When it comes to toilets, neither one-piece nor two-piece units are perfect. When buying a new toilet, you should first clarify your needs. For example, two-piece toilets are usually cheaper and more popular. Also, since the tank and bowl are separated, two-piece toilets are easier to move. However, the joining area of the tank and bowl is ideal for bacteria and dirt and takes a lot of time to clean. It might also cause leaking over time.
On the other hand, one-piece models usually have a sleek, seamless design. They are simple to clean but weigh and cost more. So, the choice depends mainly upon what you need in a toilet. Below we’ll be talking about the best one-piece toilets.
Table of Contents
Advantages of One Piece Toilets
Basically, two-piece toilets have the same features as one-piece counterparts. On top of that, they cost much less. So, why are single-piece units so popular? And what are the advantages of those toilets?
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Single Piece Toilets Are Easier to Clean
No crevices or joints, and therefore, no place for dirt to build up. This is the main upside of single-piece units. They are also much easier to maintain since they have a lower chance of breaking or causing leakages.
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Seamless Models Have Fewer Parts (Easier to Install)
They feature a smaller size, making them ideal for compact bathrooms. Plus, they have a sleeker design that fits any modern bathroom while saving space, but it’s completely up to you in the end. Two-piece units are often shipped separately. Single-piece toilets come as a whole unit, which prevents possible problems with shipping.
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No Drill Holes to Support Water Tank.
To install a standard two-piece toilet, you would have to drill holes to support the water tank. However, you won’t have that problem with single-piece models.
We Compared For You!
The Top 11 Reviews
1. Woodbridge Elongated
| Seat Height | 17 inches |
| Consumption | 1.28 GPF |
| Flushing System | Dual flush |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Ceramic |
Moreover, the skirted trap way creates a flawless look and enables easy cleaning. Plus, the dual flush system only uses about 1.2 gallons per flush making this Woodbridge model very water efficient.
Furthermore, the toilet uses a siphoned flushing tube that reduces noise and helps prevent leaks, clogs and other problems caused by waste. The seat is designed to have optimal height for seating and standing and does not weigh much when compared to other similar models.
The toilet is made using vitreous china and comes with a pre-installed seat, wax ring, bolts, and a very clear instruction booklet. Plus, the packaging contains a hand wrench for tightening the bolts and screws. Also, the toilet has been tested for water efficiency and found to comply with the strict UPS and CSA guidelines.
2. TOTO Eco Soiree Elongated Toilet
| Seat Height | 17.25 inches |
| Consumption | 1.28 GPF |
| Flushing System | Double Cyclone |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Ceramic |
The trip lever has a chrome finish that prevents rusting, scratches and scuff marks. Plus, the elongated front bowl is fitted with a Soft Close seat that quietly closes and opens.
Moreover, the seat is designed to be at a height of 17 ¼ inches making it optimal for short and tall individuals alike.
The porcelain is easy to clean and much more resistant to water and rust markings. Furthermore, this toilet has been tested and ADA certified.
3. KOHLER Santa Rosa Elongated Toilet
| Seat Height | 17 inches |
| Consumption | 1.28 GPF |
| Flushing System | Dual flush |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | China |
It is made with a comfortable height seat that offers individuals chair-like seating that will suit everybody. The seat and the lid are also included in the packaging as well as clear instructions on how to set it up and adjust all the necessary screws and bolts.
Moreover, it is water efficient and the canister flush packs a strong water push to eliminate any possible clogs due to waste, paper, or other debris. However, customers have reported that the flush system does make a little more noise than other models in this price segment.
4. TOTO Ultramax Elongated
| Seat Height | 17 inches |
| Consumption | 1.6 GPF |
| Flushing System | Commercial-grade |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Vitreous China |
Moreover, this model is sold in 5 different finishes including the high-end CEFIONTECT ceramic finish. It is designed for households and RVs equipped to handle up to 3.8 gallons per flush without the water backing up.
Plus, the one-piece design will eliminate the need for frequent cleaning especially between the bowl cleaner toilet and the tank.
Customers have reported this model to work flawlessly with a strong flush and bearable noise level.
5. TOTO Neorest
| Seat Height | 17.25 inches |
| Consumption | 0.8/1.0 GPF |
| Flushing System | Tornado Flush System |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Ceramic with SanaGloss glaze |
The oval bowl is comfortable to sit on while the Soft Close seat makes very little noise when opened or closed. Furthermore, the cyclone siphon system is water efficient using only 0.8 to 1 gallon per flush, thereby saving you money on water bills.
