Our Verdict
Many bathtub manufacturers offer walk-in tubs as an addition to their lines of ordinary tubs and showers, but a couple, including Meditub, only produce tubs geared toward those with mobility issues and other problems that keep them from bathing safely and easily. In the case of Meditub, this specialization means that they offer a wider variety of models than most manufacturers—including their space-saving 2739 series, which we’ve chosen as the Best Compact walk-in tub for 2022. As a result, consumers interested in a walk-in tub can turn to Meditub’s selection of models and find exactly the tub that suits their needs and fits into the space available.
Home Walk-In Tubs
Meditub Walk-In Tubs Review
Updated:
Jul 21, 2022
Meditub Walk-In Tubs Review
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OVERALL RATING
9/10
SERVICES & ORGANIZATION
9/10
CONSUMER REVIEWS
8/10
COST
9/10
Meditub offers a wide range of models, and seems to have put a great deal of thought into designing tubs that will meet the variety of needs of those in the market for accessible baths. Older adults and people with impaired mobility, weakness, or stability issues benefit greatly from the accessibility and safety features offered by walk-in tubs.
Even strong and healthy older adults find that walk-in tubs provide peace of mind and offer more independence while bathing than traditional tubs or showers, which can be dangerous and difficult to use through advancing age. Features like lower thresholds, grab bars, and textured slip-resistant surfaces eliminate conditions that can easily lead to slips, falls, or other hazards while bathing.
Depending on the retailer, these thoughtfully designed models are also available for fairly reasonable prices, are backed by a solid warranty, and have built up a consistent track record of satisfied customers.
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Step-In Tub
Starting From $1,500
OVERALL RATING
9/10
FEATURES
8/10
CONSUMER REVIEWS
9/10
PRICE & WARRANTY
9/10
Meditub’s most economical walk-in tub calls itself a “step-in” tub: it’s a unique offering, though it might not provide all of the amenities that someone shopping for a walk-in tub would expect. Its most significant omission is a built-in seat, meaning that someone who has trouble getting up from an ordinary tub may need to look at the other models on offer. While the step-in tub is made of highly durable acrylic on a steel frame, it also doesn’t feature a built-in grab rail, though it does provide a low threshold for entry by means of an inward-swinging door. In addition, the consumer can choose to buy any of the optional packages (that is, the air therapy, hydro massage, or dual packages outlined above) and can choose to have a chromatherapy system (which tints the water with soothing colors via an LED light in the side of the tub) installed as well. A good choice for someone who needs a low threshold tub, but still has enough mobility not to need a built-in seat.
Standard Walk-In Tub
Starting From $2,300
OVERALL RATING
9/10
FEATURES
8/10
CONSUMER REVIEWS
9/10
PRICE & WARRANTY
9/10
“Standard” is our term, not Meditub’s, but regardless of their dimensions most Meditub models fall into the standard mold of a walk-in tub, with grab bars, an inward-swinging door, a low threshold, a built-in seat, and easy-to-use faucets, showerheads, and other amenities. In this category, however, Meditub stands apart from its competition by offering a wide range of tub sizes—from a relatively compact tub that can be used by those with limited bathroom space to a bariatric model that offers a wider door and seat. And every available dimension gives the buyer the choice to select one of Meditub’s therapeutic packages, making Meditub’s standard model an excellent choice for people worried about fitting their bathtub into their existing space, or hoping for some extra flexibility with new construction.
Knee Cut-Out Walk-In Tub
Starting From $2,500
OVERALL RATING
9/10
FEATURES
8/10
CONSUMER REVIEWS
9/10
PRICE & WARRANTY
9/10
“Knee Cut-Out” is our term, not Meditub’s, but we’re using this phrase for a reason: one common complaint among those looking into walk-in tubs is the awkwardness of the inward-swinging door. For those with serious mobility issues, moving their legs out of the way of the door can present problems, and even those who might not otherwise have difficulty find the inward-opening doors a little clumsy—but may also find the outward-swinging door models on the market too expensive or unsuited to the space they have to install a tub. Meditub’s ingenious response to this dilemma is a specially designed inward-swinging door that gives extra clearance to the knees of anyone sitting in the built-in seat. What’s more, despite the unique design, this model is relatively economical, costing only about $300 more than comparable standard Meditub models.
