Pre-1992, standard toilets used over 3 gallons per flush, but since then, it became federal law that toilets couldn’t use more than 1.6 gallons. That’s a saving of just over half.
Dual flush toilets allow you to choose a high or low setting when you flush, meaning you can save even more water. We take a look at the best dual flush toilets to give you the complete lowdown on what they do and why they are so popular.
- Siphonic flush
- Sleek styling
- Water-sense certified
- Dual flush technology
- Ideal for senior citizens
- Tax relief
- Squeaky clean
- Saves water
- Elongated bowl
- Style and quality
- Loves the planet
- American success story
- Superior cleaning power
- Low water usage
- Appealing looks
- Low flush setting
- Eco-friendly
- Soft-close seat
- Class 5 flush technology
- Canister flush
- Value for money
Product Reviews
With so many variables, dual flush toilets are a minefield of confusion. Getting to the right choice can be tricky, especially considering that it needs to cater to everyone’s needs. That’s where we come in. Here is our list of the 7 best dual flush toilets.
1. Woodbridge T-0001/B0940 Elongated Toilet
Best Siphonic Dual Flush Toilet
Not only does this toilet employ siphonic flush action, meaning it removes even the largest of deposits, but it also has style with modern lines. This toilet would grace the most modern bathrooms, giving it that European-chic look.
This is probably the best toilet on the list because it scores well for comfort height, flush capability and design. It even comes with a year warranty for peace of mind. The flush uses 1-gallon on the light option and 1.6 gallons when you need to remove solids.
What We Like
Sleek Styling
You cannot escape the fact that this toilet is classy. It scores well for having great styling and ultra-modern lines. This toilet oozes good looks.
Siphonic Flush
The siphonic flush deals with waste material efficiently, and it is quieter than others in its class. You get the option of a 1.6-gallon or a 1-gallon flush depending on how you’ve used the toilet.
Water-Sense Certified
Even though the flush uses more water than some, it averages out at 1.28 gallons per flush, winning it the Water-Sense certification for conserving water.
What We Don't Like
A Challenge To Install
This toilet is tricky to install. You might be better off getting a qualified plumber because many people have complained about how difficult it was to install.
Less Frugal With Water
Unlike some Water-Sense toilets, this Woodbridge uses 1-gallon and 1.6 gallons every time you flush. Some more eco-friendly toilets only use 0.8 and 1.28 gallons.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 151 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 28.5 x 14.5 x 27.2 |
| Type | One-piece |
| Seat Height (inches) | 16.5 inches |
| Bowl Shape | Elongated |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
2. Convenient Height 20-Inch Toilet
Best Convenient Height Dual Flush Toilet
This extra-tall two-piece toilet has a seat height of 20 inches, including the seat. Convenient height toilets make getting off and on a lot easier for taller people and those with mobility issues.
The flush action features 0.9 gallons on the light flush and 1.28 gallons on the high setting. This increases the efficiency of the flush to ensure maximum water conservation.
It is EPA Water-Sense certified and comes with a slow-close, heavy-duty seat that caters to residential and commercial use. It means that larger people will feel more comfortable sitting on this toilet.
What We Like
Dual Flush Technology
If water conservation matters to you, this toilet uses dual flush technology to increase the efficiency of the flush. This gives you the maximum effect with a minimum amount of water.
Ideal for Senior Citizens
The extra height makes the toilet more comfortable for those with mobility issues. It makes it easier to sit down and stand up.
Tax Relief
This toilet may qualify for tax deductions as a medical expense. Double-check to see if you are eligible within your own state.
What We Don't Like
Not Suitable for Everyone
Although it may be a comfort height for some, shorter people will struggle to use this toilet. It is 5 inches higher than standard toilets.
The Price
This is a specialist toilet designed for use with a specific group of people. For this reason, it is more expensive than standard toilets. Even compared to some comfort height toilets, the price is at the high-end.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 120 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 27 x 15 x 36 |
| Type | Two-piece |
| Seat Height (inches) | 20 inches |
| Bowl Shape | Elongated |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 3-year chinaware and 1-year mechanical parts |
3. American Standard H2Option Dual Flush Toilet
Dual Flush Toilet With the Best Flushing Power
This American Standard toilet could easily have been awarded the siphon flush award, but its ability to remove the waste with such a small amount of water gets it the flushing power accolade.
Like the Woodbridge, this model uses siphoning technology, coupled with a PowerWash rim to provide optimal performance. Staining is inhibited by the EverClean unique coating, which protects the toilet from scratches and helps to dislodge stubborn solid matter.
