The 11 BEST Toilets to Buy for Your Home in 2022

So you are up and about looking for a toilet to install in your restroom? Good move. But here are a few eye-opening questions; what exactly are you looking for in your next toilet? What model did your plumber recommend? How big is your bathroom space? And lastly, how much are you willing to spend?

Quite a boatload of factors to consider, right? This should always be the drill whenever you are looking for the best toilets. But since the word “best” is subjective, that means you need to look at options from the top brands like American Standard, KOHLER, TOTO, Woodbridge, and others.

This article takes you through some of the top toilet options that not only come from recognizable brands but have been heavily recommended by customer reviews and toilet experts as well. We have covered all the models from one-piece toilets, Two-piece, to the tank-less options in both their budget and luxury price ranges.

But if you don’t have the time to sift through all the choices in this article, then feel free to check out our top recommendation – TOTO Carlyle II Washlet Toilet. A smart elongated toilet, sturdily built with stunning flushing performance.

Best Toilet Reviews: Head-to-head Comparisons

Product NameBuy NowHighlighted FeaturesHighlighted FeaturesDetails
TOTO Carlyle 11Check PriceBidet Seat
Heated Seat
Air Deodorizer
Tornado Flush System
1.28 Gallons Per Flush
* Bidet seat with lid
* Specially designed with WASHLET
* Water-efficient toilet: 1.28 GPF
* Self-cleaning wand
* Remote Control makes user-friendly
* Tank refills rapidly
Dimensions: 28.3 x 16.5 x 28.6 Inc
Shape: Elongated
Finish: Cotton
Item Weight: 110 pounds
Certification WaterSense
Signature Hardware StalnakerCheck PricePorcelain Material
Elongated Bowl
1.6 Gallons Per Flush
ADA Certified
Lifetime Warranty
* Porcelain material
* Powerful flushing capacity (siphonic flushing technology)
* The elongated bowl gives extra comfort
* Comfort height ( Ideal for Handicap, Arthritic person)
* Tank fills rapidly
* 1.65 gallons per flush
* ADA certified
* Lifetime warranty
Dimensions: 17.1 x 33.1 x 26.3 Inc
Shape: Elongated
Finish: White
Item Weight: 91.9 pounds
Certification ADA
Toto UltraMax IICheck PriceContemporary Design
Bidet Seat
Open-front Shape
G-Max Flushing System
1.6 Gallons Per Flush
* The one-piece toilet for that no threat of leaks
* Powerful flush (Tornado flushing Technology)
* Universal height seat height (Ideal for senior citizen and elderly)
* Tank with lid
* 1.28 gallons per flush
Dimensions: 28 x 20 x 31 Inc
Shape: Open-front
Finish: Sedona Beige
Item Weight: 91 pounds
Certification N/A
Woodbridge B0950S/V8300 T-0034Check PriceStainless Steel Material
Advanced Bidet Seat
Warm Air Dryer
Water Heater
Adjustable Water Pressure
* Stainless steel material
* Water heating technology (for warm seats and water)
* Have water, dryer temperature, and water pressure
* Water-efficient toilet: 1.0/1.6 GPF
* A lot of hygiene features
Dimensions: 32 x 19 x 26 Inc
Shape: Elongated
Finish: Integrated Bidet and Toilet
Item Weight: 140 pounds
Certification WaterSense
American Standard Cadet 3Check PriceVitreous China Material
Elongated Shape
Antimicrobial Surface
3-inch Flush Valve
1.6 Gallons Per Flush
* Vitreous china material
* Elongated Shape
* Water-efficient models (1.28 gallons per flush)
* Best uses as a corner toilet
* Water Sense certified
* Durable and easy to clean
Dimensions: 34 x 19.2 x 31.5 Inc
Shape: Elongated
Finish: Bone
Item Weight: 90 pounds
Certification N/A
TOTO Drake 2Check PriceTwo-piece Toilet
Open-front Shape
3 Inch Wide Flush Valve
G-Max Flush
1.6 Gallons Per Flush
* Two-piece Toilet
* G-Max flushing system (Making a powerful flush)
* 3” wide flush valve with extra-large siphon jet
* Water-efficient (Uses very little water)
* CEFIONTECT glaze provides the bowl a lubricious quality
Dimensions: 28 x 19.5 x 28.5 Inc
Shape: Open-front
Finish: Glazed Cotton White
Item Weight: 103 pounds
Certification N/A
Saniflo SANICOMPACTCheck PriceSelf-contained Toilet
Elongated Shape
Easy to Install
Gravity Flush
1.6 Gallons Per Flush
* Self-contained toilet
* Elongated Shape
* Easy to Install
* Perfect size for a small half bath
* Allows a connection with the sink
* Toilet seat included
* Tank refills fast
* Water-efficient toilet: 1 GPF
Dimensions: 18.2 x 14.5 x 15.8 Inc
Shape: Elongated
Finish: White
Item Weight: 67 pounds
Certification N/A
Niagara StealthCheck PriceElongated Bowl
Gravity Flush
0.8 Gallons Per Flush
Vitrous China Material
WaterSense Certification
* Vitreous china material
* Quiet Flush Toilets
* Very easy to install
* The hygienic surface makes it healthy
* Gravity Flush
* Ultra high-efficiency flushing system: 0.8 GPF
* WaterSense Certification
Dimensions: 28.9 x 18.8 x 31 Inc
Shape: Elongated
Finish: White
Item Weight: 103 pounds
Certification WaterSense
Kohler Santa Rosa Comfort HeightCheck PriceCompact Toilet
China Material
Gravity Flush
1.28 Gallons Per Flush
WaterSense Certified
* China material
* Comfort height toilet
* Water-efficient toilet: 1.28 GPF
* Elongated seat included
* Gravity flush
* Space-saving Design
Dimensions: 31 x 20.8 x 29 Inc
Shape: Elongated
Finish: Almond
Item Weight: 102 pounds
Certification WaterSense
American Standard Champion-4Check PriceVitreous China Material
Ever Clean Surface
Siphon Jet Flush
1.6 Gallons Per Flush
ADA Compliant
* Vitreous china material
* ADA Compliant with the height requirement set
* EverClean Surface makes easier cleaning
* 4” accelerator flush valve
* A low consumption toilet
* Siphon jet flush
* 100 Percent factory flush tested
* 1.6 gallons per flush
Dimensions: 29.8 x 17.8 x 29.5 Inc
Shape: Elongated
Finish: White
Item Weight: 119 pounds
Certification N/A
KOHLER San Souci Round-Front ToiletCheck PriceOne-piece Toilets
Low-profile design
Round Shape
Gravity Flush
1.28 Gallons Per Flush
* One-piece Toilets
* Space-saving compact toilet
* Comes with a Grip-Tight Q3 seat
* A precision-engineered tank
* Low-profile design
* Gravity Flush
* Water-efficient toilet: 1.28 GPF
Dimensions: 25.6 x 16.8 x 24.2 Inc
Shape: Round
Finish: White
Item Weight: 92 pounds
Certification WaterSense