Wheelchair Accessible Walk-In Tub
Starting From $3,600
OVERALL RATING
9/10
FEATURES
9/10
CONSUMER REVIEWS
9/10
PRICE & WARRANTY
9/10
Another frequent issue with walk-in tubs is that they aren’t fully accessible. While the low threshold and built-in seat and grab bars make most walk-in tubs much easier to use than ordinary tubs, people in wheelchairs and people who use walkers may still not be able to take advantage of all the therapeutic benefits of bathing. Several manufacturers have responded to this by offering tubs with outward-swinging doors or rising wall baths, and Meditub is no exception. They offer two outward-swinging door models along these lines, one with a narrower doorway that nevertheless makes it much easier for a user to move from a wheelchair to the built-in seat. The other is a “transfer” model in which the door swings open to expose the entire side of the tub, allowing someone in a wheelchair—or someone assisting them—to slide directly from the seat of the wheelchair to the tub seat. Depending on your needs, either model can allow someone in a wheelchair to access the full range of features of a walk-in bathtub.
Shower Enclosure Tub
Starting From $3,600
OVERALL RATING
5/10
FEATURES
5/10
CONSUMER REVIEWS
5/10
PRICE& WARRANTY
5/10
Meditub’s shower enclosure models offer extra-large doors and are designed to fit into a standard shower niche. And while they do allow for full immersion bathing, they can also be converted into a walk-in shower with the purchase of an upper-level shower enclosure that features built-in shelves, grab bars, and an elevated showerhead. While these upper enclosures do cost extra ($1000-$1500, depending on the model and the retailer) and while the shower enclosure models are not available with Meditub’s hydro massage system, they do allow consumers to take advantage of both the full-immersion benefits of bathing and the speed and convenience of a shower—and allow others in the house who don’t need a walk-in tub to shower as well.
“Compact”
Starting From $3,100
We’ve chosen Meditub’s small-footprint 2739 series as the Best Compact walk-in tub for 2022. And while Meditub doesn’t call this model “Compact,” we do because out of all the Meditub models designed to be usable by those with limited space, Meditub’s 2739 series (27 inches wide by 39 inches long) stands in a class of its own. This is because it gives the consumer the option to fit a walk-in tub into a shower stall, a closet, or any other unused space around the house—and making this tub the perfect choice for those living in tighter quarters like a cabin or mobile home. (Significantly, this model is enclosed on three sides, so it also doesn’t need any additional work or a special alcove enclosure for installation.) To compensate for the smaller footprint, the 2739 series offers an outward-swinging door (though this door does not make the tub wheelchair accessible) and a built-in headrest that allows the user to fully relax. If you’re looking for a smaller-sized model specifically designed for efficient use of space, this tub might be worth considering.
Front-Entrance Tub
Starting From $3,100
OVERALL RATING
5/10
FEATURES
5/10
CONSUMER REVIEWS
5/10
PRICE & WARRANTY
5/10
Meditub’s final offering is its front-entrance tub, which is again designed to help consumers use space more efficiently, whether they need to fit a tub into a standard shower enclosure, a smaller bathroom, or a mobile or modular home. Constructed of highly durable acrylic, with a grab bar built into the outward-swinging door, it’s another niche offering from Meditub.
“Love this tub! Got it for my mother-in-law and it fills up fast and she can access it independently (which was important to us). She could no longer manage a regular bath tub alone, so we ordered this tub. She operates the drains with her foot, easily and enjoys taking a soak without help. It’s easy to clean, too.”
