Safe Step vs. Kohler
Safe Step offers a few straightforward tubs, while Kohler offers more customization options and an industry-leading 3-inch step-in height.
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Key Takeaways: Safe Step vs. Kohler
- Safe Step is best for those looking for a straightforward walk-in tub purchase with fewer customization options. It’s a good choice for those looking to save money, as Safe Step offers multiple discounts.
- Kohler is best for those who want a little more input on the design of their bath. Customers can choose from multiple customization options, including walls and fixtures, and the bath is an inch lower than Safe Step’s for easier entry and exit.
Buying a walk-in tub is a major investment, so it’s important to find the best option for both your needs and your budget. Both Safe Step and Kohler have excellent reputations for the quality of their walk-in tub. We’ll break down the must-know details about each brand from features to the installation process so you can choose the best walk-in tub for your home.
A Side-by-Side Comparison of Safe Step and Kohler
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|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Requires a consultation for quote | Requires a consultation for quote |
| Installation | 1-2 days | 1 day, though some take longer |
| Financing offered | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Limited lifetime |
| In-home consultation required | Yes | Yes |
| Website |
Types of Walk-In Tubs
Safe Step
Safe Step hybrid tub
Safe Step offers three walk-in tub sizes. The traditional walk-in tub features a 4-inch step-in height and a handheld shower wand. Many features come standard so you don’t have to spring for add-ons that increase the tub’s relaxation benefits, but also its price.
If you’re looking for a little more versatility, the Hybrid Tub might be a better choice. This tub combines the features of a shower and a tub. It has a handheld shower head and a mounted shower head. Or fill the tub when you want to relax and soak.
Pro Tip: Visit our Safe Step review to learn more about these walk-in tubs.
Safe Step has a 16-year history of creating walk-in tubs and showers to help those with mobility issues enjoy safe and accessible bathing. Safe Step’s walk-in tubs have been rigorously tested and hold an Ease of Use Certification from the Arthritis Foundation. That certification recognizes products that make life easier for those living with arthritis or other physical limitations.
Safe Step offers a lowest price guarantee on the cost of the installation. The guarantee attests that you’ll receive the lowest price available for the work that’s specified during your in-home consultation. If you find a lower price, Safe Step will refund you the difference plus $100 within 30 days of your written agreement. For comparison’s sake, with Endurance and American Standard walk-in tubs, you’ll have to arrange for installation on your own.
Kohler
Kohler's walk-in tub
Kohler offers both a walk-in bath and a walk-in bath and shower combo. The bath includes a multifunction handshower with three spray settings.
The bath and shower combination features a gooseneck shower arm, so you can choose to stand or sit while showering. You also have the option to choose from Kohler’s bath wall colors, textures, and patterns, so you can customize and enhance your bathroom’s look. In comparison, Safe Step doesn’t advertise different shower wall options.
While many reviewers praise Kohler’s walk-in bath, it doesn’t have the Arthritis Foundation Ease of Use Certification that Safe Step’s bath does.
Tub Features
Safe Step
Safe Step’s walk-in tub has a 4-inch step-in height, which is 1 inch higher than Kohler’s tub height. For comparison’s sake, Endurance walk-in tubs have a slightly higher step-in height at 4.25 inches, and American Standard walk-in tubs are 6 inches high. It’s equipped with 10 hydro massage jets and a handheld shower wand. The drain is designed to drain quickly, and a rapid fill faucet is helpful. Safe Step’s Quantum Quick Drain feature drains the tub 38 percent faster than previous models did, the company notes on its website.
This bath also features a no-strength locking handle to make it easy to lock and unlock the door, and you can choose either a right- or left-handed door. Other convenience features include a built-in tower wand and a floating remote control. As with Kohler walk-in tubs, a heated seat and backrest come standard with Safe Step tubs. An automatic thermal cutoff will kick in once the seat and backrest reach 105 degrees, so they never reach unsafe or uncomfortable temperatures.
Did You Know? Step-in tubs are just one way to increase your home’s safety. Learn about additional products that can help seniors stay safe at home.
Safety is essential when using a built-in tub, and Safe Step’s tub is equipped with many safety features. Two built-in grab bars offer extra security in preventing slips and falls. They’re paired with an anti-slip floor and seat to help keep you safe. The tub also features anti-scald technology to prevent the water from reaching dangerous temperatures while still letting you enjoy warm, soothing water. We love this feature because warm water does more than just relax you.
