Cutting back on how much water you use will reduce your environmental impact and also help bring down your bills. Toilets are among the biggest consumers of water in any home but modern toilets are far more eco-friendly than older models.
You can reduce how much water your toilet uses even further by choosing a dual-flush toilet, which has a standard flush and a lighter flush for liquid waste. Dual-flush toilets are now very popular, so you will have many products to choose from.
To help you find the right unit for your bathroom, we have reviewed seven of the best dual-flush toilets that are currently available. We chose these toilets for their water usage, appearance, and any extra features that improve their performance or user-friendliness.
- Siphonic flush
- Sleek modern style
- WaterSense-certified
- 20-inch seat height
- Helpful for limited mobility
- Possibly tax deductible
- Very smooth surface
- Reduces water waste
- Elongated bowl
- Sleek modern style
- Eco-friendly
- American-made
- Very smooth surface
- 0.8 or 1.28-gallon flush
- Minimalist modern design
- Stylish design
- WaterSense-certified
- Soft-close seat
- Class 5 flush technology
- Canister flush
- Competitively priced
Review Methodology: At Sensible Digs, we leverage our expertise and hands-on experience to provide an in-depth analysis of the best dual flush toilets. Our evaluation process is thorough, involving a detailed comparison based on key performance indicators such as water efficiency, ease of installation, design, and durability. We rank each product based on these criteria, using quantitative measurements obtained from rigorous testing. Our assessments also highlight unique design features and what sets each product apart from its competitors. Our goal is to provide you, the user, with relevant facts and data to help you make an informed decision. Trust in our professional reviews, as they are backed by first-hand evidence and extensive research.
The Best Dual Flush Toilets of 2023
A dual-flush toilet is a great option if you are looking to reduce how much water you use but it can be difficult to know which unit to choose. To narrow your options, we have reviewed seven of the best dual flush toilets you can buy today, chosen for their water efficiency, visual appeal, and any other design features they have.
Woodbridge T-0001/B0940 Elongated Toilet
Best Siphonic Dual Flush Toilet
This Woodbridge elongated toilet uses a powerful siphonic flush action that will remove waste quickly and efficiently. It combines these effective flush options with a sleek modern design that will look at home in any high-end bathroom.
This is an excellent overall toilet that scores highly for its comfort height, flush capability, and visual appeal. The flush uses 1 gallon of water on the light option and 1.6 gallons with the more powerful mode.
What We Like
Sleek Style
This toilet has a high-end, sleek appearance. It is an excellent option if you want a stylish modern bathroom.
Siphonic Flush
The siphonic flush removes waste material efficiently and is quieter than many of its competitors. The flush modes use 1.6 gallons or 1 gallon of water depending on how much power you need.
WaterSense-Certified
Despite this toilet using more water than some units, the two flush types average out at 1.28 gallons per flush, earning the toilet WaterSense certification.
What We Don't Like
Challenging Installation
This toilet is tricky to install, so it might be best to hire a professional plumber rather than trying to do it yourself.
Water Efficiency
This toilet is apparently WaterSense-certified but only because its average flush is 1.28 gallons. Its heavy flush uses 1.6 gallons, which is the maximum allowed in the United States.
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 |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Convenient Height 20-Inch Toilet
Best Convenient Height Dual Flush Toilet
The seat of this Convenient Height two-piece toilet is 20 inches off the floor. This is a couple of inches higher than most comfort-height seats, which makes it easier to sit down and stand up compared to standard toilets.
The heavy flush uses 1.28 gallons of water and the light one uses 0.9 gallons, so this toilet should make a significant difference to your water usage compared to a standard toilet. As a result, it is EPA WaterSense-certified.
Your purchase includes a slow-close, heavy-duty seat that is suitable for residential and commercial use. It makes the toilet more comfortable for users of any size.
What We Like
Water Efficiency
This toilet’s dual flush provides excellent water efficiency. Its light flush uses 0.9 gallons and the heavy flush uses 1.28 gallons of water, so you should notice a reduction in your overall usage.
