Buying a toilet seems like a simple purchase, but it's not. There are many factors that play a significant role in making the right decision when choosing one for your bathroom. While price is certainly the primary determining factor at times, it’s not the only thing you should consider.
A hefty price tag isn't a guarantee of better performance. Whether it uses a single or dual flushing system, a compact toilet is considered a mid-priced model. They should also save water and have large trap-ways and flush valves to clean the toilet in a single flush.
Some homes don't have the luxury of setting up spacious bathrooms. Since finding a compact toilet that can fit the small space can be challenging, here is a list of the best small toilets you can buy.
Top 10 Small Toilets
1. Swiss Madison Well Made One-Piece Toilet
This small toilet is an excellent buy if you’re looking for a one-piece toilet. Thanks to its dual-flush system, it's moderately priced and saves you gallons of water.
The partial flush is rated at 0.8 GPF (Gallons Per Flush), while the full flush uses 1.28 GP. Both options release a powerful gush that leaves your toilet clean after a single flush.
What's more, its sleek design blends in easily with most modern bathroom decors. The white color complements minimalist bathroom spaces, making a room feel spotless, while the clean, shiny look makes the room appear spacious.
If you've used a two-piece toilet, you can relate to the struggle of keeping all the pieces clean. One-piece toilets eliminate this problem by attaching the tank to the toilet. This particular model features a fully skirted trapway that makes cleaning a breeze.
Swiss Madison also uses an elongated design on the seating area, creating more seating space to enhance comfort. The seat also closes softly, reducing the chances of breakage.
The only downside to this compact toilet model is the installation process. It can take 6-12 hours to install, even with the help of professionals. The main problem is the access slots on the side of the skirt, as they’re a little too small for hands to fit. The screw heads are also pretty small to get loose once attached to the flange.
Pros
Easy to clean
Water-efficient system
Color complements most bathrooms
Cons
It's challenging to install
2. American Standard FloWise 2-Piece Toilet
American Standard toilets are a staple in many American homes. So much so that an estimated two out of every five American homes have an American Standard toilet. The Cadet series has been the flagship product due to its efficiency and power, cleaning toilets with a single flush.
This Cadet FloWise two-piece model follows suit. It's a high-performance toilet with a powerful flushing mechanism that removes clogs and uses 1.28 gallons of water per flush, helping save on utility bills by lowering the water consumption.
Cleaning it is pretty easy thanks to toilet brand proprietary EverClean surface that prevents the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew. What's more, the concealed trapway makes cleaning the outside effortless.
In terms of comfort, its round bowl design provides ample seating space. The seat height at 17.5 inches, higher than average, is perfect for the disabled and elderly. As if that's not enough, the toilet boasts a slow-close seat that reduces the chances of breaking. If it happens to break, you can also replace it.
The installation is somewhat more straightforward compared to the Swiss Madison's one-piece toilet, but at times it’s best to enlist the help of a professional if you’re not too handy. It has a rough-in size of 12 inches, which is pretty standard for small bathrooms.
Pros
- Powerful flushing mechanism
- Mold-resistant surface
- Standard height to accommodate most people
Cons
- Clogs easily if using hard water
3. HOROW HWMT-8733 Small Toilet
The HOROW HWMT-8733 is the perfect combination of design and function. Its skirted design provides a cleaner, sleeker look from the top of the water tank to the floor and from the front to the back.
As for function, its small form stands out to buyers looking for a small or compact toilet. It measures 25 inches, two inches smaller than standard toilets, perfect for small bathroom spaces. Also, the one-piece design ensures it doesn't take up a lot of space.
This toilet's performance is impeccable, regardless of the size. It flushes quickly and easily without clogging or leaking, so you might not need to take out the drain snake anytime soon. And with the dual-flush feature of 0.8 GPF and 1.28 GPF, you don't have to worry about adding to your bills with unnecessary water consumption.
The installation process is relatively straightforward because the small toilet has small bolt holes that ensure screws fit in tightly. What's more, it comes equipped with a supply line connector which you attach to the supply line and the toilet.
However, it's essential to check the size of your line to avoid leakage. Maintenance is super easy, thanks to the inclusion of glazing. A simple wipe with a damp cloth, and the surface is spotless. Beyond simplifying cleaning, the glazing coats the ceramic material, forming a protective layer that prevents germs from clogging the tiny pores.
As a result, it's easy to rinse the toilet bowl and keep odors away.
Pros
- Easy to clean surface
- It comes with a supply connector
- Powerful flush
Cons
- It needs at least two people for installation
4. GALBA One-Piece Small Toilet
The GALBA is another compact toilet that looks similar to Horrow's HWMT-8733 toilet. It has a similar design as its counterpart and nearly equal toilet dimensions, except GALBA's one-piece toilet is much smaller, making it great for tiny bathrooms.
