toto ultramax w. sanagloss. we got 3 of them , i could not have been any happier....if there is such a thing to be happy about a toilet. i absolutely love them...

I agree about the Toto toilets.

We have 2 Toto Drakes with sanagloss, and in 2 years have never had a single problem with either one of them. (This in a house full of people), and I think that it is completely reasonable to be happy about a toilet, by the way.

Another vote for Toto Drake -- I have 3, without the sanagloss, and have had for over 2 years. I think they are the most amazing toilet!

And there are many different styles from which to choose...whichever style you select, I recommend it be one that has the G Max flushing system. This is a "1-flush" toilet that uses only 1.6 gal per flush. It works every single time -- 1 flush.

Here is a link that might be useful: Toto website

We love our Toto too. It flushes everything down in one flush.

I live in hotels so I get to see plenty of toilets. Besides the high cost, my only complaint about Toto is their sanagloss is not available on every model. In fact it was not available on the model I wanted (Drake, ADA, elongated, white). More recently American Standard has come out with the Cadet "3" line of toilets. They come in all the sizes and shapes and all have the equivalent of sanagloss. I've had Cadet "3" in my real home for a full year, and it works every bit as good as the Toto Drake that I had for 6 months in one hotel. Currently my hotel room has a Kohler Cimarron with the same 3-inch flapper valve technology as the Drake and the Cadet "3." It seems to work fine, too. I am not sure if Kohler has the self cleaning ceramic glaze.

We installed two toilets at the same time. One was purchased before I became aware that the low flush design problems had been solved. It does not have a special glaze either, so I notice that it becomes mildewed inside while the Cadet "3" does not.

In summary, Toto is not the only toilet that works like a Toto. There are other, much less expensive, alternatives that are equal or superior in flushing capacity with similar low noise.

Thanks so much everybody. I think we'll check out those less expensive alternatives this weekend.
Jen

I just looked at toilets at HD. American Standard has a new one with a 4-inch flush valve. Normal toilets have 2-inch, the new technology Toto, AS Cadet "3," and the Cimmaron have 3-inch valves. The 4-inch valve must be a monster. Price was about $250.

I've had the new American Standard Champion 4 (4 inch fluch valve.) In my boy's bathroom for about 2 months now and its great. Price was cheap, toilet never clogs, and has a 10 year warranty (all parts inside and out.)

can't be beat for the price.

Here is a link that might be useful: Champion 4

I have had a Toto Carolina (no sanagloss) for about a month now. I love the powerful flush, and the low profile of the design. I have not noticed any problems with not having sanagloss, I think it is just an add on that they like to upcharge for.

Just installed a new elongated Kohler from Lowes (appr. $ 140). Gave it a few "ultimate" tests and am REALLY satisfied. We have 3 other Amer Std. toilets installed in 1971 when house was built. Lots of water going down and also excellent.

I have owned the Toto Ultramax Elongated, Toto Ultramax RF, Toto Drake, Kohler One piece, and Am Standard Cadet 3. The Cadet 3 Wins! The Ultramax EL gave a significantly better flush than the Ultramax RF. But the Cadet 3 flush is every bit as powerful as the UltraMax EL at a fraction of the price. The Cadet 3 for $147 at HD can't be beat. I highly recommend splurging and getting the soft close seat.

My $600 Kohler one piece is finding a new home at the local landfill. I'm thinking about replacing it with the Am. Standard Champion because I've heard that it is better than the Cadet 3.

Does anyone have any experience/opinions with the American Standard Champion w/ 4" flapper?

This is a very timely thread! I am researching toilets myself and have heard great things about Toto. I then found out it's the G-Max. We had big problems with Kohler Devonshire in our last remodel, so I wanted to make sure this time.

Last week I went to the closest HD Expo and a great salesguy told me about American Standard's Champion 4. I didn't know if I should believe him or not, so I am happy to read the info here. He also told me Kohler now makes a similar flushing system as well.

His thing was American Standard is made in the USA so parts, if you ever need them, are available. I am just happy to buy a good working toilet for a fair price.

We have 2 Totos (Ultimate and Sanagloss Drake). Neither is immune to clogs, but they work well the vast majority of the time.

When I bought the first one, Toto was out-performing the field. The field has definitely caught up.

Check the link below for the CA Urban Water Conservation Council's water closet performance test results. They've been updated shockingly regularly, with the last update back in August.

The short version is to look at the tables of results, rather than the full report.

Here is a link that might be useful: The gold standard