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The Spruce / Jay Wilde
A reliable, well-made toilet is a must-have for every household. However, though it might seem like a simple purchase to make, it’s quite important—a quality toilet should offer you comfort, reliable performance, and a powerful flush that meets your needs. So, just like any other home investment, you want your porcelain throne to deliver on its promises (and make your life a little easier!)
From toilet type to seat height to gallons per flush, we dug into the details of the best toilets available. After hours of research into toilets’ features, ease of installation, maintenance, performance over time, efficiency, and plenty of customers’ firsthand reviews, we’ve rounded up the top options you can shop.
Best Overall
Kohler Corbelle Comfort Height Toilet
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Amazon
Powerful flush
Ergonomic design
Skirted trapway simplifies cleaning and installation
Great selection of colors
On the pricier side
Some reports of defects and malfunctions
Does not include a toilet seat
If you want a toilet from a trusted brand, the Kohler Corbelle Comfort Height Toilet is powerful, well-designed, and pleasing to the eye. It stands tall and has modern accents like a vertical brushed nickel handle. It's also available in numerous neutral colors, such as white, gray, and beige, to match almost any bathroom decor.
As for functionality, this two-piece toilet offers robust flushing action with its unique single-flush gravity and swirl flushing technology, which Kohler claims keeps the bowl cleaner for longer. The comfort-height seat is chair level, so this toilet is more accommodating and comfortable. The taller chair and elongated bowl simplify routine cleaning, and so does the CleanCoat surface treatment and skirted trapway.
While this toilet is capable and well built, it's pricier than other options. It doesn't include a toilet seat, which means an added expense. Some homeowners have also reported malfunctions. However, the Corbelle comes with a one-year limited warranty to protect against cracks, leaks, and other potential issues, if you run into them.
Price at time of publish: $486
Dimensions: 29.38 x 16.5 x 31.31 inches | Toilet Style: Two-piece | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Type: Single flush | Gallons Per Flush: 1.28 | Rough-In Size: 12 inches | Bowl Height: 16.5 inches
Best Budget
Delta Foundations 2-Piece Toilet
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Home Depot
Affordably priced
Uses less water
Slow-close seat
Available in elongated or round bowl
Small and flimsy flush handle
More crevices to clean
Despite its budget-friendly price tag, this two-piece toilet from Delta has some features that you’d expect to find on more expensive models. The slow-close seat prevents it from slamming shut, and there's a splash guard to keep liquid from going underneath the tank. Certified with an EPA WaterSense label, this high-efficiency toilet uses just 1.28 gallons per flush. What’s more, you don’t have to sacrifice flushing power—Delta Foundations can handle the toughest solids.
Sitting 16.5 inches off the ground, the ADA-compliant chair height makes it easier to sit on and stand up from. You have the option to choose between a round or elongated seat; the price difference is minimal. The only caveat to this otherwise superb toilet is the flush handle, which is small and a bit flimsy, but it still operates effectively.
Price at time of publish: $159
Dimensions: 29.28 x 17.5 x 30.81 inches | Toilet Style: Two-piece | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Type: Single flush | Gallons Per Flush: 1.28 | Rough-In Size: 12 inches | Bowl Height: 16.5 inches
Best One-Piece
Kohler Santa Rosa 1-Piece Toilet
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Amazon
Powerful flush
360-degree rinse with each flush
One-piece design is easier to clean
On the pricier side
Doesn’t have a soft-close lid
One-piece toilets tend to look sleeker and save more space than their two-piece counterparts—and the Kohler Santa Rosa is no exception. Thanks to continuous construction from the tank to the bowl, this toilet has a streamlined, easy-to-clean design. The powerful gravity-fed flush whisks away solid and liquid waste. To ensure nothing is left behind, AquaPiston technology delivers 360 degrees of water into the bowl.
