There are many factors to consider when buying a brand new toilet. It’s essential to research all the different model styles and features, so you buy the best toilet to suit your needs. These considerations include flush type, bowl shape, seat height, and price. We put together our ultimate toilet buying guide to help you understand all these different features.
Having a clean and capable commode leaves a great impression on anyone who visits your home. It is also an essential asset for homeowners wanting to ensure good health for their family members.
Given that our toilets account for around 24% of the world’s daily water usage, picking an efficient loo is a must. Today’s modern and technically advanced models have features that ensure excellent water efficiency without compromising on performance. Let’s take a look at a few of my favorite ones.
Comparison of the 12 Best Toilets in 2020
1. Toto Drake II Universal Toilet
Presently, the Toto Drake II leads the pack over all the other latrines on our list. The Toto Drake II is a single-flush loo with enormous flushing power. Being a certified High-Efficiency Toilet (HET), the Drake II consumes only 1.28 gallons of water per flush. This amount is more than enough to erase solid waste material from the bowl with a flush rate power of 800 grams, the best in its class.
The Double Cyclone Flushing System drives the entire action here. It activates a sizeable centrifugal effect in the rim and bowl, thrusting the water through the rim nozzles and spinning it at a blazing speed to clear up the surface.
The Toto Drake II is recommended to an average user because it is an ideal combination of quality, value, and effectiveness. Its user-friendliness, water-saving capacity, and comfortable elongated-shaped seating make it a better option compared to the other much pricier models. Regardless of its two-piece style, most households use it because of its durability.
Toto Drake II meets the standard federal water usage limit, and in fact, it is well under the limit. With its outstanding efficiency, it saves water without needing you to double flush, which is better than 1GF or dual-flush latrine models.
The flush valve is almost three more inches than standard flush valves used in most flushing toilets. Another big plus is the larger, fully glazed 2-1/8 inch computer-designed trap way that directs large masses of waste material straight down to the drain hole. Given how it performs, this model is very reasonably priced. Its sleek design fits in perfectly with any bathroom décor.
Despite being everything that many other models are not, the Drake II doesn’t come with a seat and you have to purchase it separately. It is still a two-piece model, which means that it’ll require more space, won’t be easy to clean and doesn’t look as good as a one-piece john.
The Drake II proudly adorns a WaterSense label, testifying its ability to save up to 20% water per flush than the traditional 1.6 GPF toilets. On top of that, it also carries approval from the ADA. ADA approval means these latrines are tall enough to provide excellent leg support to people of all ages, especially elders with knee issues. You can also use ADA approved toilets in your businesses.
- 1.28 Gallons Per Flush
- CEFIONTECT glaze on the bowl that prevents solid waste particles from collecting
- Has TORNADO Flush Technology with two nozzles that provide a powerful centrifugal force
- Vitreous China Material
- Shape: Elongated
- ADA Certified
- Shipping weight: 115 pounds
- Overall sleek design, the elongated bowl shape offers ample support to the hips and thighs.
- Left-oriented, chrome-plated trip lever makes flushing easier.
- The double cyclone flushing system cancels maximum noise so that you can flush it without disturbing anyone in the house at night.
- Easy to install and faster tank refilling.
- High water efficiency and larger flush valve and trap way.
- No warranty
- Only has an elongated shape
- Sometimes we see a few manufacturing defects
2. American Standard Champion-4
The Champion-4 from American Standard is one of those unique models that are capable of giving a tight contest to Toto models. Construction-wise, it is a one-piece which means cleaning this model isn’t the nastiest household chore anymore.
This toilet system is considered a luxurious model, due to its price point. The Champion-4 is suitable for spacious bathrooms in big houses and expensive hotels. People of all heights and body weight can experience optimal comfort on the Champion-4’s ADA-height compliant seat.
Coming to the product specs, it has a lot of attractions hidden within. It holds the capability to evacuate 70% more waste material than any other model in its league. It features a 4-inch accelerator flush valve, which is two times wider than what we find in standard toilets.
The larger flushing valve allows the Champion-4 to push a large amount of water through the nozzles, thereby racking up cyclonic speed to clear up the surface in less than a few seconds. It is also geared with the largest trap way in the entire industry, arming it with extraordinary power for flushing any waste down the bowl.
