--- title: "The Best Toilets for Today’s Home, Vetted" description: "Find the best toilet for your bathroom's design scheme and your preferences with this guide's shopping tips and product reviews." date: "2020-12-23" modified: "2024-02-08" authors: - name: "Tony Carrick" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick.md" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-toilet/" categories: - "Bath Fixtures & Fittings" - "Bathroom Remodeling" - "Bathrooms" - "DIY" - "Interior" - "Reviews" - "Toilets" tags: - "bathroom" - "choose" - "Commerce" - "MPR" - "plumbing" - "Product Category Reviews" - "toilets" --- # The Best Toilets for Today’s Home, Vetted ![toilet in bathroom]() *Photo: amazon.com* Modern toilets come in different shapes, sizes, and levels of complexity with various seat shapes and height options to maximize comfort for a range of people. 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 toilets feature 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. In this guide, I used my own experience buying and installing new toilets for several bathroom renovations along with extensive research of more than two dozen models to make my picks for our list of some of the best toilets. 1. **BEST OVERALL:** [Woodbridge T-0019 Dual-Flush Elongated 1-Piece Toilet]() 2. **BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:** [Toto CST244EF Entrada Close Coupled Elongated Toilet]() 3. **BEST CLASSIC:** [Kohler K-78253-0 Highline Arc 2-Piece Round Toilet]() 4. **BEST SMART:** [Anzzi Envo Echo Elongated Bidet Toilet]() 5. **BEST HIGH-EFFICIENCY:** [Glacier Bay 2-Piece 1.28 GPF High-Efficiency Toilet]() 6. **BEST BIDET-TOILET COMBO:** [Woodbridge B0960S Electronic Bidet Smart Toilet]() 7. **BEST EXTRA-TALL:** [Convenient Height Extra-Tall Dual-Flush Toilet]() 8. **BEST BLACK TOILET:** [Woodbridge B0921 Dual-Flush Elongated Square Toilet]() 9. **BEST SMALL COMPOSTING:** [Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC Toilet]() 10. **BEST LARGE COMPOSTING:** [Nature's Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet]() 11. **BEST PORTABLE:** [Camco 41541 5.3-Gallon Portable Travel Toilet]() ![A toilet installed in a modern residential bathroom]() *Photo: amazon.com* ## 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 your particular 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 of top picks 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 bidet 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 needed hardware. However, the bidet-toilet combos may require professional help to install. ## Our Top Picks Below is our list of some of the top toilets available based on important considerations concerning user-friendliness, water efficiency, and design. These toilets are made by some of the best-known manufacturers in the business. 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 simple 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, 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. **Get the Woodbridge T-0019 toilet at** [**Amazon**]() **or** [**The Home Depot**]()**.** This affordable model from Toto features simple lines with an elongated tank and bowl at a price that won’t make you feel like you're flushing money down the toilet. In addition to saving you cash up front, this Toto can also shave dollars off your water bill, thanks to its low 1.28-gallon flush volume. Despite its reduced water use, Toto's Entrada 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. **Get the Toto toilet at [Amazon](),** [**Lowe’s**]()**,** [**The Home Depot**]()**,** [**Wayfair**]()**,** [**Walmart**]()**, or** [**Build With Ferguson**]()**.** The flared design of the bowl on Kohler’s Highline Arc toilet gives it a sophisticated look that makes it a good choice for both modern and vintage bathrooms alike. It’s also one of the more efficient toilets out there. With a flow rate of just 1.28 gallons per flush, the Kohler Highline Arc qualifies as an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified WaterSense toilet. This toilet is also equipped with Kohler’s class 5 flushing technology, which means it can flush solids thanks to a larger flush valve. A compact round bowl that is less than 28 inches long makes this toilet a good choice for a smaller bathroom with less clearance in front of the toilet. The rough-in for this toilet is 12 inches, and it does not come with a wax ring or bolts. **Get the Kohler toilet at** [**The Home Depot**]()**.** For those who don’t mind its steep price tag, this toilet can pamper users while they’re on the throne with smart controls and a long list of extra features. It comes with a remote control for operating its many functions. The lid will open and close automatically via a motion sensor, foot sensor, or the remote. There are also three spray modes for the bidet feature and an adjustable bidet nozzle. The bidet sprays heated water and is equipped with a filter to make sure it’s as clean as possible. There’s also a built-in seat warmer, night-light, and an auto flush. The toilet even comes equipped with a battery backup so it will continue to function even in the event of a power outage. **Get the Anzzi toilet at** [**Lowe’s**]() **or** [**The Home Depot**](). Those looking to cut way back on their water usage may want to consider this model from Glacier Bay. It uses just 1.28 gallons per flush, qualifying it as a WaterSense toilet. It also happens to be one of the most affordable, saving money on the front end as well as the back end. With its clean lines and curved bowl, it’s a good fit for most bathroom designs. The round bowl gives it a shallow depth of less than 28 inches, making it a good fit for bathrooms that may have limited space in front of the toilet. And with its quick-connect system that makes it easy to put together, DIYers willing to take on the install themselves can save on a plumber bill. This toilet comes as a package, complete with toilet seat, wax ring, and mounting bolts. **Get the Glacier Bay toilet at** [**The Home Depot**]()**.