best bathtub tray

Best Bathtub Tray for Spa-Like Bath Experiences at Home

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Picture this; you come home on a Friday evening, exhausted from a whole week's work, and desperately need a nice bath for relaxation. So, you prepare your bath, light your scented candles, and get your book and a tasty glass of Pinot Noir. The only problem? You have nowhere to place your wine glass or book. So, what happens? You need to get the best bathtub tray as soon as possible.

Why Do You Need a Bathtub Tray?

A bathtub tray rests across your bathtub to hold all your bath accessories, including soaps, books, smartphones, tablets, and wine glasses. Put simply; the best bathtub tray transforms your ordinary bath into a luxurious spa-like experience.

When choosing the best bathtub trays, you look at their material, dimensions, grips, and amenities. A good tray measures 26.5 inches to 43 inches to fit most bathtubs. In addition, the tray can be expandable to fit any bathtub and offer more amenities such as candles, wine, reader, and smartphone holders. The best materials for a good bathtub tray are stainless steel, varnished bamboo, or plastic.

As you search for the best bathtub caddy tray, we have come up with a list of five options you can choose from. These have the best reviews online, are made with mildew-resistant materials, and offer the best amenities. So, read on to pick your best for a relaxing bath.

What is the best bathtub tray?

1. ROYAL CRAFT WOOD Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray

Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray, 1 or 2 Person Bath and Bed...
  • ????ADJUSTABLE AND SLIP RESISTANT - This Bathtub Caddy Tray was...
  • ????WATERPROOF, STURDY AND BUILT TO LAST - This Unique Bathtub...
  • ????NEWEST DESIGN - Bathtub Caddy Tray with a Waterproof Book or...
  • ????BATH CADDY FOR TWO: Royal Bathtub Caddy Designed to...
  • ????FREE SOAP HOLDER - The Best, Cost Effective Way to Transform...

This bathtub tray comes in an expandable design to fit all standard bathtubs. Its dimensions are 29 ½ inches to 43 inches, so it perfectly suits the widest bathtub in the market. As you expand it, you will also love the silicone grips that prevent it from sliding even when the bathtub is wet.

The luxury bathtub tray is made from sustainable bamboo that is also lacquer-coated to resist water damage. The bamboo bathtub tray offers different amenities such as a tablet stand, a wine glass holder, a phone holder, and detachable spa trays. In addition, it comes with excellent craftsmanship backed by a 100% moneyback guarantee if you have reservations after using the tray.

Though a bit costly, this bath tray comes with a soap holder available in different colors for the ultimate bath experience and look.

Pros:

  • Made with sustainable bamboo
  • Available in different colors
  • Comes with various amenities to hold bath essentials
  • Comes in an expandable design, so it fits any bathtub
  • Comes with a soap holder

Cons:

  • A bit expensive

2. Bambüsi Premium Bamboo Bath Caddy Tray

Bamboo Bathtub Tray Caddy - Expandable Wood Bath Tray...
  • ???? PERFECT GIFT IDEA: The bathtub caddy makes an excellent gift...
  • ???? WATERPROOF, STURDY & DURABLE: This luxury bathtub tray made...
  • ???? EXTENDABLE & NON-SLIP: The bath tray features extendable...
  • ???? RELAX & ENTERTAIN IN STYLE: Our bath caddy comes equipped...
  • ???? USA CUSTOMER SERVICE: If for any reason, the bath table...

When looking for the perfect bath caddy gift, you can buy this Bambüsi bathtub tray. It is made with sustainable bamboo material with expandable handles and silicone grips to stay in place when using it. The expandable design ranges from 27¾" when closed and 41½" if open. The bamboo surface is also varnished to give the tray waterproof capabilities.

