Affordable pricing doesn’t necessarily compromise performance. Such is true for the best budget toilet.
Well, spending a fortune on a high-end toilet isn’t always worth it. In most cases, you’ll spend extra on features you rarely use. So, it’s wise to spend less but get all the basic features and functionalities. Overall, the best budget toilet should combine durability, performance, comfort, ease-of-use, and water-saving features. And of course, it should be easy to clean and maintain.
The toilet segment has some pretty promising models. But not all of them qualify as the best value toilet. So, to get your money’s worth, I round up the best affordable toilets to consider.
10 Best Budget Toilet
Table of Contents
1. TOTO Entrada Two-Piece Round Universal Height Toilet
A higher cost is pretty much the reason most people avoid TOTO toilets. But TOTO Entrada changes all that. It’s inexpensive but packs the features of high-end models, such as TOTO Drake.
Well, TOTO Entrada is a compact toilet with a minimalist design. And with round, space-saving shape, it makes a small bathroom look bigger.
TOTO Entrada is a 2-piece toilet, no doubt. But thanks to the close-coupled design, it looks more like one unit. As such, it’s smoother and sleeker than other 2-piece counterparts. And while it takes a bit longer to clean, the installation process is extremely easy.
But how efficient is the flushing system?
Well, TOTO Entrada uses a patented E-Max flushing system. It combines an extra-large siphon jet and a 3-inch valve for a consistent, powerful flush. Plus, the flush mechanism is pretty quiet and uses only 1.28 gallons per flush. Such high efficiency makes it a WaterSense-approved toilet.
TOTO Entrada is a universal height toilet, a design that considers people of all ages and abilities. That makes it ADA-compliant and exceptionally comfortable.
This toilet uses a soft-close seat. However, you’ll have to purchase it separately. But it’s not such a big deal, considering the affordable price tag of this toilet.
TOTO Entrada comes in durable vitreous china. As for the color, it’s available in beige and cotton white. Also, TOTO stands behind its product with a 1-year warranty.
Verdict
For the design quality and price-to-performance ratio, few 2-piece models can beat TOTO Entrada. If you have limited bathroom space and want an affordable 2-piece toilet with the aesthetics of a one-piece toilet, TOTO Entrada is the best choice.
2. American Standard H2Optimum Siphonic Round-Front Toilet
As far as water-efficiency goes, the H2Optimum Siphonic toilet is one model that’s hard to beat. But just how efficient is it? Well, it’s an ultra-high efficiency single flush toilet that uses a mere 1.1 gallons per flush. For that, it’s easily the highest water-saving gravity flush toilet on the market.
While it provides maximum water savings, this toilet doesn’t skimp on performance. It has other cutting-edge features that are just as impressive.
Notably, it has a PowerWash system that scrubs the bowl with each flush. As such, it removes debris and stains to the last trace. Moreover, it boasts an EverClean surface. For that, it stays free of bacterial, mold, odors, and stains. So, while it’s a 2-piece toilet, H2Optimum cuts down on the cleaning time and effort.
Also, this toilet has a fully-glazed trapway. It allows a smoother exit of both water and waste. Consequently, it reduces the number of dreaded clogs. The 2-piece design makes installation a breeze. And with a 12-inch rough-in, it provides a space-saving design for small bathrooms.
At 15 inches, H2Optimum is a right-height toilet. As such, it doesn’t put undue stress on your body.
Well, this toilet doesn’t include the toilet seat. However, it packs all other components. Among them are color-matched bolt caps for a seamless appearance.
American Standard H2Optimum toilet is available in white and comes in durable vitreous china. Also, I like this toilet most for the lifetime warranty.
Verdict
I’ve seen lots of toilets with excellent water savings. But for the best water-saving toilet in a single-flush gravity toilet, H2Optimum stands at the top. The EverClean surface also makes it the most hygienic and easy to clean 2-piece toilet.
3. Woodbridge T-0019 One-Piece Dual-Flush Elongated Toilet
Woodbridge T-0019 is among the best toilets in the mid-range category. It’s a complete toilet that packs all components and an advanced flush system at a decent price.
