Top 5 Macerating (Upflush) Toilet Reviews

Depending on the size of the houses, each of them has one or two toilets already installed, but the problem happens when you want to add one more into the existing structure.

It can be expensive, especially if there are no preexisting pipes in the room. The need to purchase pipes and install them can skyrocket the cost, something which you may not want to spend on.

If you need another bathroom at home, but there are no existing pipes for a new bathroom, then consider buying a macerating toilet, which is also known as the Upflush toilet.

Macerating toilets use new technology where it grinds or blends human waste into a slurry, and then move it into a stack by pumping.

Although these types of toilets have been around for a while, they are still relatively unknown. This kind of toilet uses when you want your bathroom in an unusual location (one without pipes, for example) or where a conventional toilet won’t work. They are also suitable for basements and other places below the sewer line.

If you are looking for such a toilet, we came up with a review of the 5 best macerating toilet reviews in the market today. Hopefully, this can help you decide which upflush toilet you can get for your bathroom.

Macerating Toilet Reviews

Product NameLatest PriceDimensionsGPF
Liberty Pumps ASCENTII-ESW 1/2 HP, 115VESW Macerating ToiletCheck Price29.8 x 20 x 32.2 inches1.28 GPF
Saniflo SaniPLUS: Macerating Upflush ToiletCheck Price28 x 14 x 28 inches1.6 GPF
Thetford Bathroom Anywhere Macerating Elongated ToiletCheck Price40 x 33 x 26 inchesN/A
Saniflo SaniBEST: Macerating Upflush ToiletCheck Price28 x 14 x 28 inches1.6 GPF
Saniflo Saniaccess 2 Upflush Macerator Pump + Round ToiletCheck PriceN/AN/A

1. Liberty Pumps ASCENT II-ESW Macerating Toilet

Liberty Pumps ASCENT II-ESW Macerating Toilet

ASCENT II-ESW Liberty Pumps Macerating toile might offer a stylish and sleek look to your bathroom. It uses 1.28 GPF (gallons of water per flush) and is certified by EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) WaterSense, making it an excellent water-saving option.

The included lightweight, elongated seat makes using the toilet comfortable. The installation process is quite easy, too, as you do not have to break the floor to install any pipe. The toilet boasts a RazorCut technology that grinds the waste into bits in no time at all. This toilet uses 1.9-volt batteries to function, and the batteries last about 4 hours.

One major drawback of using this toilet is the fact that it makes a lot of noise when in use, which some users have found disturbing. Apart from this, the toilet does well in most upflush toilet reviews.

Pros

  • The toilet is water efficient.
  • The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-compliant seat height makes it very comfortable to use.
  • It uses a RazorCut technology that makes it an efficient upflush toilet.
  • The toilet is pretty straightforward to install.
  • The seat is included in the package.

Cons

  • The toilet can be noisy when in use.
  • The batteries do not last very long.
  • Some users have complained about the electrical probes misbehaving.

The Ascent II macerating toilet system features a service panel that can be easily removed, so you can access the cutter area without removing the plumbing. This helps to make repairs easy to do. It uses an advanced RazorCut technology that breaks down the waste quickly and efficiently. This is what makes the toilet feature in most macerating toilet reviews.

2. Saniflo SaniPLUS: Macerating Upflush Toilet

Saniflo SaniPLUS: Macerating Upflush Toilet

Saniflo is one of the top brands in the toilet market, and the Saniflo SaniPLUS Macerating toilet is one of their most popular products. The toilet has a modern design that gives your bathroom a classy look.

Using this toilet offers you an opportunity to save water as it only uses 1.6 GPF. One of the advantages of using the toilet is that it is packaged with the bowl, tank, and pump, so you do not have to get the different components separately.

This water-saving toilet has stainless steel macerating blades that efficiently break down solid waste. Its toilet is pretty quiet, too, which is a significant advantage when you consider that most upflush toilets are noisy.

It is a bit on the pricey side, though, and the standard bowl means it takes more space than an elongated bowl would. If you can look past this, you would learn that the Saniflo SaniPLUS Macerating toilet is indeed one of the best in the market.

