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We tested toilets to find the best-performing model that is comfortable, easy to clean, and efficient. female bidet
Better Homes & Gardens / Kelly Lewis
Though toilets may not be the most glamorous item to shop for, having a reliable and efficient model is essential for any home. Whether you’re shopping for a powder room or your main bathroom, it can be difficult to choose the best option for your space, especially with so many designs and advanced features on the market.
“Just like you can customize cabinetry, you can customize your toilet. Heated seats and bidets are a personal preference, but add a sense of luxury to an otherwise everyday occurrence,” says Campbell Minister, CEO and creative director of Campbell Minister Design.
To find the best toilets, we tested several options in at-home settings. For three months, we spent 165 hours analyzing several styles, keeping in mind flush strength, water consumption, quality, comfort, ease of cleaning, and several other factors.
In addition to Minister, we also consulted Sarah Elizabeth, interior designer at Sarah Elizabeth Design, for additional insight.
We evaluated several toilets on their installation, performance, and quality. For more information on how we tested toilets, check out our testing process below.
The unique flushing mechanism means less cleaning and no double flush.
You have to purchase a lid and seat separately, adding an additional expense.
After testing the best-performing toilets for three months, the Toto Drake Elongated Standard Height 2-Piece Toilet is still our top pick. We didn’t notice any clogging or overflowing issues.
Our water bill and consumption have been reduced since replacing our water-guzzling toilet. The Toto Drake is self-cleaning, has a consistent flush capacity, and is a money saver.
The toilet’s universal height is a bit taller than a standard toilet, so some people may find sitting up and down easier and more comfortable. The toilet is crafted with an elongated bowl, comes in two pieces, and has a gravity flush.
Prior to testing this model, we had a toilet that clogged frequently and often required a double flush. Such was not the case with this option, and we were impressed by the robust and single flush.
We had this toilet installed by a professional plumber. Still, the plumber found it a seamless installation process and noted that the directions were apparent, thorough, and easy to follow.
The flush swirls in a tornado pattern, starting at the top of the bowl and circling down the entire bowl during each flush. This movement ensures the flushing water removes all debris and cleans the toilet bowl during every flush. We liked how effective this technology was and felt we had to clean the toilet much less frequently than with our previous model.
While not a dealbreaker, it’s important to note that the flush lever is on the left side (the only option), and this toilet does not have a lid or seat. You need to purchase this separately, so while that’s an added expense, you can choose one that fits your exact needs.
Product Details: Dimensions: 28.3x30x17 inches | Material: Vitreous china | Number of Pieces: Two | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Technology: Gravity | Certifications: None
There’s no internal valve mechanism or flapper to install in the tank, so installation is easy.
The flush is relatively loud compared to other toilets.
The Kohler Highline Elongated Toilet is our favorite two-piece toilet. While testing for months, we found this model to be efficient and appreciated its ease of installation.
Two-piece toilets mean the bowl and the tank are two separate pieces that connect during installation. It took us about an hour to install this toilet ourselves, though keep in mind that we had previous experience installing toilets. Regardless, the instructions were clear and easy to understand. Because it came in two parts, the tank had no internal valve mechanisms or flapper to install, streamlining the process.
Once installed, the toilet works well. The flush is powerful, and still, after three months of testing, the toilet is still like new, with no signs of wear or tear. It performs the same from day one, easily removing all waste with one flush. We noted that the flush sound of this toilet is noticeably louder than our previous toilet, but we didn’t think this was a dealbreaker.
For anyone considering a taller toilet, the Kohler Highline is for you. It boasts a comfortable elongated seat and is 17 inches tall, which is 2 inches higher than standard toilets. Because of this, we recommend testing the height to ensure it works for you before purchasing.
Product Details: Dimensions: 29.5x21x31 | Material: Vitreous china | Number of Pieces: Two| Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Technology: Pressure assist | Certifications: None
After three months of use in a home that’s being renovated, it was still in great condition.
We thought the flush mechanism could be stronger.
The Swiss Madison St. Tropez One Piece Toilet has a fully skirted design that offers a more modern look. We used this toilet for three months in a home that’s being renovated and it still stayed in great condition.
We had a professional install this pick, who shared that it was easy to install especially since the toilet is a single 120-pound piece. Once installed, the ceramic toilet was smooth and easy to clean. That being said, after having it for months, we find ourselves frequently cleaning it with harsh toilet cleaners and a brush to scrub it down.
We appreciated that the toilet has a seat and lid as some options don’t. Both are fully removable via a quick-release mechanism, making cleaning those parts a cinch. A soft close mechanism on the lid is a nice bonus as you won’t need to worry about the toilet slamming shut.
