A Game of Porcelain Thrones: What’s the Best Toilet for Your Home?

For something that we spend 92 days of our lives sitting on, we bet you haven’t given much thought to your toilet. On average, you can expect to spend close to two hours on here every week, so it’s worth investing in the best toilet for your needs.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of shopping for a new toilet before, you might be surprised by how many types there are. We’ve compiled a list of all the different types of toilets so you can be as merciless as Cersei Lannister herself when it comes time to pick out your new toilet suite.

The Different Toilet Bowl Types

Who even knew there were different types of toilet bowls? You’ll most commonly find two types – round and elongated. Each has its own merits, and it’s up to what you value and what is suitable for your bathroom style and space.

Elongated Bowl

If comfort is your top priority, then an elongated bowl is your best bet. The elongated shape is simply better suited for the shape of your caboose.

If you’ve switched from an elongated bowl to the less comfortable round bowl shape, you’ll notice the difference when you’re parked on the toilet for a while and you start getting sore a lot earlier than usual.

Round Bowl

If space is an issue, a round bowl shape will give you a few extra centimetres of breathing room. Sure, it might not be as comfy as an elongated bowl shape, but we think most people would prefer the extra space a round bowl can give you and sacrifice a little bit of comfort.

Different Types of Toilet Flush

The humble flushing toilet has come a long way since it was first designed in 1596. We’re now spoiled for choice when it comes to the types of toilet flushes. Here are some of the main flush mechanism types available on the market today.

Gravity-Feed

Just as the name implies, a gravity-feed toilet relies on gravity to flush waste away. They can work effectively with only moderate water pressure and are quieter than many other types of toilet flushes.

Gravity-feed toilets are available in a range of prices to suit any budget too. Their only downside is that they’re not the most effective at flushing waste away, and can sometimes require a second flush to fully clear the toilet pan.

Pressure Assisted Toilets

For those of you with a large family, a pressure-assisted toilet flush is likely the best type for you. These use compressed air in a sealed tank to forcefully flush waste out and away from your toilet.

These have no problem flushing the mounds of paper your little one who hasn’t yet grasped the idea of using just enough TP as is necessary. A powerful flush from a pressure-assisted toilet unfortunately comes at a greater cost and is considerably noisier than other flush types.

Dual Flush Toilets

For those of us who are conscious of water efficiency, a dual flush toilet is one of the best options. In fact, here in Australia, only dual flush systems are available if you need to install a new toilet in your home. These let you choose between a full or partial flush depending on what you’re emptying from the toilet.

Modern dual-flush toilets typically use 4.5 litres of water per flush on a full flush and a mere 3 litres for a partial flush. This means you’re saving water and saving money!

These types of toilets can, unfortunately, be more difficult to install and require more frequent cleaning when using the partial flush.

Unique Toilet Designs to Suit Your Bathroom

Beyond the bowl shape and flush type, there is also a range of toilet designs to pick from. When picking out a new toilet, this is where you can start to consider your bathroom’s overall style and aesthetic.

Link/Connector

A link or connector toilet suite is one of the most common types in Australian homes. This is where the cistern and toilet pan comes in two parts, connected by a pipe.

These two piece toilet models are easy to install and some come with covers to conceal the connecting pipe. Their major downside is the amount of surface area you need to clean with these toilets.

Close Coupled Toilet Suites

Similar to a link or connector toilet suite, a close coupled type of toilet comes in two parts. The point of difference here, however, is that the cistern is mounted flush to the pan. That means there is no connector pipe, which gives the toilet a more streamlined look.

Back to Wall

Moving up a step in terms of budget is back to wall toilets. The main thing going for this type of toilet is that all the pipework is concealed within the system itself. This means there’s no visible trap pipework behind a back to wall toilet that just sits there collecting dust and making your weekly cleaning duties even longer.

Wall Mounted Toilets

Not to be confused with the previous option, these toilets (also known as wall hung toilets) offer a sleek and modern look. They are great for smaller bathrooms as they take up less floor space. The best wall mounted toilet often features dual flush systems, allowing for water-efficient options for liquid and solid waste. The toilet bowl is mounted to the wall, which makes cleaning the floor easier. However, installation can be more complex and might require a sturdy wall actuator.

Concealed Cistern

As far as budget goes, concealed cistern toilets are considerably more pricey than the other types of toilets we’ve listed. This is because in order to conceal the cistern, installation is noticeably more complex.

You’ll typically find the flush buttons located on the wall above the toilet. However, they might be some distance away to allow for greater design flexibility. To add to the flexibility of concealed cistern toilets, you can mount the pan to the floor, or even have it mounted to the wall so it appears to be floating above the ground.

Cost Concerns

Many people fear that they’ll be up for expensive wall repair costs if a plumber ever needs to access their cistern. This isn’t the case, however, as the installation of access panels allows for a plumber to repair the cistern without having to break your wall.

When you purchase a concealed cistern toilet, you will typically need to purchase the toilet pan and cistern separately. This is where you might run into trouble, as you need to ensure the cistern you purchase matches the toilet pan.

Smart Toilets

One of the newest toilet suites on the market is the smart toilet. These represent the pinnacle of bathroom innovation, blending technology with comfort to redefine the bathroom experience. These toilets often feature adjustable water pressure, temperature control, and built-in bidet functions, offering a high level of hygiene.

The best smart toilet models boast features like heated seat, automatic lids, and even self-cleaning technologies. These ensure easy cleaning and enhanced user comfort. They are ideal for those seeking a modern, luxurious addition to their bathroom space. While they can be a significant investment, smart toilets can save money in the long run. This is due to their energy and water-saving capabilities.

Other Considerations

There’s more to picking out a toilet than just picking the style and flush that suits your home. Above all else, it needs to fit in your existing toilet space. Otherwise you’ll need to be willing to change your plumbing to fit the toilet.

You’ll need to make sure you accurately measure the set-out distance. This can differ from toilet to toilet and between the type of trap pipework it has. If you get this distance wrong, your new toilet won’t fit the drain!

Then there are all the extra features that come with toilets now too, including:

• Bidet attachments and features
• Smart system technology
• Soft-close lid

Have you considered a rimless toilet? These toilets have removed that annoying rim from the toilet pan, making it much easier to clean.

The Importance of Water Efficiency

What about water efficiency? Every toilet has a WELS (water efficiency labelling standard) star rating that lets you quickly compare efficiency between models. Depending on whether your bathroom is a renovation or part of a new build, there are regulations you need to meet in regard to water efficiency.

Your Trusted Name For The Best Toilets

From traditional toilets to brand-new smart toilet suites with all the bells and whistles, you’re truly spoiled for choice when it comes to bathroom fixtures. Luckily, Metropolitan Plumbing is here to help.

When you need a new toilet installed and you’re not sure what is best for your home – A one piece toilet or a two piece toilet? A floor mounted or wall hung toilet? – contact Metropolitan. Our team of experts can help you pick the best toilet for your home and family’s needs.