How to choose the right toilet: advice from an experienced plumber and a list of proven models


In total, a person spends about hours of his life in the toilet. I think this is a serious argument in favor of taking the arrangement of this modest-sized room very seriously. Today we will tell you not only how to choose the right toilet, but also present the most popular models so that you make the only right choice.

The supply of sanitary ware for toilets on the market reflects the established demand for it as clearly as possible. If a person can do without expensive tiles and suspended ceilings in his bathroom, then he cannot do without a toilet. People's appetites vary, but the set of criteria that determine which toilet is best to choose remains unchanged.

So, first of all, let's consider the choice of material from which the toilet is made.

Materials

Sanitary Ware

Perhaps the most common material, which is based on fine-pored white ceramics, coated with enamel of one color or another. Compared to other materials, sanitaryware is relatively cheap, and this is the reason for its overall popularity. Like any material of this class, sanitary ware has its drawbacks. The main one is the high abrasion of the enamel, which leads to the penetration of moisture into the very structure of the ceramics. As a result, the strength of the product slowly but surely decreases. And then until the bowl is completely destroyed not far away, especially if you or your relatives are quite impressive in size.

Porcelain

In appearance, many people confuse this material with earthenware, but the price of toilet bowls puts everything in its place: porcelain is based on the same white clay, but during manufacturing it is diluted with feldspar and quartz and acquires more solid technical characteristics. Accordingly, the enamel that covers clay, does not wear out so quickly, and pleases the happy owners of porcelain toilets with a rich color for quite a long time. Not for the rest of their lives, of course, but about twice as long as a sanitary ware toilet. However, you need to pay well for good porcelain: its price is higher in comparison with the above-mentioned earthenware products by about 40-45%.

Stainless steel

A less popular material, but much more durable and durable. Toilets made of steel are absolutely not afraid of moisture and, due to their durability, are excellent for public spaces. Even if some vandal wants to mock the steel “white friend,” he is unlikely to succeed. For an unlimited warranty period of use, you have to pay accordingly - steel toilets are more expensive than even porcelain products.

Cast iron

Have you ever seen cast iron toilets? Surely not, but this is not surprising: they are very rarely offered for sale in ordinary plumbing stores. The explanation for the market’s dislike for this material lies on the surface: cast iron toilets are very heavy and unreasonably bulky. These disadvantages cannot be overcome even by the resistance of cast iron to corrosion and rust.

Marble, artificial stone

One of the most expensive materials for toilets, which is in demand primarily among those who welcome the unique design of the room and have the means to realize their most “kosher” ideas. Toilets made of marble and artificial stone are very hygienic, do not lose color, and are quite economical in terms of water consumption, since bacteria and dirt do not linger on the absolutely smooth surface of the flush area. It is unlikely that you will be able to find such toilets in ordinary plumbing stores - they are usually made to order and have a unique design style.

Plastic toilets

A popular material for bathtubs, acrylic, is also successfully used for the manufacture of toilets. As a rule, such toilets are very light and easy to install, but their durability leaves much to be desired. Most often they are used for summer cottages and various auxiliary premises and very rarely at home.

Choosing the material for your toilet is not so bad. The real difficulties arise when it comes to what type of fastening to choose. How to choose a toilet with the most suitable mounting? Read on and note the most popular models.

Which toilet manufacturer is better?

Our market offers toilets of both Russian and European origin. One of the most famous companies is Sanita (manufactured in Samara). The quality of their products is not inferior to Western competitors. Among the European companies the following can be noted:

  • GUSTAVSBERG
  • Duravit
  • Jacob Delafon
  • JIKA
  • Ido
  • Roca
  • Laufen
  • Villeroy & Boch

and some others.

Now let's move on to the rating.

Fastening

Floor standing toilet

Perhaps the most common toilet bowls, which are equally often found both at home and in various kinds of public buildings. The delivery set includes anchor bolts and clamping nuts, with the help of which the bowl is firmly fixed in place. The ease of installation captivates buyers and encourages them to equip their bathrooms with toilets of this particular type.