The dual flush uses 0.92 and 1.28 gallons per flush, making it a Water-Sense certified toilet.
What We Like
Squeaky Clean
The EverClean coating keeps the bowl super-clean. It helps to reduce instances of staining as well as dislodges stubborn solid matter. This is ideal if you have relatives with medical conditions that increase their toilet usage.
Saves Water
Using just 0.92 gallons on the light flush and 1.28 gallons on the full flush saves about 20 percent on the 1.6-gallon toilets. That equates to over 4,000 gallons every year. Imagine the savings you could make.
Elongated Bowl
The elongated bowl makes it more comfortable for adults to use. It also means that if you are a man, sitting down gives you an extra couple of inches at the front.
How Much?
This toilet is excellent value for money, so much so that we did a double-take. How on earth does American Standard manage to sell them so cheaply?
What We Don't Like
No Seat Included
We feel a bit mean complaining that the seat comes separately, but why do they sell a toilet without one? You wouldn’t sell a car without wheels!
It Takes Two
This is a two-piece toilet, so you will need to perform some basic assembly. Also, because there is a seal between the tank and the bowl, leaks are more likely as the seal perishes.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 32.8 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 15 x 29.75 x 30 |
| Type | Two-piece |
| Seat Height (inches) | 15 inches |
| Bowl Shape | Elongated |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty on the chinaware and 5-year limited mechanical parts |
4. Woodbridge T-0019 Cotton White Toilet
Best Dual Flush Toilet for Modern Bathrooms
Like the other Woodbridge model featured, this one also fizzes with style and luxury. This toilet would grace any high-class hotel bathroom suite, which, let’s face it, is where we all get most of our bathroom design ideas.
It offers more than just looks. It uses siphon technology to create a flush that is powerful and keeps the bowl clean. It has a comfort height seat to make it more practical for tall people and the mobility challenged to use it, and it is Water-Sense certified because it uses an average of 1.28 gallons per flush.
What We Like
Style and Quality
Modern bathrooms need modern toilets. This has it all, style, grace and sleek lines. If this thing could walk and talk, it would probably have a wonderful personality too.
Loves the Planet
This Woodbridge model uses an average of 1.28 gallons per flush. It’s why the EPA awarded it their Water-Sense certificate. Woodbridge claims it will save you 16,500 gallons a year compared to a standard single flush 3-gallon toilet.
An American Success Story
Woodbridge is based in California, so they have American support teams on hand should you need advice on installation or spare parts.
What We Don't Like
Like the other Woodbridge toilet, this one is a pain to install. Our advice is to seek professional help or risk damaging the toilet, or worse, leaks further down the line.
Average Water Usage
While this is a Water-Sense backed toilet, the 1.28 gallons water usage is an average, so it isn’t as frugal as others with lower averages.
How Heavy?
This toilet weighs a ton. It tops 152 pounds, so you may need to call for assistance if you attempt to lift it.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 152 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 31 x 18 x 28 |
| Type | One-piece |
| Seat Height (inches) | 18 inches |
| Bowl Shape | Elongated |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | 5-year limited porcelain and 1-year mechanical parts |
5. TOTO Aquia IV Elongated One-Piece Toilet
Easiest to Clean Dual Flush Toilet
What sets this TOTO toilet apart is the cleaning power. It utilizes Dynamax Tornado flush technology, which cleans the bowl by using 360-degree washing power to reach every inch of the surface.
It also benefits from a unique Cefiontect ceramic glaze that coats the surface, making it harder for staining, scratches as well as mold from solids clinging to the bowl.
The elongated bowl is more comfortable for adults, and it reduces water resistance making the flush quieter.
What We Like
Superior Cleaning Power
Thanks to the flushing mechanism and the design of the toilet bowl, staining and waste material don’t stand a chance. Couple that with the unique stay-clean coating, and you have a gleaming toilet.
Low Water Usage
All of that flushing power comes from a mere 0.8 and 1.28 gallons of water. That’s impressive because it gets the maximum from minimum resources.
Appealing Looks
This TOTO falls into the same stylish looks as the Woodbridge. It fits the decor of modern bathrooms with high-end aspirations.
What We Don't Like
Two-Piece Design
At first glance, you would think this is a one-piece toilet, but look closer, and you’ll see it is a two-piece design. This means it needs assembly before installation.
