While we may take our flushing toilets for granted, it’s worth remembering that they are a relatively new invention. Even as late as the start of the 20th century, many people didn’t have toilets let alone flushing models. 

Today, we have powerful, water-efficient toilets that safely remove human waste with zero fuss, but which flushing toilets are the best?

We review 10 of the best flushing toilets and rate them on price, performance, and efficiency to put you in the picture. 

The 10 Best Flushing Toilets

1.  WOODBRIDGE T-0019 Dual Flush One Piece Toilet

This Woodbridge toilet stands out thanks to its clean and minimalist shape. If you want a sleek and stylish feel to your bathroom, this is a great option. So, what sets it apart?

The first thing you notice is it’s a one-piece, so the toilet tank and bowl are formed from the same chunk of clay.

The advantage of this is they are easier to install, and you are less likely to suffer leaks. It also means the toilet is more compact, making it ideal for small spaces and downstairs washrooms. 

It benefits from siphon flushing, which is powerful and efficient. You get a soft-close toilet seat which is guaranteed never to loosen, you get a fully glazed bowl to reduce clogs and staining. It is also WaterSense certified, so it’s frugal with natural resources. 

This is a dual-flush model, so if you are getting rid of liquid waste, use the economy button, and it uses a single gallon of water, but for solids, try the higher setting, and the tank empties 1.6 gallons into the bowl. 

When you compare this to toilets from 20 or 30 years ago, when they used 3 to 6 gallons of water per flush, you can see they have come a long way. 

The final thing in this toilet’s favor is the seat. It is a comfort height seat, meaning it is easier to get on and off, which is invaluable if you are elderly or have mobility issues. 

Cost-wise, this Woodbridge scores relatively well. It sits somewhere in the middle price-point, making it a great contender for bathroom remodels. It’s not so cheap that it feels inadequately constructed, and it’s not so expensive that most couldn’t afford it. 

Weight	119.7 pounds
Dimensions	31 x 18 x 38 inches inches
Type of flush	Dual
Gallons per flush	1.0/1.6
One/two-piece	One-piece
Seat included	Yes
Price	$$$
Warranty	1-year limited

2.  American Standard Cadet Right Height Elongated Pressure Assisted Toilet

American Standard is a well-known brand in American homes. But what sets this Cadet toilet apart from the rest?

It has a power-assisted siphon flush to help remove even the most stubborn solid waste. And to aid the flush action, it is also coated in something called EverGreen, which inhibits the growth of bacteria and mold spores, keeping the toilet squeaky clean. 

This toilet is elongated for greater comfort. Elongated toilets are designed to be more comfortable, especially for children and men when sitting down. 

This toilet meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements at 17 inches high, so if you have older relatives, they should find it easier to get on and off. 

Unlike the Woodbridge model, this is a two-piece toilet, so it is a little more complicated to install because you need to connect the tank to the base. It’s also more traditional in shape and design, so it should please those with slightly more conservative tastes.

This model is a single flush, meaning you don’t get the choice of high and low settings. This is fine if you are removing solids, as it uses 1.6 gallons; however, you are wasting water when you flush away fluids. 

The other thing to remember is the seat is sold separately, and that adds to the costs. And speaking of the price, this toilet is over $100 more than the Woodbridge, so while you are getting a great brand name, it is a single flush toilet. 

Weight	93 pounds
Dimensions	30.25 x 20.5 x 30.75 inches
Type of flush	Single
Gallons per flush	1.6
One/two-piece	Two-piece
Seat included	No
Price	$$$$
Warranty	1-year limited

3.  TOTO UltraMax II One-Piece Elongated Toilet

This TOTO UltraMax II has a powerful Tornado flush system that easily removes stubborn waste matter. When you couple it with the CeFiONtect glaze, you get an ultra-clean toilet. 

CeFiONtect is TOTO’s revolutionary coating that prevents particles from sticking to the inside of your toilet bowl. It also reduces mold and mildew and makes the toilet easier to clean. 

It is also an elongated design, making it easier for people to sit in comfort, and reducing splashes and spills when men sit to pee. 

If you have relatives who suffer from mobility issues, this toilet is rated as Universal height, which is the same as the ADAs comfort height classification. 

It means that the seat measures between 17 and 19 inches high, compared to 13 to 15 inches for standard models. 

