How to Plunge a Toilet: Step-by-Step for Beginners
ToiletsA clogged toilet does not have to mean a call to a plumber. With the right plunger and the correct technique, most…
Read the guideTOTO is the brand plumbers name first when flush power matters, and independent MaP testing backs that reputation up again and again. Every model here is ranked by MaP flush score, gallons per flush, EPA WaterSense status, trapway engineering and aggregated owner review patterns so you can pick the right TOTO for your bathroom with confidence.
Research updated June 2026.
The TOTO Drake is the best TOTO for most homes, posting a perfect 1,000-gram MaP score with G-Max gravity flush technology at 1.28 gallons per flush. For a seamless one-piece with a self-rinsing bowl, the UltraMax II leads. Budget-conscious buyers get the most for their money from the TOTO Entrada without sacrificing meaningful flush power.
TOTO has manufactured toilets since 1917 and remains the world's largest plumbing fixture maker. That longevity shows up in the engineering: two flush systems developed in-house, CeFiONtect nano-glaze that outperforms standard porcelain glazes in stain resistance, and a factory commitment to hitting MaP 1,000 grams while staying inside the EPA WaterSense threshold of 1.28 gallons per flush or less. The result is a lineup where even entry-level models outperform mid-range offerings from smaller brands on the one metric that matters most in daily use: does it clear the bowl in one flush?
The flush power behind every TOTO starts with one of two delivery systems. The G-Max system, found on the Drake and Drake II, uses a wide 3-inch flush valve and a computer-designed siphon jet that moves a large slug of water fast, creating a strong, decisive pull through the trapway. The Tornado Flush and Double Cyclone systems, found on the UltraMax II and Aquia IV, use two or three angled nozzles instead of rim holes to spin water around the full circumference of the bowl, reducing buildup and allowing a quieter, more thorough rinse. Understanding which system is inside a model tells you how it will behave before you read a review. For a full cross-brand picture, our guide to the best flushing toilets compares TOTO side by side with Kohler, American Standard and others.
Eight TOTO toilets ranked by real flush performance, water use and owner experience. A higher MaP score means more waste cleared in a single flush. All models carry EPA WaterSense certification unless noted.
| Model | Flush System | MaP Score | GPF | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOTO Drake | G-Max | 1,000 g | 1.28 | Two-piece | Best overall |
| TOTO Drake II | G-Max | 1,000 g | 1.28 | Two-piece | Power + updates |
| TOTO UltraMax II | Tornado Flush | 800 g | 1.28 | One-piece | Cleanest bowl |
| TOTO Aquia IV | Tornado Flush | 800 g | 0.8 / 1.0 | Two-piece | Water saving |
| TOTO Vespin II | Tornado Flush | 800 g | 1.28 | Two-piece | Washlet-ready |
| TOTO Carlyle II | Tornado Flush | 800 g | 1.28 | One-piece | Luxury one-piece |
| TOTO Entrada | G-Max | 800 g | 1.28 | Two-piece | Best value |
| TOTO Legato | Tornado Flush | 600 g | 1.28 | One-piece | Slim skirted look |
The TOTO Drake is the toilet that built TOTO's reputation with working plumbers in North America, and independent MaP flush testing confirms it deserves that standing. At a perfect 1,000-gram MaP score using just 1.28 gallons per flush, it clears more waste in a single flush than most of its rivals while using less water than older 1.6-gallon models.
The G-Max flush system works by pairing a wide 3-inch flush valve with a 2-1/8 inch fully glazed siphon-jet trapway. When the valve opens, a large, fast volume of water enters the bowl and pulls waste through the trap in one forceful motion rather than relying on swirling for thoroughness. Owners consistently describe it as a "powerful pull" rather than a "weak swirl," and clog reports are notably rare in aggregated reviews even in households with mixed flushability habits.
The Drake is a two-piece toilet, which means a tank-to-bowl seam that collects grime. The trade-off is lower weight, easier installation and a broader range of available seat accessories, including TOTO Washlet bidet seats that mount directly to the bowl. TOTO also offers the Drake with optional CeFiONtect ion-barrier glaze, which repels particles and mineral deposits and measurably reduces how often the bowl needs scrubbing.
The Drake is the benchmark against which other toilets get measured at MaP testing. At 1,000 grams cleared per 1.28 gallons, it is among the most water-efficient high-power toilets available and the one plumbers reach for when a client needs a reliable workhorse without compromise.