Increased Price
Now that we are stepping up the models and ranges, we see a gradual increase in the price. This toilet costs more than the Woodbridge, and yet it has the same sleek lines.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 119 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 27.5 x 15.5 x 29.5 |
| Type | Two-piece |
| Seat Height (inches) | 17.5 inches |
| Bowl Shape | Elongated |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
6. Swiss Madison Well Made Forever SM-1T254 St.Tropez
Best Water-Saving Dual Flush Toilet
This Swiss Madison toilet is eco-friendly, using just 0.8 gallons of water on the low flush setting. It is a stylish toilet, much like the Woodbridge models with sleek lines and minimalist design.
It has a glazed trapway and a wrap-around skirt to make it easy to clean. Swiss Madison also claims this toilet is easy to install, which is great news for DIY enthusiasts. The soft-close seat completes the line-up of benefits this toilet brings.
If you call a toilet St. Tropez, you are conjuring images of glamor and sophistication, and luckily this model lives up to its name.
What We Like
Stylish Design
This toilet rivals the Woodbridge models for good looks. Swiss Madison utilizes clean lines and unfussy design to create a toilet that would look fabulous in a high-end bathroom.
Water-Sense Certified
The dual flush options give you 0.8 gallons on the lighter flush and 1.28 gallons on the higher flush. It is one of the best performers in its class.
Soft-Close Seat
The soft-close seat comes as standard with this toilet. It means that the seat will never slam in the middle of the night and wake the entire house.
What We Don't Like
Get the Professionals In
This toilet is incredibly tricky to install, so the advice is to call the professionals if you want the smoothest outcome.
Build Quality Issues
Many people have reported that the build quality of the toilet leaves a lot to be desired. Cracks and chips are commonplace, especially straight out of the box.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 120 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 26.6 x 15 x 31 |
| Type | One-piece |
| Seat Height (inches) | 15.5 inches |
| Bowl Shape | Elongated |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
7. Kohler K-3987-0 Wellworth Toilet
Best Dual Flush Toilet for Preventing Clogs
This toilet has a unique canister flush action that lets water flood in from all sides of the bowl, ensuring that the power of the flush stays constant. It also eliminates the need for a toilet plunger. The large flush valve also releases a rapid flow that increases the cleaning capabilities of the water.
Kohler has developed class 5 flushing to increase the bulk of what you can send down the toilet without it clogging. It also has a glazed trapway to decrease the friction as the waste matter passes through. This is another tool to prevent clogging.
What We Like
Class 5 Flush Technology
This toilet has a class-leading flush capability. It increases the bulk of what can successfully get flushed down the toilet without clogging.
Canister Flush
The canister flush system eliminates the need to use a plunger. It releases a rapid flow of water through a valve and jets concentrate their flow to increase the cleaning effect.
What a Great Price
This toilet is such a competitive price; it makes you wonder why it is so cheap?
What We Don't Like
No Seat Included
The seat for this toilet is available separately at an additional cost. Why anyone would sell a toilet without a seat is mystifying.
Delivery Quality Issues
Several people have complained that their toilets arrived cracked or chipped, so it would seem that there is very little quality control either at the factory or with the way they are delivered.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 86.3 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 29.25 x 18 x 27.75 |
| Type | Two-piece |
| Seat Height (inches) | 20 inches |
| Bowl Shape | Round |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
| Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions | Type | Seat Height | Bowl Shape | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodbridge One-Piece Toilet | Siphonic | 151 lbs | 28.5 x 14.5 x 27.2″ | One-piece | 16.5″ | Elongated | 1-year limited |
| Convenient Height 20-Inch Toilet | Convenient Height | 120 lbs | 27 x 15 x 36″ | Two-piece | 20″ | Elongated | 3-year |
| American Standard H2Option Toilet | Flushing Power | 33 lbs | 15 x 29.75 x 30″ | Two-piece | 15″ | Elongated | Lifetime warranty |
| Woodbridge T-0019 Cotton White Toilet | Modern Bathrooms | 152 lbs | 31 x 18 x 28″ | One-piece | 18″ | Elongated | 5-year limited |
| TOTO Aquia IV Elongated One-Piece Toilet | Easiest to Clean | 119 lbs | 27.5 x 15.5 x 29.5″ | Two-piece | 17.5″ | Elongated | 1-year limited |
| Swiss Madison Well Made Forever St.Tropez | Water-Saving | 120 lbs | 26.6 x 15 x 31″ | One-piece | 15.5″ | Elongated | 1-year limited |
| Kohler K-3987-0 Wellworth Toilet | Preventing Clogs | 86 lbs | 29.25 x 18 x 27.75″ | Two-piece | 20″ | Round | 1-year limited |
What Is Dual Flush?