Also, control the flush by using the battery operated remote control as well as set the seat temperature. This option comes in handy during the winter months when the temperatures outside drop significantly. Finally, this TOTO model comes with gentle water spray that has pulsating and oscillating features.
6. TOTO MS854114EL#01 Eco Ultramax
| Seat Height | 17 inches |
| Consumption | 1.28 GPF |
| Flushing System | E-max |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Vitreous China |
Also, the toilet has a very nice, sleek, and elegant design. It perfectly fits any modern bathroom, and due to its simplicity, it’s a good choice for older bathrooms as well. Another nice feature of this toilet is related to its one-piece design. It’s almost impossible to experience leaks, and there is no place for dirt between the tank and the bowl.
7. Kohler K-5401-PA-0 Veil
| Seat Height | 17 inches |
| Consumption | 0.8/1.28 GPF |
| Flushing Type | Dual-flush |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Ceramic |
The flush is assisted with a special pump and consumes between 0.8 to 1.28 gallons per flush. Also, the unit is completely tankless and attaches to the main water supply line. It is a bit pricey, but it comes with an LCD remote control, which allows you to adjust temperature, pressure, and more.
8. Kohler 3810-7 Santa Rosa
| Seat Height | 17 inches |
| Consumption | 1.6 GPF |
| Flushing System | AquaPiston Flush |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Vitreous China |
The installation is simple and includes the average 12-inch rough-in. Due to its one-piece design, it is effortless to clean and maintain. On top of that, the toilet saves water – up to 16,000 gallons annually, due to its efficient flush technology.
9. American Standard Champion 4
| Seat Height | 16.5 inches |
| Consumption | 1.6 GPF |
| Flushing Type | Quiet flush |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Vitreous China |
On another note, the unit comes with an EverClean surface which stays clean longer than most units. Like most toilets in this price range, it features a slow-close seat. Finally, it comes with a Watersense certificate and American Standard offers 10-year limited warranty.
10. Kohler K-3940-0 Kathryn
| Seat Height | 17.5 inches |
| Consumption | 1.28 GPF |
| Flushing System | Aqua Piston Flush |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Ceramic |
Kohler
Additionally, it’s water-efficient and saves up to 15,000 gallons every 12 months. On top of that, water-saving doesn’t sacrifice performance. Also, with its AquaPiston technology, the toilet delivers a fast and powerful flush, with only 1.28 gallons of water.
11. SaniCanada 932 Elongated
| Seat Height | 16.5 inches |
| Consumption | 0.8/1.6 GPF |
| Flushing Type | Dual Flush |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Material | Ceramic |
Additionally, the toilet requires almost no maintenance. Due to its design, you can clean it in a matter of minutes. Also, the unit comes with a 5-year warranty. In case of any malfunction, you can call their polite and professional team to help you out.
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing a One-Piece Toilet
Choosing the right one-piece toilet is not always simple. There are various things to consider, which might be difficult if you are buying a toilet like this for the first time. Let’s see what to check when buying a new one-piece toilet.
✓ Dimensions and Rough-in Requirement
Since every toilet has a different size, this is one of the first things to consider, especially if you have a compact bathroom. Most toilets will be 12 inches apart from the wall, which is called a rough-in dimension. Finally, the it’s important that the seat height will fit every member of the family.
✓ Water Efficiency
Water-efficiency has two advantages. It saves your money while also saving the environment. But does using less water affect the flush power? Basically, most modern toilets use 1.28 gallons of water per flush, while maintaining plenty of power. Some toilets might use up to 1.6 gallons, but more than that is not water-efficient.
It’s a common belief that the more water the toilet uses, the cleaner it will be. However, this leads to huge waste over time. Toilets usually account for 30 percent of water usage in an average household, which is too much. Modern toilets use much less water while maintaining efficiency. You should buy a toilet with a WaterSense label.
✓ Easy Cleaning
The obvious advantage of single-piece models is the ease of cleaning. Since the bowl and the tank are connected, there is no place for bacteria that you would have to clean. You will especially notice the difference if you’ve ever tried to clean a two-piece toilet. Also, the chance of leaking is literally zero, since the bowl and the tank are actually one piece.
✓ Highly Durable
Any type of equipment, including toilets, is more durable if it has fewer parts. A two-piece toilet has a rubber gasket which can cause leaking over time.
The technology of the toilet can directly affect its durability. For example, a toilet can have a self-cleaning action that keeps the bowl clean for longer. This means that you will have to clean the bowl less often, which saves you time in the long run.
