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cast iron bathtubs

10 years ago

I am deciding between cast iron and acrylic for a new bathtub. I am looking at kohler at it seems the pricing between he two is close. I know there are many discussions on this but I want to see what people thinkg. I have read that cast iron tubs get the water cold really fast. This sounds like a horrible thing when the object is to take a bath. Yet other people say they are the best tubs/ Please tell me if in fact they get the water too cold too fast and an acrylic is better, and also why some ppl really like cast iron? ( enameled cast iro)

Comments (8)

cat_mom
10 years ago
Love our cast iron tubs (Toto). It is my understanding that cast iron might start out colder, but is better at heat retention.
enduring
10 years ago
Cast iron will out live you! And the finish is beautiful.
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KateB22
Original Author
10 years ago
I get that they look better than acrylic. But in terms of the bat experience- those of you who have cast iron- please verify the truth about the water getting cold or not very quickly in them?
KateB22
Original Author
10 years ago
I get that they look better than acrylic. But in terms of the bat experience- those of you who have cast iron- please verify the truth about the water getting cold or not very quickly in them?
cat_mom
10 years ago
I don't find it does, neither does DH.
writersblock (9b/10a)
10 years ago
Cast iron holds heat better than anything else does.
KateB22
Original Author
10 years ago
I hear from some ppl that cast iron holds heat better, but I hear from others that it takes so much heat to get the tub warm that the bath goes cold.
shanghaimom
10 years ago
I have both. I prefer the cast iron and wish I had used it in the bath where I used acrylic.

My cast iron looks nicer, feels nicer, and cleans more easily. The acrylic looks kind of dull/chalky /dirty very quickly and must be cleaned with soap scum remover to look shiny again. I'm worried that I'm ruining the finish. (It is 2 years old.)

The cast iron tub retains heat very well during a bath--there is no noticeable difference between the two for that.

I debated this same issue. I thought the acrylic was just fine until remodel #2, where I used the cast iron, and now I know that I like that better.

One factor in my decision was ease of moving--we had a tight hallway and corner to get around and the acrylic was MUCH easier to maneuver.

Both tubs are Kohlers.

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