We figure out which cast iron, acrylic or steel bath is better?

Criterias of choice

We highlight several important characteristics with which you can compare plumbing fixtures.

• Life time. This indicator affects the durability of the selected bath. If you buy a cheap product, then in the long run, the savings will turn into additional costs. The longer the bath serves, the less it will have to spend subsequently: on repair, dismantling, purchase and installation of a new font.
• Care and cleaning. The bath has to be washed daily, so caring for it becomes an exhausting task if the material is too whimsical. Ease of care depends on the composition and thickness of the enamel covering the surface of the product.
• A variety of shapes and sizes.For bathrooms of different sizes, different bath models are required: you need to consider the width, length, height and shape of the product. Sometimes a small or asymmetric bowl is the only way to comfortably place all the necessary items in a cramped bathroom. On sale there are not only standard rectangular fonts, but also angular, multifaceted, round and figured products.
• Practicality.The bathtub should not be deformed from exposure to hot water and bend under a person during operation. Here we include the ability to withstand mechanical stress.
• Convenience. This criterion is responsible for comfort during water procedures: how long does the tank hold heat? Does the bowl make noise while filling the bath? Is it possible to install additional options in the form of hydromassage and a water level sensor?
• Mounting. Some products are easy to install and connect on their own, and in other cases you have to spend money on a specialist. Also, some bowls need additional metal legs or a frame.
• Weight. Most often, this indicator is paid attention to when buying a cast-iron bathtub. A heavy product makes transportation and installation difficult. Before buying, you should consider the subtleties of delivery: will you need a special machine and movers? Will the tank fit in the elevator? If the weight of the bathroom is high, then transportation becomes an additional cost item.
• Price. For many buyers, the cost of the product is the main factor when choosing a bath. The problem lies in the fact that with this approach, the design may not meet even the minimum expectations and will soon lose its appearance.

Cast iron bathtub

This material has remained in demand for several decades. Cast iron bathtubs are reliable, as they are made of durable high-quality alloy. On top of the product is covered with a double or triple layer of enamel. Cast iron bowls do not differ in variety of sizes: Russian companies make tanks with a maximum length of 150 cm, and foreign companies increase them to 180 cm. The standard cast-iron bathtub width is 70 cm, but there are also 90 cm.

Features

The main difference between cast iron bathtubs from steel and acrylic is the wall thickness, which reaches 10 mm and makes the product heavier. The finished bowl weighs about a hundred kilograms. On the one hand, this provides the tank with strength and stability, and on the other hand, it significantly complicates its transportation and installation. Install a heavy bath only on concrete and reinforced concrete floors. If the house has wooden floors, it is better to refuse a cast-iron bowl.When choosing, you should pay attention to the walls of the tank - the coating should be smooth to the touch, uniform, without tubercles and chips.

If the enamel layer is thick enough, then using a special polishing agent, the cast-iron bath can be easily restored: you can get rid of scratches and small cracks. For more complex cases, experts are invited.

Pros and cons

We highlight the main advantages and disadvantages in accordance with the selected criteria:

Acrylic bath

Bowls made of acrylic (methyl acrylate) appeared relatively recently, but quickly gained popularity. Bowls are produced in two ways: from a solid acrylic sheet, which is given the desired shape, or by injection molding using a glass fiber base. The second technology allows you to make a more durable product, so most people are looking for a bowl of molded acrylic. Minor damage to them can be repaired with your own hands, using grinding and a special paste.

Features

The main difference between acrylic bathtubs is the lightness and flexibility of the material. Modern buyers are attracted by the opportunity to choose almost any shape and size of the bowl, and if desired, order an individual product for specific needs. This is most relevant if elderly people or children live in the house, who are comfortable using the built-in seat and handles. But it should be noted that an overly complex configuration reduces the reliability of the acrylic bath, and if additional functions such as hydromassage are built into it, then the cost of water, electricity and maintenance will increase.

When choosing a finished bowl, you should check the wall thickness, which should be more than 4 mm: that the manufacturer saved on the material, there is a sonorous sound when tapped and light passing through the sides.

Acrylic is a non-porous material, so dirt does not stick to glossy walls. Also, plastic is not susceptible to rust and fungus, but the surface still needs to be regularly maintained. To do this, wipe the acrylic font with a soft sponge with soap or a special solution (do not rub heavily), rinse with warm water and wipe dry. If the detergent has not been used before, it is recommended that you first test it in an inconspicuous area.

Pros and cons

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs in more detail:

Steel bath

Until acrylic bowls entered the market, fonts made of steel for a long time competed with bathtubs made of cast iron. They are more environmentally friendly and quite durable, although they are made of sheets with a thickness of only 0.35 cm. Modern enamel coating increases their reliability. You can also find products with thin sides (1.5 mm), but it is better to give preference to a more solid structure with a thickness of at least 2.4 mm.

Features

A characteristic difference of a steel bath is its low price, which is achieved due to the complete mechanization of manufacturing and the minimum cost of raw materials. Another important difference from cast iron and acrylic bathtubs is rapid cooling. Also, the surface instantly heats up, which allows you to take a shower immediately, without waiting for a pleasant temperature for the legs. But we attribute high thermal conductivity to the disadvantages of steel products, because the main purpose of the bowl is relaxation and comfort during prolonged lying in water. In the end, of course, it's up to the owners.

To check the weight of the product in the store, you can slightly press on it: if the steel bath easily moved, the manufacturer made it too thin. It is also worth carefully inspecting the coating: it should be solid, homogeneous, without flaws and unnecessary inclusions.

Pros and cons

What are the advantages and disadvantages of steel baths - consider further:

comparison table

After analyzing the above facts, it is easy to create a visual table that reflects all the properties of the compared products. Get a font with the characteristics that you attach the greatest importance to in everyday life.

Which bath is better: conclusions

Here are a few reasons why you can easily decide on the choice of material for the bathroom:

• If the main requirement for the tank is its size or unusual shape, then acrylic and steel are suitable. In a small bathroom, it is more rational to install an angular or asymmetric bowl, thereby saving valuable centimeters. Cast iron fonts for the most part are presented in a standard design.
• If pets live in the house, or rather, large dogs that need to be washed after each walk, then the obvious choice is cast iron or steel. Unlike acrylic products, enamel coatings of cast iron and steel bowls are not afraid of claws and street dirt.
• If the bathroom has a large area and the owner dreams of a spacious font - it is worth choosing an acrylic design. The form can be any, but lightweight and durable plastic can withstand the maximum amount of water.
• If the budget is limited, then between the cheap acrylic and steel baths, the latter should be preferred, since steel has a long service life, does not turn yellow and can withstand mechanical stresses.
• If "indestructibility" and reliability are important, then it is recommended to choose a cast-iron bowl. A product of excellent quality is installed "for centuries": having spent one day, the owner will not think for a long time about replacing the tank.
• If comfort comes first, the best option is an acrylic bathtub. The ultramodern models with backlight and turbomassage not only look impressive, but also make it possible to arrange a personal spa in the bathroom.

When choosing a bath, it is important to weigh all the pros and cons of various materials and purchase a durable quality product from a well-known manufacturer. If the manufacturing technology is followed when making the font, then the bowl - steel, acrylic or cast iron - will last a long time without causing unnecessary trouble and giving pleasant emotions during use.