We can all agree that a clogged toilet is a very annoying issue we all prefer to avoid. However, should you find yourself in this situation, you’ll want to have a toilet plunger on hand to help quickly and painlessly resolve the issue.
In today’s article, we’ll go through some of the best plungers for toilets you can find in 2023. We’ll also provide you with a brief buying guide to help you find the ideal toilet plunger for you.
Page Contents
Top Picks
| › | Editor's Choice | NEIKO 60167A Toilet Plunger |
|---|---|---|
| › | Runner Up | Luigi’s Toilet Plunger |
| › | Most Heavy Duty Choice | MR.SIGA Toilet Plunger |
| › | Easiest to Plunge | JS Jackson Accordion Plunger |
| › | Most Powerful | LDR Industries High Force Plunger |
| › | Best Functional Storage | mDesign Toilet Plunger and Brush Combo |
Types of Plungers
Keep in mind, different types of plungers are used for particular applications. Below we cover the 3 most popular types depending on your situation.
✓ Sink Cup Plungers
✓ Flange Plungers
✓ Accordion Plungers
Comparison of the Top-Rated Toilet Plungers
The Best 6 Unclogging Toilet Plungers (Rank & Review)
Our experts searched for the top plungers on the market to review and listed features.
“The Neiko Combo Set is an essential addition to any bathroom. Once you try it out, you’ll never want to go back to another plunger again.”
- Plunger Type: Flange Style
- Kit Combo: Plunger, Brush, Caddy
- Handle Length: 19″
- Handle Material: Aluminium
- Handle Length: 19″
- Dimensions: 24″L x 9″ W x 7″ H
- 4-step suction cup
- Universally adaptable to any toilet
- Mold and rust-resistant design
- Caddy needs to be carefully carried to avoid dropping the plunger
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We know the best products are the ones that last. The Neiko is our favorite set because of its high-quality design that’ll last a lifetime, for a price that doesn’t break the bank.
Plunger Design
The Neiko has a 4-step supreme suction design that easily fits into any toilet bowl and prevents water retention because of its lack of interior ridges. The plunger cups are made of heavy duty rubber that provides a secure suction seal while also allowing you to pump the toilet from any angle. The brush features hard bristles that can target even the toughest stains.
Even with the Neiko combo set’s durable character, the set is surprisingly lightweight. Its rust-resistant aluminum handle can also be easily cleaned through a simple wet wipe or bathroom spray. Regular wooden handles can harbor bacteria or contract mold; the aluminum handle saves you the trouble of worrying and extra cleaning.
The Neiko is a compact set that can sit behind your toilet or be hung on the wall, thanks to its convenient peg holes.
Other Model Choices
We love the Neiko because the plunger and brush come in a simple, white organizational caddy that keeps everything in check. However, the plunger also comes in a one-piece, two-piece dual set, two-piece set with a mini plunger, or a four piece set that adds the mini sink plunger in addition to the combo set.
Overall, we think the Neiko is the best bang for your buck. If you want to splurge, the four piece with the mini sink plunger is also a good call, though is less necessary for those who rarely experience kitchen clogs.
What Reviews Say
The Neiko is a crowd favorite because of its ingenious, sleek design. Users boast about the plunger’s ability to tackle tough clogs across various toilet types. The only complaints revolve around the caddy’s carrying power. The plunger doesn’t automatically attach to the caddy to make one cohesive unit, so you have to be careful while moving the set to avoid any fallout.
2. Runner Up
Luigi’s Toilet Plunger
“The Luigi is a solid plunger if you’re looking for an affordable accordion-style plunger that’s low-maintenance and easy to store.”
- Plunger Type: Accordion Style
- Handle Length: 11″
- Handle Material: Plastic
- Color: Green & blue
- Dimensions: 13.7″ L x 7.4″ W x 6.14″ H
- Smaller graduated nozzle makes suction easier
- Accordion style allows high pressure pumps
- Results from pumping vary
The Luigi is specifically designed for US toilets, after the company found much success in the European market. If you’re able to look beyond the plunger’s funny colors, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the plunger’s ability to dislodge tough blockages.
Design
The Luigi has an accordion design that is a bit reminiscent of the MR. SIGA toilet brush and plunger combo. However, this plunger’s patented design can pump half a gallon per plunge, with a secure suction strength thanks to its graduated nozzle.
It also features a T-shaped plastic handle design that makes applying pressure easier and less physically taxing. To save space, the plunger also separates into two parts for easy storage.