(via Amazon.com)
At A Glance
A checklist of standard walk-in tub features
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| Our Rating | Step In | 4.3 | Standard | 4.4 | Knee Cut-Out | 4.4 | Wheelchair Accesible | 4.5 | Shower Enclosure | 4.4 | Compact | 4.4 | Front Entry | 4.4 |
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| Price* | Step In | Starting at $1500 | Standard | Starting at $2300 | Knee Cut-Out | Starting at $2500 | Wheelchair Accesible | Starting at $3600 | Shower Enclosure | Starting at $3600 | Compact | Starting at $3100 | Front Entry | Starting at $3100 |
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| Low Entry Threshhold | Step In | standard | Standard | standard | Knee Cut-Out | standard | Wheelchair Accesible | standard | Shower Enclosure | standard | Compact | standard | Front Entry | standard |
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| Push Button Controls | Step In | standard | Standard | standard | Knee Cut-Out | standard | Wheelchair Accesible | standard | Shower Enclosure | standard | Compact | standard | Front Entry | standard |
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| Built-In Safety Bars | Step In | ❌ | Standard | standard | Knee Cut-Out | standard | Wheelchair Accesible | standard | Shower Enclosure | standard | Compact | standard | Front Entry | standard |
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| Textured Bath Surfaces | Step In | standard | Standard | standard | Knee Cut-Out | standard | Wheelchair Accesible | standard | Shower Enclosure | standard | Compact | standard | Front Entry | standard |
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| Wheelchair Accessible | Step In | ❌ | Standard | ❌ | Knee Cut-Out | ❌ | Wheelchair Accesible | standard | Shower Enclosure | ❌ | Compact | ❌ | Front Entry | ❌ |
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| Spa | Step In | optional | Standard | optional | Knee Cut-Out | optional | Wheelchair Accesible | optional | Shower Enclosure | optional | Compact | optional | Front Entry | optional |
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| Whirlpool/Hydrotherapy | Step In | optional | Standard | optional | Knee Cut-Out | optional | Wheelchair Accesible | optional | Shower Enclosure | optional | Compact | optional | Front Entry | optional |
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| Chromatherapy | Step In | optional | Standard | optional | Knee Cut-Out | optional | Wheelchair Accesible | optional | Shower Enclosure | optional | Compact | optional | Front Entry | optional |
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| Aromatherapy | Step In | optional | Standard | optional | Knee Cut-Out | optional | Wheelchair Accesible | optional | Shower Enclosure | optional | Compact | optional | Front Entry | optional |
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*Price can vary by supplier, and special deals are often available. Contact a supplier or installer for a personalized quote.
Meditub Models
Four standard packages are available across almost all Meditub models. Here’s a quick look at them:
Soaker
This is the standard bathtub model for those who are simply interested in the therapeutic and relaxing effects of a hot bath and don’t need any additional types of therapy. If you’re just after a bathtub that’s easier to get into and out of, this might be your best choice.
Air Therapy/Air Jetted
Meditub’s air therapy system is much like the air therapy offered by other manufacturers: the system releases several jets of air bubbles for a more gentle massage and an all-over invigorating experience. Meditub’s system runs at three speeds and includes an internal heater to warm the air in the bubbles. In addition, the air therapy package offers an aromatherapy option which allows the user to infuse their bath water with essential oils to harness the healing powers of scent.
Hydrotherapy
The deluxe hydro massage system in Meditub’s walk-in tubs features jets of pressurized water that provide a strong and relaxing massage experience—the equal of the hydrotherapy of other major manufacturers of whirlpools and therapeutic tubs. The deluxe hydro massage system includes 22 jets that the user can adjust to target the spots on their back and legs that need the most pressure, and offers the option of an inline water heater that allows the user to prolong their massage without having to run more water.
Dual
As the name suggests, the dual package includes Meditub’s air therapy and hydrotherapy systems—and also includes the aromatherapy function and inline heater that comes with those two packages.
Other Options
Almost all of Meditub’s models also offer some standard options regardless of the package you choose. Here’s a list of some of them, along with a ballpark estimate of their added cost:
Aromatherapy
As mentioned above, the aromatherapy option, which allows the user to infuse their bathwater with scents or essential oils, is only available with the Air Therapy and Dual packages, and can cost around $300 extra.
