The best toilets combine exceptional features, efficient function, and polished style. So, to help you make the perfect choice, Toiletable’s website is the perfect place to start.
For this review, we will be focusing on flushing toilets. Flushing toilets (also known as siphonic toilets) are the most common toilet type. Attached to the central sewage system of your residence, they use gravity to remove solid waste with a single flush, without being overly noisy.
The specifications that define the actual performance of a flushing toilet are flushing power, flush type (dual flush or single flush), and gallons per flush (GPF). The EPA WaterSense certification designates toilets that use 1.28 GPF vs. older models that use 1.6 GPF. This has encouraged manufacturers to bring some remarkable water-saving innovations to the design of their models. There are so many things to learn about and consider. So, how do you choose a toilet? Keep reading!
Table of Contents
- Our Top Flushing Picks
- Comparison of the Best Flushing Toilets in 2022
- Types of Flushing Toilet Systems
- Reviews of the Best 9 Flushing Toilets (Recently Updated)
- 1. American Standard Champion 4 – Editor’s Choice
- 2. Kohler Highline – Strongest Flush
- 3. American Standard H2Option – Most Water Efficient
- 4. Kohler Wellworth Classic – Budget Friendly
- 5. Toto Ultramax II – Most Reviewed
- 6. Toto Drake II – Runner Up
- 7. Toto Promenade II
- 8. American Standard Baby Devoro
- 9. TOTO Eco Soiree
- ✓ Flushing Mechanism
- ✓ What is MaP?
- Toilet Flush Tests (Used by Engineers)
- Flushing Becoming Less Efficient…Why?
- Buying Factors to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Summing Up
Our Top Flushing Picks
| 💧 | American Standard Champion 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| 💧 | Kohler Highline | |
| 💧 | Most Water Efficient: | American Standard H2Option |
| 💧 | Budget Friendly: | Kohler Wellworth Classic |
| 💧 | Most Reviewed: | Toto Ultramax II |
| 💧 | Runner Up: | Toto Drake II |
Comparison of the Best Flushing Toilets in 2022
Types of Flushing Toilet Systems
Although most of the flushing systems use gravity, you should keep in mind that there are some significant differences. Today we will go through the nine most popular types of flushing systems you can find.
★ Single Flush (Siphon)
★ Tower Style Flush
★ Pressure-Assisted
This flushing toilet type is also very common nowadays and is even more powerful. Inside the water tank, there is a tank that creates high pressure.
A little downside to these systems is the noise. Since they are air-pressurized, they often tend to be very loud. Many of these toilets are dual flush.
★ Dual Flush
Dual flush technology is getting more popular every day. Dual flushing toilets are quite water-saving as well. They allow you to choose between the full and partial flush.
Partial flushes are used for liquid waste and consume less water. Full flushes on the other side are meant to be used for solid waste. Toilets with 1.6 GPF full toilet flush often have a 1.1 GPF partial flush.
★ Flapper-Flush Valve Toilet
★ Washdown Toilet
★ Double Cyclone Tornado Flush
★ Ballcock Flush
The ballcock flushing toilet systems are also very common nowadays. It utilizes a plunger, that fills the tank of the toilet, and a ballcock, a simple-designed floating ball.
Plus, the ballcock is also attached to a rod that moves and activates the plunger. That allows the water to empty and fill the toilet tank.
★ Double Vortex® Flush
Reviews of the Best 9 Flushing Toilets (Recently Updated)
Our experts reviewed and gathered facts about the top 9 flushing toilets on the market.
