American Standard and Kohler are industry leaders in walk-in tubs. Both offer therapeutic air and water jets, safety bars and fast drain and fill times. However, there are a few key differences. American Standard offers more models and custom options, while Kohler has a few extra features like heated seats and a lower step. Keep reading to learn more about these two tub manufacturers.
- American Standard is best for those who want multiple tub models to choose from, such as two-seat tubs, soaking tubs or chromotherapy.
- Kohler is best for those who need a lower step threshold and a more affordable price tag.
Kohler vs. American Standard cost and installation
Both Kohler and American Standard are premium, well-known brands that require an in-home visit to get a price quote for their full-service installation packages. They both use a network of their own certified installers to do the work.
The main difference is that American Standard also gives you the option to buy some of its tubs directly from a retailer like The Home Depot, allowing you to hire your own installer if you prefer.
 |  | |
| Basic tub starting price | $2,000 | $3,150 |
| Financing offered | Partners with GreenSky to offer financing at participating dealers | Varies; subject to third-party credit approval |
| Discounts offered | Yes | Yes |
| In-home quotes required | Yes | Yes |
| Labor warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Parts warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Tub warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| $2,000 | Partners with GreenSky to offer financing at participating dealers | Yes | Yes | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| $3,150 | Varies; subject to third-party credit approval | Yes | Yes | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Kohler vs. American Standard types of walk-in tubs
Both companies offer high-quality tubs, but with different approaches. Kohler focuses on perfecting a single walk-in bath platform that is highly customizable with different colors and wall surrounds.
American Standard offers a much broader range of tub series and models, including specific tubs with outward-swinging doors that are designed for easy wheelchair access.
| | |
| Soaker tub | Yes | Yes |
| Wheelchair-accessible tub | Yes | Yes |
| Bariatric tub | True | False |
| Tub/shower combo | Yes | Yes |
| Two-seat tubs | No | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | True | Yes | No |
| Yes | Yes | False | Yes | Yes |
Kohler vs. American Standard features
Kohler walk-in tubs are known for luxury comfort, with features like a heated backrest and gentle air jets.
American Standard focuses on power and performance, with its pump-powered quick drain system that empties the tub in under two minutes and its RevitaJet system that can have up to 44 massage jets.
| | |
| Step-in height | 3 inches | 3 inches |
| Fast drain | Yes | Yes |
| Quick filling | Yes | Yes |
| Grab bars included | Yes | Yes |
| Number of hydro jets | 10 | 22 |
| Number of air jets | 17 | 22 |
| Chromotherapy offered | Yes | Yes |
| Heated seats option | No | Yes |
| Heated backrest option | Yes | Yes |
| Remote control option | No | Yes |
| Showerhead options | Yes | Yes |
| 3 inches | Yes | Yes | Yes | 10 | 17 | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| 3 inches | Yes | Yes | Yes | 22 | 22 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Kohler vs. American Standard installation services
When you buy from either Kohler or American Standard's direct-service division, a complete professional installation is part of the package. Both companies send their own authorized and certified installers to your home.
These teams handle the entire process, including removing your old tub and managing all the necessary plumbing and electrical work to complete the job.
| | |
| Bathroom door resizing | Yes | Yes |
| Old tub removal | Yes | Yes |
| Wall repair and repaint | Yes | Yes |
| Electrical wiring | Yes | Yes |
| Flooring touch-up | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
All information accurate as of publishing date.
Kohler vs. American Standard reviews
| | |
| Overall star rating | 4.8 | 4.7 |
| Verified customer reviews | Read reviews | Read reviews |
| 4.8 | Read reviews |
| 4.7 | Read reviews |
What Kohler customers say
Customers who have purchased a Kohler walk-in tub give the company good reviews on ConsumerAffairs. Many people praise the professional sales and installation process and say Kohler's representatives are helpful and friendly.
Many customers are happy with the walk-in tub's comfort level and say it helps with chronic pain. A few customers have mentioned leaking issues and unprepared installers, however.
“The whole experience with Kohler was excellent. I like the flexibility that you can use the hose either as a shower or separately. The tub is for my mother, and now, it is easier for her to get in and to shower.”
What American Standard customers say
American Standard has plenty of satisfied customers on ConsumerAffairs. The significant majority of reviewers express happiness with the company's customer service, the installation process and the quality of the tub.
A few negative reviews were focused on customer service complaints or poor installation. A handful of additional reviewers had trouble with closing the tub or fully draining it.
“I had my shower ripped out and replaced by something that looks like it came out of a Hyatt Regency. I would recommend it to anybody that wants a super fine shower.”
Bottom line: Kohler or American Standard?
American Standard and Kohler are competitive walk-in tub providers. American Standard offers a variety of options to choose from with several different jet and therapeutic features, size options and door configurations. Kohler only offers one model of walk-in tub, but it comes with all of the most common comfort features. Request an estimate from each company to compare pricing for the models you're interested in.