Pros

  • The sleek design adds to the aesthetics of your bathroom.
  • This toilet helps save water, as it uses only 1.6 GPF.
  • The stainless steel macerating blades efficiently break down waste.
  • The toilet is very quiet.
  • The toilet weighs 99.7 lbs, making it lighter than most other toilets.

Cons

  • The toilet is a bit on the pricey side.
  • The toilet takes a reasonable amount of space because of its standard bowl.

The Saniflo SaniPLUS Macerating toilet uses a 10-PSI pump that can pump the waste vertically to about 12 feet and horizontally to about 150 feet. Therefore, you can use the toilet 150 feet away from the soil stack. It is very quiet, so you do not have to worry about the toilet disturbing other people when you use it at night.

3. Thetford Bathroom Anywhere Macerating Elongated Toilet

Thetford Bathroom Anywhere Macerating Elongated Toilet

If you are looking for a macerating toilet that you can use anywhere and install without breaking a sweat, consider the Thetford Bathroom Anywhere Macerating Toilet. The toilet is sold as a complete kit, so the components are already included in the package.

The elongated seat comes at a comfortable ADA-compliant height, making it one of the most comfortable upflush toilets in the market today. Speaking about ADA compliance and comfortability, check out for more ADA-compliant comfort height toilets here.

This toilet also comes with a slow close seat, so you do not have to worry about the seat slamming shut after use. Apart from saving water, the toilet also helps save costs, as you do not have to buy batteries for the toilet to function. The macerator can pump vertically to a height of 18 feet and horizontally to about 150 feet. You can then make use of the toilet at a distance of 150 feet from the soil stack.

Pros

  • The toilet has a straightforward installation process.
  • The seat height is ADA-compliant, which means it is suitable and comfortable for most adults.
  • The slow close seat puts an end to seat slamming experience.
  • Batteries are not needed for the toilet to function.
  • The toilet comes with some safety features like circuits and overheats protection.

Cons

  • Some users have issues with the complete evacuation of the bowl.
  • Some users have complained of the stainless straps used for installation is too small.

The Thetford Bathroom Anywhere toilet takes safety very seriously, as it has a built-in circuit and overheats protection. These features make it popular among users and have earned it glowing ratings on macerating toilet reviews. The anti-siphon backflow protection feature of this toilet prevents water from flowing in the opposite direction.

4. Saniflo SaniBEST: Macerating Upflush Toilet

Saniflo SaniBEST: Macerating Upflush Toilet

If you do not have access to high-pressure water, another Saniflo product, the Saniflo SaniBEST Macerating toilet, would be good for you. It has an elongated bowl that makes using it very comfortable. The toilet uses 1.6 GPF, making it an efficient water saver. One of the most significant selling points of this toilet is the ease of installation. With just four simple connections, the installation process is complete.

The Saniflo SaniBEST Macerating toilet refills the tank and flushes quietly, making it a favorite among users. The package includes a pump, a tank, and a bowl, so you do not have to get any of the components separately. These toilets can be used in small bathrooms, as the elongated bowl does not take a lot of space. The toilet is a bit pricey, but if you can afford it, you will see it’s worth the price.

Pros

  • The porcelain material makes the toilet remain hygienic and clean for a longer time.
  • The toilet flushes and refills quietly.
  • The 1.6 GPF makes it an impressive water-saving toilet choice.
  • The installation process is straightforward.
  • It has an elongated bowl, making it a comfortable toilet.
  • It comes packaged with the bowl, tank, and pump, so you do not have to spend extra time and money getting the individual components.

Cons

  • The toilet is a bit pricey.
  • Some users have complained about the toilet clogging.
  • After installation, the toilet is not easy to take apart, making repairs a little tedious.

The Saniflo SaniBEST Upflush Toilet has a quiet flushing and refilling system, so you do not have to worry about it disturbing other people’s sleep when you use it at night. It has macerator blades that rotate at about 3600 RPM (revolutions per minute). This helps reduce the waste to a slurry quickly and efficiently.

Check out our review on the quiet flushing toilets.

