If the pandemic of 2020 has taught Americans anything, it’s that their love affair with virgin super-soft toilet rolls is not sustainable. Empty shelves in supermarkets meant your average Jane or Joe needed an alternative to after-toilet cleanliness (1).
Say hello to the bidet seat. The best bidet toilet seats transform your toilet into a luxurious posterior washing experience that toilet tissue just can’t touch.
- Remote control
- Fits most one-piece toilets
- Tankless system
- Vortex cleaning
- Motor-driven nozzle
- Hydroflush nozzle cleaning
- Unbelievably affordable price
- Easy to use controls
- Manual operation
- Smarter than average seat
- Massage washing
- Ionized carbon filter
- Super-adjustable settings
- Round bowls only
- Competitive price
- No batteries or electrics
- Amazing price
- Quick release hinges
- Warming toilet seat
- No bad smells
- Pre-mist spray
Product Reviews
Bidet toilet seats come in all budgets and feature levels. Getting the right seat for you and your family can be a challenge. We’ve done the legwork for you with our rundown of the 7 best bidet toilet seats money can buy.
Alpha JX Elongated Bidet Toilet Seat
Best Bidet Toilet Seat for Elderly
We chose this as the best choice for the elderly because it has a sittable toilet seat. Now that might not sound like much, but it is one of the most important features. When your elderly relative sits down, often they like to rest on the seat before contemplating doing their business.
There is a whole list of other features they will like: a warm air dryer with adjustable temperatures, it fits most one-piece toilets, you can adjust the water pressure and the nozzle, and for those who are challenged by technology, it has a one-touch wash and dry feature.
What We Like
Great for the Elderly
For all elderly relatives, this could be the ideal bidet toilet seat. It has a sittable lid, which helps when grandma is catching her breath, and it has one-touch wet and dry, to simplify the features for older people.
Remote Control
Remote controls make using the toilet seat about as user-friendly as it can get. You can adjust the water temperature, the seat temperature, and the wash and dry feature.
Fits Most One-Piece Toilets
This has a low profile, and so fits most one-piece toilets. This is good news because most bidet toilet seats better suit two-piece designs. It caters to wall-hung toilets too.
Tankless System
This is a tankless system, which means you can have endless warm water without fretting that the toilet water tank is empty. It also means you can use the spray for as long as you like.
What We Don't Like
Bad Seat Design
Elongated seats are excellent for both sexes, but this Alpha reduces the length of the seat by 1-inch and further narrows the width, making it difficult to use as a toilet.
Excessive Water
Beware that the spray nozzle will spray your entire behind and not just the bits that count. It isn’t a huge issue, but you will need to bear it in mind when drying with tissue or toweling off afterward.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 10.9 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 20.8 x 15.1 x 5.5 |
| Remote control | Yes |
| LED | Yes |
| Style | Elongated |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 3-years |
Our Ratings
Bio Bidet Bliss BB2000 Smart Toilet Seat
Best Luxury Bidet Toilet Seat
This seat costs way more than most that make the list. That said, it does have some neat features. It has a unique Hydro Flush that cleans the nozzle inside and out, plus, it has an eco-mode for power saving.
It also has an adjustable heated seat, a feminine setting, and a patented Vortex wash system that consists of 3 nozzles instead of 1. It provides a better posterior washing and better female cleaning with bubble infusion technology. This really is a bidet toilet seat fit for a king or queen.
What We Like
Vortex Cleaning
If you are looking for a class-leading soft wash on both the front and back, this has Vortex cleaning that utilizes 3 nozzles instead of one. And it uses bubble infusion technology to create the gentlest cleaning motion.
Motor-Driven Nozzle
The nozzle extends with a motor, making the whole retraction process a lot smoother. It also means it’s reliable, consistent and accurate. This feature also guides the nozzle head when self-cleaning.
HydroFlush Nozzle Cleaning
HydroFlush cleaning ensures that all the water impurities are flushed away using high pressure to push the water through the nozzle and down a drainage channel to stop water tracking back inside.