1. American Standard Champion 4 – Editor’s Choice
- Flushing Score:
- Water Consumption: 1.6
- Bowl Shape:
- Flushing System: Champion® 4 Flushing System
- Flush Type: Single
- Style: One-Piece
- Dimensions (sourced from manual): Toilet (29.75″ x 16.75″ x 29.5″), (12″), (2.37″), (17.25″)See image with dimensions
Performance Ratings
★ Easy to clean – 4.6 out of 5
★ Easy to install – 4.4 out of 5
★ Value for money – 4 out of 5
* based on Amazon’s rating system
Seat Options
- Champion® Slow Close Elongated #5325.010
Product Documentation
Customer Reviews
Last gathered: June 17, 2022
- ADA compliant, which means its wider and taller than a standard toilet
- Easy to maintain with its clean lines and durable design
- EverClean surface prevents stains and odors
- Built with excellent flushing power
- Some experience a noiser flush than other toilets
- Model is heavy, which can cause installation challenges
Summary of Recent Reviews
Buyers were happy with their purchase of this stylish toilet. The powerful flush and EverClean coating lend themselves to minimal bowl cleaning. Customers mention the comfortable seat height and are happy that their purchase includes a comfortable seat. “It’s a quality, efficient, and clean toilet bowl!”
2. Kohler Highline – Strongest Flush
- Flushing Score:
- Water Consumption: 1.28
- Bowl Shape:
- Flushing System:
- Flush Type: Single
- Style: Two-Piece
- Certifications: ADA
- Dimensions (sourced from manual): Toilet (29.75″ x 18.12″ x 31.26″), (12″), (2.12″), (17.25″)See image with dimensions
Performance Ratings
★ Easy to clean – 4.6 out of 5
★ Easy to install – 4.4 out of 5
★ Value for money – 4.3 out of 5
★ Comfort– 4.6 out of 5
* based on Amazon’s rating system
Seat Options
- K-4636 Cachet® Quiet-Close™
- K-5588 Purefresh®
- K-26132-CSP C³®-420 bidet
Product Documentation
Customer Reviews
Last gathered: June 17, 2022
- Durable design makes this a long-lasting model
- A powerful flushing system keeps the bowl clean
- Comfort height design for more comfortable use
- Straightforward installation so you can be up and running quickly
- Runs louder than some would prefer
- Purchase does not include seat or flange bolts
Summary of Recent Reviews
Another toilet with a powerful flush, according to buyers – “Since installing this fabulous flushing machine, no clogs or even the possibility of a clog.” Some users did have a problem with the flushing mechanisms, most were pleased with this model’s performance. Installation is straightforward but be sure to purchase the seat separately.
3. American Standard H2Option – Most Water Efficient
- Flushing Score:
- Water Consumption: 0.92/1.28
- Bowl Shape:
- Flushing System:
- Flush Type:
- Style: Two-Piece
- Dimensions (sourced from manual): Toilet (29.75″ x 15″ x 31.5″), (12″), (2″), (16.5″)See image with dimensions
Performance Ratings
★ Easy to install – 3.9 out of 5
★ Value for money – 3.8 out of 5
* based on Amazon’s rating system
Seat Options
- American Standard #5257A.65C Easy Lift Elongated Slow Close Seat
Product Documentation
Customer Reviews
Last gathered: June 17, 2022
- Water-saving design is better for the environment
- Flush is powerful, even with the water-saving focus
- The modern design will fit into most bathrooms
- Easy installation regardless of experience
- Not the most comfortable option
Summary of Recent Reviews
Several users mention the powerful flush of this toilet. Those that had clogging issues in the past no longer experience clogs with this toilet, plus it uses less water than older toilets. Note that this model doesn’t include a seat so purchase one separately before installation. “Excellent Performance, Attractive Design, and Great Value.”
