We Tested Toilets in Our Own Homes, and These 4 Took the Throne

Final Verdict

The Toto Drake Cotton Elongated Standard Height 2-piece Toilet 12-in Rough-In 1.6-GPF CST776CSFG-01 is our top pick for the best toilet, thanks to its efficient tornado flush, a strong, single flush capability that doesn’t clog or require the need for a second flush. Its cyclonic flush also makes for easy maintenance and less frequent cleaning of the bowl. For an easy-to-clean, one-piece design, we thought the Swiss Madison Well Made Forever SM-1T254 St. Tropez One Piece Toilet was well built and comfortable.

Our Testing Process

To come up with our list of the best toilets, we tested five of the most popular options on the market over a testing period of a few months using a set methodology to determine each unit’s efficiency, ease of installation, ease of use, convenience, and overall value for money. Initially, we uninstalled and removed the previous toilets to install the new ones (and timed the whole process), keeping track of how easy or difficult it was to do so and how helpful the provided instructions were. 

Once installed, we tested the toilets using all the various functions (if any, including dual flush, bidets, etc.) and assessed various factors, such as the ease of flushing, efficacy of waste removal in a single flush, noise level during flushing, occurrences of clogging or overflowing, and intensity of water pressure. For toilets with dual flush options, we experimented with both settings to gauge their water-saving capabilities. We also took note of other factors such as comfort of the seat and bowl shape and height, and how easy they were to keep clean, both inside and out. We have been testing these toilets for six months.

How to Shop for Toilets Like a Pro

Type

When shopping for the best toilet, consider the type of toilet that will best suit your needs, Danielson says. “Some popular options include one-piece toilets, two-piece toilets, wall-mounted toilets, corner toilets, and toilet-bidet combos,” she says. While two-piece toilets come with separate tanks and bowls that are connected during installation, one-piece toilets have it all incorporated in one unit, making installation easier, too. 

With a wall mounted, or wall-hung toilet, only the toilet bowl is exposed and hung directly on the wall. The tank and working parts are all hidden inside the wall, providing a neat and streamlined look and taking up less space. In addition to offering a high-end and modern aesthetic, sweeping and mopping the floor under wall-mounted toilets is also a breeze since they don’t rest on the floor.

Flush Mechanism

A toilet’s flush mechanism is a critical factor to consider when choosing a toilet. There are two flush options: single flush and dual flush. “Dual-flush toilets have two flush options; one for liquids and one for solids,” James says. “Each type of flush uses the appropriate amount of water needed for each job.” Danielson adds that toilets with dual-flush systems are preferable as they allow you to conserve water whenever possible. 

Flush type is another key factor to look for when shopping for a toilet based on your preferences and needs. There are two primary types of flushing systems: gravity-fed and pressure-assisted.

“Gravity-fed toilets use the force of gravity to move waste through the drain line while pressure-assisted toilets use compressed air to push water into the bowl with more force, resulting in more powerful flushes that can clear waste quickly and efficiently,” Danielson says. “Dual-flush toilets allow homeowners to choose between two different levels of water usage depending on whether they need a full or partial flush.”

Efficiency

A toilet’s efficiency is measured in gallons per flush (GPF) which is the amount of water used by the toilet with each flush. Generally speaking, toilets with higher GPF ratings tend to be less efficient and more expensive than those with lower GPF ratings. “Homeowners should aim for a toilet with a low GPF rating to save money on their water bills in the long run,” Danielson says.

GPF can vary between toilet types and brands. “Many toilets today are manufactured to have water-saving options at 1.28 gallons per flush,” James says. “They consume less water, helping to save on utility bills. The current federal standard for toilets is 1.6 gallons per flush, found in traditional non-low-flow toilets.”

Bowl Shape

Considering a toilet’s bowl shape is vital in order to get the right fit for your needs. There are two main types of bowl shapes: round and elongated. Round bowls are typically smaller and take up less space, making them a good choice for smaller bathrooms or powder rooms. However, elongated bowls offer more comfort as they provide more seating surface area.

“Round bowls have been around for decades,” James says. “They are a good choice for smaller bathrooms because they occupy less space. Elongated bowls tend to be more comfortable because of the extra length on the front of the bowl. They take up more space and would suit a larger bathroom.”

Material

Danielson says that a toilet’s material is also worthy of consideration, as this can impact its durability, cleanliness, and overall appearance. “Popular materials include porcelain, ceramic, and vitreous china,” she says. “Porcelain is a popular material for toilets because it is affordable and durable. It has been used for many years in the production of bathroom fixtures and is known for its smooth surface that resists stains and scratches.”

Ceramic and china toilets are also common options because they have similar properties to porcelain but can come at a slightly lower price point. “These materials provide a classic look that fits well with traditional bathroom designs,” Danielson says. “For those who want something unique, some toilets are made of glazed cast iron, steel, or stainless steel.”