What We Don't Like
Very Expensive
This luxury bidet toilet seat really does cost a lot! It is almost 3 times as much as some models, so be prepared to dip into your pocket to gain that ‘Royal’ feel.
No Water Setting Memory
For the money you pay, you’d think there was a way to program the water setting to individual users. It would make for a much better ‘Luxury’ experience.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 15.27 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 21 x 15.6 x 9 |
| Remote control | Yes |
| LED | Yes |
| Style | Elongated |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Warranty | 3-years |
Our Ratings
GenieBidet Self-Cleaning Dual Nozzle Bidet Toilet Seat
Best Budget Bidet Toilet Seat
Not everyone can afford, or wants, to spend hundreds of dollars on a bidet toilet seat. If you’re shopping on a budget, this could be the one. It has basic controls that allow you to extend the nozzle manually and then wash.
There is no electronic intervention, so while it may lack the sophistication of others, it will be less prone to malfunction. It fits elongated toilets only, so if you have a round bowl, seek another product.
All in all, for value for money, this is hard to beat, but remember, it is the budget model, so it will have limitations on what it can do. Don’t expect whistles and bells.
What We Like
Unbelievably Affordable Price
While it is a basic bidet toilet seat, it is hard to believe that you can still get a seat for this price. It is almost 7 times less than the cost of the luxury pick.
Easy To Use Controls
The controls are simple. Push the lever back to extend the nozzle and then push it forward to engage the water jet. When you are done, return to the first setting to retract the nozzle.
Manual Operation
Some may see the manual operation as a downside, but a less complicated system lasts longer, and is less likely to malfunction. There are not many moving parts to go wrong, ensuring that the budget seat should last the distance.
What We Don't Like
Lacks Features
Not everyone will like the lack of features. Some may find it too basic and lacking in refinement. We suppose you get what you pay for.
Elongated Toilets Only
Thanks to its design, this bidet toilet seat is only suitable for elongated toilets. If you have a round bowl, the seat won’t fit and will overhang, reducing the usable space. Ensure that you order the corresponding GenieBidet toilet seat for your round bowl.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 5.5 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 21 x 18 x 3 |
| Remote control | No. Manual and non-electric |
| LED | No |
| Style | Elongated |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
Woodbridge B-0960S Smart Bidet Toilet Seat and Toilet
Best Smart Bidet Toilet Seat
Why not buy your smart toilet seat combined with the toilet, for ultimate convenience. This seat is super-smart. It knows when you approach it, and it opens automatically. Likewise, when you get up, the toilet flushes without you having to do a thing. It has a posterior wash, a feminine wash, a pulsating wash, and it even delivers filtered water.
It also oscillates and massages the areas it cleans.
You can adjust the water pressure, the water temperature, and the dryer temperature. It also has an adjustable heated seat. There’s even an automatic deodorizer that draws air through an ionized carbon filter to refresh the air around the toilet bowl.
This could easily have been the choice for the luxury bidet toilet seat, but it won for its unique smart features.
What We Like
Smarter Than Your Average Seat
A seat that opens and closes all by itself. A seat that automatically flushes when you have finished your business! This has to be the ultimate in smart technology. This seat is so intelligent, we’re surprised it doesn’t make the coffee and help with the household chores.
Massage Washing
It oscillates and pulsates as it washes, massaging your delicate bits and leaving them feeling refreshed and clean. What more could you ask of your toilet seat?
Ionized Carbon Filter
When you go, sometimes bad smells linger, but not with this toilet seat. It draws in the odor and passes it through an ionized carbon filter to leave your toilet smelling as fresh as it was when you went in.
What We Don't Like
Costs a Fortune
This bidet toilet seat is, by far, the most expensive on the list, but remember, you do get the toilet in for the bargain. However, you can almost buy two of the luxury picks for the price of one of these. If you desire all this smart technology, be prepared to pay a lot of money.
