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American Standard Cadet PRO Two-Piece Toilet Review: Pro-Grade Performance at a Value Price

A web-verified look at the Cadet PRO two-piece toilet, its Cadet flush system, MaP 1000 bulk-clearing rating and where it lands against TOTO, Kohler and its own Champion sibling.

Quick Answer

The American Standard Cadet PRO is a 1.28 GPF two-piece toilet with a MaP 1000 rating, PowerWash rim and EverClean surface. Manufacturer specs list a 3-inch flush valve, 2-1/8 inch fully glazed trapway and 12-inch rough-in, making it a strong value workhorse for busy homes.

The American Standard Cadet PRO earns its name by aiming at a specific buyer, the homeowner or contractor who wants pro-grade flush performance without paying for a designer skirt or a heated seat. We compared its manufacturer specifications, feature set and owner feedback against the toilets people usually cross-shop, and the picture is consistent. This is a plain, high-clearing, water-efficient two-piece toilet built to move waste and stay out of your way. Below we break down the flush system, the build details, how it stacks up, and exactly who should buy it.

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What the Cadet PRO is built to do

The Cadet PRO is a two-piece, vitreous china toilet sold in several bowl shapes and rim heights. American Standard lists it in elongated and round-front bowls, and in standard height, chair height near 17 inches with seat, a 16-1/2 inch Right Height version, and an extra-tall 19-inch elongated option. Most configurations use 1.28 gallons per flush, and a 1.6 GPF version exists for buyers who specifically want the higher volume. The name signals the intent. American Standard positions the Cadet PRO as a plumber-tested workhorse rather than a showpiece, and the spec sheet backs that up with contractor-friendly details like an included wax ring, EZ-Install hardware and color-matched bolt caps.

American Standard is one of the oldest and most widely stocked toilet brands in the United States, which matters for parts. If you want the wider lineup context, our American Standard brand guide maps where the Cadet PRO sits among the Cadet 3, Champion and higher-end lines.

Flush performance: Cadet system plus PowerWash rim

Flush power is the headline here. The Cadet PRO pairs American Standard's Cadet flushing system with a 3-inch flush valve and a fully glazed 2-1/8 inch trapway. The larger valve releases water into the bowl faster, and the wide glazed trapway reduces the surface friction that causes clogs. Manufacturer specs list a MaP score of 1000 grams at 1.28 GPF, which is the maximum result the industry Maximum Performance test records. In plain terms, the Cadet PRO clears about 2.2 pounds of solid waste in a single flush, the ceiling for the test.

A MaP 1000 rating on a 1.28 GPF toilet is the combination most buyers should look for, because it delivers full bulk-clearing power while meeting the federal standard and qualifying for WaterSense. If you are unsure how that number is measured or why it matters more than marketing adjectives, our explainer on what a MaP score is walks through the test. The Cadet PRO also uses a PowerWash rim, which channels a measured stream of water around the inner rim so the bowl gets scrubbed on every flush rather than relying on a few weak jets.

The tradeoff worth naming is noise and splash. Because the Cadet system moves water quickly through a 3-inch valve, owners report the flush is on the loud, forceful side compared with a quiet siphonic design. That is the usual cost of a strong direct-fed flush, and it is a fair exchange for people who prioritize clog resistance over library-quiet operation.

Water use, cleaning and build quality

At 1.28 GPF, or 4.8 liters per flush, the Cadet PRO uses about 20 percent less water than a legacy 1.6 GPF fixture while holding a MaP 1000 rating. That efficiency is why it carries WaterSense certification. Buyers weighing the higher-volume version can read our comparison of 1.28 GPF versus 1.6 GPF before choosing, though for most homes the 1.28 model is the better default given equal flush scores.

The bowl uses American Standard's EverClean surface, an antimicrobial glaze that relies on the properties of silver to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew on the ceramic. It does not replace cleaning, but it slows the buildup of stains and odor-causing film between cleanings. The 12-inch rough-in matches standard drain spacing in most homes, and a 10-inch rough version is offered for older or tighter installations. American Standard backs the Cadet PRO with a limited lifetime warranty on the chinaware and a limited five-year warranty on the mechanical parts, which is competitive for the segment.

Owner feedback is broadly positive on flushing power and clog resistance, with the most common complaints centered on flush noise and occasional fill-valve or supply-line adjustments during install. Neither is unusual for a value two-piece, and the wide availability of American Standard parts makes any future fixes cheap and easy.