Even an inch difference makes a significant difference. Galba's small toilet has a rough-in size of 12 inches, is 28.5 inches high and 24.5 inches long, while Horrow's small toilet is 28.4 inches high and 25 inches long. This half-inch difference could mean keeping your knees jammed against a bathroom door or allowing for a bit more movement.
GALBA also achieves a shallower depth (seat height of 16.5 inches) by including a narrow tank that doesn't compromise the size of the toilet bowl. The seating area is also wider to hold heavier people better.
However, the UF plastic material used to make the seat might not be appealing to some people. Luckily it's easy to disconnect and install a sturdier seat.
When coupled with the bowl's design that propels the water forward, it creates a powerful flush that cleans the entire bowl and prevents dirt buildup. This helps prevent common toilet issues like the water rising high. Combined with the dual-flush mechanism (0.8/1.6 GPF), the bowl is left spotless, ready for the next user.
Pros
- Powerful Vortex Spiral Flush
- Ample seating space
- Has soft close toilet seat
Cons
- Leaks often
5. WOODBRIDGE B0960S Intelligent Smart Toilet
WOODBRIDGE is known for producing luxury products, and this intelligent smart toilet is an excellent example. Some might consider this the best small toilet, as it has many smart features like a heated seat, a powerful warm air dryer, a deodorizer, and more to make your experience comfortable.
The toilet is a little big (32 x 19 x 26 inches), but the in-wall design makes it perfect for small bathrooms. The bulky part is hidden inside the wall, saving on bathroom space.
Beyond its sleek construction, the innovative features make this compact toilet stand out. The first is the heating feature that keeps the toilet warm at all times — as such, going to the bathroom during the freezing winter seasons isn't as grueling.
WOODBRIDGE also equips this small toilet with an automatic flushing feature for hands-free operation, so the toilet initiates a power flush as soon as you stand up. And if there's a power outage, you can always use the manual flush button. The flush is quiet and powerful, releasing 1.6 GPF for a full flush and 1.0 GPF for a half flush.
WOODBRIDGE also goes all out on hygiene features. It’s equipped with a posterior wash, pulsating wash, and a feminine wash to clean your behind, and you can adjust the water pressure to your liking.
You don't have to use toilet paper with the air dryer — simply adjust the dryer and allow it to dry your skin.
What's more, the toilet has a deodorizer that leaves the bathroom smelling fresh. It has powerful air filters to draw in smelly air, allowing it to pass through an ionized carbon filter that removes the foul smell and releases clean air.
Another feature that stands out is the automatic opening and closing mechanism. The toilet has sensors that detect movement as soon as you approach, prompting it to open and close.
Pros
- Heated seat
- It keeps the toilet smelling fresh
- In-wall design to save space
- Intuitive remote to adjust smart features
Cons
- Too heavy
6. Swiss Madison Ivy SM-WT450 Wall Hung Toilet
If you're looking for stylish wall-hung toilets, this other model from Swiss Madison is a great buy. It has an elegant design that saves lots of bathroom space. It’s wholly tucked away from view with its compact size.
The wall-hung design also eliminates joints and crevices used to attach the compact toilet to the tank, making it easy to clean and maintain.
You don't have to worry about installation because the plumbing is still accessible. However, you might need to enlist the help of a professional plumber. The toilet is compatible with all Carrier brands selling in-wall tank systems, which means you don't need to shop for a carrier system separately.
Overall the toilet is a solid buy, but the low water level can be a bit of a bummer. Sometimes this can cause things not too flush completely. It's challenging to flush solid waste in a single flush, so you're likely to use more water than the specified 0.8/1.28 GPF. Also, at times solid waste tends to stick to the bowl, hence the need to clean it with a brush after use.
Pros
Minimal water consumption
The seat has a slow-closing mechanism
Durable construction
Cons
Complicated installation process
7. American Standard Compact Cadet 3 FloWise Toilet
As highlighted earlier, American Standard toilets are pretty common in American homes. The Cadet 3 series is top-rated because the toilets are readily available and have competitive prices compared to entry-level toilets from other top toilet brands.
The compact toilets comprise a range of one-piece and two-piece toilets available in different designs, sizes, and flush rates. The variety is beneficial for homeowners who want to compare various features but can be overwhelming. It's best to look at all the details to understand the pros and cons before buying this type of toilet.
This particular model is perfect for small bathrooms due to its compact size of 28.5 x 15.5 x 28.5 inches. Although it's advertised as a compact toilet, the seat height and elongated bowl design make it a pretty comfortable toilet overall.
