Photo: Toto
The flushing toilet is not something that we think about often, but its importance in the home is undeniable and remains one of the most important home accessories.
Ever since its invention in 1596 by John Harington, it has revolutionized the way people do their business. The flush toilet has also drastically reduced the risk of bacterial infections worldwide.
One of the main advantages of the flushing toilet is how easy it is to discard human excrement. Simply pull a lever or push a button, and it flushes the waste away from sight immediately. It also helps keep your toilet clean and prevent the formation of mold, mildew, bacteria, and bad odors.
Below, we reviewed a few of some of the best flushing toilets on the market. Keep reading to find a quality model to buy for your toilet.
In this post:
- 10 Best Flushing Toilets – Review
- 1. Toto Drake II – Best Overall Flushing Toilet
- 2. American Standard Champion – Heavy-duty and Comfortable
- 3. Toto UltraMax II – Universal Height for Anyone
- 4. Kohler Santa Rosa 3810-0 – Big and Spacious
- 5. Toto Drake – Easy to Flush
- 6. Saniflo 023 – Most Compact Flushing Toilet
- 7. Niagara Stealth – Most Efficient Flushing Toilet
- 8. American Standard H2Option – Extremely Easy to Install
- 9. Kohler Memoirs K-3817-47 – Aesthetically Pleasing
- 10. American Standard Cadet-3 FloWise – Simple and Compact
- How to Buy the Best Flushing Toilet
- Conclusion
10 Best Flushing Toilets – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Toto Drake II (Best Overall) |
| |
 | 2. American Standard Champion (Heavy-duty & Comfortable) |
| |
 | 3. Toto UltraMax II (Universal Height for Anyone) |
| |
 | 4. Kohler Santa Rosa 3810-0 (Big & Spacious) |
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 | 5. Toto Drake (Easy to Flush) |
| |
 | 6. Saniflo 023 (Most Compact) |
| |
 | 7. Niagara Stealth (Most Efficient) |
| |
 | 8. American Standard H2Option (Extremely Easy to Install) |
| |
 | 9. Kohler Memoirs K-3817-47 (Aesthetically Pleasing) |
| |
 | 10. American Standard Cadet-3 FloWise (Simple & Compact) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Toto Drake II (Best Overall)
|
2. American Standard Champion (Heavy-duty & Comfortable)
|
3. Toto UltraMax II (Universal Height for Anyone)
|
4. Kohler Santa Rosa 3810-0 (Big & Spacious)
|
5. Toto Drake (Easy to Flush)
|
6. Saniflo 023 (Most Compact)
|
7. Niagara Stealth (Most Efficient)
|
8. American Standard H2Option (Extremely Easy to Install)
|
9. Kohler Memoirs K-3817-47 (Aesthetically Pleasing)
|
10. American Standard Cadet-3 FloWise (Simple & Compact)
|
1. Toto Drake II – Best Overall Flushing Toilet
Photo: Toto
- Water Consumption: 1.28 gallons per flush
- Dimensions: 28.8 inches x 16.5 inches x 29.4 inches
- Material: Vitreous China
The Toto Drake II is a popular elongated flushing toilet that has been designed in such a way to save water usage. Indeed, it only has a water consumption of 1.28 gallons per flush which makes it very water efficient.
For heavy-duty use, 1.28 gallons per flush is not a lot but still powerful enough especially if you will be using this toilet for a small family of less than 5 members. This model is quite compact measuring 29.4 inches in length which makes it ideally suited for a small family of no more than 3 members.
The height of 16.5 inches is also not very high. If you have an elderly person in the home then it is extremely easy to get on and off, no problem. We also like its price which is very competitively priced.
When it comes to the build construction, it is quite durable as it is made from Vitreous China. One good thing we note about this flushing toilet is that it does not produce a lot of noise and if you have people using the toilet frequently at night, this model will not disturb.
The only caveats here is the lack of flushing performance. This toilet is not for a large family. It clogs more easily than other models as well due to its smaller flush hole.
Despite all this, we have no problem nominating this model as the best overall flushing toilet because of its competitive price, high water efficiency, and ease of use for anyone of any age.
