Last Updated on October 31, 2026
What is the best toilet for your bathroom? The answer depends less on the brand name than on the space available, bowl height, flush performance and how easily the fixture can be maintained. A comfortable elongated bowl may suit a master bathroom, while a round-front model can save a few useful inches in a smaller room.
This guide compares three home toilets with their own photos and matching Amazon links. Two other models are reviewed below, including a dedicated RV toilet that should not be confused with residential fixtures. We also explain rough-in measurements, WaterSense efficiency and common reasons toilets leak.
For a closer look at flushing designs, see our best flushing toilet reviews.
Our Recommended Top 3 Best Toilet Comparison Chart
| Toilet | Configuration & flush | Notable features | Best for | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. TOTO UltraMax II MS604114CEFGCheck Price |
One-piece; 1.28 GPF; elongated bowl | Tornado Flush; CEFIONTECT glaze; Universal Height; soft-close seat | A modern, easy-to-clean residential bathroom | 12-inch rough-in; one-piece toilets are bulky to handle |
2. KOHLER Memoirs Stately K-3817Check Price |
Two-piece; 1.28 GPF; elongated bowl | AquaPiston canister; Comfort Height; traditional styling | Bathrooms needing a higher bowl and classic appearance | 12-inch rough-in; seat and supply line sold separately |
3. American Standard H2Option 2889218.021Check Price |
Two-piece; 0.92 / 1.28 GPF; round-front bowl | Dual flush; PowerWash rim; EverClean surface | Smaller bathrooms needing a round bowl | Older discontinued Bone-color variant; seat not included |
Best Toilet Reviews: Five Models for Different Needs
1. TOTO UltraMax II MS604114CEFG — Best One-Piece Toilet
For a frequently used home bathroom, the TOTO UltraMax II strikes a useful balance between cleaning convenience and water use. Its single-piece tank-and-bowl design eliminates the exposed joint between a separate tank and bowl, so there is one less exterior seam to wipe down. The elongated bowl and Universal Height seating can feel more comfortable than an old, low-profile toilet.
The linked MS604114CEFG configuration uses 1.28 gallons per flush and TOTO’s Tornado Flush system. CEFIONTECT is the current name for the smooth ceramic glaze that older descriptions call SanaGloss. That finish helps reduce debris sticking to the bowl, but you will still need regular cleaning. A soft-close seat is included with this model configuration. Check bathroom clearance and access before delivery: moving a one-piece toilet is less convenient than handling two separate parts.
| Model | MS604114CEFG#01 (Cotton White) |
|---|---|
| Construction | One-piece vitreous china; elongated bowl |
| Water use | 1.28 gallons per flush (4.8 liters) |
| Flushing system | Tornado Flush gravity system |
| Surface | CEFIONTECT ceramic glaze |
| Height & fitting | Universal Height; standard 12-inch rough-in |
| Seat | SoftClose SS114 included in this configuration |
Pros: seamless one-piece construction, efficient 1.28-GPF flush, easy-clean glaze, elongated bowl and included seat. Cons: heavier to move during installation and usually more expensive than basic two-piece options.
2. KOHLER Memoirs Stately K-3817 — Best Traditional Design
The KOHLER Memoirs Stately is a good match when a bathroom calls for a more traditional, architectural look. The two-piece design uses an elongated bowl and a Comfort Height seating position. Its AquaPiston canister releases water from around the tank opening, helping move water through the bowl efficiently with a gravity-powered 1.28-GPF flush.
The K-3817 requires a standard 12-inch rough-in and uses vitreous china construction. One detail to check in the shopping cart is what you are actually receiving: the seat and water supply line are normally separate purchases. The exposed trapway also leaves more surfaces to clean than a fully skirted design. Still, its higher seat and familiar flush lever can be appealing in a family or guest bathroom.
| Model | K-3817-0 (White) |
|---|---|
| Construction | Two-piece vitreous china; elongated bowl |
| Water use | 1.28 gallons per flush (4.8 liters) |
| Flushing system | Gravity flush with AquaPiston canister |
| Bowl height | Comfort Height; rim approximately 16-1/2 to 16-3/4 inches |
| Dimensions | About 30-3/8 inches front to back × 18-7/8 inches wide |
| Rough-in | 12 inches |
| Seat | Not included |
Pros: elegant style, chair-height comfort, water-saving flush and serviceable two-piece construction. Cons: seat usually costs extra, and the traditional exterior has more edges to wipe.
3. American Standard H2Option 2889218.021 — Best Compact Round-Front Dual Flush
American Standard’s H2Option lets you select a partial 0.92-gallon flush for liquid waste or a full 1.28-gallon flush for solids. That can reduce water use when the lighter flush is appropriate. PowerWash rim action and the EverClean surface are intended to help with bowl rinsing and routine cleaning.