5. Saniflo Saniaccess 2 Upflush Macerator Pump + Round Toilet

Saniflo Saniaccess 2 Upflush Macerator Pump + Round Toilet

Another quality product from a well-known manufacturer, the Saniflo Saniaccess 2 toilet, is another impressive upflush toilet that deserves to be mentioned in the macerating toilets. It comes with a pump that helps pull the water up easily, which makes it suitable for bathrooms with low-pressure water supply. The toilet has a round-shaped bowl, making it suitable for small spaces.

If you want to save on your water bills, the Saniflo Saniaccess 2 Upflush Macerating Toilet is a decent choice as it uses only 1.28 GPF.

The installation process is pretty straightforward, as you do not have to break the floor to install the toilet. Although it is small, the toilet does not compromise on seating space and comfort. One of its major selling points is its cost. This toilet is one of the most affordable upflush toilets in the market.

Pros

  • This toilet is easy to install and use.
  • The round bowl makes it suitable for use in small bathrooms.
  • It is a comfortable toilet to use.
  • This toilet comes at a pretty affordable price.
  • The toilet is an impressive water-saving choice, using only 1.28 GPF.
  • Being a toilet, it is an impressive choice for bathrooms with low water pressure.

Cons

  • Some users have complained about waste, sometimes sticking to the bowl.
  • Some users have issues with connecting the toilet with the vent pipe during installation.

The Saniflo Saniaccess 2 Upflush Macerating Toilet has a round-shaped bowl. This means that the toilet can be used in any bathroom and is especially suitable for those with small spaces. It does not use batteries to perform its functions, which cuts down on your expenses.

Macerating Toilet Buying Guides

There are many types of toilets on the market today, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses. These toilets are not as popular as the conventional, gravity-fed toilets, so most people do not know what they are and what they offer. You are probably wondering what this toilet is and how it works, so let’s answer the question that usually comes to mind first.

What is a macerating toilet?

Macerating toilets or upflush toilets are quite different from conventional toilets because they flush waste upward. (Yes, upward!) This fact attracts a lot of interest from potential users because it contradicts what most people are used to. After you pass out waste, the waste is ground and pumped through a PVC pipe, which is connected to the sewer line.

Traditional toilets take advantage of the force of gravity to flush waste. Since they stand above the sewer line, gravity takes the waist down. This does not apply to upflush toilets because they are mostly used in places below the sewer line, so gravity cannot help in flushing the waste.

The grinding and pumping process occurs each time you flush the toilet, so you do not have to worry about waste sitting in the pump unit or macerator. Therefore, the toilet stays clean and does not require frequent cleaning.

Things to Consider When Getting a Macerating Toilet

Just like any other big decision, especially one that concerns your long-term comfort, you need to ensure that you get the best product possible when choosing a macerating toilet. There are things you have to take into consideration before making your choice so that you get the perfect fit for your bathroom. Here are some factors to keep in mind.

Macerating Pump

The macerating pump is one of the most critical components of an upflush toilet, so it is crucial that you get one that is both durable and effective. Choosing a good macerating pump involves you studying the specifications of the toilet.

Ensure that you check the horsepower, amperage, voltage, and any other relevant spec before committing to a toilet. These features are good indications of how reliable a pump is, so they are essential. Also, take note that stainless steel macerator blades are more durable and efficient than other kinds of blades.

Water Usage

You have probably seen this one on other toilet reviews, and it is easy to understand why. The amount of water used by a toilet will have an impact on the cost of your yearly water bill. It makes sense to go for an option that will help you save a reasonable amount of money (as well as help save water), to ensure that the toilets you choose is water-saving one.

Most toilets use GPF (gallons per flush) to indicate the volume of water used, so all you have to do is check the GPF for the toilet you want to buy. Obviously, the lower the number, the better. Another smart way to get a water-saving toilet is to check if the toilet is EPA WaterSense certified. Toilets with this certification are generally better water-saving options than those that do not have this certification.

