Best Toilets – Top 10 Models Reviewed

Considerations for this review

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In compiling this review I started with the basics, looking at the regulations and history of Siphon flushing systems. This provided a solid base of what to look for when choosing a toilet. The products here have all been chosen based on a combination of high sales with high consumer satisfaction ratings.

I’ve conducted extensive research using user reviews, technical specs with a consideration for modern regulations, in particular, ADA approved and environmentally sound, low flow toilets. All the toilets on this list comply with ADA and are Water Sense certified by the EPA.

The best toilets criteria was chosen on flushing power, innovative technology, reputation, brand, looks and price:

Flushing Power

Flushing power is the number one (or should I say number two) feature to look for when upgrading your toilet. As I said in my intro, EPA regulations made flushing an unsure thing when they brought in the 1.6GPF limiter. The problem was that most companies took time to adjust their designs to use less water with flushing power suffering.

I worked out flushing power by looking at the size of the flush valve alongside the size of the trap. Those two main criteria can be enhanced by varnished trap ways or additional water jets. Every brand promises a powerful flush. Where possible I used user reviews to back up those claims.

Innovative Technology

Innovation is when a brand thinks outside of the box to deliver something new and effective. Toto’s cyclone ‘whirlpool’ flush, for example, is innovation at it’s finest and you won’t find that technology on most toilets. Innovation also takes into consideration size, installation and looks.

Reputation

Reputation was the main criteria used to build the initial shortlist. The reputation was based on user reviews from a wide range of sources. User reviews are ideal because they often explain how a product will last over-time and tend to be an honest, no frills analysis of the products.

Looks

If your old toilet isn’t broke, chances are you’re upgrading for something that looks better. Toilets tend to be the center-piece of most bathrooms so looks are very important. I’ve included some more risque toilets for readers who are re-modelling their bathroom. If you’re choosing a striking model think carefully about your bathroom environment. Toilets last a long time so you won’t want to be stuck with an impulse buy for twenty to thirty years.

Brand

Big brands tend to have a better manufacture. In addition they’ve stood the test of time. If your product needs repair, or replacement parts you’ll be thankful for owning a big brand toilet. These parts are universally available and come cheap. On the other hand, lesser known brands have more chance of going bust or discontinuing models. That can be a problem further down the line if the parts you need don’t exist or you need to get them sent from all over the world. In short, bigger brands tend to be more reliable and a safer option. Small brands will be a lot cheaper for similar features but carry some risk.

Price

For most people, price is a factor. There are many more expensive toilets on the market but this list only features products within a $1000 budget. If you have a higher budget it’s worth shopping around. Some of the toilets available in the top bracket have all sorts of features like flush motors or in-built bidets. Well worth checking out if your heart’s set on a no expenses spared bathroom remodel.

 

Other Considerations

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Installation Requirements

Never purchase a toilet without giving your bathroom a once over with the tape measure. The US standard for toilets is a 12″ rough in; the distance between the bolts and the toilet wall. If your bathroom has been subjected to amateur renovation or is very old, you might find that your rough-in is not 12″. It’s not the end of the world because toilets are available with 10″, 12″ and 14″ rough-ins. Ideally the tank of a toilet should be about 0.5″ away from the wall, give or take. If the rough-in of a toilet is longer than the distance between the bolts and the wall, the tank will stick out further from the wall.

The second installation requirement is about space. If you’re toilet is opposite the bath or sink, you have to think about leg room. Elongated bowls are pretty standard these days because they’re more comfortable. They also take up more room. If you don’t have much space it’s a good idea to opt for a round bowl. A lot of the models on this list come in both round and elongated bowl so it won’t narrow your options; at least not as much as a lack of leg-room will.

If you’re installing the toilet yourself, you’ll also have to install a flange. The flange, also known as the closet pipe, is the drain that connects your toilet to the plumbing. A leaking flange will be smelly and embarrassing so, it’s important you get this right. After unbolting your toilet it will need to be pulled up from the floor. Flanges are sealed by wax to prevent waste getting out. You’ll have to break that seal. Your new toilet will need a new flange so, simply feed that into the drain-pipe and fit your toilet on top. Check product specs to see what size flange your toilet needs before buying.

Installing your own toilet isn’t rocket science and will only require an adjustable wrench. Normally the job can be completed in about two hours. The important thing is to make sure you have the strength. Toilets weigh in at about 90 to 110 lbs; the Woodbridge weighs 120 lbs. You’ll need to be able to lift the toilet as well as remove the old one. The oldest toilets can be extra stubborn to remove so factor that in as well. One-piece toilets are even heavier so if your bathroom is on the third floor, think carefully about how you’re going to get it up there. If you have any doubts, it’s better to get a professional. Rates are typically cheap and take all the hassle out of installing a toilet.

Water Efficiency

Numbers bandied about by marketing teams about water efficiency sound more impressive than they often are. In the US, all modern toilets have to comply with water conservation law. That means using no more than 1.6 GPF. Water efficiency percentages tend to be calculated against older 3.5 GPF models or, in some cases, even 7 GPF.

If you’re replacing a very old toilet, pre-1994, the likelihood is you’ll save a lot of money on your water bill. Over the life-time of the toilet that can amount to $2,100. When you’re buying a toilet, keep in mind that all of them will have roughly the same efficiency because it’s mandated by law. The exception to the rule is the Niagara Stealth which uses 50% less water than anything else on this list.

Duel flushing systems are the only useful measure of modern toilet water efficiency. A duel flushing system will be using only 0.8 GPF roughly half the time. That leads to many manufacturers calculating water consumption for their own brands at 1.28 GPF and all other brands at 1.6 GPF. If you’re looking to save money on your water bill buy a duel flushing toilet.

Durability, Maintenance and Warranties

The first thing to mention here, is that toilets tend to last a very long time. They’re constructed form strong, fired porcelain so breaking one takes a lot of force. The inside parts tend to be quite simple as well so there’s no much room for things to go wrong. Flushing valves, handles or toilet seats are simple and inexpensive to replace.

The maintenance of a toilet then, is a consideration when buying a toilet. A good finish is paramount to a lasting toilet with many using ion varnish to prevent mold and mildew build-up. When it comes to one-piece or two piece toilets the main difference is in cleaning. A one-piece toilet won’t have crevices which makes it easier to clean. Two-piece toilets tend to be easier to maintain the inside of, with more replaceable parts; you can replace the tank, for example, on a two-piece but you can’t on a one-piece.

If you’re looking for a toilet with a good warranty to insure your purchase the only one worth getting is a lifetime limited warranty. As I said at the beginning, toilets rarely get damaged enough to invoke a warranty. A one year warranty is relatively pointless because a toilet’s lifespan is anywhere from 20 to 50 years.