Accessible Height
At 20 inches tall, this toilet’s seat will be more accessible for users with limited mobility. You won’t need to bend your knees as far to sit down and it will be easier to stand back up.
Tax Deductible
If you need a higher toilet due to limited mobility or other medical reasons, this toilet might be tax deductible. Check with the relevant authorities to find out whether this applies in your state.
What We Don't Like
Might Be Too Tall
This toilet’s 20-inch seat height will be an advantage for many people but it could be too tall for some others to sit on comfortably. It is about 5 inches higher than a standard toilet, which is a significant difference.
High Price
This is a specialist toilet designed for users with specific needs, which means it is more expensive than a standard unit. Even compared to other comfort height toilets, which tend to be expensive, it is at the high end of the price scale.
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 |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
American Standard H2Option Dual Flush Toilet
Dual Flush Toilet With the Best Flushing Power
This American Standard toilet removes waste very effectively with a minimal amount of water. We have chosen it as having the best flushing power among the dual flush toilets we have looked at.
This model uses siphoning technology, coupled with a PowerWash rim to provide optimal performance. The surface is covered with American Standard’s unique EverClean coating, which protects the toilet against scratches and makes it easier to wipe clean.
The two flush options use 0.92 and 1.28 gallons, which means this is a WaterSense-certified toilet. You will need to buy a toilet seat separately.
What We Like
Easy Cleaning
The EverClean coating gives the toilet a very smooth surface. This means dirt is less likely to stick to the surface and will be easier to wipe away if it does. It also protects the surface against scratches.
Saves Water
With a 0.92-gallon light flush and 1.28-gallon full flush, this toilet uses 20% less water than a standard 1.6-gallon toilet. In an average home, this could save about 4,000 gallons of water each year.
Elongated Bowl
The elongated bowl makes this toilet more comfortable for adults to sit on. It also provides a couple of extra inches at the front, which can be helpful for men.
Very Affordable
This toilet provides excellent value for money, especially considering that it is manufactured by a reputable brand in American Standard.
What We Don't Like
Seat Not Included
Your purchase doesn’t include a toilet seat, so you will need to buy one separately, which will increase your overall costs.
Two Pieces
This is a two-piece toilet, so you will need to perform some basic assembly. There is a seal between the tank and the bowl, which can allow leaks as it gradually wears down.
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 |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Woodbridge T-0019 Cotton White Toilet
Best Dual Flush Toilet for Modern Bathrooms
This toilet boasts Woodbridge’s signature style and luxury. Its sleek modern look wouldn’t look out of place in any expensive hotel or club.
However, this toilet offers more than just good looks. It uses siphon technology to achieve a powerful flush that will help keep the bowl clean.
It also has a comfort height seat that makes it easier to use for tall people and those with limited mobility. Using an average of 1.28 gallons per flush, this toilet is WaterSense-certified.
What We Like
Style and Quality
Modern bathrooms need modern toilets and this unit delivers plenty of style. It is suitable for both residential and commercial use.
Eco-Friendly
This Woodbridge toilet uses an average of 1.28 gallons per flush, earning it the EPA’s WaterSense certificate. Woodbridge claims it will save the average home 16,500 gallons of water per year compared to a traditional 3-gallon flush.
American Made
Woodbridge is based in California, which means they have an American customer support team if you need any help with installation or spare parts.
What We Don't Like
Difficult Installation
Like other Woodbridge toilets, this one is quite complicated to install. We recommend hiring a professional to install it to ensure it is done properly and won’t leak.
Average Water Usage
Although this is a WaterSense-approved toilet, it uses 1.28 gallons of water usage on average, so its high flush is less economical than many of its competitors.