How to Install a One-Piece Toilet
Installing a toilet like this is actually very simple, but the process might vary between units. Obviously, you should first get rid of the old toilet. Remove it carefully and clean any spills or excess from the floor. Then remove the old wax ring to make sure that the new toilet won’t leak. To completely remove the leftover wax, you should use a scraping tool.
Ensure that there are bolt holes in the new toilet. If there are none, you will have to drill holes on the floor. But first, remove any excess material so that it doesn’t reach the wax ring.
When you are done, it’s time to install the wax ring. However, the floors might not be perfectly even. If that happens, you will need to buy a different wax ring. Stick the wax ring to the toilet to make sure it’s centered properly. If it’s not, simply rotate until it fits.
To lay down a new toilet, you should get someone to help you out. If the bolts properly line up with the holes on the floor, bolt it down. You can do this with nuts and washers which are usually included in the package.
Then, install the toilet flush, and finally, the toilet seat. Seats usually have plastic screws, so you simply need to put them in place and tighten them. After you’ve done that, you are finished. Your toilet is ready for use.
Unique Features
Obviously, the best one-piece toilets have some unique features that set them apart from casual models, especially when it comes to high-quality units. Let’s see what features they have to offer.
Design & Materials
Most one-piece models have a specific, sleek design which makes them ideal for small and compact bathrooms. They are comfortable and convenient, but they come in different heights. Obviously, this is something you should consider when it comes to comfort.
The standard height is around 15 inches. However, you might see units with 16 or 17-inch seat height. Those couple of extra inches provide nice support to both knees and ankles.
Toilets are usually made from porcelain or ceramic. You can even find plastic ones, but those are usually not very durable. If you find a model made from porcelain or ceramic, these units hardly ever leak, and it’ll be an better choice overall.
Toilet Bowl Type
✓ Elongated
Usually, oval bowls are better than round counterparts in every way. They provide more comfort and are usually a few times bigger. Also, they are ideal for children who are just learning to use an adult toilet.
✓ Round Bowl
Round bowls are usually 5-6 inches smaller than elongated ones, making them great for small bathrooms. On the other hand, they provide less comfort. When it comes to price, it’s similar between elongated and round units.
✓ ADA Compliant Bowl
Toilets with ADA-compliant bowls are usually around 2 inches smaller than the standard ones. It makes them comfortable and convenient. Also, these toilets are an ideal choice for people with disabilities.
Flush Types
1. Gravity Flush
Gravity flush is the most common flushing option. Basically, the weight of the water builds pressure, which then cleans the bowl. It’s also pretty quiet and requires very low maintenance.
2. Pressure Flush
Those toilets usually have a special air tank which is under pressure. It creates a more powerful flush, but it’s also noisier. On the other hand, pressure flush is much better at removing waste.
3. Dual-Flush
The main advantage of this type is its water-saving efficiency. Basically, you can choose a half-flush for liquid waste, and full flush for solid waste. While protecting the environment, this also reduces monthly water bills.
Disadvantages
Of course, one-piece models have some disadvantages, too. First, they are quite expensive. If you buy a cheaper model, it can be a risk, since they are made of low-quality materials. Also, if the toilet bowl breaks, there are no replacements. In that case, you need to buy a completely new toilet.
Single-piece toilets are not ideal for tall persons. They usually have seats with low height, which can be considered a disadvantage. However, if you buy a wall-mount toilet, you can place it a few inches higher.
In the end, the main downside of one-piece units is their weight. They are usually quite heavy, which might be a problem during the installation. Also, if you have issues with your back, we strongly advise you to call a professional to install it. The fact is, a single one-piece toilet can weigh up to 100 kilograms, which is just too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Obviously, the best one-piece toilet should be affordable. If it features a dual-flush option, even better. Among the many brands that we tested, TOTO seems to be the market leader. Their toilets are also among the most comfortable.
One-piece models don’t have any space between the parts of the toilet, which prevents the dirt and debris from buildup. Also, they are usually low profile and have a seat with a low height.
If you have some basic DIY skills, installing a one-piece toilet shouldn’t be a problem. However, you should still call a professional to prevent voiding your warranty.
The price of single-piece toilets can vary between models. For example, you might find a toilet for $100, and you might find a unit for over $1000, which directly affects the overall quality, durability, and comfort.
One-piece toilets use much less water than standard units. It saves the environment, and it also reduces your monthly water bills.
Yes. They use less water, but they have specific flushing mechanisms. These mechanisms allow one-piece models to be completely clean, with less water involved.
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