4. Kohler Wellworth Classic – Budget Friendly
- Flushing Score:
- Water Consumption: 1.28
- Bowl Shape:
- Flushing System:
- Flush Type: Single
- Style: Two-Piece
- Certifications: WaterSense
- Dimensions (sourced from manual): Toilet (30.55″ x 21.25″ x 31.25″), (12″), (2.12″), (15.5″)See image with dimensions
Seat Options
- K-4639 Cachet® Quiet-Close™
- K-5589 Purefresh®
- K-76923 Puretide® Quiet-Close™ bidet
Product Documentation
Customer Reviews
Last gathered: June 17, 2022
- DryLock install system is fast and straightforward
- Flush is quieter than others
- No-fuss design will compliment your space
- Powerful and efficient flushes leave a clean bowl
- Seat not included with purchase
- Some experienced back-splash when flushing
Summary of Recent Reviews
Customers like the style and performance of this toilet. Note that this one doesn’t include a seat so be sure to purchase separately before installing. Reviewers share that the flush is quiet yet powerful. “We liked the Kohler Wellworth toilets so much that we recently purchased a 3rd one for our upstairs bath.”
5. Toto Ultramax II – Most Reviewed
- Flushing Score:
- Water Consumption: 1.28
- Bowl Shape:
- Flushing System:
- Flush Type: Single
- Style: One-Piece
- Certifications: ADA, WaterSense, CalGreen
- Dimensions (sourced from manual): Toilet (28.37″ x 16.5″ x 28.75″), (12″), (2.12″), (17.25″)See image with dimensions
Performance Ratings
★ Easy to clean – 4.7 out of 5
★ Easy to install – 4.6 out of 5
* based on Amazon’s rating system
Seat Options
- SS114 SoftClose® seat
Product Documentation
Customer Reviews
Last gathered: June 17, 2022
- SanaGloss coating minimizes build-up
- Water-efficient design to save on your water bill
- Large glazed trapway prevents clogging
- Elongated bowl and Universal Height (aka ADA Compliant Height)
- When it flushes, the water only swirls around the bowl once
Summary of Recent Reviews
Buyers like the performance of this elongated toilet. The flush is powerful and efficient, according to users. Customers are especially impressed by the powerful flush, considering it is a water-saving system. The modern one-piece toilet is a stylish addition to any bathroom, plus it includes a soft-close seat.
6. Toto Drake II – Runner Up
- Flushing Score:
- Water Consumption: 1.28
- Bowl Shape:
- Flushing System:
- Flush Type: Single
- Style: Two-Piece
- Certifications: ADA, WaterSense, CalGreen
- Dimensions (sourced from manual): Toilet (28.5″ x 17.26″ x 30″), (12″), (2.12″), (17.25″)See image with dimensions
Performance Ratings
★ Easy to install – 4.6 out of 5
★ Easy to clean – 4.3 out of 5
* based on Amazon’s rating system
Seat Options
- SS224 SoftClose® seat
- SS214 SoftClose® seat
- SS204 SoftClose® seat
- SS114 SoftClose® seat
Product Documentation
Customer Reviews
Last gathered: June 17, 2022
- Extremely powerful flushing system
- Comfortable design with an elongated bowl
- Durable model that will hold up well over time
- Doesn’t come along with a seat
Summary of Recent Reviews
Users mention that this one has a powerful flush. While some noticed that this is louder than some toilets, the efficient flush makes up for it. Customers are happy with the modern design of this toilet, plus the comfort of the elongated seat and comfort height.
7. Toto Promenade II
- Flushing Score:
- Water Consumption: 1.28
- Bowl Shape:
- Flushing System:
- Flush Type: Single
- Style: Two-Piece
- Certification: ADA, WaterSense, CALGreen
- Dimensions (sourced from manual): Toilet (28.5″ x 17.75″ x 31.25″), (12″), (2.12″), (17.25″)See image with dimensions
Performance Ratings
★ Easy to install – 5.0 out of 5
* based on Amazon’s rating system
Seat Options
- SS224 SoftClose seat
Product Documentation
Customer Reviews
Last gathered: June 17, 2022
- Durable Cefiontect smooth glaze prevents build-up
- ADA compliant hight and width
- Meets EPA WaterSense standards
- Amazing customer service experiences
- Expensive option compared to others
Summary of Recent Reviews
Buyers were pleasantly surprised by the powerful flush that comes with this water-saving toilet. That powerful flush leads to less cleaning and less clogging. Several reviews mention that the simple design is a great addition to their bathrooms.