The Luigi has been specifically designed for US toilets. It’s tight nozzle can latch onto drain holes easier than typical wider-set plungers. While the toilet can work with air, its most powerful when water is used inside its bellows, at around 1” around the tip.
Other Models to Consider
Other variations of this model are available, such as the Large Sink and Drain Plunger (green and blue), Small Sink and Drain Plunger (blue), Grey Toilet Plunger, and the longer Toilet Plunger (green and blue). Out of all the models, only Luigi’s Toilet Plunger is designed exclusively for US toilet usage. All models are made out of PVC and are heavy duty.
The Luigi has a distinct blue plunger and neon green handle design. It also comes with a five-year warranty.
What the Reviews Say
Most reviews for the Luigi are positive as users are intrigued by the plunger’s innovative accordion design and smaller nozzle specifically created for US toilets. However, there are a number of complaints regarding the plunger’s pumping ability. Some note that their handle broke during a difficult clog, while others claim the plunger required multiple attempts for its suction to latch onto the toilet’s drain hole.
3. Most Heavy Duty Choice
MR. SIGA Toilet Brush And Plunger Combo
“MR. SIGA may look simple, but its suction strength is anything but. The plunger and brush set is a saving grace in tricky toilet situations.”
- Plunger Type: Flange Style
- Kit Combo: Plunger, Brush, Caddy
- Handle Length: 17.7″
- Handle Material: Rubber
- Total Plunger Length: 17.7″
- Dimensions: 8.2″ L x 6.3″ W x 18.1″ H
- Two-fold suction cup
- Different colors available
- Two compartment caddy
- Pushing down strength required is not accessible for all
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The best-selling MR. SIGA is on our list for a reason. We love the plunger’s smooth design that is as visually pleasing as it is heavy duty.
The Design
The MR. SIGA commercial grade rubber plunger clears up clogs with just a few pumps through its durable suction power and ergonomic handle. The suction seal latches onto the drain opening, after which you can effectively push down and apply the pressure needed to resolve your toilet troubles.
For tougher clogs, the plunger can be pulled out to reveal another level for greater suction strength. The plunger’s plastic handle is comfortable to hold and can withstand heavy usage.
The MR. SIGA toilet brush has strong nylon bristles that can clean hard to reach places in your toilet bowl. When put back into the caddy, the brush is removed of any residual water, ready for its next use.
The MR. SIGA comes in a stylish caddy that provides easy storage next to your toilet. The caddy holds the brush’s full head to avoid any additional air exposure. The toilet combo set is available in either white or black – two colors that will go great with any bathroom aesthetic. No assembly is required.
Other Notable Models
Two other MR. SIGA colors are available at an additional cost. You can purchase a gray or navy set for a few dollars more. The sets are made of the same material and design.
What Customers Say
MR. SIGA Toilet Brush and Plunger Combo is the number one best-seller in Amazon’s Toilet Plungers and More section. The reviews validate this ranking, as hundreds of users report the plunger’s excellent suction strength and ergonomic design is both effective and heavy duty. However, some users note that the plunger is not accessible to them as they are unable to put enough pressure onto the plunger for it to work, due to pre-existing health issues.
Easiest to Plunge
JS Jackson Supplies Accordion Plunger
“Don’t let the JS Jackson Supplies funky design fool you. This plunger packs a true punch, helping you resolve even the most frustrating clogs.”
- Plunger Type: Accordion Style
- Handle Length: 13″
- Handle Material: Plastic
- 6 Color Options: Black, orange, green, grey, purple & white
- Dimensions: 5.5″ L x 5.5″ W x 18″ H
- Accordion design requires minimal pushing effort for great results
- No fold lip eliminates water drippage
- Unmatched color selection
- Doesn’t include brush or caddy
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Plunger Design
The JS Jackson Supplies is exactly what the name sounds like. The 18 inch plunger’s accordion design consists of seven cups folded into one. When pressed down upon, the plunger is able to place superior pressure on the drain opening to resolve any tricky situations.
What’s even better about the JS Jackson Supplies is that it also includes a no fold lip design. This prevents risk of splash back and is easily cleaned to avoid any bacteria buildup. The plunger’s sturdy handle is ergonomic so you can put all your focus on pushing. But don’t worry – the JS Jackson Supplies Accordion Plunger’s design allows minimal effort for maximum results!
The plunger is also multifunctional, meaning in addition to being universally adaptable to every toilet, it can also be used to unclog kitchen sinks as well!
