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We installed and tested these toilets in our own homes to find the best options to upgrade your bathroom. one piece and two piece toilet
Replacing your toilet might not be the most exciting upgrade for your bathroom, but a reliable toilet can elevate your bathroom more than you think. If your old toilet clogs often, leaks, or doesn’t flush quite right, it might be time to replace it.
“The biggest offenders are older toilets. If you live in an area where the price of water is high and you have an old toilet, you may want to consider upgrading,” says Deon Marecheau, owner of Antillean Restoration and a plumbing professional at Thumbtack.
We put several toilets to the test in our homes and evaluated them on their flushing power, ease of cleaning, comfort, and overall quality. After six months of testing, we chose the best toilets to upgrade your bathroom, regardless of your budget.
Many modern toilets have upgraded features like bidet attachments or self-cleaning modes that make them even more convenient to use and maintain. However, the most important factor to consider when looking for a new toilet is the dimensions of your bathroom. Before you install a new toilet, check the dimensions to ensure it fits in your space. We recommend leaving at least 15 inches of space on each side of the toilet for a comfortable fit
“You can even draw up a room plan to make sure that all of the features in your bathroom will fit,” says Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi, a website that helps people find home service professionals like plumbers. “If you’re not sure, you’ll want to work with a toilet installer to make sure that it will fit.”
You can also use your existing toilet to gather measurements.
To find the best toilets, we installed and tested several different models in our own homes. If we installed it ourselves, we set a timer to see how long it took to install.
We used each toilet for more than six months, assessing the ease of flushing and how well it flushed waste. For dual-flush options, we used both flush settings to see how much water we saved. We also cleaned the toilet regularly to assess how easy it was to clean.
Throughout testing, we considered factors like the intensity of the water pressure and how loud each toilet was while flushing. We also noted whether the toilet ever became clogged or overflowed.
The toilet features a strong flush that consistently clears out the bowl without needing a second flush.
A lid is not included with the toilet.
While many toilets can get the job done, the Toto Drake toilet impressed us far beyond any other toilet we have used. Our tester loved this toilet so much that she purchased four more to install in the other bathrooms in her home.
It only took one hour to remove the old toilet and install the Toto. Although we hired a professional to install the toilet, the directions were clear and simple to understand if you prefer to do it yourself, as long as you have previous plumbing experience.
The toilet only has one flush setting, but the “tornado flush” was more than strong enough to consistently dispose of waste and keep the bowl clean. In fact, the flush was so effective that it never clogged, overflowed, or even required a second flush over six months of testing. We even noticed a reduction in water usage because the toilet never required a second flush.
Cleaning the toilet was also a breeze—we only needed to clean the toilet once during testing, and it was only to scrub away a rusty water line. The powerful flush rinses every inch of the bowl, and the toilet has a rimless design that prevents grime from building up under the rim.
With an elongated bowl and a standard seat height, we found it very comfortable to sit on the toilet. The toilet doesn’t include a toilet seat, but we liked that we could pick exactly the type of seat we wanted. We thought the toilet was a steal for the price and how effective it was, even though it doesn’t include a seat.
Product Details: Dimensions: 28.3 x 30 x 17 in. | Material: Vitreous china | Number of Pieces: Two | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Technology: Gravity
It is well-built and has a sleek design that is easy to clean.
The flush is less powerful than our other picks.
This Swiss Madison St. Tropez toilet offers supreme comfort and quality at an affordable price. It features a dual-flush and a sleek one-piece design that is easy to maintain. With a seamless exterior, the toilet is easy to wipe clean, and the smooth sides prevent dirt from collecting around the base.
It even includes the toilet seat, making it an even better bang for your buck. The seat fit perfectly on the toilet and didn’t shift around when we sat on it. The toilet seat is also soft-close, so it closes quietly rather than slamming shut.
With its dual-flush setting, the toilet uses either 1.1 or 1.6 gallons of water per flush. We used the partial flush to maximize water efficiency, while the full flush was effective at disposing of solid waste and keeping the bowl clean.
The flush seemed a bit weaker than other toilets we’ve used, but we never had an issue with the toilet not flushing adequately. Throughout six months of testing, the toilet never clogged, overflowed, or failed to flush waste. Even the lower flush setting worked well and eliminated residue in the bowl, and it uses less water than the more powerful setting.
We thought the elongated seat was comfortable to sit on, and the slightly taller height was easy to stand up from. Overall, we found the toilet to be well-made and high-quality, especially for the price.
Product Details: Dimensions: 27 x 15.15 x 31 in. | Material: Porcelain | Number of Pieces: One | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Technology: Dual flush
The pressure-assisted flush is very powerful while using minimal water.
The flush is a bit louder than other models.
