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For more than 140 years, American Standard has been involved in the plumbing and fixtures industry. American Standard toilets, with their reliable flushing systems and durable designs, are installed in homes all over the country. These toilets are available in a range of colors, styles, sizes, and shapes, including round and elongated toilet bowls, and with a variety of flushing systems as well, American Standard likely has a product to fit your needs.
Whether you’re doing a whole bathroom remodel or simply upgrading, it can be daunting to find the right toilet bowl for your bathroom. If you aren’t sure where to start, take some time to read the helpful information in this guide to the best American Standard toilets.
- BEST OVERALL: American Standard Champion 4 One-Piece Toilet
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: American Standard H2Optimum Siphonic Toilet
- BEST ONE-PIECE: American Standard Colony One-Piece Toilet
- BEST TWO-PIECE: American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise Two-Piece Toilet
- BEST FOR EFFICIENCY: American Standard H2Option Dual Flush Toilet
- BEST COMPACT: American Standard Compact Cadet 3 FloWise Toilet
- BEST PRESSURE-ASSISTED: American Standard Cadet Pressure-Assisted Toilet
What to Consider When Choosing the Best American Standard Toilet
Before selecting a new American Standard toilet for the home, take some time to research key product factors like type, flush system, shape, and height. Consider whether you prefer an American Standard one-piece toilet or a two-piece toilet and look for any additional features that could improve the function and user convenience, such as easy-to-clean finishes or quiet-closing seats.
Type
There are two main types of toilet—gravity-flow and pressure-assisted—that are differentiated based on the mechanism used to flush waste into the drain.
- Gravity-flow toilets are the most common type of toilets. These models can use up to 5 gallons of water per flush to force the contents of the toilet bowl into the drain. New models only use about 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF) in order to help conserve water, though this reduced GPF can result in limited flushing power.
- Pressure-assisted toilets are relatively new. They are designed with an airtight plastic tank that sits inside the typical American Standard toilet tank. Pressure-assisted toilets use about 1.1 to 1.4 GPF, but when the toilet is flushed, both water and pressurized air are released into the toilet bowl, increasing the flushing power without needing to use more water.
Flush System
Toilets are typically made with a single-flush or a dual-flush system. Single-flush toilets empty the entire water tank with every flush, while a dual-flush system has two flushing options. A dual-flush toilet will have two buttons for flushing: the first button releases less water to flush liquids down the toilet, while the second button empties the entire tank to flush solid waste.
American Standard has also created several different flushing systems, including the VorMax, LXP, Cadet 3, and Champion 4 flushing systems. VorMax flushing systems use powerful under-rim jets to scrub the toilet clean, while LXP models use a standard-size siphonic trapway and a 2-inch flush valve to increase flushing power.
The Cadet 3 flushing system increases the siphonic trapway to 2.13 inches and also increases the size of the flush valve to 3 inches to further improve flushing power. However, if your home is prone to clogs, consider investing in an American Standard mainstream toilet with a Champion 4 flushing system. This design features a 2.38-inch siphonic trapway and a 4-inch flushing valve for clog-free use.
One-Piece vs. Two-Piece
When it comes time to choose a toilet for the bathroom, you will need to decide on either a one-piece or a two-piece toilet. One-piece toilets are a single piece, while two-piece toilets consist of a separate bowl and tank.
Most American Standard wall-hung toilet options are one-piece toilets, so if a wall-hung toilet is an attractive addition to your bathroom, then a one-piece toilet may be the best choice. These toilets are easier to clean because there are no seams or gaps for dirt and grime to get caught in. However, one-piece toilets do tend to be more difficult to install because the entire unit needs to be maneuvered into position at once.
Two-piece toilets are easier to install, allowing you to position and secure the bowl first before worrying about attaching the tank. However, the two-piece design makes these toilets more susceptible to leaks.
Shape and Height
Toilets come in a number of different shapes and sizes. Depending on your preference, you can opt for an American Standard toilet with a rounded or elongated seat. Elongated toilet seats are better for bigger users because they provide more room from the back to the front of the bowl. The width of each type is about the same, with some differences between brands and models, but round toilet seats tend to be shorter.
An American Standard toilet seat can be as low as 15 inches off the ground or higher than 19 inches off the ground, though the average American Standard comfort-height toilet seat sits between 17 to 19 inches high. Taller individuals, elderly people, and anyone with mobility issues may want a toilet with a 17- to 19-inch-high toilet seat, but if you are used to standard height toilets or your home has a dedicated bathroom for kids, a 15-inch toilet may be best.
