When you purchase a home, you’re all over the place, trying to make decisions here and there for every little thing. The bathroom is an important room in the house, and the toilet can make or break the look of the whole thing.
It may seem like a simple choice until you see the vast selection available on the market. Your commode is essential to your home’s comfort, so you want it to be perfect. We’ve taken the time to put together the top options out there, with the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision. Let’s get into it!
1. The Traditional Two-Piece Toilet
The two-piece toilet is the most recognizable and widely used type. It’s characterized by its distinct two-part design, with the tank and bowl manufactured separately and then bolted together when it’s time for the installation. This straightforward design has been a staple in bathrooms for decades, and for good reason.
Advantages
- Comes with a Lower Price Tag: One of the biggest reasons people go for this style is their budget-friendly price tag. They’re a very affordable choice compared to other types of toilets, so homeowners on a budget enjoy being able to save on costs.
- Very Accessible to Consumers: You won’t have to search very far to find a two-piece. They’re readily available in most home improvement stores and even plumbing supply shops. There’s a vast selection of styles, colors, and brands to suit your taste and budget.
- A Lot of Styles To Choose From: Thanks to their popularity and longstanding presence in the market, two-pieces come in many styles. If you prefer a classic look or a more contemporary design, you’re sure to find one that complements your bathroom’s aesthetic.
Drawbacks
- Hard To Clean: The seam where the tank and bowl connect can be a magnet for grime and bacteria, so cleaning it is a bit more difficult than cleaning a one-piece tank. However, with regular maintenance and the right tools, this shouldn’t be a major issue.
Do I Keep it Simple?
This versatile option covers the span of intricate styles or you can opt for a more simple and traditional design as well. It might require more elbow grease but the low cost and flexibility appeal to many homeowners.
2. The Basic One-Piece Toilet
This simplified design boasts a more modern look than its counterpart. As the name suggests, these toilets are made as a single, unified piece. The bowl and tank are melded together.
This is viewed as the more elegant model thanks to its streamlined design. But hold up! It also offers several practical advantages that have contributed to their growing popularity.
Advantages
- Modern Appeal: One of the standout features of the one-piece is that it looks good, too. The absence of a visible seam between the tank and bowl creates a nice, minimalist look that sets off the entire bathroom design.
- Minimal Effort To Clean: The smooth, continuous surface makes washing fast and easy. There are no hidden nooks or crannies where dirt and bacteria can gather, allowing you to have a hygienic and easy-to-maintain fixture.
- Doesn’t Take Up Much Space: While not always the case, many one-pieces are designed to be more compact than their two-piece versions. It’s a major advantage in smaller bathrooms or powder rooms where space is at a premium.
Drawbacks
- Won’t Break the Bank: This version typically comes with a higher price tag than the two-piece models. Their integrated design and modern aesthetic often command a premium, so it’s important to factor this into your budget.
Is the One-Piece a Good Fit?
If you want a break from the norm and are looking for something more updated and easy to wipe, this might be the perfect addition to your bathroom. The initial investment is higher, but the long-term benefits could make it a worthwhile choice for you and your family.
3. The Unique Wall-Hung Toilet
This chic fixture is the epitome of contemporary bathroom design. It seemingly defies gravity as it gracefully hovers above the floor. But its appeal goes beyond that! It also offers a unique blend of style and functionality that makes it one of the hottest things on the market.
Advantages
- Perfect for Small Spaces: The greatest advantage is their ability to free up valuable floor space. The tank is cleverly concealed within the wall, these toilets create a sense of openness and airiness—even the smallest bathrooms feel more spacious.
- Contemporary Chic: This model embodies a basic, lovely aesthetic that accentuates a litany of design styles. Their clean lines and uncluttered appearance add sophistication and elegance to your powder room.
- Easy Upkeep: Cleaning the bathroom is simple and easy. There’s no need to navigate around a bulky or awkward base, giving you easy access to thoroughly clean underneath it.
Drawbacks
- Tricky Installation: Installing is more difficult than a standard floor-mounted model. It requires opening up the wall to accommodate the concealed tank and ensuring proper support for the bowl, meaning you almost always need a professional to install it.
- Costly: Wall-hung toilets are generally more expensive because of their specialized design and installation requirements. However, many homeowners find the investment worthwhile for the look and functional benefits they offer.
Should You Buy It?
Is there a shortage of space in your home? These toilets maximize space while giving your bathroom a much needed element of sophistication. Moreover, it simplifies the cleaning process by eliminating the need to work around an inconvenient tank. Although the initial cost can seem exorbitant, the long-term rewards are undeniable.
