Your toilet might not be the most glamorous element of your bathroom remodel, but it’s certainly one of the most important. You use it multiple times daily, it significantly impacts your water bill, and the right choice dramatically affects bathroom comfort and style.

Today’s best toilets go far beyond basic functionality. From high-efficiency models that slash water consumption to best smart toilets with heated seats and automatic cleaning, modern options combine performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. Let’s explore the top toilet choices that deliver style and substance for every type of bathroom.

Why Your Toilet Choice Matters?

Selecting from the best-rated toilets involves more than picking something that flushes. Your toilet impacts daily comfort with height and seat design, water bills through efficiency ratings, maintenance time with cleaning ease, and overall bathroom aesthetics.

A poorly chosen toilet creates ongoing frustration through weak flushing, frequent clogs, difficult cleaning, uncomfortable height, and excessive water consumption. Quality toilets selected thoughtfully enhance daily life while reducing costs and maintenance hassles.

Understanding Toilet Types and Configurations

Before diving into specific recommendations, understand the basic toilet configurations available.

One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Toilets: One-piece toilets integrate the tank and bowl into a single unit, creating sleek, modern profiles that are easier to clean. Two-piece toilets feature separate tanks and bowls connected during installation, typically costing less and offering easier replacement of individual components.

Standard vs. Comfort Height: Standard toilets sit approximately 15 inches from floor to seat, while comfort height (also called right-height or ADA-compliant) models measure 17-19 inches. Comfort height toilets ease use for most adults, particularly seniors and those with mobility challenges, making them among the best rated toilets for accessibility.

Round vs. Elongated Bowls: Round bowls save space, fitting better in compact bathrooms, while elongated bowls provide more comfortable seating and better hygiene. Most people find elongated bowls more comfortable, making them standard in the best toilets for primary bathrooms.

High-Efficiency Toilets: Saving Water and Money

Modern high-efficiency toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) or less, compared to 3.5-7 gallons for older models. This dramatic reduction translates to significant water bill savings.

Dual-Flush Technology: Dual-flush toilets offer two flush options: low-volume (typically 0.8-1.0 gpf) for liquid waste and standard volume (1.28-1.6 gpf) for solid waste. This flexibility maximizes water savings while maintaining performance, making dual-flush models consistently rank among best best-rated toilets for efficiency.

WaterSense Certified Models: Look for toilets with the EPA’s WaterSense label, indicating they meet strict efficiency and performance standards. These toilets use at least 20% less water than standard 1.6 gpf models while performing as well or better.

Best Toilets for Modern Bathrooms

Contemporary bathroom designs demand toilets with clean lines, sleek profiles, and modern finishes that complement contemporary bathroom ideas.

Wall-Mounted Toilets: Wall-mounted or wall-hung toilets attach directly to wall framing with concealed tanks, creating ultra-modern aesthetics with a floating appearance. They make floor cleaning easier, work in tight spaces, and offer adjustable installation height.

Skirted Toilets: Skirted designs feature smooth, concealed trapways that create clean lines while eliminating hard-to-clean crevices. They bridge the gap between traditional two-piece and modern one-piece styles, offering contemporary aesthetics at more accessible price points.

Many manufacturers now offer skirted versions of popular models, making this design accessible across various budgets.

Best Smart Toilets: Technology Meets Comfort

The best smart toilets integrate advanced technology for enhanced comfort, hygiene, and convenience.

  • Bidet Functionality: Built-in bidet features provide warm water cleansing with adjustable spray patterns, pressure, and temperature. Benefits include superior hygiene, reduced toilet paper usage, and comfort for users with mobility limitations or certain health conditions.
  • Heated Seats: Temperature-controlled heated seats eliminate cold shock on winter mornings. Many smart toilets offer adjustable temperature settings to match personal preferences.
  • Automatic Features: Best smart toilets include automatic open/close lids, hands-free flushing activated by sensors, night lights for safe navigation, and automatic deodorizers for freshness.
  • Self-Cleaning Technology: Advanced models feature UV sanitization, electrolyzed water cleaning, and automatic bowl cleaning cycles, which dramatically reduce the need for manual cleaning.
  • Remote Controls: Many smart toilets include remote controls or smartphone apps for adjusting settings, monitoring usage, and accessing diagnostic information.

Best Toilets for Small Bathrooms

Compact bathrooms require careful toilet selection to maximize limited space.

Compact Elongated Models: Manufacturers now offer toilets with elongated bowls designed to fit the same footprint as round-bowl toilets. These deliver elongated comfort in space-constrained bathrooms.

