If you’re thinking about a bathroom renovation soon, you should consider replacing your old toilet with a low-flow toilet for many reasons.
First, low-flow toilets use less water due to the latest flushing technology that allows new toilets to use 1.28 GPF or less. Additionally, EPA certifies some low-flow toilets as WaterSense if they meet performance criteria.
Old toilets installed before the 1992’s Energy Policy Act use 3.5 or more gallons per flush. After that, toilets use 1.6 GPF or less.
Also, you can get a rebate for some low-flow toilets in certain portions of the country from local municipalities or utilities when you replace your old toilet.
Other reasons for replacing your old toilet with a low-flow one include night lights for overnight trips, heated seats, and more pleasant seat heights.
In today’s article, I will review the best low-flow toilets, explain how low-flow toilets work, and share a short buying guide on choosing the right toilet, so let’s dive right in.
The Best Low-Flow Toilets (Comparison Table)
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links where I may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you decide to make a purchase.
Best Low-Flow Toilets: Top-Rated Water-Saving Toilets
The US Environmental Protection Agency says that if you replace your old toilet with a water-saving one, you can save up to 13,000 gallons of water yearly. That’s about $140 per year or $2,900 throughout the lifetime of the low-flow toilet.
Simply put, with a low-flow toilet, you can save money and help the environment, so without further ado, let’s look at some of the best water-saving toilets and select the right one for your bathroom.
1. Swiss Madison One-Piece Low-Flow Toilet
- Size: 27 x 15.12 x 31.18 inches.Dual flush with high-performance gravity 1.1 / 1.6 gallon per flush (gpf).16” bowl height..Batteries Required:no
- Seamless porcelain one-piece with an easy-to-clean design
- Elongated comfort height bowl for luxury and convenience.
- Soft Closing Seat closes gently and quietly
- Quick-Release seat can be unlatched from the toilet for easy removal and convenient cleaning; no tools required
The one-piece water-saving toilet by Swiss Madison won’t only save you money but embellish your bathroom.
It’s a stylish low-flow toilet available in 4 colors, so you can quickly pick the one that blends with your interior design.
The best part? This model comes with a modern dual flush system using 0.8 or 1.28 gallons per flush to pick the maximum flushing power for solid waste. Or partial flush for liquids.
What I like the most about this standing unit is the skirted trapway and quick-release seat hinges for quick and easy cleaning.
Pros:
- Sleek design
- Dual-flush system
- Available in four colors
- Low-maintenance
- Soft closing seat
Cons:
- Not the easiest to install
2. KOHLER Wall-Hung One-Piece Low-Flow Toilet
- One-piece wall-hung toilet
- Compact elongated bowl offers added comfort while occupying the same space as a round-front bowl
- Mounting hardware is completely concealed, giving Veil a sleek, seamless look that is easy to clean
- Includes wall-hung bowl with Grip Tight Reveal Q3 seat
- Combines with the K-6284 In-Wall Tank and Carrier System to create a complete K-6303 Veil toilet
Made of ceramic, this one-piece low-flow toilet by KOHLER will save both water and space in your bathroom.
It’s a wall-mounted toilet that’s easy to install and easy to clean, but here’s the real kicker. It’s available in black and white colors; both color options will add a touch of elegance to your bathroom.
So, consider KOHLER if you’re looking for a toilet with an elongated bowl.
You will get this model with concealed mounting hardware for a seamless look and flexible installation. You can set it up from 15 3/8 – 28 1/2 above the floor.
You will also enjoy the modern dual flush system with 1.6 gallons per flush for bulk waste and 0.8 gallons per water for light waste. Additionally, this unit comes with a 1-year limited warranty for a stress-free purchase.
Lastly, check if your wall can hold up to 53.5 pounds before buying.
Pros:
- Wall-hung unit
- Elongated bowl for extra comfort with Grip Tight Reveal Q3 seat
- Completely concealed mounting hardware
- Durable steel frame brackets
- Dual flush mechanism
Cons:
- The side panels fall off
- The flush button requires a long hold
- The water rests too low
3. Swiss Madison Dual Flush Low-Flow Toilet
- Dual flush with high-performance gravity 0.8 / 1.28 gallon per flush (gpf).
- Soft closing seat, closes slowly and quietly. Quick Release for easy cleaning.
- Environment Friendly WaterSense toilets, meet strict EPA flushing guidelines.
- Elongated bowl offers added room and comfort.
- Comfort Height
The compact low-flow toilet by Swiss Madison has a modern design and comes with a dual flush system (1.28 gallons per flush and 0.8 gallons per flush).
