Planning a bathroom renovation has plenty of components to consider, especially with the plumbing. Sink faucets or showerheads may change over the years, but a good toilet can’t be understated. As one of the most used fixtures in the home, finding one with the right shape and size is essential. Energy efficiency is key, as it determines how much money the toilet can save each month on water bills.
Buying the best toilet, however, is more involved than just choosing one at the bathroom supply store. Different flush mechanics, how much water is used, and the overall cost all affect what makes a good toilet. Personal needs, like the height of the seat or bowl shape, also affect the final decision. Once homeowners start looking into toilets, you’ll find you have a lot to choose from.
To help with the decision and make the whole process much easier, read this guide for the six best toilets for your home. The guide will also breakdown some tips when looking at toilet qualities and designs:
What to look for
Before looking at the best toilets Canada models, it’s important to know exactly what to look for when considering different toilets and features. That way, you can make the most informed purchase for your home and needs. Visuals aside, the way a toilet is shaped will also affect how comfortable and efficient it is.
Bowl height and shape
Depending on your reasons and needs for a bathroom renovation, toilet height will play a key role. Aging-in-place renovations, for example, will benefit more from a raised toilet that is easy and comfortable to use. Standard height toilets range between 14” – 15” and are suitable for most people. Comfort height raises the toilet to around 16” – 17,” making it much more accessible for wheelchairs, the elderly, or people with mobility limitations.
The shape of the toilet or the bowl will vary based on the bathroom’s size and shape. Smaller bathrooms are better suited with round-fronted bowls that are a little smaller. Elongated bowls can increase the overall comfort when using the toilet. The added space is also ideal for younger children to use.
Flush and water use
The flush capacity of a toilet refers to how well it can flush large amounts of waste without getting clogged. The higher the rating, the better the toilet’s flushing capabilities. 1000g is the best toilet rating, while 700g is a great second choice and 350g is standard.
Water use refers to how much water is used in each flush. Ideally, you want to save water without losing efficiency, because that means less money is lost each use. Dual flush toilets, for example, are one of the best options since they give more customization. The next best rating is 1.28 gallons per flush, while 1.5 gallons still maintains enough flushing capacity. Keep in mind that it may not save as much as the first two options.
Design
Toilet design is both a practical and visual consideration that should be planned into early renovation plans. Each design also offers different perks and considerations to keep in mind.
Two-piece: This means that the toilet tank and bowl are two separate units. The main benefit of this is it’s easier to customize the height and shape and is less expensive. As the standard style for toilets, it is also very easy to find replacement parts. They are harder to clean and more involved when installing, so a professional plumber is recommended.
One-piece: As its name suggests, the tank and bowl are one unit, which creates a seamless, modern appearance. It also makes the toilet easier to clean, while the compact size takes up less overall space. It is much heavier as a result and can be more expensive to buy.
Wall-mounted: These toilets have no visible tank or base and are installed directly onto the wall. Visually, these are an attractive option as there is minimal space taken, and the floating-style opens up more floor space. Wall-mounted toilets are the most expensive option and also require the most skill to install. The work is much more extensive as the plumbing and tank must be installed behind the wall.
Best toilets Canada
With all the factors and considerations in mind, it’s time to address the question: what is the best toilet to buy in Canada? These six top-recommended toilets are great options to consider for your home.
1. TOTO UltraMax II
As far as the best toilets in Canada that also offers the best of everything, the TOTO UltraMax II is the best choice. The main attraction of this is its “tornado flush” system that thoroughly flushes in a 360-degree swirl and cleans the toilet with each use. As a one-piece unit, it is slim and small enough to fit into any sized bathroom. With a soft close lid and universal seat, this toilet is perfect for all age groups and will match most bathroom designs.
Cons: Harder to reach nooks may be more difficult to clean. The SanaGloss coating limits the cleaning products, so harsh chemical or hard toilet brushes are not recommended.
Design: one-piece.
Height and shape: elongated bowl and 17” seat height.
Flush capacity: tornado flushing system uses 1.28 gallons per flush.
Colours: colonial white, cotton white, chrome, bone, Sedona beige.
Cost: prices vary depending on the seller but range between $570-$710.
2. Kohler K-3978-0 Wellworth
If the budget-friendly and quiet best toilets in Canada are on your list, then the Kohler Wellworth is your toilet. It offers a classic, simple design that is comfortable and efficient. This Kohler uses 1.6 gallons per flush, more than other models, yet it is quiet when used. It also refills just as quickly, so there is no delay between uses. Pricewise as well, the Kohler is one of the most cost-effective options. You still get the same quality and longevity as other models.
Cons: Does have a higher water consumption than other toilets, which won’t help with monthly water bills. It also has fewer available colours to customize its appearance.
Design: two-piece.
Height and shape: elongated bowl and 12” height seat.
Flush capacity: 1.6 gallons per flush.
Colour: white.
Cost: prices vary depending on the seller but range between $216-$280.
