Modern toilets come in different shapes, sizes, and levels of complexity with various seat shapes and height options for maximum comfort. There are toilets with sleek one-piece designs that are easier to clean as well as high-tech toilets with auto-flushing mechanisms, heated seats, and even built-in deodorizers.
Most new toiletsfeature low-flow designs, using at most 1.6 gallons per flush and in some cases less than a gallon, while composting toilets use no water at all. Below, we’ll provide shoppers with a list of some of the best toilet models and review the features to consider when shopping for a new toilet.
- BEST OVERALL: Woodbridge T-0019 Dual-Flush Elongated 1-Piece Toilet
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Toto CST244EF Entrada Close Coupled Elongated Toilet
- BEST CLASSIC: Kohler K-3810 Santa Rosa Compact Elongated Toilet
- BEST BIDET-TOILET COMBO: Woodbridge B0960S Electronic Bidet Smart Toilet
- BEST EXTRA-TALL: Convenient Height Extra-Tall Dual-Flush Toilet
- BEST BLACK TOILET: Woodbridge B0921 Dual-Flush Elongated Square Toilet
- BEST SMALL COMPOSTING: Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC Toilet
- BEST LARGE COMPOSTING: Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet
- BEST PORTABLE: Camco 41541 5.3-Gallon Portable Travel Toilet
How We Chose the Best Toilets
Whether a shopper is in need of a toilet for the home or requires a portable option for camping or RVing, there are many options available; it can be difficult to select the right one for a particular shopper’s needs. Options for the best toilets overall depend upon type, size and shape, flush type, ease of installation, and other included special features.
The featured list prioritizes variety with one-piece bathroom toilets, two-piece toilets, bidet-toilet combos, composting toilets, and portable options included with gravity, pressure-assisted, hand-pumped, and dual-flush toilets to suit a user’s specific needs. The one- and two-piece options are favored for their gravity or dual pressure-assisted flush types, while the bidet-toilet combos include heated seats, automatic lift and flush, and built-in deodorizers for those looking for high-end models.
For those who prefer eco-friendly options, the composting and portable models are hand pumped or use waterless flushing to consume little to no water. As for installation, these picks are easy to install and most come with all the hardware. However, the bidet-toilet combos may require professional help to install.
Our Top Picks
Below is our list of the top toilets available based on important considerations concerning user-friendliness, efficiency, and design. These toilets are made by some of the best-known manufacturers in the business.
Photo: amazon.com
With a modern look enhanced by its one-piece design, this toilet makes a striking addition to a master bathroom. Like many Woodbridge toilets, this model’s clean lines make it easy to clean, with few grooves and crevices to navigate. It features siphon technology for a quiet yet powerful flush that minimizes clogs. A dual-flush design allows for 1-gallon and 1.6-gallon flushes for water savings.
The seat is set at a higher-than-average height of 18 inches for comfort, making it similar to a chair. An elongated bowl shape gives this modern toilet an overall length of 28.5 inches. An integrated soft-closing seat that comes preinstalled prevents banging. This toilet includes a wax ring, water fitting, and floor bolts. The rough in for this toilet is 12 inches.
Product Specs
- Type: 1-piece toilet
- Bowl shape: Elongated
- Flush type: Dual pressure-assisted flush
Pros
- Clean, modern design is easier to clean and matches most current bathroom fixtures
- 1-gallon and 1.6-gallon flushes offered; great water-saving feature
- Preinstalled soft-closing seat; prevents slamming and provides added safety in homes with children
- Comes with a wax ring, water fitting, and floor bolts
Cons
- Heavy and difficult to install; will likely require 2 people
Get the Woodbridge T-0019 toilet at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
This affordable model from Toto features simple lines with an elongated tank and bowl at a price that won’t make users feel like they’re flushing money down the toilet. In addition to saving cash up front, it will also shave dollars off the water bill, thanks to its low 1.28-gallon flush volume.
Despite its reduced water use, the Toto offers ample flush power thanks to a 3-inch-wide flush valve and a large siphoning jet and trapway. With its elongated bowl, this toilet is just under 29 inches long with a rough-in depth of 12 inches. A tank-to-bowl gasket for connecting the tank to the toilet is included. This toilet does not come with a seat or wax ring.