Well, Woodbridge T-0019 is a one-piece toilet. While a bit on the heavier side, it’s super-easy to clean. It features no bends or corners that might harbor dirt. Also, it boasts a skirted trapway that further simplifies the cleaning task.
Likewise, this toilet offers a sleek, space-saving design. Cotton white porcelain and modern lines lend a luxurious appeal. And despite the elongated design, it’s compact enough to fit most small bathrooms. Besides, it has a small 1.28-gallon tank.
But the real deal is in the dual-flush mechanism. It saves water significantly every time you flush liquid waste. Not only is it good for your pocket, but also for the environment. Notably, it has two flush options of 1 and 1.6 gallons.
Also, T-0019 rewards you with a quiet, powerful flush. At 1000 grams, it has the best maximum flush performance. Hence, it doesn’t leave any waste behind. Moreover, it uses a fully-glazed system for clog-free performance.
Woodbridge T-0019 boasts a high-end, soft-closing seat. It’s super-quiet and has a quick-release feature for easy cleaning. And with durable stainless steel hinges and a never-loosen design, it provides years of use. Also, the seat features a comfort-height design that’s ADA-compliant.
Well, the warranty isn’t the best in the industry. Still, the 5-year coverage on porcelain parts is hard to beat for the price.
Verdict
Woodbridge T-0019 is amazing in so many ways. Notably, it’s an all-in-one package. But the dual-flush mechanism is perhaps what stands out the most. If you want an affordable one-piece toilet that cleans efficiently and saves water, it will suffice.
4. KOHLER Wellworth Two-Piece Round-Front Dual-Flush Toilet
Kohler Wellworth toilet offers industry-leading design and functionality without the hefty price. Indeed, it’s the most popular and best budget toilet in the Kohler lineup.
It’s a 2-piece toilet that lends a classic, timeless appeal. Though slightly heavier than some 2-piece counterparts, it’s extremely easy to install. The Dry-Lock feature, in particular, makes the installation process fast and foolproof. Likewise, it rewards you with a leak-proof performance.
Well, it’s a round-shaped toilet. And with a 10-inch rough-in, it takes the least bathroom space. Notably, the toilet is available in two other rough-in sizes: 12 and 14 inches.
Kohler Wellworth uses the Class Five flushing system. It combines excellent water savings and bulk flush performance.
But how does it achieve that?
Well, it uses a large valve for a rapid release of water. Also, it has a direct-fed jet to maximize water flow. And with a swirling system, it provides a clean, powerful flush without the noise. Moreover, it has a dual-flush mechanism of 1.1 and 1.6 gallons.
The seat is not in the package. So, you have to buy separately. Still, you get a comfort-height design that accommodates people with disabilities.
This toilet comes in vitreous china. But it is even more impressive for the wide range of colors available. You can get it in almond, white, biscuit, or black. So, it pretty much coordinates any bathroom décor.
Kohler Wellworth toilet has 1-year warranty coverage.
Verdict
Kohler Wellworth scores favorably in most categories. For a 2-piece gravity toilet that packs more punch and saves a considerable amount of water, you can bet on Kohler Wellworth.
5. Dometic 300 Series Standard Height Toilet
Dometic makes one of the best RV toilets on the market. The 300 Series, a smart range of toilets, is a favorite among camper RVs.
Well, it doesn’t match the gravity flush system of the 310 Series. Nonetheless, it removes all waste efficiently, thanks to powerful, triple-jet action.
Also, this toilet has a foot pedal flush, making it a hands-free sanitary system. And with an adjustable water level, this toilet is as hygienic as it is economical. After all, it uses only 0.125 gallons per flush.
At 8.25 pounds, this toilet is super-light. Even then, it doesn’t skimp on quality. It comes in heavy-duty polypropylene. Hence, it provides long-life durability in a lightweight package.
Despite the compact size, Dometic 300 Series still rewards users with a residential-style seat. At 18 inches high, the seat is much easier on your knees.
Dometic isn’t clear about the warranty. But from my research, I’ve found out that they provide 3-year coverage. Well, for an RV toilet, that’s a plus.
