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Whether you’re looking to renovate your toilet or build a new one, chances are you have heard about Toto vs Kohler toilets. Both brands are often bandied about when matters of toilet units are discussed. Perhaps, you’ve mused silently as to which of the two is better and how they compare when the features are matched. This piece of Toto vs Kohler Toilets compared will delve into the details you need to know before equipping your bathroom.
If you’ve been going round in circles when searching for an advanced toilet system, read on to compare between Toto vs Kohler toilets to find the best one for your requirements. We recommend either buy perhaps you may need convincing because you can’t always have everything. Here is our ultimate review of the Toto vs Kohler Toilets.
Main differences between Toto vs Kohler
The main differences between Toto vs Kohler are:
- Toto toilets originate from Kitakyushu in Japan, whereas Kohler is an American toilet brand.
- Toto toilets use a full flush to clear waste, whereas Kohler toilets can be used with a partial flush.
- Toto toilets can be selected from over 250 options available for sale, whereas Kohler is quite limited with only 44 models found on the market.
- Toto specializes mainly in toilet units with a few bathroom extras made, whereas Kohler not only manufactures toilets but also has a wide variety of bathtubs.
- Toto toilets are available with different options of bidets and washlets, whereas Kohler does not manufacture washlets for their toilets.
Toto Toilets Review
Toto toilets are one of the most revered when many clients consider an advanced system for their self relieving sessions in the privacy of their homes. For over a century, Toto toilets have been in the market to make sure visits to the washroom are memorable. If you have visited Japan or some of the Asian destinations, you may have wondered what some of the toilet systems you encountered operate because sometimes, they appear complicated.
Americans probably have something similar in their homes, but that is not always the case. Companies like American Standard Toilets have tried to replicate the same standards, often to the same scale, but customers demand the original Toto toilets as envisioned by the designers in Kitakyushu, Japan. A visit to East Asia will definitely introduce what we’re talking about. And before you think it’s only found in high-end residential or hotels, don’t be surprised when you encounter them in public installations.
Features
Rear Cleanse
The Toto toilet removes the need to use toilet paper when you’re done with the business. A wand that extends from under the toilet seat sprays temperature-controlled water to effectively clean your rear. This function can be selected from a button that’s within reach of the user while sitting on the toilet. Not all manufacturers offer this feature and even those who do, cannot match the intrusion-free experience the Toto provides.
Premist
Toto toilets spray a mist inside the toilet bowl before every use. The reason for this is to make it harder for waste to stick to the surface of the bowl. When dry, debris tends to get stuck and as a result, you may require to flush more than once to get rid of it. Alternatively, you may be forced to scrub the bowl if flushing cannot scoop all the waste. Thanks to the premist, you won’t have to worry a lot about cleaning the bowl each time you visit the washroom.
Heated Seats
As many of you might have experienced at some point, toilet seats can be pretty uncomfortable when cold. This is exacerbated in the winter months when a visit to the washroom can leave you feeling uncomfortable as your body absorbs the frigid conditions of the toilet seat. Toto toilets have a heater that can be adapted by the user to create the optimum conditions to make visits to the bathroom an enjoyable experience.
Warm Air Drying
As we’ve mentioned, Toto toilets have a nozzle that sprays water on your nether regions. But you may wonder, what happens after? No one wants to leave the toilet with part of the body drenched, that’s why the Toto can direct warm air to vaporize all the water residue in seconds. The best part is the jet of warm air is comfortable and doesn’t leave you feeling uncomfortable.
Automatic Lid
For many customers, the first consideration of an advanced toilet is the ability to automatically open and close the toilet lid. No one likes to touch the lid, especially in shared bathrooms as this can easily create a situation where bacteria is spread easily. Sensors detect when the toilet is approached and opens. The opposite action is repeated when you stand up and the toilet lid automatically shuts softly.
Touchless Flushing
A common feature in Toto toilets is the ability to flush without touching a lever or button. Sensors connected to the seat communicate with the flush system to tell when you’re done using the toilet. Once you lift off the seat, the toilet will handle the rest making it one of the most hygienic types of toilet you can buy.
Deodorizer
Toilets can sometimes emit unpleasant smells. Such smells can make every visit to the bathroom a cringeworthy experience. Luckily, with the Toto worries such as these are eliminated by a smart air filter that absorbs most of the bad odors. The system operates automatically to ensure that anytime anyone uses the toilet, they’ll be met by fresh air to make them comfortable as they conduct their business.
