7 Best Alcove Bathtubs (2023)| Value, Jetted, Drop-In

We’re reader-supported. This means when you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

 

Alcove bathtubs fit snugly between three walls and usually have one finished side called “the apron.” Here are our top pics:

What Are the Best Alcove Bathtubs of the Year?

The best alcove bathtubs offer all sorts of awesome features like a slotted overflow drain for extra soaking depth, a textured bottom, a flange to protect your wall from water damage, and even whirlpool jets. Many come in multiple color shades with various metal finish options. Read on for all of our favorites:

 

The American Standard bathtub is a traditional style, high-quality alcove tub at a great price.

This tub is designed and created by American Standard, a bathtub company that has been manufacturing bathroom and kitchen products for over 140 years. 

American Standard designed the Cambridge bathtub with Americast, an engineered material that combines a high-quality porcelain surface with enamel-grade steel and a molded composite reinforcement backing With this material, you get the heat retention benefits of cast iron without paying the costs associated with buying an extremely heavy tub. 

The best feature about this bathtub is that it has excellent heat retention, ensuring a long and warm bath. If you’re looking for a comfortable, high-quality, and well-built bathtub, the American Standard Cambridge bathtub may be the right choice for you.

 

 

 

---

4. Best Shower-Tub Combo

 

This is one of the deepest alcove soaking tubs you’ll find. It comes in 6 colors. It’s designed to be deep, but easy to step into. It’s built with a slight slant on the side opposite the drain in order to match the natural line of the human body while soaking

One of the key elements of this bathtub is that it comes with an integral flange to prevent water from going behind the walls of the bathtub. This soaking tub makes it the perfect choice if you are looking for a bathtub that will be used as a shower-bathtub combination.

The bottom of this bathtub is a non-slip surface to prevent falls while getting into and out of the bathtub or standing up to shower.  

 

 

---

 

5. Best Whirlpool Bathtub

This contemporary bathtub is a whirlpool over’s dream. This bathtub is 59.49 inches long by 29.53 inches wide, allowing it to fit in a standard alcove space. It’s constructed from glossy white acrylic reinforced with fiberglass, making it scratch-resistant and easy to install and simple to clean. 

One of the best features of this bathtub is its ergonomic design, making you uber comfortable as you soak. The bathtub also comes with a removable ergonomic pillow and the 11 jets are adjustable for any direction to provide a targeted massage.

Empava also provides a 3-year warranty on this bathtub. You’ll love the hydrotherapy and chroma (color) therapy combination that this tub provides, turning your bathroom into a spa in your home.

 

---

 

6. Best Drop-In Alcove Bathtub

This standard-length alcove bathtub offers an extra deep soak and an ergonomic design for extra relaxation.

It’s made to be dropped into a custom-built platform, so that no sides of the tub are exposed, and the tub faucet is installed in the deck or on the wall.

This alcove drop-in bathtub is reversible so you can position the tub with the drain on the right or the left.

This tub comes with a 25-year limited warranty and the knowledge that Signature Hardware is one of the best brands in the business that offers excellent customer service. This alcove tub can be dropped into a platform. For more drop in bathtubs, see my best of the year round-up.

 

 

 

---

7. Most Customizable Alcove Tub

his tub wins our overall pick for best alcove bathtub because it’s truly got it all. 

The Hydro Systems Sydney 6632 can be customized right down to the very last detail. You can order this bathtub as a tub alone or with a whirlpool, thermal air or combo system. In addition, you have the choice of 16 different trim options, such as polished chrome, satin nickel or brushed brass.

The components of this tub are all manufactured in North America, and it comes with an integral flange and skirt. Another benefit is that it’s made of acrylic, a material that retains heat well and is mildew and mold resistant.

If you take your relaxation seriously, this may be the right alcove bathtub for you. While most alcove tubs provide 12-inch depth, you’ll be able to soak in 17-inches.

What to Know About Alcove Tub Drains

When you’re standing in your bathroom facing the tub, is the drain on the right, left or center?

You may wonder why you should even care. But if you’re replacing an existing tub, this is critical information. Why? You don’t want to have to move the plumbing wall to accommodate a different drain placement.

Moving the plumbing to a different wall can be an expensive change. Remember, even though you can’t see them, your water and drain pipes run behind the wall to your tub, so switching them to a different wall requires considerable labor.

 

How to Choose the Right Bathtub for You

Are you still wondering how to choose the right bathtub? Maybe you’re confused about bathtub materials and the variety of tub types on the market.

Fear not! I have put together a step-by-step guide to selecting the right tub for you. It will walk you through every consideration so that you get the product that will best suit your needs.

 

So Which Alcove Bathtub is Right for You?

The right alcove bathtub for you will have:

• Drain placement matching the tub you’re replacing
• Adequate soaking depth
• Comfortable design
• And any other bells and whistles you desire.

We’re confident that you can find the alcove tub that fits your priorities on the list above. Happy soaking!

 

Note: If you’re about to embark on a bathroom remodel, join my mailing list by filling out the form just below. I’ll send you a free PDF called the Save Big $$$ Cheat Sheet with designer hacks that can literally save you thousands of dollars.

Tags: best alcove bathtubs