Additional Features
Toilets may seem like an odd product to have additional features, but if you browse through American Standard toilets reviews or check the product descriptions, you can find a variety of extras. For instance, some American Standard toilets come with an EverClean coating toilet glaze that is intended to help keep the toilet clean by resisting stains. There is also a variety of classic American Standard toilet colors to help you coordinate with the rest of your bathroom.
Soft-closing toilet seats that won’t slam if you accidentally drop them are another additional feature that can be included when you purchase an American Standard toilet. You can also look for a specific American Standard toilet handle instead of sticking with a simple flat lever or a push-button flush mechanism.
If water conservation is important to you personally or you just want help keeping the water bill down, you can invest in an American Standard toilet with an EPA WaterSense certification, which verifies that the toilet uses about 20 percent less water than the average toilet. Just make sure to check the American Standard toilet warranty for a detailed description of part and performance coverage.
Our Top Picks
This list of the top American Standard toilets was selected based on a range of key factors, including the flush system, style, dimensions, and outstanding additional features.
Best Overall
American Standard Champion 4 One-Piece Toilet
Pros
- High efficiency at 1.6 GPF
- Powerful Champion 4 flush system
- Fully glazed trapway with EverClean toilet coating
- Includes a color-matched slow-close toilet seat
Cons
- 1-piece design may be difficult to install
A problem that can occur with some low-flow toilets is that they can lack the flushing power required to deal with solid waste. To address this issue, American Standard designed toilets with the Champion 4 flushing system. In these models, the siphonic trapway diameter is 2.38 inches, and a 4-inch flushing valve allows for clog-free use. The Champion 4 has an elongated bowl, and users can choose between a 15-inch seat or a 17-inch seat, depending on user size and preference.
This gravity-flow toilet comes with a color-matched slow-close toilet seat, meaning users won’t accidentally wake up other members of the household in the middle of the night if they accidentally slam the toilet seat shut. The one-piece design looks great and reduces grime buildup, making it easier to keep the toilet clean, though it may be more difficult to install than a two-piece toilet.
Product Specs
- Type: Gravity-flow 1-piece toilet
- Shape: Elongated
- Height: 15 inches or 17 inches
Get the American Standard Champion toilet at Amazon, The Home Depot, or American Standard.
Best Bang for the Buck
American Standard H2Optimum Siphonic Toilet
Pros
- WaterSense-certified toilet
- PowerWash rim and siphon flushing system
- Glazed trapway inhibits bacterial growth
- High-efficiency flush saves on water usage
Cons
- Toilet seat is not included
All American Standard toilets, from the most basic models to the high-end options, are made with reliability as a top priority. This American Standard toilet is an affordable gravity-flow product that uses a PowerWash rim and siphon flushing system to create a powerful flush while also saving on water. The high-efficiency system uses just 1.1 GPF and comes with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense seal of approval.
Select either the round or elongated bowl based on user preference and the amount of space available in the bathroom. Opt for the round bowl if space is limited, and keep in mind that taller individuals and people with mobility problems may have issues getting up from the seat’s 15-inch height. It should also be mentioned that this toilet does not come with a toilet seat, so it will need to be purchased separately.
Product Specs
- Type: Gravity-flow 2-piece toilet
- Shape: Round or elongated
- Height: 15 inches
Get the American Standard H2Optimum toilet at Amazon, The Home Depot, or PlumbersStock.
Best One-Piece
American Standard Colony One-Piece Toilet
Pros
- 1-piece design is attractive and easier to maintain
- California Energy Commission compliant
- Low-profile toilet tank
- Includes a color-matched slow-close toilet seat
Cons
- 1-piece design may be difficult to install
The American Standard Colony toilet is designed to function reliably while looking great in just about any bathroom. It has a polished chrome flush lever and a low-profile toilet tank, which is ideal for smaller bathrooms with limited space. The gravity-flow toilet is a one-piece model with an elongated bowl and a slow-close toilet seat that sits at a height of 17 inches, making it a good choice for users with mobility problems.
California residents will be pleased to know that this American Standard toilet is CEC compliant, CALGreen approved, and EPA WaterSense certified. The one-piece style can be more difficult to install for DIYers that are not experienced with toilet replacements, so it may be better to hire a professional to avoid problems with the installation.
Product Specs
- Type: Gravity-flow 1-piece toilet
- Shape: Elongated
- Height: 17 inches
Get the American Standard Colony toilet at The Home Depot or on American Standard.