Price

Toilet prices vary greatly depending on the type of toilet and any features and extras you want. They will also differ from brand to brand. In general, a basic toilet with standard features can cost anywhere from $100 to $200, while a mid-range model, like the Swiss Madison St. Tropez Elongated Vortex Toilet, can be priced up to $500. 

For a high-end toilet with advanced features such as heated seats, smart capabilities, bidet functions, lights, and self-cleaning options, you could expect to pay anything from $500 to over $1,000. Toilets with customizable settings, ergonomic designs, modern and stylish aesthetics, and quiet operation will also typically cost more.

Questions You Might Ask

Is a one-piece or two-piece toilet better?

While both one-piece and two-piece toilet options have their pros and cons, ultimately, the best choice depends on a homeowner's personal preferences and needs. While one-piece toilets have a sleek look and are easier to clean, they can be more expensive than their two-piece counterparts. 

“One-piece toilets are made from a single piece of porcelain or ceramic, which gives them a sleek and modern look,” Danielson says. “They're also easier to clean compared to two-piece toilets since there aren't any crevices where dirt and grime can accumulate. However, one-piece models can be more expensive than their two-piece counterparts, which may not be ideal if you're on a tight budget.”

On the other hand, two-piece toilets consist of two separate parts, and, while they may not look as streamlined as one-piece models, they do offer some advantages. “They tend to be less expensive and offer more flexibility when a repair or replacement is required,” Danielson says.

According to James, a one-piece toilet is by far the best option, as they are sleek, stylish, and easier to clean. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that if any part of the toilet breaks, the whole toilet will need replacing.

Are all toilets the same size?

Nope! “Toilets come in one- or two-piece variations and also vary in height,” James says. “Most toilets will fit the space you are looking to put it in, especially if you are replacing an older one, but it never hurts to measure the new toilet to ensure it is manageable. You don't want the toilet to block access to cabinets located near or above the toilet.”

What is the comfort height vs. standard height of a toilet?

Toilets come in different heights, but two of the most common are comfort height and standard height. James says that “comfort height” is a term only used by Kohler and refers to toilets that are 17 inches or taller. The standard height toilets measure 15 to 16 inches from the floor to the seat. 

“The difference between them may seem negligible, but it can make a big impact on the overall bathroom experience,” Danielson says. “Comfort-height toilets are typically 2 to 3 inches higher than standard-height ones, making them easier to use for people with mobility issues or disabilities.”

Aside from being more accessible for those who need assistance, comfort-height toilets also provide a more comfortable seating position for many people. They require less bending and straining to sit or stand up from, which can be especially beneficial for older individuals or those with knee or back problems. On the other hand, standard-height toilets might be a better fit if you have young children in the house as they'll find it easier to reach the seat and maintain balance while using it.

“Toilets measuring 17 to 19 inches from the floor to the toilet bowl seat are called chair-height toilets and are ideal for taller people,” James says. “You also have the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant toilet heights that are popular and sometimes required depending on where they are installed.”

What is the lifespan of a toilet?

While there is no one single answer to this question, Danielson explains that it's important to understand that a toilet's lifespan can vary depending on several factors including usage patterns and proper maintenance. “Some of these factors include the quality of the materials used in its construction, how well it has been maintained over time, and even the location of use,” she says.

James adds that the lifespan of a toilet can be up to 20 years with proper maintenance, explaining that homeowners are more likely to replace toilets due to home upgrades rather than the toilet not functioning properly.

When purchasing a new toilet, it's important to pay attention to the manufacturer's warranty. “Most manufacturers offer warranties ranging from five years up to lifetime warranties,” Danielson says. “These warranties can be an indication of how long a manufacturer expects their product to last under normal use conditions. However, it's important to note that many warranties are only effective when valid by a licensed plumber.”

How do you know when it’s time to replace your toilet?

While a toilet can last up to 20 years, there are some clear signs that will let you know when it’s time to get it replaced. If the toilet is frequently getting clogged up, leaking, or overflowing, a new toilet will likely have to be added to the shopping list. Also, if you’re finding that it’s getting increasingly harder to keep the toilet clean, such as if there’s a lot of mineral buildup that doesn’t seem to go away no matter how much you scrub, a new toilet is likely in order.

More obvious reasons for replacing a toilet include cracks in the porcelain or other cosmetic damage, wobbling or instability, or insufficient flushing. But, as James mentioned, proper maintenance and cleaning of the toilet should substantially increase its lifespan.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 10 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, we tested multiple toilets and considered factors such as each toilet’s height, material, bowl shape, flush mechanism, efficiency, and overall value for money. Kat also spoke to Caroline Danielson, director of showrooms at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, and Doyle James, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly Company.