Smart toilets are gaining popularity among consumers, making your bathroom more comfortable, cleaner, and more convenient. But with so many options, where do you begin?
Choosing a smart toilet is actually similar to choosing a car. When buying a car, you need to consider the vehicle's style (installation method), power system (flushing system), appearance (color and surface finish), and ultimately, smart toilet with bidet the special features that enhance the user experience.
Step 1: Know Your Basics – Installation & Flush
First, look at your bathroom setup. This will narrow down your choices quickly.
Floor-Standing vs. Wall hung:
- Floor-Standing Toilets:
- What they are: The classic, most common type. The entire unit (bowl and often an integrated tank) rests on the bathroom floor.
- Key Points: They are very stable, generally easier and less expensive to install because they don't require a special in-wall frame. The base (or "footprint") is always visible. Cleaning underneath requires reaching around the base.
- Wall hung Smart Toilets:
- What they are: A modern, minimalist choice. The bowl appears to be floating on the wall, with no visible support. The tank and all flushing mechanisms are hidden inside a carrier frame installed within the wall during renovation.
- Key Points: They save significant floor space and make cleaning the bathroom floor incredibly easy—you can mop right underneath. They offer a sleek, high-end look. Crucially, installation is more complex and must be planned during the bathroom's construction or remodel.
With Tank vs. Tankless:
This refers to how the toilet stores and uses water for flushing.
- Toilets with a Tank:
- What they are: These have a water storage tank, which can be integrated into the toilet's rear (one-piece design) or sometimes partially hidden.
- How it works: The tank fills with water after each flush, ready for the next use. It provides a reliable, powerful flush even in homes with lower or variable water pressure. This is the most common and proven system.
- Tankless Toilets (Direct-Flush):
- What they are: As the name suggests, they have no storage tank. The bowl has a streamlined, compact profile.
- How it works: They connect directly to your home's water supply line and use a high-pressure valve (a flushometer) to deliver a powerful, instantaneous flush. They are perfect for saving space and achieving an ultra-modern look.
- A Note on Tankless Bidet Toilets: This is simply a tankless toilet that also includes advanced bidet functions (like a wand wash, dry, deodorizer, etc.). The "bidet" part refers to the features, while "tankless" describes the flushing system.
Step 2: Pick Your Style – Color & Finish
This is about how your toilet looks&eels and practical maintenance.
- Color:
- White: Timeless, clean, and matches any décor. It remains the most popular as it helps bathrooms feel bright and spacious.
- Black Smart Toilet: Makes a bold, dramatic, and luxurious statement. It's a trending choice for modern and contemporary bathrooms. Be aware that water spots and mineral deposits (like limescale) may be more visible on darker surfaces.
- Other Colors: Ivory, bone, gray, and even navy are available for custom looks, but may have longer lead times.
- Surface Finish:
- Glossy/High-Gloss: Offers a shiny, reflective surface. Very smooth to the touch and generally easier to wipe clean. Classic and bright.
- Matte/Satin: Has a non-reflective, soft-touch texture. Ideal for hiding fingerprints, water stains, and minor scratches. It gives a sophisticated, modern feel and is not too slippery.
Step 3: Choose Your "Smart" Features
This is the fun part! Think about which comforts matter most to you.
- The Must-Haves (For Most People):
Toilet with heated seat: Say goodbye to chilly mornings! This feature alone is a game-changer.
Smart Toilet with Wash and Dry: No need for toilet paper; gentle water cleanses your body, followed by warm air drying. More hygienic and comfortable.
Remote control toilet: A handy wireless remote lets you control all functions easily, keeping the toilet itself looking clean and uncluttered.
- The Luxury Upgrades:
Auto Flush (auto flush toilets): The toilet flushes automatically when you walk away. It's hygienic and hassle-free.
Auto Lid: The lid opens and closes by itself with a wave of your hand.
Night Light: A soft built-in light helps you navigate safely at night.
Air Purifier/Deodorizer: Keeps the air in your bathroom fresh.
Step 4: Don't Forget the Practical Stuff
Measure Your Space! Check the distance from the wall to the drainpipe (the "rough-in" measurement, usually 12 inches). Make sure the toilet you like will fit.
Check Your Plumbing & Electricity: You need an electrical outlet near the toilet to power it. Also, ensure your home's water pressure is compatible, especially for tankless models.
Think About Water: Look for models with an energy-saving mode and adjustable water temperature/pressure for the bidet.
Your Simple Shopping Checklist
Ask yourself these questions:
Installation: Does my bathroom suit a floor-standing or wall-hung model?
Appearance: Do I want white, black, or another color? Glossy or matte finish?
Core Features: Do I want a heated seat, bidet wash, and remote control? (Most will say YES!).
Extra Convenience: Do I love the idea of auto-flush or a self-opening lid?
Practicalities: Do I have the right measurements, an electrical outlet, and good water pressure?
Final Pro Tip: Read other users' reviews! They usually share genuine user experiences regarding comfort, ease of use, and reliability.
Upgrading to a smart toilet is an investment in your daily comfort and hygiene. By breaking it down into these simple steps, you can confidently find the perfect model for your home and start enjoying a smarter bathroom routine!
Happy shopping！