1. TOTO Carlyle II Washlet Toilets (Model MW6142044CEFG) One-Piece Elongated Toilet

TOTO Carlyle 11

If you are the kind of person who doesn’t hold back on the finest things in life, then your bathroom needs nothing other than TOTO Carlyle II One-Piece Elongated Toilet. You see, this isn’t like ordinary toilets that flush poorly while still using plenty of water. Instead, it jets out a single powerful flush that cleanses everything from the toilet.

This is a smart toilet that lets you warm the seat and deodorize the air while going about your business — no more putting your bottoms on a cold seat. The integrated bidet toilet seat system will allow you multiple settings for adjusting the temperature as well as flushing pressure.

Design-wise, there is so much to marvel at. This toilet flushes in a beautiful way that will most probably get you adoring the way it works. And if you don’t get mesmerized, then your cat will be. Unlike contemporary toilets that pop around with multiple holes under the rim, this one has only two nozzles that squish water with such a powerful force. This means no clogging problems to deal with after installation.

TOTO model MW6142044CEFG, Toto washlet is designed with concealed components for a classic minimalistic look. Rarely will you see the water connection or power cords crisscrossing behind the unit? For a spa-like experience, the lid closes softly as you leave.

Pros

  • A clean, revolutionary unit that delivers a spa-like experience
  • Heats the seat and deodorizes air
  • Effective Tornado flushing
  • The seat closes softly
  • Can be remote controlled
  • Top-quality material for longevity

Cons

  • It doesn’t come cheaply; it comes with a high price tag

TOTO Carlyle II comes at a dear price, but you can see why? Unlike many bathroom kits, this one water-efficient warms the seat and flushes effectively. This unit lets you run things the way you want. To butter it all up, it is made from the best material that ensures it lasts longer to serve your grandkids. It is a highly recommended toilet for your master bedroom.

2. Signature Hardware Stalnaker 1.6 GPF Two-Piece Elongated Toilet

Signature Hardware Stalnaker

If your desire is to have a higher-seated toilet that caters to both healthy and handicap individuals, then Signature Hardware Stalnaker 1.6 GPF Two-Piece Elongated Toilet will do. The best part is you don’t even get to spend an arm and a leg.

Sure, it does not come with plenty of high-end bells and whistles, but it does get the work done. As a two-piece kit, this toilet makes accessing the rear easier. The bowl is wide enough to provide a sufficient sitting platform and comes with nifty parts for connecting it to water.

Signature hardware Stalnaker Toilet stands approximately 18.25″ bowl height. This should make sitting and standing much more comfortable, like most of the ultimate chair height toilets. Furthermore, its higher standing provides for a powerful flushing mechanism that cleans everything with a single twist of the handle. The toilet is secured with a limited warranty on all parts.

Pros

  • Powerful flushing system
  • Comfortable toilet sitting platform
  • Sits high enough to accommodate even the disabled
  • Extremely affordable
  • Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
  • Easy to install

Cons

  • Doesn’t have fancy parts-but that what keeps the price low

Signature Stalnaker Toilet sports adequate engineering and comfort that can take care of all your bathroom needs. The parts are durable and provide for ample comfort. Sure it may look ordinary, but the chances are higher. It will work okay for a very long time, and that is probably all you want to hear.

3. TOTO UltraMax II One-Piece 1.28 GPF Elongated Toilet (MS604114CEFG#01)

Toto UltraMax II

The Toto UltraMax II (MS604114CEFG#01) one-piece toilet offers the latest look and design, which matches any bathroom decor.

