Replacing a toilet is relatively straightforward but adding a new one can be very complicated due to the amount of plumbing involved. A macerating toilet makes this far easier and it can be installed almost anywhere.
Macerating toilets don’t require an extensive plumbing system, drains, or a septic tank. Despite being less common than standard toilets, you will still have plenty of these upflush toilets to choose from, so you might need some advice.
To help you find your ideal toilet, we have reviewed seven of the best macerating toilets that are currently available. We chose these products for their flush type and effectiveness, material, and how easy they are to install.
- Compact size
- High-capacity scavenger pump
- Slow-close seat
- Industry-leading brand
- Battery-powered flush
- Ideal for basements
- Removable maintenance panel
- WaterSense-certified
- RazorCut macerator
- Concealed pump and macerator
- Dual flush
- Comfort height
- Pumps waste up 15 feet
- Saniflo quality
- 3,600 RPM macerator
- Eco-friendly dual flush
- No vent needed
- Soft-close seat
- Durable metals
- Powerful 500-watt pump
- Four water inlets
Review Methodology: At Sensible Digs, we evaluate products like macerating toilets from a user’s perspective, using rigorous criteria and hands-on experience. Our professional team performs detailed assessments, comparing and ranking each product based on performance, design, and key decision-making factors such as efficiency, ease of installation, and durability. We provide hard data and factual evidence on each product’s performance, highlighting what makes a specific toilet stand out from its competitors. Our findings are based on thorough research and testing, ensuring you get an unbiased, fact-based review to help you make the best decision. Trust our reviews because we prioritise your needs and satisfaction above all.
The Best Macerating Toilets of 2023
A macerating toilet is a great option for anyone looking to install a toilet outside of their bathroom. To help you choose from the various models on the market, we conducted extensive research and reviewed seven of the best macerating toilets you can buy today. These toilets were chosen for their flush effectiveness, build quality, and ease of installation.
Five Oceans TMC Marine Electric Macerating Toilet
Best Macerating Toilet for RVs
If you want a compact toilet that is ideal for RVs and has a macerating function, this is an excellent option. Five Oceans is one of the leading names in the marine and camping waste disposal industries, and this toilet is another great example of why.
It uses a high-capacity scavenger pump to macerate the waste and move it to the tank. As a high-quality toilet, it also has a slow-close seat and push-button flush, and the bowl is made of china and easy to clean. Its compact size is ideal for tight spaces such as RV bathrooms. Even with all these positive points, the price is competitive, costing about half as much as toilets from some of the other top brands.
What We Like
Compact Size
This toilet measures 14.5 x 17.5 x 13 inches, making it ideal for installation in an RV or boat. Despite its compact size, it is still designed to be comfortable to sit on.
Powerful Pump Action
With marine use in mind, this toilet has a high-capacity scavenger pump and macerator that grinds the waste and flushes it into your boat or RV’s septic tank.
Competitive Price
Given its high-quality build and functionality, this toilet costs less than you probably expect. It is an excellent compact macerating toilet at a reasonable price.
What We Don't Like
12-Volt Toilet
This toilet requires a constant 12-volt power supply to function. While it is excellent for installation in RVs, it will drain the battery while in use.
Function Over Style
It is clear that this toilet’s looks took a backseat to its functionality. This macerating toilet bears little resemblance to standard toilets, so it is better suited for RV or boat use, rather than home installation.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 35 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 14.5 x 17.5 x 13 |
| Dual/single flush | Dual |
| Material | China |
| Soft-close seat | Yes |
| Price | $$ |
| Pumping height | 2 feet |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Saniflo SaniAcess 3 Elongated Toilet
Best Elongated Macerating Toilet
Saniflo is a name that is synonymous with macerating toilets and the company is the industry leader by a distance. The elongated shape of this toilet makes it more comfortable for adults to sit on, thanks to the extra space at the front.
This toilet has a powerful, battery-powered flush. The batteries have an excellent lifespan due to storing power between uses. Thanks to the force the pump generates, you will be able to install this toilet in a basement without any impact on its performance.
What We Like
Leading Brand
Saniflo dominates the macerating toilet market and has an excellent reputation, so you can buy the company’s products with absolute confidence.
Easy To Get Spares
Even with a high-quality unit, macerating toilets will eventually encounter issues with frequent use. Saniflo’s position as an industry leader means it is easy to get replacement parts, unlike some older or less popular models.
