Kohler Walk-in Bathtub Review and Costs
Kohler offers high-quality walk-in tubs with customizable features, low step-in heights, and an industry-leading warranty.
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800-720-2024
SeniorLiving.org is supported by commissions from providers listed on our site. Read our Editorial Guidelines
800-720-2024
If you enjoy the comforts of living at home but worry about a slip or trip in the bathroom, you may be on the hunt for a walk-in tub. Kohler offers premium walk-in baths with all the standard safety features, including a low step in, water-tight door, and handrails. The tubs have plenty of luxury features, too, including hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, and a heated backrest. Kohler doesn’t, however, offer an accessible tub for wheelchair users.
Our team spent over 50 hours researching Kohler’s offerings and evaluating their walk-in tubs for price, value, features, and ease of use. Continue reading to learn more about our findings regarding Kohler’s walk-in bath.
Pros About Kohler Walk-in Tubs
- One of the lowest step-in heights of walk-in tubs on the market
- Fits in the footprint of your current tub
- Fast-drain technology
- Comes with an adjustable hand showerhead for easier bathing
- Several styles available
- Equipped with hydrotherapy and aerotherapy jets
- Industry-leading warranty
Cons About Kohler Walk-in Tubs
- Only one model available
- No wheelchair-accessible or bariatric options
- Not available in all areas
More About Kohler
Before we dive into details about their walk-in tubs, let’s learn a bit more about Kohler! Kohler’s founder, John Michael Kohler, created the first bathtub more than 140 years ago in Wisconsin. Since then, Kohler has continued to lead the plumbing technology industry, engineering and manufacturing various bathroom and kitchen essentials right here in the U.S.[1]
Kohler prides itself on creating functional designs that match your personal style, a philosophy that carries over into their accessible baths. The company also sticks with you every step of the way. You won’t find their walk-in baths in any home-improvement stores. Instead, Kohler uses a network of local authorized Kohler dealers and specialists to sell and install their walk-in tubs.
Kohler’s walk-in tubs are great for older adults who:
- Want a safe, comfortable way to bathe independently
- Need an extra-wide seat or door
- Care about the tub’s appearance
- Would benefit from hydrotherapy and aerotherapy
- Have a flexible budget
Types of Kohler Walk-in Tubs
Kohler currently offers one standard model, which can be customized based on the features and accessories you’re looking for. This model is a soaker-style walk-in bath with a seat, therapeutic jets, and a handheld showerhead. Not every Kohler walk-in tub looks the same though. You get to choose the tub color, the fixture finish, and an optional bath wall. You can also choose from three showerhead styles and two showerhead lengths. We love that you can coordinate it with your bathroom décor. Plus, Kohler customizes the size of the tub to fit your bathroom perfectly, which means few — or no — renovations are needed!
Quick Tip: When looking at Kohler’s products, we realized they don’t offer a wheelchair-accessible walk-in tub. If you use a wheelchair or a mobility aid, a brand like Ella’s Bubbles, MediTub, or Safe Step may be a better match for you.
Based on the Kohler tubs we’ve seen and tried in person, the standard model is best for people who don’t want any extra bells or whistles. It comes with all the essential features, such as a low 3-inch step-in and no-slip handrails. If you’re looking to add some luxury features, a Kohler tub with extra accessories or customizations will be best for you.
One aspect of Kohler walk-in tubs to note is that they don’t have ozone cleaning systems that keep tubs working smoothly, like tubs from Safe Step, Ella’s Bubbles, and American Standard do.
Kohler's walk-in tub
Features of Kohler Walk-in Bathtubs: An Overview
| Safety features | Comfort features | Design features |
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Safety Features
Kohler designed their tubs for ultimate comfort and ease of use, and it shows. In addition to an extra-wide door for safer entry and exiting, you can access everything once you’re in the tub without moving from a seated position. Plus, all surfaces in the tub are nonslip. Clean your head, neck, and shoulders without having to stand up — just grab the multifunctional handheld showerhead. When you need to get up, an angled nonslip handrail keeps you steady.
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What really impressed us is the ultra-low step-in for Kohler walk-in tubs. At just 3 inches, it’s one of the lowest step-in heights on the market. Boca walk-in tubs have a step-in height of 2 inches, however, and they also offer a safety feature Kohler walk-ins lack: Warm & Safe displays the water temperature and sounds an alarm when it reaches 100 degrees. A Boca tub with that option would be a good choice for people who experience numbness in their legs or feet while seated and may not realize the bath water has gotten too hot.
Kohler's 3-inch tub entry
Comfort Features for a Spa-Like Experience
We all need to relax and unwind sometimes. If you suffer from aches and pains — or you just enjoy the spa — you’ll love Kohler’s comfort features. The 10 hydrotherapy jets massage your back, legs, and feet to soothe sore muscles and achy joints. (Wouldn’t that feel great after a round of golf or time in the garden?) Plus, you can move each jet individually to target sore areas. Kohler’s Heated BubbleMassage air jets surround your body with invigorating bubbles too.
