Brand

The most popular toilet brand, Toto, Kohler, and American Standard, are all well established companies with long histories and a global presence. They each carry an extensive line of toilets, with many types, styles and colors. Some of the other companies on the list have excellent reputations, but may be best known for one type of toilet; for instance, Caroma is well known for its dual flush toilet and Briggs has a reputation for its vacuum assist toilets. Click here to see our selection of toilet brands

Cost

Most toilets are priced between $150 to $500. $500 buys you the most expensive type of toilet (pressure assisted, vacuum, or dual flush) in an upscale model and design. You can always find ways to spend more money, including a $3,000 self-cleaning toilet from Japan.

Type

Toilets are available in four types: pressure assisted, gravity, vacuum, and dual flush. Your choice of type of toilet is both a matter of preference and a practical matter. Some types require your water system to have a minimum amount of pressure. Some types are noisy while other types are quiet. Some types tend to cost more than others. For a list of the most popular types, how they function, and their advantages and disadvantages, refer to our section on Top Toilet Types.

Height

Toilets have traditionally been about 14" tall. In an effort to make toilets more comfortable, and to make getting on and off the toilet a little easier for older Americans, toilet manufacturers have been increasing the height of some of their models, up to 17”. Although it may be a little embarrassing, the only way to know which is most comfortable for you is to try getting on an off toilets of varying heights in a showroom.

Efficiency

The EPA has set a national standard for toilets: a maximum of 1.6 gallons of water per flush. However, higher efficiency toilets are available, using as low as .8 gallons per flush. Some municipalities have established standard for new toilet installations that are lower than the EPA’s standard. Before you purchase a toilet, check your local building codes. You can ask any plumber or local fixture salesperson.

Style

People buying toilets fall into one of two categories: you are remodeling your entire bathroom including your toilet, or you are replacing only your toilet and keeping the rest of the bathroom intact. The goal of both scenarios is to make sure the toilet relates to the style of the other features of the bathroom. If you are remodeling, you are starting with a fresh canvas. It often works best to purchase your tub, toilet and sink from one manufacturer, as it is easiest to match styles and colors. If you are replacing only your toilet, you want to be careful to match periods and styles. For instance, don’t put a modern toilet in an Art Deco bathroom. Even more challenging is matching colors. A toilet that does not quite match the other fixtures in a bathroom can look awkward. One trick to matching an existing finish to a new toilet is to take the top of the toilet tank (or any other part of the toilet that has the color and is mobile) with you when you go shopping.

Get Help or Do It Yourself

Before deciding to install a toilet yourself, you should have the answers to three questions:

• Do you have the skills to do it?
• Do you have the time to do it?
• Are there vendors who will inform and support you through the installation process?

Here is some help in answering those questions:

Skills required: Medium-High. Installing a toilet requires basic plumbing skills, including the use of solder and a propane torch. Additionally, toilets are heavy and bulky, so you’ll need a strong back or an assistant.

Time required: Eight hours. Less if you are experienced at this.

Vendor support: Moderate. Vendor support for do it yourself toilet installers is moderate; they do not consider that purchasing a toilet entitles you to an introduction to plumbing course. However, there are many books on the subject as well as articles on the Internet.

Noise

There is a trade off with noise. Pressure assisted is the loudest type but the most effective. If your home has thick walls and doors, this may not be an issue. If you want a quite toilet, try a vacuum model.

Bowl Shape

You have two choices in bowl shape: circular or elongated. Elongated bowls can be more comfortable, but take up more space, offer fewer models to choose, and can be more expensive. If your bathroom may was designed for a round toilet, it may be the only type that fits, particularly in a small bathroom.

One Piece or Two Piece Toilet

One piece more stylish and easier to clean but more expensive. Two piece are less expensive and there are more models from which to choose.