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mease44

Kohler vs. Toto toilets

18 years ago

I know this has been discussed before, but I am looking for any recent purchasers of either. I am leaning towards kohler because that is what we currently have (it is just 18 years old and pink). This is for a powder room so I am trying to keep in perspective. Thanks!

Comments (20)

  • 18 years ago

    We have had a Kohler toilet for about 5 years. It is a comfort height (great for the knees) and has an elongated bowl. I am very happy with it - especially the height and the elongated bowl, so much so that I don't think I would ever go back to a round-front toilet. We were concerned about the mandated low water flushing, but have had no problems with it.

    We are in the process of remodeling our powder room and will put another Kohler comfort height in there.

    Hope this helps.
    Fiesta

  • PRO
    18 years ago

    I have a toto drake toilet. There is a shadow on the bottom of the bowl. The inside of the bowl gives the appearance of looking dirty. I called technical assistance and they were no help.
    The toilet was purchased one year ago.

  • 18 years ago

    Pepperidge Farm, which model Kohler (the last one that you really like) do you have? Just curious.

  • 18 years ago

    When I went to the plumbing supply showroom to select fixtures for our new house, I intended to purchase Totos because I've been very pleased with the ones we've had for the past several years. I was told by the sales consultant that they stopped carrying them because, while they'd been excellent in years past, their quality had declined significantly. The Kohler Cimarron, comfort height, was recommended as a better AND less expensive choice. Guess we'll find out in a few months!

  • 18 years ago

    We have the Cimarron now for about 4yrs. We are very pleased with the performance. When looking at Kohler toilets make sure the model you choose has the class 5 flush system.

  • 18 years ago

    K-3464
    Serif® Comfort Height elongated toilet

    This is the toilet, got it at a good discount at FaucetDirect. It is the Ingenium flushing system, which I have NO complaints about. This is one of the few oval tanks, and flushes from the top, so some tissue box issues, but really good looking unit. Kohler has some more "advanced" flushing technology, as mentioned by iamnodiy, see the videos, I know a bit goofy.
    The major difference between the 2 is that the class five will have the larger 3" flush valve which gives a more powerful flush with less water- 1.4g, definitely more noisy, costs more, Ingenium has the standard 2" flush valve, a bit quieter, and 1.6gpf.

    My plan is either the Serif (Ingenium)- like the tank, not the base, or the Bancroft (class Five) like the base, less the tank, and more $$! Hmmm.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Kohler Toilet videos

  • 18 years ago

    Well now to confuse matters more, they have a class 6 on the video website. I am so confused. I hear Toto is the best, and then I hear they are overrated because other manufacturers have come up to their standards. Then I hear don't go near Kohler but then you say it's great. And it's hard to find real reviews that are up to date because there is so much in new products coming out. If you go on Terry Love's website he basically only likes Totos (of course he sells them also).

    If you go into a store, they basically will push what they stock, not necessarily the best toilet. So what's a girl to do!

    Every time I think I made up my mind I realize I'm just more confused.

    Sorry, just had to vent.

  • 18 years ago

    I'm having the exact same experience. I joke to my friends about the agony of "Decision '08". No, not which presidential candidate to choose, which toilet! After all, I'm going to be living with this toilet for decades. The next president will be out in 4 years, 8 at most...

  • 18 years ago

    Well, I'll give you my last thought on the matter, as I am too considering both- I am getting a Toto washlet for this new toilet, and concerned that it may fit the toto better, and the kohler not at all ( can't get through this week, toto has training or something...). BUT the toto is almost double the price, yes double. I can't speak for all toto's, was on vacation last week, there was a toto, very unimpressed (what to make of that, not sure).
    I don't mind spending the $, if worth it, but with my "one" Kohler leaving me so satisfied- hadn't even thought about satisfaction with a toilet until this last year- I don't think I need to spend the $ on more than that unless the washlet won't fit. (my goodness, I can't wait to finish this bathroom!).

    Good Luck, let me know if you get any other info!

    ps- DH just called and asked me how much plumbing I got done today.... my day off from work... oh well, tomorrow after work seems like a good day to sweat!

  • 18 years ago

    We've had our Totos (Dartmouth, Plymouth) for several years now and, while they were a huge improvement on the builder-grade Crane models they replaced, they're not perfect. But what is? We've had to unclog them several times but that doesn't begin to compare with the almost daily problems we had with our previous toilets. We've also had to replace the flappers - once on each toilet. No big deal - we just keep an extra flapper ($10) on hand now.

    The impression I have from reading CR and others over the years is that other companies have improved their products and, as a result, you can probably find any number of good toilets out there now. Personally though, if I had to buy another toilet today I'd stick with Toto because they always seem to be on the cutting edge of toilet technology and everyone else has to work to keep up.

  • 18 years ago

    There's a show in the Fine Living Network called The Shopping Bags and they recently aired an episode where they tested toilets, including a Toto model and the Kohler Cimarron. All the testers gave the Kohler top marks.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Toilet Reviews

  • 18 years ago

    I just bought the Kohler Cimarron from Lowes. I don't think it has the pressure flush mentioned on the toilet review site. It was only $229. Have only used it once, so hope it lives up to my expectations:)

  • 18 years ago

    If you're going for looks the Toto has Kohler beat. Kohler has a few high end toilets that are very stylish, but the rest look like your run of the mill toilet.

  • 18 years ago

    My plumbers swear by Toto and swear at Kohlers!!! The wife of the plumbing company owner helped me choose all the fixtures for our new house and they hate putting anything in besides Totos. They said they have to fix Kohlers way more often. I don't have experience with either brand, so I just went with what they suggested. It will be a while before I can speak first hand.

    You could ask your plumbers what they like!

  • 18 years ago

    keepitunder20- the CA Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC) has done performance testing on toilets that's been updated every few months since 2003.

    I'd take that over something on TV any day. We have Totos (Drake and an Ultimate) that've worked just fine for several years now.

    Here is a link that might be useful: CUWCC MaP Testing

  • 18 years ago

    I have had a Kohler Cimarron Comfort Height whatever they call their super fluch for a few months now. I was dubious when I first heard it flush, but not one problem. We got it because our polumber had it in stock and basically threw it in with the job they were doing, but we've been very happy with it and will probabably replace our others with the same one.

  • 18 years ago

    We have Toto and Kohler in our house. We HATE HATE HATE our Totos. Granted, they were the basic Totos rather than their super high end options but they were about the same price as Kohler. Our Kohlers are so much better in terms of flushing, staying clean, etc. Im planning on getting rid of our Totos eventually.

    The one nice thing about Totos is they have the soft close lid. But other than that, they stink.

  • 18 years ago

    Well, I ordered the Total Aquia II from Facuet Direct! I have my fingers crossed. I got so sick of looking at all these toilets. We are hopefully getting a rebate from our town for low flow toilets and I got a great price on it so I figured what the hey. It is usually $400, got it for $300, $150 rebate. It has a good rating and I think it's nice looking. So I'll let you all know how I like it in September!

  • 18 years ago

    Who knew I would care this much about a toilet. Found the greatest site founded by a plumber. A message board all about toilets (link below). Moderators are master plumbers.

    and a whole report with his ratings on low flush toilets:

    http://terrylove.com/crtoilet.htm

    Also other boards to do with other plumbing issues such as showers and baths. Very informative and useful.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Toilet forum