions | ||
| Color palette | ||
| Design | ||
| Resistance to mechanical damage | ||
| Chemical resistance | ||
| Bath heating | ||
| Ability to retain heat | ||
| Silence | ||
| Durability | ||
| Hygiene | ||
| Environmental friendliness | ||
| Convenience of delivery | ||
| Installation | ||
| Easy to care for | ||
| Price | ||
| Fast restoration |
Common mistakes when buying a bath
Errors occasionally occur when purchasing a specific model, which then lead to a number of problems:
- if measurements of the bathroom, doorways, freight elevator and landing have not been taken, installation difficulties may occur;
- if the buyer has not received the accompanying documents, he will not be able to contact the seller to obtain warranty service;
- when a visual inspection is not carried out for the presence of chips and cracks, it is difficult to later prove that they actually were, since the buyer signs for the delivery of the goods in proper form.
Therefore, these nuances should also be paid attention to. Before buying a bathtub, you need to carefully study the offers on the market, as new models are constantly appearing. This rating is current at the time of its compilation. But in just a couple of months the market situation may change dramatically. It is important to carefully study user reviews and properly care for the bowl so that it serves for a long time and pleases with its appearance.
Poll: Which cast iron bathtub is better?
Which cast iron bathtub will you choose?
Castalia Prime
4.17 % ( 1 )
Timo Tarmo
12.50 % ( 3 )
Station wagon Siberian 180x80
4.17 % ( 1 )
Novial Archimed 170×80
4.17 % ( 1 )
Jacob Delafon Parallel E2947
8.33 % ( 2 )
Roca Continental
16.67 % ( 4 )
Roca Haiti
0.00 % ( 0 )
Byon B13
8.33 % ( 2 )
Maroni Orlando
8.33 % ( 2 )
Roca Malibu
8.33 % ( 2 )
Station wagon Siberian
8.33 % ( 2 )
