Whether TOTO is "better" depends on your priorities and budget. Generally, TOTO excels in technology, luxury, and flushing power, while American Standard provides reliable, highly capable toilets at a more budget-friendly price point.
The best overall toilet brand is Toto, universally praised by plumbers for its exceptional reliability, powerful "Tornado" flushing systems, and long-lasting ceramic quality. Other top-tier, plumber-recommended brands include Kohler for style and accessibility, and American Standard for budget-friendly flushing power.
Toto toilets have earned their reputation as the best brand in the plumbing industry due to their exceptional engineering, consistent performance, and thoughtful design. At the core of Toto's appeal is its commitment to innovation.
Plumbers recommend sticking to three major brands: Toto, Kohler, and American Standard. They value these brands for their durable parts, reliable flushing mechanisms, and the ease of sourcing replacement components years down the line.
Whether Kohler or American Standard is "better" depends on your priorities. Kohler excels in premium design and aesthetics, while American Standard is generally the go-to for budget-friendly, highly reliable, no-nonsense functionality.
Whether TOTO is "better" depends on your priorities and budget. Generally, TOTO excels in technology, luxury, and flushing power, while American Standard provides reliable, highly capable toilets at a more budget-friendly price point.
Common issues with American Standard toilets primarily revolve around leaking flush valves, ghost flushing, and weak flushes. While known for accessibility and powerful models like the Champion 4, several specific defects frequently plague these toilets.
The strongest and most reliable flushing toilets are evaluated by their MAP (Maximum Performance) scores. The best-performing models fall into two categories: high-power gravity toilets, which are quiet and require less maintenance, and pressure-assisted toilets, which offer commercial-grade power but can be noisy.
TOTO and Kohler are both premier toilet brands, but they cater to different priorities. Choose TOTO if you value superior, clog-free flushing performance and advanced integrated bidets (like the WASHLET). Choose Kohler if you prioritize diverse, bold bathroom aesthetics, design flexibility, and a more budget-friendly price.
I was wondering about the origin of using the terms "number one" and "number two" for going to the bathroom (for those unaware, number one is urinating, number two is defecating, at least in the US). I have used it several times myself without actually thinking about it and heard plenty of others use it as well.
Cons
The most common Toto toilet problems involve a continuously running tank (caused by a faulty fill valve or flapper seal), a weak or incomplete flush (often linked to clogged rim jets or a low tank water level), and hissing sounds.
Toto was founded in 1917 in Kitakyushu, an industrial port city at the tip of Japan's southernmost main island. Like many Japanese companies, Toto excelled at adopting and refining overseas technologies, such as Western-style seated flush toilets, for the Japanese market.
The best American Standard toilet overall is the Cadet 3. It perfectly balances water efficiency, price, and clog-free flushing power. However, if you prioritize specific needs like maximum clog prevention, space-saving design, or cutting-edge flushing tech, American Standard offers distinct front-runners for every bathroom.
Both Kohler and American Standard are high-quality, reliable brands, but the "better" option depends on whether you prioritize design and luxury (Kohler) or raw flushing power and value (American Standard). Kohler is better for aesthetic-focused, modern designs in primary bathrooms, while American Standard shines with efficient, clog-resistant, budget-friendly options.
Consumer Reports recommends several top-performing toilets that excel in waste removal, bowl cleaning, and drain-line clog resistance. Top models frequently tested by CR include fixtures from American Standard, Toto, Kohler, and Glacier Bay.
One of the most significant differences between TOTO vs. American Standard toilets is their flushing performance. TOTO toilets are known for their TORNADO FLUSH system, which uses a powerful centrifugal force to remove waste more effectively while using less water.
When evaluating the top 5 toilets, the best choices combine strong flushing power, water efficiency (1.28 GPF or lower), and easy-to-clean designs. Top-rated picks include the highly dependable Toto Drake, the sleek Swiss Madison St. Tropez, and the ADA-compliant American Standard Cadet 3.
Plumbers generally prefer Delta because of easy installation, widely available parts, and a hassle-free lifetime warranty.
Plumbers recommend sticking to three major brands: Toto, Kohler, and American Standard. They value these brands for their durable parts, reliable flushing mechanisms, and the ease of sourcing replacement components years down the line.
The American Standard Champion collection (including the Champion 4 and Champion PRO) features the brand's strongest flush. It is engineered with a massive 4-inch flush valve and an extra-wide 2-3/8-inch trapway, allowing it to flush a bucket of golf balls in a single go.
At 32,000 dollars, this is the world's most expensive toilet. This is the Numi 2.0 by Kohler and I'm about to show you if it's worth it. In my opinion, a smart toilet is an essential for not just a luxury home but honestly any home in 2026. The Numi 2.0 is famous for having built-in music.
The American Standard "clog-free" line is best represented by the Champion and Cadet 3 toilet series. Engineered with massive flush valves and industry-leading wide trapways, the Champion line is famously stress-tested to flush a bucket of golf balls without jamming.
American Standard is a leading North American plumbing and building products brand that includes high performing fixtures, stylish faucets and sinks, plus whirlpool tubs and other wellness products for the bath and kitchen.
Toilet production is done in American Standard's manufacturing plants in Mexico as well as China. So, why are American Standard toilets made in Mexico and China if “American” is in the company's name? To understand where the toilets are produced, let's dive into American Standard's history.