With a powerful tornado flushing system, it efficiently cleans waste with one flush using only 1.28 GPF (gallons per flush). The compact and sleekly-designed toilet will virtually pay for itself in the reduction of your water bills.

The Sanagloss finishing trap way ensures not allowing stains, bacteria, or even watermarks are not allowed to stick. The wider 3-inch valve is 125 percent larger than the conventional/standard 2-inch toilet valves with the fully glazed trap.

Installation of this toilet combination requires only a few tools and an hour’s worth of work, saving you money. It is easy to clean with no maintenance required.

As a replacement for older or damaged toilets, this universal height unit is perfect for a new home or home renovations.

Pros

  • One-piece toilet with fashionable design.
  • This toilet provides a soft close seat and lid.
  • The Universal seat height that gives user comfort.
  • Powerful tornado flushing system ensuring all cleaned in one flush.
  • Watersense certified that makes it reliable.

Cons

  • The toilet footprint is a bit larger than that some older toilets.
  • The price is a little higher than the other models.

The UltraMax® II is priced well within all budget guidelines. Available on Amazon in cotton-white colors designed to please even the most sophisticated décor, this toilet ensemble continues to receive one of the highest rankings when compared to contemporary counterparts. It will transform your old bathroom into a room that you can be proud of after installation.

It could be an excellent choice for home remodelers looking to upgrade an existing, outdated toilet. For more information on this well-manufactured toilet combination, please click the following link.

4. Woodbridge B0950S Dual Flush Elongated One-Piece Compact Toilet

Woodbridge B0950S/V8300 T-0034

Never forget to put the toilet seat down again; this one-piece high technology toilet does it for you! When mother nature calls, the state-of-the-art toilet seat rises automatically, whenever you enter the bathroom. The features of this remarkably-built toilet do not stop there.

It offers a variety of feminine washes, including pulsating wash, and also uses advanced technology. It’s allowing you to adjust the water pressure to accommodate every member of your family’s special settings.

It is designed with a heated seat and a specialized drying temperature control unit. A customized deodorizer effectively cleans the air around the toilet with built-in filters that will keep your bathroom smelling fresh and clean all the time.

Easy to clean with skirted trapway, the overall sleek look and styling will add a certain ambiance to your bathroom that is pleasing and welcoming. Designed for use by all family members, females will immediately fall in love with this toilet due to its superior hygiene capabilities.

Pros

  • It has stainless steel durable seat hinges for longer wear.
  • The luxurious modern design complements any interior décor.
  • It is shipped complete with high quality, soft-closing quick release seat.
  • It provides instant, automatic warming comfort, even in the middle of the night.

Cons

  • Flushing system appears weak.
  • Professional installation is needed.
  • It is pricey.

Unlike most of the compact toilets, Woodbridge B0950S toilet automatically flushes on departure for hands-free operation. It as a fully glazed flush for a quieter, yet more powerful one-flush performance. Features found on this one-piece toilet are unique in every sense of the word.

As a toilet, bidet, or both, this toilet takes bathroom experience into the future and beyond. Considered to be one of the top-rated toilets in the world, it may also be one of the most expensive. The following link will provide more information on this toilet of the future.

5. American Standard Cadet 3 Right Height Elongated Two-Piece Triangle Toilet

American Standard Cadet 3

As a trusted name for over 140 years, American Standard is well-known and respected for the quality and innovative features of its complete line of bathroom accessories.

The two-piece Cadet 3 series offers the best in styling with efficient operation throughout the year. ADA-compliant with elongated bowl construction for increased sitting comfort, this durable and easy-to-clean toilet assembly is water-efficient with only 1.28 GPF.

Available in a variety of styles from one to two-piece models with either elongated or round front bowls, there is a Cadet 3 toilet assembly that will fit your needs.

This series incorporates the latest in flushing technology to assure years of continued, reliable service. A large 3-inch flush valve with a 3-inch opening allows water to enter at a much faster rate when flushing without using additional water.

Powerful siphoning water jets capture circular water flow for best performance with no flushing loss. Waste and water are siphoned off into the fully glazed two 1/8-inch trapway quickly and quietly.

The Triangle Cadet 3 toilet combination remains popular with the household consumers for guaranteed no clogs or leaks in a lifetime by the manufacturer. Check this out more details about no clog toilets review in-depth.

Pros

  • Toilet uses less than ½ water when compared to similar styles.
  • Tank flushing components withstand harsh city chemically-treated water.
  • Perfected porcelain casting eliminates tank wobbles.
  • Sanitary bar on bowl prevents liquids from getting under the narrow tank.
  • It is available in bone and linen colors.

Cons

  • Has shipping issues, including missing mounting hardware.
  • Toilet arrived completely shattered.

Like most of the corner toilets, American Standard 270AD001.222 Cadet 3 toilet has a shorter bowl height. The 12-inch rough-in allows for tighter installation closer to the wall using less space in smaller bathrooms. Further, there is a 5-year warranty on all the Cadet 3 toilet series. This is five times the industry standards. For more information, please click the following link below.