There are two types of floor-standing toilet designs:

  • compact
  • monoblock

The first option is the most popular: separating the bowl and tank makes it easy to replace one or another part in case of breakdown or choose a unique design solution. True, only if the store sells bowls, seats and tanks separately, and not together, as is most often the case.

The monoblock is a single design. This fact significantly limits the repairability of one of the leaked parts of the toilet. But toilets with a single design are cheaper than compact ones - if you are extremely limited in funds, then it makes sense to save, don’t you think?

One of the most popular models of floor-standing toilets on the Russian market is JIKA Lyra 8.2423.4.

This is a relatively inexpensive classic compact model, which due to its small size will fit perfectly into the interior of any bathroom. True, it comes without a lid, and the fact that you will have to pay another 800-900 rubles for it can rightly be attributed to the disadvantages of the product.

Other popular models:

Toilet MERIDA M 010 (Cersanit, Poland)

Comfort (Rosa)

Victoria (Roca)

Attached toilet

Many specialized experts do not classify wall-mounted toilets as a separate category, but we will take some liberties, since they still differ significantly in appearance from their classic floor-standing “brothers.” Although the type of fastening remains the same - to the floor, such products have a more massive back that fits tightly against the wall. The tank can be a classic external one or installed in the wall

If you are thinking about how to choose a toilet for your home, but prefer large bowls, then this type of toilet is your best choice. With only one caveat - if the size of the room allows you to painlessly fit such a hulk into it. Otherwise, it is better to pay attention to smaller toilets.

A well-known model of this type is VitrA S50.

A very colorful and expressive toilet that looks like a real giant. It impresses with its massive appearance and has the remarkable ability to make any bathroom richer and more spectacular. At the same time, it is not as expensive as one might think - 4,000-45,000 rubles.

Other wall mounted toilets:

Roca Meridian

Wall-hung toilet

Practical and compact type of toilets. This allows them to be used even in the most modest-sized rooms, while saving precious centimeters. They look minimalistic and very modern, but require more complex installation compared to other types of toilets due to the use of an installation system.

The frame with the tank is attached to the floor and walls and then covered with gypsum board. The flush control is carried out using a button placed outside. Sound insulation is on your side - now the neighbors can only guess about your manipulations in the bathroom. On your side is the possible failure of the installation frame. It will not be possible to easily fix a breakdown, unlike the above types of toilets, so it is better to look only at high-quality models of wall-hung toilets with installation.

Many people are quite skeptical about this type of installation, questioning the frame’s ability to withstand a more or less significant load. And it’s completely in vain - some models of wall-hung toilets with installation are designed for a load of more than four hundred kilograms! Impressive? Well, then prepare your money: such systems cost a little more than conventional floor-mounted or wall-mounted toilets.

The popular model of the wall-hung toilet Roca The Gap, which represents a reasonable combination of price and quality.

It does not take up much space, has a non-standard shape, and amazes the eye with its emphasized geometric harmony and slightly smoothed corners.

Other popular models:

Roca Dama Senso

Vitra MOD

Cersanit DELFI Leon

Visa 8050

Roca N-Meridian

Corner toilets differ from floor-standing ones only in their placement in the bathroom. The type of fastening remains the same

For those who are persistently looking for an answer to the question of which toilet to choose, it will be useful to know about the outlet through which, in fact, your “white friend” interacts with the sewer. Many buyers of toilets do not even suspect that they may differ from each other.

How to choose a splash-free toilet correctly so you don’t regret it later

Having chosen a toilet that suits your design and parameters, do not forget about such a nuisance as splashes. They are annoying both during use and during rinsing.

The presence of splashes or their absence depends on several factors: the shape of the toilet bowl, the location of the drain hole, the water level in the drain hole, and the habits of the toilet owner. The “non-splashing” shapes of bowls are discussed above, and we will consider other factors in more detail.

Anti-splash system

Unscrupulous sellers in plumbing stores try to install an anti-splash system almost everywhere, even if the toilet design is not equipped with it.

Advice. You can recognize the “anti-splash” yourself by visually inspecting the toilet model, and not fall for the seller’s deception.

