Russian-made cast iron bathtubs: brands and their features
Cast iron baths have been very popular all over the world for a long time. But despite their external attractiveness and affordable cost, they have both advantages and a number of significant disadvantages.
Advantages and disadvantages
The models produced abroad are of the best quality. In comparison with them, Russian-made goods sometimes demonstrate a low quality of enamel. This situation is due to the fact that our manufacturers strive to save on production. Another problem with modern cast iron bathtubs is the irregular shape. Even if these are products with an anti-slip coating, it is worth abandoning the idea of obtaining it for an individual order. Most plumbers recommend choosing a bathtub in stock, looking closely at each model presented.
The cost of the final product will depend on many factors:
- quality;
- dimensions;
- availability of additional functions.
Describing the advantages and disadvantages of cast-iron baths, one cannot but say that much depends on the shape. Baths of two types are considered the most demanded in the modern market:
- rectangular;
- oval.
The main advantages of models of domestic manufacturers:
- you can adjust the height of the legs;
- some models have comfortable handles;
- the water temperature lasts longer;
- comfortable flat bottom;
- there is an anti-slip coating;
- for the back, the manufacturer has provided a comfortable side.
Disadvantages:
- the enamel can be easily scratched;
- large weight of the structure;
- to install an oval bathtub will require a lot of space;
- over time, the coating darkens.
The best manufacturers and their models
On the territory of Russia, several factories are engaged in the manufacture of cast iron baths. Among the most popular models are products of the following dimensions:
- 170x70 cm;
- 140x70 cm;
- 180x80 cm;
- 150x70 cm;
- 100x70 cm.
One of the oldest enterprises on the territory of our country is "Kirovsky Zavod", which began operating in 1745. Over time, modern equipment made in Germany was installed in the workshops. The service life of Kirov baths is 25 years, and it is for this period that the manufacturer gives a guarantee.
The high quality of the enamel is due to the presence of silver ions in its composition. The plant's engineers claim that such an additive improves water quality and disinfects the surface. The composition of the enamel has been patented and is the plant's own development. In stores, you can choose a suitable model from 10 presented by the factory:
- "Prestige-1.5";
- "Prestige-1.7";
- "Ressa-1.7";
- "Ressa-1.5";
- "Yumika";
- PRADA;
- Laguna-Lux;
- "Triumph";
- City;
- "Baby".
Prestige-1.5
The length of the described product is 1.5 meters, width is 70 centimeters. With a depth of 40 centimeters, the bath has a volume of 164 liters. The weight of the product is 90 kilograms, which is not the greatest indicator for cast iron products.
Prestige-1.7
From the name it is easy to guess that its length is increased (in comparison with the previous version) by 20 centimeters. The width remains the same as the depth. Bath volume - 191 liters, weight increased to 99 kilograms.
Ress-1.7
The length of the product is 170 centimeters, the width and depth are the same as in the previous two options. The volume of the accommodating liquid is 189 liters, the weight of the structure is 99 kilograms. Legs are not included in the package.
Ress-1.5
A bathtub without legs with a length of 150 centimeters and a width of 70 cm. The depth is standard - 40 centimeters. The product can hold up to 162 liters of water. The weight of the cast iron product is 90 kg.
Yumika
With a length of 1.7 m, this bathtub has a width increased by 50 centimeters, so it is 75 cm. The volume is 185 liters, the weight of the product is 102 kg. The bathtub does not come with legs.
PRADA
This product offers an increased width of 750 mm and a depth of 415 mm. The bathing volume of the bath is 192 liters with a product weight of 106 kilograms.
Laguna Suite
This is one of the most spacious models, while its length is only 1.5 meters, and its depth is 44.5 cm. The mass of the bath without legs is 104 kilograms. The width of the product is 70 centimeters, which is quite enough for a person of average build.
Triumph
The weight of this model is 106 kilograms, the bathing volume is 192 liters, the length and width in millimeters are 1700 * 750.
City
The presented version weighs the same as the previous one, only with a similar width of 70 cm, the length of the bath is 1.5 meters.
Baby
An ideal solution for small apartments, where it is not always possible to install a structure of a standard size due to a lack of free space. The length of the bath is 1.20 m. The width is standard - 700 mm, and the depth is slightly increased to 44 cm. The volume of the contained water is 155 liters, the weight of the structure is 86 kg.
No less well-known on the territory of our country are the products of the Universal Plant, which operates in Novokuznetsk. Novokuznetsk baths are known for being manufactured by the method of vacuum forming. Since 2005, new Japanese equipment has been installed here. All cast-iron models stand out for their high quality and precise geometry.
Another advantage of the baths of the Novokuznetsk plant is use of a special formula of enamel. To achieve the desired result, the composition is applied in 3 layers. This approach allows us to obtain durable products with special resistance to damage. The series called "Nostalgie" is popular.
How to choose?
All models of cast iron baths can be divided into 2 types:
- built-in;
- freestanding.
Most often, a built-in structure is installed, the difference is that it adjoins the wall, and its walls are hidden behind a decorative canvas. The freestanding ones are sold with beautiful designer legs, ideal for large spaces.
When choosing a bath, one should take into account not only the attractiveness of the product, but also its dimensions and shape. Non-standard ones are rare, more often they have to be ordered individually. It is very important to consider where the drain is located. If a major overhaul is not planned, then it is better that the location of the communications coincides with where the manufacturer made a hole in the bath for water drainage.
When the apartment is supposed to be overhauled with the renewal of communications, any of the options will do, since the pipes will be laid in a new way. On the forums, you can often see how users are advised to put boards under the structure, but this should not be done. It is worth taking into account the fact that it will not work to change the height of the legs. Today you can see that the walls of modern cast iron products have become thinner than several decades ago. This made it possible to reduce the weight of the structure, but this did not affect the strength in any way.
For the pros and cons of cast iron baths, see the video below.