Best Toilets of 2023
Models from American Standard, Glacier Bay, and Icera shine in Consumer Reports' tests
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In the absence of dramatically new features, it may seem like toilets these days are the same as ever. But manufacturers are always finding ways to make toilets that flush better, use less water, and feel more comfortable to sit on. So if you commonly find yourself flushing the toilet multiple times, hoping against hope that you won’t have to break out the gloves and a scrub brush, you need to know: You don’t have to live like this.
The best toilets in our tests can clear out solid waste and clean the bowl well with one flush. Stronger flushing mechanisms make this possible even as toilets use less water than they historically have. Some toilets also have nonstick coatings that help with bowl cleaning. And a number of our top toilets also have elongated bowl shapes, which tend to be more comfortable for most people—though you may favor a round bowl depending on the size of your bathroom and the spot where the toilet goes.
What to Consider
State-level restrictions: Some of our top-rated toilets are actually illegal in a handful of states. California, Colorado, Texas, New York, Washington, and others have all banned the sale or installation of toilets that don’t meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense standard of 1.28 gallons, on average, per flush. But any loo that meets the EPA’s standard is lawful nationwide—and several of those models rate among the best toilets we’ve tested, including some dual-flush models with a partial-flush button for liquid waste. (If you’re on a budget, check out our compilation of the best water-saving toilets for $200 or less.)
Variants: Before you purchase a toilet, double-check that you’re getting the exact model you want. We’ve seen some toilets with similar model names or numbers that are available in multiple variants. For example, one version of the Kohler Kelston meets the WaterSense standard, while another does not. Similarly, the Glacier Bay N2420 has an elongated bowl, while the Glacier Bay N2428-DF has a round bowl. Chris Regan, CR’s senior test project leader for toilets, says that when it comes to variations in water use or bowl shape in toilets that seem similar, “sometimes there’s no difference, sometimes there is, so we have to take it on a case-by-case basis.”
Seats and hardware: Some toilets recommended by CR don’t come with a seat, a wax ring, or mounting hardware, so you’ll need to buy those separately. Expect to pay at least $40 extra for all the necessary accessories.
CR members can read on to find a handful of our top-ranked models across a few popular styles and prices. Dozens of other great toilets have earned CR’s recommendation as well, all tracked in our full toilet ratings. And for more information as you shop, check out our toilet buying guide.
5 Best Toilets From CR's Tests