Check the exact model before purchasing: the original linked 2889218.021 is a standard-height, round-front toilet in Bone. It is not the elongated, chair-height version sometimes shown in general H2Option reviews. Its round bowl may work well in a smaller guest bath, although some people prefer the added sitting room of an elongated bowl. This particular color/model combination is listed by the manufacturer as discontinued, so confirm the listing, components and support rather than assuming it is a newly manufactured 2026 model.
| Linked model | 2889218.021 (Bone); older discontinued variant |
|---|---|
| Construction | Two-piece; standard-height round-front bowl |
| Partial / full flush | 0.92 / 1.28 gallons per flush |
| Flushing system | Gravity-operated siphonic dual flush; top-mounted buttons |
| Surface | EverClean with PowerWash rim |
| Rough-in | 12 inches |
| Seat | Not included |
Pros: dual-flush water savings, space-conscious bowl, EverClean finish and a 12-inch rough-in. Cons: older discontinued variant, standard rather than chair height, and seat not included.
4. TOTO Drake CST744SG — An Older Two-Piece Alternative
There is an important difference between the TOTO Drake and the TOTO Drake II. The Amazon link in this review is for the Drake CST744SG, an earlier elongated model with a 1.6-GPF G-Max flush and CEFIONTECT finish. The Drake II CST454CEFG discussed in older comparisons is a different toilet with a 1.28-GPF flushing system. Their water-use figures and other product specifications should not be mixed.
The original Drake design uses a separate tank and bowl, which can simplify moving the parts into a tight bathroom. Its elongated bowl gives more sitting room than a round-front model. On the other hand, the 1.6-GPF flush uses more water than current 1.28-GPF high-efficiency choices, and an older product listing deserves careful checking for parts and warranty terms.
| Linked model | CST744SG#01 (Drake, not Drake II) |
|---|---|
| Construction | Two-piece; elongated bowl |
| Water use | 1.6 gallons per flush |
| Flushing system | G-Max gravity-flush design |
| Surface | CEFIONTECT (previously SanaGloss) |
| Rough-in | 12 inches |
| Important distinction | The newer Drake II CST454CEFG uses 1.28 GPF and is a different model |
Pros: established gravity-flush design, elongated bowl and a ceramic finish that helps cleaning. Cons: higher water consumption than 1.28-GPF models and legacy-model availability.
5. Dometic 310 — Best for an RV, Not a Home Bathroom
The Dometic 310 is a completely different type of toilet. It is made for recreational vehicles and is designed to discharge directly into an RV holding tank, not to replace a conventional bathroom toilet connected to a household drain. Its foot pedal controls adding rinse water and opening the outlet. The ceramic bowl makes it feel closer to a residential fixture, while the base and other components are designed for RV weight and installation requirements.
The standard-height 310 has an 18-inch seat height and a compact installation footprint. It uses a direct-discharge gravity design with a rim rinse, rather than a residential 1.28-gallon tank flush. Its approximate 10-inch rough-in and the location of the holding tank must be checked against the RV layout. Winterization and care of the flush-ball seal are particularly important, because household drain chemicals can damage RV toilet components.
| Type | Foot-pedal RV toilet; installs directly above a holding tank |
|---|---|
| Bowl & base | Vitreous ceramic bowl; polypropylene base |
| Seat height | 18 inches on standard-height version |
| Rough-in | Approximately 10 inches; verify RV flange and clearance |
| Flushing method | Foot-pedal, gravity discharge, rim-rinse water flow |
| Water use | Pedal-controlled; not a fixed residential 1.28-GPF toilet |
| Supply | Follow Dometic pressure, fitting and winterization instructions |
Pros: comfortable ceramic bowl, foot-pedal operation and RV-specific installation. Cons: unsuitable for a normal residential drain, requires holding-tank maintenance and correct RV clearances.
How to Choose the Best Toilet for Your Bathroom
Measure the rough-in before comparing models
The rough-in is measured from the finished wall behind the toilet—not from the baseboard—to the center of the floor bolts. A 12-inch rough-in is common in U.S. homes, but 10- and 14-inch installations also exist. A mismatched toilet can leave too little room behind the tank or simply not fit. Before ordering, measure the rough-in, the clearance in front of the bowl and the distance to nearby doors and vanity drawers.
Decide whether you need an elongated or round bowl
An elongated bowl usually offers more room for sitting but extends farther into the room. A round-front bowl may be more suitable for compact bathrooms and tight door clearances. The bowl shape also determines which replacement toilet seat will fit. Do not assume a chair-height label tells you anything about whether the bowl is round or elongated.
