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Toilets are a plumbing necessity in every home, so if one fails, it can quickly become an emergency situation. Whether replacing a malfunctioning toilet or simply planning a bathroom renovation, Kohler is an excellent brand to consider, as it has been manufacturing quality plumbing fixtures for around 150 years. That said, rather than selecting the first Kohler toilet you see, it’s important to determine the type of toilet as well as the bowl shape and height that will be suitable for your space and those using it. And Kohler certainly has a variety from which to choose.
A Kohler comfort-height toilet is often ideal for adults because it allows one to sit at standard chair height, reducing strain on the legs and back. A Kohler elongated toilet has a longer seat that some folks find more comfortable than a standard round bowl, but shoppers must ensure that the bathroom has enough space to accommodate the increased size. On an aesthetic level, many Kohler toilet colors are available to suit most bathroom decors. To make an informed decision, read this guide to understand what to look for in a quality toilet and for descriptions of what we consider to be the best Kohler toilets currently on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Kohler Cimarron Complete Solution Two-Piece Toilet
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Kohler Wellworth Classic Two-Piece Toilet
- BEST ONE-PIECE: Kohler Santa Rosa One-Piece Toilet
- BEST TWO-PIECE: Kohler Betello Two-Piece Toilet
- BEST INTELLIGENT: Kohler Veil One-Piece Intelligent Toilet
- BEST WATER-SAVING: Kohler Reach Curv One-Piece Toilet
- ALSO CONSIDER: Kohler Highline Two-Piece Dual-Flush Toilet
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Kohler Toilet
There are several key factors for shoppers to keep in mind when browsing for a new Kohler toilet, including whether it should be a Kohler one-piece toilet, a two-piece toilet, or an intelligent toilet. Shoppers should also consider the flush system, overall water consumption, bowl shape, and height to find the best Kohler toilets for their home.
Types of Kohler Toilets
Kohler manufactures three general types of toilets, each one with pros and cons.
One-Piece Toilets
A one-piece toilet, as the term suggests, comprises one complete piece instead of being separated into a tank and bowl, which is more typical. One-piece toilets tend to be easier to maintain and are also more durable than two-piece models, but they typically cost more than standard models.
Two-Piece Toilets
Two-piece toilets are the most common, most affordable option available. They come in two separate pieces, tank and bowl, that are attached during installation. Generally, two-piece toilets are slightly larger than their one-piece counterparts, so keep bathroom square footage in mind when making a decision.
Intelligent Toilets
An automatic flush system is the key convenient component to intelligent (aka smart) toilets. These models, which automatically flush when the user is finished, also sense how much water is needed to perform an effective flush. This helps to reduce overall water usage and keep water bills low. An intelligent toilet may also include a few special features to improve the bathroom experience, such as a heated seat or a built-in night light.
Flush System and Water Consumption
A toilet’s flush system enables it to dispose of waste properly—and an inferior system can lead to clogs. The design of the Kohler power-flush toilet has a built-in pressure-assist system to increase the force of the flush, ensuring that everything in the bowl gets flushed into the drain.
In addition to flushing power, flush systems can also help reduce water waste. Kohler dual-flush toilets provide the option to use a light flush for liquid waste and a stronger flush for solid waste. Some brand-specific flush-system options include Kohler’s Revolution 360 to reduce toilet maintenance, Class Five for plug-free performance, and AquaPiston to optimize the flow of water out of the tank and increase the power of the flush.
Shape and Height
Typically, toilet bowls have two distinct shapes: round and elongated. A round Kohler toilet bowl takes up less space in the bathroom, making it a good option for smaller spaces. An elongated toilet bowl has an oval shape that some users find more comfortable, but these models extend further into the bathroom, taking up more space.
Similarly, the height of the toilet tends to fall into two categories. Standard-height toilets, which are approximately 14 to 15 inches tall, are good for kids and smaller adults. Larger individuals may be better suited to a chair-height (aka comfort-height) toilet that is about 17 to 19 inches tall. They are easier to sit down on and stand up from, especially for folks with mobility issues.
Ease of Installation
Installing a toilet is not an overly complicated task for a DIYer with plumbing experience, but the difficulty of this task does depend somewhat on the type of toilet.
- One-piece toilets can be challenging for a DIYer to install solo, simply because of their weight, which is usually between 80 and 120 pounds. Such a heavy item is difficult to lift and correctly position over the floor drain, so engage a helper if planning to make this a DIY task.
- Two-piece toilets are easier to install because they come in two separate parts. Though the bowl is usually the heaviest part, it typically weighs only 50 pounds, which a strong DIYer may be able to manage solo. Carefully position the base, then focus on Kohler toilet seat installation, and finally move on to the tank. Installing in this order can avoid issues with the tank interfering with the seat bolts.
- Wall-mounted toilets can be challenging to install. It is more difficult to correctly position and then mount one of these models than it is to set a toilet simply in place over the floor drain.
Our Top Picks
This lineup of the best Kohler toilets was selected based on size, shape, flushing system, water-saving features, and overall value. Keeping the abovementioned considerations in mind, shoppers are likely to find their ideal Kohler toilet on this list.
