American Standard Cadet 60" x 30" Alcove Bathtub

American Standard Cadet -- the value alcove benchmark

The American Standard Cadet (2391) is one of the most-installed alcove bathtubs in the US residential market -- a distinction earned over decades of consistent availability at Home Depot, Ferguson, and plumbing supply houses nationwide. The Cadet occupies the practical mid-range of the alcove market: better construction than builder-grade fiberglass-only shells, at a lower price point than Kohler's acrylic lineup, with American Standard's EverClean antimicrobial surface as the distinguishing feature.

Construction: porcelain-enameled steel. This is a different construction from either acrylic or cast iron. The steel substrate is lighter than cast iron (approximately 100 lbs versus 350+ lbs) and more impact-resistant than acrylic, while the porcelain enamel surface is harder and more scratch-resistant than acrylic. The tradeoff versus acrylic: steel rings when struck (less acoustic damping), and chips in the enamel surface require refinishing or a porcelain repair kit rather than the acrylic gel-coat repair possible with scratched acrylic tubs.

EverClean antimicrobial surface

American Standard's EverClean surface incorporates an antimicrobial agent directly into the enamel formulation -- not a surface coating that wears off, but a material-integrated treatment. The practical benefit is reduced mold and mildew growth in the joint between the tub deck and tile surround, which is the most common maintenance problem in shower-over-tub installations. EverClean is particularly relevant for households with occupants who don't clean the tub surround weekly, which is most households.

Installation notes

The Cadet installs in a 60"x30" three-wall alcove -- the same opening as the Kohler Bellwether and the vast majority of pre-1990 residential bath roughing. Right-hand drain (model 2391.002) or left-hand drain (2391.202) -- specify correctly before ordering, as swapping drain location post-delivery requires a second tub shipment. Drain rough-in: 1.5" PVC waste. Faucet: deck-mount or wall-mount both compatible, faucet sold separately. The Cadet ships with a protective film on the tub surface -- leave it in place during rough-in and tile work; remove only at final cleanup.

Cadet vs Kohler Bellwether

At similar price points, the choice is American Standard's porcelain-enameled steel with EverClean versus Kohler's cast acrylic with lifetime warranty. The Cadet's steel construction resists impact chips (from dropped tools during construction) better than acrylic; the Kohler's acrylic is warmer to the touch and easier to repair if scratched. For renovation projects where the tub takes construction abuse, the Cadet's steel shell is more forgiving. For owner-occupied finished baths used for soaking, the Kohler Bellwether's acrylic is preferred by most bathers.