Steel baths: varieties, brands, choice, care

Popular materials for the manufacture of bathtubs are cast iron, acrylic and steel. Steel tanks for bathing are in great demand among consumers. They differ in affordable cost, ease and durability. The assortment of products is also huge - models of any configuration with various dimensions are on sale.

Steel baths began to be manufactured from Soviet times, more than half a century ago. Then the production process was not automated. With the development of technology, new equipment has appeared that allows you to minimize the use of human work.

Bathtubs are made of 2 types of steel - stainless and structural. Stainless steel products are very expensive and picky in care, which is why they are rarely bought. Fonts made of stainless steel look non-standard, they are not suitable for every interior.

The manufacture of plumbing containers made of structural steel has been put on stream due to their lightweight manufacturing technology and low cost. The process of producing bowls from structural material consists of several stages.

• Metal quality control. Steel goes to production in rolls. The thickness of the sheets varies from 1.5 to 3.5 mm. The metal is inspected for damage and various defects. High-quality billets are delivered through the line to the pressing equipment.
• Stamping. Using special devices, under the influence of high pressure, a bulk “body” of the future bath is formed from metal blanks.
• Pruning. The next step removes all excess metal, and the sharp edges of the product are bent.
• Further in the bowl are done water drain holes brackets for installation are installed.

The last stage of production is coating. Acrylic liners are installed in the steel bath or the bowl is covered with enamel. Enamel is the most popular coating. In this case, the bowl can be completely immersed in the solution or doused with it. Often, equipment is used on production lines, due to which enamel is sprayed or electrostatically applied. After coating, the products dry and are sent to the firing zone. When exposed to high temperatures, the surface of the bathtubs becomes perfectly smooth and shiny.

Steel bathtubs are lightweight, aesthetically pleasing, durable and reliable. They combine the numerous advantages of cast-iron and acrylic bathing tanks. Consider their advantages in more detail, as well as compare with models made of cast iron and acrylic.

• Price. For many buyers, this factor is crucial. Steel baths are cheaper than cast iron or acrylic. However, low cost does not mean poor quality. It's all about less costly production technology. With a limited budget, a steel bath would be the best solution.
• Light weight. Steel bowls are heavier than acrylic, but much lighter than cast iron. Due to the lightness, standard bathtubs are convenient to transport and install.
• Extensive selection of configurations and sizes. Due to the plasticity and low weight of steel, plumbing products of various shapes, including asymmetric ones, are created from this material. According to the assortment of forms, steel products catch up with acrylic and surpass cast iron. From cast iron it is possible to make only plumbing containers of standard sizes.
• High strength (applies to thick-walled models). Steel and enamel coating are reliable. They are able to withstand severe mechanical loads and not be deformed. Cast-iron bowls also have such an advantage, but acrylic analogues are a little “weaker”.
• Durability. Subject to the recommendations for the care and operation of steel baths, they can last, while maintaining their presentability, at least 20-30 years. Cast-iron containers are also durable, and acrylic products cannot boast such an advantage.
• Steel bathing bowls are characterized by high thermal conductivity. This feature determines the rapid heating of the tank. On the other hand, the higher the coefficient of thermal conductivity, the faster the liquid in the bath will cool. Cast iron and acrylic are considered warmer materials.
• Not susceptible to cracking and chipping with proper care.
• Durability to sharp temperature jumps.
• Easy installation of steel products. Compared to cast-iron bathtubs, they are installed longer and more difficult due to their weight.

There are also advantages characteristic of plumbing products from both acrylic and cast iron, and from steel. For example, all of them are picky in care and hygienic. Cracks do not form on their surface, in which a favorable environment is created for the development and active reproduction of harmful microorganisms.

Steel baths have some disadvantages. The most important thing is a high level of noise during water intake. However, this problem can be solved using special pads.

Another drawback - quick rusting of the font when the enamel layer is damaged. Break the integrity of the shell when using abrasive powders and hard metal sponges. To avoid problems, it is worth using the products recommended for cleaning the bath.In addition, the susceptibility of thin-walled models to deformations is a significant minus. Such products are made of steel sheets with a thickness of less than 3 mm. Fonts with thin walls often disrupt the form from everyday stress.

Steel baths should not be underestimated. They have significant advantages and not the most “terrible” disadvantages. You can safely purchase a font made of steel if the consumer is limited in finances and for him the easy installation of the product, its aesthetics and reliability are important.

There are several varieties of steel bathtubs. They are classified according to the finish.

• Plumbing products with acrylic coating. The frame of such products is made of steel, and acrylic liners act exactly as the outer shell, exactly repeating the contours of the bath. Depending on the model, the thickness of the liner can be from 2 to 6 mm. The better the product, the thicker the values ​​of the acrylic layer. The advantages of these types of baths include their environmental cleanliness, external flawlessness and surface gloss, which is not lost during the intensive use of plumbing. Disadvantages - fragility of the acrylic layer, the risk of damage to acrylic when using chemically aggressive agents and hard sponges.

• Polymer coated. Such a shell is characterized by low thermal conductivity, so that the water in the bathroom will not cool for a long time. The material is also characterized by fine porosity, due to which the coating retains its gloss for a long time. The polymer layer practically does not make noise when collecting water. However, it also has drawbacks. For example, such a surface is sensitive to the cleaning agents used. When using abrasive products, it can be scratched.

• Glass-ceramic coated. Such a surface appeared on the baths relatively recently. The process of applying glass ceramics includes a two-time treatment of the bath with the composition and firing of the product. The result is a smooth and glossy surface that is resistant to various mechanical influences. The disadvantages of steel baths with a glass-ceramic coating include their high price (especially for models with non-standard shapes).

Plumbing products belong to a separate category of bathtubs. with anti-slip coating. In this case, the bottom of the tank is treated with a specialized composition that causes a chemical reaction. As a result of the ongoing processes, hundreds of thousands of micropores are formed that prevent slipping. The pores are not visible and not noticeable when taking hygiene procedures.

Steel bathtubs are produced in any size and configuration, so that the buyer should not have difficulty choosing the optimal model. Choosing the shape and size of the product, it is important to consider not only the dimensions of the room, but also the composition of all family members - Each household should be comfortable when taking a bath.

Domestic and foreign manufacturers offer bathtubs of both standard forms and configurations, as well as non-traditional. The first include rectangular and oval products. They are suitable for all rooms, regardless of their size. The bathtubs in the shape of a rectangle or oval can fit into any interior of the bathroom - from classic to modern. They are distinguished by convenience, compactness and conciseness. However, they are not suitable for those who are looking for custom models.

Corner solutions Most often, owners of spacious bathrooms choose. They are intended for installation in the right or left corner of the room. They can be either symmetric or asymmetric. Corner fonts look interesting, such decisions can become the main "highlight" of the bathroom. It is worth noting that angle-shaped bowls are harder to care for (due to the increased width in the corner region) than for traditional oval or rectangular models.

Round bathtubs are luxurious and elegant. Basically, they are chosen by the owners of spacious rooms in luxury apartments or country houses. For the arrangement of small rooms, it is better to refuse such decisions. Rounded fonts are most often installed not along the wall, but in the middle of the bathroom. In this case, to lay communications unnoticed, the master will need accuracy and certain skills. The dimensions of the round bathtubs are diverse.

Available also hexagonal patterns. They look unconventional and chic. Depending on the characteristics of the room and the personal preferences of the owners, hexagonal modifications can be installed in the corner of the room or take center stage.

The dimensions of the steel baths vary in a wide range. There are both capacious options that look like miniature pools and compact models. Among the huge variety in greatest demand lying products. They are designed for swimming while lying down. Such structures can have different lengths, and their sides have a tilt angle of 40-50 degrees.

