Kohler vs. Bathing Solutions
What is the difference between Kohler and Bathing Solutions?
Kohler and Bathing Solutions both manufacture walk-in tubs for those with limited mobility. Both companies offer add-on features like air and water jets and hand-held showerheads, but there are some major differences in the two companies.
- Kohler is best for homeowners who want luxury features, like heated seats and heated headrests and backrests, to go with their massaging jets.
- Bathing Solutions is best for homeowners looking to save money by purchasing a tub with fewer luxury options.
Reputation on ConsumerAffairs
 |  | |
| Overall star rating | 4.8 | Not enough reviews |
| Verified customer reviews | Read reviews | Read reviews |
| 4.8 | Read reviews |
| Not enough reviews | Read reviews |
Cost
| | |
| Basic tub starting price | Only available with quote | Only available with quote |
| Installation | Included | Not included |
| Financing offered | — | |
| Discounts offered | — | |
| In-home quotes required | — | |
| Warranty - Labor | Lifetime | Varies by installer |
| Warranty - Parts | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Warranty - Tub | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Only available with quote | Included | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | |||
| Only available with quote | Not included | — | — | — | Varies by installer | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Available walk-in tub types
| | |
| Soaker tub | ||
| Wheelchair-accessible tub | — | — |
| Bariatric tub | — | — |
| Tub/shower combo | — | |
| Two-seat tubs | — | — |
| — | — | — | ||
| — | — | — | — |
Tub features
| | |
| Step-in height | 3 inches | Not disclosed |
| Fast drain | — | |
| Quick filling | — | |
| Grab bars included | ||
| Number of hydro jets | 10 | 8 |
| Number of air jets | 17 | Not disclosed |
| Chromotherapy offered | ||
| Heated seats option | — | — |
| Heated backrest option | — | |
| Remote control option | — | — |
| Showerhead options |
| 3 inches | 10 | 17 | — | — | ||||||
| Not disclosed | — | — | 8 | Not disclosed | — | — | — |
Services included with installation
| | |
| Bathroom door resizing | ||
| Old tub removal | ||
| Wall repair and repaint | ||
| Electrical wiring | ||
| Flooring touch-up |
| |||||
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All information accurate as of publishing date.
Kohler
Kohler offers a single walk-in tub model that you can customize to match your needs and home. Kohler helps a spa-like atmosphere, both in the look of its tubs and in its comfort features. You can choose your faucet finish, wall color and bath color.
To get a price quote for your tub and installation, you have to schedule an in-home consultation with a Kohler representative. Its tubs have several safety features, including a 3-inch step, handrails on the interior and exterior, slip-resistant surfaces and more.
Some comfort options include heated backrests and headrests, water jets, air jets and extra-wide seats. Kohler has a price promise and monthly offers to help homeowners save money when purchasing a tub. Financing options are available through GreenSky Financing.
What Kohler customers say
Overall, Kohler walk-in bathtubs have great reviews on ConsumerAffairs. Satisfied customers praise the company for its customer service and professionalism. They also appreciate the quick installation time. There are some mentions of Kohler tubs being pricey and of some installation issues with contractors, however.
For two years, we struggled in and out of an antique clawfoot tub. … We had Safe Step and Kohler representatives come out. The Kohler representative was more knowledgeable. He was also very friendly and not pushy at all … so we decided on Kohler.”
– Sharon of Canyon, TX
Bathing Solutions
Bathing Solutions boasts that its walk-in tubs are well-made and affordable. The company offers nine models and promises to meet or beat other walk-in tub prices on the internet.
Bathing Solutions’ walk-in tubs are designed to fit the same space as a standard bathtub. Some models come with an extension piece; smaller models can fit into a shower stall space. Optional upgrades include chromotherapy, aromatherapy and sanitizing features, as well as heated air jet hydrotherapy, water jet hydrotherapy or a combination of the two.
Some popular models include:
- Model 28: This model is designed to fit through doors easily. It has a 4.5-inch step-in height and bidet notch. It has raised control options, a nonslip floor and a large grab bar.
- Model 3252 WT: This model is designed for easier wheelchair transfers. It has a nonslip floor, an extra-wide door and built-in grab bar. Unlike other models, the door opens outward.
- Model 3555 Bariatric: This model has no weight limit, so it can accommodate heavier bathers or anyone that requires a larger entry and seating area. It has a non-slip floor, extra-wide door, grab bar and a secondary drain at the base of the door.
What Bathing Solutions customers say
As of publishing, there are very few positive reviews for Bathing Solutions’ walk-in bathtubs on our site. Several reviews note the poor quality of the products, components that don’t work properly or evasive behavior from the company when a fix is in order. Customers also mention aggressive sales tactics.
Bottom line: Kohler or Bathing Solutions?
Kohler and Bathing Solutions both offer walk-in tubs with relaxing, spa-like features. Both companies have the option of air jets, water jets or a combination of the two to bring a sense of luxury to your bath. Kohler is more luxury-focused, but Bathing Solutions has more models to choose from. Overall, it depends on the kind of features you’re looking for, but it’s important to note that Kohler has significantly better reviews on our site.
