TOTO Toilets: Brand Guide, Best Models and Reviews (2026)

TOTO was founded in Japan in 1917 and today manufactures in Japan, the United States, Germany, China, Indonesia and Mexico. It is the largest plumbing fixture company in the world by sales volume. That scale matters because TOTO's R&D budget is large enough to field dedicated flush-engineering teams whose output gets validated by independent MaP (Maximum Performance) testing, the industry's gold-standard measure of how many grams of simulated waste a toilet clears in a single flush. TOTO models take the top MaP score of 1,000 grams more consistently than any rival, including Kohler, American Standard, Woodbridge, Swiss Madison and Gerber.

Every flush in TOTO's current lineup uses one of three core systems: G-Max, Double Cyclone, or Tornado Flush. Each has a distinct engineering logic. G-Max is a wide-valve gravity system. Double Cyclone adds twin nozzle jets to assist a gravity base. Tornado Flush uses a fully rim-free bowl with two angled jets that generate a 360-degree cyclonic water rotation. Knowing which system a model uses tells you almost everything about how it will feel in daily use before reading a single review. For a cross-brand perspective on the strongest performers across every maker, see our ranked guide to the best flushing toilets.

Is TOTO a Good Brand? What the Data Shows

The brand's reputation is grounded in two things that show up in published data. First, flush scores: the independent MaP program tests every toilet identically, measuring how many grams of a standardized waste substitute a toilet clears with one flush. A score of 500 grams is adequate. A score of 800 grams is strong. A score of 1,000 grams is the maximum the test awards, and it means the toilet cleared every gram of the test load without a second flush. TOTO's Drake, Drake II, UltraMax II, Vespin II and Carlyle II all hit 1,000 grams. Second, water use: all current TOTO gravity models flush at 1.28 GPF, which meets the EPA WaterSense threshold of 1.28 gallons or less. The Aquia IV dual-flush model reaches 0.8 GPF on liquid-only flushes.

Where TOTO is not the obvious choice: if budget is the primary constraint, brands like the Woodbridge T-0001 and American Standard Cadet 3 offer very strong performance at lower starting costs. TOTO earns its place in the lineup on flush engineering, ceramic quality and long-term reliability, not on sticker price.

TOTO Flush Technologies Explained: G-Max vs Double Cyclone vs Tornado Flush

G-Max is the system that built TOTO's plumber reputation in North America. It uses a 3-inch wide flush valve (most standard toilets use 2 inches) and a computer-optimized siphon jet to deliver a large, fast volume of water in a single push. The result is a flush that clears the bowl quickly and decisively without needing to hold down the handle. Models using G-Max include the Drake, Drake I, Entrada and several discontinued lines. G-Max models use a standard rimmed bowl design, which means water enters through small holes under the rim in addition to the siphon jet. This is a proven, serviceability-friendly design with decades of field validation.

Double Cyclone is TOTO's transitional technology, introduced on the Drake II and Vespin II. It replaces the traditional rim holes with two nozzle jets positioned to create a rotating water pattern that coats the bowl more evenly than a single siphon jet. The dual jets produce a quieter flush than some high-power systems and leave a cleaner bowl over time because water reaches the full rim surface. The Drake II achieves the same 1,000-gram MaP score as the original Drake despite the different flush mechanism, confirming that the cyclonic pattern does not sacrifice clearance power.

Tornado Flush is the current flagship system, used on the UltraMax II, Aquia IV, Carlyle II and Neorest. The bowl is fully rimless, meaning there are no under-rim holes to harbor bacteria or mineral buildup. Two powerful angled jet nozzles shoot water tangentially around the bowl interior, creating a 360-degree cyclonic rotation that scrubs the entire surface with each flush. The fully glazed surface, combined with TOTO's CeFiONtect ceramic glaze on equipped models, makes Tornado Flush bowls the cleanest-flushing and easiest-to-clean toilets in the lineup. The tradeoff is a higher starting point on the cost scale and slightly less serviceability than the G-Max's simpler valve design.

CeFiONtect glaze is a TOTO-proprietary ion-barrier surface treatment applied to the ceramic of select models. The glaze creates an extremely smooth surface that resists the adherence of particles, limescale and bacteria. In practice, this means bowls stay cleaner between scrubbing sessions and are less prone to the brown ring staining that plagues standard ceramic. CeFiONtect is designated "CT" in TOTO model numbers (e.g., CST776CEFG#01, where the C after E denotes CeFiONtect). Not all TOTO models include it; the Drake base models typically do not, while the UltraMax II and Carlyle II do on most SKUs.

Which TOTO Toilet Has the Strongest Flush?

Top TOTO Picks: Detailed Reviews

How Does TOTO Compare to Kohler, American Standard and Woodbridge?

