Cast iron bath which manufacturer is better
The modern market offers an abundance of companies producing cast iron bathtubs. Which company is better to trust in order for the purchase to be really successful?
The cheapest models are made by domestic manufacturers. At the same time, low cost is by no means an indicator of poor quality. The following manufacturers are considered leaders:
- OJSC Plant Universal. Their products are distinguished by a three-layer enamel layer, which provides increased coating strength and resistance to mechanical damage. The price for the baths of this company ranges on average from 9800 rubles. for the model "Caprice" (120x70x44 cm) up to 18400 rubles. for the model with handles "Siberian" (170x75x46 cm).
- OAO "Kirovskiy Zavod" The company is considered one of the oldest, but nevertheless it keeps up with modern technologies. Thanks to the use of high-quality German equipment, the guaranteed service life of the bath is 25 years. The coating of products contains silver ions, due to which water is disinfected. Both the compact "Baby" (120x70x44 cm) for 9,200 rubles and the larger model "Prestige" (170x70x42 cm) worth 12,800 rubles are popular.
There are many more foreign manufacturers of cast-iron bathtubs on the market. The following companies have won the main popularity:
Also on the shelves are manufacturers Novial (Spain), Timo (Finland), Goldman (China) and Artex (Italy). All of them are considered good options, as they produce good quality products.
The cast-iron bathtub is a classic, proven by many generations. She will be able to decorate any apartment, becoming a stylish and functional addition to the bathroom. The main thing is to make the right choice.
The best domestic and foreign manufacturers of cast iron bathtubs
When choosing a bath, pay attention to the manufacturer. The best Russian and foreign manufacturers are:
- JSC Novokuznetsk plant "Universal" - manufactures products according to Japanese technology on German and American equipment. The quality corresponds to the level of European companies Roca (Spain) and Jacob Delafon (France).
- JSC "Kirovskiy Zavod" is a leader among Russian enterprises, uses new technologies and constantly modernizes production, uses a three-layer enamel coating with silver content.
- The Spanish company Roca is a world leader, has been on the market for 80 years. It produces models of the middle class, as well as expensive collections. It is a symbol of high quality and stylish technology.
- French Jacob Delafon is the world leader in the production of cast-iron bathtubs and porcelain sanitary ware. Produces ideal beauty and quality products that retain their brilliance and color for a long time.
- Novial is a young, but already established Spanish brand. The products of this manufacturer are covered with titanium vitreous enamel, which increases their wear resistance to household chemicals and abrasives.
- Oxame is the only company in France that has not relocated its production to Asian countries. Uses environmentally friendly materials and eco-responsible method. Products undergo constant automated control.
- Sanitrend from the Netherlands, along with the production of high-quality ceramics, also produces bathtubs made of cast iron.
Bathtub on the podium - an original design for your bathroom
Bathtubs made of cast iron, depending on the dimensions and design of the room, the size and shape of the bath itself, are installed in different ways. For example, oval models can be freestanding, rectangular and slightly rounded ones are attached to the wall, built-in ones are placed in a niche or on a podium. Installing a heavy bathtub is not an easy and responsible task, but not for professionals who will find the best solution for it.
Video: which bath is better to choose
What to Look for When Buying a Cast Iron Bathtub
When choosing a bath, the determining criteria are size, shape, color, finish, cost, design, as well as the presence of enjoyable features: hydromassage, headrests, non-slip coatings, etc.
First of all, you need to make sure that it fits in size and fits into the interior. For a small room, a time-tested, conservative model is preferable. Keep in mind that size standards vary from country to country:
- The length of domestic products is 1.2-1.7 m.
- Spanish rectangular "Roca" has a length of 1 m.
- French bathtubs "Jacob delafon" reach 1.8 m.
The width has the same standard size, equal to 70 cm, the depth is from 40 to 50 cm, and from 75 cm for the Japanese "ofuro".
The most popular sizes are: 150x70, 160x70, 170x70 (75, 80), less often - 180x80 cm. There are also shortened sitting or straight models 105x70 and 120x70 in size.
The shape of cast iron baths can be rectangular or oval, the color of the coating can be white or colored, decorative elements diversify the design.
Modern cast iron baths can be very aesthetic.
The choice of the best model for you depends on aesthetic preferences, ergonomic characteristics, room dimensions and financial capabilities. Compare all the pros and cons and choose the product you like.
Imported bathtubs are equipped with comfortable handles and headrests.