With the seat attached, the rim is over 17 inches off the ground. The comfort height, combined with the elongated seat, allows for maximum comfort—making it a great choice for older homeowners or anyone with mobility issues. One feature this toilet lacks is a slow-close lid, which is important to note if noise is a concern.
Price at time of publish: $598
Dimensions: 27.75 x 18.75 x 28.19 inches | Toilet Style: One-piece | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Type: Single flush | Gallons Per Flush: 1.28 | Rough-In Size: 12 inches | Bowl Height: 16.5 inches
Best Two-Piece
American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise Toilet
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Amazon
EverClean technology
Slow-close seat and lid
Quiet operation
Less water use
Finicky handle
Slightly weak flushing power
More crevices to clean
American Standard has been a leader in the toilet-manufacturing industry for over 140 years, and the Cadet 3 FloWise is one of its top-rated models. The added height and the elongated seat on this two-piece toilet make it easier to maneuver—an ideal option for someone with limited mobility. Thanks to EverClean technology that keeps mold and mildew at bay, the bowl interior will stay clean and shiny. It features a slow-close seat and lid which, combined with the gravity-flush system, keeps noise to a minimum. The Cadet 3 FloWise is a high-efficiency, ultra-low consumption toilet; it uses about 20% less water than conventional models.
In general, the downside to a two-piece design is that there are more cracks and crevices to clean. There are a few drawbacks to note about this particular model: The small handle can be finicky and the flushing power is a little weak. You may have to hold the handle down for a while to properly flush, or flush it twice.
Price at time of publish: $375
Dimensions: 30.25 x 15.75 x 30.25 inches | Toilet Style: Two-piece | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Type: Single flush | Gallons Per Flush: 1.28 | Rough-In Size: 12 inches | Bowl Height: 16.5 inches
Best With Bidet
TOTO Carlyle II Washlet Toilet
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TOTO
Powerful flush
Low water use
Adjustable temperature and pressure
Heated seat
Warm air dryer
Expensive
The Carlyle II Washlet combines a bidet with a high-performance toilet. It features a powerful cyclonic rinsing system that reduces waste and keeps the bowl clean. The included toilet seat is equipped with a deodorizer, warm air dryer, remote control, adjustable water and seat temperatures, and a self-cleaning wand. The toilet is coated with a special ceramic glaze that prevents debris from sticking to surfaces, making it easier to clean.
With all these high-end features, it’s no surprise that it comes with a relatively high price tag, but it’s still one of the more affordable bidet toilets from TOTO. However, the low water use (1 gallon per flush) should cut down on utility costs in the long run.
Price at time of publish: $2,798
Dimensions: 28.25 x 16.50 x 28.75 inches | Toilet Style: One-piece | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Type: Tornado | Gallons Per Flush: 1 | Rough-In Size: 12 inches | Bowl Height: 16.125 inches
Best Composting
Nature's Head Self Contained Composting Toilet
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Amazon
Large capacity
Lightweight and portable
Venting fan eliminates odors
Expensive
Seat isn’t very comfortable
As opposed to a traditional flushing toilet, a composting toilet breaks down human waste and stows it for future removal. This highly-rated model from Nature Heat is reliable and easy to use. The removable waste tank features a side-mounted spider handle that allows you to churn solid waste within it. Compared to other compositing models, this toilet has a very large capacity. It’s big enough for two people to use full-time and requires emptying every four to six weeks.
With this composting toilet, you won’t have to worry about unpleasant smells. It’s equipped with an electric fan to eliminate odors. The fan runs on 12-volt power, but you can purchase a 110-volt conversion kit from the manufacturer.