The premium Moso bamboo bathtub tray offers amenities such as a rust-proof reader rack, a smartphone holder, a wine glass slot, a candle holder, and a soap tray. It comes in a modern design that complements any bathtub and with a 100% moneyback guarantee.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Comes with a moneyback guarantee
  • Made from sustainable Moso bamboo
  • Waterproof
  • Non-skid grips
  • Easy to clean
  • Fits most bathtubs
  • Offers different amenities

Cons:

  • Small wine glass slot

3. Mind Reader Bamboo Bathtub Tray

Mind Reader Bamboo Bathtub One Bath Caddy, 5.75 L x...
  • READY TO USE: No assembly required and nothing to adjust. It’s...
  • UNIVERSAL FIT: This bamboo bathtub tray fits most tubs. Simply...
  • BATHE IN STYLE: Make your baths even more relaxing by bringing...
  • STAY ORGANIZED: This tray is versatile and can be used as a...
  • DIMENSIONS (inches): 5.75 (L) x 27.48 (W) x 1.77 (H)

Made from slatted bamboo, the Mind Reader bamboo bathtub tray comes in a classic, minimalistic design that lets you organize your bath essentials while soaking in the tub. In addition, it comes at an affordable price.

Your best bathtub tray from Mind Reader is designed to fit standard bathtubs with 5.75 (L) x 27.48 (W) x 1.77 (H)-inch dimensions. It is also one of the most versatile bathtub trays to carry your wine glass or bottle, a book, shower gels, a flat iron, and more. Its durable bamboo construction guarantees longevity, and the tray is easy to clean with warm water.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Versatile use
  • Ideal for most bathtubs
  • Made with bamboo
  • Classis look
  • Easy to clean

Cons:

  • The tray could use a better coating to prevent damage

4. madesmart Expandable Bath Caddy

madesmart Expandable Bath Shelf - White | BATH...
  • The madesmart Expandable Bath Shelf is an added space to organize...
  • Easily expands to fit most bathtubs
  • Features non-slip handles to prevent slipping from your tub's...
  • Made of high-quality, BPA-free plastic for long lasting...
  • Dimensions: 21.80 L x 6.8 W x 2.5 H in (55.37 x 17.29 x 6.45 cm);...

Bathtub trays that drain water are ideal when you have babies. This Madesmart bath caddy tray may not offer dedicated amenities like a wine glass holder or a cup holder, but it has drainage holes that make it the best bathtub tray when you need toys to drain.

The tray is made with BPA-free plastic and is expandable to fit any bathtub. In addition, the tray comes with soft-grip handles and non-slip grips for easy and safe handling. The expandable design reveals more space to store soaps and towels for a truly luxurious bath.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Durable BPA-free plastic construction
  • Best for a child's bath time
  • Self-draining holes
  • Expandable design
  • Non-slip grips and handles

Cons:

  • Can not carry a lot of weight

5. iPEGTOP Stainless Steel Bathtub Caddy Tray

iPEGTOP Stainless Steel Bathtub Caddy Tray - Over Bath...
  • NEVER RUST - Made of food grade 304 Stainless Steel instead of...
  • CONVENIENT TO USE - Removable and adjustable holders will hold...
  • PROTECT YOUR BATHTUB - Grips with white rubber coat protect the...
  • ADJUSTABLE LENGTH - 22. 2 x 6. 3 x 2. 6 , Caddy is Expandable Up...
  • SAFE TO USE - Different from cheap ones, No unpleasant odor, no...

It is one of the best bathtub trays if you are looking for a durable option. Unlike bamboo or plastic materials, it is made with rust-free food grade 304 Stainless Steel, so you know it is durable. In addition, it comes in an expandable design that makes it ideal for any bathtub.

The tray has a tablet holder that doubles as a book holder, a removable wine glass holder, and candle holders, making it the most incredible addition to your self-care routine. It is the best bathtub tray to use for watching Netflix while at the same time enjoying a beautiful bath experience.

Pros:

  • Durable stainless steel construction
  • Rust-free
  • Excellent amenities for a luxurious bath time
  • Features a wine glass slot, a book holder, and a tablet holder
  • Expandable design to fit most bathtubs
  • Self-draining

Cons:

  • A bit costly
  • Could see better grips

Factors to Consider for Your the Best Bathtub Trays

Buying a new bathtub caddy is not a difficult task, but you still need to pay attention to these features before buying.

a) Material

As you bathe, your bath tray will be exposed to wetness from the water on the tub and the steam. Therefore, you need to ensure the material your bath caddy is made with can withstand the wetness, which is why you need to choose between different materials.

A bamboo bathtub tray is the most popular option since the material is strong, durable, and sustainable. However, you need to ensure you get varnished or lacquered bamboo that is water-resistant, mildew-resistant, and easy to clean.