Void Warranty
Read the small print in the warranty. If the toilet and seat are not installed by a qualified plumber, the warranty is null and void. This adds to the considerable investment you make to purchase this already expensive toilet seat.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 151 (includes the toilet) |
| Dimensions (inches) | 32 x 19 x 26 (including toilet) |
| Remote control | Wall-mounted panel |
| LED | Yes |
| Style | Elongated |
| Price | $$$$$ (includes the toilet) |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
SmartBidet SB-2000 Round Bidet Seat
Best Heated Bidet Toilet Seat
With the trend for elongated toilets, there is also a substantial market for elongated bidet toilet seats. With that in mind, if you have a round bowl is there a bidet seat for you? This SmartBidet seat is the ideal choice.
It has a multi-wash function with an oscillating nozzle. It has 5 levels of adjustable water pressure, 3 water temperature levels and 5 nozzle positions. The heated seat has a skin off/on sensor that activates the seat when occupied, and even the warm air dryer has 5 settings to get the temperature spot on.
Couple all this with the energy-saving mode and the soft-closing lid and seat, and you have a perfect package for round toilets.
What We Like
Super-Adjustable Settings
You have 5 settings for the water pressure, 3 for the water temperature, 5 nozzle positions and 5 heated seat levels. It makes it easy to find a setting that meets your needs.
Round Bowls Only
Most toilets are elongated, but some people prefer a round toilet bowl. SmartBidet has designed this seat to fit round bowls only, so you can also benefit from a bidet toilet seat.
Competitive Price
With all this adjustability, you would think that this toilet seat would cost the earth, but that isn’t the case. The price is remarkably competitive, especially when you compare it to other makes and models.
What We Don't Like
Round Bowls Only
One of its biggest assets is also one of its biggest drawbacks. This seat will only fit rounded toilets and not those with an elongated body. So, if you have an elongated toilet, you’ll need to buy the version that suits your toilet style.
Compatible Plumbing Needed
Double-check the standard size plumbing in your state. This toilet seat requires a 0.375-inch adaptor, and in California, this is not standard. You may find yourself trawling DIY stores to get the right adaptor.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 10.6 ounces |
| Dimensions (inches) | 19.4 x 18.7 x 7.3 |
| Remote control | No |
| LED | No |
| Style | Round |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
Kohler K-5724-0 Puretide Manual Bidet Toilet Seat
Best Non-Electric Bidet Toilet Seat
This could have been our top pick for the budget model, but we felt it was best celebrated as the non-electric model. It has a low profile, and the wand is fully adjustable to get the right washing position.
It uses no batteries or electronic components and installs in minutes, making it ideal for the average DIY enthusiast. The control consists of a side lever with a twistable adjustment handle. This allows you to set the water pressure. By pulling and pushing the lever, you can change from front to back on the settings.
What we like about this model compared to the other manual seat, is this gives you that little bit more, meaning that while the prices are comparable, the budget model is far more basic.
What We Like
No Batteries or Electrics
This seat does everything you need in a bidet toilet seat but without the need to access a power supply. It means that less can go wrong and it is easier to master the controls. This makes it an ideal choice for the elderly.
Amazing Price
Okay, so this isn’t going to give the luxury seat a run for its money, but it is still a lot of product for the money, especially when you think that this costs 7 times less.
Quick Release Hinges
This seat has quick-release hinges that enable you to remove it for cleaning without needing to resort to tools. This is an important feature because these seats need regular cleaning.
What We Don't Like
Lacks Features
It lacks a heated seat, an air dryer, and other crucial features that you can expect from other, better-equipped bidet seats. But then again, if you did get these things, you’d be paying double or even triple the price.
Build Quality Issues
The quality of the materials used in the construction are cheap to keep the costs down. Given the price, it’s fair to say that something has to give in a bid to trim the price.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 7.8 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 22.25 x 20 x 6 |
| Remote control | No |
| LED | No |
| Style | Elongated |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
Toto C200 Electronic Bidet Seat
Best Round Bidet Toilet Seat
This Toto electronic bidet seat has an adjustable heated seat to ensure you always have a warm posterior no matter what the weather. It also has an oscillating, dual-action spray to deliver the best possible cleansing jet of water for your hindquarters and front parts.
The remote control has 2 user memory settings that make it easier for you to get the perfect wash experience, and the pre-mist setting coats the toilet bowl in a fine spray to help deter any stubborn waste matter from sticking.