The Drake II is the direct evolution of the original Drake, carrying the same G-Max flush system and identical 1,000-gram MaP rating into a taller comfort-height bowl and a slightly more contemporary aesthetic. If you already know you want Drake-level power but prefer a modern bowl profile and the option of CeFiONtect glaze as standard, the Drake II is where TOTO put the next-generation packaging around the proven engine.
The performance story between the Drake and Drake II is essentially identical: both hit 1,000 grams on the MaP flush test at 1.28 gallons per flush, and both use the G-Max 3-inch flush valve with a wide, fully glazed trapway. What the Drake II adds is a taller bowl that meets the Americans with Disabilities Act recommended seat height range of 17 to 19 inches, which owners in households with older adults or mobility considerations consistently cite as the deciding factor.
CeFiONtect glaze is available on the Drake II across a wider range of base SKUs than the original, which matters because the nano-particle ion barrier genuinely reduces how quickly mineral scale and stains build up in hard-water areas. Owners in those regions frequently note that the CeFiONtect bowl looks noticeably cleaner at the same cleaning frequency compared to standard-glaze porcelain.
If the original Drake is a proven workhorse, the Drake II is that same engine in a frame that fits ADA height guidelines and accepts CeFiONtect as a standard-configuration option. For most buyers choosing between the two, the Drake II is the safer long-term pick.
The TOTO UltraMax II is the pick for owners who want a clean, minimal aesthetic and a bowl that resists buildup between cleanings. Its Tornado Flush system replaces traditional rim holes with two powerful nozzles that spin water around the full bowl circumference in a cyclonic motion, and its seamless one-piece body with CeFiONtect glaze gives dirt far fewer surfaces to cling to. Owners consistently describe the bowl as "staying clean longer" compared to their previous toilets.
The Tornado Flush nozzles direct water at an angle rather than straight down, creating a rim-wide centrifugal rinse that reaches the parts of the bowl that straight-down rim jets miss. The trade-off versus G-Max is a lower MaP score at 800 grams versus 1,000 grams, but for households without a pattern of heavy-duty flushing, 800 grams is more than adequate and the cleaner bowl experience is a genuine daily quality-of-life improvement.
The one-piece body means there is no seam between tank and bowl where bacteria and mineral scale accumulate. Combined with CeFiONtect's nano-particle ion barrier, the UltraMax II's exterior and interior stay cleaner at the same cleaning frequency. It pairs with every TOTO Washlet seat, which is a key consideration for anyone planning to add a bidet seat now or later. For a deeper look at the Tornado Flush technology, see our article on best Tornado Flush toilets.
The UltraMax II is the model TOTO installs in its own premium showrooms. The Tornado Flush and CeFiONtect combination is the most effective self-maintenance system in a residential gravity toilet, and the one-piece format eliminates the most common complaint about toilet hygiene entirely.
The TOTO Aquia IV is the model to choose when cutting water consumption is the primary goal. Its dual-flush Tornado system offers a 0.8-gallon partial flush for liquid waste and a full 1.0-gallon flush for solids, both of which sit below the standard WaterSense threshold and among the lowest GPF figures available in a full-size residential toilet. Over a year of daily use, the water savings versus a 1.28-gallon model are measurable.
The Aquia IV uses the same Tornado Flush nozzle architecture as the UltraMax II, which means that despite its very low 0.8-gallon partial flush volume, the water enters the bowl at speed and covers the entire circumference rather than pooling in one spot. Owner reviews on the partial flush note that it clears liquid waste cleanly without the weak trickle owners sometimes report from budget dual-flush models.
The 1.0-gallon full flush reaches 800 grams on the MaP test, which is a strong result at that volume and reflects the efficiency of the Tornado Flush delivery system. For comparison, many toilets need 1.28 gallons to hit 600 grams. If your household actively manages water consumption or you are in an area with tiered water pricing, the Aquia IV is the most efficient TOTO model available without moving into pressure-assist territory. Our guide on best dual flush toilets covers water savings comparisons across all brands.
The Aquia IV's 0.8/1.0 GPF dual-flush combination is the most water-efficient TOTO configuration available, and the Tornado Flush system makes those low volumes work harder than any gravity rim-jet at that GPF would. It is the best argument for efficiency without sacrificing performance.
The TOTO Vespin II is engineered from the outset as a system component: a toilet built to receive a TOTO Washlet bidet seat at the same time or in the future, with a skirted tank and concealed trapway that give it the clean lines expected in a high-end bathroom pairing. Its Tornado Flush system at 1.28 GPF hits 800 grams on MaP testing, and CeFiONtect glaze is standard.