Price at time of publish: $1,030
Dimensions: 22 x 20.5 x 21.7 inches | Toilet Style: Composting | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Type: N/A | Gallons Per Flush: N/A | Rough-In Size: Not listed | Bowl Height: 20 inches
Best Smart
Woodbridge B-0960S Toilet
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Amazon
Hands-free operation
Heated seat and warm air dryer
Automatic air deodorizer
Wireless remote control
Expensive
Extremely heavy
This smart toilet from Woodbridge has loads of innovative features for the ultimate hygienic experience. The lid opens automatically as you approach and the toilet flushes automatically on your departure. On chilly days, the heated seat will keep you warm and cozy. The bidet feature allows for a front and rear wash with adjustable pressure. For added convenience, you can customize all these features with the remote control. This high-tech toilet even has an air dryer, eliminating the need for toilet paper, and a built-in deodorization system.
It’s no surprise that a toilet this advanced comes with a steep price tag. However, you can’t beat all the luxury that it offers. At 140 pounds, this toilet is extremely heavy, which means installation will likely be more complicated.
Price at time of publish: $999
Dimensions: 28 x 16 x 23 inches | Toilet Style: One-piece | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Type: Dual flush | Gallons Per Flush: 1.28 | Rough-In Size: 12 inches | Bowl Height: 16 inches
Best Portable
Camco (41541) Portable Toilet
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Amazon
Lightweight
Built-in handles for easy carrying
Easy-to-empty waste tank
Designed to seal in odors
Seat is on the smaller side
Plastic is prone to breakage
Camco's portable toilet is designed with outdoor adventures in mind—whether it’s camping, boating, or any other recreational activity. It is extremely lightweight, weighing only 11 pounds, but its durable build can support up to 330 pounds. There are integrated handles at the top and bottom for easy transport. The top half flush tank, which holds 2.5 gallons of fresh water, houses the lid, seat, and bowl. By removing the top-mounted cap, you can easily fill the flush tank with clean water. The 5.3-gallon holding tank is also removable, and it’s equipped with a sealing slide valve to lock in odors and prevent leaks.
On the whole, this all-in-one unit does a great job of containing waste in a mess-free manner. The seat might be a little small for larger-sized people, and the plastic parts may crack over time, leading to potential leaks.
Price at time of publish: $119
Dimensions: 11.5 x 14 x 16 inches | Toilet Style: Portable | Bowl Shape: Square | Flush Type: Single flush | Gallons Per Flush: N/A | Rough-In Size: 12 inches | Bowl Height: 12 inches
Best Modern Design
Swiss Madison St. Tropez One-Piece Elongated Toilet Vortex Dual-Flush
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Swiss Madison
Soft close lid
Modern design, without nooks and crannies, ensures easy cleaning
Dual nozzles keeps the bowl cleaner
Fully-skirted bowl
Wide variety of colors and finishes available
An ADA-compliant or "Comfort Height" version would be welcome
This sleek, striking toilet could fit with any modern aesthetic, from mid-century to minimalist. But the Swiss Madison St. Tropez One-Piece Elongated Toilet isn't just an intriguing design—it's also a fully featured one-piece toilet, with thoughtful design features that make it a cinch to install and clean.
The St. Tropez toilet by Swiss Madison has a dual-flush system, with an elongated and distinct buttons. It also has an elongated seat with a 16-inch bowl height, so it sits slightly higher than the traditional height. The seat is quick-release with chrome hinges for easy cleaning (or replacing) and has a soft-close lid that won't slam in the middle of the night.
The two flushes (1.1 and 1.6 gallons) use a "Vortex" system of dual nozzles, which employ more water pressure against the interior of the rim, which helps keep the bowl cleaner. The bowl also has a glazed, glossy interior for easy cleaning.
The Swiss Madison St. Tropez is available in a variety of finishes, including matte black, matte white, glossy white, and an off-white color called "Bisque."
