American Standard toilets are manufactured by American Standard Brands, a subsidiary of the global housing and building materials conglomerate LIXIL Group.
The better toilet depends on your priorities: American Standard wins on raw flushing power and budget-friendly reliability, while Kohler excels in premium design, luxury features, and aesthetic variety.
American Standard toilets are primarily manufactured in Mexico and China, with some specialty items and commercial chinaware still produced in the United States. The company designs and engineers all of its fixtures at its US headquarters in Piscataway, New Jersey.
No, they are entirely separate companies.
American Standard toilets are fully tested to ensure superior quality and lasting performance. This includes actually flush testing each bowl at the plant before it is put into the box. Each component must comply with American Standard's industry-leading product durability standards.
Plumbers consistently recommend Toto as the best overall toilet brand due to its superior engineering, reliable flushing power, and longevity. For high-quality, budget-friendly, or easily serviceable alternatives, they also frequently point to Gerber, American Standard, and Mansfield.
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.
For absolute mechanical reliability, industry experts and plumbers widely regard TOTO as the most dependable toilet on the market. Their patented flushing systems rarely clog, and their premium ceramic glazes prevent waste from adhering.
Plumbers generally prefer Delta for everyday utility, ease of installation, and hassle-free part availability. However, they often recommend Kohler for high-end custom bathrooms and luxury aesthetics.
Putting an empty toilet paper roll under a toilet seat is a common bathroom hack meant to act as a discreet "out of stock" warning. If a stall runs out of toilet paper, placing the empty tube under the seat alerts the next person that there is no paper available before they sit down.
The world’s largest toilet manufacturer is TOTO Ltd. Headquartered in Kitakyushu, Japan, the company was founded in 1917 and is globally recognized for pioneering advanced plumbing technologies, including integrated bidet-washlets and self-cleaning ceramic systems.
Instead of relying solely on toilet paper, Japan primarily uses high-tech electronic bidet toilets, commonly known as "Washlets". These smart toilets utilize built-in, adjustable streams of warm water to cleanse the user and often feature integrated warm-air dryers, completely eliminating the need for paper.
Delta is generally considered superior to American Airlines in operational reliability, cabin comfort, and customer service. However, the "better" choice depends on your hub, frequent flyer goals, and budget.
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.
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.
American Standard toilets typically last 20 to 50 years. While the heavy-duty porcelain bowl and tank can easily last half a century, internal mechanical parts—such as the flapper, fill valve, and flush handle—will naturally degrade and require replacement every 5 to 10 years.
Is Delta more expensive than Kohler? No, Delta is generally budget-friendly. Kohler is comparatively more expensive because it has premium materials and high-end designs.
Both Moen and Kohler are top-tier, highly trusted brands, but they cater to slightly different priorities. Kohler is generally better for premium design, heavy brass construction, and a luxurious feel. Moen is generally better for mid-range reliability, ease of installation, and DIY repairs.
Plumbers consistently recommend Delta, Moen, and Kohler. These brands are top choices because they are highly reliable, built with durable materials (like solid brass and ceramic discs), and—most importantly—their replacement parts are universally available and backed by lifetime warranties.
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.
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.
Toilets with the strongest flushes typically feature either a powerful pressure-assisted mechanism or a highly engineered gravity flush. Three standout brands dominate the market for clog-free performance:
Traditional Amish communities often rely on resourceful, biodegradable, or reusable alternatives to conventional toilet paper. Depending on the strictness of the specific church district, these alternatives can include:
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.
Elongated toilets feature a longer, oval-shaped bowl (about 18.5 inches) and are the standard for adult comfort, ease of cleaning, and bidet compatibility. Round toilets have a more circular bowl (about 16.5 inches) and are ideal for space-restricted areas like guest bathrooms, powder rooms, or homes with small children.