6. TOTO Drake 2-Piece Toilet

TOTO Drake 2

Backed by over 90 years’ experience in building products for your entire bathroom, the motto of TOTO remains firm: “Lead, never follow.” Designing, Engineering, Refining, and delivering advanced technology to make your life a little easier, TOTO Drake 2-Piece Toilet is innovation at its best.

This company embraces holistic design, an idea that the whole is more than merely the sum of its parts. Built with precision engineering, the pleasing design of this toilet addresses both functionality and performance. Ultimate customer satisfaction remains a top priority with this company, and they will settle for nothing less.

This two-piece toilet’s high-profile design projects a contemporary appearance that consumers have come to appreciate. Super smooth finish combined with ion barrier glazing cleans your toilet bowl with every flush.

The ionized glazing of the bowl eliminates the usual “ring around the bowl” issue produced by chemically treated water. Flash with the wide 3-inch flush valve is 125 percent larger than most toilet flush valves.

Pros

  • Toilet uses less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush.
  • It is quiet and powerful.
  • It has a larger water surface.
  • It has an elongated bowl.
  • It is less costly to maintain.

Cons

  • Sanagloss finish is hard to clean.
  • It has a low flush water volume.
  • Tank lid does not fit over the top of the tank.

TOTO CST744SG#01 Drake toilet is easy to install and a perfect fit for the weekend DIYer. It is currently at less than half the cost of similar styles and models.

An existing toilet can be upgraded with a soft close seat or a washlet. Other competing brands do not offer this. Further information on this two-piece toilet is available at Amazon.

7. Saniflo SANICOMPACT 48 One Piece Toilet

Saniflo SANICOMPACT

Saniflo SANICOMPACT is a self-contained, one-piece modern toilet that offers a variety of easy to use installation applications.

Designed to fit in a tight spot where more traditional toilets cannot fit, this modern-shaped toilet is the answer to all your toilet issues. It uses less than one gallon of water per flush, which allows you to save the most precious natural resources, water.

With no external water tank, this compact toilet still has the power and performance to take care of all waste removals like the larger models. It is perfect for that second half bath in the loft, attic, upper or ground floor, basement, or even the garage. The installation possibilities are endless.

It has an automatic flushing action with automatic macerating (waste removal pumping action) upon pressing the air-actuated button located on top of the unit. Flushing action is electronically timed to allow one gallon of water to pass through the toilet.

The discharge elbow, located on the back of the unit, can be rotated 180 degrees to allow for any installation.

A non-return valve prevents the backflow of waste and waste gases. It is shipped complete with a 0.3 horsepower electrical motor with ample power for pumping of 9-feet vertically and 100-feet horizontally.

Pros

  • It features stainless steel and neoprene construction.
  • It is capable of discharging water from an adjoining sink.
  • It is easily installed.
  • Forced main with no exterior venting is required.
  • It is shipped complete with a stylish seat.

Cons

  • It requires more than one flush.
  • It can be noisy.
  • It is a bit expensive.

This SANICOMPACT toilet comes with a 2-year warranty from the date of purchase with a full replacement on the entire unit as required. It’s complied with all plumbing codes, this lightweight, the compact toilet is excellent for the under-the-stairs half-bath or lakeside cabins. Also, Read more reviews on Saniflow Upflush Toilets.

8. Niagara Stealth 0.8 GPF Toilet

Niagara Stealth

Proclaimed as Stealthld’s only 0.8 GPF single-flush toilet, this two-piece toilet features the latest in innovative styling going a step further than the other powerful water-saving toilets in the market today.

The beauty and design fuse together in this Stealth toilet. With built-in Stealth help operate in hushed mode, this toilet continues to revolutionize the toilet industry.

The Flapperless design negates noises when the toilet is flushed. The one-flush technology thoroughly removes all waste with no need for additional flushes.

Offered in both round and elongated bowl models with adaptation to fit a standard 12-inch rough-in installation, Stealth can easily replace your existing toilet. ADA compliant, the EZ bowl height allows for comfortable height when sitting or standing with the addition of the properly installed seat.

Niagara Stealth toilet will pay for itself in total savings potential by lowering water bills every month. It saves thousands of gallons of water per year for a large family.

With no chain or levers to replace, this toilet is maintenance-free for years of continued use without interruption. The refill valve is never exposed, remaining quiet and efficient in stealth mode.

Pros

  • It is skirted and easy to clean.
  • Noiseless flushing system which refills superfast fast
  • It is gravity flushed, not pressure-assisted.
  • It has a larger water surface.
  • It uses 35 percent less water than the standard 1.28 GPF toilets.

Cons

  • There is inadequate water flow.
  • Items were missing or damaged during shipping.
  • Toilet does not work on drain lines less than 3 inches.

The Niagara toilet uses EPA WaterSense Technology for the conservation of water. Rebates for local municipalities for water conservation may be available. You may be eligible for additional consumer rebates, bringing the overall price down. Look for additional information on this water-saving, two-piece toilet by clicking the following link.

9. KOHLER Santa Rosa Comfort Height Elongated Toilet

Kohler Santa Rosa Comfort Height

KOHLER “Santa Rosa” toilet offers exceptional functionality at an affordable price. This one-piece toilet continues the long and trusted legacy of one of the most well-known and respected companies in the world.