Price at time of publish: $304
Dimensions: 27 x 15.125 x 31.1875 inches | Toilet Style: One-piece | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Type: Dual-flush | Gallons Per Flush: 1.1/1.6 | Rough-In Size: 12 inches | Bowl Height: 16 inches
Best Wall-Hung
Kohler Veil Wall-Hung Toilet
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Amazon
A wall-mounted toilet like the Kohler Veil Wall-Hung can save space in your bathroom, is easy to clean beneath, and looks great. It has a minimal footprint that can give you back as much as an extra foot of space. Because wall-mounting saves space, the elongated bowl toilet takes up the same amount of a space as a standard round-front bowl. Plus, it can be hung to the height you find most comfortable, placing the toilet bowl anywhere from 15 to 23 inches off the floor.
Anyone considering a wall-mounted toilet should be aware that some components are installed behind the wall. The Kohler Veil does not include an in-wall tank or flush actuator plate.
The Kohler Veil Wall-Hung Toilet comes with a quiet-close seat and is available in four colors: white, Biscuit, Dune, and "Black Black." It's ADA compliant and meets EPA water efficiency standards.
Price at time of publish: $655
Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 15.125 inches | Toilet Style: Wall-mounted | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Type: Dual-flush | Gallons Per Flush: 0.8/1.6 | Rough-In Size: Variable | Bowl Height: Variable
The Kohler Corbelle Comfort Height Toilet (view at Amazon) earns the top spot thanks to its excellent flushing power and its ergonomic, easy-to-clean design. This toilet is pricier than other two-piece toilets, but it delivers on overall quality and design. If you're looking for something that's more budget-friendly, consider the Delta Foundations 2-Piece Toilet (view at Home Depot). Despite its low price, this toilet has some standout features including a slow-close seat and splash guard.
What to Look for in a Toilet
Toilet Type and Construction
As you browse different toilet options, you’ll find that these bathroom appliances typically fall into one of three categories: one-piece, two-piece, or wall-mount. Each of these different types offers its own set of pros and cons, and they’re suited for different bathroom needs.
One-piece toilets are just as they sound; the toilet bowl and tank are built as one solid, seamless piece. There are no gaps between the bowl and tank, which makes one-piece models easier to clean and impressively solid. However, this also means one-piece toilets are typically heavier and slightly more difficult to install (especially when it comes to lifting the toilet into place.) A one-piece toilet can be more durable, but it can also be more costly.
Two-piece toilets are the most common variety you’ll encounter. Featuring a water tank that’s bolted on top of a lower-sitting bowl, these toilets come in a wide array of different sizes, styles, and materials. They’re generally more affordable than one-piece counterparts, and they offer a bit more customization as you can mix and match different bowls and tanks. However, because there’s a gap between the toilet bowl and tank, they may not offer the same level of durability—and leaks can happen over time.
Wall-mount toilets are another option, one that’s particularly ideal for small bathrooms or cramped spaces. Mounted directly to the wall, these toilets look sleek and modern, and they have an overall smaller footprint compared to one-piece and two-piece models. However, they are more difficult to install; wall-mount toilets require extra bracing and potentially may need plumbing modifications.
Flush Method
While you might think every toilet flushes in pretty much the same manner, there’s actually quite a difference in the technology. And depending on the toilet you choose, the flushing technology (or method) can directly impact the power of each flush.
Most home toilets are gravity-flush models, which means water is kept in a raised tank. When you push the lever or handle to flush, gravity pulls the water down through the toilet bowl. Simple, reliable, and super easy to manage, gravity-flush toilets are a pretty effortless solution. However, you can also opt for a pressure-assisted toilet as an alternative. These toilets store water inside an airtight tank, then use air pressure to flush the water out through the bowl. Pressure-assisted toilets tend to offer more powerful flushes and use less water, as they work faster than gravity.
And there’s one more flush detail to consider as you shop for a new toilet: Do you want a single-flush or dual-flush model? A single-flush toilet features just one flushing mechanism, and it uses the exact same amount of water for every flush you make. Featuring handles or levers, this flushing method is super common in households. Dual-flush toilets, on the other hand, have two buttons—one for liquid waste, one for solid waste. The first mode uses less water for each flush, while the second increases power and flow.