Product Specs
- Type:2-piece toilet
- Bowl shape: Elongated
- Flush type: Gravity flush
Pros
- Water-saving design for the eco-conscious consumers; 1.28 gallons per flush
- Soft-close seat prevents banging and is safer for young children
- Tank-to-bowl gasket for connecting the tank to the toilet included with purchase
Cons
- Buyers will need to purchase a toilet seat separately
- Exterior has small grooves and curves that are difficult to clean
Get the Toto toilet at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Build With Ferguson, or Wayfair.
Photo: amazon.com
Shoppers looking for comfort without sacrificing more floor space in their bathroom will want to consider this model from Kohler. It features a compact, elongated bowl that offers an ample seating area for comfort without extending much further than a standard round bowl. It’s 27¾ inches long from the back of the tank to the end of the bowl.
At 17 inches high, the seat is a bit taller than the standard 15 inches, making it more comfortable for taller people to use. A soft-close toilet seat prevents banging, while sleek lines give it a classic look. A one-piece design makes it easy to clean.
Kohler’s AquaPiston canister allows water to flow into the bowl from all sides, offering a better overall flush with less water—this toilet uses just 1.28 gallons per flush. The Kohler toilet has a 12-inch rough-in and a 3-inch flapper to protect from leaks.
Product Specs
- Type: 1-piece toilet
- Bowl shape: Elongated
- Flush type: Gravity flush
Pros
- AquaPiston canister included with purchase; ensures even and pressurized water distribution
- Soft-close seat and lid; great for noise-prone families
- 3-inch flapper provides good leak protection for long-term use
Cons
- Added height may not be comfortable for some users
Get the Kohler toilet at Amazon, The Home Depot, Build With Ferguson, Wayfair, or Kohler.
Photo: amazon.com
Shoppers would be forgiven if they mistook this toilet/bidet combination for something out of a science-fiction movie. When approached, the lid automatically opens, welcoming users aboard. The automation doesn’t stop there.
A heated seat and an air dryer keep users warm while they sit. When the user has finished, the bidet cleanses the user with a gentle pulsating spray while the warm air gently dries. After rising, an automatic flush toilet function clears the bowl while a built-in ionizer deodorizes the air around it via a carbon filter.
A wireless remote lets users customize the whole experience, while a soft blue LED night light makes it easy to find the toilet in the dark. With all this hands-free automation, users might even skip a trip to the sink on their way out. While this toilet may add to the electric bill, it will save water thanks to its dual-flushing function.
Product Specs
- Type: Bidet-toilet combo
- Bowl shape: Elongated
- Flush type: Pressure-assisted flush
Pros
- Automatic open and flush; convenient and sanitary feature for modern homes
- Ultimate high-tech option includes heated seat and drying function
- Built-in deodorizer for added comfort and peace of mind
- Wireless remote control provides an unrivaled user experience and enhanced convenience
Cons
- Some users report difficulty when installing; may require professional help
- Replacing remote-control batteries can cause malfunctions; may be tricky for some users to change
Get the Woodbridge bidet toilet at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.
Photo: amazon.com
For those with limited mobility, sitting on a 15-inch-high toilet can be a challenge, requiring users to descend and ascend to and from an uncomfortably low position. This extra-tall toilet raises the seat up to make sitting down more comfortable with a seat height that reaches 21 inches.
While pricier than other toilets, it will save money in the long run thanks to a dual-flush system that flushes at 1.28 gallons for solids and just 0.9 gallons for liquid waste.
A large ergonomic handle makes it easier to flush, while an elongated shape adds comfort and a soft-close lid prevents slamming. With its extra-tall height, this toilet is able to use gravity to a greater degree to create a more powerful flush.
Product Specs
- Type: 2-piece toilet
- Bowl shape: Elongated
- Flush type: Dual flush
Pros
- Environmentally friendly for the eco-conscious consumer; dual-flush system helps save water
- Taller design; ideal for taller individuals or those with limited mobility
- Soft-close lid design is quiet and safer for homes with children
- Accredited brand; approved by the Board of Registration of Plumbers
Cons
- Height may be an issue for some users; recommended specifically for those who are tall or have mobility issues
Get the Convenient Height toilet at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Convenient Height.
Photo: amazon.com
This toilet makes quite a statement with its unorthodox shape and look. In addition to its black color, a bold departure from standard white, it also eschews the rounded shape we’ve come to expect from a toilet for a more geometric look.