Adding a contemporary look to your bathroom while conserving space, this elongated bowl uses only 1.28 gallons of water per flush.

Comply with WaterSense EPA flushing guidelines; this toilet is efficient in every aspect with built-in quality, will save, on average, 16,500 gallons of water per year. Indeed, it will lower your water bill drastically without sacrificing efficiency and performance. You may be eligible for consumer rebates in some municipalities.

Simple but elegant in styling and appearance, this chair-height toilet elongated seat is at the perfect height for comfortable sitting and standing.

It is available in a variety of colors to coincide with the latest trends and bathroom designs. It does not relinquish the features needed for that perfect look.

The seamless small tank and bowl design is easier to clean with a space-saving lower tank profile that is ideal for smaller spaces.

It fits nicely in tight spaces, while the intricate design makes a small bathroom feel larger without surrendering overall flushing performance.

Pros

  • It features precision-engineered water delivery.
  • It has a quieter flush.
  • The tramway is fully glazed.
  • It is EPA WaterSense approved.
  • It uses 20 percent less water.

Cons

  • Its toilet seat is of cheap quality.
  • The quality of bowl glazing is also poor.
  • The toilet does not shut off when the tank is full.

All toilets manufactured by KOHLER are tested thoroughly before shipping to ensure the quality of flushing and overall performance.

There is a 1-year limited warranty on all parts and manufacturing defects. The company also has a reliable support staff that is quick to answer any calls regarding this well-made one-piece toilet.

10. American Standard Champion-4 Right Height One-Piece Toilet

American Standard Champion-4

Complying with the standards set forth by the ADA in 1990, The Champion 4 toilet continues to remain highly ranked for superior comfort with an accessible overall height of 16 ½ inches, including a comfy seat.

It uses only 1.6 GPF, featuring with 4″ piston action accelerator flushing system. It pushes water into the bowl twice as fast as the leading models from similar competitors.

The wide-open, fully glazed two 3/8-inch trapway, is the largest in the industry.

Capable of moving 70 percent larger masses without clogging, this one-piece toilet remains a symbol of high American standards.

With an EverClean antimicrobial surface on the inside and out, cleaning is easier than ever. It prevents the growth of stains and odor-causing bacteria.

Shipped complete with a 100 percent factory flushing test for optimal performance in your home, this stylish one-piece toilet will complement any interior bathroom design.

Pros

  • It has an H2Option Siphonic dual flush.
  • It features a 3.5-inch self-closing flapper-free flush valve.
  • It-dumps 360 degrees of water into the bowl for a more thorough flush.
  • The toilet is available in white, bone, silver, black, and linen colors for a contemporary look.

Cons

  • It has poor quality control.
  • There is minimal water in the bowl.
  • Flappers wear out fast.

This American Standard Champion 4 toilet is specifically designed to eliminate common clogging problems found in similar toilet models. With a stellar reputation for manufacturing the highest quality products in the market, this model upholds the company’s good reputation.

Also, they offer an unprecedented 10-year warranty. No other manufacturer offers warranties over five years.

11. KOHLER San Souci Round-Front Toilet

KOHLER San Souci Round-Front Toilet

Designed by engineers that recognize quality with the overall cost, KOHLER San Souci low-profile one-piece toilet meets and exceeds all expectations.

It is one of the smallest yet most effective toilets in the market today. Truly space saver – It can be installed under a staircase or walk-in-closet as a half-bath.

Combined with the AquaPiston technology, water flows into the bowl at 360 degrees, leaving a clean, fresh bowl after every flush.

It has a 3-inch flapper design, so clogs are eliminated, giving you years of carefree, maintenance-free operation.

This toilet uses only 1.28 gallons of water per flush, which helps conserve water. A few months of use will show noticeable reductions in your ever-rising water bills, as this small but compact toilet will continue to save water with each flush.

It makes a strong design statement, too, with its sleek graduating curves and a low-profile silhouette.

The single-flush toilet combined with an engineered leak-proof, sweat-proof tank creates a strong siphon during flushing, with no need for more.

Pros

  • Light-touch canister flush requires a lower actuation force than a flapper.
  • The flush valve 3.2 ratio harnesses the natural force of gravity.
  • Standard left-hand chrome trip lever is included.
  • It is shipped complete with a soft-close seat.
  • There is Quick-Attach hardware for easier installation.

Cons

  • The toilet seat included is made from cheap plastic.
  • Toilet appears to be rather low to the ground.
  • The toilet is not finished behind the pedestal.

The low-profile design of this toilet assembly allows for easier installations, even in smaller spaces.

With a space-saving round bowl configuration, this smartly crafted one-piece toilet has virtually no limitations, fitting perfectly into places where elongated bowls will not.

This toilet is eligible for water conservation and rebates from local municipalities, reducing your overall cost for this low-priced toilet.

Best Toilets Buying Guide

What Are The Most Common Problems with Toilets?

Selecting a toilet that will best fit your particular need is only the beginning of getting one that will last for years with minimum maintenance. With a range of toilets that are available online and in big home improvement stores, what is considered to be the right choice of a toilet may have underlying problems that will eventually come to the surface.