Chromatherapy
This option is available for all packages, even the soaker models, for about $250. Tubs with this feature use an LED light to color the water in various soothing shades.
Drain Assembly
One drawback of walk-in tubs is the fact that the bather has to remain in the tub while it drains. For around $250, consumers can get their tub with Meditub’s drain assembly, which drains the tub in under 60 seconds, making the wait time comparable to that of an ordinary bath.
Digital Control System
Meditub’s standard controls are one-touch pneumatic controls familiar to anyone who’s ever used a whirlpool or spa. For around $450, users can choose a digital control system that allows quick and easy adjustments to the intensity of their air and hydro massage systems.
In-Line Heater
As mentioned above, the hydro massage system (also available in the Dual package) can be installed with an in-line heater which helps keep the water at a soothing temperature for someone who wants to enjoy a long soak and massage. This option runs about $340 extra.
EXTENSION KIT
Most Meditub models offer the option to purchase an extension kit. This kit allows the tub to fit into a standard 60 inch tub stall space without gaps, and also provides additional surface area for soap, shampoo, or other bathing needs.
We’ve noted that Meditub offers one of the widest ranges of models of any walk-in tub manufacturer. Here’s a look at the selection they provide.
Shopping For Meditub Models Online
If you plan to buy (or at least window-shop) Meditub’s products online, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, regardless of the features available, Meditub generally refers to its tubs by a model number based on the tub’s dimensions. So a 30 inch by 60 inch tub, for example, becomes “the 3060 series,” and a 27 inch by 47 inch tub becomes “the 2747 series.”
This can get confusing: for one thing, this makes the six sizes of standard walk-in tub that Meditub offers seem like completely different models. It can also make very different models with similar dimensions seem more alike than they are. For that reason, we’ve divided the fifteen different tub sizes in Meditub’s catalogue into seven categories based on their unique features. But we’ve listed the model numbers in each category to make it easier to shop online.
Left- Versus Right-Hand Drains
Drain placement generally has no effect on tub features or prices, so we’ve left drain placement out of our reviews. But as you shop online, you’ll often find models classified by whether they have a left-hand or right-hand drain configuration. And since drain placement is an essential factor in choosing the right tub for your bathroom, be sure you know which drain you want—but understand that the drain has no impact on a model’s other features.
Therapeutic Tubs
Meditub has recently begun offering full-featured versions of selected models under the “Therapeutic Tubs” label. We’ve noted these models and their model names in our reviews below.
Features Rundown
| Features | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tub Body | Step In | acrylic | Standard | acrylic or fiberglass | Knee Cut-Out | fiberglass | Wheelchair Accessible | fiberglass | Shower Enclosure | acrylic | Compact | acrylic | Front Entry | acrylic |
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| Tub Frame | Step In | steel | Standard | steel | Knee Cut-Out | steel | Wheelchair Accessible | steel | Shower Enclosure | steel | Compact | steel | Front Entry | steel |
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| Colors Available | Step In | white | Standard | white, biscuit | Knee Cut-Out | white, biscuit | Wheelchair Accessible | white, biscuit | Shower Enclosure | white | Compact | white | Front Entry | white |
|---|
| Built-In Grab Bar | Step In | Standard | standard | Knee Cut-Out | standard | Wheelchair Accessible | standard | Shower Enclosure | standard | Compact | standard | Front Entry | standard |
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| Roman Faucets | Step In | standard | Standard | standard | Knee Cut-Out | standard | Wheelchair Accessible | standard | Shower Enclosure | standard | Compact | standard | Front Entry | standard |
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| Handheld Showerhead | Step In | standard | Standard | standard | Knee Cut-Out | standard | Wheelchair Accessible | standard | Shower Enclosure | standard | Compact | standard | Front Entry | standard |
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| Spa/Air Massage | Step In | optional | Standard | optional | Knee Cut-Out | optional | Wheelchair Accessible | optional | Shower Enclosure | optional | Compact | optional | Front Entry | optional |
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| Hydrotherapy With Adjustable Jets (+ Inline Water Heater) | Step In | optional | Standard | optional | Knee Cut-Out | optional | Wheelchair Accessible | optional | Shower Enclosure | optional | Compact | optional | Front Entry | optional |