It comes with the obligatory soft-close seat and lid, and there is a filter to remove nasty odors and replace them with fresh air. The adjustable warm air dryer completes the line-up and reduces the amount of toilet tissue you need to get dry.
What We Like
Warming Toilet Seat
If you live in colder climates, having a warming toilet seat is a real bonus, especially when you need to go in the middle of the night in sub-zero temperatures. This becomes a thing of the past with this toilet seat.
No Bad Smells
The filter stops any bad odors from lingering in your toilet. This is useful, especially if you have elderly or sick relatives that need to use the restroom more often than average.
Pre-Mist Spray
It is such a simple thing, but adding a spray of mist to the toilet bowl decreases the chances of the waste matter sticking, which means it flushes away easier. You will ultimately use less water and save money in the long run.
No Splashing
The wand is positioned to provide optimal cleansing without getting your entire rear end wet, along with the toilet seat. Unlike other seats in its class, this one promises that the water targets the right spots.
What We Don't Like
On the Expensive Side
While this seat doesn’t reach the heights of the luxury model, you will need considerably more funds to get your hands on this compared to others in its class. It is a quality product, but does that justify the extra outlay?
Round Toilets Only
Make sure you double-check your measurements because this seat is suited to round toilets only. You will need to order the specific elongated model if you have an elongated bowl.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | Not specified |
| Dimensions (inches) | 19.25 x 15.38 x 7.38 |
| Remote control | Yes |
| LED | No |
| Style | Round |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions | Remote control | LED | Style | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha JX Elongated Bidet Toilet Seat | Elderly | 11 lbs | 20.8 x 15.1 x 5.5″ | Yes | Yes | Elongated | 3-years |
| Bio Bidet Bliss Smart Toilet Seat | Luxury | 15 lbs | 21 x 15.6 x 9″ | Yes | Yes | Elongated | 3-years |
| GenieBidet Self-Cleaning Dual Nozzle Seat | Budget Pick | 6 lbs | 21 x 18 x 3″ | No | No | Elongated | 1-year |
| Woodbridge Smart Bidet Toilet Seat & Toilet | Smart Seat | 151 lbs | 32 x 19 x 26″ | No | Yes | Elongated | 1-year |
| SmartBidet SB-2000 Round Bidet Seat | Heated | 10.6 oz | 19.4 x 18.7 x 7.3″ | No | No | Round | 1-year |
| Kohler Puretide Manual Bidet Toilet Seat | Non-Electric | 7.8 lbs | 22.25 x 20 x 6″ | No | No | Elongated | 3-year limited |
| Toto C200 Electronic Bidet Seat | Round | N/A | 19.25 x 15.38 x 7.38″ | Yes | No | Round | 1-year limited |
How Do Bidet Toilet Seats Work?
Bidet toilet seats work by transforming your standard toilet so that it rivals the best bidets. They work in the same way as a conventional bidet. Once you have finished your business, a retracted nozzle extends when you press the wash button to position itself beneath your nether regions.
The controls will either be wall-mounted, remote control or attached to the seat. The nozzle sprays fine jets of water to remove any waste matter still present, and when you press stop, the nozzle retracts back inside the seat. All you need do is towel yourself dry.
Are Bidets More Sanitary?
Bidet seats are more sanitary because washing away fecal matter is always preferable to wiping with toilet tissue. Think about it; you would always wash your shoe if you stepped in dog’s mess, so why not wash your behind? Doesn’t your tush deserve it?
Bidets have been around for centuries, originating in France in the early 1700s (2). Since then, their popularity has spread globally, especially in Japan, where it is estimated that 80 percent of homes and business settings have a bidet installed.
If you compare the bidet seat with the dedicated bidet, it is more sanitary for the simple reason that it turns your toilet into a one-stop-shop, so to speak. You poop, wash and then flush, all from the same seated position.
With a bidet, you have to physically get off the toilet and position yourself over the bidet. The bidet is typically located next to the toilet for obvious reasons, but it still involves a change of position.