Bowl Shape and Height

The shape of the toilet bowl affects the amount of space the toilet would occupy. Therefore, if you need a macerating toilet for a small bathroom, go for one with a round bowl. Toilets with round bowls generally occupy less space than those with standard bowls. On the flip side, elongated bowls have more space for seating, so they are more comfortable to use than the round bowls. The important thing is to get the right balance between saving space and comfort.

The height of the bowl also affects the comfort you experience from using the toilet. Make sure then that you get a toilet with standard seat height, to guarantee a long-term comfortable bathroom visit.

Fully-Sealed Motor

The macerator pumps usually house a motor that drives the blades. The motor is essential because, without it, the toilet will not function. For the motor to operate smoothly, it is imperative that it be sealed entirely in oil. This helps you prolong the lifespan of the motor, so you do not have to spend unnecessarily on replacing it.

Maximum Depth Below Sewer Line That It Can Operate

Macerating toilets can be used below the sewer line, which is why they have the property of flushing upwards. It is vital that you know the maximum depth below the sewer line you can use the toilet. This knowledge will help you during installation because if you install the toilet lower than the specified depth, it will not function correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It is natural for macerating toilets to attract many questions, especially when you consider the fact that they are uncommon. Some of the questions that come up in discussions among users and potential users include the following.

Q: What are the advantages of using upflush toilets?

A: Here are some of the advantages of using upflush toilets over conventional ones:

  • You can install a macerating toilet anywhere. This flexibility is probably their most significant advantage, as you can use them in both standard bathrooms where traditional toilets can be installed, as well as in places where conventional toilets cannot be used.
  • They are reasonably cheaper than standard toilets, so using this toilet saves you money without sacrificing the functionality and comfort you expect from a good toilet.
  • These toilets are generally easier to install than traditional toilets. You do not have to call a plumber to help with the installation, so you can save money on that aspect as well.
  • Using an upflush toilet is not very different from using a traditional toilet. The size, design, water usage, and comfort are similar to what you get with conventional toilets, so you will not notice the difference.

Q: How do I install a macerating toilet?

A: Unlike what some people believe, installing a macerating toilet is pretty straightforward. You do not have to hire a plumber for the installation. You need a water supply and a source of electrical power. You will also require a discharge pipe. After getting all these, all you have to do is follow the steps below:

  • Connect the spigot of the discharge toilet, which is located horizontally to the macerator or pump.
  • Connect the tank of the upflush toilet to the water supply.
  • Connect the small discharge pipes.
  • Finally, connect the macerator to the power supply.

The above steps are indications of how easy it is to install this toilet. The ease of installing the upflush toilet is, in fact, one of its major selling points.

Q: How do I clean my upflush toilet?

A: Like any other toilet, macerating toilets also need to be cleaned properly so that it would last longer. Cleaning a toilet is a little different from other toilets because of the difference in construction. Here are some simple steps that will help you in the cleaning process:

  • Before you start, ensure that the power is off. The macerator usually contains a switch that can be used to shut it off.
  • Mix about 2 to 3 cups of toilet bowl cleaner and pour it down the toilet. Make sure that the cleaner is nonacidic. Leave this for about 2 to 3 hours before rinsing it off with water.
  • Switch the macerator back on. The bowl cleaner and unwanted particles then drain through the plumbing. This way, the toilet bowl cleaner will also clean the plumbing.

Conclusion

Macerating toilets are gaining popularity among homeowners because of their affordability, ease of installation, and flexibility. The most significant advantage of using these toilets is the fact that you can use them anywhere in the house, including places without proper pipes for traditional toilets.

Unlike what some people think, you do not have to sacrifice comfort when using this toilet as they also come in different shapes and sizes that offer different comfort levels. All you have to do is get the right macerating toilet for you.

Buying a macerating toilet is similar to buying a traditional toilet. You have to consider the water-saving ability, ease of installation, and comfort. The only difference is the macerator that should also be on your list of considerations.

All the upflush toilets reviewed here have their strengths and weaknesses, so it is up to you to decide which one is best for your needs. Take note that the upflush toilets we have mentioned are some of the best macerating toilets in the market right now, so you can’t go wrong no matter which one you pick.

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