Bathtubs for bathing lying can be large and medium-sized. The most common capacious models have dimensions of 180x70 cm and 180x80 cm. And also there are more overall options. They are designed exclusively for spacious rooms.

Considered very popular medium-sized “lying” bathtubs. They are represented by models with sizes 160x70 cm, 165x70 cm, 170x75 cm and 170x70 cm. They are ideal for typical multi-unit housing. Small steel bathtubs are also on sale. They can be as recumbent and sedentary. Products belonging to this group have dimensions 100x70 cm, 120x70, 130x70 cm, 140x70 cm and 150x70 cm.

The rarest types of steel baths are considered products for swimming standing. Basically, they are preferred by people who, for whatever reason, cannot take a bath while sitting or reclining. Visually, such products resemble a vertical pool. They are equipped with a sealed door, due to their compactness they take up little space. The standard height of such bathtubs is 160 cm, the square section indicators are from 80 × 80 to 120 × 120 cm.

The mass of the bath depends on many factors. First of all, they include the thickness of the steel walls, the shape of the product and its dimensions. Standard rectangular and oval bathtubs with 3 mm walls with dimensions of 120 × 70 cm weigh approximately 20-30 kg, 130 × 70 - 30-35 kg, 140 × 70 - 34-39 kg, 160 × 70 - 42-46, 170 × 70 - 46-50 kg. It is worth considering that the thinner the walls, the lower the weight of the font.

The weight of a bathing tank is an important indicator. The stability of the bowl and the level of vibration will depend on it in the first place. For example, the less the bath weighs, the louder the noise will be when the water is turned on (this is due to the vibration of thin walls).

When buying a bath, its weight should be taken into account, since it exerts significant pressure on the floor. Heavy products are not recommended for installation in old buildings with worn wood floors.

Among buyers, bathtubs of foreign brands are in special demand. Products from popular manufacturers are of high quality, stylish and concise design, durability. We give a rating of the best manufacturers of steel bathtubs.

• Bette (Germany). This German company specializes in the production of sanitary ware from glazed titanium steel. Under this brand, bathtubs of various configurations, colors and sizes are available. The manufacturer’s catalog contains over 70 models of steel bathtubs. All products are covered by a 30-year warranty.

• Roca (Spain). The company began operations in 1917. This manufacturer focuses on the quality of manufactured goods, and not on their number. Steel bathtubs under the Spanish brand are available in limited quantities, but all of them are characterized by maximum convenience, style and high wear resistance.

• Kaldewei. This is another German brand known to the domestic consumer. The company produces steel baths of medium and large dimensions. Some models have a special dirt-repellent coating, which facilitates the maintenance of plumbing.

• Laufen. Swiss brand. The company offers exclusive steel bathtubs with noise insulation. The range of products is huge - on sale there are built-in and freestanding fonts with legs, single and double solutions.

• Blb (Portugal). The main advantage of the steel bathtubs of this brand is its affordable price. The company offers the consumer fonts of traditional shapes (oval and rectangular) in white colors. The manufactured products are distinguished by restraint in execution, an extensive selection of font roominess.

• Jika. Under this Czech brand, anatomically shaped steel baths are produced, which are resistant to temperature shocks, high strength, resistant to abrasion and various mechanical damage.

There are also several Russian companies that produce steel baths with the best ratio of quality and price. These include firms Donna Bath and Reimar.

With a complete overhaul in the bathroom, you cannot do without replacing the font. Buying such a sanitary product is financially expensive. If you approach the issue of purchasing a bath lightly, there are great risks of acquiring a poor-quality unit, which will soon require replacement. It is more profitable to invest once in a reliable bathing bowl than to spend money later on repairing poor-quality containers or buying a new bathtub.

For the acquisition to be successful, you need to pay attention to a number of important parameters.