A dual flush mechanism conserves water since you can choose the strength of the flush. While we didn’t experience any clogs or need to double flush, we noted that the flush felt weak and we weren’t impressed with the strength of the higher-level flushing.
If you’re on a budget and don’t want to spend thousands on a toilet, this Swiss Madison one-piece toilet is very well-built, robust, and sturdy. It can withstand much use in unfavorable environments, all at a reasonable price point.
Product Details: Dimensions: 27x15.15x31 inches | Material: Ceramic | Number of Pieces: One | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Technology: Dual flush | Certifications: None
The toilet accommodates the TOTO bidets perfectly without the hefty price tag.
The toilet seat will need to be swapped if you choose a bidet option.
Overall, the Toto Aquia IV Toilet is our top dual-flush toilet. Dual flush toilets mean there are two ways to flush, so the user controls more or less water and power depending on if you’re flushing solid or liquid waste. Still, after a three-month testing period, both sides of the dual flush were powerful and quiet.
The toilet is at a standard height and is comfortable to sit on. Although it’s more expensive than other options, the quality of this toilet is outstanding. After an entire house fire and demolition, the Toto Aquia IV still stood pristine, clean, and in perfect condition. Its durable construction is worth the hefty price tag. Plus, it has a sleek and modern look that adds to its appeal and can seamlessly accommodate a Toto bidet attachment.
The toilet’s sleek, crevice-free design makes cleaning a breeze. With a few passes with a microfiber cloth and sprays of all-purpose cleaner, the toilet is spotless within seconds.
We used a professional plumber for installation but we didn’t run into any issues. Overall, our plumber noted that it was a fairly basic toilet to install.
During testing, we liked that there was great water pressure and the toilet only needed one flush to remove waste. We never had any issues with clogging or overflowing throughout the testing period.
Product Details: Dimensions: 28x18.5x28.25 inches | Material: Ceramic | Number of Pieces: One | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Technology: Dual Flush | Certifications: None
Smart technology features mean you can enable hands-free flush and lid opening and it has a heated seat and built-in bidet.
This toilet needs access to an outlet.
We recommend the Woodbridge Smart Bidet Toilet for those who want a unit with a few additional features.
We found that installing this toilet was fairly simple. While it’s shaped differently than classic toilets, the directions and installation process were straightforward. Note that the toilet needs access to an outlet for all the special features to function, so plan accordingly.
The toilet has several features, including dual flush, auto open and close, auto flush, front and rear wash features on the bidet, and a dryer function. The bidet features all have adjustable temperatures and positions and a remote.
If you’re hesitant to upgrade to a bidet toilet because of the increased water theory, don’t be. Even after testing this toilet for three months, we haven’t noticed a difference in water consumption or our water bill.
The toilet also includes a foam shield cleaning function and auto deodorization, but note that the auto clean requires a separate purchase of the cleaning solution, which is totally worth it. We purchased the foaming cleanser, released from a special compartment within the toilet with just a button on the remote. This smart toilet also self-cleans regularly.
We loved all the features and found they worked well, were quite comfortable, and easy to customize. Our only critique was that auto close and open was quite sensitive, so if you walk by your toilet to access the rest of your bathroom, it’ll likely be activated.
Product Details: Dimensions: 27.5x16.5x19.75 inches | Material: Porcelain | Number of Pieces: One | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Technology: Dual | Certifications: None
Overall, we thought the Toto Drake Elongated Standard Height 2-Piece Toilet the best toilet thanks to its comfortable shape and unique double flush mechanism.
To find the best toilets, we tested six different models in at-home settings. Over three months, we spent over 165 hours evaluating each toilet based on installation, performance, quality, and value.
For installation, we either installed the toilets ourselves or hired a plumber to have it professionally done. If we did it ourselves, we timed the process.
Once installed, we used it throughout the testing period, noting how easily it flushed, how well it flushed waste, how loud it was, intensity of the water pressure, if it ever got clogged, and how easy it was to clean.
After testing, we noted if there was anything we’d want to change about the model, as well as if we thought the price was appropriate given our experience.
While they may seem standard, toilets come in various dimensions, with variations in height and depth most common. If you are replacing a toilet or have a particularly tight space, always measure the dimensions of your current toilet before disposing of it. This will give you a good sense if you can add height or depth or if you need to stick with the same size.
When choosing a toilet, you may also want to consider the space you’re installing it in as well. During testing, we had two Toto Aquia IV Toilets professionally installed in our home. One bathroom was particularly tight, so it took our plumber a bit longer to navigate the space and install the toilet.
Though we noted that this would have happened with any toilet we had chosen, keep in mind that if you’re having the toilet professionally installed and the plumber charges by hour, this may increase the cost of installation as well.