Secondly, bidets are enormously expensive and require additional plumbing, which could lead to extensive remodeling if you are retrofitting one. A bidet toilet seat replaces your old toilet seat and can be plumbed in and wired up with minimum fuss.
Types of Bidet Toilet Seats
There are two main ways your bidet toilet seat works.
Mechanical
These differ from the electrical varieties because the pipework connects to your existing water supply and relies on the water pressure to deliver the spray. They require no batteries or power supply. The jet gets delivered when you turn the control dial to release the water supply.
Electrical
For an electrical seat, you need a power supply nearby. This operates the pump to spray the jet of water, and it also means you can add a heap of extras like a heated toilet seat, dryers and instant temperature control.
Electrical seats are the most popular because of the convenience they bring, which is why almost all bidet seats sold are electrical.
What to Look For
Bidet toilet seats come with all manner of functions. You need to fathom out which are luxuries and which are essentials. Here’s a guide.
Look for Standard Features
Most bidet toilet seats have a set of accepted basic standards. They have warm water jets and adjustable controls to get the perfect wash experience and heated front feminine hygiene water sprays.
The nozzle positions are adjustable and self-cleaning, and you get soft-close seats and lids. These are the accepted basics you should be looking for. To get the best bidet toilet seat, it should do all of the above and more to stand out.
Look for Unique Features
Beyond the standard features, the things that set bidet seats apart from their basic varieties are things like automatic closing seats, LED night lights, and enema functions, to name a few.
Other advanced features include personalized programmable settings, high-velocity sprays, pre-misting toilet bowls, and universal fittings.
Does the Seat Fit
Before parting with your money, you should ensure that the toilet seat fits your particular toilet. It could be an expensive mistake otherwise. Two-piece elongated toilets are the best universal fit for bidet seats. If you own a one-piece toilet, a wall-mounted, or a designer skirted model, you will need to double-check that the seat you choose is the correct size.
Spray Pressure Strength
Each bidet seat is different, with some shooting hard jets while others offer a gentler option. If you have never used a bidet toilet seat before, this is not an issue because you have nothing to compare it to?
For the bidet connoisseur, this is a more crucial concern because you will have a clear idea of what type of spray suits you. Most models have a spray that gets the job done.
Quality, Reliability and Longevity
Look for brands that have a track record. These companies are fiercely protective of their reputation and will stop at nothing to ensure customer satisfaction. However, other, cheaper brands may not be around in 5 years time to offer you advice, and spare parts should your bidet seat malfunction.
Look at online reviews, taking particular notice of their after-sales reviews. Did they care? Did they bend over backward to help? These are the things you want to know. Everything mechanical or electrical will break at some point, that’s inevitable, but it’s how the company responds that keeps the customer happy.
Warranty
The warranty is the best test of a companies confidence in their product, and conversely, the longer the guarantee they offer, the more faith they have in their product. Most offer 1 to 3 years, but some give you the option to extend the warranty for a fee, beyond the original timeframe.
Check what the warranty covers too. Electrical elements are the most likely to malfunction, but mechanical components also wear out over time.
FAQs
Can You Add a Bidet Seat To an Existing Toilet?
Yes, that’s what they are designed to do. A bidet toilet seat transforms your existing toilet into a toilet and bidet in one. Just make sure that the seat fits your type of toilet. Some wall-hung toilets are more of a challenge and less likely to accommodate a bidet toilet seat.
How Do You Dry off After Using a Bidet?
The easiest way is to use a soft towel. Think of it as a bath for your backside. When you step out of the tub, you reach for the towel, so there is no difference with a bidet.
The other option is to use toilet tissue, but that creates more mess, which needs to be disposed of down the toilet. The third option is to buy a bidet toilet seat with a dryer that shoots warm air to dry your nether regions.
Are You Supposed To Wipe Before Using a Bidet Seat?
You should dry-wipe once to remove any excess fecal matter and drop the tissue in the toilet. Other than that, the spray jet should be ample to shift the dirt.
Do You Need a Plumber To Install a Bidet Toilet Seat?
