Your toilet is the household appliance that you are likely most intimately acquainted with. Some days, it’s the first thing you see in the morning and the last before you go to bed.
Choosing a new toilet can be a big process, with results that affect literally every day. Even after narrowing down which manufacturer you’d like to purchase from, there are still usually 10-12 different models of toilets to choose from!
Kohler toilets, the well-known appliance giant, is no exception to this. Today we’re looking at just one of their toilet models, the Highline. Let’s take a look to see what this toilet has to offer. We’ll also compare it to one of Kohler’s other options, to see how it stacks up.
Table of Contents
Review of the Kohler Highline Toilet
- Flushing Score:
- Water Consumption: 1.28
- Bowl Shape:
- Flushing System:
- Flush Type: Single
- Style: Two-Piece
- Certifications: ADA, WaterSense
- Dimensions (sourced from manual): Toilet (29.75″ x 18.13″ x 31.25″), (12″), (2.12″), (17.25″)See image with dimensions
Kohler Highline Toilet – Features and Highlights
Comfort Height
Kohler has pioneered one of what is possibly the most convenient design feature of modern toilets: a chair-level seat. The bowl sits at 16.5” above the floor, a large improvement over the standard 12” seat height. 4.5” may not seem to make that much of a difference, but users report that using the elevated seat leads to less leg-numbing and is easier for arthritic or aging knees. If you’re on the shorter side, don’t worry, you won’t have to struggle to climb up onto the toilet though. Even users with children agree that the toilet is still a reasonable level for all heights.
Class Five® Flushing Technology
Kohler has patented their Class FiveⓇ flush system, which uses a large flush valve to swiftly deploy water into the bowl. The sheer force of the fast-moving water allows the toilet to dispose of waste while using less water. This is one reason why the Highline received an EPA WaterSense certification, as it manages to reduce the flush volume to only 1.28 gallons per flush, rather than the standard 3 gallons.
Check out this promotional video by Kohler that demonstrates both the Class FiveⓇ’s load capacity and rim washing capabilities:
As seen in the video, the Highline’s flush technology is engineered to handle large loads of material, but some users do report that this toilet clogs more frequently than their old, 3 gallon-per-flush units. Individual usage and toilet habits vary, so it’s a toss-up as to whether this is a universal issue or a personal one. Of course, a toilet that is completely impervious to clogs doesn’t exist, so the occasional backup is a risk taken with any purchase.
Certifications
As we mentioned above, it was awarded the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense certification, which signifies that an appliance meets the EPA’s specifications for environmentally-friendly water usage. It also conforms to standards set by the DOE’s Energy Policy Act of 1992 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Installation
This toilet installs using a standard 3 bolt system. It’s designed to fit over a 12” rough-in, which is commonly found in most residences. A 3 bolt installation is simple enough that it can be attempted on your own, as demonstrated in the video below, but it’s always a good idea to seek professional help if you’re not experienced or confident with toilet installation.
Performance Ratings
★ Easy to clean – 4.5 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
Product Documentation
Customer Reviews
Last gathered: June 29, 2022
- Durable
- Noticeably taller seat than most toilets
- No-fuss installation
- Water-conscious flush
- Excellent price
- Generous warranty
- No strain on a budget
- Doesn’t include seat
- Flange bolts and flush valve seal need to be purchased separately
- Some users report frequent clogging
- Hard to clean
Summary of Recent Reviews
The only regret some buyers stated is waiting so long to buy this toilet! Users commented on the durability of this product and the efficiency of this product – “the flush is quick, efficient, and quiet.” It does not include flange bolts, flush valve, or a seat, so be prepared with those components prior to installation. Finally, buyers love the height of this toilet, creating a comfortable experience.
Comparison of the Kohler Highline vs. Wellworth
This unit is on the lower end of Kohler’s line of toilets. While it’s not their most basic model, it certainly lacks some of the luxury features that the pricier designs have incorporated.
However, Kohler has engineered the Highline to still perform at a high level, even though it does so with more basic technologies. For instance, rather than Kohler’s Revolution 360Ⓡ flush system, it uses a more basic Class FiveⓇ flush valve. This toilet also lacks the self-cleaning features and antimicrobial surface coatings that Kohler has made standard on their other models.
Let’s compare the Highline to Kohler’s most basic model, the Wellworth, to see how the two stack up.
| Wellworth | Highline |
| Available in 4 colors | Available in 3 colors |
| Two-piece toilet with elongated bowl | Two-piece toilet with elongated bowl |
| 1.28 gpf | 1.28 gpf |
| 14.5” seat height | 16.5” seat height |
| Standard installation | 3-bolt quick-connect installation |
| EPA, DOE certified | EPA, DOE, ADA certified |
| Average customer rating: 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
Overall Thoughts
The Kohler Highline is a solid, practical choice for almost needing a toilet, whether for residential or commercial purposes. It may not be the fanciest option, but as we’re sure plenty of plumbers agree that sometimes the hassle of fiddling with high-tech luxuries just isn’t worth it. There are also plenty of ways to upgrade your toilet, such as after-market seats, bidets, and seat covers or warmers, that allow you to build a customized bathroom experience, without the hefty price tag.
That being said, even though the Kohler Wellworth is largely the same, we do think it can be worth shelling out the extra few bucks for the elevated seat height. If you value comfort for your knees, legs, and back, this one-time investment could seriously pay off in the long run.