If you’re searching for a space-saving, one-piece toilet that will look amazing in your bathroom, look no further than the Swiss Madison SM-1T803 Chateau low-flow toilet with smooth curves and a reasonable price.
The best part? Cleaning this space-saving unit is a breeze, even if the trapway isn’t entirely enclosed.
However, note that Chateau doesn’t have a comfortable height. It’s only 15.5 inches tall without a seat but still features a lovely elongated bowl.
Other amazing features include a slow-closing seat and a 1-year limited warranty for a stress-free purchase.
Pros:
- Sturdy and sleek
- The elongated bowl offers extra room and comfort
- Excellent for small baths
Cons:
- Poor lid design
4. KOHLER Two-Piece Low-Flow Toilet
- Item may ship in more than one box and may arrive separately
- Two piece toilet; Does not include the Seat; (Image is only an representation of the complete item)
- Round front bowl offers an ideal solution for smaller baths and powder rooms
- Left hand nested trip lever offers a choice of 1.1 or 1.6 Gallons per flush
- 2 1/8 Inch glazed trap way
Most low-flow toilets have a modern and space-saving design, including KOHLER’s models. Their K-3987-0 Wellworth two-piece, round-front, and dual-flush toilet has a compact and sleek design.
It’s more comfortable for men and women due to the elongated bowl.
However, it’s also more expensive and takes up more space than other units on the market. In fact, thanks to the rounded bowl and shorter height, this model resembles traditional toilets.
If you choose this model, you will get a low-flow toilet that’s 14.5 inches tall without a seat and over 15 inches with a seat.
Great features include a sturdy chrome trip-lever, a Class Five flushing system in the tank, and a MaP score of 1,000.
The design of this unit won’t suit everyone’s needs, especially for people interested in more modern toilets.
However, if the traditional design isn’t a deal-breaker for you, you should definitely make your buy today.
Pros:
- Two-piece toilet with a comfortable seat
- Perfect for smaller bathrooms and powder rooms
- Dual flush system (1.1 or 1.6 gallons per flush)
Cons:
- This toilet doesn’t come with a seat
5. EPLO One-Piece Low-Flow Smart Toilet
- 【Smart Toilet for Bathroom】This one-piece toilet pairs minimalist style with the comfort.A full suite of convenient features includes heated seat,nightlight,deodorization,instant warm water,warm-dryer,and LED display,plus a remote control.
- 【Various Washing methods】Self-cleaning arc wand offers adjustable spray shape,position,water pressure,temperature,pulsate,and oscillate functions.Front and rear wash modes provide warm water for cleansing.
- 【Automatic Toilet】Off-seat flushing,button control flushing,foot sensing flushing,remote control flushing.Enjoy hands-free operation.
- 【Powerful Flushing】One startup activates siphonic and jet flushing for double cleansing,to ensure thorough and efficient cleaning.
- 【More Humanized Design】ECO energy savings mode ensures electricity is never wasted.Full or half flush(1.6GPF/1.1GPF) can save water and money.
The EPLO smart toilet isn’t your ordinary toilet.
It’s one of the best low-flow toilets, thanks to the inbuilt smart flushing technology, which activates a full flush or partial flush on startup, using only 1.6 or 1.1 GPF).
This model saves water from unnecessary flushing and ensures a great experience. What I love most about this model is the ultra-thin ceramic design that’s suitable for most baths and comes with amazing features.
The toilet has a built-in LCD screen reflecting the seat and water temperatures and a hands-free flushing system using a wireless remote control device or foot sensing button.
Moreover, you will get a built-in bidet and a warm air dryer.
Pros:
- Reasonably-priced
- Smart one-piece model
- Water-efficient tankless toilet
- Six adjustable temperatures
- Multi-mode washing
- Automatic flushing
- Air purification
Cons:
- The stream isn’t very strong
- Water doesn’t stay warm for too long
- The remote could use a light
Honorable Mentions
There’s a few more options that did not quite make our top 5 pick but are still worthy of mentioning.
6. American Standard Two-Piece Low-Flow Toilet
- DUAL FLUSH FOR WATER SAVINGS: Choose conserving 0.92 gpf/3.5Lpf or a full 1.28gpf/4.8Lpf, both offering the power to effectively clear the bowl
- DEPENDABLE PUSH-BUTTON OPERATION: Chrome actuator located on the lid makes it easy to choose the appropriate flush
- IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE: Offers a powerful flush and water savings, in addition to the highest MaP (Maximum Performance) score of 1,000 grams, and WaterSense certification
- EASY TO CLEAN: EverClean surface inhibits the growth of unpleasant stain and odor-causing buildup, and sanitary bar on bowl eliminates accumulation between bowl and tank
- EVERY FLUSH CLEANS THE BOWL: A forceful rush of water from the PowerWash rim helps to scrub the bowl with every flush
The H2Option by American Standard features a dual flush mechanism, 16-1/2’’ rim height, and siphon jet bowl technology with PowerWash rim for optimal UHET.
