Ella’s Bubbles and Kohler are two popular walk-in tub companies with some significant differences. Kohler has one model with customizable colors and design elements, and Ella’s Bubbles offers a wide range of models. Kohler also includes installation in the price, while Ella's Bubbles provides a contractor network you can use to find someone to install your new tub.
Kohler manages installation through certified dealers, while Ella’s Bubbles customers must hire their own contractors.
Jump to insightKohler provides a custom quote that includes installation, while Ella’s Bubbles tubs start at $4,000 before installation.
Jump to insightKohler is best for customers who want an all-in-one experience with an in-home consultation and installation.
Jump to insightElla’s Bubbles is best for customers who want a large selection of walk-in tubs and don't mind handling the installation separately.
Jump to insightKohler vs. Ella’s Bubbles cost and installation
Kohler and Ella's Bubbles represent two completely different ways to buy a walk-in tub. Kohler is a full-service, premium brand where you get a single price for the tub and installation after an in-home visit.
Ella's Bubbles is a product-focused company, so you are responsible for hiring your own installer, which can give you more control over the full project cost. Since Ella’s Bubbles advertises tub-only pricing and the cost of installation varies heavily, you’ll need to get quotes from local installers before you can accurately compare the total costs between the two companies.
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| Basic tub starting price | Varies | $4,000 |
| Financing offered | Partners with GreenSky to offer financing at participating dealers | Financing partners include Mobility Trust, Synchrony, Klarna and PayPal |
| Discounts offered | Yes | Yes |
| In-home quotes required | Yes | No |
| Labor warranty | Lifetime | Not included |
| Parts warranty | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime |
| Tub warranty | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime |
| Varies | Partners with GreenSky to offer financing at participating dealers | Yes | Yes | Lifetime | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime |
| $4,000 | Financing partners include Mobility Trust, Synchrony, Klarna and PayPal | Yes | No | Not included | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime |
Kohler vs. Ella’s Bubbles types of walk-in tubs
Kohler focuses on a single, highly refined, customizable walk-in tub model, designed to be a luxurious, universal solution for most users. However, the company does not offer a wheelchair-accessible tub that allows side transfer from a mobility aid directly to the tub seat.
Ella's Bubbles takes the opposite approach, offering a selection of tubs, including specialized options. It has over 30 models, with multiple options specifically designed for wheelchair users, bariatric individuals and couples who want to bathe together.
| | |
| Soaker tub | Yes | Yes |
| Wheelchair-accessible tub | No | Yes |
| Bariatric tub | No | Yes |
| Tub/shower combo | Yes | Yes |
| Two-seat tub | No | Yes |
| Yes | No | False | Yes | No |
| Yes | Yes | True | Yes | Yes |
Kohler vs. Ella’s Bubbles features
Kohler is known for its high-end comfort features, like a heated backrest and a combination of powerful and gentle massage jets.
Ella's Bubbles tubs offer a fast, gravity-powered drain that doesn't rely on an electric pump. It also offers unique features like an independent foot massage and a wide variety of secure, easy-to-use door designs.
| | |
| Step-in height | 3 inches | 3.5 to 7 inches |
| Fast drain | Yes | Yes |
| Quick filling | Yes | Yes |
| Grab bars included | Yes | Yes |
| Number of hydro jets | 10 | Varies |
| Number of air jets | 17 | Varies |
| Chromotherapy offered | No | Yes |
| Heated seats option | No | Yes |
| Heated backrest option | Yes | Yes |
| Remote control option | No | No |
| Showerhead options | Yes | Yes |
| 3 inches | Yes | Yes | Yes | 10 | 17 | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| 3.5 to 7 inches | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies | Varies | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Kohler vs. Ella’s Bubbles installation services
When you buy from Kohler, installation is a key part of the service, handled by a certified dealer who manages the entire project.
Ella's Bubbles does not provide any installation services. After you purchase a tub, you are responsible for finding, hiring and managing your own local plumber and electrician to complete the installation.
| | |
| 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 |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No | No | No | No | No |
Kohler vs. Ella’s Bubbles reviews
| | |
| Overall star rating | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| Verified customer reviews | Read reviews | Read reviews |
| 4.6 | Read reviews |
| 4.5 | Read reviews |
What Kohler customers say
Kohler walk-in tub customers give the company good reviews on ConsumerAffairs. Satisfied reviewers say the process is easy and the installation is quick and professional. Additionally, customers say Kohler representatives are professional, polite and very informative.
“The rep was very polite and the installation of our tub went really well. My wife has been enjoying it. I've been in it too and it was great.”
What Ella’s Bubbles customers say
Both DIY installers and those with professionally installed Ella's Bubbles tubs were happy with the customer service, price and tub features. A few negative reviews mention issues with installation or delivery, and one reviewer had difficulties exiting the pool as a mobility-impaired bather.
“We purchased Ella's Bubbles walk-in tub for my husband’s aunt. ... Ordering was easy and it was all delivered like it was supposed to be. The end product is great and we love our experience.”
Bottom line: Kohler or Ella’s Bubbles?
Kohler offers one model of walk-in tub, focusing on the customized design options for color, faucet finish and choice of surrounding walls. A Kohler representative will help you design a look to fit your bathroom space, and a professional from an authorized dealer will install the tub in as little as one day.
Ella’s Bubbles offers a huge selection of models but doesn't have options for colors or finishes. However, Ella’s Bubbles has hard-to-find models such as lay-down walk-in tubs and models made to fit two bathers together, and its tubs also have a foot massage jet configuration feature. It's important to note that Ella's Bubbles does not include installation in the price of its walk-in tubs.
