When there are problems, a solution is never far away. This is true of the best macerating toilets. They enable you to retrofit a toilet in a space with no plumbing, drains or septic tank. It opens up a world of possibilities when planning your modifications.
We take a tour of the best upflush toilets to bring you the ultimate line up.
- Compact is king
- Powerful pump action
- Value for money
- Leading manufacturer
- Easy to get spares
- Ideal for the basement
- Easy to maintain
- Frugal water use
- Razorcut macerator
- Compact size
- Eco-friendly credentials
- Comfort height
- Pump it up
- Saniflo quality
- 3,600 RPM
- Dual flush saves water
- No vent needed
- Silent soft-close seat
- Durable and sturdy materials
- Powerful flush
- Easy install process
Product Reviews
With so many macerator toilet options, we did thorough research to bring you the best selection that money can buy.
1. Five Oceans TMC Marine Electric Macerating Toilet
Best Macerating Toilet for RVs
If you want a compact toilet that is ideal for RVs, this is the best pick. Five Oceans has a wealth of experience in the marine and camping industry and put it to good use here.
It uses a high-capacity scavenger pump to macerate the waste and pump it to the tank. It has a slow-close seat, a push-button flush and the bowl is china and easy to clean. Its compact size is ideal for small spaces, so you will love this in your RV. And the price is competitive too, at half the cost of some of the Saniflo toilets.
What We Like
Compact Is King
It measures 14.5 x 17.5 x 13 inches, making it the perfect size for the average RV or boat. While it is small, it won’t feel cramped when you sit down.
Powerful Pump Action
This toilet is designed for the marine world, so it has a high-capacity scavenger pump and macerator that grinds the waste and flushes it into your septic tank.
The Price Is Definitely Right
This toilet retails at far less than you might think. When you compare it to the Saniflo toilets, this Five Oceans model is incredible value for money.
What We Don't Like
12-Volt Toilet
This toilet requires a constant 12-volt power supply, so while it is excellent for your RV, it does drain the battery when you use it.
Looks Aren’t Everything
It has to be said that the design leans more towards functionality rather than good looks. You can tell that this is a macerating toilet as it bears little resemblance to standard toilets.
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 | $$ |
| Pumping height | 2 feet |
2. Saniflo SaniAcess 3 Elongated Toilet
Best Elongated Macerating Toilet
You can’t really do a review of macerating toilets without featuring several Saniflo models. They are the leading manufacturer of macerating toilets by a country mile. This elongated shape is more comfortable for adults to sit down, especially men, because it has more space at the front.
This toilet has a powerful flush, with a battery-operated system. The batteries last a long time because they store power between uses, and thanks to the force the pump creates, you can install this toilet in a basement without any worries at all.
What We Like
The Leading Manufacturer
When it comes to macerating toilets, Saniflo dominates the market. For this reason, when you buy one, you can feel confident you are getting a quality item. After all, they have a reputation to protect.
Easy To Get Spares
Macerator toilets malfunction from time to time, so when they do, it is important that there are readily available spares. Saniflo spares are easy to source, unlike some older, delisted models.
Ideal for the Basement
Saniflo fit their toilets with pumps that can flush waste matter over 100 feet. They also have a pump height of over 10 feet, making them the perfect model to fit in a basement.
What We Don't Like
Expensive To Buy
Consider the price when shopping for a new macerator toilet. Saniflo may be the market leader, but they are also among the most expensive.
Noisy Flush
Some people have reported that this toilet has one of the noisiest flush actions of any in its class. This could be a problem if you use the toilet in the middle of the night.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 18 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 10.75 x 18.75 x 6.75 |
| Dual/single flush | Single |
| Material | Ceramic |
| Soft-close seat | No |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Pumping height | 15 feet |
3. Liberty Pumps Ascent II Macerating Toilet
Best Maintenance Macerating Toilet
If you need a macerating toilet with an incredible vertical rise, this Liberty Pumps model should tick the right boxes. The Saniflo has a vertical rise of 15 feet, but this toilet eclipses that, with a height of 25 feet. It means this has a pump with real power.
