The Best Plungers

How to Choose the Best Plunger (and Our Top 5 Picks) — Photo: istockphoto.com Photo: istockphoto.com

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It will probably happen to all of us at one point or another. A shower drain backs up during a shower, water refuses to empty out of the tub, a sink fills up far faster than it empties itself out, or—the most dreaded drain moment of all—the toilet refuses to cooperate when we flush. Under these less-than-ideal conditions, it’s important to have the right tool on hand and know how to use a plunger properly.

But plungers aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions for all of these scenarios. Depending on the type of drain that’s clogged, one kind may be more helpful than the next. Read on for an overview of the various options, and check out the following favorite picks that are among the best plungers available. Each of the top picks below was selected after an in-depth review of the market and thorough product vetting.

BEST OVERALL: Korky Telescoping BeehiveMAX Universal Plunger
RUNNER UP: NEIKO Toilet Plunger Patented All-Angle Design
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Supply Guru Heavy Duty Rubber Toilet Plunger
UPGRADE PICK: simplehuman plunger and Toilet Brush Bundle
BEST ERGONOMIC: MR.SIGA 2 Way Rubber Toilet and Drain Plunger
BEST ACCORDION: JS Jackson Supplies Accordion Toilet Plunger
BEST MULTIPURPOSE: ToiletShroom Plunger, Squeegee, Clog Remover
BEST TRAY AND BRUSH: MR.SIGA Toilet Plunger and Bowl Brush Combo
BEST FOR SINK CLOGS: Master Plunger Sink & Drain Plunger
BEST FOR TUBS AND SHOWERS: PlumbCraft Mini Home Plunger

The Best Plunger Options — Photo: amazon.com

Types of Plungers

A high-quality plunger will clear blockages effectively when the unfortunate need arises. When faced with a clog, the first step is to determine the best plunger for the job, which can range from unclogging a kitchen sink to clearing a blocked-up toilet. Plunger types include toilet plungers, sink plungers, automatic plungers, and multipurpose plungers. It’s not unusual to have a couple of types on hand to handle different unexpected tasks.

Toilet Plungers

For the dreaded task of dealing with a stopped-up toilet, a plunger needs a base made to reach into the recessed drain. Some of the best toilet plungers on the market can be categorized into a few different shapes.

A beehive plunger looks just like its name implies: It’s a rounded cylinder that’s widest in the middle, similar to a cartoon honey hive drawn in the shape of an exaggerated barrel. This silhouette, along with the flange (an extended cylindrical lip), makes it a universal tool that can fit into almost any toilet drain. If the drain is fairly wide, you can press the plunger farther into the recess until the drain is sealed. If it’s narrow, less of the beehive will fit, but you’ll still maintain a strong seal.
A bellows-style plunger looks a bit like an accordion along the outer edges of its bowl. This design allows for the plastic bowl to collapse and expand when in use, much like the musical instrument. This creates better water displacement than a traditional plunger and releases the clog a little quicker and with less effort. These accordion-style tools are made with shorter handles for use on sink and tub drains.
A traditional flanged plunger looks a lot like a cup plunger, but a narrow flange or tiered flange will fill the drain to create a seal when it’s plunged all the way to the bottom of a toilet bowl. It may require more effort to unclog the toilet than a beehive or accordion plunger, but not much.

If the goal is to release a toilet clog in just one or two quick tries, then either an accordion/bellows or beehive plunger is usually the best bet.

Sink and Shower Plungers

When dealing with a flat drain—such as in a sink, shower, or tub—a cup-shaped plunger can provide sufficient suction, creating a pressured push to get things moving right along.

For a clogged sink drain, opt for a simple round rubber cup large enough to cover the drain. The edge of the cup should come in direct contact with the sink bottom to create the strongest possible seal around the drain before pumping and releasing.