The compact style makes it easy to set it up in a small bathroom, while the one-piece construction saves on space and eliminates the gap where dirt collects.
The toilet is also incredibly water-efficient. American Standard uses 20% less water than regular toilets, albeit using the traditional flush handle and flush lever. The Cadet 3 FloWise also features an EverClean surface that prevents mold growth which causes staining and odor.
Pros
Easy to clean and install
Slow-close lid to avoid slamming
Has left and right-handed flushing levers
Cons
Flimsy construction
8. Kohler 3810-0 Santa Rosa Comfort Height Elongated Toilet
Founded in 1873, Kohler Company is one of the oldest toilet companies in the United States. It is particularly famous for making comfort height bowls and compact toilets with reduced flushing to save on water.
The 3810-0 model follows suit to other Kohler toilets. It has a comfortable seat height of 15-17 inches, making it easy for tall people and those with back problems to get up easily. Most toilet seats are only 15 inches off the floor which can be uncomfortable for people over six feet.
Kohler also equips this model with a unique AquaPiston flushing system that ensures water flows 360 degrees inside the bowl. When combined with the single-flush gravity mechanism, you’ll notice an amplified flush efficiency as the water flows in the bowl.
Another feature that enhances the water efficiency is its low GPF of 1.28. In fact, according to Kohler, this toilet can save you up to 16,500 gallons per year. This low water consumption qualifies Santa Rosa for EPA's WaterSense certification making buyers eligible for rebates on water bills based on their location.
The Santa Rosa toilet is also easy to clean. Beyond the AquaPiston technology that ensures water cleans all the contours of the bowl, its overall construction eases cleaning. The bowl is also quite durable, so you don't have to worry about cracks that cause problems with the tank.
The one-piece design eliminates joints and crevices between the toilet and tanks, which are common places that accumulate dirt. In addition, the trapway has a glazed coating that makes it easy to wipe off the dirt.
Pros
Powerful flushing system
WaterSense certified
Easy to clean
Cons
Clogs easily
9. TOTO MW4463046CUMG 2-piece Elongated Dual Flush Toilet
This TOTO model isn't your average toilet. It's a bidet toilet combo that leaves the bathroom smelling fresh and your body clean. It has a sleek, modern design and lots of smart features. It also has a compact construction and just the right toilet dimensions (27.56 x 15.56 x 29.56 inches) to fit a small bathroom.
As for the innovative features, the lid's automatic opening and closing mechanism stand out. Note that you can’t control it from the remote, but you can fine-tune the button at the top to raise and lower the seat. The seat also has a night light that turns on as you approach and switches off 60 seconds after leaving. It uses a dual flush system.
The bidet function is the highlight of this small toilet. TOTO equips the seat with a wand that releases heated water when activated. The rear has two spray modes: the default mode cleans a small surface with a gentle and adequate strength, while a more powerful mode cleans a broader area. The dual flush toilet also has a front spray with similar modes.
Apart from the bidet function, the toilet is all about keeping your bathroom squeaky clean. Its unique EWATER+ technology ensures that the toilet tank releases electrolyzed water to clean the toilet bowl. And with the innovative AIR-IN WONDER WAVE technology, the water is released with enlarged droplets to create a more effective cleansing action.
Although it's quite expensive, it's certainly one of the best compact toilets for small bathrooms.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Powerful cleaning action
- Automatic deodorizer to neutralize odors
Cons
- Needs particular 120V GFCI outlet to set up
10. Deer Valley DV-1F026 One Piece Toilet
Deer Valley is a relatively new manufacturing brand in bathroom and toilet accessories. Its products stack up pretty well against renowned brands, and this DV-1F026 model is an excellent example.
What stands out about this toilet is its miniature size. It measures 28 x 14 x 27.26 inches qualifying it as an ADA-compliant toilet, meaning that it can fit small and medium bathrooms perfectly.
The installation for this one isn't as complicated as other one-piece toilets. It comes with a supply line adapter for connecting the toilet and the supply line. Should you have one measuring ⅞ inches, you can connect the toilet as is, but if more extensive, you need to remove the adapter before attaching the toilet.
The toilet is also highly water-efficient, thanks to the dual-flush feature. The partial flush is rated 0.8 GPF, while the full flush is 1.28 GPF. The flushing process is quiet but incredibly effective.
Like other white toilets, this model has a glazed surface that makes it easy to clean. It becomes even easier to maintain when combined with the one-piece toilet design.