Because the Champion-4 is a one-piece combination of toilet and cistern, its weight is more substantial when compared to the individual parts of the two-piece models. This loo requires a 12-inch rough-in for its installation. Even though installing it is a two-person job, installation is simple and straightforward.
One often overlooked feature of the Champion-4, is that it has a quick tank refill feature, which is convenient if multiple people are waiting in line. Also, the bowl’s innovative Ever Clean surface prevents the growth of bacteria and molds. These two things lead to stink and yellow stain build-up around the edge of the toilet seat. If all this were not enough to satisfy your requirements, let me inform you that the company’s universal 10-year warranty covers the Champion-4. You can purchase the repair of replacement parts straight from the manufacturer online.
- Low water consumption of 1.6 Gallons Per Flush
- One-piece toilet
- The slow-close lid is included!
- 4-inch flush valve (very hard to clog!)
- Has Ever Clean surface technology to prevent particles from adhering to the bowl surface
- Great water efficiency, removes 70% more waste material than any regular model at a water intake of 1.6 gallons.
- The EverClean surface keeps the seat sanitized on its own — no need of using expensive chemicals or cleaning agents.
- Widest trap way and flushing valve in the industry.
- Poor packaging
- Lousy seats
- The easy clean surface glazing is somewhat wasted
3. Toto UltraMax II 1-Piece Elongated Toilet
Low-water consumption and unbeatable performance packed in one toilet, that’s UltraMax II in a nutshell for you. The sleek one-piece design makes washing this model very easy.
If you have a small bathroom, a one-piece toilet will save a lot of room. UltraMax II is one of the best High-Efficiency Toilet (HET) models in the market. The seamless bowl design helps reduce and inhibit mold and fungus growth, due to the absence of holes in the rim.
The double Cyclone Flushing mechanism creates tremendous water pressure in the bowl, while only using 1.28 gallons of water. The entire operation is done silently, unlike cheaper toilets that produce growling noises while flushing.
Unlike the cheaper lavatory models, the Toto UltraMax II comes with a SoftClose seat and lid. This one-piece combination of toilet and cistern is more massive than the base of a two-piece john, which can make it harder to install. It uses 12-inch rough-in plumbing for its installation.
The UltraMax II can come with a WaterSense rebate to reduce its cost if you live in a geographically desirable area. With that rebate, this lavatory can become one of the most reasonably priced luxurious toilets you can buy. The footprint of this Toto model is slightly larger than some older models.
The quiet and quick water refill feature of the Toto UltraMax II prevents any inconvenience when you have guests coming over. The bowl rim has no holes or inverted canal on its sides which makes it easier to clean. Since it is a one-piece model, there are no chances of water leaks.
The seat surface features glazing called SanaGloss. It not only gives the seat a mirror-like shine but also prevents the build-up of odor-causing germs and bacteria around the loo. That makes UltraMax II a perfect fit for a clean bathroom.
While being a well-recognized brand for its high-quality products, it can be hard to find Toto UltraMax II’s replacement parts when something breaks. To make sure nobody has a hard time sitting on the seat, the height of the model meets ADA regulations. Meeting ADA regulations means it is a comfortable sitting experience for everyone, especially senior citizens.
- High-Efficiency 1.28 Gallons Per Flush
- Powerful TOTO Tornado Flush System
- CEFIONTECT Glaze Prevents Particle Buildup
- University Comfortable Height For All Users
- SoftClose Seat Included!
- ADA, WaterSense, CALGreen, and CEC compliant
- Shipping weight: 99 pounds
- The toilet includes a SoftClose seat, so you don’t need to buy one separately. This type of seat shuts slowly and quietly, instead of slamming shut.
- Minimal water consumption saves a lot of money on your monthly water bill.
- The elongated one-piece model has a sleek, sophisticated profile to match the decor of every bathroom, big and small.
- Easy to clean, includes self-cleaning features like seamless rim design and SanaGloss glaze coating to resist the growth of germs, mildew, mold, bacteria, and similar particles.
- One year limited warranty
- Available in one color only
- Only has an elongated shape
4. Kohler Santa Rosa Toilet
Many people love Kohler toilets because of their aesthetically pleasing designs, logical features, and the latest flushing technology all rolled into one flushing system. The Santa Rosa series is one of the most successful projects of Kohler. So, what makes the Santa Rosa more than just eye-candy?
