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 sits on top of your bathtub and holds all your bath needed, such as soaps, books, phones, tablets or glasses of wine. In it’s simplest terms, the best bathtub tray is going to turn your regular bath into a spa like experience.

When choosing the best bathtub trays, you choose based on material, dimension, grip as well as amenities. Most bathtubs can accommodate a good tray, which is any size from 26.5 inches to 43 inches. The tray can also be expandable to fit any bathtub, and add extras like candle, wine, reader, and even a smartphone holder. For a good bathtub tray, stainless steel, varnished bamboo or plastic is the best materials.

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...

With its expandable design, this bathtub tray fits all standard bathtubs. The dimensions of the tray are 29 ½ inches to 43 inches, and the dimensions fit perfectly the widest bathtub in the market. The silicone grips also make it so you don’t have to worry about the razor falling out when the bathtub is wet because you will love expanding it.

The sustainable bamboo luxury bathtub tray is lacquer coated and doesn’t get damaged by water. The bamboo bathtub tray comes with a tablet stand, a wine glass holder, a phone holder and detachable spa trays. But in addition, it has excellent craftsmanship, and if you don’t like it after use, there’s a 100% moneyback guarantee.

This bath tray is a bit expensive, but comes with a soap holder in different colors to make your bath experience and bath look ultimate.

Pros:

  • Made with sustainable bamboo
  • Comes with various amenities to hold bath essentials
  • Available in different colors
  • Comes with a soap holder

Cons:

  • A bit expensive

2. Bambüsi Foldable Bathtub Tray - Expandable

Foldable Bathtub Tray - Expandable Bamboo Bath Caddy...
  • Spa Experience at Home: Transform your bathroom into a serene spa...
  • Premium Quality Bamboo & Finish: Crafted from Moso bamboo and...
  • Perfect Gift Idea: This versatile white bath tray makes an ideal...
  • Ultimate Convenience & Elegance: Our bath tub tray features...
  • Sustainable Luxury: Experience the natural beauty of responsibly...
This Bambüsi bathtub tray is the perfect bath caddy gift if you are looking for the perfect caddy gift. Made with sustainable bamboo material and with expandable handles and silicone grips to stay in place when you are using it. The design is expandable, from 27¾" when closed, to 41½" if open. The tray is also varnished with a bamboo surface giving the tray waterproof capabilities.

Furthermore, the tray comes with a rust-proof phone holder, a wine glass slot, a smartphone holder, a soap tray, and a candle holder. This unit also comes with a 100% no questions asked moneyback guarantee, and have a modern design that will match any bathroom.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Made from sustainable Moso bamboo
  • Waterproof
  • Easy to clean

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)

The Mind Reader bamboo bathtub tray has a classic, minimalistic design and is made from slatted bamboo so that you can organize your bath essentials during your soak. What’s more, it’s a price you won’t find too hard on your wallet. Fit for standard bathtubs with dimensions of 5.75 (L) x 27.48 (W) x 1.77 (H) inches..

On top of it being great for a wine glass or bottle, book, shower gels, flat iron, etc., it is also one of the most versatile bathtub trays. The tray is designed to be so easy to clean with just warm water; the bamboo construction ensures longevity.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Versatile use
  • Made with bamboo
  • Ideal for most bathtubs
  • 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 doesn’t have the dedicated amenities of a wine glass holder or storage for a cup, but it does drain, and that's what makes it the best tub tray if you need toys to drain.

Tray is made with BPA free plastic and expandable to fit any bathtub. The tray also features soft grip handles and non slip grips for easy and safe handling. An expandable design uncovers more space to store soaps and towels for a bath that rivals any high end spa.

Pros:

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

Cons:

  • Can not carry a lot of weight

5. VaeFae Premium Teak Bathtub Tray

Sale
VaeFae Premium Teak Bathtub Tray, Expandable Wooden...
  • Teakwood Tray: This Teak Bath tray has an excellent and beautiful...
  • Unique Bath Organizer: This versatile bathtub caddy tray is...
  • Fits Most Bathtubs: This bath tray with expandable handles can be...
  • Luxurious bathing experience: Taking a comfortable bath after a...
  • A great choice for a gift: Perfect gift for Christmas Day,...
The VaeFae Premium Teak Bathtub Tray is a luxurious and practical accessory for anyone looking to elevate their bath experience. Made from high-quality teak wood, this expandable tray fits most bathtubs and includes thoughtful features for added convenience.

The VaeFae Premium Teak Bathtub Tray is perfect for those seeking a blend of luxury and functionality. While the price reflects its quality, the durable build and thoughtful features make it a worthwhile investment for self-care or gifting occasions.

Pros:

  • Crafted from high-quality materials for long-lasting use.
  • Suitable for couples.
  • Sleek and modern design enhances bathroom décor.