This model has a 1.28-gallon single flush. That’s about 20 percent less water than the American Standard, at 1.6 gallons. It’s still enough to win WaterSense classification, but it removes your ability to choose which flush you want. 

This model is the most expensive so far. It costs almost double the price of the Woodbridge, which is a lot of money when you think it only has a single flush function. Thank goodness it comes with a soft-close toilet seat included. 

Weight	99 pounds
Dimensions	28 x 16.5 x 28.75 inches
Type of flush	Single
Gallons per flush	1.28
One/two-piece	One-piece
Seat included	Yes
Price	$$$$
Warranty	1-year limited

4.  Kohler Highline Class Five Flushing Technology Elongated Toilet

The first thing you notice about this Kohler Highline toilet is the price. It is the least expensive to feature so far. The second thing is it is a two-piece, so it is a little more challenging to install. 

However, the styling is more akin to the Woodbridge than the American Standard model. It has a comfort height seat, so it ticks the ADA box for those with mobility issues, and the elongated bowl makes it more universally comfortable. 

You only get one option for flushing, so while it is still WaterSense certified and uses 20 percent less water than the American Standard model, it does restrict your flushing choices. 

This toilet uses a canister flush valve that Kohler claims is the best in its class, with a powerful bulk performance. They also claim that you can throw away your plunger because this flushing action is so potent, it eliminates clogging.

Weight	93 pounds
Dimensions	29.5 x 18 x 31.25 inches
Type of flush	Single
Gallons per flush	1.28
One/two-piece	Two-piece
Seat included	No
Price	$$
Warranty	1-year limited

5.  American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise 2-Piece Toilet

We come to the second American Standard toilet to make the list. This Cadet 3 FloWise is still a two-piece like the previous Cadet model, but this one is more modern in design. 

The oversized 3-inch flush valve, coupled with siphon flushing action, ensures that whatever waste matter is present gets dealt with easily. It also has an EverClean surface coating that stops mold and bacteria from growing. 

If you want to reduce staining and blockages, keeping the toilet bowl clean is one of the best ways to stop this from happening, so the EverClean coating helps you keep your toilet in working order. 

This toilet is a single-flush model, so while it doesn’t give you the choice of a dual-flush, it still conforms to the WaterSense regulations, delivering 1.28 gallons per flush. 

Unlike the previous American Standard model featured, this one comes with the toilet seat included. You also get a comfort height seat, which caters to older people and those with mobility issues. 

The other difference with this toilet is it has a round bowl, which used to be the norm 20 years ago, but so many new models are elongated. Some people just prefer rounded toilets, although they are harder for children and men to use sitting down. 

Weight	75 pounds
Dimensions	28.25 x 15.75 x 30.75 inches
Type of flush	Single
Gallons per flush	1.28
One/two-piece	Two-piece
Seat included	Yes
Price	$$$$
Warranty	Lifetime on Chinaware, 5-year on working parts, and 1-year on the seat

6.  TOTO Entrada Two-Piece Universal Height Toilet

This is the second TOTO toilet to feature. This Entrada is a two-piece, so it will require more effort to install, and it has an elongated bowl for increased universal comfort. 

The first thing you notice about this toilet is the price. It is very competitive compared to similar models. If you are in the market for a budget option, this is a great choice. 

It is universal height, which is another way of saying it is comfort height, meaning the seat is a minimum of 17 to 19 inches high, making it better for older relatives to access the toilet. 

The seat’s height puts a tick in the ADA box, and the 1.28-gallon flush meets the criteria for WaterSense accreditation. However, it only has one flush option, so no matter if it’s solid or fluid waste, you only get one choice. 

You don’t get the toilet seat either, but we might be a little too picky given that the purchase price is so great. 

Weight	Not stated
Dimensions	30 x 26.65 x 15.25 inches
Type of flush	Single
Gallons per flush	1.28
One/two-piece	Two-piece
Seat included	No
Price	$$
Warranty	1-year limited

7.  Mecor Siphon Dual Flushing One-Piece Toilet

Now we get to the super-eco toilets that are so frugal with water; they have some of the lowest flush values in the industry. You get a dual-flush on this model, so you can choose the 0.8-gallon option for light use and the 1.28-gallon flush for solids. 

