Hello,

I am looking to replace the toilet in my downstairs half bath. I have done some research online but find that the more I research the more confused I get. I would like to buy a product made here in the USA but again find that there are very few toilets made here. I see good and bad reviews from Toto, American Standard and Kohler. I also saw a commercial last night on a Miseno toilet where the style looked nice but I am not sure how well it flushes. Our problem now is that we have a 15 year old Eljier that clogs up at least once a week and since this is the only toilet we have in our downstairs it is a little embarrassing when we have family or friends over.

I am looking to spend around $250 but I am a little flexible. Please let me know which brand and model you would recommend.

Thanks

Toto Drake...

Toto Drake.

American Standard Champion 4 is the best flushing right now and runs about 220 at your local home improvement store

yeah, ask the guy that has posted 2 threads asking how to make his American Standard flush decently.

I just replaced three toilets for my GF's parents, and their only requirement was a strong flush - "I want it to be able to flush a squirrel".

We opted for the Kohler Cimarron - specifically their "comfort height" / round bowl... $228 at HD.

They've been super impressed with flush performance. The flush mechanism allows for a 1.2 gallon flush with a press-and-release, or a full flush with a press-and-hold. There's no traditional flapper, but a big cylinder that lifts allowing water to drop from 360 degrees. The toilet doesn't have a swirl action... more just a single "whoosh".

I haven't tried a squirrel yet.

I like the Kohler Cimmaron, but one of my parts suppliers told me that they are getting a lot of complaints overall about the quality of the internal parts, and the lack of longevity.

What about bowl cleaning? Does the Toto or the Kohler keep the bowl clean. My old Eljier toilet now not only will not flush well but will not stay clean and flush completely. I am looking for something that not only will flush well but flush completely and have a microbacterial film on it like the Sanigloss or EverClean or something like that. I also see where Kohler has the larger flush valve but Toto says they stole it from them and so on.

Again, I am just looking for something that will not have me put a second mortgage on the house and will be able to flush well, no clogging, and will stay clean.

Also, is there any difference in a skirted toilet to a nonskirted toilet besides looks?

One other thing...what about the American Standard Vormax toilet. Any positives or negatives on this brand and model?



Edited 2 times.

kohler's drylock system is possibly the worst cost cutting scheme this once great company ever came up with..
kohler price remains high while their quality continues to slip.

A Toto washes down well in front, but it has less water flow on the sides. I have heard that the Gerber Avalanche washes down the sides better.

C'mon Packy. Every 40 or 50 yrs those tank bolts are gonna leak. Somebody had to do something.

Personally I like not having the tank to bowl bolts. The system works fine and it eliminates the potential leak points. Not to mention that you can't really over tighten the bracket since it can flex, while a china tank cannot.

and how long do you expect the thin steel bracket with steel bolts to last?
i'll take solid brass bolts and nuts any day over thin steel...

We are huge supporters of the Kohler Cimarron toilets. They still flush well even with the water regulations.