Pros:
- Uses a dual flush technology for better flush efficiency
- Very cost-effectively priced
- Compact. Does not need a lot of installation space
- Standard height of 16.5 inches making it ideal for both children and the elderly
Cons:
- Not as powerful when compared to other models
- Easy to clog
2. American Standard Champion – Heavy-duty and Comfortable
Photo: American Standard
- Water Consumption: 1.6 gallons per flush
- Dimensions: 29.8 inches x 17.8 inches x 29.5 inches
- Material: Vitreous China
This American Standard flushing toilet is a heavy-duty flushing toilet that has an ergonomic seat. This makes it very comfortable to sit on, especially for those who like to sit on their toilet for an extended period of time.
In terms of power, you have nothing to worry about at this is a very powerful flushing toilet that uses 1.6 gallons water per flush. With so much water, it will be able to quickly and easily flush any waste in a matter of seconds.
One of the best things that we like about this flushing toilet is that it has a special EverClean surface coated on top of the vitreous china. This surface will protect this toilet from the formation of mold, mildew, stains, bacteria, and other bad odors.
Also, since this is a one piece toilet, it is very easy to install by absolute beginners. Of course, it comes with all installation accessories out of the box.
The only issues we have with this model is that it is heavier than others weighing 119 lbs. You do not get a seat with this purchase and you have to buy one separately.
Pros:
- Ergonomic design. Comfortable to sit on
- Heavy-duty with a powerful suction force of 1.6 gallons per flush
- EverClean surface. Will help combat mildew, mold, bacteria, and other bad odors
- One-piece toilet. Easy to install
Cons:
- Heavier when compared to others. Can be difficult to install by one person
- The seat is not included with this purchase
3. Toto UltraMax II – Universal Height for Anyone
Photo: Toto
- Water Consumption: 1.28 gallons per flush
- Dimensions: 28.4 inches x 16.5 inches x 28.75 inches
- Material: Vitreous China
Toto is a reputable brand in the industry and makes some best-rated flushing toilets for the money. What makes the Toto UltraMax II unique is its ease-of-use, especially by children and seniors.
This is mostly explained by the fact that this toilet measures exactly 16.5 inches which is the sweet spot height for a universal toilet that can be used by anyone of any age.
In order to remain a clean flushing toilet, it uses various technologies like CALGreen that prevents the formation of mold and mildew on its surface as well as WaterSense that will automatically help you save water, for up to 20% when compared to a traditional flushing toilet.
Despite having a 1.28 gallons per flush water consumption, it still remains quite powerful as it uses the legendary Toto Tornado Flush system which is known for its high flushing efficiency. The only caveat we have with this unit is that its price could have been a little more cost-effective.
However, a major con of this flushing toilet is that due to its design, you cannot use a plunger if you get a clog. This model is also expensive and could have been better priced.
Pros:
- Standard height of 16.5 inches is excellent children and elderly people
- Easy to install by one person
- Uses various technologies like CALGreen to keep the toilet bowl clean
- WaterSense allows you to save up to 20% on your water consumption
Cons:
- The price. It is an expensive flushing toilet
- A plunger cannot be used
4. Kohler Santa Rosa 3810-0 – Big and Spacious
Photo: Kohler
- Water Consumption: 1.28 gallons per flush
- Dimensions: 31 inches x 20.8 inches x 29 inches
- Material: Vitreous China
In terms of size, the Kohler Santa Rosa is one of the biggest models you will find here and in other flushing toilet reviews online. This model measures an impressive 31 inches in length and is quite tall as well with a towering height of 20.8 inches making it ideal for a large size person.
But despite being so big, the form factor is still that it will not occupy a large space in your toilet and the manufacturer even claims that it takes the same space as a round-front toilet. Which is usually intended for small-sized toilets.
For a person of average height, whether it is man or woman, this is a good model as it is quite comfortable and it is quite spacious.
Since this is a one-piece toilet, it means that you will not have to perform any complex installation, which is good news if you plan to personally install it. Simply connect the main fitting to your water system and the waste connector and you are good to go.
For safety, it has to heavy-duty holes at the bottom where you can bolt it firmly to the floor.
The only issues with this toilet is that it has a height of 20.8 inches which is quite high. So, this model is not recommended for old people and children. Additionally, the flushing capacity of 1.28 gallons per flush is a bit underwhelming for such a big toilet.