A shorter handle, usually 4 or 5 inches long, is a bonus for more controlled plunging action. It’s not recommended to try unclogging a toilet with one of these, though; its size and flat-bottom shape won’t allow it to get the job done.

Automatic and Multipurpose Plungers

As the name suggests, automatic plungers do the bulk of the plunging work for you. They look similar to traditional plungers, but with a more streamlined design that eliminates the need for physical plunging.

Automatic plungers have a cartridge (for example, a CO2 cartridge) inside that sends a burst of pressure down the drain to clear blockages. Users just need to place the plunger in the drain and activate the plunger. No back-and-forth plunging motion or accidental splashes are involved.

To suit multiple uses, some toilet plungers feature interchangeable heads ideal for different drain sizes. Other models can double as cleaning tools. Multipurpose storage trays can include toilet brush holders to keep bathrooms or utility rooms organized.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Plunger

Although they only have one simple task, plungers come in a range of designs and materials. Besides overall effectiveness, consider ease of use, durability, and aesthetics (a plunger doesn’t have to be an eyesore in the bathroom). When choosing the best plunger for your needs, consider the plunger material, design, handle type, and storage method.

Material

Most plungers feature a rubber plunging end. Rubber can be manufactured into a range of designs to give plungers their cup, beehive, or accordion shape. The flexible rubber end also helps to create a tight seal around a drain. A good seal is important; it helps maintain the pressure that will clear the blockage.

The plunger handle is as important as the plunger head. Look for a sturdy handle that can withstand the plunging motion. Material options include plastic, wood, aluminum, and steel. Plastic handles tend to be less durable, but they are a budget-friendly pick. Wood and metal handles are durable and easy to find, plus they can help make the plunger look a little more attractive.

Handle and Grip

The plunger’s handle design, length, and grip type helps make the plunger easier to use. Generally, toilet plungers have a longer handle than sink and shower plungers that have shorter handles. A longer handle provides enough length for plunging toilet drains. On the other hand, a long handle would be unwieldy for plunging most sinks, so sink plungers tend to have a shorter handle. The handle length also affects storage. If space is tight, consider a plunger with a telescoping handle that can be collapsed after each use.

Nonslip features make handles easier and safer to hold. An ergonomic grip can make plunging more comfortable and effective. For example, a T-handle can offer a better hold for consistent plunging power.

Drip Tray and Brush

When a plunger is not in use, it’s wise to keep the tool off of the floor. Drips of dirty toilet water are not only unsanitary, they can cause water damage where the plunger is kept, such as in a wooden cabinet interior.

No matter the type of plunger, consider this key accessory to keep a bathroom or kitchen sanitary: a drip tray. Drip trays collect excess water and can even conceal the business end of the plunger in a stylish covering.

Some plungers come as sets with a drip tray and toilet bowl brush. This offers the same benefits of cleanliness while keeping the two bathroom tools organized in a caddy.

Our Top Picks

A reliable plunger is an essential tool in any home and can save an expensive call to the plumber. Having the right plunger type on hand means you don’t need to scramble to take care of a clogged sink, shower, or toilet. Clear blockages quickly and effectively with the following top plunger picks that are among some of the best on the market.

Best Overall

Korky Telescoping BeehiveMAX Universal Plunger

Pros

Beehive design for strong seal
Narrow flange fits older toilets and newer elongated drains
Flexible end to reduce backsplash
T-shaped grip and adjustable handle for better power

Cons

Does not come with drip tray holder
Might not seal all bowl shapes

Unclog all types of toilets with the Korky Telescoping BeehiveMAX Plunger. This plunger features a beehive shape designed to fit all types of toilet drain shapes. The narrowed flange fits both older, round toilet drains and narrow, elongated drains that are common on some newer, high-efficiency toilets.

The flexible beehive plunging end reduces splashback and creates excellent pressure for plunging toilet drains. A T-shaped grip provides a comfortable spot to hold the plunger, and the adjustable handle is sturdy and compact. Although this plunger does not come with a drip tray, the handle can collapse down for easier storage after each use.

