Criteria
What to Consider
The best toilet is not simply the one with the strongest flush. It has to fit the room and the people using it, stay repairable, clear waste reliably, and use a sensible amount of water.
Shape
Stores use two names for bowl shape. Round-front is the shorter, more circular option. It preserves door swing and knee room and can be easier for children to use. Elongated is the longer oval. It is usually more comfortable for adults and gives you a wider selection of replacement seats.
Durability
The china shell should last for decades. The more useful question is whether the moving parts can be serviced later. We gave the highest marks to proven materials, longer warranties, familiar fill and flush parts, and model lines with replacement pieces that are easy to identify. A smart toilet can be excellent, but its electronics, pumps, heated seat, and bidet hardware add more systems to maintain.
5/5: simple, serviceable parts and strong warranty support. 4/5: durable construction with more specialized hardware. 3/5: materially more electronic or proprietary complexity.
Clog resistance
A MaP score is not a no-clog guarantee. MaP tests how much standardized test media a fixture clears in one flush. Real clogs can also come from an obstructed toilet passage, a poor installation, or a problem farther down the drain line. 5/5: 1,000g MaP score. 4/5: 800g MaP score. Both exceed WaterSense's 350g performance threshold.
Use the score to compare the exact bowl-and-tank combination. Similar-looking models can have different flush systems and results.
Fitment
Before shopping, measure from the finished wall to the center of either floor bolt, then measure from the wall to the front of the existing bowl. Check the door, vanity, shutoff valve, and walking path. Finally, choose a seat height for the people using the room: standard height can suit children and shorter adults, while a taller bowl can make sitting down and standing up easier.
Confirm the exact model number and box contents. A seat, seal, supply line, floor bolts, or special installation kit may be separate purchases.
Conservation
GPF means gallons per flush. WaterSense toilets use 1.28 GPF or less, while a typical 20-year-old toilet uses 1.6 GPF. Using the EPA assumption of 5.05 flushes per person per day, a family of four that replaces the toilets in all three bathrooms with 1.28 GPF models can save about 2,360 gallons per year. Choosing 0.8 GPF models can raise that to about 5,900 gallons per year.
The three bathrooms do not triple the family's flushes; replacing all three simply makes every household flush more efficient. Actual savings depend on use and local water and sewer rates.
Compare all 10
Our shortlist
Every score is on a five-point scale. GPF means gallons per flush. MaP scores and model configurations were checked against the March 10, 2026 WaterSense HET report and current manufacturer materials. Select any model to jump to its full write-up.
| Model | Shape | Durability | Clog resistance | Water use | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Standard Champion 4 767AA101 | Elongated | 5/5 | 5/51,000g MaP | 1.28 GPF4/5 conservation | High-use family bath |
| American Standard Cadet Pro 215AA104 | Elongated | 5/5 | 5/51,000g MaP | 1.28 GPF4/5 conservation | Serviceability and value |
| TOTO Drake CST746CEMFG | Elongated | 4/5 | 5/51,000g MaP | 1.28 / 0.8 GPF5/5 conservation | Best overall balance |
| TOTO UltraMax II MS604114CEFG | Elongated | 4/5 | 4/5800g MaP | 1.28 GPF4/5 conservation | Easy-clean one-piece |
| Kohler Wellworth K-3997 | Round-front | 5/5 | 5/51,000g MaP | 1.28 GPF4/5 conservation | Children's bathroom |
| Kohler Highline Tall K-25224 | Elongated | 5/5 | 5/51,000g MaP | 1.28 GPF4/5 conservation | Easier sitting and standing |
| Kohler Corbelle K-3814 | Elongated | 4/5 | 5/51,000g MaP | 1.28 GPF4/5 conservation | Easy-clean exterior |
| Kohler Veil Intelligent K-5401-PA | Elongated | 3/5 | 5/51,000g MaP | 1.28 / 0.8 GPF5/5 conservation | Built-in bidet |
| Niagara Original Stealth N7717 / N7714TFH | Elongated | 4/5 | 4/5800g MaP | 0.8 GPF5/5 conservation | Maximum water savings |
| Niagara Original Stealth N7716 / N7714TFH | Round-front | 4/5 | 4/5800g MaP | 0.8 GPF5/5 conservation | Compact water saver |
Best for each home
Seven useful ways to narrow the list
TOTO Drake
A 1,000g MaP result, adult-friendly height, and 1.28/0.8 dual flush make this the most balanced starting point.