Kohler also has quick-draining technology. On average, the tub fills and drains in just a few minutes. Kohler warns that filling and draining times can vary based on your home plumbing system, but you can still expect it to drain faster than some walk-in tubs. Ella’s Bubbles claims its walk-in tubs drain in just a couple minutes.
Brand comparison note: If you’re looking for a lot of walk-in tub design options from another venerable company, check out American Standard, which offers extra-deep walk-in tubs, walk-in whirlpool baths, tubs with 26 air jets, and features such as chromatherapy (light therapy), which allows you to change LED color lights in your tub. Boca walk-in tubs also offer those optional features.
Design Features for Customization
It’s easier to enjoy — and resell — your home when it looks nice. Kohler goes above and beyond to ensure their walk-in tubs fit into any style of home. We appreciate the emphasis they put on design, because accessible products often don’t take aesthetics into account. With Kohler, customers choose from two tub colors, two faucet finishes, three showerhead styles, and several bath wall options.
From the Pros: To increase peace of mind when aging in place, review our list of the best medical alert systems in 2024.
The Kohler installers can also install a LuxStone Bath Wall. It’s optional and will add to the overall cost of your tub unless you catch one of the brand’s many special offers. If your budget is flexible, though, we recommend checking out the various finishes and color options.
Kohler – Customize your tub with a bath wall
How Much Does a Kohler Walk-in Tub Cost?
The cost of installing a Kohler tub in your home varies significantly depending on the tub size, the design features you choose, and your bathroom’s setup. Kohler doesn’t advertise prices online, because they vary significantly based on your home’s layout, plumbing, and electrical outputs. What we can tell you is that a Kohler tub will cost you a lot less than a hospital stay after a fall in the bathroom, which costs older Americans millions in out-of-pocket payments each year [2]. Speak with your Kohler representative for a custom price estimate based on your needs and home.
FYI: Kohler offers seasonal promotions, such as 50 percent off professional installation or $1,000 off and financing with no interest for 12 months, so keep your eyes peeled while you shop!
To learn more about pricing, you can also request a free appointment to have an in-home consultation with a Kohler specialist. During the consultation, the specialist reviews a 35-point checklist. They check out everything — bathroom plumbing, your electrical system, the size of the tub area, your existing tub, and so on. By the end, you will know the cost of the bathtub, installation, and bath walls (if you want them) down to the cent. Kohler offers a wide range of pricing, from $2,000 for a standard tub with no installation to more than $25,000 for a premium tub with additional features and installation.2
It’s hard to compare the price of Kohler’s walk-in tub to other models, because many brands don’t advertise pricing. We know Kohler’s pricing model keeps things simple though. The price you pay covers the cost of the tub, installation, and any extra design features. With some cheaper brands, such as AmeriGlide or Endurance, you need to pay for installation on your own, which can be pricey.
Universal tubs are another affordable brand sold at Home Depot, but you have to find installers on your own. The manual for Universal walk-in tubs also states that any product defects must be reported within five days of receiving the tub. Unless you’re confident you have a licensed tub installer ready to go, it may be less of a headache choosing a walk-in tub company that takes care of installation for you.
Kohler’s Price Promise
Kohler’s walk-in bath Price Promise guarantees you’ll receive an exact quote, including installation, before placing your order. Plus, the price is good for one year! We really like this guarantee because it means you won’t be pressured into buying immediately or losing the rate. That gives you time to shop around if you want.
Useful Resource: Older adults are at higher risk for falls. Read how to protect yourself in our guide to preventing falls.
Financing Options for Your Kohler Walk-in Bath
Great news for seniors on a fixed income! Kohler offers several affordable financing options. During your in-home consultation, the dealer will tell you about financing options through GreenSky. Applying is fast and easy. Financing plans vary, but contracts with some dealers allow you to put off making payments for 18 months. Just read the terms carefully, so you don’t face any fee or interest rate surprises down the road.
Money-Saving Tip: Trying to make a Kohler tub work for your budget? Check out our tips for making a budget on a fixed income.
Do Kohler Walk-in Tubs Come With a Warranty?
Kohler backs every walk-in tub purchase with a lifetime limited warranty. The warranty covers manufacturing defects on all components for as long as you own your home. Run into trouble? The repair and replacement of any manufacturing defect are free. What sets this warranty apart from others is that it includes the pumps, jets, bath door seal, hand shower, and motors. (Safe Step offers similar parts coverage in their warranty.) Other warranties, like the one offered by American Standard, cover only certain aspects of the tub for five to 10 years.
Compare Kohler to Other Providers
Installation for Your Kohler Walk-in Tub
Kohler walk-in baths aren’t available in retail stores. Instead, you’ll need to work directly with Kohler to get in touch with a local authorized dealer for installation. When you buy a Kohler walk-in tub, you’re also paying for installation, which takes as little as one day, depending on your bathroom and plumbing. Kohler designs its tubs to fit into the same footprint as your current tub, so you don’t need to worry about extensive renovations. With Kohler, you won’t need to find someone to remove your existing tub before installation. Kohler’s expert installers will remove it for you! It’s all included in the cost estimate.