It’s a right height round toilet that delivers full or partial flush for extra water savings. Therefore, if you’re looking for a water-efficient model that sits higher off the ground than traditional height toilets, look no further than this unique model.
The flushing system provides 0.92 or 1.28 gallons per flush, but here’s the kicker. This toilet has a fully glazed 2’’ trapway for preventing clogs and chrome plated top-mounted push button actuator.
If you purchase this toilet, you will obtain a limited 5-year warranty on all mechanical parts and a limited lifetime warranty on chinaware.
Pros:
- Gravity flush toilet
- Available in 3 colors
- Siphon jet bowl technology with PowerWash rim for optimal UHET performance
- Sanitary dam on the bowl
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- This toilet doesn’t come with a seat
7. WOODBRIDGE All-in-One Toilet
- [CHAIR HEIGHT DESIGN]:WOODBRIDGE chair height toilet not only meets ADA standards, must have a 17-19" floor to bowl rim height with seat included, but also offer more comfort to taller people and people who have a hard time getting up from a low seat.
- [EASY TO CLEAN]:With a completely smooth, easy to wipe down surface. With our fully concealed trap-way, there are no bends or corners to gather dust. Also, no large mounting holes or ugly plastic caps to be seen.
- [Chrome BUTTON]:A timeless, sophisticated and flattering Chrome-plated top button is included, the flat will bringing out the shimmer of brass and other metal and is perfectly pair with your home's metalic elements.
- [QUITE & POWERFUL FLUSHING]:Siphon Flushing one piece toilet, Fully glazed flush system , bringing a super quiet and powerful flushing - NO clogs, NO leaks, and NO problem
- [Map Flush 1000 Grams]:Best Maximum Performance Flush score of 1000 grams. Highly Recommended Map Scoring Toilet
If you’re looking for a sturdy, elegant, and feature-rich water-efficient toilet, look no further than WOODBRIDGE’s all-in-one toilet.
It’s one of the most wanted low-flow toilets on the market because of the luxurious modern design, low maintenance, and fully concealed trapway.
Moreover, if you pick this toilet, you will get super quiet and powerful flushing.
It’s a clog-proof and leak-proof toilet with great features like comfort height design, high-quality seat, stainless steel sturdy seat hinge, and MaP score of 1,000.
Pros:
- Easy to clean design
- UPC & CSA, high-efficiency, WaterSense toilet
- Siphon flushing design
- Pre-installed water fitting
- Pre-installed seat
- Luxurious modern design
- Top-notch wax ring
Cons:
- Lacks flushing power
What is a Low-Flow Toilet?
Low-flow toilets use less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush, so they’re water-saving toilets. On the other hand, standard toilets use between 3.6 and 6 GPF; therefore, a low-flow model could save you over 50% water usage per flush.
These toilets work with a combination of siphon jets and gravity. The siphon jet is in the toilet tank; when you flush your low-flow toilet, the siphon jet forces water via the flush valve and into your toilet bowl.
The pressure pushes the waste down the drain leaving your bowl clean.
Remember that not every low-flow toilet uses the same amount of water. Most units use between 0.8 and 1.6 GPF. Some use even less.
You can also buy a water-saving toilet with dual flush (two flushing options, one for larger flushes and one for smaller amounts of waste).
They’re the ideal choice for most people as the flushing option for smaller amounts of waste typically uses less water than a single-flush toilet.
Are Water-Saving Toilets Worth it?
Although some models of low-flow toilets cost more than regular fixtures, they’re still worth it because of their many benefits.
Let’s say you have a toilet that uses 3.6 GPF and flush it about eight times daily.
If you replace your old toilet with a low-flow model with 1.6 GPF, you will save about 6,000 gallons of water yearly. Installing a unit with 1.28 GPF, on the other hand, will save you about 7,000 gallons annually.
Therefore, low-flow toilets pay for themselves over the years, depending on the cost of water in your region; maintenance can increase the price over time because most low-flow toilets have lower pressure than regular ones, which can cause clogging.
If you have a large family or worry about the model not being capable of flushing as much as you need, you should consult manufacturers before buying.
