Recently, I had to answer a friend's questions about steel baths again. Since we have had a steel bathtub from the German company Kaldewei for more than a decade, i have to write about news and innovations in bathroom design. And no secret i'm a fan of that "metal bathtub".

I didn't have any intriguing news for my friend. I can just blandly confirmed that the steel bathtub is durable and looks like new after a decade of intensive use.

Anyway i had the feeling that the stereotypes of steel bathtubs were still clinging. At least most people knew even less about steel trays and washbasins.

So it's time to return talk about "steel" in the bathroom. What are the critics of steel baths leaving out? The image of steel bathtubs is still tarnished by cheap, low-quality products, but you should forget the disappointments when you choose a quality product.

Steel bathtubs are made by pressing steel sheets of varying thicknesses, with wall thicknesses ranging from 2.3-3.5 mm.

The surface is coated with a layer of enamel at extremely high temperatures. It is very important that the enamel is of high quality can chip or discolour. If the enamel is of good quality, the bath will not be scratched, faded or discoloured.

So a quality steel bath is a durable product. If it still sounds like an advertising promise, you might be convinced by the 30-year warranty on steel bathtubs from Kaldewei.

If you're worried about terrible water noise you can protect yourself by buying special insulation panels.

Steel bathtubs come in more sizes and shapes than you might expect and are designed by world-renowned designers and studios such as Sottsass Associati, Phoenix Design, Arik Levy.

What you probably haven't heard about steel bathtubs

These bathtubs have good acoustic properties. Why is this interesting? Kaldewei has developed the Sound Wave sound system, which is installed directly underneath the steel bathtub.

Sound systems installed in showers and whirlpool baths are no longer surprising. But try to imagine: you are not lying just in a bath, but... ...in a water-filled speaker with low-frequency sound vibrations...

Steel shower trays also deserve more attention

Like baths steel showers are sturdy as surface is also coated with an enamel alloy.

Steel trays don't deform and are not heavy. Of course, it is very important to get it right, and it is better to consult a professional, no matter how simple it may seem.

One of the most important features of steel trays is depth. The trays are so thin and flat that they practically melt into the floor surface and have no curbs to trip. There are a variety of colour-not only just white.

Steel washbasins?

Yes! Although the first steel washbasins, introduced a few years ago for many people it's still sounds like novelty.

One of the reasons why they are not widespread is that the high quality and sophisticated technological solutions can only be realised by Germany's own Kaldewei.

However, it's up to you to decide which bath, shower tray or washbasin to choose, but steel products are serious contenders.