Pros:
- Large toilet. Excellent for a big person
- One-piece flushing toilet. Easy to install
- Easy to use and clean
- Flexible Comes in different colors to suit your preference
Cons:
- With its height of 20.8 inches, it is not ideally suited for children or elderly people
- Consumes only 1.28 gallons per flush. Suction force could have been more powerful
5. Toto Drake – Easy to Flush
Photo: Toto
- Water Consumption: 1.6 gallons per flush
- Dimensions: 28 inches x 19.5 inches x 28.5 inches
- Material: Ceramic
The Drake by Toto is the elder brother of the Drake II we have reviewed above. But what makes it different from the rest is its efficient and easy to use flushing mechanism.
Indeed, it requires very little force to flush this toilet. This unit uses a special technology called G-Max which maximizes the flushing capacity.
Additionally, this model is quite popular and comes as a 2 piece. So, you will have no problem installing this toilet by yourself.
Another distinctive feature of this Toto flushing toilet is its high-water consumption of 1.6 gallons per flush. With such a big water consumption, this unit can flush a lot of waste really fast.
It does so while not being too noisy, which is quite impressive since this model is one of the most powerful flushing toilets that you can currently buy.
Moreover, the ceramic surface of this flushing toilet has a special coating that prevents the formation of mold and mildew. It does a good job preventing any substances from sticking on it, thus preventing bad odors from occurring in the toilet.
But, this toilet is not perfect. For one, the holes for the seat are a little misaligned so lifting the seat is not the smoothest. You will also need frequent cleaning of the lower bowl because of the design where waste will constantly fall over it.
Pros:
- Powerful G-Max flushing system with 1 push-button
- 2-piece design. Easy to install by beginners
- Prevent the formation of mold, mildew, and bad odors on the unit
Cons:
- Holes for the seat are misaligned. Lifting the seat is sometimes not smooth
- The lower bowl requires frequent cleaning
6. Saniflo 023 – Most Compact Flushing Toilet
Photo: Saniflo
- Water Consumption: 1.6 gallons per flush
- Dimensions: 18.2 inches x 14.5 inches x 15.8 inches
- Material: Porcelain
The Saniflo 023 is most certainly a winner when it comes to size. Indeed, this unit has a length of 18.2 inches and a height of 14.5 inches only which makes it the smallest flushing toilet in this review. This model is particularly suited for those who do not have a lot of space in their toilet.
But small is not equal to low performance, as the water consumption of this Saniflo model is 1.6 gallon per flush, which makes it very powerful and able to flush a lot of waste really quickly. This flushing toilet is also no-clog even when used as a heavy-duty toilet, so you have peace of mind there.
Best of all, it has been designed in such a way that you can easily use a plunger in the rare event that you get a clog. Pretty neat!
Since this flushing toilet is made from porcelain, it is extremely durable and will last for decades in near new condition if maintained properly. It uses an elongated design which makes it aesthetically pleasing and will make a nice fit for a modern looking toilet.
The only problem here is that the seat hinges can rust easily, so they much to be kept dry at all times.
Pros:
- Very compact. Able to fit in a small space
- Extremely powerful considering its small size
- One-piece design. Very easy to install
- Made from a high-grade porcelain. Extremely durable and long-lasting
Cons:
- The seat hinges are not corrosion resistant
7. Niagara Stealth – Most Efficient Flushing Toilet
Photo: Niagara
- Water Consumption: 0.8 gallon per flush
- Dimensions: 28.9 inches x 18.8 inches x 31 inches
- Material: Vitreous China
- Shape: Elongated
The Niagara has been built with one thing and one thing only in mind. That is low water consumption. In fact, this flushing toilet uses only 0.8 gallon per flush which makes it the lowest water consuming and most efficient flushing toilet in this review.
With such a low water consumption, it is ideal for those who need to save water, as in an RV or in places where water is rare and expensive. However, despite having only a 0.8 gallon per flush capacity, it is still powerful enough as it is a pressure-assisted model, especially when used by one single person or even a couple.
Another area where this model shines is noise. If you don’t like your toilet making a lot of noise when flushed, then this is a good flushing toilet to consider as it is extremely silent and the water tank also replenishes more rapidly when compared to other models since it is smaller.
