2 Worst Toilet Brands To Avoid and 17 Reliable Brands (Buying Guide)

Last Updated on February 28, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

Remodeling the bathroom is painstaking already. For this reason, you have to rely on reputable toilet brands that are built to last.

The best upsides of reputable toilet brands would be their sturdy construction and resistance to common damages like leaks, cracking, and others. Beyond their aesthetic value, the durability of toilets should be a prime consideration. 

In this post, we shall look at toilet brands and categorize them into brands to avoid and brands to consider. This shall help you in making the right choice not only for your aesthetic preferences but also a good value for money. 

Related: 24+ Different Types Of Toilets, Styles, Flush Systems (Buying Guide)

2 Worst toilet brands to avoid

Just like all else, toilets are not made the same. Some toilet brands live up to their marketing but others just do not make the cut.

In this section, we narrow down some toilet brands that are tagged as ‘brands to avoid’ due to bad rep on certain aspects. You would be surprised to know that in this domain, there are only two brands with specific models that are listed. 

1. American Standard (Champion model)

This one is a large drawback to this reputable brand. Actual reviews and customer testimonies reveal that this one is cringe-worthy among plumbers and contractors.

It is very challenging to install, it has leaking issues at such a premature period and the flushing system is not powerful enough. Flushing it twice is required and the assembly only lasts for two years, at best. 

2. Kohler (Cimmarron)

Sure, Kohler is a prime toilet brand but the Cimarron series just do not meet the performance standard of other Kohler toilets.

For one, it has been reported that the toilet lead is very prone to cracking in just months. It also has a more complicated assembly than the other models. Most importantly, its supposed power flush is not powerful at all. 

17 Most reliable toilet brands

On the other hand, there are also more reliable toilet brands that you can depend on when all else fails. Most of these toilet brands have been around for decades and they have delivered the hype consistently.

The basis for this list would be the overall performance of their toilet selections as reviewed by customers in surveys and actual online reviews. 

1. American Standard

When it comes to one of the best flushing toilet selections, this brand with 140 years of service under its belt makes it a prime choice.

It is a consistent top-ranking toilet brand, made evident by being one of the best reviewed and most checked out brands around the world.

The selling points of this brand include water efficiency, rare leaking and clogging, and being budget-friendly. 

2. ANZZI

This one is a subsidiary of Spa World and through the years, they have been represented by trusted brand ambassadors.

This does not only add to their popularity but also to their trust rating because all features are on-point and they are also ergonomic in style.

The most popular toilet selection of ANZZI would be the Odin series. Made from Rhino alloy, they speak of modernity and technology in one. 

3. Delta

When it comes to the entire bathroom industry, this is a brand name that everyone knows. From different styles, designs up to price options, you can find a wide range of toilet selections from this brand.

Delta is also a pioneer when it comes to soft closing technology but its most popular toilet so far would be selections with toilet seat night lights for more convenience and a modern toilet experience. 

4. Duravit

When it comes to unique toilet styles, this brand also stands as a prime choice. They are one of the pioneers for rimless, wall-mounted and floor standing toilets.

Another unmatched feature of their wall-mounted toilets would be their washout technology and their patented Wonder Gliss coating. Most importantly, they are at the forefront when it comes to the soft close system for the toilet seat. 

5. Eago

Featuring modern and very sleek designs, Eago is a toilet brand that you run to for style and durability. It is a recent toilet brand having been established in 2002.

Some of their best-selling points would be their unique toilet selections, eco-friendly features, affordable price points, soft closing seat, WaterSense certification and comprehensive manufacturer warranty.

6. Gerber

This brand is known as a high-end toilet brand thanks to their award-winning technology called Avalanche. This one features a highly powerful flush for floor-mount, wall-mount, one and two-piece toilets.

They also have the Power Clean flush with dual-fed siphon jets for better cleaning power. They have been around since 1932 and they are loved for their ergonomic toilet designs. 

7. Glacier Bay

If you are into dual-flush toilets, this brand can be your go-to choice. Aside from their selections of durable toilets, they also have eco-friendly certifications starting with the WaterSense technology.

In the last three years, it has also become one of the most popularly checked and reviewed toilet brands so that speaks volumes about this toilet brand’s reputation. 

8. Jacuzzi

No, this brand is not just on the frontlines for bathtubs but also for everything bathroom-related including toilets.

Although they only feature a limited toilet line, they are already making waves when it comes to efficiency and low-maintenance nature. Their toilet height is ADA-certified, water sense certified and are well-rated for their flushing performance. 

