American Standard and Ella's Bubbles are leading walk-in tub manufacturers. Both offer therapeutic features, fast fill and drain times and a variety of tub types. Ella's Bubbles has a few more feature options, but American Standard is more widely available. This guide will walk you through the features of each company.
- American Standard is best for those who want an all-in-one experience that includes installation and for those who are outside Ella's Bubbles service area.
- Ella's Bubbles is best for budget-conscious shoppers and those who want to install their tubs themselves.
American Standard vs. Ella's Bubbles cost and installation
American Standard can give you an all-in-one price that includes professional installation, but you need an in-home visit to get that price. You can also buy just the tub from a retailer and find your own installer if you'd prefer.
Ella's Bubbles is more of a do-it-yourself approach. It lists the prices for its tubs right on its website, but you are responsible for finding and hiring your own plumber or contractor to install it.
 |  | |
| Basic tub starting price | $3,150 | $3,800 |
| Financing offered | Varies; subject to third-party credit approval | Yes |
| Discounts offered | Yes | Yes |
| In-home quotes required | Yes | Yes |
| Labor warranty | Lifetime | Not included |
| Parts warranty | Lifetime | Limited (5-year) |
| Tub warranty | Lifetime | Limited lifetime |
| $3,150 | Varies; subject to third-party credit approval | Yes | Yes | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| $3,800 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not included | Limited (5-year) | Limited lifetime |
American Standard vs. Ella's Bubbles types of walk-in tubs
American Standard has a good variety of tubs, including models with doors that swing outward to make it easier for wheelchair users to get in.
Ella's Bubbles, on the other hand, has the widest selection of all. It offers over 28 different models and has special categories for almost any need you can think of, including many different sizes for wheelchair access, bariatric users and even four different models of two-person tubs.
| | |
| Soaker tub | Yes | Yes |
| Wheelchair-accessible tub | Yes | Yes |
| Bariatric tub | False | True |
| Tub/shower combo | Yes | Yes |
| Two-seat tubs | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | False | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | True | Yes | Yes |
American Standard vs. Ella's Bubbles features
American Standard tubs are known for their hydrotherapy features, with up to 44 jets for a very strong massage. Its tubs also have a quick drain system that uses a pump to empty the tub in under two minutes.
Ella's Bubbles also has a very fast drain, but it works using gravity and two large drains instead of a pump. A unique feature from Ella's Bubbles is the independent foot massage, which lets you fill just the bottom of the tub for a quick foot and calf massage without taking a full bath.
| | |
| Step-in height | 3 inches | 3.75 inches |
| Fast drain | Yes | Yes |
| Quick filling | Yes | Yes |
| Grab bars included | Yes | Yes |
| Number of hydro jets | 22 | 14 to 26 |
| Number of air jets | 22 | 16 to 18 |
| Chromotherapy offered | Yes | Yes |
| Heated seats option | Yes | Yes |
| Heated backrest option | Yes | Yes |
| Remote control option | Yes | No |
| Showerhead options | Yes | Yes |
| 3 inches | Yes | Yes | Yes | 22 | 22 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3.75 inches | Yes | Yes | Yes | 14 to 26 | 16 to 18 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
American Standard vs. Ella's Bubbles installation services
When you buy an all-in-one package from American Standard, its certified installers handle everything from start to finish. This includes removing your old tub and doing all the necessary plumbing and electrical work.
Ella's Bubbles does not offer installation services. When you buy a tub from Ella's, you will need to find and hire your own local professionals to handle the entire installation process.
| | |
| Bathroom door resizing | Yes | No |
| Old tub removal | Yes | No |
| Wall repair and repaint | Yes | No |
| Electrical wiring | Yes | No |
| Flooring touch-up | Yes | No |
All information accurate as of publishing date.
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No | No | No | No | No |
American Standard vs. Ella's Bubbles reviews
| | |
| Overall star rating | 4.7 | 4.4 |
| Verified customer reviews | Read reviews | Read reviews |
| 4.7 | Read reviews |
| 4.4 | Read reviews |
What American Standard customers say
American Standard tubs typically receive positive reviews, and many customers are happy with the sales reps and installation. Reviewers also left positive comments about the tub's quality, safety and easy access. People who weren't satisfied typically reported issues with customer service, installation and operating the tub's door.
“It has a chair to sit down in, a big shower head, and a removable shower wand. I’m glad I got it. It's comfortable, easy to use, and it stays clean.”
What Ella's Bubbles customers say
Reviewers on ConsumerAffairs.com frequently express satisfaction with Ella's Bubbles' customer service, DIY installation process and the tub's comfort and relaxation features. Customers who weren't happy with their service usually had issues with the installation or delivery, while a couple of others had trouble with the drain or getting around the inward-opening door.
“The quality of the final product is good. I’m pleased with it. Ella’s Bubbles is a good company and my experience was really positive.”
Bottom line: American Standard or Ella’s Bubbles?
American Standard and Ella's Bubbles are definitely competitive in terms of their product offerings and reputation among customers. Their tubs are of similar quality, with both offering plenty of accessibility and comfort options.
One of the biggest differences is installation: American Standard includes installation in the cost of the tub, while Ella's Bubbles lets you install the tub yourself or use its contractor network to find someone to install it.