If you prefer a two-piece toilet to make installation and repairs easier, we loved this option from Kohler. We installed the toilet ourselves, and it only took us about an hour to install following the instructions. Even though it was our first time installing a new toilet, we thought the instructions were clear and easy to understand, so it’s ideal for first-time DIYers.
We immediately noticed that the toilet flushed with much more force than our previous toilet. The pressure-assisted flush was strong enough to easily dispose of any waste with only one flush. Since the flush is so powerful, it's also slightly louder than we were used to, but in the end we were fine with the trade-off because the power makes the toilet more effective.
Although the flush is very powerful, it was obvious that the toilet used less water than our old toilet, making it a good choice if you want to reduce your water bill. We didn’t experience any clogs or overflowing after six months of using the toilet.
We thought the toilet was very easy to clean with just a toilet brush, and we didn’t even need to use a toilet bowl cleaner. The toilet also features an enamel coating that helps keep the bowl clean.
At 17 inches tall, we thought the seat height was very comfortable, especially for tall people. The elongated bowl shape also made it more comfortable to sit on the toilet. We installed a Kohler elongated seat, which is sold separately for less than $40.
Product Details: Dimensions: 29.5 x 21 x 31 in. | Material: Vitreous china | Number of Pieces: Two | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Technology: Pressure assist
It uses much less water per flush than the standard toilet, so you can save on your water bill.
The seat is a bit tall if you add a bidet.
Although the Toto Aquia IV is a bit more expensive than some of our other picks, Toto is known for their durable and high-quality toilets (the brand also makes our best overall pick!). This toilet even survived a house fire during testing, so you can trust that it will last.
We loved the sleek design of the toilet that made it convenient to clean, both inside and out. Rather than a handle on the side, the toilet has a button on the top to flush, so it was easy to wipe clean.
The toilet features Toto’s signature “tornado flush” that reaches every inch of the bowl, so you don’t have to clean it as often. A ceramic glaze inside the bowl also prevents waste from sticking to the surface.
Throughout six months of testing, we never needed to flush a second time. We thought the water pressure was ideal, and we never had an issue with clogging or overflowing.
The toilet only uses 0.9 or 1.28 gallons of water per flush depending on which flush option you use, which is much less than the standard 1.6 gallons per flush. However, the flush is still strong enough to keep the bowl clean, and the dual-flush system helps conserve water to lower your water bill.
We hired a plumber to install the toilet, but the installation was straightforward and only took about an hour to complete.
The seat sits a bit higher than standard toilets, making it comfortable for a wide range of users. It also includes an elongated seat that offers enhanced comfort, but we opted to swap it out for the Toto bidet seat. However, the bidet adds a couple of inches to the seat, so it may be too tall for some people.
Product Details: Dimensions: 28 x 18.5 x 28.25 in. | Material: Vitreous china | Number of Pieces: One | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Technology: Dual flush
It includes multiple smart settings like an automatic flush and a heated seat to enhance comfort.
The seat lid is a bit flimsy if you sit on it.
We loved the bidet features and variety of smart settings on the Woodbridge Smart Toilet. The toilet includes all the bells and whistles to enhance your bathroom experience, including a heated seat, automatic open/close lid, automatic flush, automatic deodorization, and even a wireless remote control.
The bidet includes front and rear washing, adjustable temperatures, and a dryer for optimal comfort. We thought the bidet features worked extremely well and were highly customizable—a true luxury experience.
While it took us about an hour to install most of the toilets on this list (either ourselves or by a professional), the extra features made the installation process for this model more involved. Still, it only took about two hours start to finish, and we didn't find the process overly complicated.
The toilet has strong water pressure and uses a pre-flush setting to keep waste from clinging to the bowl. The toilet itself was essentially self-cleaning with the auto-deodorization and foam cleaning functions, so we never had to clean it with a toilet brush.
After six months of testing, the toilet never clogged, overflowed, or struggled to dispose of waste. With the auto-flush setting, the toilet flushes automatically when you stand up from the seat. It also has two flush settings (a half flush and a full flush), and we never had to flush the toilet more than once to remove waste with either setting.
The seat sits higher than standard toilets, making it easier to sit and stand, especially for tall people or people with mobility issues. It also features a slow-close lid to prevent the lid from slamming shut. Our only complaint about the toilet was that the seat lid seemed a bit flimsy when we sat on it, but it still held our weight.
Product Details: Dimensions: 27.5 x 16.5 x 19.75 in. | Material: Porcelain | Number of Pieces: One | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Technology: Dual
After testing several toilets in our own homes, we think the Toto Drake Cotton Elongated Standard Height Toilet is a great option for most people. It’s dependable, pretty easy to install, and is easy to keep clean, thanks to its rimless design.
“One of the most important things to consider when looking for a new toilet is the dimensions of your bathroom,” says Hicks. Before choosing a new toilet, measure the space you have available in your bathroom to ensure it will fit. We recommend leaving at least 15 inches of space on either side of the toilet, but 18 inches or more is ideal.
