Whether Toto or Kohler is "better" depends on what you value most. Toto is generally considered superior for flushing efficiency, bidet technology, and bowl cleanliness, while Kohler excels in design variety, traditional styling, and budget-friendly options.
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.
Cons
Plumbers often recommend TOTO toilets because they are reliable, easy to install, and engineered for long-term performance.
Yes, Toto is widely considered the best toilet brand on the market. Plumbers and reviewers highly recommend them for their unmatched flushing power, reliability, and innovative tech, such as built-in bidets and self-cleaning ceramic glazes. However, they do carry a premium price tag.
Whether Toto or Kohler is better depends on your priorities. Toto is widely considered the superior brand for innovation, smart bidet technology, and quiet, efficient flushing. Kohler is often preferred for design variety, traditional aesthetics, and more budget-friendly options.
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.
Toto toilets typically last 15 to 30 years or more, though the exact lifespan depends heavily on whether you are looking at the durable porcelain base or the built-in electronic components.
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.
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.
Pressure-assisted toilets and dual-flush toilets are often known for their strong flushing performance, which helps prevent clogs. Larger trapway: The trapway is the channel that carries waste from the bowl to the drainpipe. A wider trapway can allow for more efficient waste removal, reducing the likelihood of clogs.
American Standard toilets are generally more affordable, making them a great choice for budget-conscious buyers. TOTO toilets tend to be more expensive, but they offer greater durability and advanced features, making them a long-term investment.
The most advanced washlets can mix the water jet with soap for an improved cleaning process. The washlet can replace toilet paper completely, but many users opt to use both wash and paper in combination—although use of paper may be omitted for cleaning of the vulva.
Plumbers generally prefer Delta because of easy installation, widely available parts, and a hassle-free lifetime warranty.
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.
The number one toilet brand generally depends on what you are looking for. Overall, Toto is widely considered the best premium brand for durability and high-tech features (such as bidets), while Kohler is the number one brand for overall consumer recognition and design variety.
Toto is generally considered superior for flushing performance, engineering, and reliability, while Kohler is better for design variety, traditional styling, and budget-friendly options. Toto is widely praised for its powerful, quiet "Tornado" flush, whereas Kohler offers a wider range of colors and comfortable, high-end, and smart options.
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.
Here is a list of some toilets and models that plumbers and plumbing Market often recommend:
TOTO toilets are known worldwide for their sustainable design, modern technology and eco-friendly solutions. From EPA WaterSense certified models in the US, to the company's Tornado Flush technology and Washlet bidet seats – everything is designed to save water, ensure hygienic use, and fit into the modern home.
On average, you can expect to pay a plumber between $185 and $400 for labor. If you include the cost of a mid-range toilet, the total typically lands between $350 and $800. Plumbers usually charge either a flat rate for this common task or an hourly rate, with the job taking about 1 to 3 hours.
Dish soap has the ability to lubricate and break down the bonds of fats and grease. When poured into the toilet, dish soap helps lubricate the waste causing the clog, while also breaking down its structure, allowing it to easily flow down the drain.
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.
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.
Toto is the gold standard for toilets, renowned for their clog-free flushing systems and built-in bidet technology. The best model depends on your needs: the Drake is the top value pick for standard use, the Ultramax II offers sleek one-piece styling, and the Neorest series represents the pinnacle of smart bidet luxury.