Rigid and durable and lighter weight than cast iron. Pressed steel with a ‘fired on’ porcelain enamel (glass-like) coating. Flame proof, fade proof, corrosion resistant. Ideally suited for heavy usage (eg: hotels)
Checklist: What to look out for/ things to ask about
General Questions to Ask
• Cleaning – how easy is the product to clean?
• Company pedigree – for how long has the manufacturer and retailer been trading. Is the manufacturer a member of any trade organisation such as the BMA?
• Customer service – what does the manufacturer and retailer offer?
• Guarantee – what length of warranty and what conditions does the manufacturers give?
• Spare parts – what is available and for how long in the life of the product?
Steel Baths
• Features – are hand grips provided with the bath, included in the price?
• Quality - What European Standards does the steel bath meet?
• Safety – does the base of the bath have a “slip resistant” surface and what are the manufacturer’s claims for it?
• Thickness: what thickness of steel sheet has been used during the manufacture of the bath. Between 1.5mm and 4mm steel is used. The thicker baths are heavier and more robust.
Frequently asked questions
Q How are steel baths best cleaned? A Porcelain enamelled products should be cleaned regularly with warm soapy water. They can then be rinsed with clean water and, if desired, dried and polished with a soft cloth. In this way regular cleaning will prevent a build up of soluble salts. Some proprietary cleaners can have an adverse effect on the enamelled surface and we strongly recommend that the instructions on the bottle of your chosen cleaner are followed. Bleach can destroy the gloss surface of enamel and it is essential that it is not used.
Q I dropped a screw driver, point first, in my steel bath and chipped a small piece of enamel. Can it be repaired? A Yes. Contact your supplier or manufacturer of the bath. Most good manufacturers can supply you with a small pot of enamel paint which exactly matches the colour of your enamel. Be aware however that the surface is damaged for good and the repair is only cosmetic.
Q My porcelain enamelled steel bath has started developing narrow but dark grey vertical lines down one side of the tub? Help please! A Take your wedding ring off when to get into the bath! The chances are that the ring is rubbing the enamel (and the gold is rubbing off your ring.)
Q I am refurbishing my bathroom in a very old house. The floor is very uneven and I am worried about installing a bath. A Don’t worry. All baths have adjustable legs and feet which should take up the unevenness of your bathroom floor. The bath should then be installed perfectly level.
Q My bathroom is really small and has never had a bath in it. What can I do? A Don’t worry. Recent and developments in bath design mean that many manufacturers now produce baths of compact dimensions and shape to suit your requirements.