The canister design in Kohler Santa Rosa toilets has 90% less exposed material compared to the 3-inch flapper models. This feature means that the customer can expect this lavatory to be incredibly durable and leak-free for a very long time.
To help you calculate its yearly water consumption, manufacturers believe that the Santa Rosa toilet consumes up to sixteen and a half thousand gallons of water per year. Unlike other models, this toilet comes with a seat and a lid, saving you from the additional expense of buying a separate seat.
For aggressive flushing, it uses a Class Five Flushing technology that is aided by a 3-1/4 inch canister flush valve. The water jets out through the tank to the bowl in high volume to generate a high-velocity siphonic action. This action pushes large masses of waste through the trap way with ease, leaving behind zero traces of stains on the bowl.
After each flush, the tank is refilled quickly to get ready for the next use. The inside out glazed 2-1/8-inch trap way is specifically designed to handle large volumes of waste, reducing the risk of clogging, a prevalent problem with standard toilets.
Installation of Santa Rosa toilet requires a 12-inch plumbing rough-in. Since it is a one-piece model, it is easy to install, and anyone with DIY skills can install this loo by following the instructions given in the manual.
This high-efficiency model boasts of a Comfort Height feature. This feature means the height of the seat is equal to standard chair height, making it more comfortable for everyone.
- 1.28 Gallons Per Flush
- A Brevia Quiet-Close seat is included!
- The AuqaPiston Canister creates 360-degree water flow into the bowl
- A one-piece toilet which is easy to clean
- Available in many colors
- WaterSense Certified
- Shipping weight: 115 pounds
- Comfortable seat design for a satisfying experience, especially for aged people and folks with serious physical conditions.
- Beautiful, sleek exterior that’ll act as an excellent decorative piece for any bathroom.
- Use of powerful Class Five Flushing Action for an incredible after-effect.
- Some users complained the toilet clogged up while still new!
5. American Standard Cadet-3 Toilet
There’s nothing uglier than skid marks on your toilet seats. Ordinary flushing systems aren’t powerful enough to deliver the flushing speed required to rinse tough stains in one flush. However, the American Standard Cadet 3 Flowise is no ordinary john.
The next model on my list is American Standard Cadet-3 Flowise, known for its specialization in wiping off every trace of skid marks from the toilet, leaving you with a clean bathroom.
Its one-of-a-kind Cadet-3 flushing system consists of a chemical and distort-resistant 3-inch flush valve for accelerated water volume flow per flush. This action translates to almost 80% faster water flow than regular 2-inch valves. The fully glazed 2-1/8 inch trap way limits the occurrence of clogging and evacuates 1000 grams of solid waste with every flush.
The Cadet-3 is ADA compliant, which is indicative of the optimum level of comfort it provides for users. With a rim height of only 16.5 inches, people of any age can enjoy maximum knee support for a satisfactory experience.
The best bowl surfaces have the best quality vitreous china for long-lasting performance. Additionally, it is glazed with silver-ion additives to create an anti-bacterial EverClean surface for improved hygiene.
- 1.28 Gallons Per Flush
- EverClean surface keeps debris from collecting and adhering to the bowl
- Fully glazed 2-1/8″ trap way helps decrease clogs
- Meets EPA WaterSense standards
- 5-year warranty
- 16.5 rim height is ADA compliant
- Shipping weight: 118 pounds
- The large trap way and extra-wide flush valve play a key role in initiating blazing flushing action for maximum efficiency.
- The ADA approved design provides a comfortable experience for everyone.
- The bowl, made of a highly durable vitreous china is fully glazed inside and out with ion additives for bacteria prevention and a shiny surface.
- This toilet works faster than most other models in its category.
- Not a Flowise
6. Toto Connelly Two-Piece Toilet
If you are particularly searching for the best dual-flush type toilets, here is another excellent option from Toto. Connelly is a two-piece model, meaning it has a separate tank and an elongated bowl. The unit is a WaterSense certified high-efficiency model, requiring just a little more than 1 gallon of water to do a complete flush. Among the bundle of attractive features, the Dual-Max Cyclone Flushing System has grabbed quite a lot of attention.
