5 Best TOTO Drake Toilets (High Quality) Reviews of 2021

A high-quality toilet can significantly improve the overall experience when using any bathroom. Most toilets nowadays have a lot of features, from heated and soft-close soft-close seats to dual flushing systems. These features can really come in handy, and are common enough now that many aren’t considered a luxury option like they once were.

In particular, the TOTO Drake collection offers high-quality toilets with a lot of these convenient features at reasonable prices. Therefore, in this article, we are going to review some of the best models from this TOTO collection. Plus, we will also talk about additional factors to consider when buying a new toilet. Ultimately, we hope our review and advice will help you make the right decision when looking for a great new toilet.

Drake Model Comparisons

TOTO Drake Toilet Reviews (5 Models)

Below we reviewed five different models from the TOTO Drake toilet collection.

1. TOTO Drake Washlet S350 Two-Piece Toilet

The Drake Washlet + C2 toilet has a lot of features that can really come in handy. First off, even the toilet seat itself improves the user experience of this toilet. To start, it includes an electronic high-tech bidet toilet seat. This heated toilet seat also features temperature control, allowing you to switch between different temperature modes.

Aside from the seat, this TOTO Drake toilet offers both powerful and highly efficient flushes thanks to the DYNAMAX Tornado flush system. Another great thing about this flushing system is that it is dual flush, which lets you choose between a full flush that consumes 1.28 gallons-per-flush and a partial flush that consumes only 0.8 gallons-per-flush. Overall, using a dual flush toilet can significantly cut down on your annual water consumption. This model is also both CALGreen and EPA WaterSense certified due to its water saving features.

It has a standard 12-inch rough-in and thus, it is very simple to install.

When it comes to construction, the TOTO Drake is a two-piece toilet but it’s still very simple to clean. The toilet itself comes with a standard 12-inch rough-in that simplifies installation. Finally, this model also features an automatic air deodorizer as well as a very convenient arm control panel, so your experience is tailored to your preferences from start to finish.

2. TOTO Drake CST744SL#01

The TOTO Drake CST744SL#01 is a better option than the previous model if you are looking for something high-quality but more affordable. Although it has fewer special features than the previous one, this model does come with the G-Max flushing system. This system specifically allows the CST744SL#01 to create powerful flushes that can remove all waste in only one flush.

This model is also ADA-compliant and thus, it is very comfortable. Another big advantage of buying the CST744SL#01 is the fact that you can choose from 5 different colors based on the rest of your bathroom’s design.

However, one downside to this model is that it’s not as efficient as the previous one. The CST744SL#01 has a single-flush system and consumes 1.6 gallons-per-flush.

You may be interested in our full review of other TOTO toilets.

3. TOTO Drake Eco Transitional

If the previous model seems like a good suit but you still want something more water-efficient, the Drake Eco Transitional might be the ideal choice for you. The design is very similar between both models, and this option is also available in the same 5 different colors. However, unlike the previous model, this toilet features an E-Max flushing system.

Due to the E-Max flushing system, this toilet is especially powerful while only consuming 1.28 gallons-per-flush. Thanks to the highly efficient flush, the Eco Transitional model is CALGreen and EPA WaterSense certified. Unfortunately, while this model can also be more affordable, it doesn’t come with a toilet seat or wax ring. Therefore, we highly recommend getting a soft-close toilet seat if you purchase this toilet to maximize the user experience.

4. TOTO Drake CST746CSMFG#01

The TOTO Drake CST746CSMFG#01 is the ideal toilet if you are looking for something high-quality, reliable, and powerful. It features the DYNAMAX Tornado flushing system and can easily create a very powerful flush. Not only that but this system is also dual flush. Therefore, you can choose between the 0.8 gallons-per-flush partial option and the 1.6 gallons-per-flush full flush. Plus, this TOTO Drake toilet also features the CEFIONTECT glaze, which decreases maintenance and cleaning needs.

This toilet has a standard 12-inch rough-in and a semi-concealed trapway. With a universal height toilet seat, this model is ADA-compliant. The water-efficient flush technology also qualifies this model for EPA WaterSense certification. However, one downside to this toilet is that it doesn’t come with a toilet seat, so you’ll need to purchase one separately.

5. TOTO Drake Washlet + S550E

The TOTO Drake Washlet + S550E makes a great choice for anybody looking for luxurious features. To start, this toilet comes with everything from a night light to a warm air dryer and an automatic air deodorizer. The lid opening mechanism is automatic, and this model even comes with an adjustable heated toilet seat.

Now, when it comes to the flushing system, the TOTO Drake Washlet + S550E also features the DYNAMAX Tornado flush system. The system itself is dual flush and offers 2 different flushing options like we’ve seen before. Furthermore, there is also the CEFIONTECT coating that prevents any type of odor-causing bacteria or debris from sticking to the ceramic surfaces. Ultimately, between the luxurious features and low-maintenance design, this toilet has something to please everyone.