Corner Toilets: Specifically designed for corner installation, these toilets maximize awkward spaces while freeing valuable floor area. They work particularly well in powder rooms and basement bathrooms.

Wall-Mounted Options: As mentioned earlier, wall-mounted toilets eliminate floor-mounted bases, creating more usable and visually open floor space. They represent ideal solutions for tiny bathrooms where every inch counts.

Best Toilets for Traditional Bathrooms

Traditional bathroom designs call for toilets that honor classic aesthetics while delivering modern performance.

Classic Two-Piece Designs: Traditional two-piece toilets with decorative tanks, chrome flush handles, and turned-leg bases complement period-appropriate bathrooms. Many manufacturers offer models that look vintage while incorporating modern efficiency and flushing technology.

Chair-Height Traditional Styles: Comfort height doesn’t require modern aesthetics. Several manufacturers offer traditional-styled toilets at comfortable heights, combining classic looks with contemporary ergonomics.

Matching Fixture Collections: Coordinate your toilet with other bathroom fixtures by selecting from manufacturers offering complete collections. Matching toilets, sinks, and tubs creates cohesive traditional bathroom designs.

Toilet Functions That Actually Matter

Flushing

  • Gravity-Fed Flushing: Most residential toilets use gravity-fed systems where tank water weight creates flushing pressure.
  • Pressure-Assisted Flushing: Pressure-assisted toilets use compressed air to boost flushing power, virtually eliminating clogs.
  • Double Cyclone and Power Flush: Various manufacturers offer proprietary flushing technologies with impressive-sounding names.

Maintenance and Cleaning

  • EverClean and Similar Coatings: Antimicrobial glazes inhibit bacteria, mold, and mildew growth while creating ultra-smooth surfaces that resist staining and make cleaning easier.
  • Concealed Trapways: Exposed trapways collect dust and grime in hard-to-reach areas. Skirted or fully-skirted designs eliminate these cleaning challenges.
  • Quick-Release Seats: Toilet seats with quick-release hinges allow complete removal for thorough cleaning and easy replacement when needed.

Color and Finish Options

  • Classic White: White toilets maintain timeless appeal, hide less dirt than colored options, match any decor style, and offer the widest selection and best pricing.
  • Biscuit and Almond: Slightly warmer than pure white, these neutral tones complement traditional bathrooms and coordinate with many tile colors.
  • Bold Colors: Some manufacturers offer black, gray, or other colored toilets for dramatic modern statements.

Budget Considerations

  • Budget-Friendly ($150-$300): Basic gravity-fed two-piece toilets from reputable manufacturers deliver reliable performance at accessible prices.
  • Mid-Range ($300-$800): This range includes quality one-piece toilets, dual-flush models, skirted designs, and enhanced features like soft-close seats and improved glazes.
  • Premium ($800-$2,000+): High-end toilets feature superior flushing systems, advanced designs, luxury finishes, and enhanced comfort features without electronics.
  • Smart Toilets ($1,000-$5,000+): Best smart toilets with bidet functions, heated seats, and automatic features represent significant investments delivering luxury and advanced hygiene.

Final Thoughts

Selecting from the best toilets available means considering performance, efficiency, comfort, style, and budget together. Whether you’re drawn to the best smart toilets with advanced technology, high-efficiency models that reduce environmental impact, or beautifully designed options that complement your bathroom decor, the right toilet transforms daily routines while lasting for decades.

At Metropolitan Bath & Tile, we help homeowners navigate toilet selection as part of comprehensive bathroom remodeling projects. Our experienced designers understand how toilet choice integrates with your complete bathroom vision, from coordinating styles to optimizing comfort and efficiency.

Ready to explore toilet options for your bathroom? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and visit our showrooms throughout Maryland and Virginia to see quality toilets in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most reliable toilet brand?

Top-rated brands include TOTO, Kohler, American Standard, and Duravit. Each offers models across various price points with strong reputations for reliability and performance

Are expensive toilets worth the money?

It depends on features and quality. Mid-range toilets ($300-$800) typically offer the best value for most homeowners, providing quality construction and efficient performance.

How much water do modern toilets use?

Current best toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush or less, compared to 3.5-7 gallons for older models. Dual-flush toilets use even less for liquid waste (0.8-1.0 gpf).

What height toilet is most comfortable?

Comfort height toilets (17-19 inches) suit most adults better than standard height (15 inches). Taller individuals and seniors particularly benefit from comfort height.

Do smart toilets require special plumbing or electrical?

Most best smart toilets require standard water supply connections plus nearby electrical outlets (standard 110V). Wall-mounted smart toilets need proper wall framing.