How to choose a good toilet
How to choose a good toilet
When going to the store for a particular purchase, we always compare groups of products, choosing the best. At the same time, the quality of a product is not always determined only by its high price. The toilet is a piece of plumbing that you should also take seriously when purchasing, having studied all the available options.
How to choose the right toilet? Evaluate the shape, size, color, material from which it is made. The sellers of any of the stores will invite you to sit down on the toilet without hesitation to evaluate the convenience. But, in addition to personal preferences and physiological characteristics, it is worth paying attention to other aspects of choosing a toilet.
Choosing a toilet according to its shape
Choosing a toilet according to its shape
To avoid a huge amount of splashes when relieving yourself and draining water, and even more so from getting far from sterile drops on the most sensitive areas of the body, it is worth considering all existing forms of toilets and choosing the best one.
Toilets are produced in three types:
- dish-shaped (with shelf);
- funnel-shaped;
- visor
Toilet with shelf or plate type
Toilets with shelf (plate)
Toilets of this shape are found both in imported and domestic manufacturers. However, the design is far from perfect and has long been outdated.
Toilets with a shelf (plate), diagram
From the point of view of splash formation, the plate-type toilet has no complaints. Drops of liquid do not splash either during the flushing process or at the time of satisfying natural needs. However, there are a number of disadvantages:
- contaminants remain on the “plate”, requiring constant use of a “brush”;
- odors of waste products flushed there often arise from the bowl of a plate-type toilet;
- water consumption in toilets with a shelf is quite uneconomical;
- Water also accumulates on the “shelf”, causing rusty stains to appear.
Plate type toilet
Funnel toilet
Such toilets look like a funnel, which is why they got their name. Among the advantages are low water consumption (economical), absence of unpleasant odors from the sewer, cleanliness (solid and liquid masses do not linger on the walls, so the use of a brush is quite rare).
But, if you are looking for a toilet that does not splash or splash, funnel-shaped products are not for you. Manufacturers are trying to solve this problem by reducing the water seal level (the amount of water at the bottom of the bowl), but splashes are formed both at the time of flushing and during the very processes for which the toilet was purchased.
Due to their cost-effectiveness, funnel-shaped toilets are optimal for installation in public places, but for scrupulous citizens who care about their own hygiene, installing products of this type is impractical.
You might be interested in information on how to remove plaque from a toilet?
Toilet with a slope or visor type
Toilet with a slope or visor type, diagram
The bowl of this type of toilet either has a back or front wall tilted from 30 to 45 degrees, or the bowl has a kind of “visor” that prevents splashes. Canopy-type plumbing fixtures are the most popular, since splashes do not form in the bowl, odors from the sewer do not penetrate into the room, the need for cleaning with a brush does not arise too often, and periodic disinfection is very easy to carry out.
Sanita Standard comfort with oblique outlet
Photo: https://beru.ru
The budget toilet from the Russian manufacturer Sanita is designed for installation in sanitary units for domestic or industrial purposes. The product is made of sanitary porcelain, which almost does not absorb water and is easy to clean. A microlift is provided for silent lowering of the lid.
Sanita Standard comfort with oblique outlet
Advantages:
- comfortable model
- anti-burst
- easy to clean
- the bowl washes well
- compact
Flaws:
- fragile lid lifter
- ceramic quality
Classification of toilets according to installation method
Wall-hung toilet
According to the installation method, toilets can be floor-mounted or wall-hung. The former are quite cheap, easy to install and repair, but take up more space than wall-hung toilets, which in turn are installed on a rigid installation frame, and the tank is hidden in a niche or false wall. Wall-hung toilets allow you to keep your expensive tiled floor intact or install a heated floor system, which is very important in the restroom.
Floor-standing toilet with hidden cistern
Floor-standing toilet with compact cistern
Based on the above, it is recommended to purchase a toilet, guided by financial capabilities and the availability of free space in the toilet. If you want to purchase a compact floor-standing model, you should pay attention to toilets with a miniature or hidden tank that can be installed in the wall. If there is enough space in your toilet, you can pay attention to monoblock toilets with a very attractive design. And wall-hung models are suitable for those who have decided to make a quality renovation by installing heated floors and beautiful floor coverings, or who simply want to save useful space in the restroom.
