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Out of all the ones we tested, three took the throne. wall mounted wc
Shopping for a toilet is not exactly an exciting let alone glamorous task. This appliance, however, just might be the most essential in any home. Despite sharing the same function, all toilets have slightly different features and designs that can take some time to decide on whether or not it fits your lifestyle and space. We all go, so why not have the best?
To find the best toilets, we tested some of the most popular and top-rated options while considering things like their type, ease of cleaning, efficiency, flush mechanism, and more.
Plus, we consulted Aaron Adams, licensed master plumber and founder of Aaron Services: Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling, and Kelly Russum, plumbing expert and owner of KC's 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning, for expert insight on what to look for when choosing the right toilet for your bathroom.
It has strong flush technology and comfortable height, and it’s easy to maintain.
The seat is not included.
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient toilet that’s easy to maintain, you can’t go wrong with the Toto Drake. In our testing, we found that this toilet has a strong tornado/cyclonic flush that not only prevents double flushing but also allows for a 360-degree cleaning coverage to extend time between deep cleanings using a brush and cleaner.
We also appreciated the classic handle as opposed to dual flush buttons since this makes it easier to install convenient over-the-toilet storage solutions. Although it’s a two-piece toilet, which requires a bit more precision when it comes to exterior cleaning, we liked how sturdy and solid it felt (no leaks or scratches), making it the overall best toilet in our book.
It’s important to note that this toilet does not include a seat. While this does mean an additional expense, it can be a plus for those who have a particular seat in mind, especially one with features such as a bidet attachment or heating. We don’t think it’s too much of a drawback considering the reasonable price of this efficient and comfortable toilet.
Type: Two-piece | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Mechanism: Tornado | Gallons Per Flush: 1.6 | Height: 30.1 inches (seat not included)
It’s easy to clean, has a modern look, and is affordable.
The flushing could be stronger.
One-piece toilets are excellent options for those who want something easier to clean since there are less tight crevices and nooks and crannies. We love the Swiss Madison St. Tropez toilet for its sleek and modern look but also because of how easy it is to clean.
During our testing, we were able to clean the sides and entire piece quickly due to the smooth porcelain and overall lack of angles. We also liked the soft close seat and the quick-release attachment that makes it a breeze to remove and clean—no tools required! Lastly, we appreciate that this toilet is available in a handful of colors to fit any contemporary space.
While we appreciate the aesthetic and comfort of this toilet, we did notice in our testing that the flushing strength was not as strong as other options. There was no clogging or overflowing, but it was something we kept anticipating due to the slightly weaker flush. However, we think it’s a great value and an excellent option for a guest bathroom.
Type: One-piece | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Mechanism: Tornado | Gallons Per Flush: 1.6 | Height: 31.18 inches
It’s sturdy, durable, and easy to clean.
The standard height is a bit low.
For those who prioritize eco-friendliness and reducing their water usage, a high-efficiency toilet like the Toto Aquia IV is a must. In our testing, we liked how easy it was to clean, plus the strong flushing power (using the tornado mechanism) that only required one flush.
This toilet is available in a single and dual flush button, each one with water-saving systems, and a soft-close seat. Additionally, the ceramic glaze prevents debris and mold from sticking to the surface.
We also liked that it's compatible with the Toto Washlet, which comes highly recommended by Adams. Best of all, this toilet is incredibly durable and solidly constructed—it even survived a house fire.
The standard height for this toilet is a couple inches shorter compared to conventional standard height toilets, so it’s something to note for those who need the extra height. It’s also the most expensive product on our list, but we think its features, efficiency, and sturdiness make it worth it.
Type: One-piece | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Mechanism: Tornado | Gallons Per Flush: 1.28 | Height: 28.12 inches
Our pick for the overall best toilet is the Toto Drake Cotton Elongated Standard Height 2-piece Toilet for its strong flush technology, easy maintenance, and comfortable height. Adams also recommends the Toto Drake because of its high quality, reasonable price, and its ability to go with most bathrooms. For a one-piece option, we also like the Swiss Madison Well Made Forever SM-1T254 St. Tropez One Piece Toilet, and for a high-efficiency option, we recommend the Toto Aquia IV Toilet.
We narrowed down our list of the best toilets by testing six of the most popular options over the course of six months. We evaluated each toilet based on a series of factors like efficiency (water-saving systems), features, price, ease of cleaning, and comfort. We also uninstalled previous toilets and installed the ones we tested, keeping track of the installation process and time.
To test them, we made sure to use all their features or functions (such as dual flush buttons) and cleaned them to note how easy the process was. Additionally, we made sure to consider any noise levels, water pressure, and instances of clogging, leaking, or overflowing, if any.
While there are numerous designs and styles to choose from, once you’ve narrowed it down, you can better visualize your bathroom’s aesthetic and which would be more functional for you. Of the toilets on this list, we included one two-piece and two one-pieces.
One-piece toilets are, like the name suggests, all connected. They’re generally heavier but easier to clean (plus, there’s less space for bacteria to grow). Two-piece toilets, on the other hand, have a separate tank and bowl. They’re generally lighter and easier to carry, maneuver, and install in tight spaces, but they can have a bulkier look.
