Best Tub Transfer Bench
[amazon table=”4520″]For those with a physical disability or age-limited mobility, a tub transfer bench can be a real gamechanger.
It can help the user enter the bath tub or the shower without putting themselves at risk.
It’s an essential investment if getting in and out of the tub is an issue, and in this guide we’ll explore the different kinds of benches and what you can expect.
Here are our top picks…
👑 Our Pick for Best Overall
[amazon box=”B002VWK0T6″ title=”Drive Medical 12011KD-1 Plastic Tub Transfer Bench” description=”This tub transfer bench from Drive Medical is the best in its category, as it is safe and stable. The height adjustability, suction cups, and back rest set it apart from the competition with regards to comfort and the user experience.”]⭐ Our Other Top Picks for Tub Transfer Bench
- Best of the Best: Drive Medical 12011KD-1 Plastic Tub Transfer Bench
- Runner Up: Medokare Shower Transfer Bench
- Most versatile: Carousel Sliding Transfer Bench with Swivel Seat
Best Tub Transfer Bench Reviews
Drive Medical 12011KD-1 Plastic Tub Transfer Bench (👑 Best of the Best)
We believe that the best tub transfer bench is the Drive Medical 12011KD-1.
The best indication that this tub transfer bench lives up to its status as the best option lies in the many satisfied customers that have sung its praises. This product has been given the Amazon’s Choice label on the online retailer’s website in the category of ‘Bath & Shower Safety’, and has thousands of glowing reviews from customers who would happily recommend the bench. Perhaps best of all is the price of this tub transfer bench, as it’s certainly affordable, especially considering how many years of use it should be good for.
This bench features a fairly simple construction, and it is designed with user safety in mind. It’s a bench that assists individuals with entering and leaving the bath tub, making independence possible. The bench is made from blow-molded plastic and has a backrest which makes it both secure and stable. Not every tub transfer bench has a backrest, so the fact that this one does is a huge plus. The bench is also reversible, which means it can accommodate any bath tub, so there’s no need to worry whether or not it will be a good investment for the user’s bathroom.
The setup of this bench is straightforward and doesn’t require you to use any tools. There’s a pinch-free lever too which ensures additional safety during the installation. Plus, the height of the bath seat is adjustable, moving in increments of half an inch up or down so you can configure it to find the most comfortable position. As an extra safety measure, the transfer bench has extra large non-slip suction cups whic ensure that it stays firmly in place.
Features:
- Supports user weight of 400lbs
- Blow-molded plastic design
- Tool-free installation
- Adjustable height
- Includes back rest
- Extra large non-slip suction cups
Medokare Shower Transfer Bench (🥈 Runner Up)
Our runner up pick for the best tub transfer bench comes from Medokare, and this bench offers a comfortable and safe user experience for getting in and out of the bath or shower.
With this bench, it’s much easier for seniors and those with disabilities to get in and out of the bath or shower with no problems. The bench is both lightweight and durable, with an arm and backrest that are both reversible. This means it can accommodate any bath or shower, so it will feel like it has been tailor-made to the user’s bathroom. It’s also easy to clean and features a solid frame which should make it hard to accidentally knock over.
The design has taken safety into account which is obvious with the non-skid and non-slip tip caps which are attached to the bottom of each leg. The moulded plastic seat also has drainage holes on it, which prevents water from building up and making the experience uncomfortable for the user. Hospital grade materials make up the design of this bench, with four heavy-duty anodized aluminum legs and a seat handle made for easy gripping and lifting.
With a purchase of this shower transfer bench, you’ll also receive a free shower tote bag, which is a nice extra that can help the user organize their bath and shower essentials. The bag is easy to hang from a door, providing everything the user needs within reach of the bath tub or shower depending on the design and size of the bathroom.
Features:
- Lightweight design
- Backrest
- Non-skid, non-slip caps for each leg
- Moulded plastic seat
- Drainage holes
- Hospital grade materials
- Includes shower tote bag
Carousel Sliding Transfer Bench with Swivel Seat (⭐ Most Adjustable)
If you have a big budget and you’re looking for a transfer bench that has it all, the Carousel sliding bench from Platinum Health is an excellent choice.
At the time of writing, this transfer bench has the rare status of five stars on Amazon, even with a few thousand reviews. That’s impressive in itself, and tells you that this is a product the vast majority of previous customers have been extremely satisfied with. That should justify the steeper price tag, though there’s a lot to appreciate about this bench and all its features, too, so we’ll get into the details now.
First, you have a choice of color with this bench – you can go with either a blue or a gray option, so you can match it with the colors in the user’s bathroom if so desired. But it isn’t the color that people like about this bench most, but the design. This bench features a nifty sliding mechanism that carries the comfortable padded chair from one side to the other facilitating easy access in and out of the bath tub or shower.
The chair itself is made to a high standard, so high in fact that it is used in many hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes. The first sign of real quality is the padded seat, back, and armrests of the chair. Unlike other transfer benches which are hard and often times uncomfortable to sit in, this chair offers up an almost luxurious experience for the user who is treated to comfortable and slip resistant padding on all of the main chair components. The padding is made from medical-grade closed-cell molded polyurethane and as such, it won’t absorb water and is incredibly simple to clean after use and disinfect. Speaking of simple, the assembly of the chair is straightforward, too, as it doesn’t require any tools and can be put together in less than five minutes.
The other great thing about the design of this transfer bench is the fact that it saves space due to the swivel seat. It takes up less space than a traditional transfer bench would, which leaves more space in the bathroom for others in the family and makes it more convenient to use. With the arms, the user can raise or lower them as desired, to make for the most comfortable position. They also serve as useful support points for the user to lean upon when they need to lower themselves into the chair or get out of it. The legs are height adjustable too, so you can tailor the transfer bench to the user.