It is a lethal combination of the double cyclone and dual flush technology, combining the best of both worlds to deliver extraordinary performance every single time.
The mechanism works this way: the two nozzles located on either side of the rim, housed with a 3rd nozzle at the bottom of the bowl play a pivotal role in forming the 3-D tornado flush. The dual flushing method includes a partial-flushing mode for liquid waste removal, using 0.9 GPF.
The concealed trap way design makes maintaining cleanliness convenient for the owners. The elongated bowl has an added advantage over round bowls for providing extra support to the butt and thighs. The ADA approved seat height is a relief for people with reduced physical conditions and senior citizens.
- Dual-Max Flushing technology combines the two most powerful methods of flushing: double cyclone and dual flush for maximum impact.
- Elongated bowl and ADA compliant seat height make it a comfortable experience for individuals of every age, especially elders.
- The concealed trap way gives it a neat profile.
- No seat included
- Only available in one color
7. Kohler Elongated Toilet
This model from Kohler is another trendy loo. The primary feature of an ideal flushing toilet is the removal of waste from every inch of the bowl surface with one flush.
The extremely high water volume flow to the bowl, combined with a canister flush valve initiates thunderous flushing action using Kohler’s proprietary Class Five Flushing technology. The optimal water usage of 1.28 gallons is compliant with U.S. standards.
Installing this lavatory is a breeze, as the credit goes to the Exclusive DryLock System that eliminates the need for calling a professional plumber. All you need is a few basic tools in your toolbox.
The chair-seat height provides an enjoyable experience for every user. The two-piece construction comes with an elongated bowl with a standard 12-inch rough-in dimension, suitable for medium to large toilets.
- A complete flushing solution, incorporating the premium Class Five Flushing method to eradicate waste, forcing it straight down to the main sewage system, wiping off the skid marks for a fully sanitized, clean water closet.
- The Exclusive DryLock System makes setting up the fixture a DIY affair. If you have a little experience with plumbing methods, you won’t need to call for professional help.
- Elongated bowl design and ADA approved seat height provides maximum comfort.
- Clogged up while still new!
- No self-closing seat
- Cheap quality seat
8. Nature’s Head Composting Toilet
As far as durability is concerned, very few composting toilets can match the high standard set by Nature’s Head Self-Contained Toilets. Primarily designed for marine use, the sturdy stainless steel construction is capable of withstanding heavy use for a long time.
The best feature of the product is the quality of composting. The unit is entirely odor-free, plus, there is a crank handle to shift the compost properly to its place for maximum effectiveness.
The self-contained design has a separate chamber for liquid waste, making the composting process faster. Portable composting lavatories like this can be used anywhere such as condominiums, RVs, cabins, trucks, and campsites or anywhere a proper bathroom facility is scarce. The air circulation built-in fan recycles and purifies the air to facilitate a healthy environment for everyone.
- Proudly made in the USA
- All stainless hardware
- Full-size elongated seat for comfort
- Vent hose and fan included
- Overpriced
9. TOTO Drake Elongated Bowl Toilet
The TOTO Drake Elongated Bowl and Tank model is made from ceramic and has a patented CEFIONTECT glaze. This glaze gives it a beautiful shiny finish that is resistant to scratches, stains, and waste stains.
The seat is adjusted to a universal height making the seating positing comfortable for a wide range of users with different body types. The TOTO Drake features the E-Max flushing system that is designed to be efficient and very quiet.
On most occasions, the system will flush down even the heaviest of solid waste in one single flush cycle. Plus, TOTO toilets are ADA and CEC compliant as they only use 1.28 gallons of water per flush, making them some of the most water-efficient toilets on the market (Source).
Customers can choose from five different colors and three distinct finishes. Hence, you can be assured that you will find the right model to fit your bathroom interior.
- Available in several colors
- Water-efficient
- CEC and ADA compliant
- CEFIOTECT glaze finish
- Very quiet
- Hard to use a plunger in case of a clog because the drain diameter is tiny
- Comes without a seat
- The flapper cannot be changed in case of a breakage
- Some customers have reported receiving broken units due to careless shipping
10. TOTO Drake Round Bowl and Tank Toilet
The TOTO CST Elongated Bowl has low water consumption at just 1.28 gallons of water per flush. This beautiful loo is glazed in Toto’s patented SanaGloss finish that prevents mold, mildew, fungus, and debris from sticking to porous porcelain and ceramic surfaces.