3. Glacier Bay Elongated All-in-One
With a great price range and extra flush control, the Glacier Bay toilet is among the best toilets for a dual flush. For a long-term investment with even longer payback, it is a great option to consider. The dual flush offers light 1.1 gallons per flush or heavier 1.6 gallons per flush. Low-flow toilets, if not powerful enough, sometimes need to be flushed twice, which doubles the water costs. The stylish one-piece design is also made from white vitreous china, making the toilet less likely to crack or fade compared to porcelain toilets.
Cons: Does not come with its own toilet supply line, which must be bought separately.
Design: one-piece.
Height and shape: elongated bowl and 16.5” height seat.
Flush capacity: dual flush system with 1.1 or 1.6 gallons per flush.
Colour: white.
Cost: prices vary depending on the seller but range between $169-$342.
4. Kohler K-4007-0
While this toilet has a much simpler appearance and design, it makes it the perfect fit for smaller bathrooms and is considered one of the best toilets in Canada. Unlike the traditional box styled toilet tank, the Kohler has a rounded, petite tank for a more compact appearance. The size doesn’t affect its capacity in any way, as the Kohler still conserves water with each flush, so you save more money in the long-term. The flush uses an Aqua Piston canister for a 360-degree swirl with enough power to clear the bowl. The design also means that cleaning is much easier to do without the risk of bacteria growing in any nooks.
Cons: Higher-end price makes it a less budget-friendly option for some.
Design: one-piece.
Height and shape: rounded bowl, 17” seat height.
Flush capacity: uses 1.28 gallons per flush.
Colours: white, biscuit.
Cost: prices vary depending on the seller but range around $530.
5. Kohler K-6300-0 wall hung
For bathrooms with limited space, or just for the illusion of more room, wall hung toilets are a perfect addition. Like floating vanities, the open floor space beneath creates more floor space and so a sense of more room. The wall mount also adds a sleek, modern look that is attractive in any bathroom renovation. This Kohler wall hung is ideal if you want to later upgrade or customize the toilet without buying a new unit. Self-heating seats and a bidet option are both available upgrades. It also comes with dual flush options, using either 0.8 gallons per flush or 1.6.
Cons: Tank and carrier must be purchased separately, and it requires a skilled plumber to safely and properly install. The installation is much more involved as well, as with any wall mounted toilet.
Design: wall-mounted, one-piece.
Height and shape: elongated bowl, 15”- 23” seat height.
Flush capacity: dual flush, uses 0.8 or 1.6 gallons per flush.
Colours: white.
Cost: prices vary depending on the seller but range from $885.
6. Ove Decors Smart Toilet
Smart home renovations, both in the kitchen and bathrooms, are quickly gaining popularity among homeowners. Smart fridges and appliances are becoming common additions, but now smart toilets are also making headway. Having a smart best toilet may seem like a luxury, but one that offers many perks. The Ove Decors offers a heated seat, bidet functions, self-cleaning, and an LED light for nighttime uses. It also uses just 1.27 gallons per flush, so it saves money as well as adds luxury.
Cons: The installation is much more complicated, so a skilled plumber is a must to install. The toilet also needs its own power outlet to run, which may mean an electrical retrofit.
Design: one-piece.
Height and shape: elongated front bowl, 16” seat height.
Flush capacity: uses 1.27 gallons per flush.
Colour: white.
Cost: prices vary depending on the seller but range between $1,199 – $1,810.
Hire a pro to install
While installing new best toilets in Canada may seem like a simple DIY project, it’s better left to a professional. Without proper installation, toilets can risk flooding, becoming damaged prematurely, or continuously break down. Others, like the Ove Decors toilet, are heavier units that need extra hands and care to install safely. With a professional, you don’t have to worry about incorrect installation or damage to your home.
Any additional installation, such as with wall-mounted toilets, will also be handled safely. Opening up walls may risk exposing unknown mould or damaging pipes and wires behind the wall. A professional plumber will know where to look and what steps to take to avoid any such damage. You can also get advice or tips when deciding what is the best toilet to buy in Canada or what water-saving features to consider or add.
Hiring a plumber will add more cost to the overall price, which is something to keep in mind. Factoring all costs into a detailed budget will avoid any unexpected costs. If you do want to save some costs with DIY work, then toilet removal can be done with instructions. Wall-mounted toilets are an exception, as their removal is a lot more involved.
DIY work
As with any DIY work, if the time or skill involved proves to be too much, leave it to a professional. Investing a little bit more into a professional is always a cost that pays off in the end.
Before you start DIY dismantling, make sure to turn off the water supply line. Flush the toilet to empty the tank and bowl, and then detach the water supply tube. Next, remove the nuts and bolts holding the tank to the bowl, then remove and place it to the side. Follow the same bolt removal process on the floor bolts, attaching the toilet to the ground. Rock the toilet gently side to side to help break the seal, then place the bowl on its side also out of the way.
Scrape away the wax ring seal and throw it away as you won’t need it again. Clean the ring as well as you can, then stuff the drain hole with a rag to stop any sewer smells from escaping. For one-piece toilets, skip the stages to remove the tank and continue the steps from there. Once removed, your old toilet can be recycled, and the new toilet installed by a plumber.
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