Kaldewei vs Bette: Steel Enamel Baths and Shower Trays Compared
Steel enamel is the premium choice for baths and shower trays. We compare Germany's two leading manufacturers to help you choose the right one.
If you're choosing a premium bath or shower tray, steel enamel is the material to consider. It's harder, more hygienic, and more durable than acrylic, and it retains heat better. Kaldewei and Bette are the two dominant manufacturers in this space, both German-engineered to exacting standards.
Why Steel Enamel?
Steel enamel (also called enamelled steel or glazed titanium steel) is formed by fusing glass enamel to a pressed steel base at 860°C. The result is:
- Extremely durable: Resistant to scratches, chemicals, UV light, and impact
- Hygienic: The glass-smooth surface prevents bacteria growth and is easy to clean
- Heat-retaining: Steel conducts heat better than acrylic, so the bath feels warm quickly and retains water temperature longer
- Recyclable: 100% recyclable at end of life — an increasingly important consideration
- 30-year warranty: Both Kaldewei and Bette offer 30-year guarantees on their enamel
Kaldewei
Kaldewei is based in Ahlen, Germany, and has produced steel enamel bathroom products since 1918. They're known for their Cayono, Puro, and Superplan ranges. Kaldewei's unique selling point is their proprietary steel enamel formula with a surface hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale (diamond is 10).
Their Superplan range of flush-to-floor shower trays is particularly popular with architects and designers. Available in sizes up to 1800x900mm, these trays can be tiled around or installed with a matching enamel waste cover for a seamless look.
Bette
Bette, based in Delbrück, Germany, was founded in 1952 and specialises exclusively in steel enamel. Their BetteFloor, BetteLux, and BetteOne ranges cover everything from flush shower floors to freestanding baths. Bette offers the widest colour range in the industry — over 400 colours available to order.
Bette's innovation is the BetteAnti-Slip coating — an invisible anti-slip surface bonded to the enamel during manufacturing. Unlike stick-on strips or textured patterns, it doesn't affect cleaning or aesthetics.
Price Comparison
| Product | Kaldewei | Bette |
|---|---|---|
| Standard bath (1700x750) | £400 – £700 | £350 – £650 |
| Premium bath (1800x800) | £700 – £1,500 | £600 – £1,200 |
| Flush shower tray (900x900) | £300 – £500 | £250 – £450 |
| Freestanding bath | £2,000 – £5,000 | £1,800 – £4,500 |
Which to Choose?
Choose Kaldewei if: You want the hardest enamel surface available, prefer the Superplan shower tray range (the market leader for flush installation), or want to use their easy-clean Perl-Effekt coating.
Choose Bette if: You want the widest colour selection, prefer their invisible anti-slip technology, or want slightly more competitive pricing for comparable quality.
Both brands are excellent. We install both regularly and can source either at trade prices. Get in touch to discuss which suits your bathroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is steel enamel better than acrylic for baths?
Yes, in most respects. Steel enamel is harder, more hygienic, better at retaining heat, and lasts significantly longer. Acrylic's main advantages are lower cost and lighter weight.
Can steel enamel baths be repaired if chipped?
Small chips can be repaired with specialist enamel repair kits, though the repair won't be invisible. Major damage is rare due to the material's hardness.
Are steel enamel shower trays cold to stand on?
They feel cold initially but warm up within seconds under the shower water. Steel's thermal conductivity means the tray reaches water temperature faster than acrylic.
What does the 30-year warranty cover?
Both brands' 30-year warranties cover manufacturing defects in the enamel surface — cracking, peeling, or discolouration. They don't cover damage from impact, misuse, or incorrect installation.
2026 Update
We have reviewed this comparison for 2026 — pricing and ranges shift each year, so always confirm current models and lead times before ordering. As installers with trade accounts for the major brands, we are happy to compare up-to-date options for your specific project. Ask us for current recommendations.