Ideal for Basements
Saniflo fit their toilets with powerful pumps that can move waste over 100 feet. They also have a pump height of over 10 feet, making them an ideal choice to fit in a basement.
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Saniflo is the market leader for macerating toilets, which is reflected in the price of the company’s products. You will likely spend far more on one of their toilets than any other brand.
Loud Flush
Some users have complained that this toilet has one of the loudest flushes among macerating models. This could be a problem if you use it at night, especially in a cramped RV or boat.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 18 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 10.75 x 18.75 x 6.75 |
| Dual/single flush | Single |
| Material | Ceramic |
| Soft-close seat | No |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Pumping height | 15 feet |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Liberty Pumps Ascent II Macerating Toilet
Best Maintenance Macerating Toilet
If you need a macerating toilet that can pump waste from particularly low basements, this Liberty Pumps model is a great option. Its pump height of 25 feet eclipses the vast majority of other upflush toilets.
It also uses advanced RazorCut technology to process your solid waste more efficiently. If the macerator becomes blocked, this unit has a removable panel that provides easy access to unblock it.
What We Like
Easy Maintenance
Thanks to the removable maintenance panel on the macerator, you will be able to quickly access any blockages and remove them before they become a bigger issue.
Easy to Install
This Liberty Pumps toilet is relatively easy to install and should be achievable by anyone with a decent amount of DIY experience.
Water Efficiency
This toilet uses 1.28 gallons of water per flush, earning it the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense certificate. This is because it uses 20% less water than the current limit in the United States.
RazorCut Macerator
The RazorCut macerator is very efficient, turning solid waste into a liquid very quickly. This efficiency also means the macerator is less likely to become blocked during use.
What We Don't Like
Yearly Macerator Renewal
The macerator’s blades need to be replaced annually to keep your toilet working as intended. Keep this in mind when deciding whether or not this toilet is suitable for your budget.
Noisy Flush
This toilet makes a lot of noise when it flushes, which is something to keep in mind if you are installing it in a bedroom or anywhere else that it might wake people.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 134.5 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 29.25 x 20 x 32.25 |
| Dual/single flush | Single |
| Material | ABS plastic |
| Soft-close seat | No |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Pumping height | 25 feet |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Saniflo Sanicompact Self-Contained Toilet
Best Self-Contained Macerating Toilet
The Saniflo Sanicompact is a self-contained macerating toilet. It is ideal for fitting into a small space and, with a vertical pump rise of 9 feet, it could even be suitable for a basement.
This toilet is eco-friendly, using approximately 1 gallon of water per flush, and it can be connected to a sink to flush using gray water. The toilet seat is 18.5 inches off the ground, which also makes this a comfort height toilet. It is an excellent choice for installing in a bedroom for someone with mobility issues.
What We Like
Compact Size
This toilet has its pump and macerator built into the unit beneath the bowl, allowing for a smaller footprint. It also means you won’t need to hide the macerator behind a false wall if you want a minimalist finish in your bathroom.
Eco-Friendly
This toilet’s full flush only uses 1.28 gallons of water, but you can reduce this even further to 1 gallon if you choose the dual-flush version.
Comfort Height
Macerating toilets are a popular choice for adding to the rooms of elderly relatives and other people with limited mobility. Saniflo has taken this into account and placed the seat of this toilet at comfort height, which makes it easier to sit down and stand up.
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Saniflo toilets are among the most expensive on the market. This model is not at the high end of the brand’s price scale but you will still need to spend a lot of money to buy one.
Build Quality Issues
Despite Saniflo’s high reputation, some customers feel that the toilet’s price tag does not reflect its overall build quality.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 52.2 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 18.25 x 14.5 x 15.75 |
| Dual/single flush | Single |
| Material | Porcelain |
| Soft-close seat | No |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Pumping height | 9 feet |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Saniflo SaniPLUS Macerating Toilet
Best Two-Piece Macerating Toilet
Unlike some of Saniflo’s other toilets, which have elongated designs, this one has a standard round bowl, which you might find more comfortable. It includes a toilet bowl, flush tank, and pump, but you will need to buy a seat separately.
The pump is powerful and capable of moving waste 15 feet vertically, which is ideal if you need to fit the toilet below the sewer line. It works with a maximum pipe length of 150 feet, so you can install it on the opposite side of the house to your waste stack.
What We Like
Powerful Pump
The pump on this toilet is powerful enough to lift the waste 15 feet and move it along a 150-foot-long pipe. This means you will the flexibility to position the toilet almost anywhere in your home.