The clear issue here is that since it has as flushing capacity of 0.8 gallons per flush, this model lack flushing performance.
Pros:
- Extremely efficient. Consumes only 0.8 gallons per flush
- Uses a pressure assist system to maximize flushing effectiveness
- Very silent flushing toilet
- Easy to install by even beginners
Cons:
- Lacks power. Not recommended as a heavy-duty flushing toilet for a big family
8. American Standard H2Option – Extremely Easy to Install
Photo: American Standard
- Water Consumption: 1.0 gallon per flush
- Dimensions: 15 inches x 27.8 inches x 30 inches
- Material: Vitreous China
The American Standard H2Optionis one of the best models for those who have never installed a toilet before. This unit is equipped with Speed Connect which is a special innovation by American Standard that cuts installation time by 30%. All important components have been pre-built making installation easier!
Further, this is a small flushing toilet intended to be used in a small toilet. This toilet does not take a lot of space, and since it is a 2 piece, it is extremely easy to install by one person. It is not intended to be used by a big family as this is not a heavy-duty flushing toilet. However, for one person or even a couple, it will work wonderfully well.
What makes this flush toilet different from others is its highly affordable price. If you have found that the price of other flushing toilets to be prohibitive, and they can be, then the American Standard H2Option is perhaps one of the best flushing toilets based on budget.
Despite its small price, this flush toilet is also quite unique as it uses an efficient waterjet technology inside the bowl that will quickly and easily flush any waste. If water is scarce at your place, then this model does not consume a lot of water as this is a 1.0 gallon per flush toilet.
The caveats here is that this model has difficulty flushing a lot of waste. This is mostly due to its lower flushing capacity. Also, the float mechanism could have been better designed as it may easily get stuck.
Pros:
- Easy to install by 1 person in 30% less time
- Efficient on water. Uses only 1.0 gallon per flush
- Affordable. Good value
- Effective jet stream water technology easily flushes the bowl
Cons:
- Water inside the bowl could have been higher. Cannot flush a lot of waste
- Float mechanism can sometimes get stuck
9. Kohler Memoirs K-3817-47 – Aesthetically Pleasing
Photo: Kohler
- Water Consumption: 1.28 gallons per flush
- Dimensions: 30.4 inches x 18.9 inches x 31.1 inches
- Material: Vitreous China
The Kohler Memoirs is a modern looking and aesthetically pleasing flush toilet. This 2-piece model will uplift the look of any toilet with its sleek design.
According to the manufacturer, this model is able to save you up to 20% on your water usage for the same performance when compared to a regular 1.6 gallons per flush toilet. Ironically, even due to the big size of this toilet, it has a smaller water consumption of 1.28 gallons per flush.
But what makes this model unique is its AquaPiston technology that makes the bowl effective for flushing waste really quickly despite its smaller water consumption.
If you will be using this flush toilet in a home with many family members, then the Kohler Memoirs is one of the strongest flushing toilets based on durability and performance.
Also, for flexibility and aesthetics, you will have no problem there as this flush toilet comes in different colors to match the color scheme of your toilet.
The only issues here is that at a height of 18.9 inches, this toilet is high and not suitable for seniors and children. It is also available as a left flush design only.
Pros:
- Can be used as a heavy-duty flush toilet due to AquaPiston technology
- Aesthetically pleasing. This is an elegantly elongated flush toilet
- Available in different colors to suit your toilet color scheme
Cons:
- At 18.9 inches, this toilet is high. Not suitable for children or elderly people
- Only available as a left flush
10. American Standard Cadet-3 FloWise – Simple and Compact
Photo: American Standard
- Water Consumption: 1.28 gallons per flush
- Dimensions: 28.5 inches x 15.5 inches x 28.5 inches
- Material: Porcelain
In terms of looks, this American Standard toilet is one of the simplest you will find. It is also quite compact as it measures only 28.5 inches in length which makes it ideally suited for those having a small toilet space.
The porcelain build construction of this flush toilet is simply superb and it is coated by an EverClean surface that is not only easy to clean but will also protect the toilet against mold, mildew, and bacteria.
When it comes to performance, this flush toilet is equipped with WaterSense technology that provides it with a high efficiency despite using only 1.28 gallons per flush.
Even if this flush toilet is a one-piece, it can be installed fairly easily by one person since it is so compact.