Pros
- A cleaning wand eliminates the need for toilet paper
- The toilet seat has a heater to make it comfortable
- The toilet bowl has been coated with a special glaze that prevents bacteria growth
- The amount of water used to flush is EPA certified
- Toto is the pioneer of smart toilets and is a product you can trust
- Sensors predict when you’re done using the toilet and flush on your behalf
Cons
- They can be difficult to install
- Because of reputation, they’re pricey
- Some models require you to buy the seat separately
Best Toto Toilet Products
Toto Nexus Elongated Toilet
The reason the Toto Nexus Elongated Toilet is highly recommended for homes where space is an issue is they are compact and occupy very little space. Don’t let the size fool you as they’re every bit as efficient as bigger units. The reason manufacturers make taller toilet units is to gain from gravitational advantages every time a user flushes. At a rated 1.28 gallons for each flush, this model will perform as required. You can adapt this unit with add-ons from the manufacturer such as automatic flushing and a bidet washlet if you prefer the front and rear cleaning water jet.
Toto Drake II
Chances are you’ve already heard of this model when flipped through the options of Toto toilets. With the Toto Drake II, you may never have use for a plunger because it’s one of the most powerful flushing toilets on the market. Nothing can block the toilet when the Double Cyclone flushing technology kicks in. Two outlets on the toilet bowl create a powerful swirl as the water flushes down the sewer, taking with it any stubborn matter that was on the toilet bowl. The flush doesn’t compromise on the water with only 1.28 gallons required for each flushing action.
Kohler Toilet Review
More than before, many homes require an efficient toilet. No one wants a toilet that requires a lot of water to flush when required for a single user. As it has been published, water shortage is a common occurrence not just in America but all over the world. When Texas was recently hit by a water shortage, no one saw it coming. What if you had a Kohler toilet whenever you had to relive your nether region? Perhaps you would have been less worried.
Few toilet systems deliver the efficiency of a Kohler system. It’s one of the few choices you have to consider before equipping your bathroom. The manufacturer considered the comfort and convenience of the user before coming up with the finished product. Americans demand quality, and none is more convincing than a homegrown one-piece or two-piece toilet. The design is all about simplicity and ease of use for your ultimate enjoyment.
Features
In case you’re conflicted as to some of the features of Kohler toilets, here we will elaborate on some of the features we think to stand out.
Clean Caps
Maybe the term is self-explanatory but for the uninitiated, it is Kohler’s term for smoothly concealed caps that are easy to clean. Raised caps present an issue of their own when debris becomes trapped when cleaning the surface of the toilet. Such particulates build-up after prolonged use to create a potential spread of bacteria. With a low profile cap, each swipe with a cloth or cleaning material ensures most of the debris will be carried away. What you’re left with is a surface that is devoid of accumulated waste which is easy to clean and manage.
Intelligent Chair Height
Manufacturers know users are of equal parameters, some are tall while others are of average or below average height. Shopping for a toilet that will fit most members of the household can be taxing and time-consuming exercise. Kohler takes all the associated problems away with their adjustable seat height. At the touch of a button, the whole system responds to your requirements at the time. Up or down, the choice is entirely up to the members of your household who may vary in physical measurements.
Trusted
The nature of a brand can only be built over a period of time. To be number 1, you need more of this than that to rise above the competition. Kohler is one of the most recognizable brands on the market that has stood the test of time. An average customer will probably recognize the brand without batting an eyelid because the reputation has been firmly established. If American quality is what you strive for, few brands come highly recommended as Kohler toilets.
Quick Install
Toilets are critical features for all households, and as such they must be available for use when required. Repairs or replacements are inevitable when time is taken into consideration. This is why when you’re installing a new unit or replacing an old one, you need the process to be as seamless as possible. Kohler toilets are as ready to install as they come with the minimum effort required to get them up and running.
Auto-opening
With the Kohler toilet, you don’t need to physically open the toilet lid. At the touch of a button, the toilet will automatically open for you to use. This feature is very important if you want to minimize contact with the toilet. Normally, toilet seats tend to harbor a lot of germs and the manufacturer recognizes this fact.
Touchless Flush
Smart toilets have to live up to their reputation of being technologically advanced. One of the demands customers require is touch-free flushing. Thanks to a motion-activated sensor, the Kohler toilet can flush the bowl after use. Sensors connected to the seat detect movement and can accurately predict when you’re done with the business. The system will handle the rest without requiring your input.
Water Filtration
It may appear confusing at first glance but toilets need clean water to effectively control the spread of germs. Piped water contains chlorine and heavy metals that may damage the surface of the toilet bowl and create an environment where bacteria can thrive. A built-in water filtration system will sieve off impurities for a healthier bidet experience, making your toilet last longer in the process.