The comparison against Kohler is the most common one buyers research. For a full model-by-model breakdown see our Best Kohler Toilets of 2026, Ranked guide. The short version: Kohler's Highline Arc and Cimarron both earn 1,000-gram MaP scores and are competitive with the Drake and Drake II on flush power. Kohler's advantage is a broader range of color options and ADA-compliant height offerings. TOTO's advantage is the Tornado Flush technology and CeFiONtect glaze combination, which Kohler does not replicate at the same price tier.

Against American Standard, our Best American Standard Toilets of 2026 guide covers the full range. The Champion 4 with its 4-inch flush valve is the head-to-head rival to the Drake and achieves 1,000 grams; the Cadet 3 is a strong value alternative. American Standard's advantage is flush valve size, which exceeds even the Drake's 3-inch valve. TOTO's advantage is the glaze quality, rim-free technology and the breadth of the lineup with multiple flush system tiers.

Against Woodbridge, our Best Woodbridge Toilets of 2026 guide provides the comparison. The T-0001 and T-0019 are excellent value one-piece options with modern skirted designs and double-cyclone-style flush systems, but their MaP scores and long-term owner satisfaction data do not match TOTO's depth. Woodbridge is the right recommendation for buyers whose priority is a contemporary aesthetic at a significantly lower cost; TOTO is the right recommendation for buyers whose priority is the highest-validated flush performance and longest-term reliability.

For Swiss Madison and Gerber, both produce competitive models at lower price points. The Swiss Madison St. Tropez and Gerber Viper and Avalanche are strong alternatives for budget and mid-tier buyers, though neither brand has the MaP test record breadth that TOTO and American Standard do at the top of their respective lines.

What Is a Good MaP Score for a Toilet?

TOTO Buying Guide: Which Model Should You Choose?

Choosing the right TOTO model comes down to four decisions: flush system preference, one-piece vs two-piece, bowl height, and whether CeFiONtect glaze is worth the upgrade on a given model.

Flush system: G-Max is the right choice for buyers who want the most field-proven system with the lowest long-term service complexity. Double Cyclone is the right upgrade from G-Max for buyers who want a quieter, more complete bowl rinse and can accept a slightly more complex internal mechanism. Tornado Flush is the right choice for buyers who want the rim-free bowl design and maximum bowl cleanliness, and who are willing to pay for the technology.

One-piece vs two-piece: Two-piece toilets (Drake, Drake II, Vespin II, Aquia IV, Entrada) are easier to ship, easier to install solo because tank and bowl are carried separately, and less expensive. One-piece toilets (UltraMax II, Carlyle II) eliminate the tank-to-bowl seam, simplify exterior cleaning, and have a more architectural appearance. On flush performance, there is no advantage to either form factor; the Drake and UltraMax II both achieve 1,000 grams.

Bowl height: Standard height is 15 to 16 inches from floor to seat. Comfort height, also called ADA height or chair height, is 17 to 19 inches from floor to seat. TOTO's most popular current models are comfort height. Comfort height is better for adults and easier for people with limited mobility or knee and hip issues. Standard height may suit smaller adults or households with children who find comfort height too tall.

CeFiONtect glaze: The CT designation in TOTO model numbers indicates CeFiONtect glaze. It is worth having in any bathroom where cleaning frequency is limited, where water quality is poor (hard water leaves deposits more quickly on uncoated ceramic), or where the toilet sees heavy use. On a Drake, the non-CT version is the better value if cleaning is routine. On a Tornado Flush model, CT is standard and is a meaningful enhancement to the rim-free bowl's self-cleaning behavior.

Rough-in measurement: Most TOTO toilets are offered in 12-inch rough-in (the standard for the vast majority of US homes), with selected models also available in 10-inch and 14-inch rough-in to accommodate older homes. Measure from the wall behind the toilet (not the baseboard) to the center of the floor drain before ordering.

WASHLET compatibility: Most TOTO toilets in the current lineup are WASHLET-ready, designed to accept TOTO's electronic bidet seat series. WASHLET+ and WASHLET+S models are specifically engineered to hide supply lines and cords for a cleaner appearance. If adding a bidet seat is a possibility, confirm WASHLET compatibility for the specific model SKU before purchasing.

For a broader comparison of the top TOTO models with side-by-side specifications, see our dedicated Best TOTO Toilets of 2026, Ranked guide, which covers nine models with full data and owner review analysis. For the full market comparison across all brands, the best flushing toilets guide places TOTO models in the context of the entire category.

Common questions

TOTO Toilets FAQ

? Are TOTO toilets worth the price?