Dometic 300 Series doesn’t limit you to only one white color.
It also comes in bone color to match different tastes and bathroom décor.
Verdict
Dometic has a long lineup of high-quality RV toilets. But for a powerful RV toilet in a residential-style design, the 300 Series stands out.
6. American Standard Champion 4 Elongated Toilet
It doesn’t have as many standout features. But as far as efficiency goes, not many models can beat it for the price. Also, this toilet is updated for better performance and ergonomics.
The contemporary one-piece design fits any bathroom décor. Though an elongated toilet, it doesn’t take as much space. Besides, it has a rough-in of only 12 inches.
Thanks to a 4-inch valve, Champion 4 has one of the most powerful flush systems. For comparison, most standard toilets use a weaker, 2-inch valve. No wonder it can move 40% larger mass than standard toilets.
Well, this toilet isn’t only powerful. It’s just as quiet and efficient. Rubber gaskets, for instance, keep the noise to a minimum. Plus, the flush mechanism consumes only 1.6 gallons per flush.
Like most American Standard toilets, it boasts the EverClean surface. Hence, it prevents the buildup of bacteria and mold. Also, it stays odorless and stain-resistant. For that, it rewards you with a hygienically clean surface.
Champion 4 toilet is an all-in-one package. It includes a slow-close seat that’s quiet and safe for your fingers. And at 16.5 inches high, it provides exceptional comfort and ease-of-use.
The Speed-Connect system is another notable feature. It doesn’t require special tools to install the drain system. Still, it provides a tight seal to prevent leakages.
The generous warranty is another hot selling point of the Champion 4 toilet. You get a 10-year warranty, which is enough reassurance that the product will last a long time.
As far as the color goes, the Champion 4 toilet gives you more variety. There are three colors available: bone, linen, and white. Notably, this toilet comes in vitreous china.
Verdict
It doesn’t boast the features of its successor, Champion 4 Max. But it packs more punch for the price. For a powerful toilet that can move a larger mass than standard toilets, Champion 4 is the best.
7. Swiss Madison SM-1T803 Chateau One-Piece Dual-Flush Toilet
Brands such as TOTO, American Standard, Kohler, and Woodbridge dominate the market. However, there are a couple of new brands bringing in new ideas. One such brand is Swiss Madison. And in particular, I want to dig deeper into the SM-1T803 Chateau toilet.
Well, this is a toilet that combines luxurious style, functionality, and water savings. And it provides all at a price that’s hard to beat.
The SM-1T803 rewards you with a seamless, one-piece design. It’s not only eye-catching but also a lot easier to clean. And with a low-profile tank, it fits bathrooms with height restrictions.
The dual-flush system is perhaps the most outstanding feature. It allows for a partial or full flush of 0.8 and 1.28 gallons. So, as far as water savings go, it beats most dual-flush toilets.
Aside from extreme water-saving function, it rewards you with a powerful gravity flush. It’s more powerful than standard flush valve systems. As such, it clears away waste with ease. Also, it has a ceramic trapway to minimize blockages.
The elongated bowl provides comfort. Also, the toilet has a comfort-height design that makes it easy for the elderly.
Notably, SM-1T803 is an all-in-one package. It includes a soft-closing seat that eliminates slamming noise.
Swiss Madison offers 1-year warranty coverage for quality assurance.
Verdict
For the best water saving in a dual-flush toilet, few can match the SM-1T803. It promises a never-failing performance that borders between traditional and modern styles.
Best Budget Toilet: Complete Guide
Shape
The shape of the bowl is crucial. Generally, toilet bowls come in two shapes: round and elongated. Each has its strength and weakness.
The round bowl is the standard shape. It provides a space-saving design for limited bathroom space. Also, it’s less expensive than elongated counterparts. However, the round toilet bowl is not as comfortable, particularly for large individuals.
An elongated toilet bowl offers a generous seating area. As such, it’s more comfortable than round toilet bowls. However, you get to pay extra.
Design
There are two design choices: one-piece and two-piece. Again, each has its strength and weakness.