Monoblock toilet
There are also toilets that are mounted directly into the floor (“Asian”). But this design is not used in private apartments, found only in public toilets.
Gesso W101 with oblique outlet
Photo: https://beru.ru
The Gesso W101 compact toilet from a Russian manufacturer has an oblique single outlet. There are 2 holes in the base - one on each side. They are necessary for rigid installation of the entire structure to the floor covering. In addition to the bowl and tank, the kit also includes a toilet seat, the necessary fittings and mounting bolts. This toilet model is characterized by a highly durable body and ease of installation.
Gesso W101 with oblique outlet
Advantages:
- price
- design
- compact
- washes off well
- quality
- anti-burst
Flaws:
- single flush button
- bad instructions
Drain method
Drain method
Toilets can have either a circular or cascade (direct) flush method.
- The circular flush method is reminiscent of a shower - jets of water flowing down the walls of the toilet quickly clean the surface. In this case, the jets can be located straight or at an angle relative to the rim of the plumbing fixtures. Toilets with such a flush are more expensive, but much quieter and more economical than cascade ones.
- A classic cascade flush in a toilet implies the presence of one hole from which a stream of water emerges, washing the bowl. The design has an affordable price and long service life, but since water washes only part of the bowl, the need to clean the toilet after each use increases. The water consumption is quite high.
When choosing one of the two classifications, it is recommended to choose the circular system due to its high hygiene, efficiency and noiselessness. The slightly higher cost is fully justified by these advantages. When purchasing a toilet, make sure that the drain holes have a sufficient diameter, in this case, even with very hard water, the toilet will last a long time and efficiently.
Gesso Premium 2 (with microlift seat) with oblique outlet
Photo: https://beru.ru
The product is made of strong and durable sanitary materials. The top glaze coating is resistant to plaque formation and can be easily cleaned with standard household chemicals. Dual-mode drainage allows you to use water more economically. The anti-splash system ensures comfortable use without splashing. The compact bowl is washed around the entire perimeter, dirt is effectively removed even in visually hidden places. The polypropylene seat is equipped with a Soft Close mechanism and closes smoothly without support.
Gesso Premium 2 (with microlift seat) with oblique outlet
Advantages:
- appearance
- workmanship
- noise level
- equipment
- anti-burst
- price
Flaws:
- bad button
Material for making toilets
The most common toilet bowls are made of porcelain and earthenware, but this is not the entire list of materials from which plumbing fixtures are made. Artificial and natural stone, polished stainless steel, acrylic, gold, polymer concrete, glass, etc. How to choose a good toilet?
- Porcelain (from 10 TR and above). Leader in popularity due to its hygienic properties. Porcelain has very fine porosity, thanks to which the surface remains clean for a long time, and such toilets do not care about caustic concentrated cleaning agents. The service life is very long, the appearance is aesthetic, and the strength is sufficient for home use.
- Earthenware is an inexpensive analogue of porcelain (1.5 - 10 rubles). Earthenware has a slightly shorter service life than porcelain; it can be damaged by strong alkalis, acids, or during active mechanical cleaning using abrasive substances. Durability - average. Quality is acceptable with careful use and maintenance.
- Polished stainless steel. It is from this material that plumbing fixtures for public places (including trains) are made. Steel is low maintenance, incredibly strong, durable, and quite hygienic. Toilets made of shiny polished steel have a fairly attractive appearance that will not spoil the design of the restroom.
- Cast iron. Strong, durable, but very cold to the touch and unattractive in appearance. Even the finances saved will not bring joy from owning such plumbing equipment.
- Acrylic. This material is very cheap and easy to transport/install. However, plastic is not a sufficiently durable and hygienic material; the surface of acrylic can be damaged by high temperatures, cleaning agents, and impacts. On the other hand, acrylic allows you to create toilet bowls of the most intricate shapes (from aquarium-style to futuristic shapes), so if your goal is to surprise guests and enjoy a non-standard design, you can consider acrylic toilet bowls and their accessories.
- Cast marble (artificial stone).
