Several Central Ohio Lowesstores are clearing out the #1 rated Eljer Titan Toilet. I've never seen it on sale before. Use a coupon for an even better deal. ConsumerReports.org Quick Recommendations A toilet is one product whose price has little to do with performance. Many top-scoring models cost $200 to $300 and outperformed higher-priced models. Most top performers are pressure-assisted models. Gravity toilets typically sacrifice flushing power for quietness. But two gravity models, from Eljer and American Standard, deliver both strengths. Four of these toilets--the Jacuzzi, Kohler, Waterworks, and American Standard--are part of matched bathroom suites. But as their scores show, you’re likely to prefer mixing those suites with other, better models. The Ratings rank toilets by overall performance. See Types to match the type to your needs. Then check our Quick Picks below for models that offer specific strengths and value. Quick Picks Best for most; capable and relatively quiet at a reasonable price: The gravity Eljer combines tall seating with capable waste removal and quiet flushing. The regular-height American Standard is also especially quiet without giving up much performance. Consider the slightly noisier Gerber for its forceful flushing, the Eljer for its low price. Also consider the powerful Kohler if noise isn’t an issue. Even the utilitarian commode is getting a revamp as toilet manufacturers strive to make this most basic of bathroom elements more accommodating. Trends include more comfort-height models, which raise the rim from the usual 14 inches to as much as 17 inches above the floor. The added height makes getting on and off easier, especially for aging boomers, who have helped boost sales. But their added comfort is likely to appeal to younger buyers, too. Some of the most capable models blend their higher style with high performance at a moderate price. Added efficiency is another selling point as major brands attempt to improve upon the 1.6 gallons per flush that has been the legal threshold since 1994. A growing number of models with dual-flush technology use a mere 0.8 gallons. Flushing an array of baby wipes, sponges, plastic balls, and tubes designed to uniformly simulate a toilet’s worst nightmare revealed that some toilets still can’t handle the tough stuff. We also found that many top performers share a common annoyance. Here are the details: Pressure has the power. Pressure-assisted toilets dispatched our simulated solid waste with the fewest clogs, thanks to their powerful thrust. For sheer flushing power, none of the vacuum-assisted toilets we tested and only a few of the gravity models came close. Better is usually noisier. The loudest of our pressure-assisted toilets emitted an emphatic “whoosh” as they worked. Gravity and vacuum models were much quieter. While that typically means less-effective flushing, some gravity toilets, worked nearly as well as the pressure-assisted models with far less fanfare. Dual-flush requires discretion. Dual-flush models we tested did a fine job of thoroughly removing liquid waste when we used their optional water-saving, 0.8-gallon mode. But none of these toilets are meant for solid waste in that mode.
Brand model Eljer Titan 091-0777 Gerber Ultra Flush 21-312 Gerber Ultra Flush 21-302 Eljer Aqua-Saver 091-7025 Toto Carlyle MS874114SG Kohler Gabrielle Comfort Height K-3322 Eljer Canterbury 081-1625 1620 Eljer Patriot 091-2125 How to choose Many toilets are replaced as part of a bathroom makeover. But if you’re simply replacing a broken gravity toilet, consider having it fixed, especially if you bought it after 1994. A new flapper valve (about $5) or new fill valve (about $15) solves most problems and is easy to install. Once you’ve decided to buy a new toilet, begin by considering the bathroom’s location. If it’s near a kitchen or other living area, or your home is small, you’re likelier to prefer a quieter toilet. See Types for an overview of the three major toilet types. After you’ve chosen the type you want, keep these shopping tips in mind: Check your water pressure. Before buying a pressure-assisted toilet, be sure that your home has the water pressure it requires. You can check your home’s water pressure yourself with a $10 gauge that connects to an outdoor spigot. You’ll need at least 25 pounds per square inch for the toilet; allow a little extra to compensate for pressure drops from the spigot to the toilet. If you need to adjust your water pressure, don’t go above 80 psi, which can harm toilets and other fixtures. Consider your cleaning. Most toilets use a two-piece design with a separate tank and bowl; the seam between the two tends to trap grime. One-piece models add style while eliminating the seam. But they can also cost $400 or more. Choose colors with caution. More models now are available in glacier blue, peach bisque, and other hues. But as with the avocado green and harvest gold that graced ’70s kitchens, some could make your bathroom look dated over time. Decide on a shape. Toilets with a round bowl take the least room and accept the widest variety of seats. If you have the space, consider models with elongated bowls, which are more stylish and allow a longer seat that provides more room and support for a variety of users. Check the date. Manufacturers often change a toilet’s design without changing the model name. Make sure you are buying a recent sample. Toilets typically have a date stamped inside the tank. Check the specs on gravity models. Gravity toilets rely on a flush valve to discharge water from the tank and into the bowl. Beefier valves 3 to 3 1/2 inches wide help deliver more thrust in our tests than gravity models with 2-inch valves. Ask to see the manufacturer’s specifications for the flush valve when considering a gravity toilet.
Even the utilitarian commode is getting a revamp as toilet manufacturers strive to make this most basic of bathroom elements more accommodating. Trends include more comfort-height models, which raise the rim from the usual 14 inches to as much as 17 inches above the floor. The added height makes getting on and off easier, especially for aging boomers, who have helped boost sales. But their added comfort is likely to appeal to younger buyers, too. Some of the most capable models blend their higher style with high performance at a moderate price. Added efficiency is another selling point as major brands attempt to improve upon the 1.6 gallons per flush that has been the legal threshold since 1994. A growing number of models with dual-flush technology use a mere 0.8 gallons. Flushing an array of baby wipes, sponges, plastic balls, and tubes designed to uniformly simulate a toilet’s worst nightmare revealed that some toilets still can’t handle the tough stuff. We also found that many top performers share a common annoyance. Here are the details: Pressure has the power. Pressure-assisted toilets dispatched our simulated solid waste with the fewest clogs, thanks to their powerful thrust. For sheer flushing power, none of the vacuum-assisted toilets we tested and only a few of the gravity models came close. Better is usually noisier. The loudest of our pressure-assisted toilets emitted an emphatic “whoosh” as they worked. Gravity and vacuum models were much quieter. While that typically means less-effective flushing, some gravity toilets, worked nearly as well as the pressure-assisted models with far less fanfare. Dual-flush requires discretion. Dual-flush models we tested did a fine job of thoroughly removing liquid waste when we used their optional water-saving, 0.8-gallon mode. But none of these toilets are meant for solid waste in that mode.
Unless you’re comfortable with plumbing projects and have someone to help with the lifting, you’ll probably want to leave toilet installation to a plumber. Costs vary considerably by location and typically range from about $200 to $450. Here are some issues to consider before anyone picks up a wrench: Look for the proper credentials. As with all pros, the plumber you choose should have proper licensing. Membership in professional organizations and several years of experience are a plus. Check for liability insurance. Ask to see a copy of the certificate of insurance and check with the insurer to make sure the policy is in force. Position the toilet first. If you’re changing the toilet’s location, decide where the new one will go before you relocate the other fixtures. Toilets require a 3- to 4-inch drain pipe. Relocating it may be more difficult than relocating and installing the smaller drains for showers and sinks. Upgrade the lines. Have the plumber replace rigid chrome-plated copper water-supply lines with braided, flexible stainless steel. Besides easing future repairs, these lines help minimize leaks that may develop with minor movement. Check for leaks. See that there are no leaks at the water-shutoff valve that connects to the wall or at the base of the toilet before the pro packs up and leaves. |