Best Two-Piece
American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise Two-Piece Toilet
Pros
- Choose either a left-handed or right-handed flush lever
- Conserve water with just 1.28 GPF
- Slow-close seat and lid
- PowerWash rim and siphon flushing system
Cons
- 17-inch seat height may be too tall for kids
Installing a new American Standard toilet is a task that DIYers with plumbing experience can handle, though many people consider it more difficult to install a one-piece toilet than it is to install a two-piece model. This gravity-flow American Standard two-piece toilet is a great option for those that like the look of one-piece toilets but are concerned about installation difficulty.
It has a concealed trapway and flush-mounted tank to give the appearance of a one-piece toilet with a 17-inch seat. The toilet comes with either a round or elongated bowl, depending on user preference, and it’s also equipped with a slow-close toilet seat. This product utilizes a PowerWash rim and siphon flushing system for powerful flushes, despite using just 1.28 GPF. Users with young children may want to look for a model with a shorter seat height.
Product Specs
- Type: Gravity-flow 2-piece toilet
- Shape: Round or elongated
- Height: 17 inches
Get the American Standard Cadet 3 Two-Piece toilet at Amazon, The Home Depot, or American Standard.
Best for Efficiency
American Standard H2Option Dual Flush Toilet
Pros
- Low water consumption
- Dual-flush system
- Glazed trapway with EverClean toilet coating
- PowerWash rim and siphon flushing system
Cons
- Toilet seat is not included
A single user can flush the toilet more than five times a day, using the entire tank of water each time. To reduce water consumption, this American Standard toilet has been made with a dual-flush function that allows the user to flush liquid waste using a smaller amount of water. This toilet is a great option for larger families because it uses just 0.92 gallons per flush for liquid waste and only 1.28 GPF for solid waste.
Although this gravity-flow toilet is available with a round or elongated bowl, it doesn’t come with a toilet seat. It has an EverClean glaze coating on the trapway to help inhibit bacterial growth, and the PowerWash rim works with the siphonic flushing force to improve the power of the flushing system without increasing water usage.
Product Specs
- Type: Gravity-flow 2-piece toilet
- Shape: Round or elongated
- Height: 15 inches or 17 inches
Get the American Standard H2Option toilet at Amazon, Lowe’s, or American Standard.
Best Compact
American Standard Compact Cadet 3 FloWise Toilet
Pros
- WaterSense certified at just 1.28 GPF
- Compact 1-piece design for small bathrooms
- Cadet 3 flushing system for improved flushing power
- Includes a slow-close seat with a sanitary lift tab
Cons
- 1-piece design may be difficult to install
Installing a two-piece toilet in a small bathroom can take up more space than opting for a one-piece toilet because of the components required to connect the tank to the bowl. This American Standard Compact toilet is made to save space without sacrificing flushing power due to the Cadet 3 flushing system. It has a narrow tank and uses just 1.28 gallons per flush. The one-piece design also means that there are less crevices and cracks for grime to collect, reducing the overall maintenance required to keep the toilet in pristine condition.
This product comes with a slow-close toilet seat, which has a sanitary lift tab for users that don’t want to touch the seat directly. It has an elongated bowl that sits at a height of 17 inches, making it a good choice for tall individuals and users with mobility issues. Just keep in mind that it may take two people to position this one-piece toilet properly for installation.
Product Specs
- Type: Gravity-flow 1-piece toilet
- Shape: Elongated
- Height: 17 inches
Get the American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise toilet at Amazon, Lowe’s, or American Standard.
Best Pressure-Assisted
American Standard Cadet Pressure-Assisted Toilet
Pros
- High efficiency at 1.6 GPF
- Pressure-assisted siphon jet for powerful flushing
- Fully glazed trapway with EverClean toilet coating
- Speed Connect tank-to-bowl coupling system
Cons
- Toilet seat is not included
The benefit of a pressure-assisted toilet is that it uses pressurized air to help flush the contents of the bowl instead of using more water. This system allows the toilet to increase the power of the flush while keeping the total gallons per flush to just 1.6. To help facilitate a clean flush and to inhibit stain- and odor-causing bacteria, the trapway is glazed with the EverClean toilet coating.
The two-piece toilet is relatively easy to install and even comes with a Speed Connect tank-to-bowl coupling system to improve installation time. This American Standard pressure-assisted toilet has an elongated bowl shape and the seat sits at 17 inches in height. However, the toilet seat will need to be purchased separately because it is not included with the toilet.