Color Options
Who said shopping for toilet plungers has to be boring? The JS Jackson Supplies comes in black, gray, green, orange, purple, and white/back (white handle, black bottom). Pick the color that best matches your bathroom or go wild and choose your bathroom’s new staple piece.
Customer Buzz
Users praise the JS Jackson Supplies has a fresh design that makes plunging easier than ever before. Many report being surprised by how little pressure was required to unclog their toilets. A common complaint is that the JS Jackson Supplies doesn’t come with a caddy, which requires some to place the plunger in a separate bucket to avoid the plunger from touching the floor.
4. Most Powerful
LDR Industries High Force Plunger
“Whether you’re trying to unclog a kitchen sink or toilet, the LDR Industries High Force Plunger’s got you covered. The heavy-duty model expels clog-causing waste in no-time.”
- Plunger Type: Flange Style
- Handle Length: 20.5″
- Handle Material: Wood
- Dimensions: 5.3″ L x 8.05″ W x 26.4″ H
- Heavy duty design allows pressure to be applied without breakage
- Suction strength resolves dislodges some of the toughest clogs
- Good selection of models to choose from
- A caddy and/or brush included
- Easier residual water removal
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The LDR Industries plunger series is fantastic because it gives you options to choose from that best fit your needs. Our top pick within the collection is the LDR Industries High Force because when we look for a great plunger, it’s all about power.
The Design
The LDR Industries is a heavy duty plunger with a double thrust rubber force up that quickly forms a tight seal around your drain opening. Along with its well-built wooden handle, the plunger effectively pushes down the water and dislodges tough clogs from any toilet or kitchen sink. The plunger also works on laundry or bath tubs.
The LDR Industries is a little over 26 inches, making it the tallest plunger in the LDR Industries collection. Still, the plunger is a compact size that can fit next to or behind your toilet with no problem.
Other Model to Consider
Other models in the LDR Industries collection include the Mini Sink Drain Plunger (not intended for toilets), the Toilet Sink and Drain Plunger (featuring a plastic handle), the Toilet Plunger (featuring a plastic handle), and the Mini Bellows Sink and Drain Plunger.
The LDR Industries toilet plunger is most similar to the LDR Industries High Force plunger, yet the main difference is the strength that each plunger can handle. The High Force plunger is the superior choice, with a more durable handle and forceful suction strength.
Summary of Reviews
Users are happy with the LDR Industries High Force’s functional performance and affordable price. Some are especially pleased with the plunger’s wooden handle, that’s easy to grasp and clean. The most common complaints are about the leftover water that remains in the plunger after usage, which requires a few shakes to be removed.
5. Best Functional Storage
mDesign Toilet Plunger And Brush Combo
“The mDesign Combo shows that a smarter design sometimes requires a simpler solution.”
- Plunger Type: Cup Style
- Handle Length: 17.5″
- Handle Material: Plastic & Rubber
- 3 Color Choices: Bronze, charcoal, grey
- Dimensions: 10.04″ L x 5.96″ W x 21.64″ H
- Heavy-duty rubber plunger that takes care of most clogs
- Solid color selection
- Excellent covers that reduce chance of leakage
- On the expensive side
- Other plungers provide stronger suction through more rubber layers
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Throughout our research, we realized it’s tough to find a plunger set that effectively keeps the plunger from leaking any residual water or gunk onto the bathroom floor. That was until we saw the mDesign’s smart and modern build, perfect for containing all the stuff you don’t want to see.
The Design
The mDesign toilet heavy-duty rubber plunger has a unique round shape that tightly seals around drain openings. The handle’s durable material and design also withstands varying degrees of pressure, depending on clog’s severity. The plunger is made of BPA and chlorine-free shatter resistant plastic, in addition to its rubber bottom.
The mDesign brush has sturdy bristles that effectively clean your bowl’s stains and streaks, with or without toilet cleaner.
The most unique part of the mDesign is two included covers. The mDesign comes with a lift and lock cover that prevents any water leakage as well as a secured base to soak up any additional water droplets from the plunger. The brush can be inserted into the second cover to prevent leakage as well.
The plunger and brush are free-standing and can be kept separately or together, depending on your bathroom set-up. The plunger stands at 21.6” high and the brush stands at a compact 16”.
Various colors are available for the mDesign, such as gray, cornflower blue, light pink, cream, silver, navy, and stone.