TOTO Drake Certifications And Features

You may notice a few different features noted in the toilet reviews above. Below, we’ll explain the difference between some of these different details to help you evaluate which makes the most sense for you.

1. EPA WaterSense Certification

When a toilet is EPA WaterSense certified, it means that the toilet can provide equal or even better performance than standard toilets by consuming 20% less water. In order for a toilet to get the EPA WaterSense certification, it must not consume over 1.28 gallons-per-flush on average. By selecting an EPA WaterSense certified toilet, you’ll not only save money by consuming less water, but you may also be eligible for rebates on your water bill depending on where you live.

2. ADA Compliance

Another certification to look out for is ADA-compliance. When a toilet is ADA compliant, it means that most people with movement disabilities will be able to easily access and use the toilet. ADA compliant toilets must meet specific criteria in terms of size and construction. For example, traditional toilet seat height is about 15 inches, while ADA compliant models have a seat height of 17 to 19 inches. This taller seat height makes ADA compliant toilets easier to sit on and stand up from, which is ideal for the elderly, taller individuals, and those with certain movement disabilities as mentioned above.

TOTO Drake vs. TOTO Drake II

You may wonder what the difference is between the Drake and Drake II models. While they’re both based on the same design, there are a few key differences in both flush efficiency and interior technology to consider:

• Water Consumption

To keep things simple, if you want a water-saving toilet, you should buy the TOTO Drake II over the TOTO Drake. However, if you want a toilet with a powerful flush that’s also affordable, the TOTO Drake would be a better choice. Ultimately, the Drake II consumes only 1.28 gallons-per-flush, whereas the Drake has a stronger flush but requires more water, consuming 1.6 gallons-per-flush. 

• MaP Score and Flush Technology

As mentioned above, the Drake actually has a stronger flush compared to the Drake II. When comparing their MaP scores, while the Drake II has a strong score slightly above 800 grams, the Drake has an amazing MaP score of 1000 grams. This difference in flush strength is likely due to the different flush technology each toilet uses. The original Drake has a G-Max flush, while the Drake II uses Tornado flush technology to save 20% more water than the Drake.

• Certifications

Finally, comparing certifications between both options, the original Drake is WaterSense Certified while the Drake II is both WaterSense Certified and ADA-compliant. While the first model is good for both home and commercial use, the Drake II is ideal for home use in particular.

TOTO Drake II vs. TOTO Ultramax II

It’s also worth discussing the major differences between both popular TOTO models, the Drake II and the Ultramax II. 

• MaP Score & Certification Similarities

To start, there are a number of similarities between both models, particularly with their qualifications. They both meet various certifications, including ADA compliance, EPA WaterSense, and CAL Green. They both also have MaP ratings above 800 grams, which is very good. However, there are a couple key differences to consider as well. 

• Affordability and Maintenance

For example, the TOTO Drake II is both more affordable and much easier to install as a two-piece toilet. The TOTO Drake II also offers  a slightly more powerful flush, while the Ultramax II is more oriented toward water saving. Both models feature a Sanagloss finish for easy maintenance, but as a one-piece toilet, the Ultramax II is ultimately easier to clean and maintain. 

• SoftClose Seat

One final detail to consider is that, unlike the Ultramax II, the Drake II doesn’t come with a SoftClose seat. Therefore, if you want a SoftClose seat, which can minimize damage and noise when closing the toilet, you will need to factor in the additional expense when buying the Drake II.

Flushing Technology Comparison

G-Max vs. E-Max vs. Tornado Flush

The most common flushing technologies in this collection are the G-Max and E-Max. Although the name is pretty similar, there are a couple differences to call out between both options:

• E-Max – The E-Max flushing system can generate powerful and consistent flushes using the combination of an extra-large siphon jet and a wide 3-inch valve. The system is simple and quiet, consuming only 1.28 gallons-per-flush.
• G-Max – This flushing technology is pretty similar to the previous one. However, the main difference is that G-Max consumes 1.6 gallons-per-flush and is less water-efficient. However, sometimes it can be considered more powerful thanks to the additional water flow.

Another popular flushing technology is the Tornado DYNAMAX system, which sends all the water through the rim of the toilet. This approach ensures that water thoroughly cleans the entire bowl while removing all the waste. You’ll often find this system also paired with a coating like CEFIONTECT, which helps ensure all waste is easily removed in one flush. Ultimately, the Drake models that include the Tornado DYNAMAX design offer a quiet but powerful flush operation.

You may be interested in our review of various toilet bowl cleaners.

Final Verdict

The TOTO Drake collection offers a wide variety of high-quality toilets. If you are looking for a powerful toilet with convenient features like a heated seat or night light, look no further than the TOTO Drake Washlet + C2 or the TOTO Drake Washlet + S550E. On the other hand, if you want something more basic and affordable, the TOTO Drake CST744SL#01 makes a great choice. Ultimately, regardless of your personal preferences, we hope this article helped highlight some great choices from TOTO for your next bathroom purchase.