TOTO toilets cost more than most builder-grade alternatives and are competitive with Kohler and American Standard. The higher cost reflects superior flush engineering validated by independent MaP testing, better ceramic quality, CeFiONtect glaze availability and a flush technology hierarchy (G-Max, Double Cyclone, Tornado Flush) that is not replicated at lower price points. For a household where the toilet will see 10 or more years of daily use, the flush reliability and low-maintenance bowl are a practical long-term value. For a rarely-used guest bathroom, the premium over a solid Gerber Avalanche or American Standard Cadet 3 is harder to justify.

? What does MaP testing mean for TOTO?

MaP (Maximum Performance) testing is an independent program that measures how many grams of a standardized simulated waste material a toilet clears in a single flush. Testing is identical across all brands and all models. A score of 1,000 grams is the maximum. TOTO's Drake, Drake II, UltraMax II, Vespin II and Carlyle II all achieve 1,000 grams at 1.28 GPF, meaning they cleared the maximum test load in a single flush using only 1.28 gallons of water. This combination of maximum clearance and minimum water use is what TOTO's engineering reputation is built on.

? What is G-Max and which TOTO toilets use it?

G-Max is TOTO's gravity-fed flush system featuring a 3-inch flush valve (wider than the standard 2-inch), a large siphon jet, and a fully glazed 2.125-inch trapway. The wide valve allows a large volume of water to enter the bowl quickly, creating a strong siphon pull that clears solid waste efficiently. G-Max models include the TOTO Drake, Entrada and several discontinued lines. It is the most field-tested system in TOTO's North American history and has a mature parts ecosystem.

? What is TOTO's Tornado Flush system?

Tornado Flush is TOTO's most advanced gravity flush system. It uses two powerful nozzle jets positioned at opposing tangential angles in a fully rimless bowl to generate a 360-degree cyclonic water rotation that covers the entire bowl surface with each flush. The rimless design eliminates the under-rim ledge where bacteria and mineral deposits accumulate in standard toilets. Tornado Flush models include the UltraMax II, Aquia IV, Carlyle II and Neorest. Most Tornado Flush models include CeFiONtect glaze as standard.

? What is CeFiONtect glaze?

CeFiONtect is TOTO's proprietary ceramic surface treatment that creates an extremely smooth, ion-barrier glaze on the bowl and trapway surfaces. The glaze makes it harder for waste particles, limescale and bacteria to adhere to the ceramic, resulting in bowls that stay visually cleaner longer between scrubbing sessions and are less prone to the brown ring deposits that develop in standard ceramic over time. It is indicated by "CT" in TOTO model numbers. Not all TOTO models include it; the Drake base model does not, but CeFiONtect SKUs are available for an upgrade.

? How does TOTO's Drake compare to the Drake II?

Both the Drake and Drake II achieve a perfect 1,000-gram MaP score at 1.28 GPF, so flush clearance is identical. The difference is in how the flush works: the Drake uses G-Max with a 3-inch valve and siphon jet, while the Drake II uses Double Cyclone with two nozzle jets that produce a quieter, more even bowl rinse. The Drake II is also available in CeFiONtect variants. The Drake is the better value if you want maximum proven reliability at lower cost; the Drake II is the right upgrade if quieter flushing and a cleaner bowl between cleanings are priorities. For a detailed side-by-side, see the Best TOTO Toilets guide.

? Is the TOTO UltraMax II better than the TOTO Drake?

Both achieve 1,000 grams on MaP testing at 1.28 GPF, so neither is "better" on raw flush performance. The UltraMax II is a one-piece toilet with Tornado Flush and a rimless bowl with CeFiONtect, which makes it better for bowl cleanliness and easier exterior cleaning. The Drake is a two-piece with G-Max, which makes it easier to install solo, less expensive, and simpler to service. Choose the Drake if cost and simplicity are priorities. Choose the UltraMax II if bowl cleanliness and one-piece aesthetics are priorities.

? What is TOTO's Double Cyclone flush system?

Double Cyclone is TOTO's intermediate flush technology, used on the Drake II and Vespin II. It replaces the traditional under-rim holes with two nozzle jets that direct water in opposing circular paths around the bowl, producing a more even rinse than a single siphon jet. The dual jets also reduce noise compared to the G-Max system. Double Cyclone models achieve 1,000-gram MaP scores and 1.28 GPF, matching G-Max performance with a quieter, cleaner bowl wash pattern.

? Are TOTO toilets EPA WaterSense certified?

All current TOTO single-flush gravity models flush at 1.28 GPF, which meets the EPA WaterSense certification threshold of 1.28 gallons or less per flush. The Aquia IV dual-flush model qualifies at both 0.8 and 1.28 GPF. EPA WaterSense certification means the toilet uses at least 20 percent less water than a standard 1.6 GPF toilet while maintaining flush performance standards. All TOTO models reviewed here carry or qualify for WaterSense certification.