Best Overall
Kohler Cimarron Complete Solution Two-Piece Toilet
Pros
- Forceful Revolution 360 flush for a cleaner bowl
- CleanCoat coating helps prevent stains on porcelain
- AquaPiston canister design increases flushing power
- Sanitary guard between the bowl and tank for easier cleaning
Cons
- 2-piece style takes up more space
For a basic two-piece toilet with several quality features, consider the Kohler Cimarron Complete Solution Two-Piece Toilet. It has the brand’s AquaPiston canister flushing system, which increases the power of the flush, as well as Revolution 360—a circular swirl flush designed to keep the toilet bowl cleaner than a standard flush can. This toilet also features Kohler’s CleanCoat, which protects the porcelain from water-scale buildup and helps prevent stains, and a sanitary guard between the bowl and tank. A slow-close toilet seat is included for a quieter bathroom experience. As a two-piece toilet with an elongated bowl, this product may be larger than some other options, so note its size and measure the available bathroom space to ensure that the Kohler Cimarron will fit.
Product Specs
- Bowl shape: Elongated
- Flushing system: Revolution 360
- Design: 2-piece
Get the Cimarron Kohler toilet at The Home Depot, Kohler, or DK Hardware.
Best Bang for the Buck
Kohler Wellworth Classic Two-Piece Toilet
Pros
- Affordable
- Powerful flush via canister flush system
- Class Five flushing technology for plug-free flushing
- 2-piece design is easier to install
Cons
- Toilet seat not included
- 2-piece style takes up more space
Why flush money down the drain when the Kohler Wellworth has both an affordable purchase price and an efficient flushing system? This two-piece toilet is a high-efficiency option that flushes just 1.28 gallons per flush, allowing users to conserve up to 16,500 gallons of water per year when compared to a 3.5-gallon toilet.
The toilet also has a Class Five canister flushing system designed to increase the power of each flush and help prevent clogs and plugs. It comes in two separate parts for easier solo DIY installation. This model does not come with a toilet seat, however, and as a two-piece model, it takes up more space than a similar one-piece option.
Product Specs
- Bowl shape: Elongated
- Flushing system: Class Five canister flush system
- Design: 2-piece
Get the Wellworth Kohler toilet at The Home Depot or Kohler.
Best One-Piece
Kohler Santa Rosa One-Piece Toilet
Pros
- Easy-to-clean 1-piece design
- Chair height is more comfortable for most adult users
- Comes with a quiet-close toilet seat
- AquaPiston canister design increases flushing power
Cons
- 1-piece style is more difficult to install
With a one-piece toilet such as the Kohler Santa Rosa, there’s no gap between the tank and bowl for grime to get stuck in, leading to an easier bathroom-cleaning process. This chair-height toilet sits higher than a standard model, making it more comfortable for most adult users, and especially those whose mobility problems may make using a lower toilet a challenge.
This Kohler toilet features an AquaPiston canister flushing system, which increases the flushing power of the toilet. A quiet-close toilet seat is included for a more soothing bathroom experience.
Product Specs
- Bowl shape: Elongated
- Flushing system: AquaPiston canister flushing system
- Design: 1-piece
Get the Santa Rosa Kohler toilet at The Home Depot, Kohler, or FaucetDirect.com.
Best Two-Piece
Kohler Betello Two-Piece Toilet
Pros
- 2-piece design for easy installation
- ContinuousClean system dispenses cleaning solution with each flush
- CleanCoat toilet coating helps prevent stains
Cons
- 2-piece style takes up more space
- Toilet seat not included
Ease of installation and ease of maintenance combine to make the Kohler Betello hard to beat in the two-piece toilet category. The lighter weight of each piece makes DIY installation less of a chore than it is with heavier one-piece models. And in terms of toilet tidiness, the Betello boasts Kohler’s Revolution 360 flushing system, stain-resistant CleanCoat coating, and the ContinuousClean system that dispenses a small amount of cleaning solution with every flush.
This two-piece toilet sits at chair, or comfort, height, which is usually ideal for most fully grown adults and those with reduced mobility. However, it doesn’t come with a toilet seat.
Product Specs
- Bowl shape: Elongated
- Flushing system: Revolution 360 flushing system
- Design: 2-piece
Get the Betello Kohler toilet at The Home Depot or Kohler.
Best Intelligent
Kohler Veil One-Piece Intelligent Toilet
Pros
- Integrated bidet wand system
- Warm-air drying system with adjustable temperature
- Motion-activated seat cover
- Built-in LED lighting and automatic flush system
Cons
- High price
For added convenience and striking looks, the Kohler Veil One-Piece Intelligent Toilet is an excellent investment. Its dual-flush system automatically senses when to flush and how much water is necessary to rid the bowl of waste completely. Its sleek one-piece tankless design is an aesthetic asset for just about any bathroom.
Chock-full of luxury features, the Veil has a motion-activated seat cover that opens with the wave of a hand, a heated seat, and a built-in LED light system for late-night use. There’s also an integrated bidet wand and warm-air drying system. The stainless steel bidet wand features an adjustable spray shape, position, water pressure, temperature, and pulsating or oscillating functions. Pricey? Yes—but the Veil is designed to take using the bathroom to a higher level.