8. American Standard Baby Devoro
- Flushing Score:
- Water Consumption: 1.28
- Bowl Shape: Round Front
- Flushing System:
- Flush Type: Single
- Style: Two-Piece
- Certifications: WaterSense
- Dimensions (sourced from manual): Toilet (25″ x 17.25″ x 24.5″), (10″), (2.12″), (11″)See image with dimensions
Performance Ratings
★ Easy to install – 3.5 out of 5
★ Value for money – 3.7 out of 5
* based on Amazon’s rating system
Seat Options
- #5001G.055 Baby Devoro Seat with EverClean® less cover
Product Documentation
Customer Reviews
Last gathered: June 17, 2022
- Durable and long-lasting design
- Very efficient flush that works quickly with minimal water use
- A powerful flushing system keeps the bowl clean
- Low seat heigh is ideal for children
- Seat is not included with your purchase
Summary of Recent Reviews
Customers like this stylish toilet that packs a powerful flush. Users that have had this toilet for some time have yet to experience clogging. Installation is easy and several buyers mention that it’s a perfect size for kids because of the lower height. “Installed easily, durable for commercial use.”
9. TOTO Eco Soiree
- Flushing Score:
- Water Consumption: 1.28
- Bowl Shape:
- Flushing System:
- Flush Type: Single
- Style: One-Piece
- Certifications: ADA, WaterSense, CalGreen
- Dimensions (sourced from manual): Toilet (28.13″ x 17.7″ x 27.75″), (12″), (2.12″), (17.37″)See image with dimensions
Performance Ratings
★ Easy to clean – 4.6 out of 5
★ Easy to install – 4.0 out of 5
* based on Amazon’s rating system
Seat Options
- SS214 SoftClose seat
Product Documentation
Customer Reviews
Last gathered: June 17, 2022
- Comes in various colors to fit your bathroom design
- EPA WaterSense certification will help your water bill
- Highly durable-withstands years of regular use
- Purchase includes soft-close seat
- More expensive than similar options
- Heavy, as its a one-piece design
Summary of Recent Reviews
This model has a powerful flush, which some buyers mention is louder than other toilets that they’ve owned. They say the benefits of the flush outweigh the noise and the cost. “Very sleek looking. Highly recommend!”
✓ Flushing Mechanism
While premium fixtures can facilitate cleaning large amounts of waste more quickly, their budget counterparts typically fail to provide satisfactory output. Pressure assist flushing toilets belong to the expensive category of flushing toilets.
The technology used in these models requires a complex arrangement of components to adapt to specific household water pressure. A tiny water tank releases water and air in the bowl with great force to siphon off the dropping quickly.
✓ What is MaP?
Toilet Flush Tests (Used by Engineers)
When manufacturers create new toilet models, engineers are tasked with determining what works and what doesn’t. Over the years, engineers have developed a strategy to test the new toilets with something that’s very similar to a typical flush.
Basically, engineers take 20 pieces of sponge soaked in water and 8 paper wads to simulate toilet paper. Then, engineers flush all of these items to evaluate how effectively the new toilet can flush the materials. During this test flush, the toilet needs to be able to remove at least 22 pieces of either sponge or paper. If it removes at least 22 pieces, the toilet is considered a successful model, ready for the market.
For another testing component, engineers also use soybean paste. They take 50 gram pieces of soybean paste, encased in a latex membrane, and flush five units with the toilet (250 grams total). The toilet must be able to flush at least 5 pieces of soybean paste, or 250 grams total, to be considered successful.
For high-end toilets that need to satisfy certain requirements, instead of putting 250 grams, engineers will test up to 1000 grams at a time. If the toilet passes, it gets the highest MaP score of 1000, which only the most modern and effective toilets typically achieve.
Flushing Becoming Less Efficient…Why?