Because it’s a one-piece, it doesn’t leak, and the super-powerful siphon flush ensures there are no clogs. It’s also very quiet, so it won’t wake the rest of the house in the dead of night. 

The styling is reminiscent of the Woodbridge, with clean lines and unfussy curves, and because it is a one-piece, it is more compact, making it the ideal choice for a downstairs restroom. 

Thanks to the high-density, self-cleaning porcelain, keeping this toilet clean is a breeze. It has a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds, so if you have any larger relatives at home, this toilet can cope. 

You also get a quick-release and soft-closing toilet seat included in the extremely competitive price, unlike some more expensive models. 

On the downside, the low flush setting delivers half the water levels of the American Standard, so you might find yourself cleaning the toilet more often to keep the stains at bay. 

Weight	100.3 pounds
Dimensions	25 x 28.3 x 13.3 inches
Type of flush	Dual-flush
Gallons per flush	0.8/1.28
One/two-piece	One-piece
Seat included	Yes
Price	$$
Warranty	Not stated

8.  Swiss Madison Well Made Forever St. Tropez Toilet

Swiis madison is the nearest rival that Woodbridge has for modern styling. They adopt the same cool lines and contours for that minimalist design. Where the two differ is in the price. This Swiss Madison is almost $100 less than the Woodbridge. 

It has a fully skirted trapway making it easy to keep clean, and a soft-closing seat, so it won’t get slammed in the middle of the night. 

This toilet is easy to install, thanks to predrilled holes for the bolts, and bolt caps and the wax ring included in the price. 

If you like saving water, this Swiss Madison scores well, with a dual-flush 0.8 and 1.28-gallon option, and it has quick-release seat hinges for easy cleaning. 

This is a one-piece toilet, so it is easier to plumb in, install, and won’t leak, unlike two-piece models, where the weak point is the seal between the tank and the toilet bowl. 

If you fit this toilet yourself, it might be an idea to get someone to help you lift it because it weighs 120 pounds. One-piece toilets are typically heavier because they incorporate the water tank. 

The other downside is Swiss Madison claims this seat height meets the comfort standard, but the bowl rim is only 15.5 inches high. Once you add the seat, it sits 16.5 inches, which is 0.5 inches less than the minimum 17 inches required for ADA certification. 

Weight	120
Dimensions	26.6 x 15 x 31 inches
Type of flush	Dual-flush
Gallons per flush	0.8/1.28
One/two-piece	One-piece
Seat included	Yes
Price	$$
Warranty	1-year limited

9.  WOODBRIDGE B0933-2 Dual Flush Toilet

This second Woodbridge model is equally stylish as the other one to feature. It is also a one-piece, meaning it should be more convenient to install because it doesn’t require the tank to be plumbed to the bowl. 

It won’t leak; it has a skirted trapway, which makes it easier to clean as well as reducing the chances of dust collecting. Plus, it comes with a pre-installed seat, mounting bolts, and a wax ring. All you need are the tools.

This dual-flush toilet uses slightly more water than the Swiss Madison, even on the low setting. It uses 1-gallon and 1.6 gallons, but at least you get the choice of how much water you get to use, unlike the American Standard models. 

This Woodbridge meets the WaterSense standards, as well as the ADAs comfort height obligations, making it the ideal toilet if you have taller, older, or mobility-restricted relatives. It’s easier to get on and off, allowing family members to retain their independence. 

The other notable thing about this toilet is the elongated bowl, making it universally more comfortable, and it is super-light, at just 53 pounds. That’s half the weight of other comparable models. 

Weight	53 pounds
Dimensions	30 x 20 x 28 inches
Type of flush	Dual-flush
Gallons per flush	1.0/1.6
One/two-piece	One-piece
Seat included	Yes
Price	$$$
Warranty	1-year limited

10. Kohler San Souci Aqua Piston Flushing Technology Toilet

When you first glance at this Kohler one-piece toilet, you think that the toilet flush tank is not large enough. It is designed to look shorter, which makes it a great choice for fitting into smaller spaces. 

It also has a concealed trapway, like the Woodbridge and Swiss Madison designs. The elongated bowl is universally more comfortable, especially for children and men who sit down to pee, and the flush lever is located on the left-hand side. 

It’s a comfort height model, so it scores well against the ADA seat height standard. It also makes it better for elderly and mobility-challenged relatives to use. It’s even a great choice for tall people. 

