Buying a toilet is a one-time deal, so if I'm buying one, I want to buy it right.
It's not often that the toilet breaks down beyond repair, but that's precisely what happened the other afternoon. My husband tried to fix it, but unfortunately, we had to hire a plumber to stop the tank leaks.
Now, the toilet has had leaks, but this time the plumber recommended we get a new one since the problem will most likely recur. After much contemplation, we decided it was time to get a brand new toilet.
Hi! I'm Stacy, and today I've decided to share the best toilet options I found during my research. So, without further ado, let's take a look at the best toilets under $200.
Top 5 Toilets Under $200
1. Signature Hardware 413995
One of the first options I decided to check was the 413995 model by Signature Hardware. This classic style toilet is made of high-quality materials and complements any type of bathroom.
Product Highlights
First of all, I had to filter my options according to the budget. And, after careful contemplation, I decided this model matched all the features I could wish for. It's a classic white unit with a two-piece configuration that allows for easier access to the area around the toilet.
Also, this option has an elongated bowl that is noticeably more comfortable than a round toilet bowl. It extends out an extra 1.5 inches, which does not sound like much, but it makes a big difference once you use it. The dimensions are 18.25 inches bowl height, 33.25 inches of total height, 28.5 inches in depth, and 17.5 inches in width.
Moreover, this model is one of those options that can blend in any background. It doesn't matter if your bathroom has tiles or bricks; this design would suit any surrounding, whether neutral, colored, or patterned. Also, this toilet is ADA compliant making it accessible for everyone.
What's There To Like About It?
There were a couple of things I liked a lot about this product. The fact that this product is made of high-quality porcelain is one reason why it is so popular universally. Many people like me must have appreciated its durability and easy to clean feature, which is why it has high ratings online.
Now, my style is never outlandish, and I prefer to keep things simple and functional whenever I can. So, I really liked the basic color and design of this model.
What's There Not To Like About It?
I thought this option would suit all age groups and you won't have to think twice before purchasing it since it costs less than $200. However, it might be too basic for everyone's taste.
I mean to say it is simple not only in color and design but also in features since it doesn't have any fancy flush systems or buttons.
Pros and Cons of Signature Hardware 413995
Pros
Cons
2. DeerValley ‎DV-1F52812
The next pick for this list would be a perfect match for smaller bathrooms. The DV-1F52812 by DeerValley is a modern, compact toilet that can be floor-mounted. Along with saving space, this model also helps conserve water.
Product Highlights
Let's begin with the most interesting feature of this model. This contemporary toilet is built in one piece and will suit any bathroom style or theme. The best thing about it is the soft closing toilet seat. No one likes it when the seat suddenly bangs when you drop it down. And with this option, you don't have to worry about that.
Apart from that, this option comes with a supply line connector (adapter) that connects the supply line and toilet. If your supply line is ½ inch, then you can directly connect the line to the toilet. But if your supply line is ⅞ inch in size, use the adapter that comes in the packaging to connect it.
As I mentioned, this option not only saves a lot of space in the bathroom (due to its tiny size) but also saves water. It has a high-efficiency dual flush that releases 1.28 gallons of water per flush and 0.8 gallons of water for a half flush.
What's There To Like About It?
One of the first things I liked about this option was the superior seat quality. It has a soft closing design to avoid noise when placing the seat down. Along with that, the seat comes with a push-button so that it can be removed for cleaning.
Speaking of cleaning, one-piece models are much easier to clean, and that's a fact. If you want a model that saves cleaning time, you should definitely opt for this one.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Even though I liked this model for many reasons, there's just one issue I cannot avoid. The main issue is with the size, which might seem small to some people. This model is 25 inches in length, 13.3 inches wide, and 28.3 inches high. However, if the toilet size doesn't bother you, then this option is worth it.
Pros and Cons of DeerValley ‎DV-1F52812
Pros
Cons
- Space-Saving Compact Toilet: Compact toilet (24½"L×13⅜"W×28⅜"H) with standard round bowl fits tight spaces, providing ergonomic seating up to 250 lbs. Ideal small toilet for small bathroom installations.
- Water-Efficient Dual Flush Toilet System: One-piece toilet with 1.1/1.6 GPF dual flush technology saves up to 16,500 gallons annually, about 60% less water than 3.5 GPF models, while delivering powerful flushing performance.
- Easy-Clean Skirted Toilet: Fully skirted toilet design eliminates hard-to-reach crevices for effortless cleaning, helping your bathroom stay spotless with minimal effort.
3. HOROW T0337W
No products found.
The T0337W model by the brand Horow is a one-piece contemporary toilet with a compact elongated bowl. With a high-efficiency flush, this option also helps conserve a lot of water.
