Best Drop-In Bathtubs in 2023

Drop-in tubs are installed by dropping or lowering them into a pre-built frame or surround, as the name implies. The surround can be designed however you want, making this one of the most adaptable tub types available. They are also reasonably priced, making them the ideal way to add a little comfort and luxury to your bathroom without breaking the bank.

In this article, we presented the top 4 best drop-in bathtubs to help you narrow down the best products. Let’s dive in and find out what you should buy.

• Best Overall: KOHLER 1123-0 Archer Drop-in Bath

• Best Oval-Shaped: KOHLER 1147-0 6040 Oval Bath

• Best Carver: Carver Tubs - AR7242

• Best Exclusive: American Standard 7236V002.020 Evolution

• Best for Small Space: Fine Fixtures Drop In White Soaking Bathtub

• Best Cast Iron Contemporary: Kohler K-817-0

1. KOHLER 1123-0 Archer Drop-in Bath

Best Overall

 

 

Specifications

• Color: White

• Material: Acrylic

• Brand: Kohler

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 62.63 x 34.38 x 21 inches

• Finish Type: White

• Item Weight: 68.96 Pounds

• Installation Method: Drop-In

• Capacity: 60 Gallons

• Shape: Rectangular

Product’s Highlights

One of the best features of this KOHLER K-1123-0 Archer tub is that it will fit in with almost any bathroom decor. It has a beautiful classic white tone that you would expect to see in a clean and modern bathroom.

The rectangular shape of the tub also lends itself to the modern trend of clean, aesthetic lines in home decor. Whether you want the tub to be the focal point of your bathroom or simply to complement other accent pieces, the transitional aesthetics of this Kohler tub are ideal.

The armrests appear to be a little narrow at first glance, but users report that they are extremely comfortable because the water in the tub supports your arms while you sit.

The tub is also very deep, measuring approximately 19 inches at its deepest point, allowing you to sit back and relax comfortably while submerged in the tub full of water. Because of the low step-over height, entering and exiting the tub is also simple.

Pros

• Transitional aesthetic

• Comfortable design

Cons

• Can be a little narrow

2. KOHLER 1147-0 6040 Oval Bath

Best Oval-shaped

Specifications

• Color: White

• Material: Acrylic

• Brand: Kohler

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 61.5 x 41.25 x 9.63 inches

• Style: Classic

• Finish Type: White

• Item Weight: 45 Pounds

• Installation Method: Drop-In

• Capacity: 60 Gallons

• Shape: Oval

Product’s Highlights

This K-1147-0 bathtub from the Kohler Proflex collection is not only stylish and elegant, but it is also a fully functional tub where you can soak all your worries away.

The oval shape gives it a width of up to 40 inches, which, when combined with its 60-inch length, provides more than enough space for you to relax in this tub. It is also more than 17 inches deep, allowing you to fill the tub with up to 54 gallons of water for a full-body soak whenever you want.

The KOHLER K-1147-0, like most high-quality bathtubs, is made of acrylic, which makes it extremely strong and long-lasting. Acrylic is a flex-resistant material that provides a very smooth finish to the tub.

It also resists cracking and chipping, which means it cannot harbor germs and bacteria that normally live in small spaces such as cracks. Because of its acrylic construction, this bathtub will be very easy to clean.

Pros

• Functional elegance

• Strong and durable

Cons

• Can be flimsy and small

3. Fine Fixtures Drop In White Soaking Bathtub

Best for Small Space

Specifications

• Color: Without Trip Lever

• Material: Acrylic

• Brand: Fine Fixtures

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 32 x 48 x 19 inches

• Style: Sports, Modern

• Item Weight: 44 Pounds

• Installation Method: Drop-In

• Capacity: 51.78 Gallons

• Shape: Rectangular

Product’s Highlights

Look no further if you're looking for a small drop-in tub. This Fine Fixtures 48" long bathtub has an 18" soaking depth and can fit in a bathroom as small as 4 feet by 6 feet. The tub is also available in larger sizes.

This tub has a reversible drain and a non-slip surface. It's an excellent small bathtub for families with children. It retains a modern, high-gloss appearance and is finished with crack-resistant porcelain.

Because it comes with leveling feet and does not require mortar, installation should be simple. However, if you are not handy, you will most likely need to hire a contractor to install the tile flange. Your contractor can either build tile to cover the tub's edges or leave them as a surrounding shelf to store shampoo and soap.

Pros

• Easy to install

• Reversible drain

• High-gloss white

• Great customer service

Cons

• Not very suitable for tall people

4.  Kohler K-817-0

Best Cast Iron Contemporary

Specifications

• Color: White

• Material: Cast Iron

• Brand: Kohler

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 19.06 x 31.5 x 66.09 inches

• Style: Contemporary, Modern

• Finish Type: White

• Item Weight: 0.01 Ounces

• Installation Method: Undermount

• Capacity: 60 Gallons

• Shape: Rectangular

Product’s Highlights

The Kholer Reve makes a point of reminding you of all the benefits of cast iron tubs. Because it is cast iron, this tub retains heat exceptionally well and fills more quietly than almost any other tub on the market.

This tub's dual-sloped lumbar support on both ends adds to its comfort.

The only minor disadvantage of this tub is its weight. Keep this in mind before attempting to carry it up a flight of stairs. If you are installing this drop in bathtub on a second floor, you should consult with a contractor to ensure that the floor can support the weight of the entire tub.

Pros

• Highly durable

• Slip-resistant

• Excellent heat retention

• Quiet fill

• Sleek design

Cons

• Too heavy

1. Why should you get a drop-in bathtub?

These tubs have numerous significant advantages over other tub designs. One of their main advantages is that they take up less space than a standard freestanding tub.

The frame not only provides storage space along the rim of your bathtub, but it also allows you to blend your bathtub into the overall design of the bathroom. The platform you create allows you to incorporate beautiful materials such as tile, glass, and wood.

2. Can I install a drop-in tub myself?

Installation of one of these tubs is best left to a professional unless you are absolutely certain you know what you are doing. From installing the plumbing and constructing the surround and mortar base to securing the tub and protecting your walls with a tub flange kit, there are several construction areas that you will need a good understanding of to pull off a drop-in tub installation.

3.  Can I combine a drop-in tub with a shower?

While drop-in tubs aren't typically designed to be used with a showerhead, you (or a professional) can certainly set it up so that you can shower in it. To accomplish this, ensure that the tub is installed against the wall that will house the showerhead and plumbing.

You should also install a tub enclosure to prevent water from splattering on the tub decking and other areas of your bathroom. To keep water from collecting between the tub and the wall, you may need to purchase a special tile bead kit.

Here are our recommendations for the best drop-in bathtubs for you to choose. We hope that after reading this article you will be able to find a product that can fulfill your needs. BathroomGuide is pleased to help you, and thank you for choosing and trusting us.