You can also get a plastic bathtub caddy. Unlike a bamboo tray, a plastic bath tray is water-resistant and mildew-resistant, but it may not be firm when you want to use all amenities. In addition, the material is also not a sustainable option if you want to consider environmental consequences.

A stainless steel bath caddy is easy to clean and won't get water or mildew damage. However, you could run into problems if you need non-slip grips. The material is also quite slippery, so it can be tough to handle when bathing.

b) Design

Your bath caddy can come in different designs that enhance usability and comfort as you bathe. Most trays come with extendable handles so they can fit most bathtubs. If you pick this design, you will need to ensure the grips are reliable, so you don't have your tray and accessories sliding into the tub.

At times, your bathtub tray can be hard to fix depending on the type of bathtub you use or how wide the tub is. If in this situation, you can get a swivel bath tray that fits on one side of the tub. A swivel bath tray does not sit above you, so there is less risk of you hitting it as you bathe.

c) Size

It is best to understand how long the bath tray runs at its biggest size. This feature allows you to estimate how it can fit in your bathtub.

d) Grips

Most bathroom bathtub trays come with reliable grips, so you can easily install them on your bathtub. Ensure your best bathtub tray has silicone or rubber grips as these will not slide even when wet. In the case of expandable trays, ensure the arms can lock in place to prevent the trays from falling into the tub.

e) Compartments

Your best bath tray improves your bathing experience so you can relax and unwind after a long day. As such, it helps that the tray can carry most of your bath essentials, so you won't have to keep getting out of the tub for more accessories.

Look for as many compartments a bathtub caddy can support, such as wine glass, book, tablet, iPhone, candle, and soap holders. If you'd also like to have more than one glass of wine, ensure the tray can hold the wine bottle without tumbling into the tub.

f) Price

While you can find a bath tray in any price range, you will need to invest in one that meets your expectations. Look for a tray that can hold all your accessories without getting water damage if you use the bathtub frequently. A higher price often indicates better quality and service than other products.

Conclusion

When you work so hard during the day, nothing could be more relaxing than a good bath in the evening. But, while it is easy to ready your bathtub, the best bathtub tray guarantees comfort as you unwind. In addition, you will keep your accessories near you to enjoy your bathing experience.

If you are unsure which bathtub caddy is good for you, we have researched for you and come up with the five best trays to choose from. These models are budget-friendly, durable, and strong so that you can use them for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Bathtub Tray

c) What is the best width for a bath caddy?

The width of a bath caddy depends on how many accessories you want to hold. Therefore, it is wise to consider how many different items you want to use during bath time, such as books, tablets, shower gels, candles, wine glasses, and bottles.

If you want to have everything you might need for a good bath, consider a wide bathtub caddy, as it will come with more compartments than you will find in a smaller caddy.

b) How long should my bath caddy be?

It would be best to get a bath caddy that will fit your bathtub. As such, you can buy a bathtub caddy with the bathtub dimensions in mind as it needs to run from one side of the tub to the other. If you can't find a bathtub caddy that can fit on both sides of your tub, look for one with extendable arms and reliable silicone or rubber grips to keep it fixed on your tub.

c) Is a bathtub caddy durable?

When you buy a bathtub tray made with strong materials such as bamboo, stainless steel and plastic, you are guaranteed the tray can last many years of frequent use. In addition, if the bath caddy comes with a varnish, acrylic, or lacquer finish, it will repel water and mildew to prolong its life. It is also prudent to clean and dry your bathtub caddy after baths to prevent water damage and stains.

d) What should I put on my bathtub caddy tray?

All your baths need to be relaxing to help you unwind after stressful days. So, when taking a bath, you can have all the accessories you need for relaxation sitting on a bath caddy next to you. Some of these accessories are shower gels, scented candles, a wine glass, a book, a tablet, towels, razor, and lotion.

However, note that the size of your bathtub caddy dictates how much weight it can carry and, thus, which items you can place on the caddy.

e) How do I take care of my bath tray?

You will need to clean and dry your tray after each bath to prevent water and soap damage. To do so, gently rinse the tray with warm, clean water and air dry or pat dry with a cloth. You can place it in a cool, dry place when dry until the next use.

If your bathtub caddy has soap scum, you can also clean it with warm water and vinegar, then dry it and store it in a cool, dry place.

Image source: pexels.com

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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