A walk-in tub is a significant purchase, so it pays to make sure you choose the right one for you. Safe Step and Kohler have fairly similar walk-in tub offerings, and both companies let you customize your walk-in tub with a range of features. Keep reading to see how they match up.
- Safe Step is the best choice for customers who are interested in one of its temporary deals or don’t need as many design options.
- Kohler is the best choice for customers who want more design options and can stretch their budgets for additional features.
Safe Step vs. Kohler cost and installation
Both Safe Step and Kohler 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 main difference in their service models is that Safe Step uses its own national team of installers, while Kohler works through a network of local, authorized dealers who handle the installation.
 |  | |
| Basic tub starting price | $2,500 | $2,000 |
| Financing offered | Available through third-party lenders | Partners with GreenSky to offer financing at participating dealers |
| Discounts offered | Yes | Yes |
| In-home quotes required | Yes | Yes |
| Labor warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Parts warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Tub warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| $2,500 | Available through third-party lenders | Yes | Yes | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| $2,000 | Partners with GreenSky to offer financing at participating dealers | Yes | Yes | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Safe Step vs. Kohler types of walk-in tubs
Both companies focus on a limited number of high-quality, customizable tub platforms. Safe Step offers a standard tub and a hybrid tub/shower.
Kohler offers a walk-in bath that can be personalized with different colors, faucet finishes and stylish wall surrounds. Neither company offers a wide variety of specialized models for things like bariatric or two-person use.
| | |
| Soaker tub | Yes | Yes |
| Wheelchair-accessible tub | Yes | Yes |
| Bariatric tub | True | True |
| Tub/shower combo | Yes | Yes |
| Two-seat tub | No | No |
| Yes | Yes | True | Yes | No |
| Yes | Yes | True | Yes | No |
Safe Step vs. Kohler features
Safe Step offers comfort features like its MicroSoothe Air Therapy and a heated seat and backrest.
Kohler tubs have a heated backrest to keep you warm and a combination of powerful whirlpool jets and gentle air bubble jets. Kohler also a lower 3-inch step-in height, compared to Safe Step's 4-inch threshold.
| | |
| Step-in height | 4 inches | 3 inches |
| Fast drain | Yes | Yes |
| Quick filling | Yes | Yes |
| Grab bars included | Yes | Yes |
| Number of hydro jets | 10 | 10 |
| Number of air jets | 16 | 17 |
| Chromotherapy offered | Yes | Yes |
| Heated seats option | Yes | No |
| Heated backrest option | Yes | Yes |
| Remote control option | Yes | No |
| Showerhead options | Yes | Yes |
| 4 inches | Yes | Yes | Yes | 10 | 16 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3 inches | Yes | Yes | Yes | 10 | 17 | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Safe Step vs. Kohler installation services
With both companies, a professional installation is a key part of the service. Safe Step's certified technicians handle the entire project for you, from removing the old tub to all the plumbing and electrical work.
Kohler's installations are managed by its network of local, certified dealers who are trained specifically on how to install Kohler products.
| | |
| 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 |
Safe Step vs. Kohler reviews
| | |
| Overall star rating | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Verified customer reviews | Read reviews | Read reviews |
| 4.8 | Read reviews |
| 4.8 | Read reviews |
What Safe Step customers say
Safe Step customers who have left reviews on our site like that the company offers haul-away services as part of the installation. Additionally, reviewers praise Safe Step's customer service and easy process for purchase and installation. Customers also think Safe Step has good prices compared to other walk-in tub companies.
“Their reps are very commendable. The installers were friendly and they came when they said they would and brought stuff when they said they were going to bring stuff.”
– Jack of Stratford, CT
What Kohler customers say
Kohler customers who have left reviews on our site say they appreciate the quick installation process that can be completed in a single day. Additionally, customers praise Kohler’s walk-in tubs for both their comfort and high quality.
“Getting a walk-in bath was a necessity. Working with the sales representative at Kohler was a very good experience. I like my Kohler. I like that it has a seat and it drains really easily. It does not take a long time to fill, too. I would recommend Kohler.”
– Agnes of LA
Bottom line: Safe Step or Kohler?
Safe Step and Kohler are both good choices for a walk-in tub. They can both help you craft a customized walk-in tub with features to fit your needs and wants. However, they do appeal to slightly different types of people — Kohler has a wide variety of design options, while Safe Step might appeal more to those who care more about cost.
Remember that walk-in tub costs vary based on many factors, including the size of your bathroom, the size of the tub and the features you choose. Many companies work with you to help you find the best way to pay for your walk-in tub.