Cons:

  • Not suitable for all tubs

Factors to Consider for Your the Best Bathtub Trays

a) Material

If you are bathing water from the tub and the steam will come in contact with your bath tray. Hence, it is important that you choose between different materials, so that the material your bath caddy is made of can take the wetness.

A bamboo bathtub tray is the most popular one since the material is strong, durable and environment friendly. However, you need to purchase water resistant, mildew resistant and easy to clean varnished or lacquered bamboo.

You can also buy a plastic bathtub caddy. A plastic bath tray is water resistant and mildew resistant, but It probably will not be firm if you want to make use of all amenities. The material is also not a sustainable option, if you want to factor in environmental consequences.

Stainless steel bath caddy is easy to clean, it won't get water or mildew damage. If you need a non slip grip however, you could have some problems. It’s also a very slippery material, making it difficult to deal with in a bathing setting.

b) Design

Your bath caddy can come in different designs that improves on usability and comfort while you bathe. Many trays have extendable handles to fit most bathtubs. If you choose this layout you’ll want the grips to be reliable (not your tray and accessories falling into the tub).

Sometimes you cannot fix your bathtub tray at all since it is a question of what kind of tub you are using or how wide your tub is. In this situation, you can get a swivel bath tray that fits on one side of the tub. Unlike a swivel bath tray, one that does not sit above you reduces the chances that you will come into contact with it during your bath.

c) Size

It is best to understand how long the bath tray runs at its biggest size. This feature lets you know what it might be like to squeeze it into your bathtub.

d) Grips

You can easily install most bathroom bathtub trays because these trays provide reliable grips. Make sure your best bathtub tray has silicone or rubber grips so it won’t slide even when wet. With expandable trays, be sure the arms can be kept locked to keep the trays from falling into the tub.

e) Compartments

Your best bath tray improves your bathing experience so after a long hard day you can just relax and unwind. Considering this, the fact that the tray can carry almost the entire contents of most of your bath essentials is helpful because you can avoid leaving the tub to get more accessories.

Search for as many compartments a bathtub caddy can fit, wine glass, book, tablet, iPhone, candle, and soap holders. If you would also like to have more then one glass of wine, make sure it can hold the wine bottle without falling into the tub.

f) Price

You can find a bath tray in any price range, but you will have to invest in one that will deliver your desired expectations. If you use the bathtub rather often, find one that can hold all of your accessories in one place without the water getting to it.

Conclusion

Nothing feels more relaxing after working so hard during the day than a good bath in the evening. Now though it is no problem to get your bathtub ready however the best bathtub tray helps you be relieved at the same time. Furthermore, you will have your accessories closer to you so as to enjoy your bathing experience.

To make your life a little easier, if you aren’t sure what bathtub caddy is good for you, we have done the research for you and have the 5 best trays for you to choose from. Budget friendly, durable, and strong these models are such 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. So, before getting started, it’s wise to think to yourself regarding how many different products you plan to use during bath time: books, tablets, shower gels, candles, wine glasses, and bottles.

Whereas if you want to have everything you might possibly need in a good bathe, then you can opt for a broad bathtub caddy, because it will come with more compartments that smaller trays.

b) How long should my bath caddy be?

It would be best to get a bath caddy that will fit your bathtub. For this reason, when you are buying a bathtub caddy, keep the bathtub dimensions at mind because it will be the one that runs from one side of the tub to the other. If you can't find a bathtub caddy which can accommodate both sides of your tub then look for one with extendable arms and good strong rubber or silicone grips which help to hold it firmly to the tub.

c) Is a bathtub caddy durable?

When you purchase a tub tray made form materials such as bamboo, stainless steel and plastic, you are sure that, such tub tray will withstand many years of such use. Further, if the bath caddy has a varnish, acrylic or lacquer coating to it, this will actually resist water and stop it mildewing for longer. If you’re using a bathtub caddy, it’s also wise to clean and dry it after a bath, to avoid water damage and staining.

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

Relaxing baths help you unwind after stressful days so all your baths need to be relaxing. This means that when you take a bath you can have all the ‘things’ you need lying on a bath caddy next to you for relaxation. These accessories, amongst others, include shower gels, scented candles, a wine glass, a book, a tablet and towels as well as razor and lotion. 

But the size of your bathtub caddy dictates how much weight it can carry and consequently, the items you can have on your caddy.

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

You will need to clean and dry your tray after each bath, to avoid water and soap damage. Rinse the tray gently with warm, clean water and dry it, either by air, or pat dry with a cloth. When dry you can place it in a cool, dry place until its next use.

If there is soap scum on your bathtub caddy, you can try letting it soak in warm water and vinegar and then drying and storing your caddy in a dry, cool 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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