It's Time to Upgrade Your Bathroom With a Smart Toilet

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As we progress further and further into the digital age, we're looking for the most innovative appliances for every space in the home, starting with the bathroom. The best smart toilets, for instance, are life-changing in ways you wouldn't believe. Not only do all of our top picks come with self-cleaning capabilities and touchless activations, but some are even designed with the environment in mind. That said, while we, the shopping editors at House Beautiful, have a good eye and know what our readers like, we are hardly plumbing experts, so we tapped Mehdi Khachani, a professional plumber and the founder of Miami-based JMK Plumbing for additional buyer's advice. "Smart toilets offer several advantages over their traditional counterparts, and it's essential to consider various factors when evaluating their suitability for your home," he says.

Some of these advantages? Smart toilets are energy efficient, water conservative, hygienic, and convenient. Plus, they perform tasks traditional toilets could never dream of doing, like enlisting UV light to kill harmful bacteria. From a design standpoint, too, smart toilets make for a great addition to a small bathroom. Khachani explains, "Smart toilets have sleek and compact designs, making them suitable for smaller bathrooms. Wall-mounted models, in particular, can contribute to a more aesthetically pleasing and functional bathroom layout without sacrificing floor space.

Not to mention, a smart toilet's compact design, it comes in one piece, makes it easier to clean because there are no nooks and crannies for dust to build up. Speaking of cleaning, Khachani says, "Some models include built-in bidet functions with adjustable settings for personalized comfort and cleanliness." (Fancy, right?) If you're in the market for a better time in the bathroom, peep what we'd consider the best smart toilets on offer right now.

Karing 2.0 Intelligent Skirted Toilet

Kohler is a beloved heritage band when it comes to all things plumbing. From sleek hardware collaborations with famous designers like Studio McGee and Samuel Ross to tied-and-true innovations in the bathroom, Kohler is a trustworthy brand, which is why we're starting our list with one of its best-selling smart toilets, the Karing 2.0.

Before we get into the genius features, we want to take a moment to talk about the shape: When the lid is closed, which it must be in order for the toilet to work its magic, this masterpiece looks like a giant egg, though not as fragile because it's made of stainless steel. Believe it or not, the shape isn't purely based on aesthetics; the elongated seat is actually ergonomically designed so that whoever takes a seat here can sit a spell comfortably.

Now, let's get into the inventiveness of this bathroom essential. It comes with an advanced touchscreen remote to create your preferred settings for warmth, cleansing, and drying. Yes, it has integrated personal cleansing. Not to mention, it's one of the cleanest toilets you'll ever use, courtesy of the pre-mist that automatically sprays the bowl before every use, leaving it cleaner post-flush.

Dimensions: 16.69" W x 26.5" D x 21" H

Gallons Per Flush: 1.08

Professional Installation Required: Yes

Innate Smart Toilet

Like the previous Kohler toilet, this one also has that kind of futuristic, minimalist look we'll never say no to. It's not nearly as round and cute, if you will, but it gets the job done. Plus, unlike traditional toilets, this one doesn't require any assembly because it's all one piece—even the seat, which isn't removable. It also comes with a unique dual-flushing capability to conserve water, an integrated bidet technology for the cleanest clean you could possibly want, and the brand's patented ReadyLock installation system, which makes this unit well worth the expensive price.

A few other elements we love? The dual-flush that offers a choice of 1 or 1.28 gallons per flush, the quiet closing lid, and, of course, the self-cleaning function that uses UV light and electrolyzed water to clean the whole bowl.

Dimensions: 17" W x 29.1" D x 21" H

Gallons Per Flush: One and 1.28

Professional Installation Required: Yes

Neorest Dual-Flush Toilet

If there's another name that's as famous for its ingenious bathroom products, it's Toto. "I never thought I'd be enthusiastically publishing my thoughts on a toilet, but here I am," Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner admits. "When I moved into my current (recently renovated) New York City apartment two years ago, this toilet was waiting for me, and I'm so glad because it's not your average toilet. Yes, it has all of the cool features of a newer smart toilet (including 360-degree cleaning power), but the reason I love it so much is because it has massively cut down the time I spend cleaning my bathroom. Here's why: It's one solid piece, which means there are no impossible-to-reach nooks and crannies between the tank and the bowl where dust and debris tend to live. It also pushes right up against the wall, so cockroaches can't make a home for themselves there." What's more, there are no threats of leaks from bolts or gaskets that often happen in their two-piece counterparts.