All in all, this American Standard model is one of the best-rated flushing toilets out there because it is compactness, ease of use, and high efficiency.
However, this model is not very performing as it has a flushing capacity of only 1.28 gallons per flush with its does not make it very heavy-duty. In addition, the price is a little high considering the basic look and design of this toilet.
Pros:
- Small and compact. Does not take a lot of space
- Durable and long-lasting. Made from a tough porcelain
- The EverClean surface is easy to clean and will prevent mold, mildew bacteria from growing
- Standard height of 15.5 inches. Suitable for children and elderly people
Cons:
- Not very powerful when compared to a 1.6 gallons per flush model
- The price could have been better
How to Buy the Best Flushing Toilet
Photo: Toto
1. One piece or 2-piece
The one-piece toilet is ironically heavier and bigger than the 2-piece. On the other hand, the 2-piece toilet is easier to assemble and slightly lighter despite being a 2 piece.
If you will be installing the toilet yourself as a DIY project, then you will need to factor this into account as the one-piece has greater mounting requirements than the 2-piece flush toilet.
Read More: One-piece vs. Two-piece Toilets
2. Gravity Flush or Pressure Assist Toilet
Gravity Flush: The Gravity flush is the oldest option available in a toilet. It basically uses the weight of the water inside the tank to flush the bowl. It uses a stiffening action that then cleans the bow.
The Gravity flush toilet is not only the cheapest type of toilet but also the quietest. However, the main disadvantage of the Gravity flush toilet is that it is not as powerful as the pressure assist toilet.
For a small family of 3 members or fewer, the gravity flush toilet is an excellent model to consider. On the other hand, if you have a larger family, then you will need a more heavy-duty toilet like the one described below.
Pressure Assist Toilet: The pressure assist toilet is a more powerful type of toilet that uses a mixture of pressurized air and water for flushing.
It has a separate water tank and a separate air tank from which it gets the water and air, unlike the gravity flush toilet that uses a single water tank and is simpler in terms of design.
One big advantage of the pressure assist toilet is that it is very powerful and can flush more waste. So, it is ideal for a big family. The disadvantage is that it is quite noisy and more expensive than the gravity flush toilet.
3. Round or Elongated Shape
Basically, there are no clear advantages or disadvantages in between choosing a round or an elongated shape. After all, those are 2 of the most common types of toilet shapes that you will encounter.
However, you will still have to make a choice depending on the design of your toilet as well as the space that you will be installing it in. In short, it is simply a question of preference as well as aesthetics on which shape of toilet you choose to go with.
4. Water Consumption
If water is a rare resource where you live, then you need to consider the amount of water that your toilet consumes.
In general, an average toilet will consume around 1.28 gallons of water per flush. The more water the toilet uses, the more powerful it can also be assumed to be because it has more water to flush waste inside the bowl.
5. Comfort Height
The comfort height is perhaps one of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing a toilet. Specifically, consider the height of the person. A common height used by manufacturers to make toilets is 16.5 inches.
This height is said to be the sweet spot comfort height when it comes to the toilet. Models like the Toto UltraMax II measures 16.5 inches in height and is ideally suited for both adult and child.
However, there are good flushing toilets that are shorter or taller than 16.5 inches. Again, the comfort height will directly depend on the height of the user. In addition, if you are purchasing a toilet for an elderly person, then it needs to be fairly easy to get on and get off.
If you’re not sure about the height of toilet to purchase, you can always measure a toilet you feel comfortable on and start from there.
6. Easy to Clean
To prevent bad odors and hygienic reasons, it is important to have a clean toilet. For this reason, the flushing toilet you choose to buy should be easy to clean with a toilet brush and toilet cleaner.
Keep an eye out for mentions by the manufacturer as well as comments from its buyers on how easy it is to clean.
Conclusion
Eventually, we all need to have at least one flush toilet in our home. Even if this is not the cheapest home accessory there is, you will not have to buy the flush toilet often, as a quality model can last for decades before it needs replacement.
Models like the Toto Drake II are excellent flushing toilets for those with a small family. It is not very heavy-duty but it is highly efficient and can easily be installed.
But if you need a model with a bit more flushing capacity and comfort, then you cannot go wrong with the American Standard Champion.