The material is very warm tactilely, easy to clean, durable and extremely beautiful. The disadvantage is the very high cost, which does not allow this model to become widespread among the wider population. Toilet made of artificial stone
Of course, you can order a toilet from any material, guided by beauty/reliability/hygienic criteria, but if your goal is simply to purchase good plumbing fixtures, without elaborate painting, gold plating or crystal trim, pay attention to porcelain or earthenware.
SANITA LUXE Infinity
Photo: https://beru.ru
Sanita Luxe is a stylish and functional product design, which is developed based on a detailed analysis of consumer preferences. All products are manufactured on the most modern equipment using innovative technologies. Like, for example, a unique recipe for preparing glaze for sanitary products, which ensures ideal whiteness and smoothness of the surface. Or an antibacterial coating with components based on silver ions, which prevents the growth of germs and bacteria. And 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
Disadvantages: not found
Snow-white classics or fashionable color palette?
Colored toilet
Snow-white plumbing is a classic. If you want to diversify your own restroom, you can pay attention to plain, multi-colored or painted models of plumbing fixtures.
Which brand of toilet is better to buy? Here price and quality are inextricably linked. The glaze on cheap plumbing quickly bursts, and this process cannot be stopped or hidden. Models with a decent price above the average, painted in rich shades, will please the eye and the place that should sit on the toilet for much longer.
How to choose a colored toilet? Colored plumbing fixtures look harmonious in the set. For example, buy a toilet and sink in the same colors, complement the duo with wall tiles that are similar in tone and your restroom will sparkle with new colors.
SANITA LUXE Best Red with horizontal outlet
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 anti-splash toilet is better, then we offer SANITA LUXE Best Red!
SANITA LUXE Best Red with horizontal outlet
Advantages:
- price
- design
- compact
- quality
- washes off well
- anti-burst
- seat with microlift
Disadvantages: not found
Additional decorative elements and modern devices
There are situations when simple plumbing is not enough and the installation of heated toilets is required. Yes, the part of the body that will be in contact with the toilet seat will be warm and cozy, but whether it is worth spending additional money is a question entirely at the discretion of the owners. Exceptions include toilets in unheated rooms. In this case, heating plumbing is a matter of not only personal hygiene, but also health.
There are toilets and lids for them with lighting and electrical control. This device is designed for those who want to make their time spent on the toilet as enjoyable as possible. These modifications of plumbing fixtures are not widely used due to the high price and the ability to do without LED illumination of the toilet rim.
Gesso W103 with horizontal outlet
Photo: https://beru.ru
Gesso W103 is one of the best toilets in the budget segment. This model has fittings with two drain modes, which allows you to use water more economically. The bowl is washed with a circular jet, or in other words, a funnel, which ensures effective removal of contaminants over the entire area of the toilet. The anti-splash system prevents the formation of splashes during operation. The tank is installed directly on the bowl and does not require additional fastening to the wall. The set includes a comfortable seat made of durable, wear-resistant polypropylene.
Gesso W103 with horizontal outlet
Advantages:
- price
- design
- compact
- quality
- washes off well
- anti-burst
Flaws:
- no microlift
Manufacturers
The manufacturer plays an important role when choosing good plumbing fixtures. However, prices for toilets do not only depend on the “promotion” of the brand and the material of manufacture. The distance of the place of production from the point of sale, the amount of customs duties and other factors play a role. At the same time, it is not recommended to buy a toilet bowl online, since visually you will not appreciate the quality, height and convenience of the product.