If you’ve noticed that you need to flush twice to remove all solid waste with your toilet, you may need to investigate why your toilet is flushing less efficiently than before.
To start, check if your toilet is clogged. Simply pour a gallon of water and flush. If the toilet doesn’t flush efficiently, it’s probably clogged. In that case, you should use a plunger or a snake to clear the block.
If your toilet is not clogged but still isn’t flushing efficiently, remove the tank cover and check if the water level is even with the line on the inside of the tank. If it’s not, you should adjust the tank float assembly according to the instructions from your manual to make sure the water is at the correct level.
Another detail to check is whether the flush holes around the rim are in a good condition. The holes can get clogged sometimes, which significantly affects the flush efficiency. However, you can use an object like a bobby pin or a coat hanger to unclog the holes. Finally, after clearing any blocks, flush to see if anything has changed.
We also advise you to clean the toilet with bleach. However, you need to first cut off the water supply for the toilet by turning the valve counterclockwise. You will find the valve near the tank. Then, pour in a few liters of bleach and let it sit for 15 minutes. Afterwards, turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet. The bleach should clean the drain pipes and make the flush more efficient moving forward.
Buying Factors to Consider
Here are six main factors to keep in mind when choosing the best flushing toilet.
1. Height of the Toilet
Toilet seat height should play a big role when choosing a proper toilet. To get maximum comfort, always look for comfort height toilets. If you you have someone in your household with a movement disability of some kind, these are the right choice. Most comfort toilets have a height of about 17 inches, while standard models are about fifteen inches tall. Of course, if you have a very short person in your household, the 15 inch toilet might be more comfortable for them.
2. Water Consumption
Water usage is a very important factor that must be considered while buying a flushing toilet. Research has shown that toilets consume 30% of all the water use in a household. That is why it’s crucial to look for a water-saving toilet. How do you know which toilets are water-saving? Just look for models that have EPA WaterSense certification or those that use about 1.28 GPF.
3. Easy Cleaning
This is a must if you want to reduce the time spent cleaning your toilet. Some modern flushing toilets feature an antibacterial smooth glaze which prevents the bacteria and dirt from building up on your toilet.
4. Quiet Closing Toilet Lid
If a toilet lid closes too fast it tends to make a loud banging noise. A quiet closing lid slows down the process, preventing a slamming lid.
5. Materials Used
The most frequently used material for flushing toilets is vitreous china. Porcelain is also common. Others are made of ceramic, china, or plastic. Some tests have shown, the most durable materials are ceramic and porcelain, which makes them more expensive as well.
6. Physical Design
The physical design should bring comfort to your knees, back, and hips. Round-shaped toilets are widespread as household toilets as they fit into small to medium bathrooms easily. If you have sufficient room for a bigger bathroom fixture, an elongated flushing toilet will serve you the best.
Those who don’t mind shelling out some extra cash can also consider high-end models. Higher-end models offer custom options like customized height, flushing mechanism, bidet function, heated seat, etc.
Coming to the mechanical design, components like trap-way size, rim design, and flush valve demand special attention. For faster and effective flushing, the larger the trap-way size, the better.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 2 possible approaches to this, and both are quite simple. It could be that the flapper isn’t fitting to the flush valve opening properly. If that isn’t the case, you should check the level of water in your tank. If it is too high, it could be the cause of your problem.
If your biggest priority is to save water, then look for the 1.28 GPF toilets. If flushing power and performance is more important, then the 1.6 GPF might work best for you, although there are some 1.28 GPF toilets with significant power and performance. Reading reviews on Toiletable and reviews from consumers will definitely help you narrow down your choices!
Summing Up
As long as you have a basic idea as to how these flushing toilets function and what technologies could maximize the sanitation in your toilet, you have the knowledge needed to find the best flushing toilet. The rest is left up to your judgment.
Browse the web, visit hardware stores, check out a couple of products, compare their features, and decide for yourself about your next bathroom fixture.