Time and again, for example, homeowners or business owners look past the actual reasoning for replacing a toilet. Granted, your current toilet may have seen its better days, but is it really the toilet that is not working properly, or is it due to underlying problems with the drainage system? Homes not connected to a city sewer system often use a septic tank where waste material is stored. Those built before the 1960s often used a lesser grade of drainage pipes that deteriorate over time. Regardless of what new toilet you will or have installed, if there is an underground problem with your drainage pipes, then even the best toilet in the world will not work correctly. Keep in mind that underground septic tanks need to be pumped out at least once a year.

Homes built in the 1960s or before that are connected to a city sewer system may face a similar problem. Cast iron pipes from the home to the city sewer system were commonly used due to their projected durability. Over the years, these cast-iron pipes deteriorated, causing blockages and breaks, which leads to back-ups. Plumbers often use cameras inserted into the drainage pipes to determine the extent of the drainage problem. Repairs or replacement of broken sewer lines can be expensive, costing well into the thousands of dollars. With the introduction of PVC piping used in all underground sewer lines today, the possibility of breakage or deterioration of these drainage pipes has been eliminated.

Tree roots are another factor that commonly overlooked when interior toilets begin to drain slowly or back-up. Growing tree roots take many years to cause damage to underground sewer pipes, but when they do, they can be destructive. They often dislodge connections and in some cases, break sewer lines that were installed in the mid to late 1960s. Tree roots are commonly found to be a problem with failing toilet performance.

Another factor for toilets not working properly could be the weather. In areas where temperatures can go well below zero, sewer lines not installed deep enough will begin to accumulate ice build-up on the interior. Common depth for sewer lines is 4 feet; depending on your climate conditions, these lines may need to be buried deeper.

Do some investigating before replacing your toilet. What may seem to be the obvious problem often has hidden conditions that will eventually lead to more problems in the future.

The Basic Requirements of a Good Toilet

Powerful Flush: Toilets adapted with a power flush are not commonly used in residential installations. Power flushes are typically used in commercial installations.

Today, there are residential toilets that have the same flushing ability as a commercial power flush toilet; however, that is where the similarities end. With a substantial increase in the overall price, power flushing toilets used in residential installations today may or may not be feasible based on family size, usage, and additional expense. If you want to see more toilets, Check some more high-quality toilets on shower hacks.

Water-Saving: Mandated by law in 1994, all toilets manufactured today are required to use less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. With this law, manufacturers began to use the latest technology to remain in compliance.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the elimination of water-guzzling toilets still in use today would save, on average, 2 billions of water each day. With a growing population, saving water today may be the answer to water shortages in the future.

Eco-Friendly: We should all try to protect our natural resources, especially water. Stop for a minute and think about what your life would be without water. We use it for drinking, bathing, washing our dishes, and more. We tend to take it for granted, given our easy access to it now. With depleting levels of water in natural reservoirs; however, water shortage is a reality that needs to bring about many changes in usage today. And that includes using the minimum amount in flushing toilets.

Right Fit for Your Space: Finding the right toilet that will fit in a particular space has been an age-old dilemma that is often not taken into consideration. Standard rough-ins for the majority of toilets manufactured today remains at 12 inches from the wall to the center of the drainage opening. With the streamlined configurations of toilets nowadays, the 12-inch rough-ins allow for more room in bathrooms with limited available space. Taking calculated measurements to ensure that a chosen toilet will fit correctly will save time, money, and frustration.

Speaking about rough-ins, check out our 10-inch Rough-in Toilets review and buying guide.

Price Tag: Undoubtedly as new technology introduced, the associated cost rises as well. The same applies to toilets. Today, with a wide range of toilets to choose from, prices vary from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand dollars. Taking the time to conduct extensive research based on need will prove to be time well spent. Many manufacturers offer discounts on toilets as well.

Color (Matching): Bathrooms of today are a far cry from those of earlier years. They are now a showplace with intricate styles, designs, and colors. They project a living style that is symbolic of the homeowner. Toilet manufacturers are thus offering a wider range of colors to complement any interior bathroom decor. Special orders for a specific color are also available with an increase in cost. A well-designed and color-coordinated bathroom add significant resale value to the home.

Comfort Seats: Seats are usually not included when purchasing toilets. Depending on the model and style selected, the addition of a standard toilet seat is now becoming more prevalent than in the past.

In general terms, toilet manufacturers do not include toilet seats due to the individual preferences of the consumer. Keeping toilet prices low in a very competitive market, the exclusion of a toilet seat can save manufacturers millions of dollars per year. The large majority of toilet purchasers choose to select a toilet seat themselves for a preferred perfect comfortable fit.

Kid-Friendly: Potty training a small child on a toilet is often a frightening experience for both the child and the parent. Graduating from a lower to the ground version, the first encounter with a full-sized toilet is an eye-opening experience for the kid. Flushing noise from toilets is often a common problem with them. If you have small children that still need to be potty trained, look for a toilet that is lower to the ground and features quiet flushing. It will meet the entire family’s needs for many years to come.

Dimension: The overall dimensions of a toilet can and often are a determining factor when purchasing a new or replacement toilet. Buying a toilet that is too small for a large bathroom will give an out of sync appearance to the overall look that you are trying to achieve. The same would apply if purchasing a larger toilet for small bathrooms. Determining what size will work best for any given installation is forward-thinking and will produce that perfect well-balanced look.