First of all, “anti-splash” is the special geometry and location of the drain hole:

  • The drain hole is narrowed.
  • The drain hole is “recessed” as deep as possible.
  • Displacement of the drain hole in any direction relative to the axis of symmetry of the toilet.
  • The water level in the drain hole is significantly reduced.

In addition to the location of the drain hole, “anti-splash” assumes the presence of a circular rim, which additionally holds back splashes. It is these parameters that characterize the presence of “anti-splash” in the toilet, regardless of the manufacturer, shape and color of the plumbing fixtures.

How to determine the water level in an unplugged toilet

It is very simple to independently determine the water level in the toilet while still in the store. To do this, it is enough to recall the school physics curriculum, namely, the law of communicating vessels:

  1. Locate the bottom point of the outlet.
  2. Draw a mental line along the toilet parallel to the floor. This is exactly what the water level in the toilet will be, and the lower it is, the less splashing there will be.

Source: https://sandizain.ru/santexnika/unitazy/razbiraemsya-kakoj-unitaz-luchshe-smyvaet.html

Release

So, there is a horizontal sewer outlet. The sewage system is drained from the wall. This is the most common issue in city apartments. An example of it is shown in the following photo.

There is also a vertical one . Here the drain is removed from the floor; it is more typical for country cottages and private houses. Its character is clearly visible in the photo.

SANITA LUXE Best Red


Photo: https://beru.ru

The compact toilet will perfectly fit into the modern interior of the toilet room and make it comfortable. The SANITA LUXE Best Red product is made of reliable and environmentally friendly porcelain. Increased hygiene is ensured by the special Sanita Crystal surface. The toilet is easy to clean and does not cause any hassle in maintenance. The microlift guarantees smooth and silent closing of the lid. The toilet is reliable and retains its pristine whiteness for many years. If you don’t know which toilet to choose that flushes well, then we offer SANITA LUXE Best Red!

SANITA LUXE Best Red

Advantages:

  • price
  • design
  • compact
  • quality
  • washes off well
  • anti-burst
  • seat with microlift

Disadvantages: not found

Water supply

There are toilets with bottom and side inlet. Which is better?

Pay attention to the bottom one - models with such an inlet are distinguished by almost silent filling, and the hose itself is not very visible.

But toilets with side water supply are cheaper. What is more important - material gain or little things of comfort? You will have to think about this dilemma more than once when choosing a toilet for your bathroom.

Which toilet is better to buy?

When choosing a toilet for your home or office, you need to look beyond function and appearance. It is important, first of all, to take into account the features of the sewage system in your home. How does the pipe fit? Is it permissible to do bottom eyeliner or is only side eyeliner possible? Which outlet should you take the toilet with - oblique, horizontal...? Please clarify all these questions before viewing models. Otherwise, it may turn out that you like the model, you buy it, bring it, and then discover that it is impossible to install a toilet with such an outlet (for example). We advise you to invite a plumbing specialist and find out all the technical details with him, and then carefully read our rating. Good luck with your choice!

Flush type

When thinking about which toilet is better to choose, many people rightly pay attention to the type of fastening, sewer outlet and completely lose sight of the flush system installed in a particular model.

Perhaps the most famous option is direct flush . It is often called differently - cascade, horizontal , but don’t let this fool you - this is still the same widespread (since the times of the Soviet Union) flushing system, in which the water has a straight flow path and descends evenly along the wall of the bowl to the bottom drain.

Young people scold this type of flushing, and rightly so: the fact is that it has outlived its usefulness. During such a descent, the inner surfaces of the bowl remain untouched, which allows impurities and, of course, bacteria to accumulate there.

But every cloud has a silver lining - direct flushing allows the water flow to gain a pronounced intensity and purification along the flushing path is almost 100%.

The basis of a circular flush, or, as it is also called, a reverse-circular flush, is a completely different water supply system: it moves along a ring-shaped gutter and methodically washes the entire area of ​​the thicket.

Young people really like this kind of flushing system, because with it you don’t need to use a brush for a long time - the flow of water reaches the most difficult areas of the bowl. True, in particularly difficult cases you will still have to pick up an auxiliary tool: due to the annular trajectory, the flow loses some pressure and some impurities may remain noticeable. But this already depends on the shape of the bowl, which we will talk about below.