|---|
| Magnetic Access Panels | Step In | standard | Standard | standard | Knee Cut-Out | standard | Wheelchair Accessible | standard | Shower Enclosure | standard | Compact | standard | Front Entry | standard |
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| Digital Controls | Step In | optional | Standard | optional | Knee Cut-Out | optional | Wheelchair Accessible | optional | Shower Enclosure | optional | Compact | optional | Front Entry | optional |
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| Sizes Available (Wxl) | Step In | 30”x60” | Standard | 26”x53” 30”x53” 30”x54” 30”x60” 32”x60” 36”x60” | Knee Cut-Out | 26”x46 29”x52” | Wheelchair Accessible | 29”x53” 30”x60” | Shower Enclosure | 27”x47” 31”x40” | Compact | 27”x39” | Front Entry | 32”x38” |
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Word on the Street
Meditub reviews are relatively hard to come by online, even at the online retailers that carry this brand of tub. Keeping this in mind, users seemed pleased overall with the quality of their Meditub walk-in bath, and also pleased with the company’s customer service. There were a few complaints, including damages incurred during shipping, but overall Meditub seemed to provide a durable, reliable, quality product that left customers pleased with their purchases.
“The jets are very powerful, drains fast and construction is superb. It really helps with my wifes arthritis. Shipping was fast and well packaged.”
(via Google.com)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Medicare and health insurance usually only covers items that deemed “medically required” so it is best to think of a walk-in tub as an out of pocket expense. There are some rare occasions where medicare and health insurances will provide financial assistance. Check with your insurance agent to see what your specific policy covers. Most walk-in tub providers also have a specialist you can contact for more information.
Price and Warranty
The price you pay for a Meditub walk-in bath can vary widely. Online retailers such as Amazon and Faucet.com offer Meditub models at considerably discounted prices—discounted enough to possibly compensate for the cost of installation. Note, though, that buying from an online retailer can introduce problems with shipping (an issue that several reviewers raised), and can leave the consumer on their own to find a professional to install it.
This scenario is reversed for those who buy through a local dealer: a dealer’s expertise can come in handy as they help consumers select the tub that best suits their needs, and a dealer is likely to employ, or be in contact with, professionals who have experience installing walk-in tubs. But dealers are much more likely to offer their models at the suggested retail price, meaning that you’ll have to pay considerably more for the expertise they have to offer.
When it comes to their warranties, Meditub falls in about the middle of the pack: they back their door seal—a vital part for a walk-in tub—with a lifetime warranty, in line with most of their competition in the market (though better than some other companies offering lower-end walk-in tubs). This lifetime door seal warranty ensures that the door seal will remain water-tight and functional for the lifetime of the tub. It’s important to note that the lifetime door seal warranty specifies that Meditub will send a replacement, however it is the customer’s responsibility to install it or hire the appropriate professionals to do so. The rest of the tub, however, Meditub only warranties for 10 years—not a bad commitment to their product, but not the best we’ve seen, either.
| Product | ||||||||
| Door Seal Warranty | All Models | Lifetime |
|---|
| Warranty On All Other Parts | All Models | 10 Years |
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“There are many brands online of tubs. We shopped around a long time until we decided on a Meditub. Good construction, Made in the USA and our local contractor recommended this brand. We are very happy with the purchase. My husband can get in and out without any problem. Drains fast as well.”
(via Google.com)
Conclusion
Perhaps because it focuses solely on walk-in tubs, Meditub offers a wide range of models, and seems to have put a great deal of thought into designing tubs that will meet the variety of needs of those in the market for accessible baths. Depending on the retailer, these thoughtfully designed models are also available for fairly reasonable prices, are backed by a solid warranty, and have built up a consistent track record of satisfied customers. If you have a special need when it comes to your walk-in tub—whether in terms of particular mobility issues or the space you have available—you should give Meditub’s offerings careful consideration.
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