Product Specs
- Bowl shape: Elongated
- Flushing system: Automatic dual-flush system
- Design: Intelligent 1-piece toilet
Get the Veil Kohler toilet at The Home Depot, Kohler, or FaucetDirect.com.
Best Water-Saving
Kohler Reach Curv One-Piece Toilet
Pros
- Dual-flush system to reduce water consumption
- Glazed trapway reduces stains
- Hidden-cord design to conceal bidet seat cords
- Fully skirted exterior simplifies cleaning
Cons
- Bidet seat sold separately
Older toilets can use over 3 gallons of water with every flush, so to help reduce waste and keep bills low, consider the high-efficiency Kohler Reach Curv. This one-piece model has a top-mounted dual-flush actuator, affording the option to use just 0.8 gallons of water per flush for liquid waste and 1.28 gallons for solid waste.
Saving water isn’t the only advantage of the Reach Curv. The toilet features a glazed trapway and fully skirted exterior to reduce stains and make cleaning easier. A bidet seat (sold separately) can be installed, and the toilet’s unique design will keep the mechanism’s cords neatly out of sight.
Product Specs
- Bowl shape: Elongated
- Flushing system: Dual-flush system
- Design: 1-piece
Get the Reach Curv Kohler toilet at The Home Depot, Kohler, or FaucetDirect.com.
Also Consider
Kohler Highline Two-Piece Dual-Flush Toilet
Pros
- 2-piece design is easier to install
- Chair height is more comfortable for most adult users
- Dual-flush system reduces water usage
- Glazed trapway reduces stains
Cons
- 2-piece style takes up more space
- Toilet seat not included
Another quality option among Kohler’s line of toilet products is the Highline two-piece dual-flush toilet. Its dual-flush system helps reduce overall water consumption, using just 1.1 gallons of water to flush liquids, or flush solids with up to 1.6 gallons of water per flush.
This toilet sits at chair height for the comfort of most adult users and those with mobility issues. There’s a glazed trapway to help prevent debris from clinging to the inside of the toilet and to reduce stains. It does not, however, come with a toilet seat.
Product Specs
- Bowl shape: Elongated
- Flushing system: Dual-flush system
- Design: 2-piece
Get the Highline Kohler toilet at Amazon, Wayfair, or Kohler.
Our Verdict
The Cimarron Kohler toilet is equipped with the Revolution 360 flushing system for more effective flushing and to help keep the bowl cleaner than a toilet with a conventional flush. Those looking to save money should check out the affordable Wellworth Kohler toilet, which features Kohler’s Class Five flushing technology for virtually plug-free performance.
How We Chose the Best Kohler Toilets
Selecting the best Kohler toilets for this lineup involved researching a range of the brand’s products. We looked into several key factors, including the shape, height, flushing system, design, functionality, and overall value.
Kohler makes a variety of toilet products, and although some are quite similar in what they offer, other models have high-end capabilities, such as automatic flushing. A number of Kohler toilets also boast dual-flush systems to help conserve water and keep utility bills down.
Toilets typically come with round or elongated bowls and sit at standard or chair height. We gave preference to chair-height models and elongated bowls because that’s what most adult users find most comfortable. Additionally, any extra features, such as heated seats and night lights, helped individual products stand out.
FAQs
For more information about selecting Kohler toilets, consider the following frequently asked questions regarding Kohler products and tips to help you find the right toilet for your home.
Q. What brand of toilet works best?
The “best” toilet is a matter of personal preference, though as long as you buy from a reputable brand, you are likely to get a new toilet that functions properly. There are many different toilet brands to choose from, including Toto, American Standard, and Kohler. Toto is a high-end option with many features; American Standard is a reliable choice with a moderate price range; and Kohler provides customers with a wide selection, ranging from basic, inexpensive models to wall-mounted intelligent toilets.
Q. What do I need to know before buying a toilet?
First, take measurements of the bathroom and consider a toilet’s dimensions so you’ll know if it will fit into your space. Keep the height, bowl shape, and style of the existing toilet in mind to help you find a suitable replacement. If you wish to save water and keep bills low, look into a dual-flush toilet or an auto-flush model that will sense when to flush and how much water is needed. Also, consider who will be using the toilet most—fully grown adults tend to prefer a chair-height toilet, while children and folks with smaller statures may appreciate a standard-height model.
Q. Which toilet height is best?
Generally, there are two toilet heights to choose from. The standard height of a toilet is 14 to 15 inches from the floor. These toilets work well for kids and smaller-statured individuals. For taller users, consider investing in a comfort-, or chair-, height toilet that is approximately 17 to 19 inches tall.
Q. Can I use a cleaning tablet in a ContinuousClean toilet?
ContinuousClean toilet technology is actually designed to work with any puck-style cleaning tablet. Simply place the cleaning tablet into the reservoir so that the cleaning solution bypasses the internal tank components. After each flush, a preset amount of cleanser will be drawn into the bowl to help keep the toilet clean.