Saniflo Quality
Saniflo is the undisputed industry leader in macerating toilets and this toilet lives up to that high reputation.
3,600 RPM
The macerator blades spin at a super-fast 3,600 RPM. This helps it process solid waste more quickly and means the toilet is less likely to suffer blockages.
What We Don't Like
High Price Tag
The only major downside to buying a Saniflow toilet is how much it will cost you. They are much more expensive than other macerating toilet brands.
No Seat
Given the high cost, it is surprising and disappointing that Saniflo didn’t include a toilet seat. You will need to buy one separately and ensure that it fits the bowl.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 99.7 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 27.9 x 20 x 17.5 |
| Dual/single flush | Single |
| Material | Porcelain |
| Soft-close seat | No |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Pumping height | 15 feet |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Intelflo 600-Watt One-Piece Macerating Toilet
Best Dual Flush Macerating Toilet
This Intelflo toilet has a similar design to Saniflo’s compact models, with the pump and macerator built into the base of the bowl. This toilet’s standout feature is its dual flush, which uses 0.75 gallons for the light flush and 1 gallon for the hard flush.
A dual flush is a rarity on macerating toilets and it means this model is far more eco-friendly than most of its competitors. Its pump can lift waste material 20 feet vertically and up to 160 along a pipe, allowing you to install it in deep basements.
What We Like
Dual Flush Saves Water
Being able to choose from two different flush types will help you reduce how much water you waste. This is kinder to the environment and should save you some money on your water bills.
Minimalist Style
Macerating toilets are rarely visually appealing but this model looks like a regular toilet thanks to its concealed pump and macerator.
No Vent Needed
This is a self-contained unit with a pump and macerator concealed within the toilet bowl. As they are sealed, you won’t need a vent to reduce odors.
Silent Soft-Close Seat
The soft-close seat prevents slamming, which will help you avoid waking your housemates in the middle of the night.
What We Don't Like
Rounded Bowl
This is a matter of personal preference, but this toilet has a traditional rounded bowl. Elongated bowls are generally more comfortable for adults but this isn’t a universal rule.
Awkward Maintenance
As the pump and macerator are concealed inside the toilet base, they could be tricky to access if you need to unblock the system. You might need to remove the toilet from the wall to gain access.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 58.8 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 23.75 x 21.5 x 17.75 |
| Dual/single flush | Single |
| Material | Ceramic |
| Soft-close seat | Yes |
| Price | $$$ |
| Pumping height | 20 feet |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Sanimove Macerating Toilet with 500Watt Maerator Pump
Best Versatile Macerating Toilet
This Sanimove toilet can be installed in a wide range of locations such as a cloakroom, WC, or bathroom. This is thanks to its four water inlets that can be connected to various sources. Then, simply connect it to an electrical supply and a discharge pipe, and you will be good to go.
This toilet is also a strong flusher. A 500-watt upflush system uses a large amount of pressure to power the macerator blades and pump for effective waste processing. It can pump its waste up to a height of 24 feet.
Durable Materials
With a durable aluminum motor casing and strong stainless steel blades, this is a high-quality toilet. It will process waste efficiently and continue working properly for many years.
Powerful Flush
A 500-watt pump and a pressure chamber provide a strong flush. This means you will be able to depend on it to remove waste efficiently every time you use it. It will pump waste up to a height of 24 feet, which is very impressive.
Easy Installation
You will be able to install this toilet anywhere as long as you have an electrical outlet and discharge pipes. This is why it is our choice for the most versatile macerating toilet.
What We Don't Like
Plastic Parts
Although this toilet is mostly made of high-quality materials such as aluminum and stainless steel, it still has some plastic parts. Unfortunately, these plastic parts are relatively fragile, so they impact the toilet’s overall durability.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 103.8 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 33 x 26 x 20 |
| Dual/single flush | Single |
| Material | Aluminum motor casing, stainless steel, and plastic |
| Soft-close seat | No |
| Price | $$$ |
| Pumping height | 24 feet |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
| Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions | Dual/single flush | Material | Soft-close seat | Pumping height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Five Oceans TMC Marine Electric Toilet | RVs | 35 lbs | 14.5 x 17.5 x 13″ | Dual | China | Yes | 2 feet |
| Saniflo SaniAcess 3 Elongated Toilet | Elongated | 18 lbs | 10.75 x 18.75 x 6.75″ | Single | Ceramic | No | 15 feet |
| Liberty Pumps Ascent II Macerating Toilet | Low Maintenance | 135 lbs | 29.25 x 20 x 32.25″ | Single | ABS plastic | No | 25 feet |
| Saniflo Sanicompact Self-Contained Toilet | Self-Contained | 52 lbs | 18.25 x 14.5 x 15.75″ | Single | Porcelain | No | 9 feet |
| Saniflo SaniPLUS Macerating Toilet | Two-Piece | 100 lbs | 27.9 x 20 x 17.5″ | Single | Porcelain | No | 15 feet |
| Intelflo One-Piece Macerating Toilet | Dual Flush | 58.8 lbs | 23.75 x 21.5 x 17.75″ | Single | Ceramic | Yes | 20 feet |
| Sanimove Macerating Toilet | Best Versatile | 103.8 lbs | 33 x 26 x 20″ | Single | Aluminum, stainless steel,plastic | No | 24 feet |
What Is an Upflush/Macerating Toilet System?