Our Take on the Reviews
Most users are happy with their mDesign, citing the set’s clever organizational covers. Users are also happy with the plunger’s suction strength, though some reviews mention that for a lower price, more effective plungers are available.
Buying Guide for the Perfect Toilet Plunger
Now that you know what the best toilet plungers of 2023 are, here are some top picks for how to choose the ideal one for you. Even if you think that none of the products mentioned above would suit your needs, this brief buying guide will help you find exactly what you need
1. The Seal
One of the most important factors when it comes to the effectiveness of a toilet plunger is the seal. They should create a good seal. For instance, flange plungers are well-known for their powerful seal. However, not all types of toilet plungers can create such tight and powerful seals. Therefore, you should always take a look at the customer reviews before purchasing to ensure your plunger will work effectively.
2. Suction Power
Another essential factor that goes along with plunger seals is the suction power. The power of a toilet plunger can vary from brand to brand. In general, the most powerful types of plungers you can find are flange and accordion plungers. We’ve highlighted several very powerful options with our top 6 selections.
3. Handle Design
Although it may not seem like a big deal, the handle of a toilet plunger is extremely important. First off, you must always consider the length of the handle before buying a plunger. If it is too short, your hand will be much closer to the water in your toilet. This alone can make the task of unclogging a toilet quite unpleasant. A longer handle will also sometimes give you more power, but it may be harder to maneuver and store compared to a shorter option.
Aside from the length, the material the handle is made out of is also quite significant. Handles made out of wood are more difficult to maintain and less hygienic than metal or plastic handles but are also more natural. Plastic, while synthetic, is easier to clean but may not last as long.
Finally, some plungers come with ergonomic designs that make them more comfortable to hold while using.
4. Drain Type
It’s also important to keep in mind that not every toilet plunger works with every drain type. For example, if your toilet has a flat drain, any type of plunger will probably work. However, many toilets have a curved drain, which means traditional sink plungers probably won’t work as well on them. Pay attention to your toilet’s drain type and make sure your new plunger is compatible with your toilet before purchasing.
5. Style
And last but not least, the style of a toilet plunger can also factor in. While not as important as the other factors that impact performance, it’s still nice when a plunger matches your bathroom decor. Nowadays, you can find plungers available in multiple color options to help pick the perfect one. Many plungers also come with a storage case to tuck them away when not in use, which can be very convenient.
Common Sink or Cup Plunger
In most cases when someone mentions a plunger, cup plungers are the first thing that comes to mind. These typically consist of a rubber cup (usually red-colored) attached to a straight handle. Cup plunger handles are usually made out of wood.
These are ideal only for drains that sit on flat surfaces. Basically, in order for the suction cup to create the vacuum, it has to lay flat over the drain. Because most sinks have a flat bottom, cup plungers work well, however, when it comes to curved drains, it’s better to select a different type. In particular, a sink or cup plunger isn’t the right choice if you are looking for a plunger that can unclog a toilet since most toilets have curved drains.
Toilet Plungers vs. Sink Plungers
Now that you know about the different types, let’s highlight the main differences between plungers marked for toilets vs plungers for sinks. To start, you may find sink plungers with shorter handles compared to ones with longer handles to maintain a distance from the toilet water. Secondly, as mentioned, sink plungers don’t have flanges as plungers do, so they can’t be used on a curved drain. On the other hand, they can be used on both curved and flat surfaces.
However, they will work on both types of drains, we still recommend keeping two separate plungers in your home. Otherwise, be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect before using it anywhere outside of your toilet.
★ Plunging Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Toilet Unclog Itself?
Your toilet may eventually unclog itself over time, but you won’t be able to use it at all while you wait. Therefore, it is definitely not convenient to wait, especially if you don’t have any other toilet in your house. You also increase your risk of overflowing if you try to flush your toilet when it’s already clogged.
Safe to Pour Boiling Water into Toilet?
Pouring boiling water into the toilet bowl is one of the worst things you can do. First off, aside from the fact that boiling water can melt the seals if you have PVC pipes, it can also cause the bowl to crack. Furthermore, you could also injure yourself as the boiling water might splash back. We highly recommend using a plunger or one of our other top methods if you want to unclog your toilet. Boiling water will only cause more harm than help.
Final Thoughts
All in all, a toilet plunger is definitely something you want to have in your house. Choosing the ideal one can be a little overwhelming, but if you stick to our buying guide, you shouldn’t have any problems. While each of our top 6 selections makes great choices, if we had to select one, the Neiko plunger and brush combo offers great performance and power.