It also uses advanced RazorCut technology to mash up your solid waste more efficiently. Should the macerator get blocked, it has a removable panel to give you easy access to unblock it.
What We Like
Easy To Maintain
Thanks to the panel on the macerator, you can quickly gain access to remove any blockages before they become an issue.
Easy To Install
This Liberty Pumps toilet is easy to install, so if you are a DIY kind of person, it should be well within your capabilities.
Frugal Water Use
This flushes 1.28 gallons of water, making it one of the most water-friendly toilets on the market. It even qualifies for the Environmental Protection Agency Water-Sense certificate.
RazorCut Macerator
The macerator is efficient, cutting the solid material down faster than other similar models. It also means the macerator is less likely to become blocked.
What We Don't Like
Yearly Macerator Renewal
The blades on the macerator need to be replaced every year, so that your toilet functions at the highest capacity. You need to keep the macerator razor-sharp and in perfect working order. This is a cost that needs factoring in.
Noisy Flush
It is not the quietest macerating toilet in the world, that’s for sure. Bear this in mind if you fit it in an elderly relative’s room, and they are light sleepers.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 134.5 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 29.25 x 20 x 32.25 |
| Dual/single flush | Single |
| Material | ABS plastic |
| Soft-close seat | No |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Pumping height | 25 feet |
4. Saniflo Sanicompact Self-Contained Toilet
Best Self-Contained Macerating Toilet
While this is a self-contained macerating toilet, it is also compact. It is the ideal choice for fitting into a small space, and with a vertical pump rise of 9 feet, it may be a good bet for a basement.
This toilet is eco-friendly, using approximately 1 gallon of water per flush, and you can connect it to a sink to use gray water to flush. The toilet seat is 18.5 inches high, making it a great comfort height toilet, and the ideal choice if you retrofit it in a room for someone with mobility issues.
What We Like
Compact Size
This toilet has the pump and macerator built into the body beneath the bowl. It reduces the toilet’s footprint and removes the need to hide the macerator behind a false wall.
Eco-Friendly Credentials
It only uses between 1 and 1.28 gallons of water, depending on whether you have the single or dual flush variety.
Comfort Height
How many macerating toilets end up in the rooms of our elderly relatives? Saniflo has cleverly taken this into account and made the toilet seat at comfort height.
What We Don't Like
A High Price Tag
You cannot escape the fact that Saniflo toilets are the most expensive on the market. This version is slightly cheaper than other models, but you are still going to spend a lot of money to own one.
Build Quality Issues
Some people have reported that the overall quality of the toilet doesn’t reflect the high price tag.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 52.2 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 18.25 x 14.5 x 15.75 |
| Dual/single flush | Single |
| Material | Porcelain |
| Soft-close seat | No |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Pumping height | 9 feet |
5. Saniflo SaniPLUS Macerating Toilet
Best Two-Piece Macerating Toilet
Unlike the Saniflo elongated toilet, this one has a standard round bowl, which some may find more comfortable. It comes with the toilet bowl, the flush tank, and the pump, but it doesn’t come with the seat.
The pump is powerful, capable of lifting the waste material 15 feet high, which is ideal if you want to fit the toilet below the sewer line. It also projects the content along a maximum pipe length of 150 feet. This means the toilet could be on one side of the house while the stack is on the other.
What We Like
Pump It Up
The pump on this toilet is so powerful it will lift the waste 15 feet high and push it along a pipe 150 feet in length. That gives you the flexibility to locate the toilet almost anywhere in the house.
Saniflo Quality
Everybody recognizes that Saniflo are the industry leaders, and with that comes a standard that needs to be maintained.
3,600 RPM
The macerator blades spin super-fast, generating 3,600 RPM. It makes breaking down the solids more efficient, and you are less likely to suffer blockages.
What We Don't Like
The Price Tag
There it is again, the only major downside to buying a Saniflow. They are so much more expensive than other brands.