Read the full reviewAmerican Standard Champion 4
Strong independent flush performance and familiar service parts make it a practical family choice.
Read the full reviewKohler Wellworth K-3997
The round-front bowl, standard-height seat position, and 1,000g MaP score suit smaller users without giving up clog resistance.
Read the full reviewKohler Highline Tall K-25224
The extra-tall bowl can reduce the distance an adult has to lower and lift themselves.
Read the full reviewKohler Corbelle
The smooth skirted base removes exposed bends and bolt recesses that collect dust.
Read the full reviewKohler Veil Intelligent
A heated seat, integrated cleansing wand, remote, and dual flush create a true all-in-one upgrade.
Read the full reviewNiagara Original Stealth
The elongated and round-front versions use 0.8 GPF and still post an 800g MaP result.
Read the full reviewThe full list
What each toilet does well, and what to verify
High-use family bathroom pick
American Standard Champion 4 767AA101
The elongated, chair-height Champion uses 1.28 GPF and earned the maximum 1,000g MaP score. Its familiar two-piece construction, broad parts availability, and published warranty support the strongest durability score in this guide.
Verify: The exact retail package. This version includes a seat, but installation hardware and accessories can vary by seller.
Serviceable value pick
American Standard Cadet Pro 215AA104
The Cadet Pro combines a familiar two-piece layout, a 1,000g MaP score, 1.28 GPF, and widely available service parts. It is a sensible choice when straightforward future repairs matter more than a seamless exterior.
Verify: The seat is sold separately. Similar Cadet model numbers use different heights and bowl shapes, so match all digits before ordering.
Best overall balance
TOTO Drake CST746CEMFG
The Drake pairs a 1,000g MaP result with a 1.28 GPF full flush and 0.8 GPF reduced flush. Its elongated universal-height bowl and smooth glaze give it broad appeal without moving into smart-toilet pricing.
Verify: The seat is not included. The Lowe's listing is the Bone finish (#03), so select the exact color suffix you need before ordering.
Easy-clean one-piece pick
TOTO UltraMax II MS604114CEFG
The one-piece UltraMax II removes the tank-to-bowl seam where dust collects. It includes an elongated SoftClose seat, uses 1.28 GPF, and posts an 800g MaP score.
Verify: One-piece toilets are heavy. Confirm the delivery path, installation help, supply-line position, and total projection before it arrives.
Children's bathroom pick
Kohler Wellworth K-3997
The Wellworth combines a compact round-front bowl and standard-height seating with a 1.28 GPF flush and 1,000g MaP result. That makes it easier for smaller users to sit comfortably without choosing a weak-flushing novelty toilet.
Verify: The seat is sold separately. Check that the standard seat height works for the adults who may also use the bathroom.
Easier-access pick
Kohler Highline Tall K-25224
The Highline Tall has an extra-tall 19-inch bowl height before the seat is added, reducing how far an adult has to lower and lift themselves. It is elongated, uses 1.28 GPF, and earned a 1,000g MaP score.
Verify: Extra-tall is not comfortable for every shorter user. Sit on a similarly sized display if possible, and remember that the seat adds more height.
Easy-clean exterior pick
Kohler Corbelle K-3814
The Corbelle hides the toilet's curved waste path behind smooth sides, which makes regular cleaning simpler. The elongated chair-height fixture uses 1.28 GPF and has a 1,000g MaP result.
Verify: Confirm the correct installation kit, seat, and supply line. Smooth-sided toilets can limit hand access during installation, so price the complete setup.
Built-in bidet pick
Kohler Veil Intelligent K-5401-PA
The one-piece Veil integrates a bidet wand, heated seat, remote control, night-light, dryer, and automatic cleansing features. Its 1.28/0.8 dual flush earned a 1,000g MaP score, so the premium features do not require accepting weak independent flush performance.
Verify: This toilet needs a nearby electrical outlet and more specialized service than a standard gravity toilet. Confirm circuit, delivery, installation, and warranty support before buying.
