Smart Toilets vs. Traditional Toilets: Which is the Better Investment?
by Kirill Kutsak , 7 min reading time
In today’s world, plumbing technologies are evolving rapidly, introducing innovative solutions each year. One such advancement is the development of smart toilets—enhanced versions of traditional toilets equipped with additional features. But is this new trend worth considering? What are the key differences between traditional toilets and smart toilets? Why have TOTO toilets and American Standard toilets gained such popularity, and what does the future hold for smart toilets? Let’s delve into these questions to help you make an informed choice.
Table of Contents
- What Are Smart Toilets?
- Traditional Toilets: Reliable and Affordable
- Head-to-Head Comparison: Smart Toilets vs. Traditional Toilets
- Why Choose a Smart Toilet?
- Why Stick With Traditional Toilets?
- Which Toilet Offers Better Value?
- Smart Toilets vs. Smart Bidet Seats
- Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
What Are Smart Toilets?
Smart toilets are upgraded versions of regular toilets, typically equipped with advanced technologies designed to enhance hygiene, comfort, and functionality. Their key features often include:
- Self-cleaning mechanisms
- Automatic flushing
- Heated seats
- Bidet functions
- Deodorizing systems
- Remote controls and touchless operation
- Nightlights
For instance, the TOTO toilet line, especially the TOTO Neorest, is renowned for its smart toilet options that combine sleek design with innovative features such as UV light cleaning and energy efficiency.
Traditional Toilets: Reliable and Affordable
On the other hand, traditional toilets have been the standard choice in homes for decades. They are simple, reliable, and significantly more affordable than their smart counterparts. Brands like American Standard toilets are well-known for their dependable, high-quality traditional models that effectively meet basic needs without added technological complexities.
Traditional toilets offer several advantages:
- Durability: The absence of electronic components makes maintenance straightforward.
- Availability: Widely available in various styles and colors.
- Cost-efficiency: Generally much more affordable.
For example, American Standard toilets are praised for their reliability, power, and flushing efficiency. We discussed it more here, so check it out!
Head-to-Head Comparison: Smart Toilets vs. Traditional Toilets
| Feature | Smart Toilets | Traditional Toilets |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | High initial investment ($1,000–$7,000+) | Affordable ($100–$500) |
| Hygiene | Superior with bidet, UV light cleaning, and deodorizers | Basic, may require manual cleaning and separate bidets |
| Comfort | Heated seats, customizable water sprays, and more | Standard comfort without enhancements |
| Ease of Use | Convenient but may involve a learning curve | Simple and intuitive |
| Maintenance | Requires professional service for high-tech components | Minimal, often manageable by homeowners |
| Environmental Impact | Water-saving technology, eco-friendly features | Basic water efficiency, some models may not be eco-friendly |
Why Choose a Smart Toilet?
For tech enthusiasts and those who value convenience, smart toilets offer a luxurious and modern bathroom experience.
Top Smart Toilet Models:
- TOTO Neorest 700H: Includes features like eWater+ technology, a heated seat, and a built-in bidet.
- American Standard Advanced Clean: Combines sleek aesthetics with dual nozzles for customizable cleaning.
Who It’s For:
- Those eager to explore new technologies and elevate their bathroom experience.
- Homeowners prioritizing water efficiency and sustainability.
- Individuals with mobility challenges who benefit from touchless features.
Why Stick With Traditional Toilets?
If practicality and affordability are your priorities, traditional toilets remain a tried-and-true choice. They’re especially appealing for:
- Price: Their lower cost is a major advantage.
- Ease of Installation: Simple to install and maintain.
- Minimalist Design: Perfect for those who prefer a straightforward bathroom aesthetic.
Reliable options include the American Standard Cadet 3 and TOTO Drake, which blend efficiency and durability.
Toto Drake II Two-piece Elongated Toilet Less Seat 1.28 Gpf
Which Toilet Offers Better Value?