The gloss finish works excellent because it seals the china with an ionized barrier that creates a super-smooth surface that is easy to clean with a flush. Also, the catalyzed ion particles even repel debris and prevent rusting.
If needed, customers can order a separate seat they can later use to replace the old one. All TOTO seats are made to fit all models regardless of whether the model is regular or elongated.
- Shiny SanaGloss finish that is resistant to debris, mold and mildew
- Comfortable and ergonomic seat design
- Great customer support
- Made in the USA
- Packages sometimes arrive with damaged units
- Expensive
- Comes without a seat
11. TOTO Drake 2-Piece Toilet
This model is sold in five different finishes including the high-end and TOTO patented CEFIONTECT ceramic finish.
The trap way has been specifically designed and tested for super-efficient and clog-free use even when toilet paper is flushed down. It is intended for households equipped to handle up to 3.8 gallons of water per flush without the water backing up to the bowl.
Plus, the two-piece design will eliminate the need for frequent cleaning, especially between the bowl and the tank. Customers have reported this model to work flawlessly with a healthy flush and bearable noise level.
- Low flush noise
- Easy to clean
- Seamless design
- Available in several finishes
- Made in the USA
- The flapper and the handle are prone to breakages due to poor design
- Tiny flush tank compared to other models
- Little water stays in the bowl
12. Thetford Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet
Thetford designed the Aqua Magic model in a timeless classic style that will fit any bathroom interior design regardless of its size. These units come with a dual-action single-handle flush that can be pressed down halfway to add the needed amount of water into the bowl or thoroughly pressed for a regular flush. The lid has been designed to have a textured finish that helps shed water and is much more resistant to dirt, scratches, and stains.
Plus, this Thetford toilet is lightweight as it only weighs 9.4 pounds and will be very easy to install alone by following the instruction booklet that comes with the packaging box. Also, it is a bit taller than standard loos. Hence it will be more suitable for taller individuals.
- Beautiful design
- Single-handle flush
- Scuff resistant lid
- Easy to install
- Clear instructions
- Taller than regular toilets
- Lightweight
- Hollow inside that can trap paper and other waste
- Users have reported the toilet leaking as well as its interior design
Best Toilet Reviews – 2018 Reviews (Last Year’s Bests)
1. TOTO Elongated 1-Piece Toilet
Looking at the variety of designs and technologies Toto has put on display, calling them one of the best flushing toilet manufacturers of this era doesn’t seem like an overstatement. An independent lab test proved that Toto Supreme’s maximum performance flush rate is 1.6 gallons of water per flush.
Gravity pull teamed with robust centrifugal force creates a cyclonic flushing power that effectively rinses away solid waste from every inch of the bowl.
The 3-inch flushing valve (more significant than conventional 2-inch valves) transfers water from the tank to the rim nozzles at a formidable speed. The elongated bowl shape provides greater comfort to your knees and butt than standard round-shaped models. The waste is flushed down the pipe directly towards the sewer resulting in reduced water splashback.
2. TOTO Vespin II Two-Piece Toilet
TOTO Vespin II with Sana Gloss Elongated Toilet has an integrated tank for a seamless and easy to clean design without any crevices, hooks or corners.
This powerful system has a comfortable seat height that offers individuals enjoyable sitting positions. This unit does not include a seat or lid in the packaging. However, it does come with a clear instruction booklet that will serve as a guide on how to set up the lavatory. The booklet will also tell you how to adjust all the necessary screws and bolts.
The Toto Vespin II is very water-efficient, and the canister flush packs a strong water push to eliminate any possible clogs due to waste, paper, or other material. However, customers have reported that the flushing does make a little more noise than other models in this price segment.
3. Woodbridge Dual Flush Elongated
The Woodbridge toilet, by popular opinion, looks very luxurious with its sleek and clean design. It is also effortless to clean as the unit is designed to have minimal crevices, corners, and grooves. Also, the skirted trap way creates a flawless look and enables easy cleaning. Plus the dual flush system only uses about 1.2 gallons of water per flush, making this Woodbridge model very water efficient.