Online Customer Reviews
Online reviews for Kohler walk-in tubs are positive overall — even enthusiastic! Customers have good things to say about the company’s salespeople and installers. One such reviewer wrote that as an engineer, it was “unbelievable” how expertly and efficiently the installers inserted his tub into the space. Others have commented that the installers did an excellent job cleaning up after installing the tub and praised the installers for their dedication to quality service and going above and beyond to complete their work as scheduled.
FYI: Our experts reviewed and ranked many of the top walk-in tubs on the market in our guide to the best walk-in tubs for seniors.
Positive reviews outnumber negative ones by a wide margin, but some reviewers reported problems with the tub doors, such as that they didn’t close properly after the installation. Another reviewer reported that she was running out of hot water before the tub filled. Others wrote they were sent tubs with incorrect specifications, such as a door that opens to the right instead of to the left, which delayed installation. Another reviewer wrote that after receiving their tub, they were unable to get an installation appointment for months.
Reviewers have reported problems with incorrect measurements being made that created issues with electrical systems or plumbing, but they said Kohler installers were diligent in rectifying the problems at no additional cost to the customer when possible.
Our Methodology: How We Evaluate Kohler Walk-in Tubs
Walk-in tubs are a big investment, so we strive to make sure older adults who would benefit from a walk-in tub or shower understand their options before making a purchase. Our team of experts thoroughly researched Kohler’s walk-in tubs so seniors can be confident they’re choosing the right one for them.
Here’s more about the factors considered in our review process.
- Design: Our investigation includes consideration of aesthetics, comfort, and ease of use. We look for durability, such as tub doors that close easily and keep out water. We test whether detachable showerheads are easy to use and that seats and headrests are safe and comfortable. We look for features that make using walk-in tubs and showers more pleasant and even luxurious, such as therapeutic jets and aromatherapy and aerotherapy features.
- Costs: Walk-in tubs and showers cost thousands — possibly tens of thousands — of dollars, so we’re careful to provide pricing estimates as accurately as we can. Some walk-in tub companies include installation in their price quotes, but you’re on your own with others when it comes to getting the tub put in. We also note seasonal discounts, military veteran discounts, and financing options older adults can take advantage of.
- Safety features: Low step-in height, antislip surfaces, sturdy grab handles, and antiscald technology are some of the features we look for when gauging products’ overall value.
- Customization options: We strive to provide an accurate picture of a range of walk-in baths to suit everyone’s budget and needs. For some people, having choices for elements and features may be essential. For people who just want a simple, affordable, and safe bath with few frills, however, too many choices can be a headache. We review products that will appeal to people who need to keep costs low, as well as seniors who may want to splurge on a walk-in tub or shower with customization options and luxury add-ons.
- Industry awards and recognition: We read up on the length of time each company we review has been in business and take note of any awards companies have earned for customer service, design, or safety features.
- Installation: We research whether companies leave your bathroom in a clean condition in addition to providing quality installation. We read as many online customer reviews as possible to give an accurate picture of the process.
- Warranty: We consider each company’s warranty limits when assessing overall value, since long-term equipment warranties are important when purchasing expensive items.
Final Thoughts on Kohler Walk-in Tubs
Kohler engineers, sells, and installs walk-in tubs that give seniors a safe, blissful space to bathe and relax. Kohler’s innovations, including heated seatbacks, low step-in, and beautiful designs, are some of the reasons they made our experts’ list of the best walk-in tubs. Our only hesitation is for seniors who use a wheelchair or other mobility aid. Kohler’s tubs don’t offer wheelchair-accessible features, such as an outward swinging door or a chair-height seat for lateral transfers. Other than that, if you want and can afford a luxury walk-in tub, you really can’t go wrong with Kohler.
Kohler Walk-in Tub Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Medicare cover Kohler walk-in tubs?
Under normal circumstances, Medicare does not cover walk-in tubs because they are not considered durable medical equipment. In extreme cases, such as when you need a walk-in tub because of a spinal cord injury, some Medicare plans will reimburse you.
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How much water does a Kohler walk-in bath hold?
Kohler walk-in tubs vary in size, depending on the size of your bathroom, but all Kohler walk-in tubs offer a deep 31.5-inch bathing depth.
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Where are Kohler walk-in tubs made?
All Kohler walk-in tubs are designed and assembled in the U.S.
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Will a Kohler walk-in bath fit in my home?
Kohler designed its walk-in tubs to fit in the same footprint as a traditional bathtub. If you have a traditional bathtub or that amount of space in your bathroom, you should be able to fit a Kohler walk-in bath in your home.
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How do I clean my Kohler walk-in bath?
Cleaning your Kohler walk-in bath is similar to cleaning a traditional bathtub. You’ll need a soft cloth, a nonabrasive multipurpose cleaner, and a faucet-cleaning fluid. Just spray on the cleaners and wipe, and you’re all set.
Kohler. (2022). KOHLER: Excellence in bathing since 1873.
Kohler. (2022). Price Guide: How Much Do Walk-In Tubs Cost?