Where the Drake and Drake II prioritize raw flush performance and the UltraMax II prioritizes cleaning simplicity, the Vespin II prioritizes the complete bathroom system experience. Its concealed trapway and skirted tank create a visual foundation that makes sense next to a Washlet seat, turning what is usually a utility fixture into a considered design piece. Owners who have installed a Washlet seat note the hardware proportions and color matching are seamless in a way that aftermarket bidet seats on standard toilets rarely achieve.
The Tornado Flush at 1.28 GPF and CeFiONtect glaze are the same specification as the UltraMax II, so day-to-day flushing and cleaning performance are equivalent to that model. The difference is format: the Vespin II is a two-piece, which reduces weight for installation while maintaining the skirted aesthetic. If you are planning a bathroom upgrade and want to add a Washlet now or later, this is the starting point TOTO recommends.
The Vespin II is the right foundation for a TOTO Washlet installation. The Tornado Flush bowl and CeFiONtect glaze mean the toilet performs at a high level independently, while the skirted format and proportions are sized for the Washlet as a system rather than an afterthought.
The TOTO Carlyle II takes the UltraMax II's one-piece Tornado Flush formula and expresses it through the Carlyle's distinctive high-tank silhouette that has been a recognizable fixture in design-forward bathrooms for years. It carries the same 800-gram MaP score and 1.28-gallon flush as the UltraMax II, paired with CeFiONtect glaze and Universal Height seating, but the visual statement is noticeably more assertive.
The Carlyle II's flush and cleaning performance are functionally identical to the UltraMax II because they share the same core specification: Tornado Flush nozzles, 1.28 GPF, CeFiONtect glaze, and a rimless bowl. Where it differs is the aesthetic weight of the high-tank one-piece form, which sits more prominently in a bathroom and reads as a design element rather than a utility fixture. Owners with master bathroom renovations frequently mention the Carlyle II as the piece they built the rest of the design around.
At this position, the Carlyle II competes with premium Kohler and American Standard one-piece models that offer similar flush performance. The differentiator is the Tornado Flush's self-rinsing bowl quality and the nano-particle glaze, which owners in those comparisons consistently rate as superior for long-term cleanliness. For a full comparison of TOTO versus Kohler, see our TOTO vs Kohler guide.
The Carlyle II is the pick for design-conscious buyers who want the best TOTO one-piece technology in a form that makes a visual statement. The performance spec is identical to the UltraMax II; the premium is for the Carlyle silhouette.
The TOTO Entrada is TOTO's accessible entry-level model, positioned to bring the brand's core G-Max flush engineering to buyers who cannot stretch to Drake positioning. It uses a modified G-Max system that hits 800 grams on the MaP test at 1.28 gallons per flush, carries EPA WaterSense certification, and maintains TOTO's manufacturing quality standards at a notably lower cost than the Drake.
The Entrada is the right answer for buyers who want TOTO build quality and flush reliability without paying Drake positioning. Its 800-gram MaP score is strong by any measure, outperforming many name-brand competitors that cost significantly more, and the 1.28-gallon G-Max delivery still provides a decisive, clean flush in standard residential use. Owner reviews at this positioning consistently praise it as significantly outperforming its market segment.
The trade-offs versus the Drake are real but limited to the use cases where they matter: no CeFiONtect means the standard glaze accumulates buildup faster in hard-water areas, the standard-height bowl is less accessible than the comfort-height Drake II, and the 200-gram MaP difference is noticeable only in households with heavy-duty flushing demands. For a guest bathroom, a rental property or a tighter budget, the Entrada is the value pick the market has consistently rewarded with strong reviews. For broader budget comparisons, see our guide on best budget toilets.
The Entrada proves that TOTO's G-Max platform delivers strong flush performance even in its most accessible form. At its position, it beats the equivalent Kohler and American Standard two-piece models on MaP score per dollar and on aggregated owner satisfaction for flush reliability.
The TOTO Legato is the most visually minimal toilet in the lineup: a fully skirted one-piece with concealed internal components and an almost sculptural exterior that looks closer to a bathroom design piece than a utility fixture. Its Tornado Flush at 1.28 GPF hits 600 grams on the MaP test, which sits in the solid range for a skirted one-piece, and CeFiONtect glaze is standard.
The Legato is not the strongest flusher in the TOTO lineup, and buyers prioritizing raw MaP performance should look at the Drake or Drake II instead. What the Legato offers is a premium for design coherence: a toilet whose exterior shape could be mistaken for a Scandinavian design object, with a completely concealed trapway, no exposed hardware, and a fully smooth exterior that wipes clean in seconds. In a bathroom where the fixture is a visible statement, this matters.