Furthermore, this unit uses a siphoning flushing tube that reduces noise and helps prevent leaks, clogs, and other problems caused by waste. The seat is designed to have an optimal height for seating and standing and does not weigh much when compared to other similar models.
This model is made using high-quality ceramic and comes with a pre-installed seat, wax ring, bolts, and a very clear instruction booklet. Plus, the packaging contains a hand wrench for tightening the bolts and screws. Also, this loo has been tested for water efficiency and found to comply with the strict UPS and CSA guidelines.
4. TOTO Aquia Wall Hung
TOTO Aquia Wall Hung Dual Flush toilet is a rather very tiny unit. This toilet size will feel very uncomfortable for individuals that are tall or weigh more than average.
However, it is easy to use and clean as the one-piece design is glazed to resist scratches, watermark stains, rusting, and color fading. The elongated seat is removable whenever needed for easy cleaning or seat changing.
Plus, the dual flush allows you to control the amount of water used for flushing while the Cyclone Flush System ensures that even solid wastes get easily flushed with a minimal amount of water.
5. Sun Mar Excel Self Contained
If a tight budget does not constrain you, the eco-friendly Sun-Mar Excel Non-Electric Self-Contained Composting Toilet would be a long-time investment.
People who care about the environment can use the composting method (the process of converting human waste into natural fertilizer) to save water usage.
It’s well-suited for houses that can spare a separate outlet for venting the odor. For regular campers and outdoorsmen, a portable, powerful, waterless john is a saving grace.
The composting process is quickened and simplified by the inclusion of a variable diameter bio-drum. Emptying the waste is as easy as leaving a trash can, and the secure storage of the waste aids hassle-free maintenance.
Which is the best toilet brand?
When it comes to the best brands, Toto, American Standard, and Kohler are the brands that top the list. Even with all the luxury features, these brands have some of the most affordable toilets on the market. These brands have maintained their reputation by manufacturing the most durable products and their excellent customer services.
These well-recognized brands not only have the finest of lavatories in the market, but they also introduce new ideas without losing touch with their traditions. It could be hard to choose from the best of all toilet brands, but ultimately, you would have to choose one. Toto and American Standard are undoubtedly the best choices, and the rest depends on you.
TOTO:
With their innovative style, Toto Toilet surely knows how to try out new ideas. Drake II is Toto’s best model. It is a certified High-Efficiency Toilet (HET) and consumes only 1.28 gallons of water per flush. This unit saves 20% of water per flush compared to traditional bathroom toilets.
Toto maintains a strong reputation for maintaining and improving its product. Therefore, the higher you go up the line, the better and more durable loo features you get to experience. Toto’s models are reliable enough for customers to play favorites with the older original models. The satisfaction and durability of the product bring out customer loyalty.
American Standard:
American Standard is top of the line among companies that produce some of the top-rated toilets. The company is known for its traditional style and less likely to try out new ideas like Toto.
Despite its traditional style, the American Standard Toilet still has a wide range of models compared to any of its competitors, and this is one of the reasons why its customers rely on and value its products.
With its finely designed products, American Standard is the brand to opt for if you’re going to buy more than one product. Its combination of new and old features in a product is what distinguishes it from other famous brands.
Kohler:
Kohler prides itself on its stellar customer service reputation. With the best possible warranty for its products, Kohler always resolves its customers’ problems regarding their products and services.
If something ever goes wrong with your unit, their lightning-fast customer service is always a call away to resolve your issue, or you can visit their outlet to get help. Their toilets are easy to install, and they come with comprehensive and concise guidelines and manuals.
They have the fastest shipping service, no matter where you are across the world, and if you’re looking for urgent delivery, Kohler is the answer.
Water Usage of Toilets
As the standards have gotten better over the years, manufacturing toilets in a way that they use the minimum amount of water to flush waste is the primary goal. Older models used four gallons of water per flush, while newer models use an average of 1.6 gallons of water per flush.
Newer designs have so much to offer compared to older models. These new features include better flushing power, less water usage, dual-action flushing handles, and so much more. If a toilet uses less amount of water, to prevent double flushing, it would need to compensate with other technology. Gravity technology along with jetted valves helps with full cleaning and flushing the waste completely out.