Heavy
This porcelain toilet is very heavy. It weighs 152 pounds, so you might need help to move it safely and avoid damaging 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 | $$ |
| Warranty | 5-year limited porcelain and 1-year mechanical parts |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
TOTO Aquia IV Elongated One-Piece Toilet
Easiest to Clean Dual Flush Toilet
The cleaning power of this TOTO toilet is its standout attribute. It utilizes Dynamax Tornado flush technology, which cleans the bowl with a 360-degree system to ensure it reaches every inch of the surface.
It also benefits from a unique Cefiontect ceramic glaze that coats the surface, protecting it against stains, scratches, and mold. If anything does stay on the surface, it will be easy to wipe away.
The elongated bowl makes this toilet more comfortable for adults. It also reduces water resistance, which means the flush will be quieter.
What We Like
Superior Cleaning Power
Thanks to the flushing mechanism and the smooth surface of the toilet bowl, you won’t have to worry about waste and stains sticking to the surface. When the time comes to clean it, the coating will make your job very easy.
Low Water Usage
This toilet’s flushing power is even more remarkable as it only uses 0.8 or 1.28 gallons of water depending on the flush type. It will provide very efficient flushes.
Appealing Looks
This TOTO toilet has a minimalist modern design that will be at home in any high-end bathroom.
What We Don't Like
Two-Piece Design
This toilet looks like a one-piece unit once it is assembled but it is actually a two-piece. This means you will need to put it together before you can install it.
Expensive
TOTO makes high-end toilets and this dual-flush model is no exception. Unfortunately, this is reflected in its high price.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 119 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 27.5 x 15.5 x 29.5 |
| Type | Two-piece |
| Seat Height (inches) | 17.5 inches |
| Bowl Shape | Elongated |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Swiss Madison Well Made Forever SM-1T254 St. Tropez
Best Water-Saving Dual Flush Toilet
This Swiss Madison St. Tropez toilet is eco-friendly, using just 0.8 gallons of water on its low flush setting. It also has a sleek modern style, combining straight lines and a rounded bowl to achieve a distinctive look.
The name St. Tropez evokes images of glamor and luxury and this toilet lives up to those expectations. It is also WaterSense-certified, so it is efficient as well as stylish.
It has a glazed trapway and a wrap-around skirt that makes it easier to clean. Swiss Madison emphasizes that this toilet is easy to install, which makes it a great choice for people who prefer to do it themselves. The soft-close seat is another nice touch that will prevent accidental slamming, protecting the seat and toilet bowl.
What We Like
Stylish Design
This toilet is a match for any high-end model in terms of its good looks. Swiss Madison uses a combination of curves and straight lines to create a visually striking unit.
WaterSense-Certified
The two flush options use 0.8 gallons on the lighter flush and 1.28 gallons on the stronger flush. This toilet removes waste very efficiently.
Soft-Close Seat
This toilet includes a soft-close seat, so you will never need to worry about it slamming accidentally and waking your housemates in the middle of the night.
What We Don't Like
Tricky Installation
Despite Swiss Madison’s claims that this toilet is easy to install, we have seen customers reporting that it is quite tricky. You might need to hire a professional if you want to ensure it is installed properly.
Build Quality Issues
Customer reviews mention the build quality of this toilet failing to meet their expectations. Cracks and chips are apparently quite common, with some toilets even being delivered with signs of damage.
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 | $$ |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Kohler K-3987-0 Wellworth Toilet
Best Dual Flush Toilet for Preventing Clogs
This Kohler toilet has a unique canister flush action that means water floods into the bowl from every direction, keeping the flushing power consistent. This also means you shouldn’t need a toilet plunger.
The large flush releases water rapidly, so it removes waste from the toilet very effectively. Its flush is categorized as class 5, which reflects the material it can remove from the toilet without risk of clogging.
It also has a glazed trapway to decrease friction as the waste passes through the toilet. This is another effective tool to prevent clogging.
What We Like
Class 5 Flush Technology
This toilet has a class-leading flush, so it can remove more waste without increasing the risk of clogging.