The simple answer is no. You don’t need a plumber to install a bidet toilet seat, unless the warranty states it. These seats are a simple solution to transforming your toilet into a bidet, and as such, they are easy to install. That said, it does depend on your confidence levels and DIY skills.
But in the main, bidet toilet seats are simple to install.
How Much Electricity Does a Bidet Toilet Seat Use?
This is impossible to answer because it varies so greatly. Some have more complex features and therefore use more electricity, while others get a higher usage. Toilet seats in the US operate on 110 volts to power the onboard heater, and any other electrical features.
For a typical family of 4, on high usage, it could be as much as just under a hundred dollars annually. For a low usage family, that figure could drop to half.
Is a Bidet Toilet Seat Worth It?
The answer depends on your priorities, but if you’re looking for improved hygiene, less irritation, and general comfort while using the restroom, bidet seats offer significant advantages.
These toilets use water jets to cleanse posterior or female areas without needing paper products that can cause chafing and discomfort.
Plus, they use far less water than regular toilet flushing, creating environmental benefits as well.
How Much Should I Spend on a Bidet?
Higher-end options can cost upwards of $2,000, and while this might appear steep at first glance, many benefits can return value to users over the long term.
Bidet units cut down on toilet paper waste, have added conveniences like warm air drying and heated seats, and keep the entire bathroom smelling clean.
With these advantages taken into account and countless options on store shelves or online stores up for consideration, it isn’t unreasonable to ponder investing in a quality bidet system today.
How Long Should You Sit on a Bidet?
Sitting on a bidet can greatly improve your hygiene and comfort. However, some people may be unsure how long they should stay on the bidet to get the maximum benefit. The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, because it depends on individual needs.
Usually, a minute or two in total on the bidet is all you need to ensure proper cleansing. More time may be needed for those with sensitive skin or medical conditions like hemorrhoids.
If you’re content with how you feel after sitting for one minute, you should move off the bidet.
Do Bidets Spread Bacteria?
With the surge of bidet seats in bathrooms worldwide, there’s been an ongoing conversation about their safety. In particular, people have wondered whether using a bidet can spread bacteria and harmfully impact personal hygiene.
To answer this question, consider two aspects: how likely it’s for a bidet to grow bacteria and how likely it is for its users to get infected by said bacteria.
It turns out that while yes, some kinds of bacteria may grow on the parts of a bidet seat, they’re often too weak or harmless to cause infection.
Also, when used correctly—for example, by washing with clean water—there’s no risk of exposure to these germs. So, bidets are safe, hygienic tools that could help reduce germs spread if kept in optimal conditions.
How Often Should You Wash Your Bidet?
Washing your bidet once a month is a great way to ensure it remains clean and hygienic. The process is simple: clean the nozzle with water and mild soap, followed by rinsing any excess soapy residue.
You should also clean the rest of the bidet itself – this can be done with microfiber cloths or distilled white vinegar.
Once everything is dry, you can use an all-purpose cleaner on areas like the seat or lid to get rid of bacteria that may be present. Following these steps once a month will keep your bidet in tip-top condition!
Who Makes the Best Bidets?
Toto is widely regarded as the gold standard for bidets, and for a good reason. Toto has years of experience manufacturing these products and strives to set the benchmark for quality.
Toto models are a bit pricier than other options on the market, but the quality craftsmanship and extensive warranty make it worth the investment.
There are also two reliable alternatives: Alpha or Tushy. Alpha offers a range of basic to deluxe bidets with budget-friendly price tags.
Tushy bidets are aesthetically pleasing, making them great options for customers who want their units to match modern bathroom decor. In short, Toto remains king in bidets, but Alpha and Tushy provide consumers with quality features at more affordable prices.
All Hail the Bidet Seat
Instead of investing in an expensive bidet, the seat option saves you money, time and serious upheaval. With the advent of the pandemic, we’ve all seen the effects of panic buying on the supply chain of toilet tissue, so maybe it’s time to rethink our personal hygiene.
Surely the French have had the right idea for centuries, and it’s us in the US who should be making the change away from toilet tissue. Imagine the trees we could save, and that has to be good for the planet, right?