Table - Selection of the most popular manufacturers of good plumbing fixtures
A country | Company manufacturer | Description |
Germany | Gerebit, Villeroy & Boch | German quality is highly rated among Russian consumers. |
Finland | Ido | The assortment includes a huge number of toilet models, including those with armrests, for the disabled, with a backrest, etc. |
Sweden | Svedbergs, Gustavsberg | Very high quality porcelain sanitary ware |
Italy | Hatria, Jacuzzi, Modellazione Ala, Catalano | Modern design, unusual shapes, colors, decoration. |
Spain | Roca | — |
France | Herbeau | — |
Poland | Cersanit, Kolo | They are distinguished by reasonable prices and decent quality. Wide selection of glazed toilets and porcelain products. |
China (home of porcelain) | Huida | Low price for porcelain products, fairly good quality. |
Russia, Belarus, Ukraine | — | These countries produce fairly cheap plumbing fixtures of good quality. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the quality of fasteners and fittings. There are models with imported parts and modern design. |
SANITA LUXE Max (with microlift) with oblique outlet
Photo: https://beru.ru
A plumbing fixture from a Russian manufacturer is a convenient and practical model for a modern interior. SANITA LUXE Max (with microlift) is made of high-quality ceramics using modern injection molding technology. A unique coating with silver ions ensures a white and smooth surface, preventing the accumulation of bacteria and dirt.
SANITA LUXE Max (with microlift) with oblique outlet
Advantages:
- comfortable
- practical
- high quality ceramics
- 2 flush modes
- anti-burst
Flaws:
- short-lived
SANITA LUXE Art (with microlift)
Photo: https://beru.ru
The Sanita luxe Art compact toilet is made of durable and environmentally friendly sanitary porcelain. Thanks to the unique Sanita Crystal coating, you are guaranteed the hygiene of the product: dirt does not linger on the surface, the toilet is easy and simple to clean. Thanks to the microlift, the lid lowers smoothly and silently onto the seat, making operation as convenient as possible. The product retains its pristine whiteness for many years.
SANITA LUXE Art (with microlift)
Advantages:
- price
- design
- compact
- quality
- anti-burst
- microlift
Flaws:
- doesn't wash off well
Methods for attaching the cistern
The flush cistern connected to the toilet can be joint - mounted on the back shelf of the plumbing fixtures, or separate - located separately from the toilet on the plane of the wall or installed directly into the thickness of the wall.
The joint method of attaching the tank is a classic option, when all the plumbing is a single unit. Installing such a tank is simpler, easier and cheaper. Installation of the tank on the rear shelf of the toilet is carried out using two bronze or stainless steel bolts using rubber sealing gaskets.
This method of fastening is good because, if necessary, the drain tank can be quickly replaced with a new one due to simple installation.
A separate cistern is a good solution for bathrooms with a small area. If you purchase a toilet without a back shelf, for example, wall-hung or attached, then the toilet itself, located close to the wall, will take up less usable space.
The tank itself can be placed on the surface of the wall right under the ceiling, or additional concrete cutting can be done and the tank can be installed in the rear load-bearing wall (or a false wall can be built). It must be said that if you mount the drain tank on the wall, you can get another advantage - more powerful water pressure in the bowl. This can both save water and improve the hygiene of the toilet.
To attach such a toilet and its tank, an installation is used, which is fixed in the wall.
Care: features
Cleaning the toilet should be done regularly, which will avoid the formation of limescale and will not cause the appearance of harmful bacteria. Liquid products are suitable for care, since abrasive ones lead to scratches, after which contamination will occur more and more often each time. The only material that is not afraid of powder products is stainless steel.
Also, according to Haubaisellru, one point worth noting is that some manufacturers apply a special layer to the bottom of the toilet, which reduces the likelihood of contamination. And if you clean such a surface incorrectly, it will quickly be scraped off or dissolved by chemicals. This will result in you having to clean more often than usual.
When caring for the toilet, you need to carefully select the tools. A brush with soft bristles that will not scratch the surface is ideal. The selected toilet should be cleaned with a damp sponge. Apply the product for 10 minutes, then rinse with water.
If you want to avoid manually cleaning the surface, purchase mounted cleaners: tablets, gels, used at the point of water entry.
Determining the budget
budget
First, they decide on the amount allocated for the purchase of a toilet. Price formation is influenced by product quality, country of production, customs duties, design features and additional functions. It is important to understand what types are offered on the market depending on the cost.
- Firstly, budget options . These include: toilets made in China. But Haubeysell notes that domestic ones are in no way inferior to imported analogues, which are not subject to taxes, and transportation costs, which explains their low price.
- Secondly, middle class products : reliable and high-quality goods from neighboring countries.
- Thirdly, premium toilets from Germany, Austria, Sweden, which have a high price.