A macerating toilet, also called an upflush toilet, works differently from a standard gravity-fed toilet. When someone uses the toilet, the waste enters a macerating pump tank, which shreds it into liquid form. This liquid is then pumped upward or sideways into your existing waste stack. In contrast, conventional toilets remove waste using a combination of gravity and water pressure, which requires more complex plumbing.
When to Choose a Macerating Toilet
As a macerating toilet requires only basic plumbing and doesn’t rely on gravity, it can be installed in rooms without conventional plumbing to a drain or septic tank. This makes it ideal for adding a toilet area to a bedroom, without needing to make major changes to your plumbing, such as when someone can’t access your main bathroom.
This type is also ideal if you want to fit a toilet into a basement, where you will be unable to install a standard toilet. As the toilet is below the rest of your plumbing, you won’t be able to use gravity, which is why a macerating upflush toilet is the best choice.
How to Choose the Best Macerating Toilet
If you are buying a macerating toilet, it is probably because you need to address a specific need in your home. If you are adding a toilet for someone with limited mobility, it is extra important to choose the right one. Spend some time thinking about the following points as they will help you find your ideal toilet.
Flush Effectiveness
Standard toilets use gravity and water flow to flush the waste they contain, so it is important that they are located above the sewer or septic tank. In contrast, macerating toilets are usually either below the drainage as they are located in basements, or they are installed away from plumbing and drain lines.
This means a pump is required to move the waste into the macerating tank, where it is then flushed into the existing waste stack. This requires an electrical connection. Some macerating toilets use water pressure to push the waste sideways into the septic tank or sewer.
You will usually find this feature on older models but be careful. If you find a cheap macerating toilet, it is usually because spare parts are no longer manufactured. This means you won’t have a way of fixing it if one of its components breaks.
Location
Where you need to install your toilet will influence the requirements of your system. A basement installation means the waste will need to be pushed upward and possibly through more extended pipework. This will require a more powerful pump than if you are just trying to move it sideways.
Another concern, especially for basements, is the smell. Basements often have limited airflow that can lead to damp odors. A high-quality, properly installed macerating toilet shouldn’t release any odors but you should still consider your ventilation, or adding a fan to provide better air circulation.
Who Will Use the Toilet?
Ideally, a macerating toilet should never be the primary toilet in your home. They are great for adding an extra toilet in a bedroom or en suite bathroom but they aren’t designed for heavy use. Before you fit an upflush toilet, consider whether or not it will be able to cope with the demands of your home.
These types of toilets are good enough for use by one or two people occasionally but they will struggle if a family of four uses them daily. In these situations, it will probably be worth spending the extra money to install a standard toilet.
Material
Macerating toilets are available in all standard toilet materials, including plastic, porcelain, vitreous china, and other ceramics. For the most part, these units resemble standard toilets, except for the tanks at their rears.
Chinaware and ceramic macerating toilets are more robust and will cope with frequent use far better than their plastic equivalents. Their tough, smooth surfaces also prevent scratches and stains and make them far easier to wipe clean.
Dual Flush or Single Flush
Dual-flush toilets are more eco-friendly as they let you use different volumes of water depending on the type of waste you are flushing. A single-flush toilet uses the same amount of water with every flush. The majority of macerating toilets are single-flush models.
It is worth researching the best toilet roll for macerators. Eco-friendly tissue doesn’t contain any bleach and is often made from recycled paper. It will break down more quickly because it doesn’t contain any chemicals to bond the fibers.
How Does a Macerating Toilet Work?
