Best Toilets to Buy: Find the Best Commode for Your Abode

You may be remodeling the bathroom in your home. You might be constructing a public restroom in your business. Perhaps you are doing all the work yourself, or maybe you have contracted the job out to a professional. Whatever the scenario, each bathroom design project requires that you make an important decision: what type of toilet to install.

If this is the first time you have ventured into the world of porcelain throne options, you could quickly be overwhelmed by the types, features, and brands of hoppers “flooding” the market.

Over the course of your toilet-shopping experience (the “game of thrones,” if you will), what started as a simple plan to swing by the home improvement store to purchase a commode becomes a harrowing trial of pitting different models against each other to compare their numerous features. If you pay attention to advertisements for the many fancy flushers available, you may find yourself asking questions like:

Will I ever need to flush 40 golf balls into my septic system?

If I get a self-cleaning toilet, have I actually found a life hack for household chores?

Should I get an eco-friendly toilet that saves water, or opt for a model with the flushing power of a small tornado?

Is it necessary to conduct in-depth research about the health benefits of certain toilet seat styles – or should I just pick one that seems the most comfortable?

To help you get familiar with the options you may encounter, we’ve composed this basic guide to toilet styles so you can decide what type is best for you.

 

 

Tank or Tankless

One of the first options to consider is whether you want a toilet with a tank (the most common style in the home) or a tankless model (seen most often in public restrooms). A loo with a tank uses gravity to function; the tank fills up with several gallons of water, which it releases into the bowl when you press the lever. A toilet with a tank is generally more affordable, is quieter on the flush, and uses the same amount of water as a tankless. A tankless john, also called a flushometer, does have one big advantage, though: power. These toilets use pressure from your water supply system to create a much stronger flush, so you may never need to use a plunger again.

 

 One-Piece or Two-Piece Toilet Tanks

If you’ve settled on a toilet with a tank, you now need to decide whether you want a two-piece toilet, which has the tank separate from the bowl, or a one-piece, which is a single sleek unit. Both styles are equally functional, but a one-piece is usually simpler to install and easier to keep clean. Two-piece toilets, however, are generally less expensive.

 

Dual Flushing

Whichever style lavvy you plan to install, a feature you should consider is a dual-flush option. This flushing system is quickly growing in popularity because it can save on water, thus lowering your water bill. The concept is simple – instead of a single lever, you have two buttons. One delivers the usual powerful flush, but the second is for a lower pressure flush that uses less water.

 

Compact vs. Elongated Toilets

The shape of the toilet bowl is an important factor in your bathroom design. Elongated bowls, which are oval, are considered more comfortable by most adults, but a compact bowl with a round shape may be the best option if space is limited in the restroom. In addition, small children generally prefer the smaller size of compact bowl toilets.

 

Extra Toilet Accessory Options

Additional features and details may be available from various toilet brands, but most of these are simply a matter of aesthetics and personal preference.

Now that you have a “handle” on the basic toilet style options on the market, your potty-shopping experience should be a breeze!