As a rule, toilets with a circular flush system are more expensive. Recently, there has been a tendency to replace the technically outdated direct flush with a circular one.

Apparently, this is justified by time, right?

Ideal STANDARD Connect E781701


Photo: https://beru.ru/

Ideal Standard Connect E781701 - toilet with bidet function. The design provides for one of the simplest and most reliable installation methods - floor-mounted. This model is equipped with the most universal, horizontal exhaust system, which allows it to be mounted either close to or at a short distance from the wall. The flush cistern is mounted on top of the toilet, thereby saving centimeters of space. The drainage mechanism has two buttons that allow full or half drainage to save water.

Ideal STANDARD Connect E781701

Advantages:

  • anti-dirt coating
  • good drain
  • anti-burst
  • price

Flaws:

  • no installation included
  • no tank included
  • no seat included

Bowl shape

From the flush to the bowl shape. This is also very important if you want to choose the right toilet. If the shape of the bowl is incorrectly selected, even the smoothest working circular flush may not cope with the task assigned to it.

Funnel-shaped

The most optimal option for the bowl shape, which, due to the drain hole located strictly in the center, ensures quick and good cleaning and, moreover, eliminates the appearance of splashes in the process.

Do you want to forget about what a brush is? Buy a toilet with a funnel-shaped bowl. Disadvantages, of course, can be found for almost any form, but there are none here. The only difference is that such toilets cost a little more, but this is a disadvantage that is easily offset by the pleasure of use.

Disc-shaped

A somewhat controversial solution that requires a larger volume of water for flushing. Human waste products first fall into the recess - and only then, under pressure from the water from the tank, are washed into the hole. Unfortunately, this shape of the bowl contributes to the occurrence of splashes, and the question of saving water remains open. Often it is necessary to additionally adjust the volume of water for flushing. Why such difficulties, you ask? The dish-shaped bowl, however, remains relevant due to the lower price of toilets in which it is present. The most budget models are equipped with it.

Kozyrkovaya

Unlike a plate bowl, this type of bowl does not have a recess in front of the drain, but, on the contrary, a protrusion. This allows the bulk of the sewage to go directly into the drain, and the remainder is easily washed out by the pressure of water from the tank. This bowl shape is steadily gaining momentum and is increasingly found even in relatively inexpensive models.

The question of how to choose the right toilet affects not only the shape of the bowl, the type of fastening and all the key points that we discussed above.

SANITA LUXE Infinity


Photo: https://beru.ru

Sanita Luxe is a stylish and functional toilet. The product is considered the best toilet in its price segment, as it is produced on the most modern equipment using innovative technologies. The unique recipe for preparing toilet bowl glaze ensures ideal whiteness and smoothness of the surface. Antibacterial coating with components based on silver ions prevents the growth of germs and bacteria. For the first time in Russia, nanotechnology is used in the production of sanitary ware. The unique Sanita Cristal coating keeps the toilet bowl clean and white.

SANITA LUXE Infinity

Advantages:

  • design
  • nanotechnology
  • antibacterial coating
  • microlift
  • anti-burst
  • good drain

Disadvantages: not found

Approximate prices

NameA countryPrice range (RUB)Products
SantekRF1500-5600Classic, budget option
KeraminRF1600-5500Low price, standard forms
IDDISRF7500-1000Floor-standing type of toilets, price - average
SanitaRF1600-12 700Various modifications: floor and suspended
CersanitPoland1700-11 500Wide choice, different types and models at different prices
GeberitSwitzerland22 500-423 000All types and models
LaufenSwitzerland4500-82 800Wide range of products in different styles and colors
DuravitGermany5200-125 700Classic forms and modern
GustavsbergSweden3500-20 300Toilets available for people with special needs
IfoSweden3200-32 000Wide range of products including bidets, urinals
IdealstandardAmerica1400-40 300Original design
I.D.O.Finland11 600-28 200All types of toilets, excellent product quality
JacobDelafonFrance3400-44 200Style, elegance
Villeroy&BochFrance7000-101 400Strict classic forms, high prices for products
JikaCzech2100-15 000Inexpensive models, including those aimed at children
RocaSpain3100-83 500Electronic control provided
VitraTürkiye4400-50 000Wide selection of products of all types and modifications

Advantages and disadvantages

Many of our readers are interested in the question of whether rimless toilets are really something new, or whether this is just another ploy by marketers who want to force consumers in any way to change their usual plumbing fixtures for the sake of fashion and innovation. So, let's look at what the new technology offers in terms of convenience and functionality.

