Did you know the average person spends over three years of their life in the bathroom? That’s a lot of time spent with one very important fixture: the toilet! Choosing a new toilet might seem boring, but it’s actually a big deal for your home and your wallet. When you shop, you face so many choices: round versus elongated bowls, low-flow versus powerful flush, and all those different brands. It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out which one works best for your space and your needs.
The wrong toilet can mean constant clogs, wasted water, and a bathroom that just doesn’t look right. Nobody wants that hassle! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the key features you need to look for, from water efficiency to cleaning ease, so you can buy with confidence. Get ready to transform your bathroom experience by learning exactly what makes a great toilet. Let’s dive into the market and find the perfect throne for your home!
Top Toilet On The Market Recommendations
- Specifically designed for RV and boat toilets. Removes rings, stains and debris from toilet bowls. A hybrid of a liquid and a gel, clings and coats just enough to let the enzymes get to work.
- Eliminates urine smell from toilet bowls using a tank-enhancing bio-enzymatic cleaner formula. Free from bleach and caustic chemicals. Unscented and emits no VOCs.
- Enhances RV black tanks by injecting beneficial probiotics and enzymes into black tanks, helping break down and eliminate human waste and household or RV toilet paper. Home and campground septic safe.
- RV toilet bowl cleaner designed for RV and boat toilets; removes stains, rings, and debris; hybrid liquid-gel formula clings to surfaces to help enzymes clean effectively
- Helps eliminate urine odors and buildup in toilet bowls; formulated without bleach or caustic chemicals; unscented formula designed for regular RV use
- Adds beneficial bacteria and enzymes to support waste breakdown and odor control; not a replacement for routine tank treatment; use with RV Digest-It Ultra for ongoing tank care
- Powerful toilet bowl cleaner in 24 fl oz bottle
- Fresh citrus scent naturally deodorizes
- Thick formula clings to bowl for maximum cleaning power
- Includes: 3 Cleaning Pads And Telescoping Handle, Pads Have A Soft Side To Polish And Clean Mirrors And Glass, And A Textured Side For Deep Cleaning And Scrubbing.
- Country Of Origin: China
- Easy, Touch-Free Cleaning For Your Whole House Including Bath And Kitchen No More Straining, Bending Or Kneeling.
- Funbliss potty training seat for toddlers perfect for travel, supporting up to 80 pounds. Its compact design makes potty training easy at home or on the go
- This portable potty seat features a foldable design, making it ideal for on-the-go potty training. It fits standard toilets, ensuring convenience wherever you are.
- With built-in suction cups, the Funbliss toddler potty training stays securely in place, providing safety for your little one. Cleanup is a breeze for busy parents!
- PREMIUM QUALITY OF TOILET CLEANERS: Experience superior cleanliness with our bundle featuring premium materials. Our hard water stain remover is crafted with high-quality ingredients, including ammonia bi-fluoride, ensuring effective cleaning without residue. Complementing this, our Polypropylene Toilet Swab is made from top-notch polypropylene, offering durability and unbeatable performance. Elevate your bathroom cleaning routine with the power of quality materials in one convenient bundle!
- Multipurpose Bathroom Cleaner: Versatility at its best! Our bundle offers a lime away toilet bowl cleaner, banishing tough stains like calcium, rust, and lime. Enjoy a sparkling clean bathroom. Paired with our silk brush, a true all-in-one solution for toilet bowls, bathtubs, washbasins, and floor tiles. The strategic bristle arrangement ensures thorough cleaning, eliminating the need for multiple tools. Elevate your cleaning experience with our multi-purpose powerhouse bundle!
- HASSLE-FREE CLEANING: Simplify your cleaning routine with our hassle-free bundle! Our toilet bowl cleaner effortlessly tackles stains—no scrubbing needed! The rust remover bathroom formula dissolves build-up with ease, saving you time and energy. Paired with our ergonomic swab, designed for efficient use on toilet bowls, bathtubs, washbasins, and floor tiles. Cleaning is a breeze with easily rinsed resilient bristles. Say goodbye to intricate procedures and hello to a seamless, efficient cleaning experience!
- Dual bristle head
- Brush head uses stiff outer bristles for under the rim and dense center bristles for regular cleaning
- Replacement brush heads
- Decorate the air with our Glade Plug In air freshener
- Oil PlugIns that change the mood with 2x more adjustability (vs. previous Glade warmer)
- Express yourself with your favorite Glade scent and air freshener dispenser
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Toilet
Buying a new toilet might seem simple, but there are many things to consider. This guide helps you find the best toilet for your home and needs.
