Quick Tub vs. CleanCut (American Standard): Which Is Better?

Bathrooms are one of the most important spaces to adapt for safety, especially for seniors or anyone with limited mobility. Actually, bathroom safety is one of the top concerns for homeowners over 50. Studies show that falls in bathrooms are among the leading causes of injury in older adults.  

A simple bathtub cut-out can reduce that risk enormously. It is an easy, affordable modification that transforms a traditional tub into a safer, low-step shower.

A bathtub cut-out is one of the fastest, least-disruptive ways to make a bathroom safer and more accessible. That’s why this guide provides a balanced, factual comparison of Quick Tub® vs. CleanCut, covering cost, installation, design, safety and long-term value. This is supposed to help you decide which solution best fits your needs.

What Is a Bathtub Cut-Out and a Tub Conversion?

A bathtub cut-out removes a section of an existing tub’s side to create a low-step entry. A molded insert is placed into the opening and sealed so the tub can still be used as a bath (with a plug or cap) or as a step-in shower. This approach reduces step-over height dramatically (often from 15 inches down to as little as 3 or 4 inches) while avoiding a full replacement of the tub.

Both QuickTub® and CleanCut sell systems that perform this conversion. Using the Quick Tub® Full Bathtub Conversion Kit or the CleanCut Convertible offers major benefits:

• A safer entry and exit, especially for seniors or anyone with mobility concerns.
• Fast installation (usually just a few hours).
• Far lower cost than a full walk-in tub replacement.
• Less demolition and no plumbing relocation. 

With a tub cut-out you get a more accessible bathroom in a single day, while keeping the tub you already have.

Quick Tub® or CleanCut Bath? A Direct Comparison 

Quick Tub® was founded in 2007 and is known for its quality, versatility and long-lasting design. Its flagship products include:

• Quick Tub® Walk-Thru Insert Kit: the core conversion insert that creates a smooth, low step-through opening in your existing tub wall.
• Quick Tub® Full Conversion Kit: a unique dual-mode system that lets you keep both a walk-in shower and the option of a full bath. This is a combination of their Walk-Thru Insert and Cap sold as complete system.
• Quick Tub® Cap: a removable, watertight cap that restores the converted tub wall when you want to fill it again for a soak. The option to purchase this at a later point in time is always available as all 3 sizes of their Walk-Thru Inserts have the ability to convert back to a fully functional bath.

Quick Tub® products are manufactured in North America and available through installers, retailers and online on the company’s website. The company ensures a straightforward installation for many households.

CleanCut Bath was founded in 2001 and was one of the first companies to popularize this category. Their CleanCut Step, CleanCut Convertible and CleanCut Ultra-Low kits are among the most widely used clean-cut bathtub solutions.

The brand focuses on DIY-friendly designs and affordability, offering simple kits homeowners can install themselves in about 2 - 4 hours. The company ensures a straightforward installation for many households.

Comparing the Installation Process 

Installing a Quick Tub® Walk-Thru Insert can be done in just a few hours. Most homeowners choose a certified installer to ensure precision, but it can also be done by yourself. The process doesn’t require any plumbing changes and fits most bathtub materials (like fiberglass, steel or cast iron).

The Quick Tub® Cap is one of the cleverest parts of our company’s design. It seals tightly when you want a full bath, then pops off easily to reopen the step-through. That means one bathroom can comfortably serve multiple generations. A grandparent can use the cut-out tub as a shower safely, while younger family members can still take a relaxing soak.

The CleanCut conversion system is equally quick to install and mostly uses the same installation practices.

Both jobs are doable with basic tools and a little confidence, which has made these popular among handy homeowners. The kits are lightweight, and both Quick Tub and CleanCut’s websites provide video tutorials to walk you through each step. In case you’d rather not handle power tools, both companies also partner with installers across North America

How Much Does a Tub-Cut Cost? 

A full walk-in tub can easily cost $3,000 to $6,000 installed, while a tub-cut or Quick Tub® conversion kit usually falls under $1,000 total, including installation. Compared to other companies offering similar accessibility products, Quick Tub® and CleanCut Bath remain among the most budget-friendly options on the market.

While prices vary by region, the two brands stay competitive. Quick Tub® tends to include longer warranty coverage and more versatility with its optional Quick Tub® Cap.

What About Quality, Materials and Long-Term Durability? 