No Seat
Why no seat? Surely at this price, Saniflo could have stretched to supplying a toilet seat. After all, doesn’t every toilet need a seat?
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 99.7 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 27.9 x 20 x 17.5 |
| Dual/single flush | Single |
| Material | Porcelain |
| Soft-close seat | No |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Pumping height | 15 feet |
6. Intelflo 600-Watt One-Piece Macerating Toilet
Best Dual Flush Macerating Toilet
This Intelflo toilet is much like the Saniflo compact, because the pump and macerator are built into the base of the bowl. The great thing about this toilet is you get a dual flush option, so you can cater the amount of water to the type of movement you have had. Half flush uses 0.75 gallons, while the high flush option uses 1 gallon.
It makes this toilet an eco-friendly model and ideal if you want to reduce your impact on the planet. It also beats the Saniflo for height, raising the waste matter 20 feet vertically and up to 160 along a length of pipe.
What We Like
Dual Flush Saves Water
The option to pick the flush capacity is invaluable, especially if you care about the water you use. It helps the planet and keeps you flushing guilt-free.
Turn On the Style
Macerating toilets rarely win in the good-looks department, but this toilet actually has style. It would grace any bathroom.
No Vent Needed
This is a self-contained unit with the pump and macerator concealed within the toilet bowl. Because they are sealed, there is no need to vent.
Silent Soft-Close Seat
The seat is silent when it closes, which is excellent for avoiding waking the house by slamming it in the middle of the night.
What We Don't Like
It Has a Rounded Bowl
Unlike the elongated toilets, this model has a traditional-style round bowl. It may not be a disadvantage to some, but it is widely accepted that elongated bowls are more comfortable for adults to sit on.
Difficult Reach
Because the pump and the macerator are concealed inside the toilet base, they may be tricky to reach should you need to unblock the system. It would require you to remove the toilet from the wall to get access.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 58.8 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 23.75 x 21.5 x 17.75 |
| Dual/single flush | Single |
| Material | Ceramic |
| Soft-close seat | Yes |
| Price | $$$ |
| Pumping height | 20 feet |
7. Sanimove Macerating Toilet with 500Watt Maerator Pump
Best Versatile Macerating Toilet
With this toilet, you can install it into a variety of places such as your washer, toilet, bathroom or sink. This is due tot he four water inlets that allow it to be installed in a few different places. Simply connect it to an electrical supply as well as a discharge pipe, and you’re good to go!
We also love that this is a strong flusher. With a 500 watt upflush system, this uses a large amount of pressure to power the macerator blades and pump.
What We Like
Durable and Sturdy Materials
Made with high-quality aluminum motor casing and strong stainless steel blades, this is a high-quality toilet. It will crush and cut up waste efficiently and remain a durable choice for a long time.
Powerful Flush
Thanks to the 500 watt pump and the pressure chamber, this provides a strong flush. You’ll expereicne the best of the best when it comes with flushing and processing of waste.
Easy Install Process
You can set this up anywhere as long as you have an electrical outlet and discharge pipes. That’s why we have awarded it the most versatile option on our list.
What We Don't Like
Cheap Plastic Parts
While this is made with some high-quality materiasl, such as the aluminum and stainless steel, it still has some plastic parts. Unforatunely, these plastic parts kind of dampen this toilet’s reputation as they are pretty cheap and unreliable.
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 |
| 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?
An upflush toilet differs from a gravity-fed flushing toilet because the waste product gets pushed into a macerating pump tank, which shreds the waste and pumps it upwards or sideways into your existing waste stack.
Standard toilets flush the waste downwards into the sewer or septic tank using gravity.
When Would I Need a Macerating Toilet System?
You would need a macerating toilet system when you fit a toilet into a room with no plumbing, drains or septic tank. So, if you are retrofitting an elderly relative’s bedroom to accommodate a toilet, a macerating system makes the installation possible.