Maximum water-saving pick
Niagara Original Stealth N7717 / N7714TFH
The elongated Stealth uses 0.8 GPF and posts an 800g MaP result. Its vacuum-assist chamber and flapperless layout reduce water use without moving to a loud pressure-assist system.
Verify: Confirm that the listing includes both the N7717 bowl and N7714TFH tank. Similar Niagara packages use different heights, shapes, and flush controls.
Compact water-saving pick
Niagara Original Stealth N7716 / N7714TFH
The round-front Stealth brings the same 0.8 GPF and 800g MaP performance to a shorter fixture. It is the conservation-first option when a small bathroom cannot comfortably take an elongated bowl.
Verify: Confirm the exact round-front configuration. Niagara also sells versions for different wall-to-drain distances and dual-flush packages with similar model numbers.
Before you buy
Measure these five things with the old toilet still installed
Wall-to-drain distance
Measure from the finished wall to the center of a floor bolt. Twelve inches is common, but older bathrooms can measure 10 or 14 inches.
Total projection
Measure from the finished wall to the front of the existing bowl, then check the door, vanity, and walking path.
Seat height
Taller seating is easier for many adults. Standard height can be more comfortable for shorter users and some children.
Supply location
A smooth-sided base can interfere with a shutoff valve that sits close to the toilet. Compare the product footprint to the valve position.
The complete box
Confirm whether the seat, wax ring or seal, floor bolts, supply line, installation adapter, and other hardware are included.
Keep the useful details
Your future self needs the model number, not the receipt pile.
Add the toilet to your Homegraph with the model, manual, purchase date, warranty, seat size, flush valve, and installation invoice. When a seal or fill valve eventually needs attention, you will know what fits before you go to the store.
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Questions homeowners ask
Residential toilet buying FAQ
Is a round or elongated toilet better?
Elongated is usually more comfortable for adults and gives you more seat options. Round-front saves floor space and can be easier for smaller users. Measure the room and choose the shape that leaves comfortable clearance.
What MaP score should I look for?
A 600g score is already above the WaterSense minimum. This shortlist starts at 800g. A 1,000g score is the current top of the published MaP scale, but installation and drain condition still matter.
What toilet works best in a children's bathroom?
Look for a standard-height (16" or less), round-front model with strong independent flush performance. The Kohler Wellworth K-3997 is our pick because its smaller shape is easier for children while its 1,000g MaP result helps reduce clog concerns.
What seat height is easier for older adults?
A chair-height or extra-tall toilet reduces how far a person has to lower and lift themselves. We recommend going at least 18" for maximum comfort. The Kohler Highline Tall has a 19-inch bowl height before the seat is added. Taller is not automatically better for shorter users, so try a similar height before ordering.
Does a toilet with a built-in bidet need electricity?
Most full-featured models do. The Kohler Veil needs a nearby electrical outlet for its heated seat, cleansing, drying, lighting, and controls. Include electrical and professional installation costs in the budget.
Will a 0.8 GPF toilet clog more than a 1.28 GPF toilet?
Not necessarily. The two 0.8 GPF Niagara models here both earned 800g MaP scores. Compare independent performance for the exact model instead of assuming more water always means a better flush.
Is a one-piece toilet more durable?
One-piece toilets remove the tank-to-bowl gasket and are easier to clean, but they are heavier and often cost more. Two-piece toilets are easier to carry and can be simpler to service. The internal parts and warranty matter more than the seam alone.
Does chair height mean ADA compliant?
Not by itself. ADA compliance depends on installed seat height, clearances, approach, and control location. For a private home, choose the height that works for the people using the bathroom; for regulated spaces, follow the applicable code.
How much water can a new toilet save?
Using EPA assumptions, a family of four replacing three 1.6 GPF toilets with 1.28 GPF models can save about 2,360 gallons per year. Replacing them with 0.8 GPF models can save about 5,900 gallons. Actual bill savings depend on local water and sewer rates.
Review status: Homekeepr compared manufacturer specifications, independent MaP results, current retailer listings, and documented fit. We have not completed hands-on testing of all 10 toilets, so these are researched picks rather than hands-on endorsements.