The tank and the bowl feature corners and flat surfaces, giving this model a cube shape. Don’t worry: This doesn’t mean the user’s posterior will have to conform to a square seat. The toilet seat features the traditional rounded interior circle, making it comfortable for the user’s rear end.
This sleek-looking toilet has a dual-flush design for water savings and a siphon for powerful flushes. A higher seat height of 17 inches adds comfort, while a soft-closing seat prevents accidental banging. For shoppers who favor a more traditional look, this toilet also comes in white.
Product Specs
- Type: 1-piece toilet
- Bowl shape: Elongated
- Flush type: Dual pressure-assisted flush
Pros
- Water-saving capability for the eco-conscious consumer
- Sleek, square design but with an elongated seat for comfort
- Design looks great in modern bathrooms and matches most bathroom fixtures
Cons
- Dark color can make it harder to see dirt and grime; more challenging to clean
Get the Woodbridge black toilet at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.
Photo: amazon.com
Whether shoppers are living off the grid with no access to plumbing and sewers, or they’re just serious about going green, the Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC Toilet is one of the best composting toilets a user can sit upon. The toilet separates solid and liquid waste, catching liquid in a drain that diverts it to a gray water tank. Solids go to a separate holding area with a compostable liner bag, which can be removed once full and taken to a compost area.
The toilet uses a fan that operates off an alternating-current or direct-current electrical connection to vent odors away from the toilet. This toilet mounts to a wall and features a comfortable oblong-shaped seat. With average family use, this composting toilet will generally require emptying every 3 weeks or so.
Product Specs
- Type: Composting
- Bowl shape: Elongated
- Flush type: Electric/waterless
Pros
- Compact size fits in most bathrooms without taking up too much space
- Waterless design adds to environmental benefits for eco-conscious consumers
- Simple to use, even for composting novices; suitable for first-time composting-toilet buyers
Cons
- May not include all required installation parts; may need professional help to install
- Not compatible with thicker-ply toilet paper; requires thinner paper or throwing paper away in trash
Get the Separett toilet at Amazon or Separett.
Photo: amazon.com
When it comes to a durable, easy-to-use composting toilet, it’s tough to beat this Nature’s Head model. It diverts urine into an easily removed tank and features a side-mounted “spider” handle for churning the solid waste inside the tank. The waste tank is large enough for two adults to use full-time, which will require emptying every 4 to 6 weeks.
This waterless toilet uses an electric fan to draw fresh air in and push odors out, helping to keep smells at bay. While the fan uses 12 volts of power, it can convert to 110 volts with a kit purchased directly from Nature’s Head. This larger-capacity tank can last up to 6 weeks with regular two-person use before needing to be emptied.
Product Specs
- Type: Composting
- Bowl shape: Elongated
- Flush type: Electric/waterless
Pros
- Easy-to-use side-mounted “spider” handle makes it simple to flush
- Large tank can be used full-time by up to 2 people
- Convenient electric fan included to help eliminate any unpleasant odors
Cons
- The emptying process may be unpleasant for some users
Get the Nature’s Head toilet at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
When there’s no toilet at a given location, travelers don’t have to answer nature’s call outside. Take a toilet along with this portable travel toilet from Camco. Ideal for camping, RV trips, and boating, this model features a seat and 2.5-gallon flush tank that sits atop a 5.3-gallon plastic basin.
The flush tank holds water used to flush the bowl via a hand pump. A pull handle flushes the waste from the bowl into the basin below, where it remains until users can dispose of it.
This unit is made of durable polyethylene that holds up to waste and chemical treatments. It is compact but large enough to sit comfortably upon, at 16.875 inches high by 14 inches wide by 16.25 inches deep.
Product Specs
- Type: Portable
- Bowl shape: Elongated
- Flush type: Hand pump
Pros
- Durable polyethylene construction; easier to clean than similar models
- Compact, lightweight size is easy to transport for camping, RVing, and other outdoor activities
- Affordable price point for a convenient travel toilet
Cons
- Sits quite low to the ground; can be uncomfortable for some users
- Flushing power is decent for a portable RV unit but limited compared to standard toilets
Get the Camco toilet at Amazon.