? What rough-in size do TOTO toilets use?

The standard rough-in for most TOTO toilets is 12 inches, measured from the finished wall (not the baseboard) to the center of the floor drain. Selected TOTO models are also available in 10-inch and 14-inch rough-in configurations to accommodate older homes with non-standard plumbing. The rough-in measurement is indicated in the model number suffix or specification sheet. Always measure before ordering and confirm the rough-in dimension in the product spec before purchase.

? What warranty does TOTO offer?

TOTO provides a one-year limited warranty on its toilets covering defects in materials and workmanship. This is the standard warranty term in the toilet category. TOTO's advantage over the warranty period is parts availability: TOTO has manufactured many models continuously for over a decade and stocks replacement flush valves, fill valves, flappers, and trim pieces for current and past models. This long-tail parts availability is a practical benefit that goes beyond the formal warranty window.

? Can I add a WASHLET bidet seat to any TOTO toilet?

Most current TOTO toilets are compatible with TOTO's WASHLET electronic bidet seat series. TOTO offers WASHLET-ready models and WASHLET+ models that include integrated supply-line routing to conceal hoses and cords for a cleaner appearance. Check the specific model's WASHLET compatibility list before purchasing. TOTO's WASHLET S550e and T40 are the most commonly paired seats with the Drake and UltraMax II lines.

? Where are TOTO toilets manufactured?

TOTO manufactures toilets and plumbing fixtures in Japan, the United States (Morrow, Georgia), Germany, China, Indonesia and Mexico. Toilets sold in the North American market are typically manufactured in Japan or the United States. The Morrow, Georgia plant has been in operation since 1989 and produces many of the Drake family models sold in North America. Manufacturing location is not listed on every product page but can be confirmed by contacting TOTO's customer service with a specific model number.

? What is the best TOTO toilet for a small bathroom?

The TOTO Entrada round bowl version is the most compact TOTO option, with a shorter front-to-back measurement than the elongated bowl models. The TOTO Eco Drake in round bowl configuration is another option for tight bathrooms where the 2 to 3 inches saved by a round bowl over an elongated bowl make a meaningful difference. For very small bathrooms where a wall-hung toilet would help, TOTO does offer wall-hung models, though they require a in-wall carrier frame that adds installation cost and complexity.

? How does TOTO compare to Kohler for flush performance?

Both TOTO and Kohler produce 1,000-gram MaP toilets at 1.28 GPF. TOTO's G-Max (Drake), Double Cyclone (Drake II, Vespin II) and Tornado Flush (UltraMax II, Carlyle II) systems all achieve the maximum MaP score. Kohler's Highline Arc, Cimarron and Santa Rosa also achieve 1,000 grams. Kohler's advantage is a wider color range and a longer-standing ADA product line. TOTO's advantage is the Tornado Flush rim-free bowl technology and CeFiONtect glaze. For a full comparison, see the Best Kohler Toilets of 2026 guide.

? Is the TOTO Aquia IV a good choice for water savings?

The Aquia IV is TOTO's best water-saving toilet, using 0.8 GPF for liquid waste and 1.28 GPF for solid waste. This is among the lowest water-use options in the category with dual-flush functionality. The Tornado Flush system ensures the 0.8-gallon partial flush still produces a meaningful water rotation that keeps the bowl clean, avoiding the weak trickle problem that makes some dual-flush toilets frustrating. At 800-gram MaP on the full flush, it handles normal solid waste loads reliably.

? What is comfort height on a TOTO toilet?

Comfort height, also called ADA height or chair height by TOTO, refers to a toilet seat height of 17 to 19 inches from the finished floor. Standard height toilets sit at 15 to 16 inches. Most current TOTO models are comfort height, including the Drake (16.5 inches), UltraMax II (17.25 inches), Drake II (16.5 inches) and Vespin II (17.25 inches). Comfort height is more comfortable for average to tall adults and easier for people with knee, hip or mobility challenges. Children under 6 may find comfort height toilets too tall.

? Which TOTO toilet is easiest to clean?

The easiest TOTO models to clean are Tornado Flush toilets with CeFiONtect glaze, specifically the UltraMax II and Carlyle II. The rimless bowl eliminates the under-rim ledge where bacteria and mineral deposits accumulate in standard toilets, and the CeFiONtect glaze resists particle adhesion on the bowl surface. The Vespin II's skirted base makes floor cleaning easier than any exposed-trapway model. The combination of most-cleanable bowl interior and most-cleanable exterior would be a Tornado Flush model with a skirted base, which the Aquia IV and Carlyle II approach.

Sources

• EPA WaterSense, epa.gov/watersense
• MaP (Maximum Performance) flush testing, map-testing.com
• Manufacturer published specifications (TOTO, Kohler, American Standard)