Kohler
Kohler’s walk-in tub has a 3-inch step-in height, which is one inch lower than Safe Step’s step-in height. Like Safe Step, Kohler’s bath features 10 whirlpool jets designed to create therapeutic pressure. You can position the jets to target sore muscles, and they’re powered by a quiet motor and pump.
Like Safe Step, Kohler’s tub features fast-drain technology and fast fill times. Both companies’ tubs also feature heated backrests, which can increase the relaxation benefits of a warm bath. The extra-wide seat is deeper than most other walk-in tubs, which can make it more comfortable. While you relax in Kohler’s walk-in tub, a simple control panel within easy reach lets you customize your bath experience.
Kohler’s tub is also equipped with numerous safety features. An extra-wide door that opens widely into the tub also makes it much easier to step in and out, which helps prevent falls. Paired with the low 3-inch step-in height, this tub is likely easier to navigate than the Safe Step bath. Like the Safe Step bath, Kohler’s tub features easy-grip handrails and grab bars for extra support and stability.
Note that Kohler doesn’t offer wheelchair-accessible tubs. If you’re interested in specialized tubs for wheelchair users, check out tubs by Safe Step, Ella’s Bubbles, or American Standard.
FYI: More than 1 out of 4 seniors fall annually. Walk-in tubs are just one way to reduce the risk of falling. 1 Learn more about fall risks for seniors and how to prevent falls.
Kohler also offers many customizable options. Choose from a white or biscuit tub color, a brushed nickel or polished chrome faucet finish, and eight luxury bath wall finishes. You can also enhance your bath with a shower package, including your choice of showerhead and shower arm styles. Safe Step doesn’t offer such customization options.
Safe Step vs. Kohler Pricing
Like most walk-in tub manufacturers, Safe Step and Kohler require a free in-home evaluation of your space before providing a quote for their products (and installation, when applicable). They’ll send a representative to measure your bathroom and evaluate existing plumbing and electrical systems to make sure they can handle a walk-in tub, shower, or hybrid. They’ll also work with you to determine the bathtub size that’s best for the space and for your health needs.
To get a quote from Safe Step, you can complete the free quote request form online or call the company. Kohler also offers a similar online quote request form, or you can call them for a quote.
Did You Know? Studies have found that immersion in warm water, a form of hydrotherapy, helped improve cardiovascular function for improved circulation. 2
Safe Step doesn’t provide much online information about bathtub prices, but Kohler provides some estimates and potential price ranges. According to Kohler, walk-in tub prices can range from $2,000 to $20,000 and up before accounting for any accessories or installation costs. Kohler estimates accessory costs for walls, extra grab bars, and more range from $1,000 to more than $5,000. Installation costs, which might include plumbing and electrical work, can range from $2,500 to more than $8,000. In total, you can expect to pay $5,500 to more than $33,000 for your walk-in tub.
Pro Tip: Safe Step offers a Helping Hands Rebate for people with arthritis, nerve problems, diabetes, sciatica, or other health issues. The rebate of $750 per person can add up to as much as a $1,500 rebate per household. That rebate is particularly valuable for those with arthritis, since soaking in warm water can help to loosen stiff joints and sore muscles. 3
While walk-in tub costs can be significant, both brands offer financing for people who qualify. Ask about other discounts available as well.
There are several other ways to save with Safe Step:
- Discounts, credits, and coupons from partners like AARP
- Special pricing for seniors and military veterans
- Some buyers may qualify for Department of Agriculture offers, rebates, and discounts
- Veterans may qualify for grants through the Department of Veterans Affairs
Kohler’s website states that they provide monthly offers to make walk-in baths more affordable, so be sure to ask about current deals when ordering your bath.
Installation
Most walk-in tub manufacturers, including Safe Step and Kohler, don’t include installation costs in their walk-in tub prices. That’s because the installation work can vary depending on your current setup and the size of the tub that you purchase. You’ll receive information on your installation costs during your in-home quote process.
Safe Step provides minimal information about their installation process on their website. According to Safe Step, certified installers will quickly install your walk-in tub. Safe Step claims that 95 percent of projects are completed in less than a day, and the installers will remove and dispose of your old tub so you don’t have to.
From the Pros: Installing a walk-in tub can be a helpful bathroom modification for seniors. Learn how to modify other areas of your home to make them safer.
Kohler designs walk-in tubs to fit in a space that’s sized for a traditional bathtub. That strategic design helps avoid any extensive renovations, which would add time and cost to the installation process.