Standard height or chair height?
Higher bowls can make sitting down and standing up easier for many adults, but a lower seat can be preferable for children and some shorter users. Look for the manufacturer’s rim height and whether the listed measurement includes the seat. Accessibility depends on the full installation and surrounding clearances, not the toilet’s marketing label alone.
What WaterSense and gallons per flush mean
Toilets labeled under EPA WaterSense meet third-party efficiency and performance criteria. A 1.28-gallon flush uses 20% less water than the U.S. federal 1.6-gallon standard. A dual-flush model offers a lower-volume option, but it only saves water if that option clears the bowl effectively for your needs. A toilet that repeatedly needs a second flush can cancel out some expected savings.
Remember that EPA certification is product-specific: a manufacturer may sell both WaterSense-certified and non-certified toilets. Compare the exact model number and its flush rating.
One-piece versus two-piece construction
A one-piece toilet has fewer external seams and often looks cleaner. Its downside is weight and the need to carry the entire fixture in one piece. A two-piece toilet typically costs less and allows the tank and bowl to be moved separately; however, its tank-to-bowl gasket and bolts are extra places to check if you notice leaks.
Gravity flush versus pressure-assisted flush
Most toilets in this article use gravity-powered flushing. They do not need compressed-air pressure vessels to clear the bowl. Pressure-assisted toilets use a separate pressure system and can perform well in certain applications, but tend to be louder and have different repair requirements. Do not assume a strong gravity-powered flush, such as KOHLER’s AquaPiston or TOTO’s Tornado Flush, is pressure-assisted.
Calculate the full installation cost
The price of the toilet may not include a seat, supply line, wax ring, mounting bolts or professional installation. Also consider whether the existing shutoff valve works and whether the floor flange is in good condition. A well-fitting, serviceable model is often a better long-term choice than the cheapest toilet on the shelf.
Why Toilets Leak and What to Check First
Even a good toilet can leak when seals age, fittings loosen or mineral deposits interfere with valves. Identifying where the water appears is the safest first step.
- Water running into the bowl: inspect the flapper or flush-valve seal, chain adjustment and water level. Dye added to the tank can help reveal silent leaks if you do not flush during the test.
- Tank refills when nobody has flushed: a worn flush seal or incorrect fill-valve level may cause intermittent running.
- Water around the supply connection: check the supply tube and fill-valve connection, with the water shut off before tightening or replacement.
- Water between tank and bowl: a two-piece toilet may need a gasket or bolt seal; over-tightening porcelain can cause cracks.
- Water at the base: check for condensation or an external drip first. Persistent water after flushing may involve a failed floor seal or flange and can damage the subfloor.
- A visible crack in porcelain: shut off the water and arrange replacement or professional assessment rather than attempting a temporary repair.
To understand the basic tank, bowl and siphon arrangement, this explanation of how a toilet works provides background. Avoid using in-tank bleach tablets or harsh cleaners where the manufacturer warns they can damage rubber components.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 1.28-GPF toilet powerful enough?
A well-designed 1.28-GPF model can clear waste effectively; water volume alone does not determine flush strength. Look for WaterSense certification, tested performance and the specific flush technology of the model.
Does a dual-flush toilet always save more water?
It can, especially when users regularly select the partial flush for liquid waste. Actual savings depend on how often each button is used and whether repeat flushing is needed.
Can I install a Dometic 310 in my house?
Not as a direct substitute for a standard residential toilet. The Dometic 310 is designed for RV plumbing and direct discharge to a holding tank; its installation and maintenance requirements are different.
Is the TOTO Drake II the same as the Drake CST744SG?
No. The linked Drake CST744SG is a 1.6-GPF model. The Drake II CST454CEFG is a different 1.28-GPF model. Always check the exact number when comparing products, parts and Amazon listings.
How long should a toilet last?
Porcelain fixtures can last decades when installed and maintained properly, but valves, seals, seats and other components may require replacement much sooner. Cracks, recurring leaks and poor flushing performance are reasons to evaluate repair versus replacement.
Conclusion
For a standard residential bathroom, the TOTO UltraMax II offers a one-piece design and 1.28-GPF flushing. KOHLER Memoirs Stately is appealing when you want an elevated traditional look with a higher bowl. The American Standard H2Option offers a compact round-front dual-flush layout, although the linked Bone-color version is an older discontinued model. Choose based on verified measurements, bowl shape, water use and included components rather than buying on brand recognition alone. If you are outfitting an RV, use an RV-specific toilet such as the Dometic 310 instead of a residential model.

1. TOTO UltraMax II MS604114CEFG
2. KOHLER Memoirs Stately K-3817
3. American Standard H2Option 2889218.021
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