Features:
- Professional grade
- Padded design
- Swivel seat
- Adjustable legs
- Quick assembly
- Adjustable arms
- Hi-contrast color
Ultimate Guide
If you don’t have the first clue what you or your loved one needs when it comes to a tub transfer bench, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
To give you a clear idea of what to expect as you look for the best transfer bench, we’re going to break down the various factors in simple terms.
For example, we’ll compare padded transfer benches and unpadded ones, benches and stools, and other features that benches can have.
Before that, though, we’re going to provide a brief overview of what exactly a tub transfer bench is and what benefits it offers.
What is a Tub Transfer Bench?
A tub transfer bench is a device that provides a simple and safe way for someone with limited mobility to enter and exit the bath tub or shower.
By creating a bridge into the tub, users can enter the bath without worrying about slipping or falling, and can rest whenever they need to.
Plus, there’s no need to step up over the edge of the bath tub since the user can simply sit down and scoot along.
A tub transfer bench is a good idea for anyone who struggles to remain standing long enough to take a shower, has difficulty raising their leg over the bath tub, or uses a wheelchair.
Padded or Unpadded
While a lot of these factors can boil down to personal preference, the difference between padded and unpadded benches can be significant.
If you are looking for something that is going to be comfortable for the user to sit on for a prolonged period of time, the padded option is a no-brainer.
However, the unpadded option will be more affordable, and if superior comfort isn’t a priority then it can be just as good.
The other factor to consider is body type.
If you or the person who’s going to use the bench is thin then you will probably prefer a padded bench the can support the bones well.
Alternatively, the unpadded bench is easier to move around and fine for other body types.
Supported Weight
It’s important to consider the weight of the user as you’re assessing the transfer bench options, and to masure the number against the maximum weight the bench can support.
While a standard transfer bench will support a weight of anywhere from 200-300lbs depending on the model, you’ll need to seek out bariatric product for a max user weight of 400lbs or more.
It’s always a good idea to check through the Amazon customer reviews when you want to know how much weight the bench can support, as you can hear first-hand from people who have used it.
Back Rest
You will find in your search that while some transfer benches have back rests, others don’t.
If you value comfort, then a back rest is essential.
It allows the user to lean back in the bench or chair and provides critical lumbar and back support to prevent pain.
Plus, the benches and chairs with back rests aren’t usually too much more expensive than their backless counterparts.
Adjustability
The adjustability of a transfer bench is hugely important.
Since it’s impossible to make a one size fits all bench that’s perfect for every body type and every bathroom, you should try and prioritize adjustability.
Ideally, you should get a transfer bench that has adjustable legs.
If you can change the height of the bench by altering the legs, then you can tailor it to the user.
If the bench has a chair attached, then another useful feature is adjustable arms. Arms can act as support points to the help user lower themselves into the chair and get out of it again.
If you go for a bench that isn’t adjustable to save money, that’s fine, but make sure the measurements work for both the user and the bath tub.
Extra Features
There are a few other features that can make a transfer bench standout, and here are some of the best.
Seat Holes
Seat holes are important for any transfer bench as they allow the water from a shower to filter through.
This prevents the pooling of water on the surface which over time can become uncomfortable.
Suction Cups
Suction cups are essential if you want maximum safety with your transfer bench.
If you have suction cups on the bottom of your bench legs then it will be less prone to slipping which makes the whole thing more secure.
Handles
Some tub transfer benches will have handles, and these handles can be used by the user to make the process of entering and exiting the tub easier.
They can be used much like the arm rests of a chair to hoist oneself into the tub and out of it.
Handles can also be useful during the bathing process, as they can help reduce the risk that the user falls off the bench as they wash different parts of the body.
Swivel
At the top end of the tub transfer bench range, you can find designs like the Platinum Health Carousel swivel chair.
These designs which have a chair instead of a bench often allow the user to swivel in place.
The ability to swivel can be hugely useful for bathing, as the user is able to turn around in place without having to move much.
The swivel design often saves space too, so it can be a great choice if the bathroom of the user is small.
Seat belt
If you invest in a transfer bench with a chair, like the one from Platinum Health, then a seat belt can be a great additional safety feature.
This will ensure that the use doesn’t suffer any nasty falls or slip off the bench when nobody else is around.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tub Transfer Benches
How much is a tub transfer bench?
The cost of tub transfer benches can vary.
Generally-speaking, you can expect to pay anything from $50 upwards for a good tub transfer bench.
If you want the very best, you can expect to pay a figure in the ballpark of $300 like the Carousel sliding swivel bench from Platinum Health.
What is the best shower bench?
In our view, it doesn’t get much better than the Carousel sliding bench from Platinum Health.
Not only is this a professional grade bench that is used in many hospitals and nursing homes, but it is also enjoyed and widely praised by its customers on Amazon.
This bench is comfortably padded, and helps the user to feel more relaxed as they use it as if they were in a spar.
Which item allows the individual to sit down outside the bath or shower and slide into the tub or shower?
The name of the product that allows you to do this is a tub transfer bench.
While the name of this product may not be commonly known, there are a lot of great options out there.
There are some which are more basic and allow the user to simply get in and out of the bath tub, while others may have extra features like swivel and adjustable arms and legs.
A Final Word From Wellness Nova
If you or a loved one have limited mobility, a tub transfer bench can be an excellent investment.
A transfer bench makes it easy to get in and out of the bath tub or shower, reducing the risk of injury and slipping.