The flush is single action, utilizing a canister valve that is super-quiet and powerful enough to deliver the force you need in 1.28 gallons of water. That makes it WaterSense compliant, which is excellent for the planet. 

The black cloud in the sunny sky is the price. It costs twice the price of the first Woodbridge model to feature and $200 more than the American Standard. If you want a budget toilet, look elsewhere. 

Weight	94 pounds
Dimensions	30.25 x 16.38 x 27.75 inches
Type of flush	Single-flush
Gallons per flush	1.28
One/two-piece	One-piece
Seat included	Yes
Price	$$$$$
Warranty	1-year limited

What Is a Flushing Toilet?

A flushing toilet utilizes water to remove waste material inside the toilet bowl by allowing water to flow from a water tank. When you pull the lever,  a valve lifts to let the water run into the bowl. As the tank drains, the ball float drops, which then triggers the tank to refill. 

The refill valve lets water flood back into the tank, and the float valve lifts, and when it reaches a designated height, it closes off the refill valve, and the tank is full and ready for the next flush. 

Meanwhile, the waste material is lifted by the water and swirled down the bowl towards the drain. Gravity takes over, and the waste matter drops into the sewer pipe via the trap at the back that connects your toilet to the waste pipe. 

What Is WaterSense?

WaterSense is an Environment Protection Agency initiative to grade toilets on their ability to conserve water. Before 1992, US toilets used a minimum of 3 gallons per flush and sometimes more. Legislation was passed restricting the use of these toilets. 

WaterSense labeling allows the American public to see that the toilet they are buying is efficient, better for the planet, and better for their wallets in yearly water usage. 

Between the years 2007, when the first low-flow toilet was awarded the WaterSense accreditation, and 2017, according to the government there has been an estimated saving of 2.7 trillion gallons of water. 

WaterSense is a voluntary standard, but the industry has responded and actively seeks new ways to improve the efficiency of their products so that they can display the WaterSense label. 

Customers love it, the industry respects it, and the environment benefits. 

What is a Comfort Height Seat?

A comfort height toilet seat is the generic name it gets from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To qualify as a comfort height toilet, it must be a minimum of 17 inches high, including the seat. 

Some toilets go further and measure 19 or even 20 inches high, and they still qualify. You might also see the term “Universal height.” This is another way of saying comfort height. 

So when you see either term, you can be confident it will be suitable for your elderly relatives or those with mobility issues.

Standard toilets have seat heights that typically measure 13 to 15 inches high, although these can rise to 16 inches in some cases. Be wary of manufacturers labeling their products as comfort height when they fall short by 0.5 inches or so. 

That all-important height is 17 inches, and anything less does not qualify. 

Types of Flushing Systems and Toilets

There are many variants when it comes to toilet flush systems. Here are a few you may have heard about.

Ballcock Flush System

This is one of the most common ones. It uses a floating ball on an arm that lowers and lifts with the water level in the flush tank. As the rod moves, it activates a plunger to let water drain or fill the tank. 

The system operates in tandem with the shut-off valve, so you need to ensure the water levels are set correctly, or the ballcock won’t function properly, and neither will your flush. 

Siphon Flush

The siphonic flush system is more common in the USA compared to the ballcock method. When you press the flush button on the top of the tank, it opens a flush valve, allowing water to fill the toilet bowl. 

As the water in the bowl rises, it lifts the waste matter and then drains in one flush out, carrying the solid and liquid waste away. 

The downside with this system is the trapway can be long and narrow, leaving it vulnerable to clogging. 

Flapper Valve

This method is similar to the ballcock. When you pull the flush lever, the flapper lifts, allowing water to flow into the bowl. The flapper attaches to a chain, which connects to the flush lever. 

As the water level drops, the flapper stops floating and falls back into place, blocking the water flow. The refill valve takes over and fills the tank with water for the next flush. 

Gravity Flush

Gravity is the most commonly used force to make your toilet flush. It works by downward water pressure dropping into your toilet bowl and  lifting your waste material before carrying it away down the drain. 

This is a simple system requiring minimal maintenance, and when repairs are needed, they are cheap and easy to fix. 