9. Kohler

From old homes to newer ones, Kohler is a household name when it comes to bathroom and plumbing products.

Aside from their sleek, eye-catching designs, they are also into cutting-edge, smart features (self-cleaning wands, hands free operation, etc.), and certified water efficiency.

Their recent selections include smart, wall-hung toilets and comfort seat innovation to ensure comfort for taller people. 

10. Niagara Conservation

This one has got to be one of the most eco-friendly toilet brands out there. Their most iconic contribution to date would be their Stealth toilet, engineered to combine both air and water in flushing and cleaning, reducing water use to just 0.8 gallons per flush.

It also features quiet flushing, soft close for the toilet seat, and affordability. 

11. Ove Decors

This is not as popular as the others but its smart and sleek features have made it one of the most respected new toilet brands in the market.

For one, they have a wide selection of toilets featuring four-setting bidet functions, heated seats, drying function, and water saving options. It also comes with power flushing.

Perhaps, the only issue that this brand needs to upscale would be its more complicated installation. 

12. Saniflo

When it comes to form and functionality, Saniflo is a top toilet brand to consider. They have been around since 1957 and they are well-known for their SFA toilet technology.

They are pioneers of the upflush and macerating toilets which are very ideal for both commercial and residential settings. The durability of their models and their uncomplicated build make them a fine toilet brand choice. 

13. Sterling

This one is a sister company of Kohler and has been around since 1907. Of course, when it comes to features, durability and overall standard, their toilet selections have lots of similarities with Kohler products.

However, Sterling is more known for their rounded and elongated toilets and their more affordable price points. 

14. Swiss Madison

Popularity and accessibility wise, this brand cannot be considered to be at par with the other brands listed here but when it comes to durability, high-end look and smart features, they easily gained customer traction in the last five years.

They are often compared to Woodbridge because they have a lot of similarities. Its most popular toilet selection would be the St. Tropez. 

15. TOTO

While their toilet selections come with a price, their products are truly built to last. This Japan based brand was established in 1917 and is considered as one of the world’s largest toilet manufacturers, having production sites in nine countries.

Their most innovative contribution to the industry would be the Washlet; the prototype for toilet bidets and cleaning wands. 

16. Woodbridge

This one is a more recent brand established only in 2009. Based in California, it takes pride in its cutting-edge toilet technology, as well as high-end bathroom and kitchen fixtures.

Aside from their sleek designs, they also have smart toilet selections, luxury bidets, and complete warranty coverage. 

17. Zurn

This American brand may not be at par yet with the other American toilet brands but when it comes to sustainability and eco-friendliness, this one is a fitting choice. For one, it has a patented EcoVantage system which minimizes water use by 31%. 

They also have ADA compliant, Juvenile Height system and Standard Height toilets. They also have pressure assisted and stainless steel that are well-loved for their durability. Zurn toilets are making a wave around hospitals, fire protection facilities, schools, hotels, and restaurants. 

Features to avoid when buying toilet

Toilet brands are important and most often than not, the features they are marketing might either be too good to be true or just does not live up to the promotion. To help you in this, here are some features to avoid when buying toilets. 

#1. Noisy flush

This one is a common problem among pressure-assisted toilets. Sure, the flush is powerful but that does not mean that they have to be noisy too. For this, you have to look for toilet brands with noise solution technologies. 

#2. Replacement parts

Stay away from toilet brands that feature non-standard replacement parts. Of course, uniqueness is an important factor but always think about how much you will pay for and how long you will wait for the non-standard replacement parts to arrive. 

#3. Lid closing

Aside from a noisy flush, a toilet cover or lid that just bangs hard when it closes is also annoying. This is especially a nuisance in the middle of the night when everybody is in deep sleep. For this, choose toilet brands that have soft closing innovation for the lid or those slow-drop motion and removable covers. 

#4. Colorful toilets

For those with eccentric and contemporary tastes, colors other than white would be an easy choice. However, the real estate world would comment that homes with toilets that are not white are harder to sell and tend to have lower resale values. 

#5. Comfort height

This is a feature that is now very common among leading toilet brands. This means that they now have toilet selections that are 4-6-inches higher than the standard toilet height.

Before buying from a toilet brand that has this feature, check first if they also have child comfort height, adult comfort height, and options for people with mobility issues. 