A macerating toilet is an upflush system that sends the waste to a tank located directly behind the bowl or concealed in a wall. This tank contains blades that liquefy any solid waste, making it easier to pump out through narrow pipes to the main drain line.
These toilets are often installed in awkward locations in the home, so their pumps need to be powerful enough to move the liquid waste along pipes that could be as long as 150 feet.
Macerating Toilets FAQs
How Long Do Macerating Toilets Last?
A macerating toilet will usually last about 10 years with an average amount of use. You might stretch this to 15 years if you use it less frequently. Wear and tear will usually affect the pump and the macerator mechanism, so these will be the parts that need maintaining or replacing before anything else.
How Far Can a Macerating Toilet Pump Waste?
The most powerful macerating toilet pumps can move waste through pipes that are up to 150 feet long. They can also pump up to 20 feet vertically, or even more in some cases, so they are ideal for basement installation.
Does a Macerating Toilet Need To Be Vented?
Whether or not a macerating toilet needs to be vented depends on if it is self-contained. Standard macerator toilets need to be vented into your vent stack to get rid of unpleasant odors and comply with plumbing regulations. Self-contained toilets don’t require this ventilation but you might notice odors in small unventilated rooms.
Can You Put Bleach Down a Macerator Toilet?
You should never pour any chemicals containing bleach down a macerator toilet. Bleach will corrode the seal around the macerator valve, which will eventually cause the system to fail as the macerator won’t be able to detect when to open or close.
How Do You Clear a Clogged Toilet Macerator?
The quickest way to unclog a toilet’s macerator is to use a pair of long-nosed pliers to turn the macerator by hand. As you turn the blades, clear the blockage around them using your other hand. Don’t forget to wash your hands afterward.
Are Macerator Toilets Worth It?
Macerator toilets are often more expensive than conventional gravity-flush units but, depending on your circumstances, they could offer significant benefits in the long run. Their ability to turn solid waste into a liquid makes them ideal for situations where plumbing is difficult to access or unavailable altogether.
They can pump waste vertically, which makes them suitable for installation in basements, where gravity-flush toilets usually won’t work. If you want to install a toilet in a bedroom without making major alterations to your plumbing, a macerating toilet is an ideal option.
Are Macerating Toilets Noisy?
Due to their internal mechanisms, there are often concerns about how noisy a macerating toilet will be. In reality, these toilets usually produce very little noise due to their design and construction.
Many modern macerating toilet models have foam insulation, acoustic foam covers, and silent operation motors to make them as quiet as possible. In most cases, the sound of water running when you flush will be louder than the macerating toilet itself.
This makes them suitable for bathrooms next to living spaces such as bedrooms, as they shouldn’t generate enough noise to disturb anyone at night.
Can You Use Flushable Wipes with a Macerator?
Flushing wipes down the toilet may be convenient but it can be very damaging if you have a macerating toilet. Macerators break down solid waste into liquid before ejecting it into the sewage system.
To protect your macerator and pipes, only use flushable wipes that are labeled explicitly as being “macerator-friendly”. Unlike regular wipes, these ones are engineered to be ground up in a macerator before being flushed away.
Standard wipes often contain synthetic fibers that don’t break apart easily, which can lead to them accumulating inside your pipes and causing blockages or other issues.
What Can Go Wrong with a Macerator Toilet?
The most common issue with macerating toilets is clogging due to inappropriate materials being flushed down them, particularly items such as unsuitable wipes.
When this happens, the macerator’s blades can become blocked and they won’t be able to turn properly. Other potential issues include faulty pump parts, corrosion of internal pipes, and leaky seals, which can lead to an overflow.
Keeping these potential issues in mind when installing and using a macerator toilet system will ensure it continues working smoothly for as long as possible.
How Often Should You Clean a Macerator Toilet?
It is always important to clean your toilet but it is essential with a macerating toilet to keep it functioning properly. Regular cleaning will reduce the risk of blockages. If you have soft water, cleaning its workings every three months should be enough.
However, if you live in a hard water area, you should clean the toilet more frequently – at least once per month. Taking the time to clean your toilet regularly will help you avoid a more significant cleaning job later.
Which Is the Best Macerator for a Toilet?
If you want to replace an outdated toilet, the Liberty Pumps macerator is an excellent choice. This system utilizes advanced RazorCut technology and has a specialized design that helps it process and remove waste with a powerful 1.28 gallons per flush.
The macerator is easily installed and features a removable service panel for easy access during maintenance. With reliable performance, you can be confident that you are adding a high-quality piece of hardware to your bathroom setup.