Product Specs

Type: Toilet plunger
Grip: T-shaped handle
Holder Included: No

Get the Korky Telescoping BeehiveMAX toilet plunger at Amazon, Walmart, The Home Depot, and Lowe’s.

Runner Up

NEIKO Toilet Plunger Patented All-Angle Design

Pros

Unique design with tiered flanges and pliable bottom
Made to fit toilet drains 4 inches to 6 inches in diameter
Lightweight aluminum handle resists rust and mold
Includes hole in handle top to hang in supply closet

Cons

Might not seal all elongated bowls
Costs more than some plungers

Thanks to a cup with tiered flanges and heavy-duty suction, this plunger from Neiko can get the job done on most toilets. It’s among the best toilet plunger options due to its unique all-angle design. The plunging end features a four-level flanged suction cup. Each level has a different diameter, which helps the plunger create a tight and effective seal in a wide range of toilet drains.

The lightweight aluminum handle resists both mold and rust, and it features a hole at the end for hanging in a supply closet with a dustpan and broom. Durability, affordability, and ease of use—this plunger from Neiko offers all three.

Product Specs

Type: Toilet plunger
Grip: Standard handle
Holder Included: No

Get the NEIKO toilet plunger on Amazon and at Walmart.

Best Bang for the Buck

Supply Guru Heavy Duty Rubber Toilet Plunger

Pros

Basic, affordable plunger
Rubber cup and sturdy wooden handle
High-capacity cup helps unclog sinks and showers

Cons

Less effective on toilets than on sinks
Not as durable as some plungers

The Supply Guru Heavy Duty Toilet Plunger features a classic, old-school plunger design. The no-frills build has a rubber cup plunger and a sturdy wooden handle.

The flat rubber cup creates a tight seal ideal for kitchen sinks, bathtubs, and shower drains. While this plunger is less effective for toilets, the long wooden handle also makes it usable for toilets and other drains. Made for residential and commercial use, the high-capacity cup creates a good amount of pressure to undo clogs.

While this plunger might not have the fancier design of modern versions, it’s affordable and has all the parts to tackle a clogged drain.

Product Specs

Type: Toilet plunger
Grip: Standard handle
Holder Included: No

Get the Supply Guru toilet plunger on Amazon and at Walmart.

Upgrade Pick

simplehuman plunger and Toilet Brush Bundle

Pros

Part of set that includes plunger, brush, and holder
Flanged plunger
Holder is discreet and comes in white or black
Rod made of stainless steel

Cons

Flanged plunger design might require a little more effort
Costs more than a plunger, but includes brush and holder

With a matching plunger and toilet cleaning brush, this set from simplehuman is a stylish starter set for the bathroom. It includes a flanged plunger and a toilet bowl cleaning brush. The flanged plunger has a narrow plunging end, designed to work well in modern toilets that often have a narrow or elongated drain.

For stylish storage, each piece comes with its own discreet white holder. The holders have a drip-free design, with a magnetic collar that attaches to the sturdy stainless steel rod of the plunger or toilet brush. This design keeps the handle in place and allows users to store and carry the units with no risk of drips.

Product Specs

Type: Toilet plunger and toilet brush
Grip: Rounded handle
Holder Included: Yes

Get the simplehuman toilet plunger and toilet brush bundle on Amazon and at Walmart.

Best Ergonomic

MR.SIGA 2 Way Rubber Toilet and Drain Plunger

Pros

Multipurpose plunger
Includes ergonomic plastic grip
Flanged design with extended flange to reach bottom of bowl
Converts to flat cup for use on sinks and showers

Cons

Costs a little more than a basic plunger
Does not include tray or holder

This multipurpose plunger from Mr. Siga features an ergonomic plastic grip so users can put more power behind each plunge. The smooth grip has a knobbed end that hits comfortably in the hand, on top of a sturdy aluminum handle that won’t bend or break under tough plunging jobs.