The best cast iron bath 180x80
A cast-iron bathtub of a standard size with a bowl 42-47 cm deep. Models with a profiled bottom have deeper bowls - up to 55 cm. Foreign manufacturers make the wall thickness maximum 5 mm, in Russia mostly 7-8 mm. Such fonts weigh at least 140 kg, which must be taken into account when buying.
Castalia Pime
Spacious (height 48 cm) with a pleasant font. Enamel the color of the first snow, 4 height-adjustable legs are responsible for stability - you can set the bath evenly even with a large floor difference.
Castalia Pime 180x80x48 cm
The bottom has an anti-slip notch that allows you to firmly hold on to your feet while taking water procedures. Outside, the body is painted with primer paint. Among the advantages of the noise-absorbing effect, the set of water for washing is almost inaudible. There are chrome-plated handles, convenient for children to use.
Pros:
- deep - 48 cm;
- good quality.
Minuses:
water stains on chrome handles
Goldman Donnie
Rectangular product, with a simple design of increased capacity - dimensions 180x80x45 cm, usable volume 260 liters. The country of the brand is Italy, made in Hong Kong. Wall type. The set includes adjustable legs 20 cm high. Product weight 133 kg.
Donnie Goldman
Very comfortable chrome-plated handles - firmly fixed, ergonomic shape, it is impossible to pull out even with a very strong desire. Covered with 3 layers of high quality titanium powder enamel, has a smooth surface. There is no anti-slip coating.
Pros:
- quality pens;
- legs are stable, very durable;
- the entire product is designed for very large people.
Minuses:
internal bends of the walls, due to which there is not enough space.
AQUALUX
Another representative of the Italian-Chinese collaboration, which managed to maintain high quality and provide adequate prices. Dimensions 180x80x42 with a usable volume of 210 liters.
AQUALUX
The product weighs “only” 120 kg, which was made possible by reducing the walls. AQUALUX has been using this technology for more than 5 years, when they began to pour cast iron baths in steel molds with soft walls. On the one hand, this made it possible to reduce the thickness of the walls, on the other hand, to produce bowls of various shapes.
Includes 2 metal chrome handles, anti-slip bottom and armrests. Type - wall, rectangular shape. Designed for separate bathrooms. The manufacturer's line includes models 180x70 and 180x85.
Pros:
does not concede on quality of a covering to expensive branded products.
Minuses:
- fastening the legs with a swallow for such a colossus is very fragile;
- the legs are fragile, although the manufacturer claims a design load of 300 kg.
Varieties of cast iron baths
The main selection criteria are the method of placement, the location of the drain and tide, size and shape.
By type of accommodation are divided into:
- built-in - more suitable for private homes;
- attached - installed to one of the walls, can be rectangular, rounded or with a cut end;
- free-standing - do not adjoin the wall, the most diverse in shape, can stand on legs / stands or on a flat base.
According to the type of plum are divided into:
- right-handed and left-handed;
- the central sink is a rarity on the market, but is sold as a vintage model in some collections.
To size:
- standard (universal) - 150-180 x 70-90 cm;
- non-standard - 100-120x50-70.
The color and shape of the product also matters. Although the forms are not as diverse as those of acrylic bathtubs, there are still such models:
- oval;
- rectangular;
- square;
- round;
- with cut ends;
- triangular.
The color is also presented in the assortment, but it should be noted that basically these models are more expensive and are produced by TOP manufacturers. If you don’t want to spend money on a colored product, you can try to diversify it yourself. The end side always comes primed, respectively, it can be painted, made a drawing.
And the last thing you need to pay attention to is comfort. This category includes anti-slip coating, handles, shelves, headrests, etc.
As for manufacturers, the market is conditionally divided into 2 identical segments - foreign models and Russian ones. Among Europeans, the absolute favorites are Roca (Spain), Recor (Portugal), Jacob Delafon (France), and in Russia the Universal plant from Novokuznetsk and the Kirov plant. Some famous brands, such as Villeroy & Boch, do not work with cast iron.
Basic Acquisition Tips
What you should pay attention to when choosing a bath, important points you need to know
Choose the country of origin
It is best to focus on foreign companies, as domestic baths have not been leading in the ratings for a long time.
It is recommended to pay attention to Chinese bathtubs, usually in such bathtubs the cast iron is cast better, in addition, several layers of enamel make the surface very smooth
However, be careful not to confuse the original with a fake, it is best to familiarize yourself with the license for the product.
