1. Key Considerations When Buying a Toilet:

• Price Performance: Top-performing toilets in tests are often mid-priced.
• Water Efficiency: Many high-performing, water-saving models cost $200 or less.
• Type and Space: Wall-mounted toilets save space and can be mounted at custom heights.

2. Types of Toilets:

• Gravity-Feed Toilets:
  • How They Work: Use gravity to flush waste, requiring as little as 10 psi of water pressure.
  • Pros: Quiet operation, effective in most tests.
  • Cons: Cheaper models may struggle with waste displacement.
• Pressure-Assisted Toilets:
  • How They Work: Compress air in a sealed tank to create powerful flushes.
  • Pros: Effective for large families and clogs.
  • Cons: Noisy, expensive, and not in the top 10 rated toilets.

3. Important Features to Consider:

• Gallons Per Flush (GPF):
  • Federal standard: 1.6 GPF.
  • California standard: 1.28 GPF (WaterSense label for high efficiency).
• Dual-Flush Toilets:
  • Two flush modes (partial for liquids, full for solids).
  • Some models lack sufficient power and require multiple flushes.
• Flapperless Tanks: Reduce leaks, enhancing longevity and performance.

4. Comfort and Design:

• Comfort Height: Seats 17-19 inches high for easier use.
• Bowl Shape:
  • Round bowls save space.
  • Elongated bowls offer more comfort and seating room.
  • Compact elongated options fit tight spaces.
• Nonstick Coatings: Help prevent waste buildup and odors.

5. Aesthetic & Cleaning Features:

• Trapways:
  • Concealed/skirted trapways improve appearance and ease cleaning.
• Two-Piece vs. One-Piece:
  • Two-piece: Affordable, but harder to clean due to seam.
  • One-piece: Sleeker and easier to maintain.
• Noise Levels: Gravity-feed toilets are quieter, suitable for proximity to living areas.

6. Innovative Additions:

• Touchless Technology: Flush with a wave of your hand; available as kits or built-in.
• Bowl Cleanliness Testing: Consumer Reports notes models with coatings or designs reducing residual waste.

Pro Tip: Ensure compatibility with your bathroom's “rough-in” measurement (distance from the wall to toilet flange). Standard is 12 inches, but 10 and 14 inches are also available.

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