Some models use 1.28-GPF, which prevents double flushing in extreme situations. These lavatories offer an ideal combination of power and savings. Toilets use one-third of a household’s water usage, and with multiple bathrooms in the house, you would want to get newer models to help conserve water. When looking for an excellent new toilet, make sure that it offers a big difference in your ongoing savings and costs.
Get The Right Toilet for Your Home
Flush Type
A flushing mechanism is the heart and soul of any flushing toilet. If the system fails to perform in its designated way, you are going to end up with some nasty stains. Flushing falls into one of the two following categories:
Gravity Fed
As the name implies, this kind of machine uses the force of gravity to push the waste material down the flushing channel or drainage pipe. Gravity-fed toilets can operate on the standard domestic water pressure of 10 psi.
These are the quietest flushing models, and it doesn’t produce grunting noises while forcing the water through the rim holes using siphonic action. This flushing type is ideal for removing a large mass of waste efficiently.
Pressure Assisted
Toilets with internally sealed tanks are capable of creating extreme water pressure in the bowl to help jet waste down the trap way. The pressurized water tank thrusts a high volume of water into the bowl with great velocity for super-quick cleaning.
According to most plumbers, pressure-assisted toilets are highly water-efficient, making it an excellent bargain for the money. The flushing system is way more effective than gravity-fed systems. However, there will be a good deal of noise to deal with during each flush.
Power-Assisted
Instead of a tank holding water under pressure, this type of unit utilizes an electric motor to actuate air pressure into the fully sealed compression tank.
The combination of water and high air pressure sucks the waste through the flushing channel, cleaning the bowl with high precision in less than a couple of seconds.
Dual Flush
Dual flush units can save you up to a whopping 68% of water compared to a standard low-flush model. The double mechanism comprises two distinct options for removing the urine and solid waste.
While the lower water flush uses minimal amounts of water (around 0.8 gallons) to flush the liquid waste, switching to the full flush mode will wash away solid waste with one sweep using 1.6 gallons or less. Dual flush toilets are available in both pressure-assisted and gravity-fed options.
Low Water Consumption
Saving water as much as possible is a priority for people living in areas where water shortage is a huge concern. Even if you live in an apartment where water is supplied 24 hours, choosing a HET (High-Efficiency Toilet) would be a nice gesture towards natural resource conservation. The top toilet models from the best brands have 1.28-1.6 gallon flush tanks.
These low flow toilets go with any flushing action. The dual flush system, combined with water-saving technology is an ideal loo for every bathroom. The small water consumption models that comply with the California standard of 1.28 GPF carry a WaterSense label.
Bowl Style
Think about what kind of bowl you want while browsing through the choices. Most modern bowls come in two basic shapes: elongated and round.
Elongated bowls are 2” inches wider than round bowls, providing better support to your posterior. Round bowls are more compact in dimension and typically designed to fit in small bathrooms.
Siphonic or wash down style models substitute air in the water channel with water. This action initiates a power vacuum action that spins away from the dirt through the drainage pipe without clogging it. Washout toilets, on the other hand, feature a large trap way that forces the water into the main bowl with high velocity and sucks the grime downwards.
Seat Height
While checking out the details, also take a glance at the seat height of the fixture, the taller, the better in this case. ADA compliant Comfort Height seats measure around 16.5” in length.
If you have children in your house, instead of buying a smaller lavatory, purchase a step stool separately as smaller systems won’t be preferred as your children grow up. ADA compliant seats are in demand for people suffering from adverse physical conditions and elderly folks.
What color of the toilet should you choose?
Although the traditional color of a regular toilet is white, many folks now go for more colorful ones. For example, many manufacturers offer many colors such as red, pink, yellow, black, and even blue. Loos with such colors become accent items in a bathroom, and they work to highlight otherwise white or grey plain walls.
However, you do not necessarily need to buy a red toilet to stand out. You could always go for more traditional colors but add a twist, for example, grey or ebony. They might not seem like they will make a considerable change in how your bathroom looks at first, but overall, they will work to create a very soft contrast.
However, remember that light-colored units tend to get dirty much faster and will need more thorough cleaning rituals. Dust on the tank and even the slightest rust marks on the bottom will spoil the overall shiny look of your bathroom. Let’s be honest a toilet is the centerpiece of any bathroom.