Canister Flush
The canister flush system eliminates the need to use a plunger. It releases a rapid flow of water through a valve and jets concentrate their flow to improve the overall effectiveness.
Excellent Price
This toilet is very competitively priced, especially considering it is made by a reputable brand such as Kohler.
What We Don't Like
No Seat Included
This toilet is sold without a seat, although it is possible to buy one at an additional cost. It isn’t quite as good value for money as it first appears.
Delivery Issues
We have seen multiple customers complain that their toilets arrived cracked or chipped, so there appear to be problems with either the packaging or the delivery.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 86.3 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 29.25 x 18 x 27.75 |
| Type | Two-piece |
| Seat Height (inches) | 20 inches |
| Bowl Shape | Round |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
| 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 a Dual Flush Toilet?
Dual flush toilets have two different flush options, with a more powerful flush that uses a greater volume of water and a lighter flush that uses less water. The high flush will usually use either 1.6 gallons, which is the maximum in the United States, or 1.28 gallons, which qualifies a toilet for WaterSense certification. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awards a WaterSense certificate to any toilet that uses 20% less water than the government limit of 1.6 gallons.
These two flush options are intended to remove solid or liquid waste from your toilet without wasting water. The more eco-friendly low flush usually uses between 0.8 gallons to 1 gallon of water, which is enough to remove liquids.
Top Tip
Benefits of Dual Flush Toilets
Choosing a dual-flush toilet is all about reducing how much water you use. The EPA estimates that standard toilets account for almost 30% of an average home’s water usage (1). They also estimate that a home can save about 4,000 gallons annually by switching to a dual-flush toilet.
For this reason, the EPA set up the WaterSense certification scheme. A toilet can become WaterSense approved if it uses 1.28 gallons in its most powerful flush, which is 20% less than the federal limit of 1.6 gallons.
Reduced water use makes dual-flush toilets more eco-friendly, which will be reflected in your utility bills.
Choosing the Best Dual Flush Toilet
Flush Efficiency
Dual flush toilets are designed to reduce water waste, with a different flush option depending on the type of waste you need to remove. This means their flushes should use as little water as possible while ensuring that they still remove waste effectively.
The low flush needs to completely remove liquid waste to prevent the bowl from becoming stained. The high flush needs to use more water to remove solid waste. A toilet will usually use 1.6 or 1.28 gallons for its high flush and a gallon or 0.8 gallons for its light flush.
It is possible to find toilets that use even less water but you should be careful and read user reviews before buying one. If a toilet doesn’t have enough flushing power to remove waste effectively, you might need to flush it twice, which will defeat the purpose of buying a dual-flush toilet in the first place.
WaterSense Certification
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the WaterSense scheme to help buyers find eco-friendly products. To qualify for WaterSense certification, a toilet’s flush needs to use 20% less water than the United States limit of 1.6 gallons, which means 1.28 gallons.
If you want to be as eco-friendly as possible and reduce your utility bills, a dual-flush WaterSense toilet will be the best option. However, even a standard modern toilet would be a significant improvement on older units, which could use 3 gallons or even more with every flush.
Type and Style
Toilets generally have either a one-piece or two-piece design. One-piece toilets are popular because they don’t require assembly. The tank and bowl are a single piece, giving them a sleeker appearance and making them easier to clean. This seamless design means you won’t need to worry about dirt and bacteria building up around the seals as you would with a two-piece toilet.
Two-piece toilets often have a more traditional appearance, which makes them a great option for older homes. They require assembly but this is usually a straightforward process. Two-piece toilets are more prone to developing leaks because the tank and bowl are separate pieces and joined by a seal, but they are also usually more affordable.
A third option, a wall-hung toilet, is increasingly popular, especially with people who have small bathrooms. These toilets have their tanks concealed behind a false wall to achieve a minimalist look. They are ideal for modern bathrooms and are often used in downstairs WCs thanks to the small amount of space they occupy. You have probably seen them in public toilets.