Product Specs
- Type: Pressure-assisted 2-piece toilet
- Shape: Elongated
- Height: 17 inches
Get the American Standard Pressure-Assisted toilet at Amazon, Lowe’s, or American Standard.
Our Verdict
If clogs are common in your bathrooms, you can benefit from the powerful Champion 4 flush system utilized by the American Standard Champion toilet. However, if you are looking for a reliable yet inexpensive option for the basement or a guest bathroom, the American Standard H2Optimum toilet is an excellent and economical choice.
How We Chose the Best American Standard Toilets
These American Standard toilets were selected based on extensive research into the various models that American Standard offers, as well as the various factors that differ between these models. It was necessary to have a range of options, including basic American Standard toilet models that were designed for functionality and affordability because these products excel at offering value to customers.
Toilets with specialized coatings or flush systems stood out from the average product because these toilets prioritized the health and sanitization of the bathroom. Similarly, American Standard toilets that reduced water usage were included to provide a range of options to suit a variety of lifestyles. Additionally, some toilets made this list of the best American Standard toilets because they stood out from alternative models due to extra features like slow-close toilet seats.
Tips for Installing American Standard Toilets
Installing a toilet isn’t overly complex, but it can be an intimidating job if you haven’t worked on plumbing systems before. Before purchasing a new toilet, measure the rough-in to determine whether you need a 10-inch, 12-inch, or 14-inch rough-in toilet. Double-check the measurement, making sure that you are measuring from the middle of the water outlet pipe to the wall, not the baseboards.
When you are installing the toilet, you will need to tighten several bolts. It’s recommended to hand tighten these fittings, then snug them up with a wrench. Just make sure that you don’t overtighten the nuts because the pressure can crack the porcelain. Wax rings cannot be used after they have been compressed by the toilet, which is why you need to be careful when you position the wax ring and line up the toilet. Waxless toilet rings can be reused if you need to remove or reposition the toilet. If you haven’t installed a toilet before, waxless toilet rings, which are essentially foam gaskets, can be used in place of a wax ring.
- Always double-check rough-in measurements before proceeding.
- Overtightening the nuts can cause the porcelain to crack.
- Waxless toilet rings can be reused if the toilet needs to be removed or repositioned.
FAQs
Don’t make a hasty decision on a new American Standard toilet. Take some time to learn more about these products with the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about American Standard toilets listed below.
Q. What is the most reliable toilet on the market?
There are several top toilet manufacturers, including Kohler, Toto, and American Standard. Toto is typically seen as the most innovative of the three, while Kohler makes a range of basic, affordable toilets. Quality can differ between brands and even between different models, but on average, American Standard makes the most reliable toilets.
Q. How long does an American Standard toilet last?
Users can expect new American Standard toilets to last about 10 to 15 years before the fixture should be replaced with a new model. A higher frequency of use and poor maintenance will lead to the toilet failing before it reaches 15 years, so it’s important to clean regularly and make repairs as necessary if you want to extend the life of the toilet.
Q. What is the right height for a toilet?
The right height for a toilet depends on the user. Shorter individuals may benefit from a 15-inch-tall seat, while a user that is average height would likely prefer a toilet with a 17-inch seat. However, taller users typically feel more comfortable with a 19-inch toilet seat, so when you are deciding on a model for the home, it’s necessary to take the size of the users into consideration.
Q. Which type of toilet is easiest to install?
Generally, two-piece toilets are considered the easiest to install, even if they may take longer to put together. This is because it’s easier to work with the two separate pieces instead of trying to manage a heavy one-piece model. However, some people prefer one-piece toilets because once it’s in position, they don’t have to worry about attaching a second piece. Which of the two is truly easier really comes down to how you work.
Individuals who like to leap into a project with a burst of energy may find it easier to direct the energy toward hefting a one-piece toilet into position. Those who prefer to take their time will appreciate being able to maneuver one piece at a time to ensure everything is in position, even if it takes longer to complete.
Q. How do I know if my toilet is a 10- or 12-inch rough-in?
Most toilets are made for a 12-inch rough-in, though some homes may have 10-inch or even 14-inch rough-ins. To figure out if your toilet is a 10- or 12-inch rough-in, measure from the center of the capped bolts located on the sides of the toilet to the wall behind the toilet. If you have already removed your old toilet, simply use a tape measure to measure the distance from the middle of the pipe in the floor to the wall behind where the toilet sat. Keep in mind that you should measure to the wall and not to the baseboard.