Dual flush toilets give you the ability to choose the amount of water you use to flush. Typically, they have a high and low setting. The high flush will either use 1.6 gallons or 1.28 gallons. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awards a Water-Sense certificate to any toilet that uses 20 percent less water compared to the federally regulated 1.6 gallons.
The amount of water you choose depends on whether you pass solids or liquid during your visit to the lavatory. For fluids, you should select the eco-friendly low flush setting as this uses between 0.8 gallons to 1-gallon of water. For solids, you use the higher setting as this requires more force to remove the waste matter.
Top Tip
Advantages of Dual Flush Toilets
It’s all about water usage and conservation. The EPA estimates that standard toilets account for almost 30 percent of your home’s water usage (1). They also estimate that 4,000 gallons could be saved annually by switching to a dual flush toilet.
For this reason, the EPA has set up the Water-Sense certification scheme. It awards the certificate to toilets that use 20 percent less water compared to the federal standard of 1.6 gallons.
Besides the environmental implications, there are also financial costs to bear in mind. If you are using 4,000 gallons more water with a single flush toilet, try and work out how much extra that is costing you every year.
How to Choose (Buying Guide)
Flushed With Success
The best dual flush toilets save you water. They employ various techniques to do this, each with varying degrees of success. Make sure your toilet is fit for purpose and actually performs the flush successfully the first time. Solids are harder to shift, so if you find you are flushing the toilet a couple of times, you completely negate the benefit of the toilet.
The low flush setting needs to remove the liquid waste to prevent the bowl staining. If left unchecked, this can lead to permanent discoloration, making your toilet an unappealing fixture to use.
Water-Sense or Not
The Environmental Protection Agency created the Water-Sense scheme to recognize the eco-credentials of toilets that use 20 percent less water than the federal minimum standard of 1.6 gallons.
If you are keen to preserve the planet’s resources, this will be the obvious choice of toilet for you. However, even the standard flush toilets are a significant improvement on the older models that chucked gallons and gallons of water down the drain with every flush.
You may have particular medical conditions that require a more forceful flush with a higher water capacity. If this is the case, choose a 1.6-gallon toilet.
Type and Style
Toilets generally come in one and two-piece options. One-piece toilets are popular because they require no assembly. The tank and the bowl are one, making them sleeker in design and easier to clean. You don’t have to worry about bacterial build-up around the seals like you do with a two-piece toilet.
Two-piece toilets are typically more conservative in style and better suit traditional bathrooms, and require some assembly. They are more prone to leaking because the tank and the bowl are separate and joined by a seal. Two-piece toilets are slightly cheaper to buy compared to one-piece models.
There is a third option of toilet style, which is becoming increasingly popular, especially with people who have small bathrooms. Wall-hung toilets are sleek with minimalist looks. They suit modern bathrooms and are a popular choice for downstairs WCs. The advantage of a wall-hung toilet is the tank is concealed behind a wall. This helps to hide the plumbing, giving a neat finish.
Size and Shape
Toilets typically come in two shapes, namely, round bowls and elongated bowls. Round bowls are fatter and use about 2 inches less length than the longer and thinner elongated bowls. Elongated bowls measure between 18 or 19 inches in length, whereas round bowls are 16 to 17 inches.
The advantage of an elongated bowl is that adults generally find them more comfortable to sit on, especially men, because they gain an extra couple of inches at the front.
The height of your toilet matters too. If you have elderly relatives in the house or people who suffer from mobility issues, you should get a comfort height toilet. They are easier to use. Standard toilets are 13 to 15 inches in seat height while comfort height toilets are between 17 and 19 inches tall.
It’s All About the Technology
Modern toilets are packed with features designed to improve the user experience. It comes as no surprise that most of the effort gets dedicated to the flushing system. Older, gravity-fed designs rely on the weight and movement of the water to wash away the waste and clean the bowl.
The water travels through an S-shaped trapway, and the siphoning action completes the cycle. These systems are simpler and cheaper to buy.
Pressure assisted flush systems use air to suck the water into the bowl and remove the waste. They are more efficient because they use less water, but they are also more expensive to buy. Pressurized systems are also noisier.
It’s All About Saving Water
Dual flush toilets are about water conservancy. It means you get the most out of the smallest amount of water possible. It is also about saving money. When you think about how much water we used for flushing away, it is scary to think that water is now a precious resource.
Dual flush toilets are good for the planet, good for your wallet and good for your conscience.