Owner reviews on the Legato separate into two clear camps: buyers who prioritize design rate it very highly, while buyers who expected Drake-level flush power are occasionally surprised by the lower MaP. The Tornado Flush's full-bowl coverage at 600 grams keeps the bowl clean in typical household use without double-flushing for normal loads. For households with consistently heavy demands, the Drake II is the more practical choice at a lower position.
The Legato is a toilet for buyers who have already solved the performance question and are now solving the design question. The CeFiONtect and Tornado Flush combination keeps maintenance low, but the 600-gram MaP means it is a better fit for guest bathrooms or light-use settings than a busy primary bathroom.
G-Max is a siphon-jet gravity flush system that uses a wide 3-inch valve and a single siphon jet at the base of the bowl to pull waste through a large, fully glazed trapway in one fast, decisive surge. Tornado Flush replaces traditional rim holes with two or three angled nozzles that spin water in a centrifugal pattern around the full bowl circumference, producing a quieter, more thorough bowl rinse at the same or lower water volume. G-Max models (Drake, Drake II, Entrada) post higher MaP scores; Tornado Flush models (UltraMax II, Aquia IV, Vespin II) produce a cleaner, quieter bowl rinse.
The TOTO Drake and TOTO Drake II both achieve the maximum residential MaP flush score of 1,000 grams at 1.28 gallons per flush, making them the strongest-flushing models in the residential TOTO lineup. Tornado Flush models including the UltraMax II, Aquia IV and Vespin II score 800 grams on the MaP test, which is a strong score by any measure but 200 grams below the G-Max maximum. The entry-level Entrada posts 800 grams and the Legato posts 600 grams.
Yes, all current TOTO residential toilet models in this roundup carry EPA WaterSense certification, which requires a flush volume at or below 1.28 gallons per flush and independently verified flush performance. The TOTO Aquia IV goes further, with a partial-flush volume of just 0.8 gallons per flush for liquid waste, placing it well below the WaterSense threshold. TOTO's ability to hit 1,000-gram MaP at 1.28 GPF is particularly notable because many toilets sacrifice flush power when water volume drops.
CeFiONtect is a nano-particle ion-barrier glaze that TOTO applies to the bowl's ceramic surface before firing. The glaze creates an ultra-smooth, electrically neutral surface at the microscopic level, which means waste, mineral deposits and bacteria have fewer sites to bond to compared to standard porcelain glazes. Owners in hard-water areas consistently report that CeFiONtect bowls require less frequent scrubbing and show less limescale buildup, with the improvement most noticeable after six to twelve months of use versus a standard-glaze toilet.
In independent MaP flush testing, TOTO Drake models consistently reach the 1,000-gram maximum, matching the Kohler Highline and American Standard Champion 4 at that score but typically using 1.28 gallons versus the Champion 4's 1.6 gallons, making TOTO more water-efficient at equivalent flush power. TOTO's Tornado Flush bowl-cleanliness technology has no direct equivalent in Kohler or American Standard residential lines, while American Standard's Champion 4 holds the edge in raw trapway diameter at 2.375 inches versus TOTO's 2.125-inch standard. For side-by-side rankings across all brands, our best toilet brands guide provides a full comparison.
The TOTO Drake is the best overall TOTO toilet for most homes. It scores a perfect 1,000 grams on the MaP flush test at 1.28 gallons per flush, carries EPA WaterSense certification, and has one of the strongest owner review track records in any toilet category. If you want a one-piece, the UltraMax II is the best TOTO one-piece.
They share identical flush performance, both hitting 1,000 grams on MaP at 1.28 GPF via the G-Max system. The Drake II adds a standard comfort-height bowl and broader availability of CeFiONtect glaze options. Most buyers choosing between the two should pick the Drake II for its taller seating and better glaze option access unless the original Drake is significantly lower in cost.
The TOTO UltraMax II scores 800 grams on the MaP flush test at 1.28 gallons per flush. It is 200 grams below the Drake and Drake II, but 800 grams is a strong score and the Tornado Flush's full-bowl coverage keeps the bowl cleaner than G-Max models at equivalent cleaning frequency.
Yes, measurably. CeFiONtect's nano-particle ion barrier creates a surface that waste, mineral deposits and bacteria bond to less readily than standard porcelain. Owners who switched from a standard-glaze toilet to CeFiONtect consistently report needing to scrub less often, with the improvement most visible in hard-water areas after three to six months.
The TOTO Aquia IV uses 0.8 gallons per flush for liquid waste and 1.0 gallon per flush for solid waste. Both figures sit below the EPA WaterSense threshold of 1.28 gallons per flush, and the full-flush mode still achieves an 800-gram MaP score using the Tornado Flush system.
