Bathtub caddies: fit your tub, then your things
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- Royal Craft Wood Bathtub Caddy Tray, Natural (RCW-CAD-BMB). Best for: The widest tubs and the most holders. See options on Amazon
- Bambusi Expandable Bamboo Bathtub Tray (BAM-BTF). Best for: Folding away after the bath. See options on Amazon
- Umbra Aquala Bathtub Caddy & Tray (020390-390). Best for: Standard tubs, phone and loofah. See options on Amazon
Measure across the tub
A bath caddy rests on both edges of the tub, so its length is the first thing to check. Bambusi says to measure across the top of the tub from outer edge to outer edge; if that is between 29.5 and 42.9 inches, its tray fits. Royal Craft Wood lists 29.5 inches closed and 43 inches expanded. Umbra says the Aquala extends to a maximum of 37 inches.
If your tub is wider than 37 inches, the Umbra will not reach; the two bamboo trays go wider.
What it holds
Royal Craft Wood lists a secure phone compartment, a removable book and tablet holder, a wine glass holder, and a cup and candle holder tray. Bambusi lists holders for a wine glass, a tablet or book, candles and bath items. Umbra lists a phone slot, a double hook for a loofah, a wine glass holder and a middle bar to prop up a book, magazine or tablet.
Grip on the tub edge
A tray that slides is a nuisance and can drop your phone in the water. Royal Craft Wood says its tray uses non-slip silicone pads. Umbra says each Aquala arm has a thin layer of silicone to help keep the caddy from sliding off the tub edges. Bambusi's page does not describe grip pads.
Materials and care
Royal Craft Wood lists lacquered bamboo, a 5.58 lb weight and 29.5 x 9.1 x 2.56 inches closed. Bambusi calls its bamboo water resistant, not waterproof, and says to wipe it dry after each use and not leave it sitting in water. Umbra calls the Aquala a waterproof, spa-like material sourced from renewable wood, measuring 28.13 x 8.63 x 1.25 inches, and says to wipe it with a clean damp cloth.
Bambusi says its tray folds for storage when you are done.
Which one to choose
Pick by tub width first, then by what you want on the tray. For a wide or deep soaking tub, the Royal Craft Wood and Bambusi trays both reach past 42 inches, and Royal Craft Wood adds a separate cup and candle tray and a removable stand. If you want something you can fold and tuck away, Bambusi says its tray folds for storage. For a standard tub up to 37 inches, the Umbra Aquala is the slimmest at 1.25 inches thick, with a loofah hook the other two do not list.
On materials, Umbra says its finish produces 85% less water and solid waste than traditional electroplating finishes, and notes that wood varies in tone, texture and grain, so yours may not match the photos. Royal Craft Wood describes its bamboo as organic and sustainable.
Bathroom safety
A caddy across the tub is one more thing to step over. MedlinePlus lists placing a slip-proof mat in the bathtub or shower, and putting hand rails in the bathtub or shower and next to the toilet, among ways to prevent falls. Lift the caddy off before you stand up and climb out. See our non-slip bath mat guide.
Warranty and returns
Royal Craft Wood lists a 1-year warranty. Bambusi lists returns within 30 days of delivery. Umbra's page does not list a warranty term.
What to look for when you buy
Royal Craft Wood Bathtub Caddy Tray, Natural (RCW-CAD-BMB)
Best for: The widest tubs and the most holders
Royal Craft Wood lists lacquered bamboo that expands from 29.5 to 43 inches, non-slip silicone pads, a phone compartment, a removable book and tablet holder, wine glass, cup and candle holders, 5.58 lb and a 1-year warranty.
Watch out: Heaviest tray here.
See options on AmazonBambusi Expandable Bamboo Bathtub Tray (BAM-BTF)
Best for: Folding away after the bath
Bambusi lists water resistant bamboo adjusting from 29.5 to 42.9 inches, holders for a wine glass, tablet or book, candles and bath items, and a fold for storage.
Watch out: Water resistant, not waterproof; wipe dry after each use.
See options on AmazonUmbra Aquala Bathtub Caddy & Tray (020390-390)
Best for: Standard tubs, phone and loofah
Umbra lists extension to 37 inches, silicone-lined arms, a phone slot, a double loofah hook, a wine glass holder, a middle bar for a book or tablet, and 28.13 x 8.63 x 1.25 inches.
Watch out: Reaches only 37 inches; measure first.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How do I know if a bathtub caddy will fit?
- Bambusi says to measure across the top of the tub from outer edge to outer edge. Royal Craft Wood expands to 43 inches, Bambusi to 42.9 and Umbra to 37.
- Will a bath caddy slide off the tub?
- Royal Craft Wood lists non-slip silicone pads and Umbra lists silicone on each arm to help keep the caddy in place.
- Can a bamboo bath tray get wet?
- Bambusi calls its tray water resistant and says to wipe it dry after each use and not leave it sitting in water.
- Can a bath caddy hold a tablet?
- Yes. All three list a book or tablet holder or support bar.
- Do bath caddies come in different colors?
- Royal Craft Wood lists natural, brown and gray versions, and Bambusi lists natural, brown and black. Umbra notes wood grain and tone vary piece to piece.
Sources
- Bathtub Caddy Tray, Natural (royalcraftwood.com), Royal Craft Wood
- Bamboo Bathtub Tray, Expandable (bambusi.com), Bambusi
- Aquala Bathtub Caddy & Tray (umbra.com), Umbra
- Preventing falls (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus