Toilet Seat Reviews (8 Comfort Favorites) BEST of 2021 – Toiletable

If you are buying a toilet seat for the first time, you might realize that it can be quite challenging. There are many things that should be considered to make the right choice according to your needs. Luckily, with this buying guide, we will make the process of buying much easier for you.

Types of Toilet Seats – Suit Your Needs

Basically, there are two types of toilet seats: round and elongated. They are visually different, but also, both types of toilet seats have their pros and cons.

• Elongated Toilet Seats –  As the name suggests, these toilet seats are slightly longer than traditional models, and people also find them more comfortable. However, if you want to buy an elongated seat, be ready to pay a bit more.

• Round Toilet Seats –  These are the seats that you can find in most homes. They cost a bit less than elongated models, but also, they are 16.5 inches long and don’t provide such comfort. Like elongated seats, you can find them in many colors and materials.

Consider the Comfort

There are a few things that directly affect the comfort of a toilet seat. If you consider comfort to be an important factor, be sure to check them out before buying.

For example, as mentioned, the shape of the seat directly affects comfort. Additionally, you should also consider the material. If you buy a wooden seat, it won’t get as cold as a plastic model during the cold winter days. However, plastic seats are typically more durable.

You can also look into buying a padded seat for extra comfort. Padded seats are also warmer and generally improve the overall experience. Finally, regardless of the type of seat you select, make sure everything is properly secured to the bowl and that it doesn’t wiggle around when you sit. Nobody wants to feel like they, or the seat, could fall off the toilet unexpectedly.

Selected Comparisons

With these different elements in mind, we’ve rounded up detailed reviews for 8 different top comfort toilet seats to consider. Read on for details of each.

Toilet Seats – 8 Comfort Reviews

1. Kohler White Plastic Seat

This Kohler toilet seat model has become iconic over time thanks to its elegant design,  compact sizes, and sophisticated look. Furthermore, this seat is made from polypropylene, which is known to resist staining, scuffing and scratching while offering effortless cleaning.

Customers can choose from round and elongated models, both of which come with color-match hinges and 5 different seat color choices. Both seats are also very simple to install and remove, so you can upgrade your bathroom in no time.

If you like this seat, you may also be interested in checking out different Kohler toilet models.

2. Bath Royale Deluxe White Seat

This Bath Royale elongated seat is made with the latest technology, which prevents loud noises when closing the seat. Instead, you just press the lid and watch the seat quietly close, meaning this seat is a great option for small children and elderly people.

Moreover, the seat is easy to remove for cleaning, and the plastic material itself is germ and bacteria resistant. Finally, customers have reported loving this toilet seat because it stays pretty warm in the colder months. You can also buy additional padding to really up the comfort level.

3. Mayfair Soft Round White Seat

This Mayfair oval toilet seat is made from a durable wood frame and padded with premium material for added comfort. It can also be removed for easy cleaning, and the additional padding can also be cleaned simply with a damp cloth soaked in a mild soap solution.

Moreover, the seat is made in the United States under strict quality control, and comes with a 1-year warranty. The seat itself is also easy to install, as the necessary screws, bolts, and instruction booklet all come in the packaging.

4. Mayfair Slow-Close Oval Seat

This Mayfair slow-close oval seat is both easy to install and easy to maintain. It doesn’t require any screws, bolts, or complex steps to install this seat onto your toilet, which means it’s also easy to remove for quick cleaning. The seat itself is also durably built, with a double-coated surface that resists scratching and scuffing.

Furthermore, the slow-close technology ensures this toilet won’t slam when shut. You won’t have to worry about slamming noises, damage to the toilet, or even children pinching their fingers when closing the seat.

5. Bemis White Plastic Elongated Seat

Similar to the previous model, this Bemis white plastic elongated toilet seat features the latest slow-close technology. Basically, customers can easily press the lid to allow the seat to slowly close, avoiding any slamming or other issues.

This seat is also made to be easily removable, which makes it quick and easy to clean. Finally, the plastic itself is stain resistant, and customers note that it’s comfortable to use even in the cold winter months.

 

6. American Standard Champion Slow Bone Seat for Round Toilets

This American Standard Champion Slow Close Bone toilet seat is a great choice for individuals who wish to purchase a durable and sturdy toilet seat. With a 2-year warranty and manufacturer guarantee, this model will work well for everyone, regardless of size.

Even with the added durability, this toilet still offers an aesthetic option, with six different colors available to match your bathroom decor. Moreover, customers report that the seat material itself is comfortable and warms easily.

You may also be interested in other American Standard toilet models

7. Genie Elongated White Plastic Seat

This Genie model is another great option if you’re looking for a toilet seat with slow-close technology. You only need to start closing the seat for it to then close itself gently, preventing both noise and any other slamming issues.

Beyond the slow close technology, this seat also offers additional comfort through the larger elongated style. Finally, customers love the bidet functionality, which adds additional hygiene support for the user.

Take a look at our bidet toilet seat reviews if you’d like to explore more bidet options.

8. Bemis Grey Oval Lift-Off Seat

This Bemis Oval Toilet Seat will fit on any Bemis elongated toilet models. Therefore, if you have a Bemis toilet, this is a great option to consider.

The seat itself is made from durable commercial-grade plastic, with a strong paint finish that resists any chips or scuffing.

Customers have also reported that the seat is very simple to install and remove whenever needed for cleaning purposes. Plus, if you ever decide to upgrade seats again, the hinges are easy to remove so you won’t have to worry about longterm issues if you select this seat.

Choose According to Your Needs

Here are the 4 main features to consider when deciding which toilet seat best fits your needs:

★ The Right Material

Typically, most toilet seats are either plastic or wooden. Plastic seats are very affordable, easy to maintain, and you can often find them in different colors. Wooden seats are more comfortable, especially when the temperature drops, but they are also more expensive. However, wooden seats usually last longer, since they are scratch-resistant and difficult to break, but they could require more maintenance in the long run.

★ Durability

While selecting a more durable seat can also be more expensive, it can also save you a lot of money in the long term. As mentioned, wooden seats are very durable and will last for years. However, depending on the quality, a plastic toilet seat can be even more durable than any wooden counterpart. To be completely sure about the durability of the seat, it’s a good idea to check customer reviews before buying. Especially if you’re hoping to use the same seat for a long time, it’s worth investing in a more durable option. 

★ Appearance

Some people don’t care about the visual appeal when buying a toilet seat. However, if your bathroom’s overall aesthetic is important, don’t worry because there are many great options out there. For example, while most toilet seats come in white, you can usually find models that come in a wide range of colors to match your toilet and bathroom design. Some seats even come with bright lights to increase functionality and add an additional design touch. 

★ Ease of Installation and Maintenance

In general, most toilet seats are easy to install in under 30 minutes. Especially if you are buying a simple seat, the installation should only take two bolts and a bit of elbow grease, and some even come with a bolt-free easy installation mechanism. However, if you buy a toilet with tons of extra features like a bidet attachment, the installation might get more challenging.

Even when it comes to cleaning, ease of installation can make a difference. For example, you can remove and fully clean toilet seats that are easy to remove and re-install. And beyond installation, the seat material itself will also impact maintenance effort. For example, plastic units are easier to clean than wooden ones because they’re non-porous and won’t be damaged by strong cleaners.

If you’re curious about toilet installation in general, please check our guide to learn more about installing a toilet.

Extended Features

Here are some other great features you may want to consider when choosing your next toilet seat.

1. Nightlight

Finding the toilet in the middle of the night can be tricky, especially if you are half asleep. Luckily for you, there are many models that come with a nightlight, which is not just helpful but also adds to the visual appeal of the toilet.

2. Bidet Seat

Thanks to the invention of the bidet seat, you no longer need to purchase an entire bidet to get the same benefits. Instead,  you can simply buy a bidet seat and use it with your toilet whenever you want.

3. SoftClose

If you are tired of accidental slamming, buying a seat with a SoftClose feature is a nice investment. When you pull the seat downwards, it will slowly go down without slamming. That way, the seat will also last longer and won’t break.

Most toilet seats these days come with the slow close feature that closes the lid of the toilet seat slowly and quietly, and it also prevents those loud slamming noises. Furthermore, if you have light sleepers or kids in the house, slow close seats are vital to keeping the tiny fingers of children from getting injured, and the quiet closing of the seat won’t wake up anyone from their sleep either.

4. Deodorizing

Nobody wants to experience unpleasant odors in the bathroom. Thankfully, if you buy a toilet with a deodorizing feature, the toilet will actually help keep you bathroom smelling clean no matter what. 

5. Heated Seat

A heated seat is a great solution for those cold winter days and nights. When activated, the heater will constantly keep the seat at a certain temperature. While these seats require electricity to function, they can have a huge impact on comfort, especially during the winter.

Read our in-depth review article on heated seats.

6. Self-closing

A step beyond soft-close seats, the self-closing function actually automatically closes the seat for you as you stand up. This feature provides a hands-free way to close the toilet seat, which is perfect for those who don’t want to touch the seat or otherwise are unable to manually close the toilet lid.

Cleaning Your Toilet Seat

Allowing your toilet seat to get dirty can lead to both hygiene and maintenance concerns over time. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly clean your toilet despite the task being unpleasant.

To quickly and easily clean your toilet, follow these simple steps:

1. Start by putting on a pair of sanitary gloves. Then, wipe down the seat with a damp cloth or sponge. If you notice any stains, spray the seat with a cleaning solution and let it sit for a little while.
2. Once you’ve treated any visible stains, apply an antibacterial cleaner to the seat. Before using your cleaner, make sure it’s suitable for your seat. If you have a special seat that comes with an additional glaze or is otherwise made from a sensitive material, it’ll be even more important to find a cleaner that protects your seat while getting the job done. You can also choose to use natural cleaning products such as a mix of white vinegar and baking soda, if you’d prefer.
3. Once you’ve applied the cleaner, let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Then, scrub the seat with a soft-bristled brush. You can also use an old toothbrush to get into the nooks and crevices of the seat.
4. After you’re done scrubbing, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any cleaning product residue.
5. If you notice any rust stains, you can use a vinegar and citric acid mixture to treat the spots. Simply mix vinegar and citric acid into a paste and then apply to the rust stains. Let the mixture sit for a while, and then scrub to remove the stain.

While not the most fun task, regularly following these steps will keep your toilet seat stay clean and comfortable.

Raised vs. Platform Toilet Base

Toilet seats that are tall in height are a much better and safer option compared to lower toilet seats because they save you from the difficulty of bending down too much. Furthermore, getting up from higher toilet seats is a lot easier because of their height and the decreased movement required to transition from one position to another.

Even if you have a regular toilet seat, you can add a raised platform toilet base on your toilet seat to increase the height of the toilet seat and ensure the users’ convenience and safety.

Cushioned Toilet Seat

Sitting on a cold, hard toilet seat can really be uncomfortable. Instead, people have started using cushioned toilet seats to improve the bathroom experience. For example, a cushioned seat can actually relieve pressure on your muscles and make the toilet experience much more comfortable. They can also provide warmth and promote better balance while using the toilet, so there are a lot of benefits to investing in a cushioned seat.

Bottom Line

Choosing a toilet seat can be an intimidating process at first. However, with our list of options and guidelines, we hope you’ll feel much more prepared when choosing the best toilet seat for your home. Even if you want a simple replacement for your current model, many manufacturers will sell replacement seats from their website for an easy swap. Ultimately, whether you want something that’s durable, easy to clean, comfortable, or all of the above, there are a number of great options out there.