American Standard is one of the most popular brands when it comes to great bathroom hardware. In particular, if you are looking for a high-quality, modern-looking toilet, you should check out the Colony 3 toilet by American Standard.
This collection is known for being minimalistic and sleek, but also quite practical and simple.
American Standard Colony 3 Review (Our Opinion)
Our team of experts reviewed and gathered facts for the Colony 3 toilet!
Pros and Cons
- EverClean surface prevents stains and bacterial growth
- PowerWash Rim scrubs the bowl with every flush
- High quality toilet for a low price
- Very basic model
- Seat not included
Flush Specs
- › Flush System –
- › Water Consumption – 1.6
- › Type –
- › Flush Score –
Design & Style
- › Style – Two-Piece
- › Bowl Shape –
- › Bowl Glaze – N/A
- › Trapway Style – Exposed
Dimensions
- › Toilet Measurements – 29-3/4″ x 18″ x 28-3/8″
- – 12″
- – 2″
- – 15-3/4″
- › Rim Height – 15”
Our recommended buying options by Toiletable
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The American Standard Colony 3 toilet is a basic model that still includes many of the best American Standard features at a very economical price.
Flushing System
The amount of water your toilet consumes per flush is a very important factor to consider. Although it may not seem like a big deal, buying a toilet that is water-efficient will save you a lot of money over the years. New toilets in the US are required to use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, but the Colony 3 goes above and beyond, using only 1.28 gallons per flush. Using 20% less water than a 1.6 gallon toilet with every flush, you’ll see significant savings on water bills over time.
- EPA WaterSense certified
- Fully glazed trapway
- 3″ flush valve
- MaP score of 1,000
It doesn’t skimp on power either. The Colony 3 uses a powerful flushing system with the highest possible MaP score of 1,000, which means that it can flush up to 1,000 grams of solid waste in a single flush. The flushing power is assisted by a large 3″ flush valve and a fully glazed trapway.
Design & Style
This high-efficiency toilet is made from vitreous china, which is standard for quality toilets on the market today. The Colony 3 is a simple, transitional style toilet from American Standard’s Colony collection. While the bowl with its exposed trapway is very basic and doesn’t seem to have any distinguishing style features, the tank is styled with a subtle angled corner ridge on each side that gives it a sleek look. I like the tank styling, but unfortunately the trip handle is color-matched plastic instead of chrome or other metal, which cheapens the look.
This Colony 3 model features an elongated bowl, which is a great choice for comfort, but not compact as a rounded bowl. The toilet also does not come with a seat, which must be purchased separately. This toilet is standard height, which is not ADA compliant and may be less comfortable for taller users or those with mobility issues. However, standard height toilets tend to be more comfortable for children and shorter adults.
- Left hand color-matched plastic trip lever
- Two piece design
- Exposed trapway
- No seat included
The Colony 3 requires a 12″ rough-in for installation, and its two-piece design is easy to install. The rough-in distance measures how far the toilet sits from the wall. Twelve inches is the most common rough-in measurement, but the Colony 3 is also available in a 10″ rough-in, which may be required for smaller bathrooms. This toilet is only available in white, and it includes a lifetime limited warranty on the china and two-year limited warranty on mechanical parts.
Cleaning Ability
Because the Colony 3 is a two-piece model with an exposed trapway, it will tend to collect dust and grime that needs a bit more work to clean. However, American Standard’s Everclean glaze helps repel dirt and stains from both the outside and inside of the toilet, which allows you to save on elbow grease–no scrubbing, just a quick wipe down.
In addition to the glaze, American Standard’s PowerWash rim cleaning system is designed to clean the toilet after every flush, keeping it spotless and odor free. The rim is contoured to prevent grime buildup underneath, and two jets are positioned to send a spiral of water around the bowl when flushing. It’s an innovative design that boosts both flushing power and cleanliness.
Product Documentation
American Standard Colony 3 vs. American Standard Cadet 3
If you have already spent some time searching for a new toilet, you may have already seen the Cadet 3 by American Standard. Also known for its longevity, water efficiency, and sleek design, how does the Cadet 3 toilet compare to the Colony 3?
| Colony 3 (250CA104.020) | Cadet 3 (270BA101.020) |
| Two piece | Two piece |
| 1.28 gallons per flush | 1.28 gallons per flush |
| Elongated bowl | Round bowl |
| Standard Height | Right Height bowl |
| 2″ trapway | 2-1/8″ trapway |
| 3″ flush valve | 3″ flush valve |
| 2 year limited warranty | 5 year limited warranty |
| Price range: low | Price range: medium |
| 1,000 MaP | 1,000 MaP |
| Plastic trip lever | Chrome trip lever |
The two toilets are very comparable and have many of the same features, but while the Cadet 3 has a few nicer touches including a longer warranty, chrome trip lever and slightly larger trapway, the Colony 3 provides the same excellent water savings and flushing power at a lower price point.
Buying Options
This model of the American Standard Colony 3 toilet is available from several different retailers. Lowes, Home Depot, and Build.com currently offer the exact same price. It’s also available from Wayfair for a slightly higher price, but with free 3 day shipping.
Both Lowes, Home Depot, and Build.com offer 90 day returns, while Wayfair’s policy is at 30 days. If you’re willing to pick up your toilet directly from a Lowes or Home Depot store, that will be your best price and return window. If you need delivery though, be sure to compare prices at Wayfair and Build.com as well.
Additional Facts to Mention
- The Colony 3 line provides several alternative models that include rounded bowls, ADA compatible height, or an alternative rough-in size, all at a slightly higher price.
- The recommended seat for this toilet is the Transitional Slow Close Elongated Seat (model number 5503B00B.020)
Our Honest Opinion
The American Standard Colony 3 toilet is a basic model that still includes many of the best American Standard features at a very economical price. Its simple transitional design will compliment almost any style, and it saves on money, water, and space. However, if you’re looking for a toilet with more of a luxury feel, this may not be the model for you.