Shape: The toilet bowls have either an elongated or a round bowl configuration. Elongated toilet bowls are usually equipped with more options and often have a bigger seat. It requires approximately 2 inches more room in the front than a standard round bowl. This elongated bowl continues to be a preferred choice amongst the consuming public for overall comfort while sitting and standing. Regardless of the shape chosen, though, you should consider all installation options for the placement that will offer the best use of the space available.

Height: The overall height of the toilet needs to be taken into consideration when selecting the right toilet. The basic difference between what considered as a Comfort Height toilet versus a handicap toilet is primarily in the thickness of the seat.

Toilets designed for an elderly or a disabled person will have a height of 17 inches from the floor to the top of the seat. This additional height allows for the installation of handicap-assisted rails, mounted to either the front, side or rear of the toilet to aid in sitting down and standing up.

Finish: Toilets are available in a variety of finishes. The proper finish to your toilet can either make or break the overall appearance of your bathroom. A typical finish for a toilet is either white or bone (a soft light brown or tan). TOTO toilets, Drake, and American Standard offer a wide selection of finishes that will complement your bathroom. Using soft colors from these manufacturers will allow the rest of your bathroom decor to blend in without using the toilet as a major focal point of the room.

Types of Toilets based on Flush Mechanisms

Gravity Flush: Gravity flush toilets are the most common toilet in use today. As the name implies, gravity is the only force used to vacate waste down the waste drain. Depending on the manufacturer, a simple push of a control lever tightens a chain attached to a flapper valve inside the tank. The flapper valve is pulled upward, releasing the stored water in the tank, hence washing the waste out of the bowl. The gravity flush toilet is the most economical toilet currently in use today. With no pressure-assisted flushing, the internal parts of the gravity flush toilet are easily adjustable when needed with inexpensive replacement parts.

The most common problems associated with gravity flush toilets are a disconnected flapper arm chain and a loose control lever. Flapper valves, primarily made of dense rubber, may require periodic maintenance. Based on the water quality inside the tank, these flapper valves tend to attract a build-up of sludge. Homeowners are urged to pay careful attention to the cleaning solutions often placed inside the gravity flush toilet tank. These chemicals may cause damage to the flapper valve resulting in toilet tanks that either do not fill properly or leak at the flapper valve. With the introduction of new technology, the internal parts of the gravity flush toilet are now more durable with less associated problems encountered in the past.

To date, gravity flush toilets remain the least expensive toilets in the market. Due to lower overall costs, gravity flush toilets are often used for remodeling purposes, where one or more new bathrooms are to be constructed.

Pressure-Assisted Flush: Pressure-assisted toilets are commonly used in commercial installations such as restaurants. They are based on a tank-inside-tank configuration. Water is pumped into the toilet tank, where air pressure is created in the tank chamber. The resulting flushing creates a different type of flush over the traditional gravity flow. When flushing a pressure-assisted toilet, the compressed air in the chamber is released, leading to an accelerated removal of waste in the toilet bowl.

When it comes to overall flushing capabilities, pressure-assisted toilets have a few drawbacks. They are quite noisy and, therefore, may not be suited for a residential installation as the noise emitted from these toilets may be disturbing when flushed late at night. Internal mechanisms of these toilets are often hard to find. All manufacturers of pressure-assisted toilets use the same internal parts, so purchasing the needed parts from a plumbing supply warehouse may be difficult as they are less inclined to sell to non-plumbers.

Despite the noise when flushing, pressure-assisted toilets do offer some advantages. A higher water level in the bowl leaves the bowl cleaner, with the elimination of tank sweat found on gravity flush toilet tanks. Expect to pay more for pressure-assisted toilets. On average, these toilets may cost by 10 to 15 percent or more, depending on the model.

Dual Flush: Just recently introduced as a viable option in the selection of the right toilet, dual flush toilets are gaining popularity. Handling both liquid and solid waste, dual flush toilets gives the homeowner a choice on which flush is better suited for a particular amount of waste to be evacuated. The main objective of dual flush toilets is the conservation of one of our most precious and natural resources, water.

In the United States alone, interest in dual flush toilets is gaining popularity due to increased government regulations and the ever-rising cost of water. Offering incentives in the way waste is disposed of; dual flush toilets save up to 68 percent more water than a conventional flow toilet.

Using a larger trapway and a unique form of styling, these toilets push waste down the drain. With no siphoning action required, the larger diameter trapway makes for easier waste removal. These toilets only retain a small amount of water in the bowl, which is concerning to many. Using less water to flush efficiently, this method of waste removal, in all reality, maybe the answer to depleting water sources worldwide.

Double Cyclone Flush: This toilet flushing system uses the power of water and gravity in the creation of a powerful 1.28 GPF, which maximizes cleaning potential. Using two nozzles in place of rim holes, this toilet flushing system uses water more efficiently for a more thorough rim and bowl wash. The bowl of the double cyclone flushing system remains sanitized and free of bacteria and health-related germs. Allowing water to be directed to the siphon for a more powerful flush, this flushing system places water where it is needed the most for an effective clean bowl time after time.