Dual Cyclone Flush

TOTO created the first dual cyclone flushing system. It works by having two nozzles that channel the water flow, aided by a propulsion system. The net result is a powerful and directed water jet that is more efficient and powerful.

The downside is the cost if it needs repairing. These systems are less common and so more costly. 

Dual-Flush

Dual-flush systems are less common in the US, but they are making headway. You get the choice of a higher water setting for solid waste and a lower flow setting for liquid waste. These systems are great for conserving water because they give you a choice. 

Typically, they flush between 0.8 and 1.0 gallons on the lower sitting and 1.28 to 1.6 gallons on the higher flush. 

Pros and Cons of a Flushing Toilet

There are many pros and only a couple of cons we can think of when it comes to flushing toilets. Let’s start with the pros. 

Pros

• Removes waste material efficiently.
• No smells in the toilet.
• It keeps the toilet clean.
• Reduces mold and bacteria growth.
• Traps harmful bacteria inside the toilet.
• Simple and efficient to use. 

Cons

• Uses water which is a precious resource. 
• Typically noisy when flushed.

Considerations for Buying a Flushing Toilet

So, what are the main things to look for when buying a new flushing toilet? Here’s our take on what to keep in mind.

Type of Flush

Whichever type of flush you choose, there is plenty of variety. You can get dual, single, cyclone, tornado, siphonic, ballcock, flapper, and so on. The list is long. If you want something easy to use and repair, try the flapper or ballcock route. 

More advanced systems, like the cyclonic, are less common and so more expensive to repair. 

Seat Height

We’ve discussed what constitutes a comfort height seat, so all you need to do is decide if that is important to you and your family. If you have elderly relatives, tall people, or those with mobility issues in your home, consider the seat’s height. 

Comfort or universal height seats are generally 17 to 19 inches high, making them easier to access for these groups of people. A standard toilet typically has a seat height of 13 to 15 inches, making them much lower and harder to get off and on. 

Water Usage

If you care about how much water you use, look for the WaterSense label. WaterSense certifies that your toilet is efficient and conserves water. 

Compared to toilets of old, the new breed uses almost 50 percent less water, saving thousands of gallons a year. That’s better for the planet and your wallet. 

Dual-flush toilets let you choose between a high and a low setting depending on whether you are removing solids or liquids. 

Type of Bowl

Most modern toilets have elongated bowls. The theory is they are more universally comfortable. They certainly help men who sit to pee, reducing splashes and mess, and children love them too because they can actually fit on the seat without the fear of falling.

The alternative is a rounded bowl, which is better for larger people. 

One-Piece Vs. Two-Piece

The toilets don’t function any differently, but one is easier to install than the other. Most one-piece toilets are modern and sleek in style, suiting a particular taste and bathroom design. They come as one unit, so don’t leak or need additional plumbing. 

However, one-piece toilets can be heavy as the tank is already attached, which adds considerable weight. 

Two-piece toilets are more complex to install because you need to join the tank to the bowl, requiring some plumbing skills. It also means they could leak at a later stage if seals are compromised. 

They are lighter because they come in two pieces, making them easier for one person to install. 

Power Flushing Toilet vs. Slow Flushing Toilet

Power flushing toilets have assisted pressure, which helps to increase the speed of the water flow, and is ideal for clearing stubborn waste material. A power flush is the type you might have for a larger family, where the toilet gets a lot of use. 

If you are concerned about clogging, a power flush solves that problem. The advantage of a power flush is it uses less water, but you get more potency to clean the toilet bowl. The disadvantage is the cost. Power flush toilets are more expensive to buy and repair.

Slow flushing toilets are typically eco-friendly and only use a fraction of the water compared to most toilets. They can use as little as 0.8 gallons with each flush. 

The advantage of a slow flushing toilet is they are WaterSense certified, and they are quiet. These toilets are also easy to repair and cost a fraction of the price compared to some power flush models. 

The disadvantage is you may need to flush a couple of times to remove stubborn solid matter, which uses more water and negates the point of an eco-friendly toilet. 

It’s All About The Flush

Flushing toilets are clean, hygienic, efficient, and above all, popular. There are alternatives like composting toilets, but flushing toilets are the norm in almost every home across the country. 

They have come a long way since their invention in the early 20th century, and they use a fraction of the water compared to older models. Until someone invents a better system of dealing with our waste, we will have to live with flushing toilets.