The Caroma Caravelle Smart is a dual-flush, washdown toilet family, and it comes in more versions than most people expect: one-piece, two-piece, lever or push-button, and a back-outlet model for wall drains. This guide covers the Caravelle models we carry in Canada, what sets them apart, and how to pick the right one for your bathroom and your rough-in.
The specs below come from Caroma's own product pages and specification sheets and from our product pages. Where those sources disagree, we say so. You can browse every Caroma product we list on the Caroma brand page.
What Makes a Caravelle a Caravelle?
Every Caravelle Smart model shares a few traits from Caroma's published specs:
- Dual flush at 1.28 / 0.8 gpf (4.8 / 3 L). You get a full flush and a reduced flush for liquid waste.
- A washdown bowl. Water from the tank pushes waste down through the trapway. The bowl doesn't rely on a siphon. Our siphonic vs washdown guide explains the difference.
- An elongated bowl at comfort height. Caroma calls this "Easy Height".
- A soft-close seat included with each suite.
- WaterSense labelling and UPC certification, as stated on Caroma's specification sheets.
The Caravelle Models We Carry
| Model | Style | Flush control | Notes (per Caroma/our listing) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caravelle Smart One-Piece 989900 | One-piece, elongated | Push button | Seat height 17–19" to top of seat; Smart Connect offset outlet for 10"–12" rough-in |
| Caravelle One-Piece 989100 | One-piece, elongated | Lever | Caroma lists a 16.5" bowl height; a right-hand lever version (989100-R) also exists |
| Caravelle Smart Two-Piece (lever) | Two-piece, skirted | Lever | Smart Connect for 10"–12" rough-ins; 326202 soft-close seat included |
| Caravelle Smart Two-Piece (button) | Two-piece, skirted | Push button | Same bowl family as the lever version, with button actuation |
| Caravelle Smart Two-Piece Back Outlet | Two-piece, back outlet | Lever | Connects to a wall outlet; M-147380 connector included, wax or foam gasket not included |
One-piece or two-piece?
The one-piece models (989900 and 989100) have no tank-to-bowl joint, so there are fewer seams to wipe down and a sleeker look. The two-piece suites ship as a tank and bowl, which are lighter to carry up stairs and easier to handle in tight spaces. Both styles share the 1.28 / 0.8 gpf dual flush. For the general pros and cons, see one-piece vs two-piece toilets or browse our one-piece toilets and two-piece toilets.
Lever or button?
This is mostly a matter of taste and of matching your faucet hardware. The button models use a top-mounted dual push button. The lever models use a side lever. On the 989100, Caroma offers the lever on the left (989100) or the right (989100-R), which helps when the toilet sits tight against a wall on one side.
Smart Connect and Rough-In: Why It Matters
Rough-in is the distance from the finished wall to the centre of the floor drain. Most Canadian homes use 12", but older homes and some condos have 10". Caroma's Smart Connect system uses an offset outlet that Caroma says suits 10" to 12" rough-ins and installs without drilling the floor. That is useful in a renovation where you don't know what's under the old toilet until you lift it. Our rough-in plumbing guide shows how to measure.
The back outlet Caravelle is a different case. It drains through the wall instead of the floor, which is common in high-rise construction. According to our listing, it includes Caroma's M-147380 back outlet connector, but you supply the wax or foam gasket. Confirm your wall outlet height with your plumber before ordering.
Seat Height and Comfort
Caroma's spec sheet for the 989900 lists a seat height of 17" to 19" measured to the top of the seat. For the 989100, Caroma lists a 16.5" bowl height, and the seat adds height on top of that. If seat height matters for knees or mobility, check the dimensioned drawing on each product page. Our guide to toilets for small bathrooms covers projection and footprint.
Warranty
Caroma's published North American warranty for sales on or after August 12, 2025 lists 5 years on vitreous china, 3 years on mechanical components and 2 years on included seats. Some older listings, including ours, may still show an earlier warranty term. Caroma's current document is the one to rely on, and you should keep your proof of purchase.
Replacement Seats and Matching Basins
Caroma sells its soft-close seats separately too. The 326202W soft-close elongated seat is the seat Caroma lists as included with many of its two-piece suites. For round-front bowls, see the 326620W round-front soft-close seat or the 326201W round-front plus seat. To match the vanity, Caroma's Liano undermount basin and Cube II undermount basin share the same clean ceramic look. You can also browse all toilet seats.
Which Caravelle Should You Choose?
- For the cleanest look and easiest wipe-down, choose the Caravelle Smart one-piece 989900 with its push button.
- For a one-piece with a lever on a specific side, choose the Caravelle one-piece 989100.
- For a lighter, easier carry-in, choose the two-piece lever or the two-piece button.
- For a wall drain, choose the back outlet suite.
If you're still comparing brands, read our Fluid vs Caroma comparison or see all toilets.
Before You Order: A Quick Measuring Checklist
A few minutes with a tape measure can save you a second trip. Before choosing a Caravelle, check these points:
- Rough-in distance. Measure from the finished wall, not the baseboard, to the centre of the closet bolts. If you get roughly 10", 11" or 12", a Smart Connect model is designed to cover that range.
- Drain location. If the drain comes out of the wall rather than the floor, you need the back outlet suite, not a floor-mount model.
- Side space. Leave room on each side of the bowl so the toilet doesn't feel cramped. Check your local building code for the minimum.
- Front space and projection. Elongated bowls stick out further than round bowls. Compare the projection on the dimensioned drawing against your door swing.
- Lever side. If a wall or vanity sits close on one side, choose a button model or the lever on the open side.
- Water supply. Note where the supply line comes out of the wall, so the connection lines up neatly behind the tank.
Living With a Dual-Flush Washdown Toilet
If you're moving from an older single-flush siphonic toilet, a Caravelle will feel a little different. The water surface in a washdown bowl is usually smaller, and the flush is a short rush rather than a long draw. Use the reduced 0.8 gpf flush for liquid waste and the full 1.28 gpf flush for solids. Wipe the bowl regularly with a non-abrasive cleaner to keep the glaze looking its best, and avoid abrasive cleaners. Caroma's warranty document specifically warns that abrasive or caustic cleansers, bleach and in-tank cleaning tablets can void the warranty.
Caroma's dual-flush mechanisms use a button or lever that controls two flush volumes. If either flush starts acting oddly over the years, the inside of the tank is serviceable. Contact Caroma's support with your model number to identify the right parts.
Sources: Caroma product pages and specification sheets (caromausa.com), the Caroma North American limited warranty (effective August 12, 2025), and Plumbing Market product pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Caroma Caravelle a dual flush toilet?
Yes. Caroma lists the Caravelle Smart models at 1.28 gpf for a full flush and 0.8 gpf for a reduced flush (4.8 / 3 litres).
Does the Caroma Caravelle fit a 10-inch rough-in?
Caroma says its Smart Connect models use an offset outlet that suits 10-inch to 12-inch rough-ins without drilling the floor. The back outlet model connects to a wall drain instead.
Is the Caravelle a washdown or siphonic toilet?
Caroma describes the Caravelle as a washdown toilet. Water from the tank pushes waste through the trapway rather than relying on a siphon.
What warranty does Caroma offer on the Caravelle?
For purchases on or after August 12, 2025, Caroma's published warranty lists 5 years on vitreous china, 3 years on mechanical parts and 2 years on included seats.
Can I buy a replacement Caroma toilet seat?
Yes. We list the 326202W soft-close elongated seat as well as the 326620W and 326201W round-front seats.
