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hilloryoverman

Kohler vs. Mirabelle

13 years ago
Can anyone help me with deciding between a Kohler and Mirabelle soaking tub? I am looking at the Kohler Archer and Mirabelle Bradenton alcove tubs and have seen mixed reviews.

Comments (19)

  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    I have been researching deep soaking 5 foot tubs myself. The Kohler Archer is around 4 inches longer and about 2 inches more narrow as far as the basin on the bottom. The Kohler Archer is known as a narrow tub. The Archer has a lower overflow level around 1.5 inches than the Mirabelle Bradenton and takes around 10 more gallons. They both come with an apron or as drop in. Both are competitively priced but the Archer does require the Kohler overflow.

    I am replacing my builder 6 foot garden tub with the Mirabelle Provincetown and making a granite bench with the extra room on the tub deck. I am using Kohler Devonshire drop in sinks with a matching granite countertop. I am using subway tile and period looking faucets. The Provincetown has a longer basin but is rounder than the Bradenton. It has the same depth, gallons, and back incline angle as the Bradenton. The Bradenton is the more popular of the two at this time.

    The Lucite acrylic is nice on the Mirabelle tubs. Crane in Dallas makes both Ferguson's Mirabelle and Proflo lines. Ferguson has 3 showrooms here in Houston but does not have either tub on display even though the Bradenton is quite popular.

    The Kohler Bancroft is a very nice 5 foot soaking tub too and it has a simple look. I have bathed in it and it is very deep and quite long for a 5 foot tub. It only comes with an apron. The basin is the same length and depth as the Archer and the same width as the Brandenton. It requires more water than the other tubs. It is a popular second bathroom tub here in Houston.
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    The Maax Newtown bathtub is another alternative to the Archer or Bradenton. It has the same basin length as the Archer and the same width as the Bradenton. It is not as deep. It has very crisp lines and angles and would fit well with a craftsman or contemporary design.
  • 12 years ago
    Correction, Clarke manufactures tubs for Ferguson's Mirabelle and Pro Flo lines.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Are you changing the rest of the bathroom fixtures as well? If so consider using the same line from one manufacturer.
  • 11 years ago
    for a new construction residence i am facing a challenge to choose bath tubs. I need to know the top brands and prices. I need three Tubs in total. Master bath should be the best performer, followed by two other baths. Detailed criteria will be helpful. being a new home under construction size of the tub is not a limitation. Thanks in advance.
  • 11 years ago

    Can anyone tell me....does mirabelle white match kohler white? Or toto white? Thanks!

  • 10 years ago

    Soooo, today my housekeeper spotted a good-sized crack in the Mirabelle Bradenton Collection Soaker Tub we installed in 2013. I have NEVER heard of a tub "breaking" but then I realized this is an acrylic tub. I am in the process of working with one of their warranty claims representatives. I am hoping they will resolve this to my satisfaction....

  • 10 years ago

    This is a continuation of my post on Feb. 3...

    Not. Happy. I
    got a note back from the manufacturer's rep saying that it appears that
    something was dropped in the tub thereby causing it to crack and that's not
    covered under the warranty. Gee, I guess I'll have to have my son stop taking
    his hammer into the tub when he takes a shower. Ugh. Nothing heavier goes into
    that tub than a person. Unless you want to repair/replace this tub within a few
    years of buying it do NOT buy this product. I only hope the repair guy can fix
    it and that it doesn't crack again. I do not have any hopes of this being a
    long-term fix but to replace it would involve taking out glass doors, messing
    with travertine tile on the walls and floor, etc. I'll say it again. Not.
    Happy.

  • 10 years ago

    I feel your pain...what a nightmare! I had an issue with an appliance by a well known manufacturer. They were not going to helpful....at first. We went on twitter and told our story. Guess what? They decided to become a bit more helpful!

  • 9 years ago

    Solobizzz - can you post a picture of the apron panel of your Bradenton tub? I can't seem to find one online and the tub is not in any nearby showrooms. I hope you got your tub repaired to your satisfaction!

  • 9 years ago

    Solobizzz, wondering about the outcome you had with this tub repair? Considering this tub but would like to hear the rest of your story. TIA

  • 8 years ago

    Just be sure your installer mounts it on stringers and on a level floor. The tub is described as "flexible." Well, the flexible acrylic Bradenton I just saw moved when a 110 pound adult got in, and the caulk now has cracks. I am not confident that it won't crack in the future. It is possible that, while the tub is "flexible", the installation is the issue. We'd have to demo the tile to see since the builder did not install access panels as described in the installation manual.

  • 7 years ago

    I have had nothing but problems with the mirabelle jetted tub. It was not installed properly—they Did not mud it. It pulled away from the wall. They then sprayed foamunder it—if the contractor and plumber had read the manual it said, to mud it and NOT to use foam under it. They took it out and muddled it, put it back in and switches inside tub did not work. After two weeks, got new parts. Had to make a panel door for access to guarantee warranty which they had not done, did that and now tub is still pulling away from wall when filled to use the jets and,the inside buttons on tub not working—they don’t even budge. I am SO fed up. Are all Mirabelle products like this, or is it just because ,these workmen are SO incapable of doing anything right???

  • 7 years ago

    I just got the Mirabelle Soaking tub, and the contractor and pliumber also refused to put mortar under it, so it flexes when I take a shower, There is no way to fix it as they also sprayed FOAM Under it, despite warnings not to do so. Did you take this up with the company that installed the tub? I am now facing replacing a brand new tub, SIGH..

  • 7 years ago

    Another question, The Mirabelle valve and drain have all kinds of CANCER WARNINGS on them for Prop 65, Are they dangerous to use?

  • 6 years ago

    I have the Mirabelle Sitka alcove tub and love it. Deep, wide, comfortable and easy to clean with murphy's oil soap without abrasion. Installation on acrylic tubs is key - setting the entire tub in a dry mortar bed is an old school technique so get a seasoned installer and they'll know just what to do. Proper and permanent support along the entire tub bottom is paramount to this tub, and any other acrylic tub, to prevent flexing and cracking. If you don't want to deal with the inherent issues of acrylic installation, then I suggest cast iron....they last forever. Everything else is prone to cracking.

  • 6 years ago

    Update. I also like the MIrabelle Sitka soaking tub, but have had to get TWO of them as the first plumber insisted in using FOAM not Cement, and it flexed badly. and was chipped by tile guy The size is very nice, and I am HOPING the new tub will survive as it is deep enough for an ADULT to take a bath. Ferguson was very helpful in working with me after the bad install. Also insist the plumber puts in the proper drain, accessed from the tub, not the bottom.. Amazing how many plumbers refuse to install acrylic tubs.