All toilets flush, but there are several ways in which to complete this important action. From dual buttons to the classic handle, there are a few mechanisms to consider depending on lifestyle preferences, such as how much water you’d like to save and bathroom type, such as a guest versus private bathroom.
“From a plumber’s perspective, a classic handle on a toilet is just fine,” Adams says. “The possible necessary repairs on a standard toilet are fairly straightforward and cost effective, while a more complicated model can require costly repairs and hard to find components. If you really want to save water, a dual flush toilet can be a good option, but for maximum impact, it should be in a private yet frequently used bathroom, like the master bathroom.”
According to Adams, it’s not hard to find a water efficient toilet these days. Russum adds that beyond water savings, efficient toilets with advanced flushing mechanisms can handle bulk waste better, reducing the need for double flushing.
“All new toilets flush no more than 1.6 gallons of water,” Adams says. “Some toilets can save you an additional 0.3 gallons of water per flush, or 19% more than a new standard toilet. Choosing a high quality toilet from a reputable brand will allow you to worry less about trading water savings for actual flush power.”
Toilet bowls and seats typically come in two shapes: round and elongated. Adams explains that the modern standard for bowl shape is elongated, as round bowls can have a dated feel. However, Russum says that round bowls can be beneficial for compact spaces such as children’s bathrooms.
“Elongated bowls offer added comfort and support for adults, and they tend to keep splashes contained better, while round bowls minimize surface area for quicker cleaning,” Russum says.
Like bowl shapes, toilet seat heights usually come in two options: standard and comfort. Adams says that comfort height is quickly becoming the standard for new toilets, while Russum agrees that this seat is best for reducing strain on knees and backs, which is particularly important for those with reduced mobility or circulation issues, as well as elderly or taller individuals.
A standard toilet is typically between 14.5 and 16 inches, whereas a comfort height is around 17 to 19 inches. 16.5 inches is by far the most popular when it comes to installation, Adams says. All of the toilets on our list have a 16-inch seat height.
Determining certain factors for a toilet will make it easier to choose the right one. For example, a toilet used infrequently by guests can differ from one that is used often in a home office.
“Guests like toilets they know. They don’t want to be unsure of which button to press or concerned that the toilet won’t flush like they need it to,” Adams says. “For guests, stick to a standard, comfortable, and reliable toilet with a handle.”
Additionally, Russum suggests choosing a toilet tailored for its primary users. “Comfort height for seniors or soft-close lids for children ensures accessibility and prevents misuse,” he says. Our best one-piece and best high-efficiency toilets both have soft-close lids.
The porcelain throne may seem like it can cost a pretty penny, but there are plenty of affordable options that don’t compromise quality and efficiency. For Russum, it’s best to consider the toilet’s total cost of ownership, including water savings, maintenance, and how well it holds up over decades, instead of focusing on upfront costs.
“Toilets are definitely a home feature where you get what you pay for,” Adams says. “A builder grade toilet will feel cheap every time you sit on it (it’s about two inches lower than the modern standard), and you have to double flush nearly every time, dashing any hopes of water savings. Moreover, a cheap toilet is more likely to clog, and if you have to call a plumber, replace the toilet, or have any water damage, any potential savings will be flushed down the drain!”
At the same time, Adams says that overpaying for a fancy toilet may not be worth it. Stick to reliable, mid-range models between $350 and $900. Our overall best pick falls within this range, whereas our best high-efficiency is slightly over and our best one-piece is slightly under.
“You don’t really need that toilet that flushes by itself or plays music—yes, they make those! Repairs can be expensive and you may have to wait for a plumber to track down the correct parts,” he says.
“You may have heard that two-piece toilets are better because you can just replace the tank or bowl if necessary, but we rarely recommend that as plumbers,” Adams says. “Normally, if your toilet is old enough to need one of the two pieces replaced, you’re best off replacing the whole toilet at that time.”
From a plumbing perspective, a one-piece toilet is better because it has fewer places for leaks to develop since the tank and bowl are connected, Russum says. “They also resist hidden mineral buildup between the tank and bowl, which can occur in two-piece designs—over time, this buildup can compromise sealing integrity and even lead to subtle leaks or inefficiencies. Additionally, its compact design minimizes the risk of misaligned parts during installation.”
While the best flushing technology can depend on a few factors such as your plumbing system, local water pressure, and personal preferences, Adams says the most popular and effective system is found in the Toto Drake, our pick for the overall best toilet.
“Toto’s Tornado Flush system incorporates two places where water enters the bowl, and siphoning technology to encourage effective and complete drainage,” he says.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect toilet, you might still feel like something is missing. Enter: bidet attachments. These convenient add-ons offer a thorough clean without the need for a completely separate bidet. Adams recommends the Toto Washlet for its comfortable and customizable features.
the bidet This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, a contributing writer for Real Simple with nearly three years of experience writing about lifestyle content, including cleaning and organizing, as well as product reviews. To compile this list, we tested six toilets in our lab and at home, noting things like type, ease of cleaning, efficiency, flush mechanism, and more. Daniela also received tips on how to shop for them from Aaron Adams, licensed Master Plumber and founder of Aaron Services: Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling, and Kelly Russum, plumbing expert and owner of KC's 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning.