American Standard Edgemere Review: Comfort Height Pick

Overview: What Is the American Standard Edgemere?

The American Standard Edgemere (model 765AA001.020 in cotton white, also available in bone) is a two-piece, elongated, comfort-height toilet aimed squarely at the mid-range residential market. American Standard introduced it as a classically styled, no-frills workhorse that checks the core boxes most homeowners care about: a 17-inch seat height that meets ADA comfort standards, a High-Efficiency Toilet (HET) flush at 1.28 gallons per flush, and a 2-inch fully glazed trapway that resists buildup.

Two-piece toilets still dominate most new construction and remodel projects because they are lighter to carry in two separate pieces and cost less to repair (tank components are universally available). The Edgemere fits that mold perfectly. It ships with an EverClean antimicrobial surface that inhibits the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria, algae, and mold on the bowl's surface -- a feature American Standard also applies to the Champion 4 and Cadet 3 lines.

Before diving into performance details, here is a quick data snapshot comparing the Edgemere against three comparable mid-range rivals:

The Edgemere holds its own on WaterSense certification, but the TOTO Drake II, Kohler Cimarron, and Gerber Avalanche all edge it out with 1,000-gram MaP ratings. That detail matters if your household produces heavy-volume waste regularly. For typical household use, 800 grams is sufficient -- the threshold for passing the MaP protocol is just 250 grams, so the Edgemere still clears the bar with significant margin.

What Are the Key Specifications of the American Standard Edgemere?

Here is a more detailed breakdown of published specifications:

• Model numbers: 765AA001.020 (cotton white), 765AA001.021 (bone)
• Flush volume: 1.28 GPF (single flush)
• MaP performance score: 800 grams
• Seat height: 17.5 inches (bowl rim, without seat; with standard seat approximately 18-18.5 inches)
• Overall height: approximately 30.5 inches
• Overall depth: approximately 29.5 inches
• Rough-in: 12 inches (10-inch and 14-inch rough-in versions available as separate SKUs)
• Bowl shape: Elongated
• Trapway: 2-inch fully glazed
• Surface treatment: EverClean antimicrobial glaze
• Certifications: EPA WaterSense, cUPC, ANSI
• Flush mechanism: Gravity siphon with 3-inch flush valve
• Color options: Cotton White (020), Bone (021), Linen (0212) on select SKUs
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty on porcelain; 5 years on mechanical parts

The 3-inch flush valve is a meaningful upgrade over the older 2-inch valves found in pre-1992 toilets and even some budget-tier modern units. A larger valve opening means more water rushes into the bowl in a shorter burst, improving hydraulic force during the flush cycle. American Standard pairs this with a 2-inch fully glazed trapway, which is on par with the Kohler Highline and Kohler Cimarron but slightly smaller than the 2.125-inch trapways found on the TOTO Drake II and Gerber Avalanche models.

How Does the American Standard Edgemere Perform on MaP Testing?

MaP testing, administered by independent laboratories and published at map-testing.com, is the most rigorous third-party performance benchmark for residential toilets. The test uses a soybean paste surrogate to simulate real waste loads and repeats the flush multiple times to establish a consistent maximum load rating. A toilet that clears 800 grams in repeated tests will rarely clog under normal household use.

Where the Edgemere might feel the pressure is in situations involving dense paper use, large households, or guests who are unfamiliar with the 1.28 GPF flush volume. In those contexts, the 200-gram gap between the Edgemere and a 1,000-gram toilet like the TOTO Drake II or the American Standard Champion 4 (which achieves 1,000 grams at 1.6 GPF) can be noticeable. For households that want maximum MaP performance at 1.28 GPF, the TOTO Drake II is the go-to alternative. But for most two-person or three-person households, the Edgemere's 800-gram score is a non-issue in day-to-day use.

Owner reviews collected across retailer platforms (Home Depot, Amazon, Wayfair, Lowes) consistently report few to no clogging incidents under normal conditions. Complaints about clogging are rare and typically trace back to heavy toilet paper use or flushing of non-flushable wipes -- neither of which any 1.28 GPF gravity toilet is designed to handle.

Is the American Standard Edgemere WaterSense Certified and How Much Water Does It Save?

The EPA's WaterSense program was established to help consumers identify water-efficient products without sacrificing performance. To earn the WaterSense label, a toilet must flush at or below 1.28 GPF AND pass a third-party performance test -- meaning manufacturers cannot simply reduce flow without maintaining flush effectiveness. The Edgemere's 800-gram MaP score confirms it cleared the performance hurdle.

The math on water savings is straightforward. The average person flushes a toilet roughly five times per day. At 1.28 GPF versus 1.6 GPF, the Edgemere saves 0.32 gallons per flush, or 1.6 gallons per person per day -- about 584 gallons per person per year. For a household of four, that is approximately 2,336 gallons annually versus a 1.6 GPF toilet, and the gap widens dramatically versus older 3.5 GPF or 5 GPF models. Many municipalities offer rebates for WaterSense toilet upgrades; check your local water utility before purchasing, as rebates of $50 to $200 per toilet are common in water-stressed regions.

What Do Owners Say About the American Standard Edgemere in Real Use?

Across hundreds of verified purchaser reviews on Home Depot, Amazon, and Wayfair, the Edgemere's primary selling points emerge consistently:

• Seat height comfort: Owners who switched from a standard-height toilet frequently describe the 17.5-inch rim height as an immediate quality-of-life improvement, particularly for anyone over 5'8" or with knee or hip issues. The comfort height makes sitting and standing markedly easier.
• Flush noise: The gravity siphon flush is noticeably quieter than pressure-assist toilets (such as the Flushmate-equipped models used in commercial settings). This makes it a practical choice for master bathrooms or bathrooms adjacent to bedrooms.
• Installation ease: Most owners with basic plumbing experience report straightforward installation. The two-piece design means the tank and bowl are manageable separately. Several reviewers note that the instruction manual is clear and that no professional plumber was needed.
• EverClean surface effectiveness: Long-term owners (6 to 12 months of use) report the bowl stays cleaner between scrubbing sessions compared to toilets without antimicrobial glaze treatment.
• Toilet seat quality: The bundled seat is the most consistent negative. It is a basic elongated plastic seat that many owners opt to replace with a slow-close or comfort-padded upgrade immediately.

Negative feedback, while rare, clusters around two areas. First, the supplied supply line is short and may not reach all rough-in configurations. Second, a small number of owners report a loose tank-to-bowl connection out of the box that requires hand-tightening before first use. Neither issue is specific to the Edgemere -- they reflect general two-piece toilet assembly quirks. Neither reflects a manufacturing defect in the porcelain itself.

How Does the American Standard Edgemere Compare to the TOTO Drake II and Kohler Cimarron?

If flush power is your primary criterion, the TOTO Drake II is the stronger pick at 1.28 GPF. Its G-Max system -- a wide 3-inch flush valve paired with a high-water surface area elongated bowl -- delivers consistent 1,000-gram MaP results that put it at the top of the gravity-flush category. The Drake II also benefits from TOTO's CEFIONTECT ion-barrier glaze, which outperforms standard ceramic and American Standard's EverClean in third-party soil-resistance comparisons. For more detail, see our best flushing toilets guide where both models are evaluated side by side.

The Kohler Cimarron's AquaPiston technology is genuinely innovative: the canister-style flush valve opens in all directions simultaneously rather than swinging on a hinge, which creates a more uniform rush of water into the bowl. In practice, the Cimarron's 1,000-gram MaP score outperforms the Edgemere's 800 grams, suggesting the AquaPiston's 360-degree release has a real edge over the Edgemere's flush geometry under standardized test conditions. The Cimarron has a slight edge in seat-height consistency and Kohler's parts ecosystem is large and widely stocked, but American Standard's parts availability is also excellent and the 5-year mechanical warranty is longer than Kohler's standard 1-year mechanical coverage.

For head-to-head comparisons with other mid-range models, see our Kohler Cimarron review and our comfort height toilet guide.

Where the Edgemere earns its place is in value positioning. It typically retails below both the Drake II and the Cimarron while delivering solid real-world performance for moderate-use households. If budget is a constraint and 800-gram MaP is acceptable, the Edgemere is a rational choice over the Cimarron (lower price, though the Cimarron's 1,000-gram MaP is stronger) and a practical alternative to the Drake II when that model's premium is not justified by the household's actual usage patterns.

Who Should Buy the American Standard Edgemere?

The Edgemere is best suited for these buyers and use cases:

• Adults over 5'5" or anyone with joint issues who benefit from ADA-compliant 17.5-inch comfort height for easier sit-to-stand transitions.
• Households replacing a pre-1994 toilet -- the water savings from switching a 3.5 to 5 GPF model to 1.28 GPF will recoup a meaningful portion of the purchase price over several years through lower water bills.
• Bathrooms where quiet flushing matters -- the gravity siphon system is significantly quieter than pressure-assist alternatives like Flushmate-equipped toilets.
• Renovation projects on a firm budget where the owner wants a trusted brand, WaterSense efficiency, and a five-year mechanical warranty without paying TOTO Drake II pricing.
• Guest bathrooms and secondary bathrooms where MaP score is less critical than comfort and clean styling.

The Edgemere is a weaker fit for these situations:

• Households with chronic clogging history who need a 1,000-gram MaP model. The American Standard Champion 4 (1.6 GPF) or TOTO Drake II (1.28 GPF, 1,000 g MaP) are better choices here.
• Short rough-ins (10 inch or 14 inch) -- the standard Edgemere is designed for 12-inch rough-ins. While alternative SKUs exist, availability can be limited at local retailers.
• Buyers who want a one-piece toilet -- the two-piece design, while practical, requires more cleaning effort around the tank-to-bowl joint. TOTO's UltraMax II or the Woodbridge T-0001 serve this need better.
• Households that flush heavy loads regularly -- if large-family or high-use scenarios apply, the 200-gram MaP advantage of a Drake II or Gerber Avalanche is worth the premium.

Edgemere Flush System: How Does It Actually Work?

The Edgemere uses a conventional gravity siphon flush mechanism, which is the dominant flush technology in North American residential toilets. When the handle is pressed, a chain connected to the flapper inside the tank lifts the flapper off the flush valve seat. Water stored in the tank (1.28 gallons at the fill line) rushes through the 3-inch flush valve opening, down the tank-to-bowl connector, and into the bowl through the rim jets and the siphon jet hole at the base of the bowl.

The siphon effect is the key driver. As water fills the bowl rapidly, it creates a siphon action through the trapway -- the curved passage at the base of the bowl. Waste and water are pulled through the trapway by this siphon and into the drain line. Once the tank water is exhausted, the siphon breaks (you hear the characteristic gurgle at the end of the flush), and the fill valve opens to refill the tank for the next use.

The 3-inch flush valve is notably larger than the 2-inch valves found in older toilet designs. A larger opening means the full 1.28 gallons enters the bowl faster, creating a stronger initial hydraulic pressure. This faster transfer rate -- not a larger water volume -- is what allows modern 1.28 GPF toilets to match or exceed the waste-clearing ability of older 3.5 GPF models with 2-inch valves. The 2-inch fully glazed trapway ensures that waste passes through with minimal friction resistance.

American Standard does not use any proprietary tornado or cyclone flush pattern (as TOTO does with its Tornado Flush technology in models like the Nexus and Carlyle II). The Edgemere's rim jets distribute water around the bowl's upper rim in a conventional pattern, which is less aggressive than a tornado wash but still sufficient to clean the bowl surface during each flush cycle. For households where rim-jet cleaning thoroughness matters, TOTO's Tornado Flush models have an advantage. For households where primary concern is simple, reliable waste clearance, the Edgemere's standard siphon is entirely adequate.

Installation: What Do You Need to Know Before Buying?

The American Standard Edgemere ships with the tank and bowl as separate pieces. Standard included components vary by retailer, but typically include the tank, bowl, tank-to-bowl hardware kit, supply line, wax ring, and a basic toilet seat. Some SKUs ship without a seat -- confirm the listing before purchasing.

Key pre-purchase measurements:

• Rough-in distance: Measure from the finished wall behind the toilet to the center of the floor drain. The standard Edgemere requires 12 inches. Alternative rough-in SKUs exist for 10-inch and 14-inch configurations but may need to be special-ordered.
• Space clearance: The Edgemere's elongated bowl adds approximately 2 inches of bowl depth versus a round bowl. Measure from the wall to the front edge of your current toilet or the available clearance to ensure adequate bathroom space. Local codes typically require 18 to 24 inches of clearance in front of the toilet.
• Supply line: Verify that your water supply valve and the included supply line are compatible. The standard connection is 3/8-inch compression on the valve side and 7/8-inch ballcock on the toilet side. If your shut-off valve is unusually positioned, a longer supply line may be needed.

Installation difficulty is low to moderate for a competent DIYer. The main steps are: remove the old toilet (drain tank and bowl first), set a new wax ring on the flange, lower the bowl onto the flange bolts, hand-tighten the nuts, set the tank on the bowl using the supplied tank-to-bowl bolts and gasket, connect the supply line, and turn on the water. First flush typically occurs within 5 to 10 minutes of starting installation for an experienced DIYer; total time is 1 to 2 hours including cleanup.

One installation note flagged frequently by owners: do not overtighten the tank-to-bowl bolts. The porcelain is strong but not immune to cracking under excessive torque at the bolt bosses. Hand-tight plus a quarter-turn with a wrench is the correct approach.

American Standard Warranty and Long-Term Reliability

American Standard backs the Edgemere with a limited lifetime warranty on the vitreous china (tank and bowl porcelain) and a 5-year warranty on mechanical components (fill valve, flush valve, flapper, trip lever). This warranty structure is standard for American Standard's residential line and compares favorably to Kohler's limited lifetime warranty on china paired with only 1-year coverage on mechanical parts -- American Standard's 5-year mechanical coverage is a meaningful differentiator.

American Standard has been manufacturing plumbing products in North America since 1875. While manufacturing has evolved over the decades, the brand's distribution network and parts ecosystem remain among the most robust in the industry. Replacement flappers, fill valves, flush valves, and trip levers for American Standard toilets are stocked at virtually every hardware store, Home Depot, and Lowe's location in the United States. This parts availability is a meaningful long-term advantage over some imported brands where parts require special ordering.

Vitreous china toilets, when not physically cracked, routinely last 30 to 50 years. The ceramic components of the Edgemere are not subject to wear. What ages is the internal hardware: the flapper typically needs replacement every 5 to 10 years (a $5 to $15 DIY repair), and the fill valve may need replacement after 10 to 15 years ($10 to $30 DIY repair). These maintenance intervals and costs are consistent across most residential toilet brands regardless of price tier.

EverClean Surface: Does the Antimicrobial Glaze Actually Help?

American Standard's EverClean surface is a built-in antimicrobial treatment incorporated into the porcelain glaze during manufacturing. The company states it inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, and algae on the bowl's exposed ceramic surface. It is not a coating applied over the surface but rather part of the ceramic material itself, which means it does not wear off with cleaning and is not depleted by harsh cleaners.

Published efficacy data from American Standard claims greater than 99% inhibition of bacterial growth on EverClean surfaces versus untreated ceramic. In practical terms, long-term owners report that the bowl stays cleaner between cleanings and that mineral staining is slower to accumulate. It is important to set realistic expectations. EverClean does not eliminate the need for regular cleaning. Hard water mineral deposits, rust staining from iron in the water supply, and under-rim buildup will still occur on Edgemere bowls -- they simply accumulate more slowly and clean more easily than on untreated ceramic.

TOTO's CEFIONTECT glaze takes a different approach (ion-barrier technology that reduces bacterial and soil adhesion at the surface level) and has been shown in comparative testing to outperform standard antimicrobial treatments on long-term soil resistance. For buyers prioritizing glaze quality above all else, TOTO's technology leads the residential market. But for a mainstream toilet at mid-range pricing, EverClean is a genuine and meaningful feature rather than marketing language.

Edgemere Versus Other American Standard Models

Within the American Standard lineup itself, the Edgemere occupies a specific niche between the budget Cadet 3 and the more powerful Champion 4. Understanding how these three differ helps narrow the choice for any given household:

The American Standard Cadet 3 shares the 1.28 GPF HET flush and WaterSense certification with the Edgemere. The primary differences are styling and bowl height: the Cadet 3 is available in both standard and comfort heights, and its styling is slightly more utilitarian than the Edgemere's transitional profile. MaP performance between the two is comparable (the Cadet 3 also achieves 800 grams in most configurations). The Cadet 3 is typically the lower-cost option and is frequently recommended for rental properties and budget remodels.

The American Standard Champion 4 uses 1.6 GPF -- above the WaterSense threshold -- but achieves a maximum 1,000-gram MaP score using American Standard's 4-inch piston-action flush valve and a massive 2.375-inch fully glazed trapway. The Champion 4 is unambiguously the most powerful gravity-flush toilet in the American Standard residential lineup. If clog resistance is your top priority and water consumption is secondary, the Champion 4 is the correct choice. For households that can accept 1.28 GPF and 800-gram MaP performance, the Edgemere provides measurably better water efficiency.

For buyers interested in dual-flush technology, American Standard's H2Option models offer a 0.92/1.28 GPF dual-flush setup with WaterSense certification and 600 to 800-gram MaP performance depending on the flush mode selected. The dual-flush mechanism introduces more potential maintenance points than the Edgemere's single-flush system, but the water savings for households that regularly use the low-volume flush mode can be substantial.

Swiss Madison, Woodbridge, and Other Budget Alternatives: Is the Edgemere Worth It?

The comfort-height elongated two-piece toilet market includes a growing number of value-tier brands including Swiss Madison, Woodbridge, and HOROW that offer competitive specifications at lower retail prices. For buyers considering these alternatives, several factors favor the Edgemere despite its typically higher price point:

• Parts availability: American Standard replacement parts are stocked at every major hardware chain. Swiss Madison and Woodbridge replacement components frequently require online ordering and may have longer lead times.
• Brand track record: American Standard's 150-year manufacturing history provides a deeper pool of long-term owner data and established quality-control benchmarks.
• Warranty depth: American Standard's 5-year mechanical warranty exceeds what most budget-tier brands offer.
• MaP testing: Not all budget brands submit their products to the MaP testing program, making it difficult to verify flush performance claims independently. The Edgemere's 800-gram MaP score is independently verified at map-testing.com.

That said, Swiss Madison and Woodbridge have improved meaningfully in recent years. The Woodbridge T-0001, for example, is a one-piece elongated toilet that has earned positive owner reviews and competitive performance data. For buyers who prioritize the one-piece format and a lower price over brand history and parts availability, it is a legitimate alternative. See our best comfort height toilets guide for a full comparison including these brands.