5 best cast iron baths

Cast iron baths do not occupy the largest share of the Russian market. Among the 10,000 offers on the largest Internet aggregator Yandex.Market cast iron baths only about 400 (for comparison: acrylic baths - more than 9000). It seems to you that it is easy to choose a cast-iron bath? Let's figure it out. And the first question is

Cast iron baths which company is better?

It is believed that the cast-iron baths of better quality - from European manufacturers.

In Europe, a cast-iron bath is a premium class. The most famous brand is Roca (Spain). The company has been around for about 100 years. Now the concern includes more than 50 factories around the world. Roca baths feature high surface durability. These baths are relatively inexpensive, while have excellent quality. In the assortment - more than 30 models. The most popular models are Roca Continental, Roca Malibu, Roca Haiti. There are, of course, and elite models worth from 40 to 100 thousand. Roca also produces bathroom sets for bathrooms.

Other manufacturers of cast iron baths whose products deserve your attention:

• Jacob Delafon (france) - Since the end of the 19th century, the plant has been producing cast-iron baths since 1926. Jacob Delafon is considered one of the leaders in the field of sanitary engineering design. about 250 000 r .;
• Novial (Spain) manufactures cast iron baths since 1967. Production technology is constantly being improved. After being coated with an anticorrosive compound and enamel, the bath is burned in an infrared oven. Therefore, the enamel coating has a high strength and a smooth surface. The range also includes the simplest models (for example, Novial Susan 100 cm worth about 10,000 p.), And luxury cast-iron baths with hydro and aero massage, pneumatic control (Novial Susan Delux, 180 cm, 59,000 p.).

The quality of all these baths is almost flawless.

Among domestic producers should be noted Kirovsky cast iron plant and plant in Novokuznetsk.

JSC "Kirov Plant" - one of the oldest Russian enterprises. It was founded in 1745 by the decree of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. Now the plant has a modern German line for the production of cast iron, and the product quality conforms to European standards. Guaranteed bath life is 25 years. Cast iron baths of the Kirov plant are covered with special enamel - it contains silver ions, which have a beneficial effect on water and disinfect the surface of the bath. The composition of the enamel is protected by a patent. Now the stores feature 9 models of cast iron baths in Kirov, including “Baby” - only 120 cm long.

OJSC "Plant Universal" in Novokuznetsk "younger" - formed in 1961. More than half a century on the market - such an enterprise can be trusted. Since 2005, the plant introduced Japanese production technology by vacuum forming. The products of Novokuznetsk plant are distinguished by high precision castings (and therefore, the quality of the geometry of the bath). Enamel is also of its own production, applied in 3 layers, characterized by increased durability and durability. In the assortment of "Plant Universal" more models, the most popular series - Nostalgie.

Remember that any company may have a defective copy. It is especially insulting to find a marriage if you bought an expensive cast-iron bath. Therefore, we advise you to carefully inspect the bath at the time of delivery - from all sides - and only after a thorough inspection sign the documents on the receipt of the goods.

How to choose a good cast iron bath?

1. Cast iron baths differ in the first place by the type. The most familiar to us recessed bath - it is assumed that the bath will be adjacent to the wall, and the outer walls of the bath will be hidden behind a decorative screen. The second type of baths - detached. These baths have a beautiful outer surface and decorative legs.Best of all, they look great in large bathrooms. But if the dimensions allow, then in a small room the bath will look good, the screen will not be required. Baths of non-standard forms among cast iron are very rare. The color of cast iron baths, mainly white.
2. An important parameter is plum position. If you plan to replace the bath without a major overhaul, then be sure to explore the location of communications. The place of the drain in the new bath should coincide with the location of the sewage pipe of your bathroom. If a major overhaul is in progress, then you can choose any bath. But then it will be necessary to lay sanitary communications, taking into account the characteristics of the bath.
3. Feet height bath - often it can not be changed. The size of the bath should be such that it can be easily installed into place. Putting something under the bottom of a heavy bath, as advised in the forums, is not worth it.
4. Dimensions baths. Standard bowl sizes are 120-180 cm long and 70-80 cm wide. Note that the bath does not just have to fit into a new place. After all, it must still be carried through the door. But the wall thickness is not a quality indicator. Modern baths are made with thinner walls than was used here twenty years ago, but this does not harm the strength.
5. Coating quality. We are already looking at this indicator in the store. The surface should be smooth and even, without roughness, uniform color. Slight waviness is possible. Cracks, chipped surfaces, enamel flows, uneven color indicate a defect. The outer walls should also be smooth, free of defects, chips, and recesses.
6. Additional details - their presence is optional, but they make the bath more convenient. Here we put the anti-slip coating, headrest, handles. There are cast iron baths with hydromassage and other functions, but they are rarely found in our stores (they take acrylic more often with such functions).

Our rating includes the most popular models of cast-iron baths among Russian buyers.