Product Highlights
Firstly, this innovative seat is specially contoured with a contemporary, low-profile look. This product might surprise you with a blue LED light that looks aesthetically pleasing and lights up the toilet at night.
Besides, the flush system is pretty efficient too. Compared to older toilets that flush 3.5 liters of water in every flush, this option requires less than half the quantity of water. With a 1.2-gallon high-efficiency flush, you can save upto 16,500 gallons of water per year. I don't know about you, but that sounds like a lot to me.
What's more, there is a dual flush button, and both are equipped with water-saving technology. One button releases 1.1 gallons and the other 1.6 gallons per flush. Not only that, it has a quiet and powerful flush system that is entirely leakproof.
Also, the soft closing seat feature has a quick-release design. This makes it easy to remove the lid without loosening the seat.
What's There To Like About It?
When it came to this model, I counted several features that were worth noting. This toilet has a pre-installed flush mechanism that is made of superior ABS material. The good thing about this material is that it prevents corrosion and aging of the product.
Another feature that I was not expecting to find was the hybrid heater technology. This feature was a pleasant surprise as it provided instant and unlimited warm water for consistent comfort.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Actually, there weren't many drawbacks to this unit since it provided way more features than most other brands in this price range. However, some people believe that this product is quite heavy and might not be as easy to install. Yet, I think the rest of the features make up for this minor inconvenience, which is why I've included it in my top 5 list.
Pros and Cons of HOROW T0337W
Pros
Cons
No products found.
4. American Standard 3519A101.020
Next, I've included the 3519A101.020 model by the popular brand American Standard. This lightweight toilet is a timeless product that has been frequently purchased for many decades. Over the years, this product has been upgraded with advanced features yet maintained its traditional look.
Product Highlights
Right off the bat, I'm sure you must have heard of American Standard if you know anything about toilets, installation, and plumbing. This brand needs no introduction, so I decided to review the best product they offered for under $200.
In my opinion, this product might be the easiest to install because of its built, design, and weight. Also, there are many features I could talk about, but I have to mention how this product helps save water. This high-efficiency toilet has EPA WaterSense criteria, which releases 1.28 gallons of water per minute. Compared to other options, this quantity is pretty low, which is a plus.
Furthermore, this toilet has VorMax flushing technology which is called "the cleanest flush ever engineered." This technology has been tested to clean two times better than conventional toilets.
What's There To Like About It?
First of all, I'd like to elaborate further on the VorMax technology that American Standard uses for its flushes. They have essentially re-invented the flush system by eliminating the conventional rim holes around the bowl that deliver water. Instead, they have introduced one powerful jet of water that scrubs the entire surface of the bowl. That's one feature I appreciated.
The next thing I liked about this option was the fact that it met EPA WaterSense criteria that proves it is a water-saving product.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Now, this product was comparatively easy to install, and it even came with a five-year warranty. Yet, even after having several useful features, there was one issue that I thought I'd mention. The main drawback is its bowl size. Whereas the other options I selected were at least 12 inches wide, this one was slightly short at 10 inches.
Pros and Cons of American Standard 3519A101.020
Pros
Cons
- VorMax flushing technology
- Right height elongated siphon action bowl
- Ever Clean surface
5. Kohler 96057-0
Next, we have the 96057-0 model by the company Kohler. This lightweight toilet is made of vitreous china and has an elongated bowl. To add to that, it is also ADA compliant.
Product Highlights
Finally, the fifth option I decided to include was Kohler's white 96057-0 model. This unit has a strong performing engine that flushes each time effectively. It's designed to tolerate a wide range of water supply issues in construction to give you foolproof flushes every time.
Also, this option measures 16 â…ž inches to the top of the rim, which meets both ADA and CSA requirements. Due to this, I can safely say that this option is inclusive enough for all age groups. People recovering from illnesses, too, can use this toilet safely.
Along with that, the product also includes a spud and bolt cap accessory pack. You can use these parts and accessories for fitting the toilet without purchasing any additional parts. Besides, you also get a one-year limited warranty so you can get parts replaced in case of any defects or damage.
What's There To Like About It?
One of the more valuable features of the product is its high-performance flush. Since it has dual flush options, you can conserve water with every flush. A regular flush releases 1.6 gallons of water while half a flush releases only 1 gallon, which saves a lot of water over time.
Another good thing about this option is that you get all the necessary accessories at the same price. So, you do not need to spend extra on a spud, bolt caps, and accessories.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Although this option has some modern features that make it a worthy choice, I wanted to get a few other opinions from users. While most users were happy purchasing this product, some of them felt that it developed scratches and corrosion marks over time that did not go away.
