American Standard Americast vs. Kohler cast iron

16 years ago

People on the kitchens forum have said bad things about the Americast durability. They say it scratches too easily and loses its shine quickly when used as a kitchen sink. In researching tubs it appears that the Americast is less expensive than the comparable Kohler cast iron tubs. But Florida is one big sand pit and I know a lot of the grit will make its way to my tubs. Should I avoid Americast and go with the cast iron? I've already ruled out acrylic for the same reason. Should I reconsider on acrylic since those tubs are about half the price of the cast iron?

Featured Answer

rydinhood_yahoo_com

13 years ago

that's the problem with the internet..you can find enough information to be dangerous. There is an americast precast concrete company..it's NOT American Standard's Americast, which IS an enameled pressed steel tub with a polymer backing...listen to the plumber.. if he/she will bother to post, he/she probably knows what they're talking about.

Comments (7)

rogerv_gw
16 years ago
We have a Kohler cast iron tub. The finish has been very durable, cleans up really beautifully. That's what I'd recommend for a bathtub that you want to last...I don't think that sand is very good for anything, but cast iron most likely has a better chance of surviving it for a long period.

-Roger
mpwdmom
16 years ago
I'd go w/ cast iron...and we did. We love our Toto 1525.
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houndhandler
16 years ago
Americast is nothing but enameled steel with a plastic coating sprayed onto the backside to make it seem denser.
If you drop something heavy onto it, it will dent and chip.
Cast iron cannot dent, it is very hard, it can chip if hit hard enough but that would be very hard.
What really stinks is installers and showrooms recommending Americast over Cast Iron, this is done because Americast is very light while Cast Iron is very heavy. It's a problem for Delivery and installation.
To me and most all plumbers there is no comparison, only problem is now because of EPA and other restrictions most all cast iron is made in China.
Kohler tubs are made in China.
Last I heard Eljer was not making Cast iron anymore.
Not sure where Toto is made.
niloointl_hotmail_com
15 years ago
I have a second floor rental unit, which I might move into at some point. I am deciding between an Americast and an acrylic tub. I have been told cast iron (my first choice) is too heavy for the second floor. What are the pros/cons of acrylic v. Americast? Cost is important, but not determinative factor.
newburns_live_com
13 years ago
Dunno where the plumber got his information on Americast but a quick internet search reveals that it is precast concrete not steel. If it is anything like the Hardy(Sp) products, it should hold up well.
lb45
3 years ago
I know this is late but for anyone still searching this information, the Americast tubs are steel. This is from the American Standard website: Americast is an exclusive material used in American Standard bathtubs. It is American Standard's unique process that fully bonds a high quality porcelain surface with an enameling grade steel and a molded reinforcement composite backing. You can find it here: https://www.americanstandard-us.com/parts-support/innovations/americast-technology