Pros
- The amount of water used to flush meets stringent EPA guidelines
- It’s a quality product that has the reputation to back the claims of customer satisfaction
- It’s easy to source replacement parts for worn out pieces
- An in-built deodorizer eliminates the common bathroom odors
- One of the easiest smart toilets to use
- Flushing power is one of the most powerful on the market
- It’s one of the most affordable smart toilets available
Cons
- Installation may require the services of a knowledgeable technician
- Flushing is not as discreet as other smart toilet models
- Short people and children may find it difficult to use
Best Kohler Toilet Products
Kohler K-3597-0 San Raphael Comfort Height Pressure IIte 1.0 GPF Elongated Toilet
The Kohler K-3597-0 San Raphael is one of the most advanced and aesthetically pleasing toilet models that Kohler offers for sale. Many homeowners prefer a toilet unit that looks great and makes the bathroom a little more stylish. This model is the epitome of luxury when you rank Kohler products and it won’t disappoint should you decide to equip your home with one.
EPA WaterSense certification is a highly sought title and this model fits in with the requirements, utilizing a paltry gallon of water for each flush. You also get the choice of seven colors when it comes to this particular unit, allowing you to find the closest match for your bathroom decor.
Kohler 3810-0 Santa Rosa Comfort Height Elongated 1.28 GPF
The Kohler 3810-0 is a one-piece unit that is easy to install and one of the most affordable Kohler toilet models. Its popularity is backed by the ability to select the amount of water you can use per flush. A full flush uses 1.28 gallons but should you require a partial flush, it can use only half a gallon. Thanks to AquaPiston technology, you won’t need to regularly clean the toilet bowl. Another important feature of the 3810-0 is it has an elongated bowl that is set at a comfortable height for adults and elderly persons.
Read More: Kohler k-560-vs Review: Everything You Need to Know
Which is better between Toto and Kohler Toilets?
One of the most difficult decisions you’ll be faced with when shopping for a smart toilet is to select one of the Toto or Kohler models. There are many other smart toilet manufacturers in the world but few stand out as Toto and Kohler. Both brands are high-quality and have stood the test of time if testimonials by customers are anything to go by. You cannot go wrong with either but for your curiosity, we will narrow it down to one manufacturer we think produces the best units.
Toto set the pace when advanced toilets were first introduced. Over the years, they’ve continuously updated their portfolio to have an edge on competition from other manufacturers like Kohler. For customers who like design, we can confidently give Kohler an edge over Toto, but style rarely defeats functionality when it comes to toilets. Toto ranks highly when it comes to flushing performance with many different technologies adapted to whisk away all debris on the bowl. Cleaning and maintenance are first-rate when compared to Kohler, with fewer reported leakages and clogs as reported by users who have operated both toilets for years.
If you want a toilet that will last you for years before needing replacement, we certainly recommend the Toto. They have perfected the art of making reliable and efficient toilet systems that can be matched by none. Price may be a worrying factor with Toto toilets but at the back of your mind, you will know you’re paying a premium for a quality product.
FAQs
Question: Which brand offers a wider selection of toilet models?
Answer: According to the catalog shown on the websites of both manufacturers, Toto has a much bigger selection of toilets. Kohler has 44 models available for sale while Toto has over 250 models of toilets.
Question: Between Toto and Kohler, which one has the most powerful flush?
Answer: Both Kohler and Toto have models that fall under EPA water usage requirements. However, Kohler toilets sometimes require more than one flush to clear the bowl of all matter. On the other hand, Toto has more flush technologies, and rarely will you need to flush twice. On this matter, customer reviews affirm Toto’s reputation as the most powerful flushing toilet on the market.
Question: Which brand lasts the longest?
Answer: Quality of build is assured with either brand. For an ordinary household, both Kohler and Toto can last for well over 12 years. Regular maintenance has to be undertaken to ensure the toilet can last for that long.
Conclusion
In essence, Toto and Kohler make similar toilet products with only a few variations setting them apart. From the review, you have learned some of the features that stand out. These features are the reason both brands are some of the most highly sought smart toilets on the market today.
From our review, we absolutely vouch for the Toto toilet. You will benefit from years of experience Toto has gained as the pioneer manufacturer of smart toilets. What you get is a toilet that has been adorned with various systems to make the private session of your toilet visits a trouble-free experience.
That’s not to say that Kohler is an unworthy contestant. If your budget cannot be stretched enough to fit the higher-spec Toto models, you can’t go wrong with Kohler. We certainly hope we have fleshed out all the details you needed to know when you do a head-to-head comparison of Toto and Kohler.