What to Consider When Choosing a Toilet
When deciding which new toilet to install in the bathroom, there are several factors shoppers will want to take into account. Consider the type of toilet that will suit individual needs, what size the bathroom can accommodate, what shape will meet comfort demands, and how much water consumption a budget can tolerate.
Type
When selecting a model, there are many types of toilets to choose from:
- Two-piece toilets have a tank mounted to the toilet via two large bolts. These toilets are typically the least expensive and may require the lid to be purchased separately.
- One-piece toilets offer a sleeker look with the toilet and tank consisting of a solitary piece. These are typically designer models and cost more than two-piece toilets. They’re also easier to clean as they don’t have as many creases and crevices as two-piece toilets.
- Wall-mounted toilets, once found only in public restrooms, are becoming more popular for their minimalist looks. Unlike the models found at local fast food restaurant restrooms, they feature designer aesthetics. They consist of a seat attached to the wall with no visible toilet tank. Keep in mind these toilets require custom plumbing.
- Bidet-toilet combos offer the flushing power of a toilet with the spray-cleaning function of a bidet. The tank includes a spray jet that emits a gentle stream of water.
- Smart toilets automatically flush and can sense how much water is needed to perform an effective flush. This feature cuts water usage to as little as 0.6 gallons per flush (compared to the standard 1.6 gallons of a conventional toilet), which can save on utility costs. Smart toilets will also shut off when they sense a potential overflow or alert users via a smart device if it detects a leak. Some will even clean and deodorize themselves.
- Composting toilets compost human waste using no water for flushing. An organic additive such as peat moss or sawdust is used to promote decomposition, eventually creating matter that can fertilize soil.
- Portable toilets are good options for camping, boating, RVing, and other situations where plumbing may not be readily available. Higher-end toilet models include multiple tanks—one for water that is used to clean the bowl via a manual pump and a second, lower tank that holds waste until it can be dumped later.
Size
Although toilets range in size, most fit standard dimensions between 28 and 30 inches deep, about 20 inches wide, and between 27 inches and 32 inches high. Keep in mind thattoilet height options are important to consider for those who are very tall or have mobility issues. The distance to the top of the best toilet seat is between 15 and 17 inches from the floor.
The most important measurement to keep in mind is the rough-in distance, which is the measurement from the back wall to the center of the toilet drain pipe. This measurement ranges between 10 and 14 inches. It’s crucial to know what rough-in measurement there is in the bathroom so a toilet can be purchased that will fit the available space.
Bowl and Seat Shape
While toilet bowls come in a wide variety of dimensions, there are three main shapes to consider: elongated, compact elongated, and round front.
- Elongated bowls have an oval shape that makes the seat more spacious and comfortable. They also add about 2 inches to the bowl’s length for an average overall length of about 18 inches from the seat hinges to the front of the bowl.
- A compact elongated bowl shape offers a happy medium with a more oval shape that is about the same overall length as a round toilet, thanks to a narrower tank.
- Round bowls don’t offer the comfort of an elongated toilet bowl. They are shorter at about 16 inches long, making them good options for smaller bathrooms in which space is at a premium.
If buying a toilet that does not come with a seat, it’s critical to purchase one that matches the toilet’s shape. Toilet seats come in various materials, including plastic, polypropylene, cushioned vinyl, composite wood, and real wood.
Flushing Technology
Most toilets use the time-honored gravity flush to clear their contents. A gravity-flush system creates flushing pressure by releasing the tank water into the bowl, forcing all of the contents through the trapway leading to the drain and ultimately the sewer or septic system. Since these toilets use the natural power of water pressure, there are few mechanical parts to worry about, keeping maintenance relatively low.
Pressure-assisted toilets use the flushing power of siphoned air to create a much stronger flush than a gravity-flushing toilet. In addition to rarely requiring a second flush, they can also be quite loud. Pressure-assisted toilets, commonly found in public bathrooms, have been making their way into homes with the development of quiet-flush technology.
Dual-flush toilets are among the hottest flush technologies on the market. They feature two buttons: a little flush for “number one” and a more powerful flush for “number two.” These dual-flush toilets save water by using 1.1-gallon partial flushes for liquid waste and 1.6-gallon full flushes for solid waste and toilet paper.
