Self-cleaning Toilets: How They Work
There are many mechanisms that make a toilet self-cleaning depending on its model. Most popular models have cartridges or tablets that reach your bowl as soon as the flush is completed. Special sensors are available that allow you to determine the amount of cleaning solution required for each flush.
Units can be either continuous, deep or quick cleaning. Some units even come with UV light and electrolyzed waters that kill bacteria and viruses. You will need to be prepared to spend a few thousand dollars, depending on which model you choose, for advanced features.
Traditional Toilets Vs. Self-cleaning Toilets
You will see that neither type of toilet is better than the other. A traditional toilet may not be able rinse the bowl completely, but it is less likely to have any problems down the line than a self-cleaning toilet. There is little difference in design or water efficiency between self-cleaning and traditional toilets.
7 Best Self-Cleaning Toilets Experts Reviewed
1. Toto G400
Toto G400 was our favorite unit out of all those we tested. It is a little expensive, but the unit has many useful features that make it worth the cost. It has a powerful 3D Tornado flush. It leaves no waste behind and there are no skid marks or hygiene concerns. Cefiontect Glaze protects the unit from bacteria and viruses.
A remote temperature and pressure control can be used to regulate the temperature and pressure of the toilet. It is also heated so it can be used in winter. There is also an air deodorizer and an illuminated touchpad under the seat. You can set the temperature and pressure to remember two profiles so that you don’t have to change it every time you use the toilet.
Pros
There are tons of additional features that can be added to units similar in size
Beautiful and sleek design
Made of durable materials
2. 2.
The Toto G400 has similar features, but this unit is less expensive. This unit is a great choice for those who want a high-quality toilet without spending too much. It has a 1-minute cycle that cleans all small marks and eliminates odors. A 10-minute Deep Clean cycle cleans the bowl completely. The package includes 4 AA batteries.
This model, like most units in the same price range, has an EverClean finish. This prevents microorganisms sticking to the toilet surface, making it completely safe and clean. American Standard offers some very nice warranties. They offer a 10-year warranty for chinaware, and a 1-year warranty for the seat and electronics.
Pros
Affordable
It is easy to install
3. Kohler K-4026
K-4026’s tankless design makes it a great choice for modern bathrooms. K-4026 is compact and sleek, and features an LED nightlight that makes it a truly unique experience to use the toilet. The intuitive touchscreen remote can also be mounted to the wall and is easy to use.
This model, like the G400 allows you to save up two profiles. You can set your preferred seat, water temperature, and pressure. The toilet automatically performs the rinse cycle after every use, making it completely touch-free. The toilet also has a carbon filter which reduces odors, and can last up to one year.
Pros
Experience touch-free
You can save up to 2 profiles
Carbon filter to reduce odors
Cons
4. Ove Decors 735H
Ove Decors 735H can be another option if you’re looking for a high-quality, affordable solution. The toilet is extremely easy to clean and requires no hands. The LED lights make it look sleek at night, which is why the toilet looks so elegant.
It is highly efficient and meets WaterSense, EPA standards. It will save you up to 20% each year on water costs by using 7 Liters of water per flush compared with other toilets. It also features SoftClose technology, which prevents accidental slamming. We did notice that some customers reported parts being defective right out of the box, which is definitely an issue.
Pros
Excellent value for the money
Beautiful LED nightlights
5. Kohler 3814
We had to test the toilet’s famous 360-degree flushing technology as soon as it was installed. We were obviously overly pleased with the results! It removes all types of waste perfectly and the bowl stays clean much longer than regular toilets. It also consumes 6 Liters of water, and is compliant with WaterSense regulations.
A compact-height toilet seat makes it ideal for both adults and children. On the left side, you will find the chrome trip lever. Although the lever is short and simple to use, it could be easier to manually install on any side.
We also noticed that it is quite difficult to install the unit, so if this is something you don’t know, you might need to hire a plumber.
Pros
Beautiful, sleek design
Water-efficient
6. Toto Carlyle II Washlet+ – C200
This model is Washlet+ and has additional features than traditional Washlets. The unit comes with both the toilet seat and the bidet. However, you can choose a different seat. If you choose to purchase a different model, make sure it has the Washlet+ sign. This toilet is extremely efficient and uses 6 Liters of Tornado Flushing System. It also meets EPA and WaterSense standards.
The bowl is long and has a universal height. This may make it uncomfortable for children younger than 5 years old. The C200 is a perfect fit for modern bathrooms in terms of design.
A chrome trip lever is located on the right side of the unit, and it’s minimalistic and almost invisible. This adds an additional detail to the overall design. Some reviewers suggested that the lever might be fragile.
Pros
Flushing very powerful
Minimalist and sleek design
7. Kohler K-5401
The K-5401 is an expensive model, but it’s a stunning model with perfectly balanced curves, an ergonomic design and immersive performance. It is made of durable vitreous China, and comes with a 1-year warranty. This unit is modern and comfortable because the bowl is long.
The high price comes with some amazing features. It has a warm air dryer, and self-cleaning uses electrolyzed water and UV light. It can be used completely hands-free because it is activated by motion sensors. This ensures a clean experience.
Finally, the seat has a heated surface and QuietClose technology that prevents accidental slamming or damage to the unit.
Pros
Beautiful design
It is easy to install
There are tons of features
The Pros And Cons Of Self-Cleaning Toilets
This is a list listing three things to consider when selecting a self-cleaning toilet.
. Advantages
These units have the advantage that you don’t need to use rubber gloves or clean as often since they rinse completely. These units can trap odors longer than traditional models. It will be very easy to use the unit once you have installed it, although this may prove difficult in certain cases.
. Advantages
Despite the fact that the unit can be self-cleaning, it is still necessary to clean the exterior. To continue self-cleaning, you might need to purchase cleaning tablets and batteries. These items aren’t expensive, but they can be more costly. These units are more complicated than traditional toilets and can be difficult to maintain.
. Other Considerations
Access to an electric outlet might be required for some highly intelligent toilets. Make sure you check whether your bathroom has an accessible and free outlet, one that is either on the wall or floor behind the toilet. While most plumbing systems have floor outlets available, some systems also have outlets at the rear. Rear outlets use compressed air, while floor outlets work with gravity.
You should also consider the MaP performance, which is how much waste a toilet can take in per flush. High-quality units are likely to have a rating between 1000 and 300, but some units can be as low as 300 or 400.