4. Smart Toilets for the Tech-Inclined Consumer
Here’s where if you are a fan of technology then you’ll love how smart toilets are taking full advantage of what we have at our disposal. These marvels are transcending the way we think about going to the bathroom. There’s a whole new level of comfort, hygiene, and convenience.
They do more than just flush – they clean themselves, warms your seat, and even offers personalized options.
Advantages
- A Bunch of Features: These babies are packed with innovative features that redefine the bathroom experience. Heated seats, automatic lids, bidet functions with adjustable water temperature and pressure, air dryers, deodorizers, and even self-cleaning mechanisms are just a few of the possibilities.
- Hygienic: The features promote superior hygiene and they’re comfort. Bidet functions, for instance, offer a more thorough and refreshing experience compared to regular toilet paper, while self-cleaning mechanisms ensure a consistently pristine bowl.
- Personalized Experience: This design allows users to customize settings to their preferences.
Drawbacks
- Costs Too Much for Some People: The cutting-edge technology comes at a price. They are significantly more expensive than regular toilets, making them an investment for those who value luxury and advanced features.
- Electrical Requirements: They often require electrical outlets for operation, which might necessitate additional wiring or outlet installation in your bathroom.
Is This the Right Choice for You?
If you’re a tech enthusiast who wants a hygienic option that’s also comfortable, or you just crave a touch of luxury in your bathroom, snag a smart toilet. They’re pricier and require some extra planning for installation, but it’s worth it because of the convenience alone.
5. The Eco-Friendly Dual-Flush Toilet
This fixture is unique because it’s not just about style or technology but also about doing our part for the planet. These toilets are designed with a dual purpose: to effectively clear waste while significantly reducing water consumption. Their innovative design offers two distinct flushing options, allowing you to tailor your water usage to the task at hand.
Advantages
- Water Conservation: The dual-flush is known to save water. They typically offer two buttons or a lever with two settings: a “half-flush” for liquid waste and a “full-flush” for solid waste. By using the appropriate flush for the job, you can dramatically reduce the amount of water used per flush.
- Lower Water Bill: With water conservation comes the added benefit of potentially lowering your water bill. Over time, the savings from reduced water usage can add up, making a dual-flush financially savvy choice as well.
Drawbacks
- Doesn’t Flush Efficiently: While the half-flush option is usually sufficient for liquid waste, some users find that it might not always completely clear solid waste, especially if it doesn’t have an optimal design. It’s worth researching different models and reading reviews to ensure you choose a dual-flush with reliable flushing power.
Is a Dual-Flush Toilet the Right Move for You?
If you’re passionate about sustainability, eager to conserve water, and potentially save on your water bill, a dual-flush toilet could be an excellent choice. By making a small change in your bathroom routine, you can make a big impact on the environment and your wallet. It’s a simple yet effective way to contribute to a better future.
Navigating the Aisle
Now that you’ve explored your choices, let’s dive into the practicalities of making your selection. With so many factors to consider, it’s important to have a clear roadmap to guide you towards the perfect throne for your bathroom. Here are the key elements to keep in mind:
Measure Your Space
Before you fall in love with a particular model, it’s crucial to know how much space you have to work with. Measure the distance from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the drain pipe (this is called the “rough-in” measurement).
The standard rough-in is 12 inches, but some older homes or smaller bathrooms might have different dimensions. Additionally, consider the overall size of your bathroom and how much space you want to allocate to the loo.
Stick to a Budget
Toilets come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options to high-end luxury models. Determine your budget beforehand to narrow down your choices and avoid overspending. Don’t forget about the installation costs, especially for wall-hung or smart toilets.
Pick Your Style
Your toilet should complement your bathroom’s overall aesthetic. Whether you prefer a classic, traditional look or a sleek, modern design, there are models to suit every taste. Consider the colors, materials, and shapes that best align with your vision for your bathroom.
Save Water!
Water conservation is more important than ever. Dual-flush toilets are an excellent option for reducing water consumption and lowering your water bills.
Choosing the Right Commode
A toilet is a big deal, and no one should make you feel bad about taking the proper time to truly evaluate your choices. All five types offer their own unique advantages, the ideal choice depends on your individual priorities, preferences, and budget.
The best way to make an informed decision is to carefully consider your needs and preferences, weigh the pros and cons of each type, and explore the various options available on the market. By doing so, you can confidently select the perfect piece that will enhance your bathroom experience for years to come.