Key Features to Look For
Modern toilets offer more than just a place to sit. Look closely at these features:
- Flush Performance: This is very important. A good toilet clears waste in one flush. Look for terms like “siphon jet” or “pressure-assisted” for strong flushes.
- Gallons Per Flush (GPF): This measures water usage. Older toilets use 3.5 GPF or more. Look for “High-Efficiency Toilets” (HETs) that use 1.28 GPF or less. They save water and money.
- Bowl Shape: Toilets come in round or elongated shapes. Elongated bowls are oval and slightly longer. Most adults find elongated bowls more comfortable. Round bowls save space in smaller bathrooms.
- Seat Height: Standard height is about 15 inches. “Comfort height” or “right height” toilets are taller, around 17 to 19 inches. Taller toilets are easier for older people or those with knee problems to use.
Important Materials: What Your Toilet Is Made Of
Most toilets use ceramic material. This material is usually porcelain or vitreous china.
- Vitreous China: This is the standard. It creates a very hard, non-porous surface. This means it resists stains and is easy to clean. High-quality toilets use thicker vitreous china.
- Plastic Components: Check the internal parts, like the flapper and fill valve. Better quality plastic parts last longer before they need replacing.
- Seat Material: Seats can be plastic or wood. Look for slow-close or “soft-close” seats. These prevent loud slamming noises.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a toilet really affects how long it lasts and how well it works.
What Makes a Toilet Better:
- Glazing Quality: A very smooth glaze on the porcelain helps waste move easily down the trapway. This reduces clogs.
- Two-Piece vs. One-Piece: One-piece toilets combine the tank and bowl into a single unit. They look sleeker and have fewer places for leaks to start. They are often considered higher quality, but they cost more.
- Warranty: A longer warranty usually shows the manufacturer trusts their product quality.
What Makes a Toilet Worse:
- Small Trapway: The trapway is the pipe inside the base of the toilet. A smaller trapway (less than 2 inches wide) clogs much more easily.
- Weak Flush Mechanism: If the flush doesn’t use enough water volume quickly, it will not clear the bowl completely.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about who uses the bathroom most often.
- For Small Bathrooms: Choose a compact, round-front toilet. These save several inches of space compared to elongated models.
- For High-Traffic Areas: If many people use the toilet, focus on a reliable, powerful flush system. You want fewer clogs.
- For Easy Cleaning: Some modern toilets have skirted designs. This means the sides are smooth, hiding the curves and bolts where dust collects. These are much easier to wipe down.
- Noise Level: Pressure-assisted toilets flush very loudly. Gravity-fed models are much quieter, which is better for master bathrooms or homes with light sleepers.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buying a Toilet
Q: What is the standard rough-in measurement?
A: The rough-in is the distance from the finished wall behind the toilet to the center of the floor drainpipe. The standard measurement is 12 inches. Always measure yours before buying!
Q: Do I need a specific type of wax ring?
A: Most toilets use a standard wax ring to seal the connection to the floor drain. However, some extra-tall toilets might need an extra-thick ring.
Q: Are one-piece toilets harder to install?
A: Yes, one-piece toilets are heavier and bulkier than two-piece models. They can be harder for one person to lift and set correctly.
Q: What does “WaterSense certified” mean?
A: WaterSense is an EPA label. It means the toilet meets strict efficiency criteria and uses 20% less water than the standard 1.6 GPF toilet while maintaining excellent performance.
Q: How often should I replace my toilet?
A: A well-maintained toilet can last 20 years or more. If you notice constant leaks or frequent clogs, replacement is a good idea.
Q: Can I upgrade an old toilet flush to a new one?
A: You can often replace the internal tank components (like the flapper and fill valve) to improve performance and efficiency without replacing the whole toilet unit.
Q: What is the difference between a siphon jet and a washdown flush?
A: A siphon jet uses a large opening and strong suction to pull waste out. A washdown flush uses more water pushed directly down into the bowl to push waste out. Siphon action is generally stronger against clogs.
Q: Are smart toilets worth the extra cost?
A: Smart toilets include features like bidet functions, heated seats, and automatic flushing. They offer great comfort but cost significantly more than traditional models.
Q: How do I know if I need a round or elongated bowl?
A: If your bathroom space is tight, choose round. If you prioritize comfort for adults, choose elongated. Measure the space available first.
Q: What is the most reliable brand for performance?
A: Brands that consistently score well in independent testing focus on maximizing the trapway size and optimizing water flow. Look for reviews that specifically test flush power, not just water savings.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!