We're very happy with our Kohler Archer 5' drop-in. It has a really nice-looking overflow drain, thin and horizontal, which goes nicely in our semi-modern bathroom (though it also has a somewhat traditional feel).

I had a thought about tub size for you. It sounds like you are concerned about water useage (water heater capacity?). But why get a wide, shallow tub that won't give you a nice soaking bath? We got the smallest size Kohler Archer and its 32" wide. if you have a little more to spend, check out the Duravit Starck tubs (the cheapest of the line, drop-in, at about $750?).... they are European sized and so a bit longer and narrower than US tubs. You get a nice deep soak without using as much water. Plus they are very cool looking!

Thanks again Stacey. I'll check out Duravit tubs.

Since we are putting in low-flow toilets and water/energy conserving appliances and fixtures, I thought it made sense to limit the waste water a tub would create. Our toddler takes a bath every day and it would be nice not to expend too many gallons for his 10 minute bath...

p.s. Our house is mid-1800s are we're trying not to stray too far from its roots.

Another vote for the Archer. I have a drop-in model, 32x60. I bought it because it allows fairly deep baths, but is easy to step into. Also, it takes less water to fill than most others. I tried stepping into some of the deep soakers, and it was difficult. I can't imagine bathing a child in one. The Archer has a very high, narrow overflow, as Stacey says. You don't have to fill it very much, though, for your child's baths.

Our house is a traditional 1931 Colonial. Although the tub is on the modern side, I didn't think it was out of place in a classic house.

You can get them for around $300.

My wife is not crazy about the Kohler Archer. We like the size, but she doesn't like the thin arm rests and is afraid the tub will "look cheap". I can't think of anywhere we could see it in person. Anyone have their own photos of this tub?

Any other recommendations we can investigate?

I'd rather buy the $300 Kohler than the $1,000 Ultra Bain (and I bet the materials used look fairly similar!).

I am in the process of remodeling a bathroom in my home and I have just replaced a hideous (mustard yellow) standard bath tub with a Hydro Systems The Lacey 66x32 (acrylic). The one I purchased is just a soaking tub with no jets and cost (including shipping) approximately $1800. I have not finished the bathroom, so the only use it has gotten is being filled for weight to help set the mortar base properly. Overall I love the look of The Lacey and the quality seems high to me. I had a plumber set the tub and he also remarked about the quality. I was deciding between it and the Kohler Archer due to size constraints, and chose the Lacey to meet time constraints (manufactured closer and could be delivered earlier). The only thing to note is that the slope of the tub is on the exterior (not made on the interior with a bottom that will be parallel to the floor) and requires additional mortar in the mortar bed.

Here is a link that might be useful: Hydro Systems The Lacey

I should clarify that Hydro Systems The Lacey offers a 60x30, 60x32, and 60x36. The depth of the installed tub deck is 20", though the interior depth is less than that.

Huh, I thought I posted a photo here... did it get lost? Anyway, vermonter, here's a pic installed:

We have the archer too. It's pretty deep for bathing a toddler, honestly...there would be a lot of bending over to get to your kiddo, which is hard on the back. My youngest is 4, so we used the new setup as an opportunity to switch the boys to showers...we put in a hand shower and shower doors to keep the flood controlled. I put the shower head at the bottom of the bar so they can escape the stream...they get themselves wet at one end, walk up to me so I can scrub, then go back down and rinse themselves off. Talk about saving water...so much less time and water than a daily bath.

I think the Archer is a pretty looking tub, but I am curious about the comfort level. I like to read in the tub, so I really want it to be comfortable, especially the arm rests. I have read that the Kohler Mariposa is very comfortable, although I prefer the looks of the Archer.

Do you Archer owners find it to be comfortable for prolonged soaks? I see that the Archer is 15" to overflow while the Mariposa is 14". Does that one inch really make that much difference?

Update: I went with the American Standard Cadet soaking tub at 32" x 60". I'll let you all know how it works out!

I have had nothing but problems with my Bain Ultra jet tub. My tub would turn on randomly throughout the night, so I would be in bed and hear air rushing from the tub in the middle of the night. Within a year of installation the lights on the keypad stopped functioning. Called their customer service department and they will not honor their warranty. Apparently their electronics and keypads are poorly constructed. The Bain employee I spoke to suggested I replace the tub altogether.