#6. Affordability

Just because a toilet comes at an affordable price-point would mean that you got yourself a steal. You can easily buy a toilet that is under $100 even for mid-tier toilet brands. But most often than not, they are made with poor workmanship and their flushing ability is never that powerful. 

#7. Tank

Always stay away from toilet brands with selections reviewed to have sweating tanks. To be sure that this would not be a problem, you should narrow down your toilet brand choice to those with gravity toilet and pressure-assisted toilet selections. 

Of course, there are other features that you should look for when it comes to toilets. Some brands have unique features that would make them identifiable and stand out but that does not mean that they are all needed. 

Related: Is a Tankless Toilet Right for your Home? – Price, Pros and Cons, Problems, Installation

FAQs

How many toilet brands are there?

The answer to this is virtually endless because there are more than a thousand toilet brands out there. If you want to see the most updated list of toilet brands out there, you can check them here.

However, this list does not categorize when it comes to features, upsides and downsides. You have to do the research for yourself if you want to be meticulous about certain toilet brands. 

What brand of toilet do plumbers recommend?

If you are a newbie at toilet remodeling, you need to take heed of professional plumbers’ advice. With their expertise and wide experience in the field, the toilet brands they recommend cannot be questioned. To this end, here are some of the toilet brands that are plumber recommended: 

• American Standard
• Kohler
• Niagara
• Saniflo
• TOTO Eco UltraMax
• Woodbridge

Related: How to Unclog A Toilet When Nothing Works (9 Methods)

What are the highest rated toilet brands of 2021?

If you are wondering about which toilet brands have been raking in the customer satisfaction ratings and reviews for the year, here is the toilet brands’ list that you should be aware of. All of these toilet brands have been rated 4 out of 5 and higher in consumer reports. 

• TOTO
• Kohler
• Aquasource
• American Standard
• Glacier Bay
• Niagara Conservation
• Gerber
• Delta

What are the best toilet brands with selections for small bathrooms?

It is often challenging to choose bathroom fixtures with a limited space. As such, it is also quite important to know the toilet brands that you should check immediately for their toilet selections for more compact bathrooms: 

• Galba
• Horow
• Woodbridge
• Saniflo
• American Standard
• Renovator’s Supply
• Tiny Bathrooms

What are the best power flushing toilets? 

Power flushing is the gold standard of toilet features. It has paved the way for other toilet innovations to emerge. A lot has changed over the years when it comes to power flushing toilets but the following brands (and their respective models) have been consistently rated as the best power flushing toilets in the market today. 

• American Standard Cadet (pressure-assisted toilet)
• Kohler Santa Rosa
• Swiss Madison SM-1T112
• TOTO UltraMax
• Woodbridge T-0019

What are the best no-clog toilets? 

If persistent clogging is a problem in your toilet, it truly is understandable why you would need to upgrade and change your toilet brand. To help you in making the right upgrade or remodeling choice, here are some of the best rated no-clog toilets for the last five years. 

• American Standard 
• Kohler Highline Classic
• TOTO Drake
• TOTO UltraMax II
• Niagara Conservation Stealth

What is the best budget toilet? 

Affordability is one of the common upsides that we are looking for in toilets, whether we admit it or not. While some toilet brands are really more high-end than others, you would find that they also have more affordable toilet selections that would perform as luxe toilets would do. Hence, here are some of the best budget toilets out there. 

• TOTO EcoDrake
• Kohler K-3999-0
• Woodbridge T-0019
• American Standard H2Option (with dual flush)
• TOTO Eco UltraMax

What are the most luxurious toilet brands?

If your preference is on the luxurious side, the following brands are listed as the most luxurious toilet brands in the world:

• MiniLoo ($1300 and up)
• Laufen ($1600 and up)
• Stefano Giovannoni ($2700 and up)
• INAX USA ($8500 and up)
• Kohler (Numi High Tech toilet) ($6000 and up)
• Neo Metro ($6000 and up)
• TOTO (Miyabi Collection) ($7000 and up)
• Julien Bench ($11500 and up)
• Isis ($75000 and up)

Which toilet brands have the most high-tech toilet selections? 

Since we have already categorized toilet brands in terms of their upsides, we might as well list some of the best toilet brands with the niftiest, high-tech features. If you are into technology, here is the list of toilet brands to go for: 

• Brondell Swash
• INAX
• Sun-Mar
• TOTO
• Thetford Tecma
• COCO
• Duravit
• Neo Metro
• Jabsco Lite
• SpaLoo

Which toilet brands have the quietest flush?