Advantages of rimless toilets:

  • the absence of hidden and hard-to-reach areas makes the device more hygienic, because there is no place on the surface of its bowl where dirt and bacteria could accumulate;
  • as expected, the new models have a more aesthetic and stylish design both inside and out;
  • When caring for rimless devices, you can use household detergents much less often. This means one thing - less chemicals will end up in drains, and more hard coins will remain in your pocket. All you need to keep your rimless toilet clean at all times is a soft cloth and warm water and soap;
  • the new flushing technology requires much less liquid, so the new product allows you to save up to 30% of water;
  • traditionally noisy toilets with a wall-mounted installation are much quieter - due to reduced consumption and a more efficient flushing system;
  • reducing the number of cleanings using household chemicals has a positive effect on durability - the device will delight the owner with its pristine shine for much longer.

As for the downsides, rimless toilets have virtually none. If there are any negative aspects, then most often they are associated not with shortcomings of technology, but with imperfections in the design or shortcomings of individual manufacturers.

Even a quick glance at a plumbing fixture made using rimless technology is enough to understand that cleaning it will be much easier

What to consider when choosing

Firstly, the material of manufacture. Toilets are made primarily from two different materials: porcelain and earthenware. In appearance they are absolutely identical, but the material of manufacture is indicated in the technical data sheet of the product.

  • Porcelain is made from clay with the addition of various additives. It is considered the best option, as it lasts longer, is more environmentally friendly, easy to clean, but more expensive.
  • Faience - also made from clay, fired and covered with a thick layer of enamel or glaze. Significantly cheaper, but will require replacement after 5-7 years, and is more susceptible to scuffs and scratches.

Secondly, the tank and flush. Modern barrels are designed taking into account environmental concerns, namely, careful use of water resources. There are tanks with one button, two buttons and a stop button.

  • One button is the simplest mechanism. By pressing it, the entire contents of the barrel are drained into the toilet at once.
  • Two buttons are a more environmentally friendly option. By pressing a small button, about 3 liters of water are drained. The large button will release 6 or more liters depending on the capacity.
  • Button with stop mode. This option makes it possible to independently regulate the water supply.

Thirdly, the features of the toilet itself.

  • Availability of sides

The most modern and progressive models are made without sides under the rim. Such toilets are difficult to manufacture and expensive, but during operation they will not accumulate germs and odors under the rim. Accordingly, they are more hygienic and easier to maintain.

  • Half shelf

Another modern solution. Prevents splashing water and makes using the toilet more comfortable.

  • Flush method

Direct drain - water flows along one side. This option is not expensive, but has a number of disadvantages - not the entire bowl is washed, and it produces a lot of noise.

Circular - water is directed at a slope and evenly washes the entire toilet bowl. The flush is quieter and more efficient.

  • Bowl shape

The shape of the bowl affects how effective the flush will be and how often cleaning will need to be done.

The plate bowl has a protruding shelf; it requires additional effort when cleaning; salt and rust deposits are possible here. In addition, they tend to accumulate unpleasant odors. However, the undeniable advantage of this form is the absence of splashes.

Funnel-shaped bowl - the flush hole here is located right in the center. This design is the most hygienic, it saves water, washes off well and hides odors. Although there is a high risk of raising splashes.

The visor bowl is a middle option, between the two previous ones; it combines the advantages of both.

  • Release form

The outlet in modern toilets is of three types: horizontal, oblique and vertical. The choice here is dictated solely by the sewerage system in your home. Note that horizontal release is most often used in modern multi-storey new buildings, while vertical release is more suitable for country houses.

If the toilet is already equipped with a lid in the store, give preference to the one where the lid is equipped with a micro-lift system. It will save you from loud flapping and will allow you to avoid the risk of accidentally pinching something.

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