You can buy a French-made bathtub, it will cost you much more, but it will also pleasantly surprise you in terms of quality.
The weight and size of the cast-iron bath, its technical parameters must be suitable for the room in which it will be installed;
Estimate the size of the bathtub and the width of your doorway in advance so that there are no problems during installation;
Find out about the presence of anti-slip coating and additional details, such as bolsters / headrests and handrails, this is especially important for older people;
Check the integrity of the enamel. There should be no scratches or chips on the surface of the bathroom;
If your room has uneven floors, then it is better to opt for a bathtub with legs that can be adjusted;
Always ask in stores for certificates from the manufacturer and quality assurance documents for a cast-iron bathtub.
The basic rule in the operation of a cast-iron bathtub is an attentive attitude to the bathroom enamel.
If you drop something heavy into the bath, and a piece of enamel breaks off, then you will not be able to restore it. Any ways that exist will only be for a few years. As a result, it is easier to buy a new one.
Roca cast iron bath
Cast iron bathtubs of the Spanish company Roca
Differ in the high level of quality and magnificent design, have guarantees.
Among the most famous models:
- bath Roca Continental;
- Roca Malibu bath;
- Roca Haiti bath.
bathtub factory
It is noteworthy that all cast-iron bathrooms from this manufacturer have an ideal surface, and will retain their appearance for a long time. Among the entire range, you can choose a bath that suits you in shape and size.
Roca Spanish cast iron bathtubs are excellent value for money. The Roca firm guarantees you high quality, excellent, original design.
Other manufacturers
In the plumbing market, there are a lot of competitive factories and companies involved in the manufacture of bathtubs, their supply to shops, salons and large trading floors. The main question is what to choose.
So that it is of high quality, for some the price will be more significant, for others the appearance. Of course, it will be easier to navigate on the basis of clearly defined requirements.
Interestingly, in Europe, cast-iron bathtubs belong to the premium class, which already makes them not a cheap pleasure. But in Ukraine and Russia they can be purchased without problems, and besides, they can be found quite inexpensive and of high quality. For example, the Kirov Iron Products Plant is quite famous for its baths.
As for bathtubs that are produced in China and Turkey, they will come out more expensive when buying, but their quality will be noticeably lower. Why is this so, well, firstly, there is no grade of baths in Turkey and China, these are not Russian baths where this issue has always been taken into account. Here's the bottom line, lower quality baths.
Remember that it is better to buy premium quality baths. Be careful about the warranty for the bath, it must be at least 3 years
It is important to have a quality certificate, it is also recommended to agree to transactions in which you pay for the bath after it is delivered to your home. This is your guarantee that you will receive a quality bath.
Gallery
Cast iron bathtubs which is better to take in size
One of the characteristic features of cast iron baths is their heavy weight, which can reach 120 kg. This must be remembered at every moment of studying the assortment of the store: the bath should pass as freely as possible through the doorway, because it will be very difficult to maneuver with it on the threshold. Select the size should be guided by the parameters of the bathroom:
- For small apartments, you will have to limit yourself to models 70 cm wide and 120/140 cm long. You can swim in such a bath only while sitting or reclining.
- 150x70 cm - the minimum size for a bath in which you can already lie down a bit. Well suited for small bathrooms combined with a bathroom.
- The most common version of bathtubs are models 160/170x70 cm in size. They are suitable for comfortable bathing for people of average height, while not taking up too much space.
- The slightly enlarged size of 170x75 cm guarantees maximum comfort in the bath thanks to the increased seating space.
- The largest bathtub on the market is 180 cm long and 80 cm wide. It will suit almost everyone, but especially people of large build will like it.
The characteristic of the depth of the bath must not be overlooked. This parameter determines how comfortable and safe swimming will be. In order for a person not to be cold, water must completely cover his body. The minimum recommended value is 40 cm, 32 of which is the distance between the bottom and the overflow hole. It is even more convenient if the depth of the bath reaches 50-60 cm, since the body in any position will be under water. But these figures should not be exceeded, otherwise there is a risk of slipping while “crawling out” of your font.
If the bath will be used by elderly people or with problems of the musculoskeletal system, it is recommended to opt for a model equipped with two or four handles on the sides or on the inside of the walls. Such additional elements make it possible to sit down and stand up normally, without facing the risk of falling.
Cast iron baths, due to the complexity of the casting process, are mainly made rectangular.It is quite rare to find slightly rounded oval models: it must be borne in mind that they take up more space than usual ones.