Also, if you fit a toilet into a basement, because you are unable to install a standard toilet due to the lack of gravity for the flush, a macerating system is the best choice.
Things to Consider (Buying Guide)
Choosing a macerating toilet that’s best for you requires research and planning. Here are some things to bear in mind.
It’s All About the Flush
Standard toilets use gravity to flush away your waste. They sit above the sewer or septic tank so that the solids and liquids can drop down. Upflush toilets generally sit below or level with the septic tank because they are typically located in basements, or they are situated in a part of the house away from plumbing and drain lines.
It means a pump is required to lift the waste into the macerating tank, where it gets flushed into the existing stack. This requires electricity, so make sure there is a steady supply. Some macerating toilets use the water pressure to push the waste sideways into the septic tank or sewer.
You find this feature on older models, but beware, if you see an inexpensive macerating toilet for sale, walk away. It is cheap because the spares no longer exist, so when the inevitable happens, you will be stuck with a broken toilet.
It’s All About the Location
Where you place your toilet has implications on the requirements of the system. A basement installation requires the waste to be pushed upwards and possibly through more extended pipework. This affects the amount of pipework you will need and the power of the pump.
The other consideration for basement toilets is the smell. Basements can be uninviting spaces with damp odors. The last thing you want is for the macerating toilet to add to your woes. Consider the ventilation, or fitting a fan to keep the room smelling daisy-fresh.
Who Is Using the Toilet?
Macerating toilets should never be the primary toilet in your house. They are additional fixtures that complement the main bathroom. However, when you do fit an upflush toilet, consider the amount of use it will get.
These types of toilets are ideal for single or occasional use, but are not so great when a family of four uses it every day.
Plastic or Porcelain?
Okay, we get that not all toilets are plastic or porcelain. You can get toilets that are made of chinaware and ceramic too. If you worry that the macerating toilet looks different, you might want to consider getting one that resembles a standard toilet. Chinaware and porcelain best achieve this look.
Plus, chinaware and ceramic macerating toilets are more robust and can withstand greater punishment than the plastic ones. They also keep stains and scratches at bay.
Dual Flush or Single Flush
Dual flush toilets are better for the environment because you can adjust the amount of water you use. This helps conserve this precious resource. Single flush toilets are less conservative because they use the same amount of water regardless of whether you are flushing solids or liquids. Most maceration toilets are single flush models.
Also, it is worth researching the best toilet roll for macerators. Eco-friendly tissue contains no bleach and is often made from recycled paper. It breaks down quicker because it contains no 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 behind the toilet or concealed in a wall. This tank contains blades that liquefy the solids, making it easier to pump out through narrower pipes to the main drain line.
These toilets are often located in inconvenient places in the home, so the pumps need to be powerful enough to channel the waste product along lengths of pipe that could be as much as 150 feet.
Macerating Toilets FAQs
How Long Do Macerating Toilets Last?
Macerator toilets will last about 10 years. You might stretch this to 15 years, depending on the usage of the toilet. The pumps fail, and the macerator mechanism can become temperamental when placed under large amounts of strain.
How Far Can a Macerating Toilet Pump?
Some of the most powerful toilets can pump waste through pipes that stretch up to 150 feet. They can also pump 10 to 20 feet vertically.
Does a Macerating Toilet Need To Be Vented?
Can You Put Bleach Down a Macerator Toilet?
Never put any chemicals containing bleach down a macerator toilet. Bleach corrodes the seal around the macerator valve, which causes the system to fail because the macerator cannot sense when to open or close.
How Do You Clear a Clogged Toilet Macerator?
The quickest way to unclog a toilet macerator is to grab a pair of long-nosed pliers and 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.
Now That We’ve Chewed That Over
Macerating toilets are the best solution when working in a space with none of the services. They give you flexibility and allow you to get creative. They should never be the primary toilet in the house, but they are a great secondary option.
Also, elderly relatives can maintain their dignity by having a toilet installed in their bedrooms. How’s that for maximum convenience?
