TOTO UltraMax vs UltraMax II: Which Should You Buy?

The TOTO UltraMax series is TOTO's flagship one-piece lineup. Two generations exist: the original UltraMax, which used TOTO's G-Max siphon flush at 1.6 gallons per flush, and the UltraMax II, which replaced it with the more efficient Double Cyclone system at 1.28 gallons per flush. Both share the same comfort-height elongated bowl and clog-resistant trapway. The differences that matter are flush technology, water efficiency, glaze quality and what ships in the box. For the broadest look at where both models sit among all high-performance toilets, the pillar guide to the best flushing toilets places TOTO alongside Kohler, American Standard, Woodbridge, Gerber and Swiss Madison. This page focuses on the UltraMax vs UltraMax II decision.

The spec comparison tells most of the story. Both are one-piece TOTO toilets built around the same comfort-height elongated bowl and a fully glazed 2.125 inch trapway. What separates them is the generation of technology inside: the UltraMax II's Double Cyclone flush uses two directed nozzles to swirl water around the bowl on just 1.28 gallons, meeting the EPA WaterSense standard, while the original UltraMax runs 1.6 gallons through the older G-Max siphon. They score similarly on the MaP flush test, so raw waste-clearing power is not the deciding factor. Where the UltraMax II clearly wins is in water efficiency, WaterSense certification, the quality and reputation of CeFiONtect glaze, an included SoftClose seat, and current parts availability from TOTO.

G-Max works through a classic gravity siphon: water drops through a large 3 inch valve, channeled by a wide siphon jet into the trapway. The result is a forceful, audible flush that moves high water volume quickly. On the original UltraMax at 1.6 GPF, this earns a strong MaP score and a well-earned reputation for clog-free reliability in owner reviews.

Double Cyclone, introduced with the UltraMax II, routes water through two directed nozzles at the back of the rim instead of dozens of small holes. These nozzles spin water around the bowl in a centrifugal swirl while pressurizing the siphon jet, rinsing the entire bowl surface on just 1.28 gallons. The practical result owners report: a quieter flush, a cleaner bowl after each flush, and the same MaP result of 800 grams achieved on 20 percent less water than the G-Max UltraMax.

The EPA WaterSense program certifies toilets that use 1.28 gallons per flush or less and pass a minimum MaP flush-performance test. The UltraMax II meets both requirements. The original UltraMax at 1.6 GPF does not qualify, exceeding the threshold by 0.32 gallons. In water-restricted states such as California and Colorado, 1.6 GPF toilets are no longer permitted for new installation or permitted remodels, so the original UltraMax is not a legal new-purchase option in those markets. Many municipal utilities also offer rebates of $50 to $100 per WaterSense-certified toilet, a benefit the original UltraMax does not qualify for. For buyers in restricted regions or anyone interested in rebates, the UltraMax II is the only viable choice between the two.

The original SanaGloss was an electrostatic ion-barrier coating that prevented organic waste, mold and mineral buildup from adhering to the ceramic. It worked well and was a genuine advantage over unglazed competitors. CeFiONtect is the updated version of the same concept: a more refined ion structure that TOTO rates as smoother and more resistant to fade and staining over years of cleaning. In practice both coatings keep the bowl cleaner between scrubs than unglazed ceramics, but direct comparisons in owner reviews give CeFiONtect a slight edge for long-term smoothness. It comes standard on the UltraMax II.

Both are one-piece designs with no seam between tank and bowl, which removes the gap that makes two-piece toilets harder to clean. Where they diverge is exterior skirting. The original UltraMax left the trapway silhouette visible along the side of the bowl. The UltraMax II adds a fully skirted exterior with flat ceramic panels that conceal the trapway completely, giving it the cleaner look modern bathrooms expect. The UltraMax II also ships with a SoftClose seat included; the original was typically sold without one. That included seat partially offsets the UltraMax II's higher purchase price and eliminates a separate purchase.

Which Has the Higher MaP Flush Score?

MaP testing records how many grams of solid waste a toilet clears in a single flush using an identical protocol across every brand. A score of 500 grams is good; 800 grams and above is excellent. Both UltraMax generations reach that excellent band, so clogging is not a weakness with either. The difference is that the UltraMax II delivers the same 800 gram result on 20 percent less water, a genuine engineering improvement. Buyers who want TOTO's absolute highest MaP score should look at the two-piece Drake at 1.6 GPF, which posts a perfect 1,000 grams, as detailed in the TOTO Drake vs UltraMax II comparison.

Will the UltraMax II Fit Where My Original UltraMax Is Installed?

Both use a standard 12 inch rough-in and universal bolt spacing. Where you need to verify is the overall footprint: the UltraMax II's fully skirted exterior has slightly different depth and width than the original, and a few centimeters can matter in a tight bathroom. TOTO publishes dimension drawings for both models; confirm those measurements against your floor space before ordering.

Are Replacement Parts Still Available for the Original UltraMax?

TOTO supports its installed base with parts long after production ends, and G-Max components are widely distributed. For an existing owner with a working original UltraMax, current service is straightforward. The UltraMax II uses current TOTO production parts with full ongoing distribution, which is simpler for long-term ownership.

The UltraMax series is most often cross-shopped against Kohler's one-piece lineup, particularly the Kohler Santa Rosa, and against value one-pieces from Woodbridge and Swiss Madison. The TOTO vs Kohler comparison details where these brands diverge on flush data and styling. Kohler competes on price and design; TOTO's advantage is consistent MaP performance at 1.28 GPF.

Against value brands, the Woodbridge T-0001 undercuts TOTO on price while posting competitive MaP results. American Standard's Champion 4 posts a 1,000 gram MaP score in a two-piece body that rivals the TOTO Drake's raw power for less money. Gerber's two-piece models offer MaP-verified performance at budget prices. None of them match the UltraMax II's combination of a verified 800 gram MaP score, CeFiONtect glaze and a fully skirted one-piece body at 1.28 GPF. Among one-piece designs, the UltraMax II is the benchmark at its price tier.

Buy the UltraMax II if

You are shopping new. You want 1.28 GPF with WaterSense certification, a fully skirted body for easy cleaning, CeFiONtect glaze and a SoftClose seat included. For virtually every new buyer in 2026, this is the correct model.

Buy the original UltraMax if

You find one at a significant clearance discount in a region with no 1.28 GPF requirement, or you own one and need a matching replacement piece. Outside those scenarios, the UltraMax II is better on every current metric.

Consider the TOTO Drake instead if

You want the highest MaP score at the lowest price and do not need a one-piece design. The 1.6 GPF Drake posts 1,000 grams in a two-piece that is easier to install and less expensive, making it the value flush-power champion for high-traffic bathrooms and rentals. See the TOTO Drake vs UltraMax II comparison for that full trade-off.

Consider the TOTO Aquia IV if

You want dual-flush: the Aquia IV offers a 1.0 GPF partial flush and a 1.28 GPF full flush. See the TOTO UltraMax II vs Aquia IV comparison for that decision.