Table 1: Rating of the most popular cast-iron baths in Russia as of August 2014 according to the Price Expert

model	description	nomination	rating
Universal HF-1500 Nostalgie	Separate cast iron bath. Rectangular. 196 l. 150x70x46.20 cm	Most compact	10
Roca continental	Separate cast iron bath. Rectangular. 182 l. 170x70x42 cm	The optimal price / quality ratio	9,8
Jacob Delafon Parallel E2947	Built-in cast iron bath. Rectangular. 129 l. 170x70x56 cm	Best deep bath	10
Roca akira	Separate cast iron bath. Rectangular. 225 l. 170x85x44 cm	The largest bath	9,9
Novial Archimed 170x80	Separate cast iron bath. Rectangular. 170x80x59 cm	The most popular luxury bath	10

1. The best compact cast-iron bath - Universal RF-1500 Nostalgie

Rating: 10 out of 10.

The most inexpensive cast-iron bath among the leaders, a small length (150 cm), but the bath volume is larger than that of many more expensive and long competitors. Great for small spaces. Optionally, you can order pens, headrest.

From the reviews of the bath Universal HF-1500 Nostalgia:

“I always had an old Soviet bath. The main plus for me is the depth. Now it is difficult to find a deep one, in stores only baths-pools, not to lie down normally. Nostalgie is deep enough. Over 10,000 p., In my opinion, a great bath. "

“They put the bath on their parents a year ago - it looks like new. No problem. No frills, but deep and roomy. "

Advantages of the model:

• affordable price;
• compact but roomy;
• deep;
• smooth white enamel;
• narrowed side.

Cons of the model:

• slippery coating, need a mat.

2. The best cast-iron bath in terms of price / quality ratio - Roca Continental

Rating: 9.8 out of 10.

Cast iron bath from a manufacturer trusted by most of our customers. It is relatively inexpensive, and the quality is excellent, looks no worse than an elite expensive model.

From Roca Continental bath reviews:

“I have this bath for 8 years now. Plastic pots put, do not enclose the mat.He fell into the bath and shower, and all sorts of glass jars with cosmetics, but no chips. Every time I do not wipe the drops. Until now, almost perfect, the enamel is like new. ”

“Over the past 15 years we have changed 3 apartments. Each time they chose a Roca bath. Smooth, smooth, pleasant color. Heat keeps for a long time. ”

Advantages of the model:

• affordable price;
• beautiful glossy surface;
• anti-slip coating;
• water at the bottom does not accumulate;
• a sufficient amount even for a person with a height of 175 cm.

Cons of the model:

• anti-slip coating darkens with time;
• width seems insufficient for some customers;
• there are problems with fastening the legs (the original legs must have special washers, fasteners in the package with the brand name), if the fasteners are not native, the bolts will stagger - you must check it on delivery;
• legs regulate only the level, the height does not change;
• the warranty period is shorter than that of most European manufacturers (10 years against 25).

3. The best deep cast-iron bath - Jacob Delafon Parallel E2947

Rating: 10 out of 10.

Cast iron bath of the French company, which is known for high quality and material requirements. The shape of this model, according to reviews, is more convenient than the bath of the popular Soissons series, the walls are parallel. Best suited for those who like to just soak in a deep bath, and not just sit.

From Jacob Delafon Parallel bath reviews:

“Really deep. Deeper even than domestic. It feels like it is no less than our old Soviet 170x75. The sides of the case are narrow, due to this the volume increases. "

Advantages of the model:

• reliability;
• sufficient depth;
• high-quality enamel;
• anti-slip bottom;
• have a headrest.

Cons of the model: not identified.

4. The best cast-iron bath of large volume - Roca Akira

Rating: 9.9 out of 10.

Cast iron bath Roca Akira has the largest volume among the leaders, and its dimensions are close to the standard. Drain is located in the center, so it is not suitable for any room. But many are satisfied with just such an arrangement (see reviews). Reliable and convenient, justifies its price.

From Roca Akira bath reviews:

“Stable, heavy. Gives a sense of reliability. If you install the faucet in the middle, do not get up to reach the mixer. For two, the place is not very much, but no one will rest with his back on the sink :) "

“Bath suits everyone. The coating could even withstand a strong blow, when a bath was brought in — they dropped the whole weight on the concrete corner of the threshold. Enamel is easily washed with ordinary soap. On a wide side you can put anything. Bending the handle is simply not realistic. Side drain - a fairy tale! You take off the screen and you can see everything at once. ”

Advantages of the model:

• optimal price / volume ratio;
• plums in the middle;
• wide sides
• You can take a bath together.

Cons of the model:

• the coating is not perfectly even;
• the sides of the bath are slightly curved, installation may be difficult.

5. The most popular luxury cast iron bath - Novial Archimed

Rating: 10 out of 10.

The highlight of the Novial Archimed cast iron bathtub is its shape. The bottom is flat, there are no oblique walls and smooth bends. Not so easy to slip and fall! Bath for those who love elegance and rigor in everything.

From Novial Archimed bath reviews:

“Of course, the price is not the most acceptable. but anyone can plunge into it - like Archimedes, with a vengeance! ”

Advantages of the model:

• reliability and durability of the coating;
• flat smooth surface without flaws;
• large volume;
• strict design.

Cons of the model:

• the price is high;
• very heavy.

Conclusion

Cast iron baths have long been known. She stood still in the royal palaces of Europe, and appeared in Russia at the time of Peter I. Is this not the best recommendation? And no wonder we return to the "well forgotten old." Cast iron bath is reliability, durability, stability and comfort. Together with her, history will enter your bathroom.