Best bariatric walk-in tubs
Compare dimensions, luxury features and tub capacity
Entering and exiting the bathtub is a daily challenge if you have limited mobility. For large users, the bathing experience is made worse by an uncomfortably small tub. Bariatric walk-in tubs allow bathers to relax in the tub again and provide users with a safe entryway, a comfortable seat and a wide frame.
What is a bariatric walk-in tub?
A bariatric walk-in tub is an easy-access bathtub that has a door and seat and is designed to hold large bathers over 300 pounds. In addition to a wide tub frame, these tubs typically have wide doors and wide seats. Many models are also wheelchair accessible. Since most walk-in tubs can only accommodate people who weigh 300 pounds or less, these tubs provide a safe and relaxing option for large bathers.
Compare bariatric walk-in bathtubs
We evaluated 11 walk-in tub companies and selected our four favorite bariatric models based on their dimensions and the company's sizing transparency. Each of these models is designed specifically for large users and have wider doors and seats than standard models. These models include American Standard’s Safety Tub 6032, Kohler’s Walk-in Bath, Ella’s Bubbles’ Bariatric 35 and BOCA’s Wide Deep.
 |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Safety Tub 6032 | Walk-in Bath | Bariatric 35 | Wide Deep |
| Dimensions | 32" by 60" | 32" by 60" | 35” by 55” | 32” by 56” |
| Seat width | 24.75" | 21.5" | 30.5” | 22” |
| Door width | 18" | 21.5" | 17.5” | 22.3” |
| Capacity | 70 gallons | 80 gallons | 170 gallons | 80 gallons |
| Threshold | 7" | 3" | 5" | 2.6" |
| Luxury features | Dual massage system | Up to 27 air and hydro jets | Up to 18 air and hydro jets | Water jets |
| Customer satisfaction | Read reviews | Read reviews | Read reviews | Read reviews |
| Model | Dimensions | Seat width | Door width | Capacity | Threshold | Luxury features | Customer satisfaction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety Tub 6032 | 32" by 60" | 24.75" | 18" | 70 gallons | 7" | Dual massage system | Read reviews |
| Walk-in Bath | 32” by 60” | 21.5" | 21.5" | 80 gallons | 3" | Up to 27 air and hydro jets | Read reviews |
| Bariatric 35 | 35” by 55” | 30.5” | 17.5” | 170 gallons | 5" | Up to 18 air and hydro jets | Read reviews |
| Safety Tub 6032 | 32" by 60" | 22" | 22.3” | 80 gallons | 2.6" | Water jets | Read reviews |
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Bariatric walk-in tub features
Bariatric walk-in tubs have many of the same features as traditional walk-in tubs, including a door with a low threshold, an ADA-compliant seat, a nonslip floor and optional massage jets. The main difference is the tub’s size, which is up to 50% larger than a traditional walk-in tub. The large space, wide seats and wide doors allow large bathers to enter and exit the tub safely and comfortably.
Pros and cons of oversized walk-in tubs
Bariatric walk-in tubs have excellent benefits, but they may not work for everyone.
Pros
- Wide doors and low thresholds for safe entering and exiting
- Space for comfortable and safe bathing
- Optional massage features for joint and muscle relief
Cons
- May not fit into existing tub space
- Use a lot of water
- More expensive than traditional walk-in tubs
When shopping for a bariatric walk-in tub, choose a company that performs an in-home consultation before you purchase the tub. These consultations let you know if your existing space can accommodate a large tub and what construction needs to be done to ensure safe installation.
Bottom Line
Bariatric walk-in tubs allow anyone with limited mobility to enter and exit their tub safely. These large tubs are designed for people who weigh up to 600 pounds and are a great choice if you’re looking for a safe bathing experience with extra space. Though these tubs typically cost more than a standard tub, the superior quality accommodates weight better than most walk-in tubs.
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