If you are replacing an existing toilet, you can also measure the height and depth of the old toilet to get an idea of the dimensions you will need. Particularly in small bathrooms, it’s crucial to choose a toilet that will fit well in the space.
The most common toilet materials are porcelain and vitreous china, which are both a type of ceramic. While the two materials look similar, they have slightly different finishes. Vitreous china has a glossy finish that is easy to clean, while porcelain has a durable matte finish.
Our best overall pick, the Toto Drake Cotton Elongated Standard Height Toilet, is made with vitreous china. We recommend our best budget pick, the Swiss Madison St. Tropez Elongated Vortex Toilet, for a porcelain option.
Toilets are available as either one- or two-piece units. A one-piece toilet includes the tank and toilet bowl as one unit, while a two-piece toilet has separate units for the tank and bowl.
“One-piece toilets tend to be more expensive, easier to clean, and come in a variety of designs,” says Marecheau. “Two-piece toilets are more affordable because they are easier to install and transport, especially in tighter spaces.”
The two most common toilet bowl shapes are elongated and round. Round toilets are more circular, while elongated bowls tend to be more oval and jut out farther. Round toilets also tend to be more compact, making them ideal for small spaces.
“A round toilet tends to be the more budget-friendly option, but elongated toilets are considered to be more comfortable and easier to maintain,” says Hicks. All of the toilets on our list have elongated bowls since they offer more comfort.
There are three flush options for toilets: gravity, dual flush, and pressure.
Gravity-fed toilets are the most common and least expensive option for residential toilets. They use the weight of the water to induce flushing. “It’s an old, tried-and-tested method, but it does have its drawbacks,” says Marecheau. “Moving parts like flappers can wear out, requiring replacement sooner.” Our best overall pick, the Toto Drake Cotton Elongated Standard Height Toilet, is gravity-fed while offering strong flushing power.
Dual-flush toilets offer two flush settings to help save water, typically a half-flush for liquid waste and a full-flush for solid waste. We loved the Toto Aquia IV Comfort Height Toilet for a dual-flush option that will help save money on your water bill.
Pressure-assisted toilets offer even more flushing power than gravity or dual flush. “A pressure-assist toilet has additional pressure that will give you a more powerful flush, which is more resistant to clogs, uses less water, and can be easier to clean,” says Hicks. “If you’re living in a home with a lot of people, this could be a good option.” The Kohler Highline Classic Toilet is our top pick for a powerful pressure-assisted toilet.
Some toilets offer additional features that can make them more comfortable to use or easier to maintain. If you want special features like a bidet attachment, heated seat, and self-cleaning, we recommend the Woodbridge Smart Toilet, which offers a variety of smart settings in addition to strong flushing power.
However, you don’t have to purchase a smart toilet to get luxury features like a bidet. We added a matching bidet to the Toto Aquia IV Comfort Height Toilet to get the same enhanced features for a more affordable price. We’ve also tested a variety of bidet attachments, and there are plenty of effective options that you can add on to your existing toilet.
“The cost of a new toilet can range from about $100 to over $3,000 depending on the type of toilet,” says Hicks. You should also factor in the cost of installation, which she says costs around $400 on average. Installation costs may be higher if you need to remove a toilet or install a drainpipe or new plumbing.
One-piece toilets typically cost more than two-piece toilets, and any special features like self-cleaning or bidet attachments also increase the cost. However, a high-quality toilet will last a long time, so it’s worth investing in one that will meet all of your needs.
Toilets should be able to last about 25 years, but this can vary based on the quality and how often it’s being used. A toilet that needs to be replaced will generally have issues like clogging, overflowing, or inefficient flushing.
“If you’re frequently calling your plumber, you get clogs often, the flushing doesn’t seem quite right, or you have cracks in your toilet, it could be time for a new one,” says Hicks.
A one-piece toilet includes the tank and toilet bowl as one unit, while a two-piece toilet has separate units for the tank and bowl. “Generally, a one-piece toilet is easier to clean and a bit more durable,” says Hicks. “However, installing a one-piece toilet is more expensive than a two-piece toilet.”
For a two-piece toilet that is budget-friendly and easy to install, we loved the Toto Drake Cotton Elongated Standard Height Toilet. If you prefer the sleek and easy-to-clean design of a one-piece toilet, we recommend the Toto Aquia IV Comfort Height Toilet. The Swiss Madison St. Tropez Elongated Vortex Toilet also offers the seamless one-piece design without the high price tag.
Molly Blanco is a senior writer for Better Homes & Gardens. For this article, she referenced testing insights from our expert testers who installed and used these toilets in their homes for six months. She also consulted Deon Marecheau, plumbing professional, and Angie Hicks, co-founder of home services website Angi, about what to look for when shopping for a toilet.
female bidet Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.