Toilet Comparison Chart 2026: Top Models Side by Side

MaP stands for Maximum Performance. It is an independent test that places weighted surrogate waste (measured in grams) into a toilet and records whether a single flush clears it completely. Scores range from below 250 g (poor) to 1000 g (maximum, meaning the toilet clears the heaviest test load in a single flush every time). A score of 800 g or higher is considered strong for residential use.

TOTO leads in 1000 g MaP breadth, with the Drake, Drake II, and Vespin II all reaching the ceiling. American Standard also has multiple 1000 g models including the Cadet 3 and Champion 4. Gerber scores 1000 g on the Viper and Avalanche. Kohler reaches 1000 g on the Cimarron but most other Kohler models score 800 g.

Yes. EPA WaterSense certification confirms the toilet flushes effectively at 1.28 GPF or less, based on independent third-party testing that includes a minimum flush performance threshold. A WaterSense toilet uses at least 20 percent less water than a standard 1.6 GPF model while meeting the performance threshold. The American Standard Champion 4 is the only model in this comparison that does not carry WaterSense certification, because it uses 1.6 GPF.

The widest published trapway diameter on a standard gravity-flush toilet is 2.375 inches, found on the TOTO Drake II and American Standard Cadet 3. The American Standard Champion 4 uses a different measurement system, advertising a 4-inch flush valve rather than a trapway diameter, which refers to the flush valve opening rather than the trap passage. A fully-glazed 2.125-inch trapway handles the vast majority of residential waste loads without clogging.

A standard siphon jet directs water from the trap channel upward through the bowl to initiate a siphon, with rim holes distributing water around the bowl perimeter. TOTO's Tornado flush (also called Double Cyclone) uses two nozzles positioned at the rim to spin water in a centrifugal pattern across the entire bowl surface, creating a rinse that covers more area per flush than a rim-hole system and does not have rim channels that accumulate mineral deposits or bacteria over time.

Measure the horizontal distance from the finished wall behind the toilet to the center of the floor drain (the bolt caps on either side of the toilet base). Standard rough-in is 12 inches. If your measurement is closer to 10 inches or 14 inches, you need a toilet designed for that rough-in. Most models in this comparison default to 12 inches; TOTO offers 10-inch versions of the Drake and Drake II; American Standard offers 10-inch and 14-inch versions of the Cadet 3.

For small bathrooms, a compact elongated bowl or a round bowl reduces the front-to-wall distance compared to a standard elongated model. The Woodbridge T-0001 and Swiss Madison St. Tropez both offer slimmer footprints. If you need a round bowl specifically for tight space, the TOTO Drake and Kohler Highline are available in round configurations. Bowl shape selection is covered in our guide on round vs elongated toilets.

One-piece toilets are the easiest to clean around the exterior because there is no gap between tank and bowl where mineral deposits, dust, and moisture collect. The TOTO UltraMax II and Woodbridge T-0001 are the leading one-piece models in this comparison. Internally, TOTO's CeFiONtect glaze (found on the Drake II and UltraMax II) is a nano-smooth ceramic surface that resists particle adhesion more effectively than standard glazes, reducing the frequency of scrubbing required to keep the bowl clean.

Not precisely, but warranty terms and brand track record are the best available indicators. Kohler and American Standard both offer limited lifetime warranties on their vitreous china, which is the most comprehensive coverage available. TOTO's china warranty is shorter (one year) but the brand's reputation for long-term reliability is strong based on aggregated owner reviews over multiple years. The mechanical components (fill valve, flush valve, flapper) on most toilets have a practical service life of 5 to 10 years regardless of brand and are inexpensive to replace.

Yes. The Gerber Viper achieves a 1000 g MaP score at 1.28 GPF and carries EPA WaterSense certification. It is often specified for commercial and high-use installations, which speaks to its durability. Its standard-height bowl (15 inches) makes it better suited to shorter adults or households that prefer the lower seat position. It is not as widely distributed as TOTO or Kohler, so parts sourcing is more limited outside of plumbing supply stores.

The TOTO Aquia IV is best suited for households that prioritize water conservation without sacrificing flush power. Its dual flush (1.0 GPF full flush, 0.8 GPF reduced flush) makes it one of the most water-efficient toilets available from a major brand. It is WaterSense certified and achieves the full 1,000 g MaP maximum on the full flush setting, so it also holds up well for households with a documented history of heavy-waste clogging.

