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.
Kohler vs. Spirit cost and installation
Both Kohler and Spirit Walk-In Tubs are premium, full-service brands that provide an all-in-one price for the tub and installation after an in-home visit. You won't find prices listed on their websites.
The biggest difference is that Kohler is a large, national brand that works through local dealers, while Spirit Walk-In Tubs is a small, local company that serves the St. Louis, Missouri area directly.
 |  | |
| Basic tub starting price | $2,000 | Only available with quote |
| Financing offered | Partners with GreenSky to offer financing at participating dealers | Yes |
| Discounts offered | 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 |
| Only available with quote | Yes | — | Yes | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Kohler vs. Spirit types of walk-in tubs
Kohler's approach is to offer one main walk-in tub model that can be customized with different colors, faucet finishes and wall surrounds.
Spirit Walk-In Tubs offers a wider variety of tub shapes and sizes, with 14 different designs that it can customize to fit your needs, including wider models for more room.
| | |
| Soaker tub | Yes | Yes |
| Wheelchair-accessible tub | Yes | No |
| Bariatric tub | True | No |
| Tub/shower combo | Yes | Yes |
| Two-seat tub | No | No |
| Yes | Yes | True | Yes | No |
| Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
Kohler vs. Spirit features
Kohler is known for its luxurious comfort features, like a heated backrest to keep you warm and a combination of powerful whirlpool jets and gentle air bubble jets. Its tub also has a 3-inch step-in.
Spirit Walk-In Tubs' main focus is providing the absolute best in safety. Its signature feature is a step-in height of just 2.5 inches, making it the easiest and safest tub to enter and exit.
| | |
| Step-in height | 3 inches | 2.5 inches |
| Fast drain | Yes | No |
| Quick filling | Yes | No |
| Grab bars included | Yes | Yes |
| Number of hydro jets | 10 | Not specified |
| Number of air jets | 17 | Not specified |
| Chromotherapy offered | Yes | No |
| Heated seats option | No | No |
| Heated backrest option | Yes | Yes |
| Remote control option | No | No |
| Showerhead options | Yes | Yes |
| 3 inches | Yes | Yes | Yes | 10 | 17 | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| 2.5 inches | No | No | Yes | Not specified | Not specified | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Kohler vs. Spirit installation services
With Kohler, the installation is always handled by a local authorized dealer, ensuring the work is done by a professional trained on its specific product.
Spirit Walk-In Tubs also provides a complete installation service. Its own team of employees handles the entire project for you, from removing the old tub to all the plumbing and electrical work.
| | |
| 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 |
Kohler vs. Spirit reviews
| | |
| Overall star rating | 4.7 | 5.0 |
| Verified customer reviews | Read reviews | Read reviews |
| 4.7 | Read reviews |
| 5.0 | Read reviews |
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.
“The salesperson came to our house and told us about the products. He was friendly, very informative, and helpful. Then the installation team was very efficient. They were in and out in less than a day. We liked them both, they worked very well. The whole process was good. ... It's a high-quality product.”
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.
“Spirit Walk-in Tubs is just fine. Their sales representatives were courteous and friendly. My favorite feature is that it's easy to get in and out. I would recommend Spirit to a friend who was interested in purchasing a walk-in tub.”
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.