The Double Cyclone flushing system uses the power of gravity combined with centrifugal force to efficiently flush the toilet. Water released from the toilet tank is pushed out of two nozzles that force water to circle the bowl, cleaning as it flushes, leaving a sparkling clean toilet bowl. With the combined ion glazing found on the interior of some cyclone toilet bowls, the interior of the toilet bowl remains sanitized with no “ring” build up. Check out our toilet brush review here to learn about cleaning!

The Double Cyclone flush system harnesses the power of water and gravity in the creation of a better, more efficient way of waste removal with the simple push of the activation lever. It lowers your water bill, as it gets it done the first time, every time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

One way to select the right toilet is to ask questions. With this FAQ, you will be given additional information that will help you choose from our top 11 toilets in 2022.

Q. I need to replace my toilet in the upstairs bathroom. There are so many toilets available that I cannot make up my mind which one is the best one. How do I choose the right one?

A. Start with an idea of what your budget will allow for the replacement cost of your toilet. Since toilets cost around a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, getting a fixed price in mind would be a good starting point. This will narrow the field of available toilets. Also, consider the size of your family and the daily use that this toilet will receive. On average, a toilet will last for approximately 10 years under normal use.

Q. What is the difference between a gravity flush toilet and a pressure-assisted toilet?

A. Gravity flush toilets are exactly that, using gravity to vacate the waste in the toilet bowl. Gravity flush toilets are the most common toilets used today and considered to be the most reliable toilets with lower replacement costs.

Pressure-assisted toilets, on the other hand, contain a tank-within-a tank. Incoming water builds pressure that is stored to a preset level. Once the toilet is flushed, this built-up pressure is released, sending all waste material down in a matter of a few seconds. Pressure-assisted toilets are noisy and pricier. Replacement parts, if needed, are hard to find and expensive.

Q. Which shape should I buy, the elongated or round bowl?

A. First, you need to take measurements where this toilet will be installed. Elongated bowls are more comfortable for most people but require more room for installation. Round bowls require less room due to their shape. Also, keep in mind that the standard rough-in for toilets is 12 inches from the wall. You should also allow for baseboard thickness if any.

Q. Is replacing a toilet hard?

A. Replacing an existing toilet requires some handyman skills and necessary tools. If you are using a two-piece replacement toilet, great care should be taken to see that the tank rubber grommets are set correctly and not overtightened.

The wax seal, which located on the bottom of the new toilet, must be installed correctly to prevent leaks and back-up of toilet gases. If this is your first attempt at replacing a toilet, I would suggest leaving this installation to someone with more experience. You can always learn by watching a professional.

A Quick Overview of the Best Toilets for 2022

ProductWater ConsumptionCertificationDimensionsShapeFinishMaterial
TOTO Carlyle II1.28 GPFWatersense28.3 x 16.5 x 28.6 inchesElongatedCottonVitreous China
Signature Hardware Stalnaker1.6 GPFADA18.25″x 33.25″x 17.5 inchesElongatedWhitePorcelain
TOTO UltraMax II1.28 GPFWaterSense, ADA35 x 33 x 23 inchesElongatedChromeVitreous China
Woodbridge B0950S1.0/ 1.6 GPFWatersense22 x 17 x 7 inchesElongatedChromeStainless steel
American Standard Cadet 31.6 GPFNot Applicable34 x 19.2 x 31.5 inchesElongatedBoneVitreous China
TOTO CST744SG#01 Drake 21.6 GPFNot Applicable28 x 19.5 x 28.5 inchesOpen-frontGlazed cotton whitePorcelain
Saniflo SANICOMPACT1.6 GPFNot Applicable18.2 x 14.5 x 15.8 inchesElongatedWhitePorcelain
Niagara Stealth0.8 GPFWatersense28.9 x 18.8 x 31 inchesElongatedWhiteVitreous China, Metal
Kohler Santa Rosa1.28 GPFWatersense31 x 20.8 x 29 inchesElongatedAlmondChina
American Standard Champion-41.6 GPFNot Applicable29.8 x 17.8 x 29.5 inchesElongatedWhiteVitreous china
KOHLER San Souci1.28 GPFWatersense25.6 x 16.8 x 24.2 inchesRoundWhiteVitreous china
Convenient Height Toilet1.28 GPFWatersense27 x 15 x 36 inchesElongatedWhiteVitreous china/ Porcelain
HOROW HWMT-87331.28 GPFcUPC25 x 13.4 x 28.4 inchesRoundWhiteCeramic
Swiss Madison SM-1T2571.28 GPFNot Applicable24 x 13.8 x 28.5 inchesElongatedWhitePorcelain
WoodBridge T-00201.28 GPFNot Applicable29 x 15 x 28 inchesSquare, ElongatedWhiteVitreous china

In Conclusion:

The toilets of today have come a long way since the “outhouse” used by our great-grandparents. From gravity flush to pressure-assisted flushing toilets, the toilets of today are sure to meet all your needs and more.

Toilets are now the product of the advancement of superior engineering, each designed with a primary focus to remove waste while conserving water.

The eco-friendly toilets have been introduced to preserve the water that has been taken as granted for centuries. All the toilets reviewed in this post require less than 1.60 gallons of water per flush, some even dispatches only 0.8 GPF in a single-flush.

With sleek styling and precision performance, toilets now offer a wider selection, each designed to fit a particular need. They also add significant resale value to any home and highlight a well-designed bathroom.

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