Pros
- ADA complaint
- Compact size
- Super-quiet
Cons
- Tasking installation process
Buyers Guide for Small Toilets: Things to Consider
When buying compact toilets, you want to make the most out of your investment. Even though their small, they should still be functional, comfortable, fit the bathroom's design, and long-lasting. Here are some features you should look at:
Bathroom Size
When shopping for a toilet for a small bathroom, you want it compact enough for hassle-free use. If your bathroom is shallow, look for a toilet that leaves adequate space to avoid pressing the knees against the door.
You can mark out the dimensions of the preferred toilet using the tape on the floor to get an idea of how it will appear when mounted.
Also, consider the possibility that the space is awkwardly shaped and not particularly small. It would help if you estimated the rough-in size (the position of the water pipes) to buy a better-fitting toilet. Toilets have varying rough-in lengths, so you want to ensure the ideal model fits the pipework. Most product specs show the rough-in information.
Toilet Design
The two-piece and the one-piece toilet models are the most common, but other designs like high-tank toilets, in-wall, and integrated toilets are gaining popularity. Two-piece models have two separate pieces — the water tank and the seat — which you attach during installation.
They're a favorite option for most homeowners because they're affordable, readily available, and easy to install.
On the other hand, one-piece toilets are expensive and heavier but easy to clean and install. They are more suitable for homes with modern decor styles and designs.
The high-tank toilet model is another type that works like a two-piece toilet, except that the water tank is installed much higher on the wall than its counterpart. That means the plumbing between the tank and the seat is left exposed.
High-tank models are great for retro-style homes because of their quaint, old-world charm. However, they're more expensive than one-piece and two-piece toilets.
Another type is the in-wall toilet model, which is tankless. It's an excellent alternative for homeowners looking for a minimalist toilet design, want to save on space, or have small bathrooms.
Installing in-wall toilets requires prior knowledge of the home's plumbing system hence the need to enlist the help of a professional.
The last type is the integrated base toilet which mimics both two-piece and one-piece models. It has a concealed water tank at the back, so it doesn't protrude upwards like other toilets, while the bottom is in one piece, unlike the typical two-piece toilets.
Integrated base toilets are easier to clean, have a rounded style, and are smooth.
Flushing Mechanism
Single-flush toilets are often found in older homes and have one lever. It means that the same amount of water flushes waste away.
Conversely, dual flush toilets have two flush mechanisms fitted with two pushbuttons. One button flushes using less water, usually 0.8 gallons, and the other uses up to 1.6 gallons.
Single-flush toilets consume more water, but they are the most common because they are easy to repair and have readily available parts.
By comparison, dual-flush toilets consume less water, translating to lower bills. However, some users find them difficult to flush, citing they need greater force to press the buttons.
Amount of Water Used
You want a toilet that helps reduce the water usage, not inflate it. The measure of Gallons Per Flush (GPF) should help you determine the amount of water the toilet uses.
Most toilets have a rating of 1.6, but some models use less water. High-efficiency toilets, for example, use 1.28 gallons which can lead to savings of up to 4,000 gallons per person every year.
Keep an eye out on toilets that have the WaterSense certification too. EPA awards this certification to denote water-efficient products.
Seat Height
The lower you need to bend when sitting on the toilet, the harder your muscles and joints have to work, which can be problematic for the elderly, disabled, and taller people. If you fit in either of these categories, you need to find toilet bowls slightly more elevated than the standard height.
These comfort height bowls are a few inches higher than regular bowls to reduce the stress and weight the body bears when sitting and standing. Such toilets are 17 inches tall and have a comfort height label.
Comfort
Even during the few minutes that you spend in the toilet, you want to be comfortable. A few features play a significant role in your overall comfort. The first is the shape of the toilet.
Toilets come inround and elongated shapes. Elongated toilets are more comfortable than round ones.
The seat height is another feature to consider. Most small toilets are 15 inches high, but if you're heavier, taller, or have back problems, you should consider higher toilet seats, ranging from 17-19 inches.
It also helps to look at additional accessories coming with the toilet. Some high-end toilets have cleansing attachments, while others come with heated seats. Be sure to focus on comfort factors that you can’t improve upon because you can install most comfort features later using simple DIY tricks.
Installation Method
There are three installation methods to mount compact toilets. Floor-mounted toilets are the most common where the toilet is attached directly to the floor. The second type is the freestanding toilet, which is similar to a floor-mounted toilet but isn't attached to the ground. Installation and cleaning are also easier.
The third type is the wall-mounted toilet which is gaining popularity due to its clean, modern look. Such toilets are attached to the wall and left to hang above the ground, saving space. The cleaning process for a wall-mounted toilet is also easy because these toilets have fewer crevices.
Finding and selecting the perfect small toilet for your space and requirements is a personal decision. There are several considerations to take into account, like the area size, the amount of water the toilet will use, comfort, and seat height.
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