Most people don’t think about their toilet until they’re faced with the task of buying a new one. You may want to buy the first affordable model you see, but there are many factors to consider before making a purchase, such as water efficiency and design. With a little research, you can find a model that increases comfort and saves you money.
The American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise Single-Flush Toilet is the top pick because it uses 20% less water than a standard toilet.
A toilet can last for decades, so you may not think about buying one until it’s absolutely necessary. However, even if you still have a working toilet, there are many reasons to consider upgrading before a problem arises.
Most modern toilets are more water-efficient than older models, but check the product details to see exactly how much water you can expect to save. If you find a toilet with a “WaterSense” label, that means that it has been independently certified to meet performance and efficiency standards set by the EPA. You can also look for a toilet that uses dual-flush technology. These models save water by including two flush buttons, one for each type of waste.
If you’re concerned about germs, look for a toilet with touchless flush. These hands-free models have built-in sensors that detect when you’re done and flush for you. One disadvantage of them is that the sensor can be overly sensitive and flush at the wrong time, wasting water.
Most toilets simply rely on gravity to get rid of waste. Models with a pressure assist function use bursts of pressurized air instead, making clogs much less common.
You can also find high-end toilets with built-in bidets. These often have multiple wash settings and options for warm or cold water. Although they still aren’t common in North America, bidets are growing in popularity because they’re more sanitary, result in fewer clogs and are better for the environment than toilet paper.
Nobody likes the sound of a toilet seat slamming down. Some toilets eliminate this problem with soft-close seats that fall slowly and silently.
The cost of a toilet can vary dramatically depending on its features and design. A basic budget-friendly model is usually around $100-$400, while a high-end smart toilet is typically $500 or more.
A. If you have experience and the right tools, you can certainly save some money by installing the toilet yourself.
A. Many cities recycle sinks, toilets and bathtubs, often at no cost to you. If they can’t be repurposed, the recycling facility usually grinds them up and uses the fragments as construction material. Check your local government’s website to see if they offer such a program.
A. Most toilets are made of porcelain because it’s sanitary and non-porous, easy to clean and cheap to produce.
American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise Single-Flush Toilet
What you need to know: This popular toilet has a durable, familiar design and several helpful features.
What you’ll love: It can be purchased with an elongated or round bowl. It comes with an “Everclean” surface that prevents the growth of bacteria and a slow-close seat that will never slam down.
What you should consider: Installation can be challenging, so you may want to hire a professional.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Swiss Madison Well Made Forever St. Tropez One-Piece Toilet
What you need to know: It has a sleek, modern design and is easy to clean and install.
What you’ll love: The tank and bowl are one piece, making the toilet very easy to clean. It comes with dual-flush technology, a slow-close seat and a fully skirted trapway, offering a lot of value for the money.
What you should consider: The modern design may not be for everyone.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Vovo Stylement Smart Bidet Toilet
What you need to know: This high-tech toilet comes with a built-in bidet and loads of impressive features.
What you’ll love: It has everything you could ever want in a toilet, including a heated seat with adjustable temperature settings, a built-in air dryer and automatic dual-flush technology. It also uses ultraviolet rays to clean itself, and the bidet has multiple wash settings.
What you should consider: It’s expensive, and the air dryer may not be powerful enough to get you completely dry.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Patrick Farmer writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