Cutting-edge double-cyclone toilets use nozzles instead of tiny holes in the toilet rim and an innovative system that increases the pressure of each flush, allowing users to get the power of a full 1.6-gallon flush with just 1.28 gallons of water.
Style
Toilets offer a variety of looks, ranging from sleek and curvy modern single-piece toilets to vintage-style two-piece toilets with beveled edges and chrome handles. While white is still the predominant color for most toilets, some designer models feature other colors, such as black. Though not as common, the minimalist design of wall-mounted toilets is also increasing in popularity.
Additional Features
There are many options to consider when shopping for a toilet. Here are a few of the special additions and considerations that some toilet brands feature:
- Water usage: The standard modern toilet uses 1.6 gallons of water per flush, a far cry from toilets built in the 1960s and 1970s that used a staggering 5 to 7 gallons of water per flush. While the Environmental Protection Agency considers 1.6 gallons to be low flow, some models go even lower, using as little as 1 gallon per flush to limit water usage.
- Noise level: While pressurized toilets in public restrooms can hit an ear-popping 60 decibels or louder, most home toilets are around the 40-decibel mark, while quiet toilets might be around 30 decibels. Quiet toilets are good options for powder rooms adjacent to main living areas and guest rooms.
- Slow-close options prevent the seat or seat cover from slamming. This is particularly useful for homes with small children.
- Heated toilet seats eliminate the shock of sitting on a cold seat during winter months while creating a more pleasant experience overall.
- Deodorizers help to reduce smells continually. However, some are known to contain harsh chemicals.
- LED lighting helps those who take late-night trips to the bathroom by providing more visibility.
FAQs
If you’re wondering how to measure for a new commode or how to complete some basic toilet repairs, read on for answers.
Q. How do you measure a toilet?
The best way to measure for a new toilet is to use its rough-in measurement. Measure from the wall to the center of the toilet’s drain hole. Make sure this matches the toilet rough-in measurement to ensure a proper fit.
You may also want to measure the toilet’s length, which is taken from the back of the tank to the front lip of the bowl, to ensure it will not take up too much space in the bathroom.
Q. How do you unclog a toilet?
You can unclog a toilet using a chemical method or manual method. If you own a plunger, stick the plunger into the bowl so that it covers the drain hole, making as tight a seal as possible around the hole. Make sure there is enough water in the bowl to cover the head of the plunger so that it can create enough suction. Begin slowly plunging until the clog is released.
If you don’t own a plunger, combine 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar and pour it down the toilet drain. The mixture will bubble up, loosening any clog in the toilet.
Q. How do you drain a toilet?
Turn off the water supply valve to the toilet, located near the floor on the wall just below the tank. Flush the toilet multiple times until most of the water in the bowl and tank has drained away. Use a sponge or old towel to remove any remaining water.
Q. How do you remove hard-water stains from a toilet?
Begin by adding 1 cup of vinegar to the toilet bowl. Use a brush to mix it in with the water, then let it sit for a few minutes. Add 1 cup of baking soda and another 2 cups of vinegar, which will cause the water to bubble and fizz.
After 10 minutes, scrub the stains with a brush. Let the mixture sit for another 30 minutes, scrub again to remove the stains completely, and then flush. Some toilet bowl cleaners are also effective at removing water stains.
Q. Why is my toilet not shutting off?
If your toilet continues to run after it’s done filling the tank, you likely need to replace the flapper, which is the rubber piece that covers the drain at the bottom of the toilet tank. The flapper is supposed to create a watertight seal over the drain while the toilet sits idle. If the flapper is faulty, it will not make a good seal, causing water to leak into the bowl continuously.
Q. How do I fix my toilet pump?
If your toilet pump, better known as the fill valve, is making screeching noises or takes an excessive amount of time to fill the toilet, it likely means that the fill valve has become clogged with sediment, which is hindering its ability to refill the tank with fresh water after each flush. You’ll need to replace the fill valve with a new one.
Q. How do I fix a toilet that runs intermittently?
A toilet that runs intermittently suffers from a leaky flapper that is allowing water to continuously run into the bowl through the drain at the bottom of the tank.
The intermittent hissing is the sound of your fill valve trying to keep the tank full as the water leaks out of it and into the bowl. You’ll need to replace the flapper to fix this issue (and halt the flow of money going down the toilet in the form of wasted water!).
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