How to choose right
The first thing you need to pay attention to is how well the bath will fit into your bathroom interior. To do this, decide what type and type your bath will be.
It will be a freestanding, decorative look, or you want a classic, built-in bathtub.
The second step is what color you are interested in. A cast-iron bathtub does not have to be white, there are many color options, so here you need to decide what exactly is interesting.
Decide on the size and shape of the bath. It will be deep or not. Short or long, how wide do you need the tub.
The standard dimensions of cast iron bathtubs are approximately as follows: 120-180 cm - height, 70-80 cm - width. But there are others.
Remember one thing, the more unusual the shape of a cast-iron bathtub, the more expensive it will cost you, and all because cast iron bends incredibly hard. That is why the classic shape of such bathtubs is oblong, bowl-shaped.
If we take into account the opinion of professionals, then cast iron baths are the best in many respects, especially in the first place in matters of safety and practicality. Since, having acquired a cast-iron bath, you can no longer remember this issue for at least 20 years.
The average cost for cast iron baths will depend on several parameters:
- Company manufacturer;
- Manufacturer country.
- Length range (centimeters);
- Width range (centimeters);
- Height range (centimeters);
- bath shape.
How to choose a high-quality, inexpensive, but it is a cast-iron bath. To begin with, you can stop at the option of purchasing a bath from private individuals. In other words, buy a bathtub that has already been used in everyday life. Why should you consider this option?
As already mentioned above, the cast-iron bathtub is really durable, which allows you to use it for more than one year or even 10 years, but much longer. Due to its strength, stability and heat capacity, such a bath will never be lost. Therefore, if you meet the opportunity to take it from your hands, do not miss the chance.
Plus, it'll be a lot cheaper. As for the new ordinary and extremely simple cast iron bath, the minimum cost will vary from 185 Euro.
Expensive cast-iron bathtubs reach the price of 9000 Euro, although you can find prices much higher than this figure. But these are already elite, exclusive options aimed at a separate, specific audience.
Features of cast iron baths
The modern bathtub is made of cast iron with a thickness of only 5 mm. These baths have their advantages and disadvantages. They are distinguished by a high level of strength, have a fairly stable construction, thick walls, perfectly retain heat, do not make noise, and do not rattle under water jets, the enamel does not slip for a long time.
Of the biggest disadvantages of cast iron bathtubs, the main ones are:
- high price;
- heavy weight at least 120 or 130 kg;
- a small choice in shape (rectangular, oval);
- due to the specifics of coating cast iron baths with enamel, as a result, there are pores on their surface in which rust and dirt accumulate.
The best cast iron bathtubs for each individual consumer have their own parameters. So one will prefer a bath of a standard size and shape, while the other will want to purchase something more unique and unusual. For example, this is what ordinary cast-iron bathtubs looked like before. They were installed in almost every apartment.
Old cast iron bath
But the modern bath has acquired a more attractive look. Now it is possible to find bathtubs of different sizes and volumes. Let's say that such a modern cast-iron bathtub will cost the buyer 1323Euro.
Modern bath
Freestanding cast-iron bathtub Recor Slipper Portugal, in which the inner surface is painted white. In this case, the outer side is already prepared for painting.
The bathtub does not have a hole for the mixer, it is sold without it, there are also no legs in the set. Total volume 180 l. The dimensions of the bath are 765 mm - width, and 1540 mm - length.
This bath is equipped with an anti-slip surface. Its cost will be approximately 4619 Euro.
Bath Recor Slipper
How to choose a cast iron bath according to the features of the coating
Among all the parameters of a cast-iron bathtub, the characteristics of its coating are considered the most critical when choosing. It has the following requirements:
- ideally smooth inner surface, barely noticeable undulation of the enamel coating is possible;
- absence of defects on the outer side of the walls (any chips, cracks, scratches are unacceptable);
- Uniformity of color, inadmissibility of any defects in painting.
It is desirable that the surface be treated with powder paint, which provides additional protection for the coating.
If even the slightest flaw is noticeable, then the bathroom in question should be rejected: it is unlikely that it will last a long time and justify its cost. You can test the enamel for abrasion in a very simple way even in the store (although it is better to do this unnoticed by the seller). It should be carried out over the surface of the bath with an ordinary slate pencil with a hardness of 2H: damage to the coating should not form.
Pay attention to the wall thickness. The minimum value is 4-5mm
Thinner walls mean that a very heavy bathtub will soon have to be taken out of the room, dragging a new one in return.