Dimensions: 15" W x 40.125" D x 23" H

Gallons Per Flush: One

Professional Installation Required: Yes

Smart Bidet Toilet

For anyone shocked to find a luxury smart toilet on Amazon, this is your reminder that the world's biggest retailer carries anything you could ever need, including $1,400 bathroom necessities. This toilet has an automatic dual-flush mechanism, a heated seat, and a remote control that operates posterior, feminine, and turbo-wash functions with auto deodorization. It's also eco-friendly, requiring less toilet paper than a traditional toilet. One happy customer says, "It's easy to install. The ring fits our toilet 90 percent, which good enough for us. It looks modern. And it warms water quick enough when you use it. We feel very clean after using it, so very content with that."

Dimensions: 15.5" W x 25.9" D x 21.4" H

Gallons Per Flush: 1.12

Professional Installation Required: No

Luxury Integrated Smart Toilet

If the premium glaze doesn't keep this Horow smart toilet clean, the electric water pump with powerful flushes certainly will. It also includes ultraviolet lights to keep the nozzle clean, and an air purification system that prevents any unwanted bathroom smells. Cleanliness aside, this toilet is well worth the price. It utilizes microwave induction that makes it aware of your presence, automatically opening the lid as soon as you get close enough to sit.

The seat also starts warming up the moment it knows you're in the room so that when you sit, you're not shocked by any uncomfortable temperatures. That said, if you're a particular person, feel free to customize the temperature so that you always know what you're getting. When you're done, the lid will close and the self-cleaning function will kick into high-gear.

Dimensions: 15.8" W x 27" D x 18.5" H

Gallons Per Flush: One

Professional Installation Required: No

Self-Clean Smart Toilet

Homary designed this smart toilet with comfort in mind. Nearly every feature including the heat, water temperature, and jet intensities is adjustable. The toilet also includes a foot sensor flushing mechanism, a rear cleanse option, menstrual care settings, back-and-forth cleaning, a self-cleaning nozzle, and warm wind drying to minimize your toilet paper usage. One customer says, "Excellent. We love all of the features. We are buying it again for the second bathroom."

Dimensions: 18.9" W x 27.2" D x 15.9" H

Gallons Per Flush: 1.32 and 1.58

Professional Installation Required: No

ENVO Smart Bidet Toilet

Anzzi's ENVO smart toilet may look simple, but it does a lot. Not only does it come with an adjustable bidet, but it also self-cleans with nano-antibacterial materials and a water purifying filter. Plus, every time you flush, a subtle anti-odor spray releases, so there's no rush to flee the premises after using the toilet. One of the best features is its heated seat, which starts to warm up as soon as you lift the lid. One reviewer says, "The best thing we ever bought. Bidet option is absolutely the winner. I noticed that we start using the toilet more often now." To each their own.

Dimensions: 16" W x 25.7" D x 18.8" H

Gallons Per Flush: One

Professional Installation Required: No

Meet the Expert

Mehdi Khachani is a professional plumber and founder of Miami-based JMK Plumbing. Khachani established his business in 2006 and has been dolling out advice and repairing wonky bathroom fixtures ever since. Plus, Khachani and his team of licensed plumbers are deeply committed to environmental sustainability, which is why they embrace eco-friendly practices by promoting water conservation, employing energy-efficient equipment, and adhering to environmentally responsible plumbing methods.

What to Look for in a Smart Toilet

The process for buying a smart toilet isn't much different than buying any other big-ticket appliance. All you have to do is think about what elements are important to you and which ones you can do without. Luckily for you, we're here to break down the most critical considerations.