We have mentioned that a quiet flushing system is one of the best features to look for when it comes to toilets. While we could have a long list of toilet brands for this, some are really just more standouts in this domain than others and it would be the following: 

• Swiss Madison
• Niagara Conservation 
• Woodbridge
• Kohler
• American Standard
• TOTO

What makes a toilet brand ADA compliant? 

By now, you should have noticed how important specific certifications are when it comes to choosing the best toilet brand. One of the standard certifications that you should look for would be ADA compliance. This stands for the American Disability Act which means that ADA compliant toilets are good selections for those with mobility issues. 

Toilet selections within ADA compliance would be those with heights that are 17-19-inches from the bowl’s rim to the floor. 

How often should toilets be replaced? 

On average, toilets should be made to last. However, due to specific factors, toilets are also vulnerable to wear and tear. As such, it is recommended that toilets be replaced every 15-25 years depending on the issues you are frequently experiencing.

By replacements we do not always mean changing the entire toilet. Sometimes, it could also mean just updating the interior parts of the toilet. 

Can toilets be installed DIY? 

Well, if you have a background on plumbing, you can do it yourself but if not, you should always leave it to licensed plumbers and contractors. A poorly installed toilet can be a huge problem in the long run. The cost of premature repairs can be daunting and, in this case, installation is not just the primary thing to consider but also the toilet brand that you chose to be installed. 

What is the standard installation range for toilets? 

Depending on the style, features and brand, toilet installation charge may vary. Another factor for charge variation would also be your location. Nonetheless, at an average, toilet installation ranges from $400 and up. 

What is the largest toilet manufacturer in the world? 

TOTO is considered as the largest toilet manufacturer in the world. Not only is it also one of the oldest manufacturers in the market, it easily expanded to multiple manufacturing sites around the world. As of writing, TOTO has 11 manufacturing countries. 

What is the best toilet UK?

There are many great toilet brands on the UK market, but there is no definitive answer as to which one is the best. Some people prefer a traditional cistern toilet, while others prefer a more modern and sleek design.

Some of the top toilet brands in the UK include:

• Roca

• Ideal Standard

• Laufen

• Grohe

• Jacuzzi

Each of these brands offers a range of different toilet models, so it’s important to do your research before you make a purchase. It’s also worth checking online reviews to see what other people have had to say about the toilets in question.

Is Glacier Bay toilet a good brand?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as everyone’s needs and preferences will be different. However, some people do feel that Glacier Bay toilets are a good brand, as they offer both traditional and modern designs, and are made from high quality materials.

Some people swear by their Glacier Bay toilets, while others have had negative experiences. It’s important to do your research before you make a purchase.

Is a 1 piece or 2 piece toilet better?

There is no definitive answer as to whether a 1 piece or 2 piece toilet is better. Some people prefer the 1 piece toilets because they are easier to clean, while others prefer the 2 piece toilets because they are more affordable. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which type of toilet is best for them.

Which is better American Standard or Kohler?

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a toilet brand. American Standard and Kohler are two of the most popular brands on the market, but they both have their pros and cons.

American Standard is a well-known brand and has been around for over 140 years. They are known for their quality products and customer service. Kohler is also a well-known brand, and they have been in business for over 125 years. They are known for their innovative designs and high-quality products.

So, which is better: American Standard or Kohler? It really depends on your needs and preferences. American Standard toilets are more affordable, but Kohler toilets often have more features. Ultimately, it comes down to what you are looking for in a toilet.

Is Kohler a good toilet brand?

There is no easy answer to this question. Kohler toilets are well-made and can last for many years, but they can also be quite expensive. If you’re looking for a reliable toilet that will last for a long time, Kohler is a good option, but you may want to consider other brands if you’re on a tight budget.

What are some good alternatives to Kohler toilets?

Some good alternatives to Kohler toilets include Toto and American Standard. Toto toilets are known for their high quality and durability, while American Standard toilets are often more affordable than Kohler models. Whichever brand you choose, be sure to read reviews before purchasing a toilet to make sure you’re getting a model that will meet your needs.

Conclusion

As has been said, toilet brands are essential in narrowing out the best toilets with the best performance. With more than a thousand brands to choose from, it is hard to score the best toilet for your home if you do not know where to begin. Having a solid list of where to look first and what toilet brands are considered top-notch is beneficial in your toilet shopping. 

With everything that we have covered here, you might already have a list of preferred toilet brands. Stick to your gut feel when it comes to brands but also be meticulous in looking for specific features that would fit your needs and preferences.