Verified specifications

SpecificationAmerican Standard Cadet PRO
TypeTwo-piece, floor-mount
Flush volume1.28 GPF (4.8 Lpf); 1.6 GPF version also offered
MaP score1000 g at 1.28 GPF
WaterSenseYes (1.28 GPF)
Flush systemCadet system with PowerWash rim
Flush valve3-inch
Trapway2-1/8 inch, fully glazed
Bowl shapesElongated and round-front
Height optionsStandard, chair, 16-1/2 in Right Height, 19 in extra-tall
Rough-in12 inch (10 inch version offered)
SurfaceEverClean antimicrobial glaze
MaterialVitreous china
WarrantyLimited lifetime chinaware, 5 years mechanical parts

How the Cadet PRO compares

Against the toilets people usually cross-shop, the Cadet PRO holds its ground on the numbers that count. The TOTO Drake, Kohler Cimarron and American Standard's own Champion 4 MAX all reach MaP 1000, so the flush-clearing ceiling is a wash. The Cadet PRO's advantage is that it delivers that top-tier score at a value price, with a large valve and glazed trapway rather than a premium branded flush technology. The tradeoff is a firmer, louder flush than a quieter siphonic unit.

ModelFlushGPFMaPWaterSense
American Standard Cadet PROCadet system, PowerWash rim1.28 (1.6 option)1000Yes (1.28)
TOTO DrakeG-Max / Double Cyclone1.28 or 1.61000Yes (1.28)
Kohler CimarronSingle flush1.281000Yes
American Standard Champion 4 MAXChampion 4 system1.281000Yes

If your priority is a quieter, refined flush and you are willing to pay for it, the TOTO Drake is the classic step up. If you want an even larger trapway ball pass within American Standard's own range, the Champion 4 MAX is the sibling to look at. For a straightforward, well-stocked, high-clearing toilet that keeps the budget down, the Cadet PRO is hard to beat. You can see where it lands in our roundup of the best flushing toilets.

Pros and cons

  • Pro: MaP 1000 bulk-clearing power at 1.28 GPF, the top flush score paired with WaterSense efficiency.
  • Pro: 3-inch valve and glazed 2-1/8 inch trapway resist clogs well for a value fixture.
  • Pro: PowerWash rim and EverClean surface reduce bowl buildup between cleanings.
  • Pro: Wide range of heights, bowl shapes and rough-ins, plus easy access to American Standard parts.
  • Con: The flush is loud and forceful compared with quiet siphonic designs.
  • Con: Plain two-piece styling with an exposed trapway, not a skirted or modern look.
  • Con: Some owners report minor fill-valve or supply adjustments during installation.

Who should buy the Cadet PRO

The Cadet PRO fits value-minded homeowners, landlords and contractors who want reliable, high-clearing flush performance without paying for premium styling. It is a smart pick for busy family bathrooms, rentals and remodels where clog resistance, parts availability and a fair price matter more than a whisper-quiet flush. The Right Height and extra-tall versions also make it a practical choice for taller users or anyone who wants a more accessible seat height. Buyers who prioritize a quiet, refined flush or a sleek skirted design should look at a higher-end model instead.

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Frequently asked questions

? Does the Cadet PRO clog easily?

No. Manufacturer specs list a MaP 1000 rating, the top clearing score, thanks to a 3-inch flush valve and a fully glazed 2-1/8 inch trapway. Owners consistently report strong clog resistance for a value toilet.

? How much water does the Cadet PRO use?

Most versions use 1.28 gallons per flush, or 4.8 liters, which is WaterSense certified. A 1.6 GPF version is also offered for buyers who prefer the higher volume.

? Is the Cadet PRO loud?

It flushes with a firm, fast rush of water because of the large valve and direct-fed Cadet system. Owners describe it as louder than a quiet siphonic toilet, which is the usual tradeoff for strong clog resistance.

? What rough-in does the Cadet PRO need?

The standard version uses a 12-inch rough-in, matching most homes. American Standard also offers a 10-inch rough-in version for older or tighter installations.

? What warranty comes with the Cadet PRO?

American Standard backs it with a limited lifetime warranty on the chinaware and a limited five-year warranty on the mechanical parts.

Related Guides

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Researched by BFT Editorial Team

The Best Flushing Toilets editorial team researches MaP flush scores, water efficiency data, and owner feedback to help you find the right toilet.

Updated August 2026 · Toilet Reviews
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