Shape: The shape is more of a personal preference than it is a make-or-break. You can opt for a traditional shape, with which you're probably already familiar with if you have a standard toilet at home, or you can opt for an ergonomic one. Ergonomic shapes are designed to be extra pleasant when you sit. Most prioritize oval over round. As for the shape of the unit as a whole, the smartest toilets typically come in one piece versus two. This may not seem very important, but the fewer the pieces involved, the fewer leaks you'll eventually have to deal with.

Installation: If you're not good with pipes and hand tools, you may want to opt for a smart toilet that works best with professional installation. Otherwise, feel free to save a few bucks and hook it up to your pre-existing plumbing.

Gallons Per Flush: Some smart toilets come with two choices and others come with just one. Neither is better than the other; it's just another matter of personal preference. The former option tends to be favored among the environmentally friendly because they can decide to use less or more water.

Self-Cleaning Abilities: We saved the best for last. Unlike regular toilets, whose only impressive function is their ability to flush without getting clogged, smart toilets—all smart toilets—have some special features, including heated seats, motion sensors, and more. Their most impressive talent, however, is their ability to self-clean. This process, which utilizes everything from custom mists to UV lights, doesn't just shorten your list of household chores, it does a fabulous job at killing bacteria so that you never have to come into contact with it.

Are Smart Toilets Worth the Money?

In short, yes. If you feel comfortable spending the money, smart toilets are worth it. "They often feature advanced flushing technologies that optimize water usage, contributing to greater efficiency and environmental conservation. Some models utilize dual-flush mechanisms, allowing users to actually select the appropriate water volume based on the type of waste, ultimately reducing overall water consumption," Khachani explains. They're also a bit more convenient and hygienic than traditional toilets. "Many smart toilets come equipped with hands-free operations, including automated flushing and lid opening/closing features. This touchless functionality promotes enhanced hygiene by minimizing the spread of germs and bacteria. Additionally, some models include built-in bidet functions with adjustable settings for personalized comfort and cleanliness," he adds.

And for the environmentally conscious customers who want to save on their electric and energy bills, smart toilets can be the solution. "Certain smart toilets integrate energy-saving features, such as motion-activated lighting and seat warmers, contributing to overall energy efficiency in the household. These additions can enhance user comfort while reducing energy consumption compared to traditional toilets," Khachani says. Plus, smart toilets often come with unique features that make using the commode a more enjoyable experience. "Some of these features include self-cleaning functions, air purifiers, and customizable settings. Connectivity options may include smartphone apps or voice command capabilities, providing users with a modern and personalized bathroom experience.

Are There Any Downsides to Smart Toilets?

Of course, no appliance is perfect, so even though smart toilets do come with plenty of benefits, there are some disadvantages too, starting with the initial cost. "Smart toilets typically come with a higher upfront cost compared to traditional models. However, it's essential to weigh this against the long-term benefits, such as water and energy savings," Khachani says. It may seem like you're paying more, but when you add up all of the inevitable costs (in bill form), they can be cheaper on the whole. Another potential downside? Maintenance complexity. Khachani says, "The advanced features of smart toilets may require periodic maintenance or troubleshooting. Homeowners should be prepared for potential technical issues and consider the availability of customer support or warranty options, but while they may come with a higher initial investment and potential maintenance considerations, the long-term advantages can make them a worthwhile addition to the modern home."

Why Trust Us?

When it comes to picking out the best (and affordable) pieces for any space, Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner has been reviewing furniture, appliances, and home must-haves for nearly eight years, having access to more than a few stylish samples, and working with countless interior designers and industry experts on what makes a product worthy in the home. Not to mention, she's been on a never-ending quest to decorate her own New York City apartment with a budget and size constraint in mind, so you can trust that she has done her homework to find the best and most beloved pieces on the market.

For this story, Cherner spent hours combing through reviews, ratings, and used her design eye to pick out the best smart toilets on the market right now for House Beautiful readers. She even tapped a plumbing expert for further insights into why a smart toilet is worth the investment and what to consider when buying one.

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