A toilet is a “must have” for your home.
But do you know that toilets are not made the same?
If you are shopping for a toilet, you will likely notice the enormous difference between the lowest and highest price tags.
However, What Are The Key Differences Between Cheap And Expensive Toilets?
While cheap and expensive toilets seem pretty much the same, the quality of fixtures and engineering that goes into them is very different. Relative to cheaper options, expensive toilets come with more reliable parts, powerful flush, great overall design, and offer a more comfortable sitting experience.
But does this mean all expensive toilets are better, or all cheap toilets are of inferior quality? Definitely, no.
Typically, the difference between a very high-quality toilet and a barely adequate toilet can take years to show up. As such, it is imperative to understand what to look for when shopping for a toilet so you can make an informed decision when choosing.
The Three Differences Between Cheap And Expensive Toilets
Toilets are integral to the sanitation of any household, and it is undisputed that they serve the same purpose — to dispose of human waste.
However, when it comes to buying one, there is a very wide margin evident in their price tags.
So, what makes some options more expensive than others?
Toilet design and quality are the most crucial factors that account for the price differences.
Here is where the difference in price arises from:
1. Glaze Quality
Oftentimes, expensive toilets come with reliable parts for long-term dependability and have a better glaze.
Although the glaze quality will vary from one brand to another, they generally have thick, hard, and slippery glaze. The high-grade texture ensures smooth flushing, which keeps your toilet stain free.
What’s more, expensive toilets will most likely be glazed in the drain pipe, which requires very high craftsmanship.
This ensures the ceramic surface does not touch water, waste, toilet paper, etc., which can accumulate to harbor bacteria or make the drain pipe diameter thinner over time.
On the other hand, cheap toilets utilize cheap looking glaze.
Some options even have uneven glaze with bumps that you can feel if you gently caress them.
Less than stellar quality glazing can create thriving conditions for bacteria, putting your health at risk.
2. Functionality
From no-tank toilets to wall-mounted toilets to low-water pressure toilets, and many more, you can find nearly every imaginable toilet design.
These designs (or extra features) add to the functionality and overall appearance of the toilet but, of course, not for free.
For instance, while a typical flush toilet comes set to standard height and with traditional features, expensive models have elongated bowls and may include an adjustment system to allow you to lift the seat for a more comfortable experience.
Expensive toilets usually have quality, solid seats that do not move.
In contrast, many cheap toilets come with plastic seats that will likely start moving from the very first day.
Some cheap options are substandard that leaning back while seated can dislodge the lid.
After using your toilet, you will want to press the flush button just once and leave the room.
Thankfully, many expensive toilets feature complicated mechanisms that provide a powerful flush.
With a cheap toilet, you may have to wait around to flush a second time.
Otherwise, you will come to encounter your log in your next visit. You can avoid this nasty experience by investing in a high-end toilet.
Overall, expensive toilets combine functional design and features to give you a virtually hand-free toileting experience.
3. Appearance
Nobody doesn’t like good-looking bathroom suites.
Although all toilets do pretty much the same job, the details that go into individual toilets can greatly affect their price.
An expensive toilet will still look like new after decades of use, while a cheaper option will lose its flawless appearance in less than ten years.
Surfaces of cheaper toilets scratch easily, exposing the unsightly rough material underneath.
How Do You Shop For A Replacement Toilet?
If you are in the market for a new flush toilet, it is imperative to pick one that you will be happy seeing and sitting on.
This is very important considering that your toilet is one of the fixtures you will be getting a sight of every day.
Thankfully, whether you want a modern or traditional, white or colored, one-piece or two-piece toilet, you are sure to find an option that suits your preferences.
Here are factors to consider before making the final decision and tips to help you pick the best toilet for your home:
1. Bathroom Layout
Toilets can take up a significant amount of space, so planning your bathroom layout is an integral part of your decision.
Carefully measure the size of your bathroom and check whether there are any obstructions, limitations, fixtures, or objects to worry about.
Ideally, a toilet should have a clearance of at least 15 inches.
Most toilets should fit in a standard bathroom.
2. Style And Type
Flush toilets come in a range of styles and types. Common types include:
- One-piece toilets
- Two-piece toilets
- Wall-mount toilets
- Tankless toilets
Whether you want to create a sleek, clean look or something traditional, you will find a type that suits you.
Two-piece toilets work well for a variety of styles;
- one-piece options are best for modern and contemporary bathrooms;
- tankless toilets are ideal for minimalists
- while wall-mounted work best where saving floor space is a major concern.
3. Flush Performance
The last thing you want is a toilet that doesn’t get everything down with one flush.
To save time that might be wasted after you are done with your business there, consider a toilet with efficient flushing power.
You can choose between gravity or pressure-assisted toilets.
A pressure-assisted toilet is a great option if you want to conserve water. However, they can be tricky to install.
4. Round Or Elongated Bowl
For the most part, the shape of the toilet bowl to pick will depend on your bathroom’s layout.
Round bowls are right for small bathrooms, since they take up a little space.
On the other hand, elongated bowls work for large bathrooms and deliver a more comfortable sitting experience.
5. Ease of cleaning
A good toilet should be easy to clean, so consider models with easy-to-clean glaze.
If you have a flexible budget, you might want to look for toilets coated with an antibacterial glaze, which helps prevent bacteria build-up.
Conclusion
There are a number of replacement toilet shopping considerations.
If you are contemplating a cheap or expensive toilet, hopefully, this post will help you make the right decision.
For the most part, expensive toilets are worth their process.
Sources
https://www.thespruce.com/ultimate-toilet-buying-guide-3997603