One-piece vs. Two-piece Toilets: Pros, Cons & Costs
There is no fundamental difference between the operating method of single-piece and two-piece toilets. In single-piece toilets, the components are arranged together. Therefore, there is no separate tank. This kind of system has a carefully packaged design and is very easy to clean and maintain.
On the contrary, two-piece tanks are fixed on the top of the bowl. About four out of five lavatories purchased for homes are two-piece, they cost almost 20 to 25% less than their one-piece counterparts.
On the downside, two-piece systems can be hard to clean. Look for a well-built sanitary bar if you’re determined to buy one. It prevents the collection of any liquid under the tank, thus extending the lifespan of the equipment.
Flush Valve and Trap Ways
Extra-wide 3-4 inches flushing valves are rapidly altering the standard 2-inch valves used in the relatively older models. The more width it has, the more water will pass through the rim holes at a higher velocity to clean the bowl. Large trap ways reduce the chances of clogging while concealed or skirted designs make cleaning the bottom of the unit less messy.
Rough-in Measurement
Without knowing the proper size of your bathroom, it’s almost impossible to pick the right size. Measuring the rough-in size is no big deal. All you need is a measuring tape, stick one side of it at the center of the drainpipe and drag it up to the base of the wall.
If your existing toilet features four closet bolts, start measuring from either the center or rear bolts. The standard rough-in dimension is 12” in modern models.
The Benefits of Adding a Dual Flush Toilet to Your Home
The best flushing toilets in the market share use the least amount of water per flush. Premium range flushing systems are capable of cleaning the bowl surface with less than a gallon of water. Less water consumption not only means you save a considerable amount of money on your water bill but also positively contribute towards natural resource conservation. Thanks to the double cyclone flushing technology, modern flushing toilets are now blessed with a higher flushing force than ever before.
Fortunately, these thoughtfully designed models flush the waste immediately down the bowl, ensuring no residue is left over to cause a stink. Less cleaning means less stock on toilet bowl cleaners! The steady flushing system ensures the bowl remains clean and hygienic with every flush.
The next notable benefit of installing a well-designed loo is personal comfort. From rounded to elongated bowls, the best flushing toilet manufacturers efficiently cater to your varied needs. Chrome-plated models are primarily known for adding an extra layer of stability to the trip lever.
Lastly, we shouldn’t forget to acknowledge the reduced expense on maintenance and repair. Quality plumbing fixtures don’t pose the risk of clogging your pipe system. Therefore, you won’t have to put the plumber’s number on speed-dial anymore.
Plumbing a Steady Toilet System
Over the decades, the designs and mechanisms of toilets have gone through stark improvisations. The modern flushing toilets are exclusively designed to save water and reduce noise during flushing. With so much change in the design, it’s evident that plumbing requisites for these systems have also changed remarkably. If your plumbing knowledge doesn’t expand beyond measuring the rough-in, don’t hesitate to call an expert plumber to the job.
Most toilets weigh more than 100 pounds. To have a safer and steadier experience, make sure to have stable anchors to fix the unit to the subfloor. Don’t just stop at that. Use studs to provide proper support to the equipment on the floor. If you have chosen an ADA compliant system, the height of the bowl is going to be nearly 16.5 inches. In that case, the plumbing method might be a little complex.
Summing Up Our Toilet Reviews
Apart from the premium manufacturers like Toto and Kohler, many other brands are devoted to bringing innovative technologies and improved designs to satisfy the demand of next-gen customers. There are numerous categories and sub-categories, technologies, and designs. To the general public, finding the best toilets can be a pretty complicated job. The task becomes a bit less tiring if you have your specific requirement set in mind.
Price tags can never be an ultimate deciding factor, as long as a product meets all your demands successfully, it deserves a spot in your wishlist. Now, I have done my due diligence. The rest is reliant on your patience to research and the ability of judgment.
Conclusion
We hope that this best toilets buying guide helps you make up your mind. In addition to the tips mentioned above, we would like to remind you that it is always best to hire a professional plumber for the installation process. If you are not well-versed in toilet installation, you risk installing it the wrong way. The risks are damage to the tubing or tightening the bolts too tight that the ceramic or porcelain will crack.