Shower, Bath, & Sink

Soak It Up: The Best Soaking Tubs Available This Year

Read Time (
minutes)
March 16, 2023
By
Kallista Design

With various sizes, styles, and materials to choose from, finding the ideal soaking bathtub for your bathroom can seem like a daunting task. It’s a process that requires careful consideration of multiple factors.  

However, with a little research and comparison, you can navigate through the options and find the best soaking tub for your situation.

Key Considerations

At KALLISTA, we understand the importance of a well-designed, luxurious bathtub. And while we can guide you to ask the right questions and consider certain styles, you are ultimately the only one who can determine which product will be the best soaker tub for your space.  

We recommend weighing the following factors as you narrow down your choices.


What Qualifies as a Soaking Bathtub?

A soaking tub is a deep bathtub designed for an immersive and rejuvenating bathing experience. Unlike traditional bathtubs that are shallow and primarily used for cleaning, soaking tubs are designed to allow you to fully submerge your body in water.

Is There an Ideal Size for a Soaking Bathtub?

The best size for a bathtub ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the available space in your bathroom. Generally, soaking bathtubs are larger than standard bathtubs.

According to realtor.com, the average bathtub accommodates a modest 25-45 gallons of water, while certain soaking tubs can hold as much as 250 gallons, allowing you to submerge yourself in a deep, luxurious bath.  

Some soaking tubs can be as large as 90 inches long, 76 inches wide, and 18 inches deep.

What Are the Common Styles of Soaking Bathtubs?

Soaking tubs are available in various shapes and configurations. Some of the most common installation types include:

  • Freestanding: These statement-making tubs stand on the floor, unattached to the wall. Some of the best freestanding tubs feature decorative claw-feet.
  • Drop-in: Also known as over-mount or top-mount, this type of tub is placed into a tub surround, creating a seamless look.
  • Under-mount: Under-mount tubs are installed underneath the tub surround, with a counter-like deck covering the top edge of the tub.
  • Alcove: Alcove tubs are designed to fit snugly in a three-walled enclosure, making them perfect for a tub-shower combination.
  • Corner: A corner configuration may offer the most bathing space possible, often making it one of the best soaking tubs for small bathroom layouts.

There are also numerous shapes of soaking tubs available. The most common shapes include oval, round, square, and rectangular.


What Material Is Best for a Soaking Bathtub?

According to Family Handyman, the material a bathtub is made of impacts its weight, durability, heat retention, and cost. The best tubs for soaking typically prioritize heat retention and durability, using materials such as cast-iron, acrylic, or stone.

High-End Soaking Bathtubs from KALLISTA

With over 40 years of experience in designing transformative bath fixtures, KALLISTA offers a range of bathtubs that are meticulously designed and engineered for optimal performance with unique, artisan touches that create spa-like experiences.

With the above information in mind, let’s explore some of the best luxury bathtubs from our portfolio that may suit your needs.

Circe Freestanding Bathtub

elegant clawfoot freestanding bathtub under an eight-light chandelier
Featured Product: Circe™ Claw Foot Freestanding Bathtub

A bathing ritual in the Circe cast-iron tub is anything but routine.

With its dramatic eagle-claw feet and furled edging, this cast-iron tub exudes a vintage aesthetic that will elevate any bathroom.

Best for Vintage Aesthetics

close up of freestanding claw foot tub

The traditional Grecian form features decorative embellishments like scrolls, fleur-de-lis, and gargoyles, adding a touch of grandeur to any bathroom.  

  • Cast-iron construction
  • Primed exterior
  • Enameled interior
  • Required feet, waste, and overflow separately
  • 68-7/8" (1749 mm) total length
  • 31-1/2" (800 mm) total width
  • 26-3/8" (670 mm) total height  
  • Center side drain

Create Your Own Oasis

We're setting the industry standard with meticulous craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology.

SPEAK WITH AN EXPERT

Argile Freestanding Bathtub

white bathroom with freestanding tub
Featured Product: Argile™ by Workshop/APD Freestanding Bathtub

Pronounced "ar-geel," which means clay in French, the Argile tub complements any bathing space with its minimalist yet organic design. This bathtub features a matte Honed White finish that emulates the natural appeal of honed stone, creating a serene, peaceful environment.

Its cocooning half-moon shape imparts an air of handcraft and balanced simplicity, offering a timeless addition to any room.

Best for an Artful Design Statement

close up of a textured white bathtub surface

The Argile bathtub is a product of our collaboration with New York-based design and architecture firm Workshop/APD. Inspired by the softly carved surface of finely crafted or tooled clay, this tub features a textural pattern that cascades over the exterior in a decorative display.

  • Constructed of cast mineral
  • 71-13/16" (1824 mm) total length
  • 35-7/8" (911 mm) total width
  • 23-3/4" (603 mm) total height
  • Center side drain
  • Integrated drain and overflow

Small Rectangular Air Bathtub

top view of bathtub full of soapy water. the tub deck and walls are made of marble tile and the tub spout and faucet are in a chrome finish
Featured Product: Perfect Small Rectangular Air Bathtub

Experience ultimate relaxation with this tub’s air-jet system, complete with 122 jets that deliver an all-over massage. Zones of Control™ allow you to customize the intensity and location of the massage for a personalized experience.  

The bathtub also comes with a lighted keypad and a floating remote control for convenience.

Best Soaking Air Bath  

close up of inside a bathtub showing water filing it up.

This air bath is one of our best alcove soaking tubs, offering a deep soak with integrated lumbar support. And if your space calls for more room, a larger version is available to cater to your needs.

  • Constructed of acrylic
  • Drop-in or under-mount installation
  • Recommended drain assembly (P21932-00) and drain trim kit (P21930-00 or P21931-00) sold separately
  • 60" (1524 mm) total length
  • 32" (813 mm) total width
  • 22" (559 mm) total height
  • Optional under-mount installation kit (P50048-00-NA) sold separately

Laura Kirar Freestanding Bathtub

white bathtub with white background
Featured Product: Laura Kirar Freestanding Bathtub

As one of our best freestanding soaking tubs for contemporary designs, this piece effortlessly combines a simple, rimless design with graceful lines. The bathtub is crafted with cast stone and is sure to elevate the look and feel of any bathroom.

Best for a Contemporary, Versatile Design

bathtub in a room with huge windows showing a mountainside

Designed by internationally renowned artist Laura Kirar, this bathtub is a work of art that blends seamlessly with any bathroom décor. Complementing Kirar's signature collections of bathroom fixtures, this luxurious bathtub is crafted with superior materials and advanced engineering.  

  • Constructed of cast stone
  • 65-15/16" (1675 mm) total length
  • 33-15/16" (862 mm) total width
  • 24" (610 mm) total height
  • Center side drain

Discover the Perfect Centerpiece for Your Luxury Bathroom

When it comes to creating a luxurious and refined bathroom, every element counts. Now, you’re one step closer to deciding the best drop-in tub for your bathroom.

Once you make your decision, pairing the tub with stunning bathroom faucet ideas and gray bathroom ideas can elevate the space to new levels of sophistication.

Popular Articles