Best Toilets for DIYers
A good toilet flushes completely on the first try, stays clean, and runs quietly for years. Flush performance and a glazed, easy-clean bowl matter more than looks. Comfort height suits most adults.
What to look for
- ·Look at flush performance and trap design. A strong, efficient flush (Tornado, G-Max, or a rated MaP score) clears the bowl on the first try.
- ·Comfort or chair height (around 16 to 17 inches) is easier for most adults than standard height.
- ·A glazed bowl (CEFIONTECT and similar) and a skirted, one-piece design stay cleaner with less effort.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOTO Drake Two-Piece Toilet | Editor's pick | $300 to $450 | The most dependable everyday toilet |
| TOTO Ultramax II One-Piece | Editor's pick | $400 to $550 | A premium one-piece |
| Kohler Highline Comfort Height | Editor's pick | $200 to $350 | Reliable comfort height from Kohler |
| Kohler Cimarron Comfort Height | Best value | $250 to $380 | Mid-range Kohler value |
| American Standard Champion 4 | Best value | $230 to $330 | A strong, clog-resistant flush |
| TOTO Entrada Comfort Height | Best value | $200 to $280 | Entry-level TOTO reliability |
| Glacier Bay Two-Piece Toilet | Budget pick | $100 to $160 | Best budget value |
| American Standard Cadet 3 | Budget pick | $150 to $220 | Affordable trusted-name toilet |
| Kohler Wellworth Two-Piece | Budget pick | $150 to $230 | Budget Kohler reliability |
Editor's pick
TOTO Drake Two-Piece Toilet
$300 to $450
A long-time favorite with TOTO's powerful G-Max or Tornado flush and CEFIONTECT glaze that keeps the bowl clean. Reliable, efficient, and built to last. The benchmark.
Best for: The most dependable everyday toilet
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
TOTO Ultramax II One-Piece
$400 to $550
A sleek one-piece with the same strong Tornado flush and glaze, easy to clean with no tank seam. The premium pick when you want looks and performance together.
Best for: A premium one-piece
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Kohler Highline Comfort Height
$200 to $350
Kohler's most popular toilet, a reliable comfort-height design with a strong flush at a more accessible price than TOTO. A dependable, widely available choice.
Best for: Reliable comfort height from Kohler
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
Best value
Kohler Cimarron Comfort Height
$250 to $380
A taller, efficient toilet with Kohler's AquaPiston flush and a clean skirted look. A strong mid-range value with the brand's quality behind it.
Best for: Mid-range Kohler value
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
American Standard Champion 4
$230 to $330
Known for a powerful flush that resists clogs, with an extra-large trapway. A practical, good-value workhorse for busy households.
Best for: A strong, clog-resistant flush
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
TOTO Entrada Comfort Height
$200 to $280
TOTO's entry line brings the brand's flush quality to a lower price. A smart value if you want TOTO reliability without the Drake or Ultramax cost.
Best for: Entry-level TOTO reliability
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Budget pick
Glacier Bay Two-Piece Toilet
$100 to $160
Home Depot's house brand delivers a water-efficient, quiet toilet that tests well for the price. Excellent value for rentals and budget bathrooms.
Best for: Best budget value
Typically available at Home Depot.
American Standard Cadet 3
$150 to $220
A dependable, affordable toilet with a strong flush and an easy-clean glaze. A solid budget pick from a trusted name for everyday bathrooms.
Best for: Affordable trusted-name toilet
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
Kohler Wellworth Two-Piece
$150 to $230
Kohler's value line, a no-frills reliable toilet at a budget price. A good way to get the Kohler name and parts availability for less.
Best for: Budget Kohler reliability
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Frequently asked
Which toilet brand is best?+
TOTO is widely regarded for the most dependable flush and durability, Kohler narrows the gap with elegant designs at more accessible prices, and American Standard and Glacier Bay offer strong budget value. All three premium brands make excellent toilets.
One-piece or two-piece toilet?+
One-piece toilets have no seam between tank and bowl, so they are easier to clean and look sleeker, but cost more and are heavier to install. Two-piece toilets are cheaper, lighter to carry, and easier to replace parts on.
What is comfort height?+
Comfort or chair height seats the bowl around 16 to 17 inches off the floor, similar to a chair, which is easier on the knees and back than standard 15 inch toilets. It is the popular choice for most adults today.
How many gallons per flush should I get?+
Modern toilets use 1.28 or 1.6 gallons per flush, and dual-flush models offer a lower setting for liquids. A well-designed 1.28 GPF toilet flushes as well as older thirsty models while saving water.
Can I install a toilet myself?+
Yes, it is a common DIY job: set a new wax ring, place the bowl on the flange, bolt it down, attach the tank, and connect the supply. A helper makes lifting easier, and it takes an hour or two.
Planning a bigger job? See the full Bathroom Remodel project guide: cost, DIY vs. hire, and the whole plan.
Open the Bathroom Remodel guide →