In America, some of the notable toilet brands are the American Standard and Kohler. But which one produces the best flushing toilet on the market? Different people will come up with different opinions about these two brands. Some love the American standard toilet brand because of its efficiency, while others love Kohler because of its comfort. Read this American Standard VS Kohler Toilets to know more about these two brands.
As a plumber, I have installed lots of Kohler and American Standard toilets. Some models work great, and some do not. You have to select a toilet depending on your budget, flushing power, easy cleaning, water consumption(1.6 or 1.28 GPF), and bathroom size. You cannot blindly depend on the brand. Although, I have compared some general information between American Standard and Kohler brands. I have also compared these two brands’ most popular toilets.
General Comparison Between American Standard and Kohler Toilets
Which brand of the toilet should you select? Kohler or American Standard toilet? The basic comparison is here:
Although both toilets are EPA(Environmental Protection Agency) approved. But, with the new Federal law that requires all toilets manufactured in the USA to use an average of 1.6 gallons per flush or less; Thus, you should choose your flushing toilet wisely. Many homeowners rush to buy a new toilet and only regret it later. With so many brands on the market, choosing a quality and reliable toilet is wise. Do not rush; check out the reviews and compare prices and features.
Major issues with American Standard toilets: water usage, leaky valves, and ghost flushing
Common problems with Kohler toilets: expensive, weak flushing, and clogging.
Quick Comparison Chart:
Features | Kohler Toilet | American Standard Toilet |
| Company Business: | More than 100 years(Parent Est. 1873) | More than 100 years(Parent Est. 1875) |
| Company Employee: | 32,000+ | 15,200+ |
| Est. Yearly Revenue: | $2 to $5 billion | $500 million to $1 billion |
| Customer Support: | Need Improvement | Very Responsive |
| Warranty: | Limited 1-Year Limited Warranty | Limited 10-Year Warranty |
| Warranty Support: | Not Great | Very Helpful |
| Price: | A little bit Higher | Low |
| Maintenance Cost: | High | Medium |
| Leak Issues: | Complaint Increasing | Still Reasonable |
| My 2024’s Rating: | 85 out of 100 | 90 out of 100 |
| My 2024’s Top Pick: |  Check Today’s Price |  Check Today’s Price |
Page Contents
Detailed Comparison:
- Kohler toilets have a slight edge over American Standard toilets in terms of ease of installation because they are lightweight and easy to lift by one person. But it should not be a major issue.
- In terms of flushing systems, American Standard toilets have some of the latest flushing mechanisms (like Cadet 3, Vormax, and Tornado) that are more powerful than Kohler toilets.
- When we compared the price ranges, we found American Standard toilets to be more affordable and have lots of variety. On the other hand, Kohler toilets are slightly expensive.
- If we compare the overall look and design, Kohler toilets are more attractive and appealing compared to American Standard toilets.
- Most Kohler toilet models utilize less water than American Standard toilets. So they are more eco-friendly.
- Kohler offers 1–5 years of warranty, depending on the model, while American Standard offers 5–10 years of warranty.
- When it comes to clog-free operation (in regular models), American Standard beats Kohler. But if you go for the luxurious option, both are anti-clog toilets.
Most Popular Kohler Cimarron Vs. American Standard Champion 4 Comparison:
The American Standard Champion 4 and Kohler Cimarron toilets are the most popular of these two brands.
Features | American Standard Champion 4 | Kohler Cimarron |
| Flush Type: | Dual-Flush | Gravity Flush |
| Water Consumption: | 1.6 GPF | 1.28 GPF |
| Certification: | Watersense certified frustration-free | WaterSense |
| Material: | Vitreous China | Vitreous China |
| Color: | White | White |
| Style: | Elongated | Elongated |
| Product Dimensions: | 17.8 x 29.8 x 29.5 inches | 28.8 x 17.6 x 30.8 inches |
| Piece: | One Piece | Two Pieces |
| Warranty Description: | Limited 10-Year Warranty | One-year limited warranty |
| Details: | Read Reviews | Read Reviews |
| My Recommendation: |  Check Price |  Check Price |
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Features Comparison: American Standard vs. Kohler Toilets
We have decided to compare the two brands and help you to come up with an informed choice.
Flushing system
American Standard toilet has a very powerful dual flushing system that clears all the contents in the bowl in just one flush. But then, Kohler tends to use very little water during flushing. So, Kohler is very efficient in water usage, while the American Standard provides a very powerful flush. The good thing with the American standard is that it clears all the waste in just a single flush, while Kohler has been reported not to be very efficient in clearing both liquid and solid waste at once. As a result, using the American Standard toilet lets you save water in the long run.
For a silent flushing system, the American standard still tops Kohler. American standard toilets flush silently, and not even your neighbor will hear a sound. This is not the case with Kohler as they produce a low sound, but it is not as loud as some other toilet brands on the market.
Related: Toto VS Kohler Toilets
Cleaning
I don’t have much to say about cleaning the American standard or the Kohler toilets, as they are both very easy to clean. First of all, it all depends on the toilet model and type of toilet. One-piece toilets are very easy to clean when compared to two-piece toilets. On top of that, Kohler toilets have an excellent finish, making cleaning easy as they don’t stick. Alternatively, the powerful flushing system found in American Standard clears all the waste and dust in the bowl, leaving it sparkling clean after every use.
Installation
Both of these toilet brands offer easy-to-install toilet models. Since they are made in the USA, they meet all the plumbing requirements and can be installed with much ease. The bolts are not tricky; you just need to follow the installation instructions. One-piece toilets are easier to install than two-piece toilets. Take measurements of your bathroom before buying a toilet. You don’t want a large toilet taking out most of the space. Rounded toilets typically take up more space than elongated toilets.