Pros and Cons of Kohler 96057-0
Pros
Cons
- Elongated bowl, ADA compliant.
- 1-1/2" top spud.
- Trap passageway 2-1/8".
Buyers Guide
Here are a few things you must keep in mind before purchasing a brand new toilet-
1. Type Of Toilet
a. Two-Piece Toilets
The two-piece options have different bowls and tanks, and you need to install them separately too. This is the most common type you'll find. Usually, these toilets are the cheapest, and the two pieces can also be purchased individually.
The only challenging part about this option is the cleaning. Not that I think it's a serious issue, but grime can collect between the seams, and that might not be easy to clean.
b. One-Piece Toilet
These types of toilets are not as common and might not be available in all the stores you visit. However, they are getting popular these days despite being slightly more expensive than two-piece toilets.
In my opinion, installing these toilets requires a lot of muscle because the bowl, seat, and tank are attached. So, you really need to think about that before purchasing. On the plus side, if you select this option, you won't have to worry much about cleaning since there are no gaps in the design.
c. In- Wall Toilet
Sleek and modern with minimal design, the in-wall toilets are a popular option for people who prefer to go tankless. You can't actually eliminate the tank; it's merely hidden from view since it's embedded in the wall. This is a perfect solution for saving space in tiny bathrooms.
But they are pretty expensive, and you'll also need to check the wall plumbing to see if the type is compatible with the internal systems. It's difficult to install this with a beginner's experience in plumbing, so you may need to hire a professional to fit it in the bathroom.
2. Flush Type
a. Gravity Flush Toilet
As the name suggests, these types of flushes rely on gravity to function. These are the most common toilet types available on the market, and most households widely use them. It's an affordable option and is a tried and tested method that works. And it's generally easier to repair, and their replacement parts are easy to find too.
b. Pressure Assisted Toilets
While gravity flushes work due to the natural velocity of water, pressure-assisted ones work mainly because of air compression in the tank. This option includes a compression tank with the regular water tank, which provides the additional pressure to flush down the waste along with the water.
The good thing about this option is that it requires less water for every flush, but it costs much more than traditional flush systems.
3. Size
The size of the toilet matters because it needs to fit in your bathroom. So, even before you go looking for options, take a good look at the bathroom. Taking measurements beforehand will help you decide the size range you should go for. So, how exactly do you measure for a toilet?
Most likely, the new toilet will be replacing the old one in the same spot. If that is the case, taking measurements is going to be very easy. Begin by measuring from the center of the rear bolt to the wall.
Usually, this should be 12 inches or so; some older models might have a distance of 10 inches. Apart from the bathroom, note the dimensions of the toilet to check if it's compatible with your requirement. If you are short of space, it makes sense to arrange for a tankless toilet, but again, you'll need to check the plumbing for that.
4. Bowl Shape
There isn't much variety when it comes to the bowl shape. You'll find either round ones or elongated bowls, and both of them have a slight difference. The rounder options are smaller, so they will easily fit in tiny bathrooms. They are also cheaper, so consider this before the final purchase.
On the other hand, elongated bowls are usually 2 inches longer, so they are more comfortable to use, but they cost more. If you have the space and budget, the elongated ones are clearly the better option.
5. Water Usage
Water usage in toilets is measured in GPF or Gallons Per Flush. An efficient toilet should ideally be able to flush well with the least amount of water. Old fashioned toilets used two to three gallons of water per flush, but things are different nowadays.
In recent times, more and more options use not more than 1.5 to 1.8 GPF. This is a marked improvement that also saves water in the process. The newer models are designed to use less than a gallon per flush, but these are usually pressure-assisted options that are noisier.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are basically two ways you can install a toilet. Most options will be floor mounted which means they are attached to the floor. But some will be attached sideways to the wall. These wall mounts are getting popular because they appear sleek, modern, and save bathroom space.
But there is a significant cost difference- the traditional floor mounts are much cheaper than the wall mount options.
These types of installations have a direct water line that attaches to the toilet bowl. You can opt for a tankless option if you install components that use electricity or air pressure to flush. They save space and can be installed in smaller bathrooms.
My Final Recommendation
While searching for the best toilets under $200, I came across various options that I liked. But if I had to pick only one, it would be the 413995 model by Signature Hardware. This high-quality option was classic white, not too big and not too small, and fit perfectly in my bathroom.
Apart from that, I also liked the DV-1F52812 by DeerValley. Despite being a one-piece toilet, it came at an affordable price. And, it also has soft seat closing and water-conserving features with every flush.Â
Here, we come to the end of this guide, and I hope you got a better idea of the kind of toilet that would suit you best. Until next time, stay safe!