Top Toilets for Every Bathroom and Budget

The TOTO Drake is widely regarded as the best overall toilet due to its powerful Tornado Flush, comfort height, and reliable construction. It offers excellent flushing performance and is a top choice for many households.

A one-piece toilet has a seamless design where the tank and bowl are fused together, making it easier to clean and more aesthetically pleasing, but it is typically heavier and more expensive. A two-piece toilet has a separate tank and bowl, which is lighter and easier to install, but it has more crevices where dirt can accumulate.

GPF stands for gallons per flush, which indicates how much water is used per flush. Standard toilets use 1.6 GPF, while high-efficiency models use 1.28 GPF or less. Lower GPF saves water and reduces utility bills, but older toilets with lower water usage may have weaker flushing power unless they are designed with advanced flush systems.

Rough-in distance is the measurement from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the floor bolts. To measure, place a tape measure at the baseboard and extend to the middle of the bolts. Standard rough-in is 12 inches, but some homes have 10 or 14 inches. It is crucial to measure before buying a new toilet to ensure it fits.

Dual flush toilets offer two flush options, typically 1.0 GPF for liquid waste and 1.6 GPF for solid waste. They can save a significant amount of water compared to single flush toilets, making them a good choice for environmentally conscious households. However, some users find the buttons or levers less intuitive, and they may cost more initially.

For a small bathroom, a round bowl toilet is ideal because it takes up less space from front to back. Some elongated models, like the TOTO Ultramax II, have a compact elongated design that saves space while providing more comfort. Measure your bathroom floor space to ensure the toilet you choose fits comfortably.

To unclog a toilet, use a plunger with a flange. Place the plunger over the drain hole and push down gently to create a seal, then pull up and down vigorously. If that doesn’t work, try a toilet auger, which is a flexible cable that can reach deeper clogs. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners as they can damage pipes.

The best way to clean a toilet is to use a toilet brush and a quality cleaner that disinfects and removes stains. For automatic cleaning, consider a toilet bowl tablet or a cleaning system that releases cleaner with each flush. For tough stains, use a pumice stone or a cleaner containing hydrochloric acid. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Professional installation typically costs between current price and current price depending on your location and the complexity of the job. If you are handy, you can install it yourself, but you’ll need basic tools and plumbing knowledge. The cost of the toilet itself varies widely, from under current price for budget models to over current price for premium one-piece or smart toilets.

Most major toilet manufacturers offer a limited warranty of one year on parts and a five-year warranty on the china. Some premium brands may offer longer warranties, such as a lifetime warranty on the tank or bowl. Always check the warranty details before purchasing to understand what is covered.