Best Toilet Buying Guide 2024: Top Tips & Choices

Choosing the perfect toilet for your bathroom in 2024 may seem like a daunting task with the variety of options available, but with the right guidance, it can be a smooth and rewarding process. This guide will walk you through everything you need to consider, from plumbing compatibility to style preferences, ensuring you make an informed decision that balances functionality, comfort, and aesthetics.

1. Understanding Your Bathroom’s Plumbing

Before diving into toilet styles and features, it’s crucial to understand your bathroom’s existing plumbing setup. The type of plumbing in your home can significantly impact your choices:

• Standard Plumbing: Most homes have standard plumbing that supports traditional floor-mounted toilets. If you’re planning to stick with a similar style, your options are wide open.
• Wall-Hung Toilets: These require a more specialized setup, including a concealed cistern and a sturdy wall to mount the toilet. If you’re interested in a sleek, modern look, you might consider upgrading your plumbing to accommodate a wall-hung toilet.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about your plumbing system, consult with a plumber before making any decisions. This can save you from costly adjustments later.

2. Choosing the Right Toilet Style

Once you’ve confirmed your plumbing setup, it’s time to explore the different toilet styles available in 2024:

• Two-Piece Toilets: The most common type, where the tank and bowl are separate units. They are generally more affordable and easier to repair.
• One-Piece Toilets: These combine the tank and bowl into a single unit, offering a sleek design and easier cleaning. They tend to be more expensive but are favored for their modern aesthetic.
• Wall-Hung Toilets: These toilets are mounted directly onto the wall, saving floor space and making cleaning easier. They are ideal for minimalist and contemporary bathrooms but require more complex installation.
• Back-to-Wall Toilets: These sit flush against the wall, hiding the cistern within the wall or a furniture unit. They offer a clean, streamlined look and are easier to maintain than traditional models.

Pro Tip: Consider your bathroom’s overall style when selecting a toilet. A wall-hung or back-to-wall toilet can enhance a modern bathroom, while a two-piece toilet might be more suitable for a traditional space.

3. Considering Size and Comfort

The size of the toilet is another crucial factor, especially if you have a small bathroom or are working within tight space constraints:

• Compact Toilets: Ideal for small bathrooms, these toilets have a smaller footprint and can fit into tighter spaces without sacrificing comfort.
• Comfort Height Toilets: These are slightly taller than standard toilets, making them more comfortable for most adults and easier to use for people with mobility issues.

Pro Tip: Measure your bathroom space carefully before purchasing a toilet. Ensure there’s enough room for the toilet itself, as well as comfortable clearance around it for easy use and cleaning.

4. Material Quality and Durability

Investing in a toilet made from high-quality materials ensures longevity and reliability:

• Vitreous China: The most common material, known for its durability, smooth surface, and ease of cleaning.
• Porcelain: Often used interchangeably with vitreous china, porcelain toilets are strong, long-lasting, and resistant to staining.

Pro Tip: Look for toilets with a smooth, seamless design to minimize places where dirt and bacteria can accumulate, making cleaning easier.

5. Water Efficiency and Eco-Friendly Options

Water conservation is a key consideration for many homeowners today, both for environmental and cost-saving reasons:

• Dual-Flush Toilets: These toilets offer two flushing options—one for liquid waste and one for solid waste—allowing you to use less water when possible.
• High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs): Designed to use 20% less water than the standard 1.6 gallons per flush, these toilets can significantly reduce your water usage.

Pro Tip: Check for WaterSense labels, which indicate that the toilet meets or exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) water efficiency standards.

6. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

A toilet that’s easy to clean will save you time and effort in the long run:

• Rimless Toilets: These have no rim around the bowl, making them easier to clean and more hygienic since there are fewer places for germs to hide.
• Glazed Trapways: Toilets with fully glazed trapways allow waste to pass more smoothly, reducing the chances of clogging and making cleaning easier.

Pro Tip: Consider a toilet with a smooth, contoured base that minimizes hard-to-reach areas where dust and grime can accumulate.

7. Color and Style Coordination

While white is the most popular color for toilets, you have other options that might better suit your bathroom’s design:

• Matching the Bathroom’s Aesthetic: If your bathroom features bold colors or unique finishes, consider a toilet that complements the overall theme. Black or colored toilets can make a striking statement in a modern bathroom.
• Consistency with Other Fixtures: Ensure that your toilet matches other bathroom fixtures, such as sinks and bathtubs, in both color and style for a cohesive look.

Pro Tip: Choose a toilet that blends seamlessly with your bathroom’s overall design, enhancing its aesthetic appeal rather than clashing with it.

8. Additional Features to Consider

Modern toilets come with various features that can enhance comfort and convenience:

• Soft-Close Lids: Prevent slamming and add a touch of luxury.
• Heated Seats: Provide added comfort, especially in colder climates.
• Bidet Functionality: Some advanced toilets offer built-in bidet features for improved hygiene.

Pro Tip: Decide which additional features are most important to you and your family, and prioritize them when choosing your toilet.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect toilet for your bathroom in 2024 involves balancing practicality with style. By considering factors like plumbing compatibility, toilet style, size, material quality, water efficiency, ease of cleaning, and additional features, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and enhances your bathroom’s overall design.

Whether you opt for a sleek wall-hung model, a water-saving dual-flush toilet, or a traditional two-piece design, the right toilet can make a significant difference in your bathroom’s comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Take your time to explore the options, measure your space carefully, and choose a toilet that you’ll be satisfied with for years to come.