On the day of your installation, a team of Kohler-certified installers will install your bath equipment, including any plumbing and electrical work needed. The team will bring protective equipment such as tarps, gloves, and booties to help keep your home clean. Once your new tub is installed, the team will remove and dispose of your old tub. Most Kohler installations can be completed in just a day.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Safe Step
Many customers have written positive reviews of Safe Step. Reviewers frequently described the tub as being easy to get into and out of, and several praised the jets as being very comfortable and soothing. Most reviews of the installation process were highly positive as well.
For example, Mildred from Gilcrest, Colorado, writes, “The sales rep at Safe Step was nice and pleasant. My husband was very satisfied with his work. He talked to him in a language that he could understand. The installers were nice, too. I was shocked at how well they cleaned up after themselves. We had plaster downstairs and they cleaned up everything. 4”
While most reviews are positive, a few customers posted negative reviews, but each negative review described a different issue. One reviewer stated that after the installers left her house, she found an area where the caulk hadn’t fully adhered. Another reviewer had to cancel her installation and was having trouble getting a refund.
>> Keep Comparing: American Standard vs Safe Step
Kohler
Kohler’s walk-in tub has overwhelmingly positive reviews. Several reviewers noted that they had priced out tubs by several manufacturers, and Kohler had the best pricing. Reviewers often described the installation as being a fast process and noted that their homes were left clean. Many reviewers say that the tub is very comfortable and is easy to get into and out of. Several appreciate the fact that it drains quickly, and many reviewers note that the water is an ideal temperature.
Cinda of Battle Creek, Michigan, is highly satisfied with her Kohler tub. “I like how I got a stone type wall and how it’s not plastic,” she writes. “I also love the sturdiness of the seat. I can’t beat the strength that I feel when I’m in there. There’s nothing that moves that's not supposed to move. I feel much safer having a shower with grab bars that I can walk into without stepping over a tub.”
Not a lot of themes come up repeatedly among the negative reviews. One reviewer was frustrated by the “flimsy” feel of the tub. Another customer was waiting on a bill adjustment to be made. One customer found that the door on her first tub wouldn’t close correctly after installation.
Our Methodology
Our team of tech experts thoroughly investigated Safe Step’s and Kohler’s walk-in tubs, showers, and hybrids so that seniors understand their offerings and can be confident they’re choosing the right ones for them.
Here are more details about what we consider in our review process:
- Product design: Our investigation includes consideration of aesthetics and ease of use, such as whether tub doors are water-tight and hand-held shower heads make bathing easier for adults with mobility issues. We look for features that make using walk-in tubs and showers more pleasant and even luxurious, such as multiple therapeutic jets and optional aromatherapy features.
- Price: As walk-in tubs and showers cost thousands of dollars, we’re careful to provide pricing estimates as accurately as we can, noting, for example, which elements are covered in installation costs and which are not. We also note special discounts, such as military veteran discounts, frequent sales, and financing options.
- Safety features: We look for important features such as low step-in height, anti-slip surfaces, sturdy grab handles, and anti-scald technology when gauging products’ overall value.
- Customization options: Some seniors just want a simple, safer bathing experience, while others might want to splurge on a walk-in tub or shower with many customization options and luxury add-ons. We strive to give an accurate picture of a range of products to suit everyone’s budget and needs.
- Industry recognition: When we review companies, we read up on the length of time they’ve been in business and take note of any awards companies have earned for customer service, design, and safety features.
- Installation: No one wants to be left with renovation cleanup, so we investigate every company’s installation process. We read as many online customer reviews as possible to give an accurate picture of the process.
- Warranty: Long-term equipment warranties are important when purchasing expensive items, so we make sure to consider each company’s warranty limits when assessing overall value to the consumer.
Our Final Thoughts on Safe Step vs. Kohler
Both Safe Step and Kohler manufacture high-quality, safe, and comfortable step-in tubs. Both companies maintain excellent reputations and have great reviews.
However, there are some key differences to consider. Safe Step offers more discounts than Kohler does, including rebates for people with health conditions such as arthritis. Safe Step may be an attractive option for anyone looking to save money on a fairly standard walk-in tub without extensive customization options.
Kohler offers more customization choices, including walls, plus luxuries like a heated seat. It also has a slightly lower entry than a Safe Step bath, so it’s a bit more accessible. Kohler can be a great choice if you want more control over the tub’s design, including options to choose your own accessories, walls, and more.
CDC. (2024). Older Adult Fall Prevention.
National Library of Medicine. (2019). The Thermal Effects of Water Immersion on Health Outcomes: An Integrative Review.
Arthritis Foundation. Heat Therapy Helps Relax Stiff Joints.
Consumer Affairs. (2024). Safe Step Walk-In Tubs.