Water Usage
Toilet water usage may not be top of mind for every homeowner, but it’s a detail well worth considering. It can not only affect your water bill each month, but also how much water your household is using overall. And in areas where water is a concern, this is especially important. Currently, laws cap toilet water usage at 1.6 gallons per flush. This makes most models pretty safe in terms of water conservation and consumption.
However, if you’d like to save even more water, you can opt for a high-efficiency toilet. These modern toilets typically use just 1.1 to 1.2 gallons of water per flush. They’re easy to identify; most bear an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense label to highlight their water-conserving design.
Key Features
Toilet Height
If you’ve ever felt like you were sitting a bit too high for your comfort—or perhaps too low to the ground—then you know how important toilet height can be. This small detail can affect your comfort and stability every time you use your bathroom. The toilet height, which can also be called the seat or bowl height, refers to the distance from the floor to your toilet bowl’s rim.
In general, there are two choices: standard height or comfort height. A standard height toilet features a rim that sits between 14.5 to 16 inches off the floor; a comfort height toilet sits 17 to 19 inches high. While shorter, lower-to-the-ground toilets can be beneficial for bowel movements and potentially reduce straining, they may be too short for some individuals. Comfort height toilets prevent crouching, and they’re often easier for older individuals or those in need of an ADA-approved toilet to use. However, for some, they can be a bit too tall.
Bowl Shape
There are two toilet bowl shapes to consider: round and elongated. A round bowl typically measures 16.5 inches from bowl tip to seat bolts. The style is common on older toilets, but there are also plenty of modern options at affordable prices that feature round bowls. A round toilet bowl offers a smaller overall opening, but this can easily be a perk in smaller bathrooms. Elongated toilet bowls are about two inches bigger, measuring 18.5 inches from bowl tip to seat bolts. This shape tends to offer better comfort and a broader opening.
Smart Technology
You can opt for a more elevated—and tech-savvy—toilet if you want to get fancy. Smart toilets, or toilets loaded with special high-tech features, are becoming increasingly popular. These models can include cool extras like touchless flushing, making waste disappear with the wave of your hand; bidet capabilities; heated seats; and night lights. More advanced toilets can even offer self-cleaning modes, customized settings, and automated lids. It all depends how much you’re willing to spend—more smart features tend to mean a significantly higher price overall.
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What’s better, one- or two-piece toilets?
Like we mentioned above, both one-piece and two-piece toilets have their own pros and cons. If you’re looking for the most durable, leak-proof option, a one-piece toilet may be the best fit. However, if you’d like more customization or a more affordable price, a two-piece toilet can be a better option. And don’t forget about weight—one-piece models tend to be heavier than two-piece ones.
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Are higher or lower toilets better?
In general, a lower position can be more helpful for each visit to the bathroom. A lower crouching position can straighten the colon and make the experience a bit easier (which is why helpful devices like the Squatty Potty are so popular!) But if you’re someone with balance or mobility issues—or are simply taller—a higher toilet may offer more comfort and a better fit for your individual needs. Toilet height can vary anywhere from 14.5 to 19 inches, so you’ll want to consider your height and the comfort level of your current toilet to assess what’s best for your bathroom.
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How often should a toilet be replaced?
Toilets have a pretty long lifespan, and your average toilet will last between 10 to 15 years. However, some can last even longer! It all depends on how well-maintained your toilet is, and if it’s built with durable components. Toilets with more high-tech and smart features can be prone to problems, as increasingly more features tends to provide more room for breakage and malfunctioning. A typical standard toilet will likely only encounter issues with its flushing mechanism or your plumbing setup.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This piece was written by Sage McHugh, a lifestyle writer who has been researching home products for The Spruce for more than two years. Before writing this article, McHugh considered dozens of toilets, carefully evaluating each model’s flushing technology, water usage, and special features. To find the top-rated products on the market, she consulted hundreds of customer reviews, as well as write-ups from third-party websites.
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