** 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 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. **Get the Woodbridge B0960S toilet at** [**Amazon**]()**,** [**The Home Depot**]()**,** [**Wayfair**]()**, or** [**Walmart**]()**.** 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 per flush for solids and just 0.9 gallons per flush 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. **Get the Convenient Height toilet at** [**Amazon**]()**,** [**The Home Depot**]()**, or** [**Convenient Height**]()**.** 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 angular 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. **Get the Woodbridge black toilet at** [**Wayfair**]()**.** 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. **Get the Separett toilet at** [**Amazon**]() **or** [**Separett**]()**.** 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. **Get the Nature's Head toilet at** [**Amazon**]() **or** [**Walmart**]()**.** 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. **Get the Camco toilet at [Amazon]() or** [**Walmart**]()**.** ## [Jump to Our Top Picks](<#recap>) ## What to Consider When Choosing a Toilet When [deciding which new toilet to install]() in the bathroom, there are several factors savvy shoppers take into account, including what size the bathroom can accommodate, what shape will meet comfort demands, and how much water consumption a budget can tolerate. We tapped Mitch Cameron, general manager of Greensboro, North Carolina–based [Go Green Plumbing, Heating, and Air](), for guidance. ### Brand Brand can be an important part of selecting a toilet, as it can affect the ease of maintenance and potential repairs. While there are many budget-priced off-brand toilets you can choose from, Cameron suggests going with a known brand, such as American Standard, Kohler, or Glacier Bay. Doing so can make repairs easier when it’s time to replace parts down the road. “When you go with the Kohlers and American Standards, most of The Home Depots and Lowe’s are going to have parts for it, whereas if you get a deal online on a no-name toilet, you won’t find parts for it when it comes time for repairs,” he says. ### 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 in a [composting toilet](), 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 27 inches and 32 inches high, about 20 inches wide, and between 28 and 30 inches deep. Keep in mind that toilet height options are important to consider for those who are very tall or have mobility issues. “Your standard height is going to be with the seat around 15 to 16 inches,” Cameron says. “Your comfort height is 18 inches, so it gives you a little height that makes it easier to sit down and get back up.” All keep the rough-in distance mind, which is the measurement from the back wall to the center of the toilet drain pipe. Standard rough-in distance for most toilets sold at big box stores is 12 inches. While you can find toilets with smaller 10-inch rough-ins, Cameron says you’ll likely need to special order one. ### 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. While all three options function the same, Cameron says it’s important to consider the available space in the bathroom when choosing one. “If I chose an elongated toilet in my bathroom, I’d probably have to step over it to get into my shower,” he says. - **Elongated toilet 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. ### Efficiency and Flapper Size When shopping for a toilet, consider how much water it uses with each flush. Toilets made prior to 1993 used between 3.5 and 7 gallons per flush depending on when they were made. While the current federal standard for flush rates is just 1.6 gallons per flush, you can find high-efficiency toilets that use just 1.28 gallons per flush, offering even more savings on your water bill. Even though Cameron says these high-efficiency 1.28-gallons-per-flush toilets generally perform well, he suggests purchasing one with a larger 3-inch flapper over a model with a 2-inch flapper to avoid clogs. ### 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 0.8- to 1.1-gallon flushes for liquid waste and 1.28-gallon full flushes for solid waste and toilet paper. While dual-flush toilets offer savings, Cameron says it’s important to be realistic about how much water they’ll really save. “If you're flushing anything solid, including any toilet paper, you're going to have to use the 1.28,” he says. 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. “The main thing here is you want to make sure it matches the other fixtures in your bathroom,” Cameron says. ### 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 EPA 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. Still, 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 in homes with small children. - **Heated toilet seats** eliminate the shock of sitting on a cold seat during chilly 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 to some popular toilet questions. ## Author Tony Carrick is a freelance writer who has contributed to BobVila.com since 2020. He writes how-to articles and product reviews in the areas of lawn and garden, home maintenance, home improvement, auto maintenance, housewares, and technology. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()