The best toilets are a long-term investment for the average consumer. So, to make sure you buy the right one, researching what is on the market is a must. The Toiletable website is the perfect place to start. Let’s talk first about flushing toilets. Flushing toilets are mainly attached to the central sewage system of your residence. All flushing toilets should ideally remove solid waste with a single flush without being overly noisy.
Flushing power, dual flush or single flush, gallons per flush – these are the parameters that define the actual performance of a flushing toilet. The new EPA WaterSense requirement of 1.6 gallons of water per flush has required manufacturers to bring some remarkable alterations 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
Essential Features and Highlights
Here are four main features to keep in mind when choosing the right 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. Especially if you have some sort of movement disability, these are the right choice. Most comfort toilets have a height of about 17 inches. Standard models, on the other hand, are about fifteen inches tall.
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 in a household. That is why it’s crucial to look for a water-saving toilet. How do you know what toilets are water-saving? Just look for models that have EPA WaterSense certification or those that use about 1.28 GPF.
3. Features
Here are a few toilet features you want to keep in mind.
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Easy Cleaning
This is a must if you don’t want to spend too much time cleaning your toilet. Some modern toilets feature an antibacterial smooth glaze. This coating prevents the bacteria and dirt from building up on your toilet. One of the best coatings out there is Cefiontect.
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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.
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Toilet Bidet
Toilet bidet technology is getting more popular every day. It allows you to clean your private areas after you use a toilet. Plus, it really enhances the experience of using a toilet and saves a lot of energy.
4. Materials Used
The most frequently used material for toilets is vitreous china. Porcelain is also common. Others are made of ceramic, china, or plastic. Some tests have shown, the most long-lasting materials are ceramic and porcelain. But, the more durable the materials are, the bigger the price of the toilet.
Check Our Comparisons of Flushing Toilets
12 Product Reviews – Specs and Facts
Our experts reviewed and gathered facts about the 12 best flushing toilets on the market.
#1. American Standard ‘Champion-4’ Elongated Toilet
| Consumption | 1.6 GPF |
| Pieces | 1-piece |
| Seating Height | 16.5 inches |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Vitreous China |
| Flush Type | Gravity flush |
The fully glazed siphon trapway measures 2 3/8 inches, which is also the largest in its class. It claims to remove 70% more solid waste than any other toilet on the same level.
Its special EverClean glaze coating on the toilet surface blocks the growth of sticky stains and odor-causing bacteria around the seat.
People of every height and body weight experience optimal comfort on the ADA-height compliant seat.
#2. Toto Ultramax II
| Consumption | 1.28 GPF |
| Pieces | 1-piece |
| Seating Height | 17.25 inches |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Vitreous China |
| Flush Type | Double Cyclone flush |
The ceramic toilet bowl coated with Toto’s exclusive Sana Gloss inhibits the build-up of bacteria and microbes that cause toilet stink. As a result, what you get at the end of every flush is a hygienic, crystal-clean toilet.
There’s nothing that can’t glide through the 2 1/8 inch trap way. Therefore, clogging is something you’re rarely like to face with Toto Ultramax II flushing toilet.
#3. TOTO Drake II
| Consumption | 1.6 GPF |
| Pieces | 2-piece |
| Seating Height | 17.25 inches |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Vitreous China |
| Flush Type | Double Cyclone flush |
Special credit goes to the 1.28 gallons per flush maximum flushing rate that helps save precious water. It also saves you a ton of time cleaning and maintaining this toilet thanks to the Sana Gloss coating on the bowl.
This gloss coating prevents stain build-up and the development of bacteria and fungi, ensuring indelible sanitation in your bathroom all day long.
#4. The American Standard Siphonic Dual Flush Toilet
| Consumption | 1.0/1.6 GPF |
| Pieces | 2-piece |
| Seating Height | 16 inches |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Vitreous China |
| Flush Type | Dual flush |
In this American Standard model, the primary flushing (or full flush) rate is 1.6 GPF, whereas, the secondary flushing (or half flushing) capacity is 1.0 gallons of water per flush.
