Have you ever started researching your next toilet only to find that it quickly becomes an overwhelming number of choices and options to understand and decipher? You are not alone. What once was a simple bathroom fixture has, in some cases, become as sophisticated as your smartphone! From the flushing system, construction, and specialty features, today’s consumer has more choices than ever when it comes to their toilet.
When it comes to choosing the perfect toilet for your home, there are several key factors to consider. A good toilet should be comfortable, efficient, and durable while also complementing the aesthetics of your bathroom. With various styles, technologies, and features available, it’s important to know what to look for before making a purchase.
Here are the top features to consider when buying a toilet.
1. Flush Performance and Efficiency
The most critical feature of any toilet is its ability to flush waste effectively. Look for a toilet with a powerful yet water-efficient flush system. Modern toilets often come with either gravity-fed or pressure-assisted flush mechanisms, both of which have their pros and cons. Gravity-fed toilets use the weight of the water in the tank to create a siphon, while pressure-assisted toilets use compressed air to force water through the system, resulting in a more powerful and efficient flush. Generally, pressure-assisted toilets offer a stronger, more forceful flush and are resistant to clogs; however, they are more expensive, louder, and can be challenging to repair.
Additionally, a lesser-known fact to most consumers is the significance of the Maximum Performance Score (MaP) of a particular toilet. Every toilet is assigned a MaP score, certified by a third-party testing method, which represents the number of grams of waste eliminated from the bowl in a single flush. A toilet with a score of 1,000g is considered to have excellent flushing performance.
Additionally, many models are labeled with a WaterSense certification, indicating that they use 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) or less, which helps conserve water and reduce your utility bill.
2. Bowl Shape and Height
Toilets come in various bowl shapes, mainly round and elongated. Elongated bowls provide greater comfort, especially for adults, while round bowls save space and are ideal for smaller bathrooms. Height is another important factor—standard toilets are approximately 15 inches high, but comfort-height toilets (about 17-19 inches high) are easier to use, particularly for taller individuals and those with mobility challenges.
3. Water-Saving Technology
Conserving water is crucial for the environment and for managing utility expenses. Dual-flush toilets give users the option of a partial flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste, thereby decreasing overall water use. Additionally, low-flow toilets, which consume 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF) or less, significantly reduce water consumption.
4. Ease of Cleaning
The design of a toilet greatly affects its cleanliness. Opt for models featuring a sleek, one-piece design rather than conventional two-piece toilets, as the latter have additional crevices that can trap dirt and bacteria. Certain toilets also offer self-cleaning capabilities, antimicrobial finishes, or rimless constructions for improved hygiene.
5. Soft-Close Seat and Lid
A soft-close seat adds value by stopping the loud slamming of the toilet lid. It improves safety and extends the seat’s lifespan by minimizing wear and tear. Additionally, many premium toilets include heated seats for extra comfort, especially during colder months.
6. Smart Toilet Features
If you seek luxury and convenience, smart toilets provide enhanced features like bidet functions, automatic flushing, heated seats, and integrated deodorizers. Certain models also come with nightlights and touchless flushing to enhance hygiene and user-friendliness.
7. Durability and Build Quality
Investing in a durable, high-quality toilet guarantees longevity and dependable performance. Vitreous china and porcelain are favored options for their robustness and stain resistance. Always review customer feedback and consider brand reputation prior to purchasing.
8. Installation and Compatibility
Before finalizing your decision, ensure that the toilet is compatible with your existing plumbing setup. At ToiletKing, we emphasize this point strongly! Frequently, when we arrive at a customer’s residence to install what is assumed to be a standard rough-in size, we find that it is actually smaller or larger. This discrepancy frequently leads to installation delays of a day or more. While the typical rough-in size for most toilets is 12 inches, some may require a 10-inch or 14-inch rough-in.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the appropriate toilet requires balancing comfort, efficiency, and durability, all while keeping your budget in mind. By emphasizing aspects like flush performance, water efficiency, maintenance ease, and extra smart features, you can discover a toilet that perfectly meets your household’s requirements. Choosing the right toilet will not only boost your bathroom’s functionality but also elevate your overall experience for many years ahead.