Most toilets for home use are made from Vitreous china or porcelain. Vitreous china is a type of ceramic known to be durable, with an easy-to-clean smooth finish, and the thick ceramic material can help dampen sounds.
Porcelain often looks the same as Vitreous china, but it is made from a mix of materials, making it denser and heavier. The material can have less of a sheen than in Vitreous china. Toilets made from plastic or stainless steel are often used in industrial settings or public bathrooms and are not recommended for home bathrooms.
The Woodbridge Smart Bidet Toilet, our best bidet toilet pick, is the only option on our list that’s made of porcelain. Our best overall option, the Toto Drake Elongated Standard Height 2-Piece Toilet, and the Kohler Highline Elongated Toilet are made of Vitreous china.
One-piece toilets are crafted with all-in-one pieces where the tank and the body are connected. Two-piece toilets have separate tanks and bowls.
One-piece toilets are heavier, so you may opt for professional installation with those styles. However, many people find them more accessible to clean since there are fewer nooks, crannies, or spots for mold or dust. “I prefer a single-piece toilet to avoid the dirt and grime that can occur with a two-piece,” says Minister.
If you prefer a one-piece style, consider the Swiss Madison St. Tropez One Piece Toilet, Toto Aquia IV Toilet, or the Woodbridge Smart Bidet Toilet.
The two most common bowl shapes are round and elongated. The elongated shape is about two inches longer than the round shape, forming more of an oval. Elongated toilets provide more room, which can benefit both kids and adults. All of the toilets on this list feature an elongated bowl shape.
When it comes to choosing the best toilets, there are three flush technologies to choose from, each of which has their own benefits.
When it comes to choosing the best toilet for your home, some may have several additional features to consider. Though they’re likely more expensive, some may have a heated seat or a bidet.
“It’s important to decide on a toilet style before any bath renovations are done as many toilets with the interior lights and upgrades need an outlet added next to the toilet,” notes Elizabeth. For example, the Woodbridge Smart Bidet Toilet, our best bidet toilet pick, requires an outlet to work properly.
If you don’t want to invest too much in a model, consider adding a separate bidet, heated seat, or other element to your current toilet.
The price of a toilet depends on the style, material, and any additional features. For example, the Woodbridge Smart Bidet Toilet is one of the more expensive options on our list, but it features dual flush, auto open and close, auto flush, front and rear wash features on the bidet, and a dryer function.
“For lessor used bathrooms and powder rooms, I’d recommend buying a one-piece, chair-height toilet as they look great, are more comfortable to sit on, and don't break the bank,” says Elizabeth.
Both toilet styles have pluses and minuses. During testing, we found one-piece toilets (which have a connected base and tank) tend to be heavier than two-piece toilets (which have a separate tank and base), so if you opt for a one-piece model, consider calling in a professional to handle the installation process. Two-piece toilets are easier to install yourself.
In terms of looks, two-piece toilets have a more traditional look while one-piece units have a sleeker, more modern appearance. Thanks to that streamlined appearance, one-piece toilets also have fewer crevices on the base, making them easier to dust and keep clean.
Installing a toilet yourself is doable if you are willing and able. Toilets can weigh over 100 pounds, so the first step is being able to lift, move, and remove your old toilet.
Installing a new toilet requires turning off the water and having some tools, like rubber gloves, a wrench, and some toilet-specific parts like a toilet seal, wax ring, toilet flange, and more. Always read through the instruction manual before installation and ensure you have the necessary parts ready before removing a working toilet.
If you choose not to install yourself, this is a standard job for a plumber but will make for an additional cost.
“All our clients use certified tradespeople to install any plumbing fixtures, likewise with light fixtures. That way, you are covered if any issues arise, and you have peace of mind that the jobs were done right,” says Elizabeth.
Minister also advises using a professional, “There are so many issues that can be revealed beneath the surface, especially if a toilet is being replaced. Having a plumber make sure the wax seal is installed correctly and that all the pipes surrounding the toilet are in order is an essential part of the process.”
If a toilet is made well and installed properly, you likely won’t need to replace it often, if at all. However, there are a few signs that it may be time for an upgrade.
“If a toilet is showing signs of leaking around the base, constantly running, or incurs multiple repairs, it is time to get a new one,” says Minister.
Maya Polton is a freelance writer with a family of five with multiple toilets in her home. The toilet in her primary bathroom has a bidet add-on seat, which she loves more than she thought she would.
For this story, Maya used testing insights from real-world testing. She consulted Sarah Elizabeth, interior designer at Sarah Elizabeth Design, and Campbell Minister, CEO and creative director of Campbell Minister Design, for additional insight.
one piece toilet Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.