While the latter flush option can steadily eliminate liquid waste with a single flush, opting for the full flush mode will wipe off stains from the most obscure corner of the bowl.
It does all this without going overboard with water consumption.
#5. TOTO CST404CEFG#01 Promenade II Toilet
| Consumption | 1.28 GPF |
| Pieces | 2-piece |
| Seating Height | 17.5 inches |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Vitreous China |
| Flush Type | Tornado flush system |
It is slightly heavier than other toilets in its class and weighs about 91.5 pounds. To reduce the frequency of cleanings even more, the toilet features the tornado flushing system. With this feature, you won’t have to flush multiple times to remove all the waste.
The Promenade II comes in four different color options, complementing all bathroom types. It is available in cotton and colonial white, sedona beige, and bone color. To enhance the design, the TOTO has added the chrome left-hand lever. This strongest flushing toilet meets California’s CEC and EPA WaterSense standards. It also meets the calgreen requirements and is ADA compliant. This model is quite water-effective and consumes only 1.28 gallons per flush. Not to forget that the Promenade II has a comfortable chair height seating.
#6. Kohler K-3493-0 Highline Classic Pressure Assisted Toilet
| Consumption | 1.6 GPF |
| Pieces | 2-piece |
| Seating Height | 17.5 inches |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Vitreous China |
| Flush Type | Pressure assisted |
Due to the comfort height seat, it feels as if you were sitting on a standard chair. That is why it is a good choice for the elderly and people with movement disabilities. Although it is a two-piece flushing toilet it is very easy to use.
It may not be the most water-effective option but it still does quite a great job. The Kohler K3493 consumes 1.6 gallons per flush. Still, the toilet tends to be a little noisy since it has a pressure-assisted flush system.
#7. Johnson Pumps – 80-47229-01 Aqua Toilet
| Consumption | 0.6 GPF |
| Pieces | Tankless |
| Seating Height | 16 inches |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Vitreous porcelain |
| Flush Type | Piston pump |
It is far from ordinary, well-known as one of the most reliable, hygienic, and quiet toilets on the market. The whole system weighs only about 26 pounds. The AquaT is very simple to install, maintain and keep clean. All the parts are fully corrosion resistant and very durable. The AquaT compact flushing toilet has a 16-inch seating height. Although it is not uncomfortable, if comfort is your number one factor, you may want to consider a different model.
#8. American Standard H2Option Dual Flush 0.92/1.28 GPF Toilet
| Consumption | 0.9/1.28 GPF |
| Pieces | 2-piece |
| Seating Height | 15 inches |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Vitreous China |
| Flush Type | Dual flush |
Unfortunately, this American Standard model doesn’t come with a seat. To complete your system we recommend you buy a soft-close seat. This American Standard toilet meets MaP Premium and EPA WaterSense criteria. Plus, all the mechanical parts of the toilet come with a 5-year limited warranty.
#9. American Standard Baby Devoro FloWise 10 Inch High Round Front Toilet
| Consumption | 1.28 GPF |
| Pieces | 2-piece |
| Seating Height | 10.25 inches |
| Shape | Round |
| Material | Vitreous China |
| Flush Type | Power flush |
Let’s not overlook how powerful and efficient this toilet is. It offers a clean and strong flush, consuming only 1.28 GPF. Since it is round-shaped, this might not be the most comfortable model but, taking into account that this is a toilet for kids, this shouldn’t be much of a problem. Also, the Baby Devoro has a 2-1/8-inch glazed trapway. Moreover, it comes along with 2 bolt caps that match the color of the toilet.
#10. Kohler K-3575-0 Wellworth Classic Toilet
| Consumption | 1.28 GPF |
| Pieces | 2-piece |
| Seating Height | 15.5 inches |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | China |
| Flush Type | Gravity flush system |
The flushes on this system are extremely powerful. It uses a precision-engineered tank and the force of gravity to flush. Plus it has a wide trapway and it creates a strong siphon during flushing action. The K-3573-0 is also quite easy to install due to the standard 12-inch rough-in.
Also, it features the DryLock install system which is quite foolproof and fast. The DryLock prevents any leakage that could appear during the installation process.
#11. TOTO Eco Soiree MS964214CEFG#01 Toilet
| Consumption | 1.28 GPF |
| Pieces | 1-piece |
| Seating Height | 17.4 inches |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Ceramic |
| Flush Type | Tornado flush system |
We should mention that the Eco Soiree is ADA compliant. Its ergonomic, right height design provides you maximum comfort. The Eco Soiree also comes along with a soft-close seat made out of high-impact plastic. This TOTO toilet is available in a few different color options: Sedona beige, bone, colonial white, and cotton white.
#12. Kohler Highline 1.0 GPF
| Consumption | 1.0 GPF |
| Pieces | 2-piece |
| Seating Height | 17 inches |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | China |
| Flush Type | Gravity flush system |
This toilet consumes only 1.0 GPF, making it the most low-consumption model on the list. It is ADA compliant and it also has the EPA WaterSense certification. To avoid any installation difficulties, this package also includes an installation guide.
Choosing The Best Toilet For Your Home
Two main features to keep in mind when investing in a new toilet for your home.
✓ Flushing Mechanism
There are two basic categories of flushing toilets. Gravity flush toilets are known for their quiet operation and are mainly utilized in A-list models. The flushing system rinses off the solid and liquid waste residue from the bowl by pumping out water and air from within the central pipe.
While premium fixtures can actuate cleaning large amounts of waste faster, more often than not, their budget counterparts 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.
✓ 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, 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.
Types of Flushing Systems
We listed four different types of toilet flushing systems available.
✓ Gravity
Definitely one of the most common types of flushing systems. Gravity is used to create high pressure. This way, it successfully washes everything from the toilet bowl and tank into the trapway.
Gravity systems are very simple to maintain and are considered one of the best options you can find.
✓ 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.
✓ Double Cyclone Tornado Flush System
One of the newest technologies the TOTO company has invented. This system is well-known for being water-saving and consuming only 1.28 GPF.
These toilets are basically a combination of pressure-assisted and gravity toilets. But instead of rim holes, this flushing system uses two nozzles.
✓ Dual Flush
Dual flush technology is getting more popular every day. Dual flush 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, is meant to be used for solid waste. Toilets with 1.6 GPF full toilet flush often have a 1.1 GPF partial flush.
Budget-Friendly Flushing Toilet
The Drake II toilet offers a great price-performance ratio. It is very convenient and comfortable but, also quite powerful and efficient. The design of this toilet is very modern and stylish, sleek and minimal. Plus, it features the SanaGloss interior, preventing mold from sticking to the toilet bowl. Moreover, the Drake II also features the cyclone flushing system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Installing your new flushing toilet can be a piece of cake with the right knowledge. But still, the type of toilet has a great impact on the installation process. If your new toilet is a classic 12-inch rough-in system, there should be no problems. Even the older 10-inch and 14-inch rough-in models are not too challenging. On the other hand, wall-hung flushing toilets can be very difficult to install. So, if you purchase a wall-hung toilet, seek the services of a professional.
The Johnson Pumps Aqua 80-47229-01 is a toilet that is perfect for small bathrooms. It is also quite efficient as well as low-consumption. Though it is compact it doesn’t lack comfort. This model has an elongated ergonomically designed bowl. Moreover, you can mount it for both left- and right-hand use.
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 only goal is to save water, then go for the 1.28 GPF toilets. Still, if it is flushing power and performance you are looking for, look for the 1.6 gallons of water per flush models. It doesn’t necessarily mean that all 1.6 models are more powerful than all 1.28 models. What’s more, there are a lot of 1.28 toilets that offer the same flushing performance. However, anything above 1.6 GPF is not desirable and should be avoided.
Summing Up
As long as you have a basic idea as to how these toilets function and what technologies could maximize the sanitation in your toilet, you have the knowledge needed to find the perfect 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.
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