The choice ultimately depends on your preferences, budget, and priorities:
- Smart toilets are ideal for those seeking advanced features, comfort, and a modern aesthetic.
- Traditional toilets offer affordability, ease of use, and simplicity.
Smart Toilets vs. Smart Bidet Seats
Having explored the distinctions between traditional and smart toilets, a natural follow-up question arises: How do smart toilets compare to their increasingly popular counterparts, smart bidet seats? While both represent advancements in bathroom technology, they cater to different priorities—smart toilets as all-in-one luxury systems, and bidet seats as modular upgrades. This section examines their unique advantages, from installation flexibility to feature depth, to help you determine which solution aligns with your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Toto Washlet C5 Elongated Electric Toilet Bidet Seat
Cost Considerations
Smart bidet seats, such as Toto’s Washlet or Bio Bidet’s BB-2000, typically range from $300 to $800. These are ideal for those seeking an affordable entry into smart bathroom features. In contrast, smart toilets like Kohler’s Numi or Toto’s Neorest represent a more substantial investment, often costing between $2,000 and $10,000.
However, smart toilets may offer long-term savings through features like leak detection, water-efficient flushing, and reduced maintenance needs. Think of it as choosing between upgrading individual components of a system versus investing in a comprehensive, integrated solution.
Installation
Smart Bidet Seats
- DIY-Friendly Setup: Most models require only basic tools to replace your existing seat.
- Power Options: Plug into standard outlets or use battery-operated designs.
- Minimal Plumbing: Connect to existing water lines via included adapters.
Smart Toilets
- Professional Installation: Often requires electricians or plumbers for wiring, water line adjustments, and firmware setup.
- Infrastructure Compatibility: May need bathroom upgrades (e.g., reinforced flooring, dedicated circuits).
Functionality
Both options provide core benefits: heated seats, adjustable water temperature, and air drying. Smart bidet seats excel at delivering these essentials without complexity. Smart toilets, however, expand the possibilities—automated lid sensors, built-in deodorizers, health-monitoring sensors, and voice-activated controls.
While these advanced features cater to tech enthusiasts, they may overwhelm users seeking simplicity. Reliability is another consideration: Smart toilets’ sophisticated systems can occasionally face software issues, whereas bidet seats prioritize straightforward operation.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Both smart toilets and traditional toilets have their unique advantages. Smart toilets stand out for their technology and convenience, while traditional toilets are favored for their simplicity and practicality. Evaluate your needs, budget, and home style to make the best choice—or consult with experts to guide you through the decision-making process. After all, choosing the right plumbing fixtures is an important investment!
FAQ: Smart Toilets vs. Traditional Toilets & Bidet Seats
1. Are smart toilets harder to maintain than traditional toilets?
Yes. Smart toilets have electronic components (sensors, heated seats, bidet nozzles) that may require occasional software updates or professional servicing. Traditional toilets, like the American Standard Cadet 3, have no electronics, making repairs simpler and cheaper.
2. Do smart toilets use more electricity?
Minimally. Most smart toilets consume about as much energy as a nightlight. Features like heated seats or air dryers can increase usage, but energy-efficient models (e.g., Kohler Numi) include eco-modes to reduce power draw.
3. Are traditional toilets less hygienic?
Not inherently. However, smart toilets improve hygiene with bidet washing (reducing toilet paper residue), UV sanitization, and touchless operation. For traditional toilets, adding a bidet seat bridges this gap affordably.
4. What happens if my smart toilet’s power goes out?
Basic flushing usually works manually, but features like bidet sprays or heated seats will be disabled. Battery-operated bidet seats (e.g., Brondell S101) avoid this issue.
5. Can a smart bidet seat make my old toilet “smart”?
Partially. A smart bidet seat (e.g., Toto Washlet C5) adds features like heated seats, warm water cleaning, and air drying. However, it won’t replicate all smart toilet perks (e.g., automatic flushing, health tracking).
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