This is an important question that needs to be answered before making major decisions. Both companies design their inserts from high-quality molded plastics that resist mildew, cracking and discoloration. 

At Quick Tub®, we emphasize the premium finishing, components and secure seal design on our Quick Tub® Cap. This is critical if you plan to use the Quick Tub® Cap for bathing regularly. 

In terms of warranty, Quick Tub® stands out. We back our insert with a five-year warranty and the Cap’s seal for life. CleanCut lists a one-year limited warranty on most kits, which is fine for casual DIY use, but not as robust for long-term assurance. 

Functionality and Appearance Compared 

This is where lifestyle comes in the picture. That’s why Quick Tub®’s Conversion Kit really shines for families. You can take the cut-out tub from “step-in shower” to “full soak bath” in seconds . Just drop the specially designed Quick Tub® Cap into place and lock the two die cast chrome levers into place. It looks polished and permanent, blending into the tub as if it were made that way from the start.

CleanCut’s convertible option works similarly, but its “cap system”  can be more cumbersome to use due to its closing mechanism that utilizes two large screw-in knobs. It makes it more of a temporary closure than a watertight bath restoration. That’s perfectly fine for households that shower 95% of the time and don’t take many baths. Both kits come in a white neutral finish but CleanCut also offers a unit in a biscuit color as well. Both can be installed cleanly without changing tile, flooring or plumbing. This makes not only the installation process safe, but also reduces the risk of falling while keeping an appealing aesthetic. 

Which One Should You Choose? 

Let’s be honest: both brands do what they promise. They make your tub safer, faster, easier and cheaper to access. But the experience and the peace of mind differ slightly. 

Choose CleanCut Bath if:

• You’re comfortable doing an installation yourself.
• You want to minimize up-front costs.
• You use your tub primarily for showers, not bathing or soaking.

Choose Quick Tub® if:

• You’re comfortable doing an installation yourself.
• You want a professional-grade look and guaranteed watertight seal with the Quick Tub® Cap.
• You’d like the flexibility to still take full baths quickly and efficiently.
• You prefer longer warranty coverage.
• You value a cleaner, functional and more integrated aesthetic.

A big part of the tub-cut conversion story is safety. For aging adults or those with mobility limitations, the ability to walk through a cut-out tub rather than step over a high wall can be life-changing.

Both systems reduce your step-in height dramatically, down to about 4 - 7 inches, depending on the tub and insert model. The difference between them, though, often comes down to fit and finish.

Quick Tub®’s inserts tend to look a little more “built-in,” due to their smooth surface finish. The Quick Tub® Cap also seals flush and doesn’t require any effort to close or extra parts to cover the closing mechanism. CleanCut’s kits tend to stand out more due to the textured surface and the convertible unit doesn't look as sleek as Quick Tubs Cap due to its construction and the materials used to produce this product. Choose What Suits Your Preferences 

Both Quick Tub® and CleanCut Bath have transformed thousands of bathrooms across North America. Each brand offers dependable products that make bathing safer and simpler. But when you look closer at the combination of features, finish quality, warranty coverage and design flexibility, Quick Tub® edges out the win.

It’s the only system that truly converts your bathtub from shower to bath mode seamlessly, thanks to the Quick Tub® Full Conversion Kit which features the patented  Quick Tub® Cap. This combination maintains the full opening depth and width while CleanCust does not. For households that want both accessibility and comfort, that versatility makes a real difference.

So while CleanCut Bath remains an excellent choice, Quick Tub® is ideal for homeowners seeking a long-term, professional-grade solution that looks as good as it performs.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CleanCut tub?

A CleanCut tub refers to a bathtub that has been modified using a CleanCut Bath product, a brand of tub cut-out inserts designed to lower the step-in height of an existing bathtub. The installation process involves cutting out a portion of the tub wall and installing their insert to create a safer, lower entry for showering.

How much do inserts usually cost?

Bathtub cut-out inserts typically cost around $400 - $800 for the product itself, depending on the brand and model. When professionally installed, the total price will be higher, depending on the installation cost. 

Are bathtub inserts worth it?

Yes, bathtub inserts are worth it for homeowners who want a fast, affordable way to improve bathroom safety without committing to a major renovation. Inserts dramatically reduce the tub’s step-over height, making shower entry easier and reducing fall risk.