TOTO two-piece models like the Drake and Drake II follow a standard 12-inch rough-in installation that any plumber or confident DIY installer can handle. One-piece models like the UltraMax II and Carlyle II are significantly heavier and often require two people for safe installation. TOTO also offers some models in 10-inch and 14-inch rough-in configurations.
Tornado Flush is TOTO's nozzle-based bowl-rinsing system that uses two or three angled water inlets instead of traditional rim holes. The nozzles direct water in a centrifugal spiral that covers the entire bowl circumference, producing a thorough, quiet rinse. The rimless design also eliminates the hidden under-rim area where bacteria accumulate in standard toilets.
The TOTO Drake in a round-bowl configuration is the best TOTO for a small bathroom because round bowls are approximately 2 inches shorter front to back than elongated bowls. TOTO also offers compact and round versions of several models. Always check the published rough-in dimension and projection depth before purchasing for any tight space.
The TOTO Washlet is TOTO's line of electronic bidet seats that include warm water spray, adjustable water pressure, heated seat and warm air drying. All elongated TOTO toilets in this roundup are Washlet-compatible because they use a standard elongated bowl. The Vespin II is specifically designed as a system pairing with a Washlet for the cleanest visual integration.
TOTO toilets are built to the same longevity standard as any quality ceramic toilet: the porcelain body can last 50 years or more with normal care. Internal components including flappers, fill valves and flush valves typically need replacement every 5 to 10 years regardless of brand. TOTO replacement parts are widely available through plumbing distributors and online retailers.
TOTO provides a one-year limited warranty on all toilet components including the vitreous china body, flush mechanism and seat. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and is backed by TOTO's US customer service. Vitreous china defects are rare; most warranty claims involve the mechanical flush components.
Both TOTO and Kohler produce toilets that reach the maximum 1,000-gram MaP score. TOTO's advantage is the Tornado Flush bowl-rinsing technology and CeFiONtect glaze, which produce a cleaner bowl between cleanings. Kohler's advantage is broader distributor availability, a wider seat accessory ecosystem and generally lower entry positioning on equivalent two-piece models. For a detailed breakdown, see our TOTO vs Kohler comparison.
Plumbers recommend TOTO primarily because the G-Max and Tornado Flush systems produce very low clog rates in field use, which reduces callback calls. The wide, fully glazed trapways and strong flush volumes mean fewer service calls for partial clogs, and TOTO's mechanical components are durable and repair-friendly with widely available replacement parts.
TOTO uses both terms depending on the model. Universal Height refers to bowls that fall between 17 and 19 inches to the top of the seat, placing them within the ADA-recommended range and what Kohler calls Comfort Height. Standard height TOTO models measure approximately 15 inches to the seat top. Both Drake II and UltraMax II use Universal Height bowls.
The TOTO Drake II or UltraMax II in Universal Height configuration are the best TOTO choices for seniors and buyers with mobility issues. The 17 to 19-inch seat height reduces the effort required to sit down and stand up, which is the primary comfort factor for older adults and people with joint conditions. The Drake II's two-piece format also makes installation easier if the toilet needs to be moved later.
Most TOTO mechanical components including flush valves, fill valves and flappers are replaceable by a confident DIY homeowner. TOTO uses a mix of proprietary and standard-compatible parts; fill valves on many models accept universal replacements, while the Tornado Flush nozzle assembly is a TOTO-specific replacement. TOTO's customer service line can confirm which replacement part number is correct for a specific model.
The TOTO Drake and Drake II match the American Standard Champion 4 and Kohler Highline at the maximum 1,000-gram MaP score. The American Standard Cadet 3 also hits 1,000 grams. Woodbridge's T-0001 scores approximately 800 grams, similar to TOTO's Tornado Flush models. The difference is that TOTO reaches 1,000 grams at 1.28 GPF while the Champion 4 achieves it at 1.6 GPF, meaning TOTO uses 20 percent less water for the same MaP result.
The TOTO Drake is the best TOTO toilet for most households, delivering a perfect 1,000-gram MaP flush score at an efficient 1.28 gallons per flush with a decade of strong owner review backing. Choose the TOTO Drake II if comfort-height seating and CeFiONtect glaze access matter. The TOTO UltraMax II is the right pick for anyone who prioritizes a self-rinsing bowl and easy cleaning over maximum MaP score. Budget-conscious buyers get genuine TOTO flush quality from the TOTO Entrada, and the TOTO Aquia IV is the model to choose if water savings are the primary goal.
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