Which bathtub trays are best?
Few things are more enjoyable than taking a long, relaxing soak after a hard day at work. However, if you want to elevate the experience to a luxury, spa-like level, you need to invest in a bathtub tray. They provide a safe place to store your reading material and spa essentials.
The Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray stands out for its attractive style, variety of compartments and ability to adjust to most tubs. There are many other great options, though, too, if you prefer something made of metal or plastic.
What to know before you buy a bathtub tray
Materials
Bathtub trays come in several types of material, which vary in their durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Wood: Arguably, bathtub trays made from teak, bamboo and other woods are some of the most attractive options. They tend to be very strong too, however they can be susceptible to mold and water damage if they aren’t allowed to dry completely between uses, especially unpainted models.
- Metal: Metal is another common material used in bathtub trays. Unlike wood, metal isn’t prone to mold, but it can be susceptible to rusting. This shouldn’t happen in high-quality stainless steel models, but it is a concern in lower-quality units made from other metals and featuring inexpensive chrome plating. Most metal models have a basket design, so you don’t have to worry about water pooling up on top of them like you may with bathtub trays made from other materials, but this does mean that small items can slip through their open spaces.
- Plastic/Acrylic: You can also find bathtub trays made from plastic or acrylic, both of which are completely impervious to water. Oftentimes, though, these have less features than wooden or metal trays. Some may also find they don’t look very attractive.
Size
All bathtub trays are designed to fit basic tubs, but they do vary in width so it is important to measure your tub before purchasing any model. This is especially important if you have an uncommon or extra-wide tub. Many models are also adjustable, which not only allows you to increase their usable surface space when needed, but also ensures you can perfectly fit the tray to your tub. Some bathtub trays measure up to 42 inches long when fully extended.
Features to look for in a quality bathtub tray
Cup holder
If you like to have a beverage on hand while relaxing in the tub, you’ll be happy to know that many bathtub trays feature dedicated cupholders. There are even some models that feature holders specifically designed for wine glasses.
Media stand
Most bathtub trays have a media stand of some kind. Often, these are angle adjustable to hold your tablet or book at the optimal position for comfortable viewing. They also fold flat when not in use for more convenient storage of the tray.
Spa tray
The spa tray is where you can keep all your soaps, bath bombs, sponges and any other personal care product you like to use while soaking. Ideally, these should be removable so you can clean them off when you’re finished bathing.
All-purpose tray
In addition to soaps and media devices or books, you may like to keep other items close at hand while bathing. All-purpose trays provide you with a bit of extra space to do exactly this.
Nonslip grips
Bathtub surfaces can be notoriously slippery when wet. To reduce the chances of your bathtub tray slipping off the edge and potentially dropping your stuff into the water or onto the floor, look for a model that features nonslip grips on the bottom. These will be made of a high-traction material like rubber or silicone.
Handles
Handles make it easier to carry your tray to and from the tub, especially when it is already loaded up with your various toiletries, reading materials and a drink. On some models, these may be raised handles or integrated into the frame of the tray. Some trays are completely lacking in handles, which can be cumbersome to lift and carry.
How much can you expect to spend on a bathtub tray
Most bathtub trays cost between $15-$75.
Bathtub tray FAQ
Do bathtub trays require any assembly?
A. Most bathtub trays require little or no assembly. For those that do require assembly, the process should be very easy and, if tools are needed, they will come with them.
Will a bathtub tray damage the surface of my tub?
A. Bathtub trays shouldn’t damage the surface of your tub. However, if you are worried about this, make sure to choose a model that has a rubber, silicone or other soft material coating on any surfaces that will come in contact with your tub.
What are the best bathtub trays to buy?
Top bathtub tray
Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray
What you need to know: Smartly designed with tons of great features and available in a wide variety of colors, this bathtub tray makes a nice addition to any bathroom.
What you’ll love: It extends up to 43 inches so it can fit practically any tub, and it has a dedicated wineglass holder that prevents them from spilling if the tray is accidentally bumped. The spay tray is removable too, for easy cleaning.
What you should consider: It can feel a bit oversized in small tubs.
Top bathtub tray for the money
Home Intuition Stainless Steel Expandable Shower Bathtub Tray
What you need to know: This stainless steel tray is a top option for those who prefer a minimalist style or are looking for something with added durability and longevity.
What you’ll love: It has nonslip handles, so there is no worry that it will fall into the bathtub.
What you should consider: Small items can fall through its grates.
Worth checking out
Bambüsi Bamboo Bathtub Tray Caddy
What you need to know: This bamboo bathtub tray has space for all the things to make your bathtub experience luxurious.
What you’ll love: It adjusts to fit most tubs, and it has spots for things like a wineglass, a tablet and a smartphone. The adjustable bar lets you adjust the angle of a tablet on the tray.
What you should consider: It’s a bit heavy, and the middle slots may allow some things to fall into the water.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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