• Steel thickness. Both thin-walled models (from 1.5 to 3 mm) and thick-walled (more than 3 mm) are available for sale. Do not skimp and purchase thin products. They are less durable and unreliable. The bottom of such fonts can bend during operation, which will cause a lot of inconvenience. Thin-walled products are able to quickly lose shape due to deformation.
• Damage. Before buying, you need to carefully inspect the steel bath both inside and out. It should not have cracks, bumps or other external defects.
• Security. If the family has children, people with disabilities or elderly people, special attention should be paid to safety issues. To reduce the risk of injury, it is best to buy a product with a non-slip bottom and with handles mounted on each side.
• Dimensions. The dimensions of the bathroom are selected taking into account the area of ​​the room and personal preferences of households. For small rooms, miniature traditional or corner solutions are suitable. If space is limited, it makes no sense to acquire massive fonts - in this case they will look ridiculous.
• Design. The bath should fit harmoniously into the space and successfully combine with existing furniture, plumbing and other items. A variety of shapes and colors allows you to choose the best solution for any type of room.
• Additional functions. The bath can be equipped with hydromassage systems, LED backlighting and have a number of other options. Whether they are needed is up to everyone to decide. However, it is worth considering that for such additional comfort you will have to pay a considerable amount.

Before buying a bath, you need to make sure that the existing plumbing equipment (water and sewer pipes) is compatible with the parameters of the purchased font. The necessary additional parts are recommended to be taken with the bath.It is desirable that they be of the same manufacturer.

The quality, frequency and proper care of the bathroom directly determines how long it will maintain its external flawlessness. Each type of font has special requirements for cleaning it from pollution, and acrylic ones are no exception. In order not to spend a lot of time and effort cleaning the bathing bowl, it should be washed immediately after hygiene procedures.

The first thing to do is pick up a sponge. It should be soft, in no case iron. Too hard sponges can scratch thin enamel, which will cause the steel bowl to rust and soon become unusable. To maintain the cleanliness of the container, it must be abundantly moistened, soap the sponge with soap and rub the surface of the font. After that, the soapy composition is washed off with clean water.

To care for the enamel bath, you can use specialized products.

• Cif. This tool is sold in the form of a cream or spray. Both compounds are perfect for caring for the bathroom. They do not contain abrasives, chemically aggressive alkalis or acids, but at the same time they perfectly cope with fat and stubborn dirt.

• "Acrylic". This product is designed for washing acrylic products. However, it is ideally suited for the care of enameled surfaces. "Acrylan" in the form of a spray when sprayed forms a thick foam. It effectively cleans stubborn dirt and at the same time creates a protective membrane on the surface that repels grease.

• Silit. This product is designed to remove rust. It contains the active substance - hydrochloric acid, due to which the composition is recommended to be used no more than 1-2 times a month. Otherwise, the enamel may fade over time.

• Forh. This is an environmentally friendly product that has a natural base. It does not cope well with stubborn dirt and old plaque, but is ideal for daily care of enameled surfaces of plumbing equipment.

Steel baths are actively bought by people when replacing old plumbing with a new one. However, many consumers leave feedback on such products. Customer feedback is highly controversial. As a rule, people enthusiastically respond to the thick-walled bathtubs of German, Italian and Portuguese production. They note the following advantages:

• attractive appearance, not lost during intensive use;
• convenience and comfort during hygiene procedures;
• sustainability;
• ability to withstand severe loads and not deform.

However, there are opposing reviews. Basically, they are left by buyers who decide to save. In pursuit of cheapness, they acquired thin-walled steel bathtubs. Judging by the comments, such products are unstable. Some users complain that they feel the bottom bending under their weight. This causes some inconvenience when taking a bath.

Owners of cheap plumbing products note that the gloss from the surface of the fonts gradually disappears, they fade. The main drawback is that all consumers attribute the noise of the bathtubs. They make loud noises when collecting water, as well as when objects accidentally fall into an empty bowl.

In general, those who did not spare the money and preferred durable and reliable models with thick walls recommend purchasing steel bathtubs.. Such solutions have good performance and visual appeal. They will last a long time and will not cause discomfort when swimming.

See video for tips on how to use a steel bathtub.