Size and Shape
Toilets bowls are usually one of two shapes: round or elongated. Round bowls are wider and an average of 2 inches shorter than elongated bowls. Elongated bowls have a narrower shape and generally measure 18 or 19 inches long, compared to 16 or 17 inches for round bowls.
An elongated bowl is generally more comfortable for adults to sit on, especially men because of the extra couple of inches of space at the front.
The height of your toilet is also important. If anyone in your home suffers from mobility issues, we recommend choosing a comfort height toilet. A standard toilet usually has a seat height of 13 to 15 inches, whereas comfort height toilets are between 17 and 19 inches tall, so they require less effort to sit down and stand up.
Technology
Modern toilets have various features designed to improve your overall user experience. Manufacturers place much focus on the flushing system. Standard, gravity-flush designs rely on the weight and movement of the water to wash away any waste and clean the bowl.
The water travels through an S-shaped trap and the siphoning action completes the cycle. These systems are relatively simple and cheaper to buy.
Pressure-assisted flush systems use air to suck the water out of the bowl and remove the waste. They are more eco-friendly as they use less water but they are also more expensive to buy. A pressure-assisted system will also make more noise than a gravity flush.
Dual Flush Toilet FAQs
Are Dual Flush Toilets Good?
Dual flush toilets allow you to use less water if you only need to remove liquid or a small amount of other waste. Over a prolonged period, this can reduce your water usage significantly.
A standard dual-flush toilet will usually use 1.6 gallons of water with its stronger flush, which is the maximum in the United States, and 1 gallon with its lighter flush. A WaterSense toilet needs to use an average of 20% less than this, so it will usually have a 1.28-gallon heavy flush and a 0.8-gallon light flush.
There is no downside to choosing a dual-flush toilet, other than the increased cost. However, you should be careful not to choose one with a flush that uses too little water, as it might not remove waste effectively.
How Much Does a Dual Flush Toilet Cost?
The price of dual flush toilets varies as significantly as standard toilets, depending on the make and model. The least expensive models start at around $150 and the most expensive models can exceed $1,000.
Some dual-flush toilets use more advanced technology to increase their user-friendliness and probably their prices. Whatever your budget, you should be able to find a dual-flush toilet that meets your requirements.
Are Dual Flush Toilets Harder to Install?
Installing a dual flush toilet can be more complicated than a standard toilet but this isn’t a universal rule. If you are a confident DIYer and have installed toilets before, there is no reason you shouldn’t be able to do the same with a dual-flush toilet as long as you follow the instructions.
If you don’t have much experience with plumbing and want to ensure your toilet is installed properly, you should consider hiring a professional plumber. This will cost more money but will reduce the risk of issues arising in the future.
How Long Do Dual Flush Toilets Last?
Dual flush toilets are built to last, with most models having a lifespan of 10 to 15 years if they are properly maintained. To ensure that your toilet lasts as long as possible, clean it regularly and take the time to make sure its flush is working smoothly.
You should also periodically check for any signs of wear and tear or more serious damage. Following these basic steps should keep your dual-flush toilet working optimally for many years.
Do Dual Flush Toilets Leak More?
Dual-flush toilets are no more prone to leaks than single-flush toilets, but two-piece toilets can leak if the seal between the two parts is eroded. To prevent any issues, you should regularly inspect the toilet and its parts for signs of wear or damage.
Consider investing in a water-saving flapper or flush valve designed specifically for dual flush toilets. These can improve the toilet’s leak protection. If you discover a leak in your dual flush toilet, it is usually best to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible.
Are Single or Dual Flush Toilets Better?
Single-flush toilets are typically more affordable and easier to install than dual-flush toilets but they only have one flush option and will usually use more water.
Dual flush toilets offer two different flushing options, with one intended for solid waste and the other for liquid waste. Using the right flush for each type of waste will reduce how much water you waste, which will bring down your water bills.
If you can afford a dual-flush toilet, it will be a better option overall.