A one-piece toilet lends a more modern, sleeker appearance. Also, it has no gaps for easy cleaning. But due to the one-piece design, it’s a bit on the heavier side. For that, you might need extra hands to install. Also, a one-piece toilet is more expensive than its two-piece counterpart.
The 2-piece toilet, on the other hand, has gaps that make thorough cleaning a bit tricky. But some models, such as TOTO Entrada, have a close-coupled design to ease the cleaning task. Since the tank and the seat are separate, two-piece toilets are easier to move and install. Again, if you compare to one-piece counterparts, two-piece toilets are less expensive.
Water Conservation
Aim for a toilet that will save you from skyrocketing water bills. To achieve this, consider a toilet that is WaterSense certified. It will help you reduce water consumption by up to 70%. For assurance, all models on the list are WaterSense certified.
Seat Height
Look for a seat height that works best for you. There are two types of seat heights: standard and comfort-height seats.
Standard seats are low-profile seats that fall under 17 inches. If you are of small or average stature, a standard toilet seat is best for you.
Comfort-height or chair-height seats are at least 17 inches. They make standing and sitting a lot easier. Also, most are ADA-compliant, making them comfortable for the elderly and people with disabilities.
Flush System
Most budget toilets are gravity-fed. But there are some differences in performance. Aim for a toilet that clears the most waste in a single flush. But in doing so, it should use the least amount of water.
Also, there are two types of flush systems: single and dual-flush. Well, dual-flush toilets reward you with more versatility. They have the option for partial or full flush for liquid and solid wastes.
Easy Cleaning
Of course, you want a toilet that’s easy to keep clean. For the most part, it should have a stain-resistant surface. Toilets brands, such as American Standard boast the patented EverClean surface. It makes cleaning easy and keeps the toilet odorless and free of mold, bacteria, and stains.
Color
A toilet that looks out of place is no good. It should blend seamlessly with the bathroom décor and other fixtures. Well, white is a neutral color that complements most bathroom interiors. But some models have more variety in terms of color. Aside from white, the most popular include beige, bone, almond, and black.
Warranty
Though they don’t cost as much as high-end models, budget toilets are not cheap. So, ensure it is durable and of quality performance. And for quality assurance, nothing speaks better than the warranty. I recommend you aim for warranty coverage of at least one year.
Brand
Quality and performance vary from one brand to another. Notably, reputable brands with years of experience provide the best quality for the price. So, I advise you to aim for the big names in the industry. The likes of TOTO, American Standard, Woodbridge, and Kohler stand out as the cream models. But there are other decent upcoming brands, such as Dometic and Swiss Madison.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What’s the best budget toilet?
Answer: Each model on the list qualify as the best affordable toilet. However, Kohler Wellworth is the best all-around pick. Well, there are less expensive, decent toilets. But Kohler Wellworth is simply classy and more efficient.
Question: What’s the best toilet under 200?
Answer: In the $200 price bracket, nothing beats TOTO Entrada. For the high-quality that TOTO toilets are known for, Entrada is pretty affordable. Also, it’s the best-looking toilet in this price bracket.
Question: What’s the best budget toilet for RV campers?
Answer: Dometic 300 Series is the best choice. It combines remarkable flushing power and water savings in a more portable design.
Question: Which toilet brand is better between Kohler and American Standard?
Answer: Well, it is mostly a thing of personal preference. But here’s the thing. When it comes to comfort, Kohler toilets are at the forefront. American Standard toilets, on the other hand, are renowned for their efficient performance and ease-of-use.
Question: Are dual-flush toilets better?
Answer: Generally, dual-flush toilets provide considerable water savings. Also, they allow you to choose between partial and full flush. However, they are slightly more expensive than single-flush toilets.
Conclusion
Getting the best toilet on a budget not only saves you money. It ensures you benefit from all basic features and a user-friendly design. So far, I’ve given you the list of the best budget toilets. Well, there are other better models out there. But you’ll have to pay extra, even double. So, for the price and performance, the above models are hard to beat. Take your time to select the best model for your needs.