The flanged plunger end is suitable for unclogging sinks, drains, and toilets. It features a flexible extended flange to create a better seal inside toilets. The flange can also collapse within the cup to create a flat suction cup plunger for use on sinks, tubs, and showers. This dual-purpose design and comfortable handle makes this plunger a well-suited pick for those with finicky plumbing.

Product Specs

Type: Sink, drain, and toilet plunger
Grip: Rounded handle
Holder Included: No

Get the MR.SIGA toilet plunger on Amazon and at Walmart.

Best Accordion

JS Jackson Supplies Accordion Toilet Plunger

Pros

Bellows plunger for better water displacement
Designed to quickly address toilet clogs
Tip will not fold; fits toilet drains well with no splashback
Cup detaches from handle to take up less storage space

Cons

Long plastic handle less durable than other styles
Does not come with a storage holder

The accordion-like design of a bellows plunger can offer even more pressure with each plunge. This accordion plunger from JS Jackson is made to dislodge toilet clogs swiftly and effectively. It features a rubber plunging end with a no-fold lip that fits snugly into toilet drains and reduces the chance of splashback. With each push, the bellows design forces pressure down the drain to unclog stubborn blockages.

The long, plastic handle may be less durable than some wooden or metal options, but it features ergonomic grooves for a secure grip. For use in smaller living spaces, the cup detaches from the handle for compact storage.

Product Specs

Type: Toilet plunger
Grip: Rounded handle
Holder Included: No

Get the JS Jackson Supplies accordion toilet plunger on Amazon and at Walmart.

Best Multipurpose

ToiletShroom Plunger, Squeegee, Clog Remover

Pros

Excellent multipurpose plunger with caddy
Brush-like plunger dredges and pushes clogs down drain
Sturdy stainless steel handle
Soft grooves also help with light cleaning of toilet bowls

Cons

Reports of plunger head getting stuck in toilet drains

Clear blockages and wipe down the toilet bowl with this dual-purpose plunger from ToiletShroom. This nontraditional toilet plunger features a brush-like plunger on a sturdy stainless steel handle.

The synthetic rubber plunging end physically dredges and pushes clogs down the drain rather than using water pressure to dislodge gunk. Since it doesn’t rely on a suction seal, the narrow plunger can work in just about any toilet drain.

The plunging end features soft grooves to move blockages. These soft nubs also work as a squeegee-like toilet bowl brush for light cleaning. After blockages are cleared and the toilet wiped clean, store the plunger in the included caddy.

Product Specs

Type: Toilet plunger
Grip: Rounded handle
Holder Included: No

Get the ToiletShroom toilet plunger on Amazon and at Walmart.

Best Tray and Brush

MR.SIGA Toilet Plunger and Bowl Brush Combo

Pros

Excellent brush, plunger, and caddy set
Flanged plunger
Commercial-grade rubber suction cup
Space-saving holder has sanitary, no-drip design

Cons

Costs more than plunger alone, but includes brush and caddy
Plunger made of stiff plastic

A toilet bowl brush is just as much of a necessity as a toilet plunger. This 2-in-1 set from Mr. Siga includes a holder to keep these two rather unsightly bathroom items tucked away.

Included in this set is a flanged toilet plunger and a standard toilet bowl cleaning brush. The plunger features a commercial-grade rubber suction cup and an ergonomic handle. The toilet bowl brush has dense nylon bristles that keep its shape even with frequent scrubbing.

Both items fit into the space-saving holder, which features a sanitary, no-drip design. The compact holder is the ideal size to tuck beside the toilet or under the sink as an attractive and functional storage solution.

Product Specs

Type: Toilet plunger and toilet brush
Grip: Standard handle
Holder Included: Yes

Get the MR.SIGA toilet plunger and toilet brush combo on Amazon and at Walmart.

Best for Sink Clogs

Master Plunger Sink & Drain Plunger

Pros

Shorter plunger design to unclog sinks
Plunger head has bellows design to displace more water
Contoured grip for easy hold
Compact for storage

Cons

Does not work on toilets

The Master Plunger Sink & Drain Plunger is a plunging powerhouse in a small package. With a short handle, this compact bellows plunger is ideal for sinks and drains. Its patented accordion-style plunging cup displaces up to 4 cups of water with each plunge—double the power of a standard rubber cup plunger.

The flat plunging end is ideal for bathroom sinks, floor drains, showers, tubs, and kitchen sinks. A contoured grip makes this plunger easy to hold so users can keep a good suction seal. Plus, the small build is easy to store under the sink or in a utility room.

Product Specs

Type: Sink, drain, shower, and tub plunger
Grip: Rounded handle
Holder Included: No

Get the Master Plunger sink and drain plunger on Amazon and at Walmart.

Best for Tubs and Showers

PlumbCraft Mini Home Plunger

Pros

Small model clears flat drains smaller than 4.5 inches
Ideal for sinks, tubs, and showers
Handle has knob and textured design
Stores easily under sink

Cons

Will not unclog toilets

The PlumbCraft Mini Home Plunger displaces water and creates pressure sufficient enough to clear up most clogs quickly. This compact bellows-style tool packs a strong suction pressure to clear drains smaller than 4.5 inches. A short handle and a flat suction cup are ideal for dealing with flat-drain clogs, such as in the sink, tub, or shower. The handle features a knobbed and textured design that fits comfortably in the hand.

The smaller size means this plunger is less suitable for toilets. But there is one advantage to its size; it makes the plunger very easy to stow away after the dirty work is done.

Product Specs

Type: Sink, tub, and shower plunger
Grip: Rounded handle
Holder Included: No

Get the PlumbCraft sink, tub, and shower plunger on Amazon.

Our Verdict

If budget and storage space are short, choose a multipurpose (universal) plunger to handle clogs in toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs. Our top choice, the Korky Plunger, fits several types and shapes of drains. The simplehuman Plunger and Toilet Brush Bundle has a caddy to hide the plunger and brush from sight but keep them close at hand when clogs occur. If most of your clogs occur in the kitchen sink, store a small plunger like the Master Plunger Sink & Drain Plunger underneath to address sink clogs quickly.

How We Chose the Best Plungers

A high-quality plunger is a must-have in any home. We carefully analyzed several types of plungers, including those meant for toilets, sinks, and showers, and multipurpose ones. Within these, a plunger’s shape and action can affect how well it unclogs and how easy it can be to use. To curate a list of the best plungers, we looked at the plunger’s material and its handle and grip. We also noted some plungers that come with drip trays or brushes to protect the floor and cut down on germs while in storage.

FAQs

When it comes to plungers, it always pays to be prepared. With the appropriate plunger on hand, you can clear blockages before they become a costlier issue. As an inexpensive and effective solution for most sink and toilet clogs, plungers are a necessity in any home. Read on for some frequently asked questions and answers about choosing and using a new plunger.

Q: What’s the difference between a cup plunger and a flange plunger?

Flange plungers have a narrowed protruding tube at the end of the plunger cup that can help create a better seal, especially for plunging toilets.

Q: Can a plunger be too small?

Although uncommon, it is possible for a plunger to be too small, such as on a larger toilet or shower drain. If your drain is larger than average, take the plunger size into account before buying.

Q: Can you use a plunger on a tub?

Absolutely! The PlumbCraft Mini Home Plunger is one of the best options to plunge sinks, tubs, and showers. It features a flat suction cup and ribbed design to fit over tub drains.

Q: What’s the best plunger for a toilet?

The Korky Telescoping BeehiveMAX Universal Plunger is among the best toilet plunger options. The beehive plunger has a flexible flange to fit both old, round toilet drains and newer, slimmer toilet drains.