Kohler vs. Spirit Walk-In Tubs

What is the difference between Kohler and Spirit?

Kohler and Spirit both provide walk-in tub options for homeowners. Both companies encourage contacting customer service directly for complete pricing and feature information, but the most obvious difference between the two is that Kohler serves most states, while Spirit is a locally owned business that provides service for those in the St. Louis area.

• Kohler is best for homeowners outside of Missouri. This brand is available in most states and is much more accessible for most homeowners. Homeowners in Missouri who prefer a more established name can also choose Kohler.
• Spirit is best for St. Louis-area residents who prefer to buy locally. The company has been serving the community for more than eight years, and it offers free estimates to ensure that shopping locally meets your financial needs.

Reputation on ConsumerAffairs

Overall star rating	4.8	5.0
Verified customer reviews	Read reviews	Read reviews

	4.8	Read reviews
	5.0	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	Not specified
Warranty - Parts	Lifetime	5 years for motor
Warranty - Tub	Lifetime	Lifetime

	Only available with quote	Included				Lifetime	Lifetime	Lifetime
	Only available with quote	Not included	—	—		Not specified	5 years for motor	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	2.5 inches
Fast drain		—
Quick filling		—
Grab bars included
Number of hydro jets	10	Not specified
Number of air jets	17	Not specified
Chromotherapy offered		—
Heated seats option	—	—
Heated backrest option
Remote control option	—	—
Showerhead options

	3 inches				10	17		—		—
	2.5 inches	—	—		Not specified	Not specified	—	—		—

Services included with installation

Bathroom door resizing
Old tub removal
Wall repair and repaint
Electrical wiring
Flooring touch-up

All information accurate as of publishing date.

Kohler

Kohler is a well-known name in the industry. Its walk-in tub line focuses as much on luxury as it does accessibility; you can choose tub colors, wall colors and faucet finishes that match your home decor. While Kohler only offers a single walk-in tub model, its safety and comfort features provide several options for accessibility and tranquility.

Pricing is only available after a free in-home consultation. Kohler has a price promise to ensure you never pay more than your initial quote. It also has monthly offers for homeowners to save on their purchase, and financing options are available through GreenSky.

Kohler Walk-In Tub: This model has a 3-inch step threshold, one of the lowest in the industry. The tub has handrails both on the interior and exterior. It also has slip-resistant surfaces to prevent falls.

Kohler has several comfort options to choose from. You can select heated headrests and backrests to relax your back, neck and shoulders, or you can opt for Whirlpool hydro jets and BubbleMassage air jets.

What Kohler customers say

Kohler has overall positive customer reviews on ConsumerAffairs. Customers are very pleased with the customer service and the experience from start to finish. Reviews say representatives are friendly, informative and knowledgeable. There are a few mentions of unprepared installation staff from the companies that Kohler partners with, however.

Spirit Walk-In Tubs

Spirit is a locally owned and operated company that serves St. Louis and surrounding areas. The website is light on specific details, encouraging customers to connect with the company directly for more information. During its eight years in business, the staff has sold and installed more than 800 tubs. It uses its own installers, and it provides lifetime warranties on its tubs, with a 5-year warranty for the motor.

Spirit has several size options for its walk-in tubs. The tubs are either 36 inches or 40 inches high with 26-inch, 30-inch and 32-inch widths available. Spirit’s walk-in tubs have a 2 ½-inch step-in height, and you can select a basic soaker tub or opt for features like air jets, water jets and more for a more luxurious bathing experience.

What Spirit customers say

Spirit’s walk-in bathtubs have nothing but five-star ratings on ConsumerAffairs at the time of publishing. Many customers mention the friendly and professional service they received and note that they appreciated how technicians went above and beyond to help them out. Some customers said the tubs are more expensive than others, but none of them expressed regret — and many would recommend the company to others.

Bottom line: Kohler or Spirit?

Kohler is a big name in the walk-in tub industry, and it serves most of the country. Spirit, on the other hand, is a small business, locally owned and operating in the St. Louis area. Both companies offer walk-in tubs with low step thresholds and massaging jets. Ultimately, they’re both solid options for walk-in tubs, but the best company for you will depend on your location and your feature preferences.