The Woodbridge T-0001 achieves an 800 g MaP score at 1.28 GPF, which is adequate for most households but lower than TOTO Drake II or Drake (1000 g). Woodbridge uses a standard siphon jet rather than a Tornado system, and the bowl glaze is a standard ceramic rather than a nano-smooth coating like CeFiONtect. The T-0001's advantage is its modern skirted one-piece aesthetic at a mid-range cost, with a 5-year limited warranty on the vitreous china.

Lower GPF does not inherently increase clog risk when the toilet is engineered correctly. The TOTO Drake II flushes at 1.28 GPF and achieves 1000 g MaP, which means it clears heavy waste efficiently with less water. What matters for clog prevention is flush velocity, trapway diameter, and bowl glaze, not the total volume of water. Older toilets using 1.6 GPF that still clog frequently do so because of trapway design or glaze quality, not the water volume.

Kohler's AquaPiston is a canister-style flush valve that opens 360 degrees at the start of a flush, releasing water from all sides simultaneously for a fast, powerful rush into the bowl. A traditional flapper opens from one side, releasing water sequentially. The AquaPiston creates a more forceful initial surge with less water, which is why Kohler's Cimarron and Highline both achieve strong MaP scores at 1.28 GPF. AquaPiston canisters also have fewer leak points than traditional flapper assemblies.

Any toilet rated Comfort Height (16 to 18 inches from floor to seat rim) qualifies as ADA-compliant in terms of seat height and is easier to sit on and stand from for seniors and adults with mobility considerations. From this comparison, the TOTO Drake II (17.25 inches), American Standard Cadet 3 (16.5 inches), Kohler Cimarron (16.5 inches), and TOTO UltraMax II (17.25 inches) are all strong options at comfort height. Add a bidet seat for additional accessibility without requiring a full bathroom modification.

A dual flush toilet like the TOTO Aquia IV (0.8 / 1.0 GPF) uses less water per liquid-waste flush than a fixed 1.28 GPF toilet, which adds up to measurable water savings in households with high flush frequency. However, if maximum flush power for solid waste is the priority, a fixed 1.28 GPF toilet with a high MaP score will outperform most dual-flush models on the full-flush setting. Dual flush is a practical choice for eco-conscious households willing to accept a moderate trade-off in single-flush solid-waste clearing. See our full comparison at our toilet buying guide.

CeFiONtect is TOTO's proprietary nano-smooth glaze applied to the interior surface of the bowl and trapway. The coating reduces the surface friction and particle adhesion that cause waste to cling to standard ceramic glazes, which means the bowl stays cleaner between scrubbing sessions and the trapway is less likely to accumulate buildup over time. CeFiONtect is standard on the TOTO Drake II and UltraMax II and is available as an option on the Drake (listed as "CST744SL" in product codes). It is not present on Kohler, American Standard, Woodbridge, or Gerber models.

The Swiss Madison St. Tropez scores 600 g on MaP testing, which is the lowest score in this comparison but above the 500 g threshold the EPA previously required for WaterSense certification. It is WaterSense certified at 1.28 GPF. Its MaP score makes it adequate for light to moderate household use but not recommended for households that have experienced frequent clogging or that expect heavy-waste loads. Its primary advantage is its contemporary wall-mount and skirted aesthetic at a mid-range cost.

Most two-piece toilets in this comparison (TOTO Drake, Drake II; Kohler Cimarron, Highline; American Standard Cadet 3, Champion 4; Gerber Viper, Avalanche) can be installed by a competent DIYer with basic tools in one to two hours, assuming the rough-in is correct and no supply line modifications are needed. One-piece toilets like the TOTO UltraMax II and Woodbridge T-0001 are heavier and harder to maneuver solo. Wall-mount models like the Swiss Madison St. Tropez require a carrier frame that must be installed inside the wall framing, which is typically a professional installation.

Expect a limited lifetime warranty on the vitreous china (the porcelain bowl and tank body) from American Standard and Kohler. TOTO offers one year on the china. Woodbridge offers five years. All brands typically limit mechanical parts (fill valve, flush valve, seat hinges) to one year. Warranty claims on the vitreous china are relatively rare since porcelain does not normally crack under standard residential use; the more relevant factor is the availability of replacement parts for the flush mechanism, which you may need within 5 to 10 years regardless of brand.