Now, let’s summarize the pros and cons of low-flow toilets.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Less water usage
- Good for the environment
- They increase your home’s value
- Wide range of modern features
- Savings on your utility bills
- Low-maintenance
Cons:
- More pricey than traditional toilets
- They’re prone to clogging because of the low water pressure
- Outdated models aren’t as effective
Best Low-Flow Toilets Buying Guide
The best water-efficient toilets save water and money on utility bills while offering a more effective flush.
However, since there’s a wide selection of water-saving toilets available, finding the right one can be overwhelming and time-consuming.
That’s where I step in and save you time. Here’s a breakdown of crucial factors that can help your decision.
1. City Ordinances and Rebates
When choosing the right low-flow toilet for your home, I highly suggest you sort out the legal stuff first, especially if you’re building a new property.
Some states and cities have special standards for types of toilets you can install in a new property, so make sure you’re buying the right kind.
Moreover, many places offer special rebates for buying a water-saving toilet, so you can get a money return if you purchase a WaterSense certified model.
2. Flush Rates
The GPF rates reveal how much water a toilet will use for every flush. Note that the maximum flush rate under current standards in the US is 1.6 GPF.
However, even though 1.6 GPF delivers more than enough water to clean the bowl, that’s more liquid than is allowed in some places.
Toilets need a rating of 1.28 GPF to quality as low-flow toilets (this is the standard in California), so keep that in mind when buying a water-saving toilet.
3. Flushing Systems
You can choose different flushing systems, including gravity flush, pressure-assist, and dual flush.
Let’s look at these popular styles of flushing mechanisms, so you can decide which one meets your needs.
4. Gravity Flush
Toilets with a gravity flush have a valve and the weight of water to power each flush. They’re straightforward, low-maintenance, and effective.
5. Pressure Assist
Pressure-assisted toilets feature a small air-filled tank inside the tank. When the unit flushes, a pressurized air blow helps reinforce the flush.
What’s great about these toilets is the low water usage without compromised power. However, they’re more expensive and, unfortunately, louder.
6. Dual Flush
Toilets with this mechanism have top levers with set gallons per flush rate for both partial or solid flushes. They’re harder to repair but cost-effective and work better than single-flush toilets.
7. Design
You can choose between one-piece and two-piece toilets.
One-Piece Low-Flow Toilets
These toilets require less maintenance. Additionally, there’s less chance for leaks, considering the tank and bowl aren’t bolted together but already attached.
They’re also easier to clean as there aren’t many crevices to handle, which reduces maintenance, even if the unit doesn’t feature a fully concealed trapway.
However, one-piece toilets also cost more than two-piece models.
Two-Piece Low-Flow Toilets
These toilets cost less. Moreover, they’re easier to repair, move, and install as they come in two pieces. It’s easier to manage two separate pieces rather than one piece of porcelain weighing over 100 pounds.
8. Comfort
The toilet seat isn’t the only thing to consider when looking for a comfortable toilet. The toilet bowl’s height and size also matter.
For instance, units with a round bowl cost less. They’re also more stable, especially for kids and smaller people.
They also save depth in baths, while elongated bowls add 1-2 inches to the front of the bowl. However, elongated bowls offer more comfort, making them more popular with adults.
The height of a toilet plays a vital role in buying for people with mobility issues and tall individuals.
Comfort height toilets typically range between 16 and 17 inches in height. Anything below that number is considered standard height.
9. Warranty
Water-saving toilets pay for themselves over several years regarding money savings, so they’re not something you plan on replacing soon.
However, just in case, pick a product with a good warranty, so you can rest assured knowing you have made the right investment.
The Best Low-Flow Toilets: Our Verdict
Buying the best low-flow toilet for your household can make a big difference for your peace of mind and the environment. If you pick the right unit, you will save money on utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
However, before purchasing a water-saving toilet, you should always consider your state or city’s requirements or possible rebates to invest properly.
Once you inform yourself of the local rules, you can proceed with your buy based on your personal needs and available space, just as you would with a regular toilet.
If you’re looking for a one-piece toilet, consider the Swiss Madison One-Piece Low-Flow Toilet. It’s a low-maintenance and high-efficiency toilet, available in multiple colors with many great features, such as a dual-flush system and soft closing seat.
If you’re on a budget, American Standard Two-Piece Low-Flow Toilet makes a great choice for you as it’s affordable but works amazingly. It’s available in three colors and has unique features, such as Siphon jet bowl technology with PowerWash rim for optimal UHET performance.
Do you have a favorite pick yet? Hopefully, the product reviews and buying guide above have helped you learn about low-flow toilets so that you can select the best water-saving toilet for your needs.