Maintenance
This is one area where Kohler faces some challenges. Many Kohler users have had different issues with their toilets, such as clogging. On the other hand, American Standard users highly recommend their toilets, and most of them have not had any challenges like leakages or clogging. So, American Standard toilets are very easy to maintain when compared to Kohler toilets.
Related: Toto VS American standard toilets
Price
The American standard toilet brand offers some of the cheapest quality toilets on the market. When compared to Kohler, American Standard toilets are more affordable but still very effective in performance. So, it is just a matter of preference, but they differ in price slightly. American standard toilets are very durable and are offered at a lower price when compared to Kohler. But if you want a slightly comfortable toilet at a higher price, then you can choose one from Kohler.
Check Price
Design
You can go for the Kohler or American Standard toilet, depending on your needs. Kohler is known to have an elongated bowl and a comfortable height. At the same time, the American standard offers different toilet designs, with both round and elongated toilets offered. American Standard is also comfortable, but it needs more installation space. Kohler is great for compact areas and where the bathroom space is small. Also, Kohler toilets are more comfortable when compared to American Standard toilets. Therefore, if you are looking for an elegant toilet to add to your modern bathroom, I would suggest you select Kohler.
American Standard or Kohler? Which is a better toilet?
So, what is the conclusion of the American standard vs. Kohler toilets post? The Kohler and American standard toilet brands are efficient, powerful, durable, and very easy to clean. The final decision will depend on their price, efficiency in flushing, and comfort. American standard toilet is slightly cheaper and comes with a very efficient and silent flushing system. At the same time, Kohler is very comfortable and uses very little water per flush. Comparing these two toilet brands shows that the American standard is better due to its ease of use and water efficiency in performance. But Kohler is not far off as it has similar features and brings comfort to your bathroom.
All in all, you should pick a toilet that meets your demands and budget. After all, they are all durable and high-quality toilets.
I hope this Kohler vs. American Standard toilets comparison article was helpful. Still have a question? Comment below.
Hi, this is Robert Crossan, the owner of this website, has 17 years of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of toilets and plumbing systems. After completing the Level 2 Basic Plumbing course in 2005, I started working in both domestic and commercial buildings as a professional plumber. So I can figure out the core difference between different toilet models and brands. It also helped me monitor their work performance and setbacks.
Very helpful. I have a Kohler in two of my 3 bathrooms. We are getting ready to upgrade and renovate our ensuite bathroom and the plans from the contractor are calling for American Standard. I think you blew away some of my prejudices. Pricier is not always best.
I had my mind set on the Kohler aqua piston technology until I began to read it doesn’t take any waste that has splattered to the sides down in on flush. Did some other reading and then I found your article which sealed the deal for an American Standard or not the piston technology. I need to measure the space available and then I’ll make my decision. Thanks
I don’t want the piston . I want a easy replaceable inexpensive flapper.
Piston is just a name for the valve and it’s much better and more simple than the old flapper.
I still need clarification: Is the Kohler AquaPiston assembly “Pressure-Assisted” vs. Gravity-Feed” ? I understood the pressure-assisted types to be significantly noisier.
Thanks.
The Aquapiston flushing system is a gravity flush. It is a very quick flush.
You want the Kohler aqua piston gravity flush system … it’s the best and simple design.
I have installed 5 Kohler toilets in the last 5 years 4 in my house and one at daughters house … all of them are made in USA and have been flawless.
Very powerful flush with no assist mechanism … not one clog or problem. The 3” flush valve works great .. very simple design.
I would have no problem buying Kohler.
I am not saying Kohler is a bad toilet brand. Lots of people(like you) have a good experience with them. But, If I compare with American Standard, then Kohler isn’t a clear winner here.
If you are considering cost of maintenance in the long run and the fact that if you buy a Kohler your supporting a American company … Kohler is a clear winner. Kohler is a American company based in the US. Because of unfair trade … American Standard is now a Japanese company.
just bought Kohler Highline Curve, I believe they are made in China. Most of them now are made in China. No problem so far
Replaced 4 toilets because originals installed in home had a ceramic flaw (other brand), so dangerous to keep in place.
Replaced two with Kohler and two with American Standard.
The American Standard ones have had nothing but problems from the outset…ghost flushing etc. That kept happening even after supposed fix.
Just over a year after being installed by a well qualified pumber, the ceramic tank on one of the American Standard toilets cracked with no warning. This was not a toilet that had excessive usage and wasn’t subject to damage…so can’t blame that.
I will personally never buy American Standard again. That should not happen to ceramic..especially when not used excessively.
In contrast, the two Kohler toilets have not had any issues to date.
Given the damage that can he caused by water damage, all manufacturers should have higher standards for their production/parts. Faults like this should not be happening!
You get a 5 to 10 year warranty with American Standard but only 1 year with Kohler; so why are you complaining? The tank cracked, so get it replaced on warranty.
Did it ever come to mind the reason why American Standard has a longer warranty? Longer warranty to cover more problems for years to come. Getting ready to replace an American standard (the one that flushed golf balls) after only 9 years because THE PORCELAIN BOWL CRACKED. Leaked water all down into the celling of our basement bathroom. Point is just because something has a longer warranty, doesn’t mean it is a better product. Also doesn’t mean the person above wants to deal with those problems or issues. You act as if a “cracked” tank or bowl is no big deal.
Thanks for the reviews covered my questions and more.
in my opinion NO ONE should buy the American Standard VorMax model toilet. Any toilet mfg. that sells a toilet that needs “instructions” on how to flush has lost touch with the consumer. To prevent the toilet from getting out of “prime” you need to flush it this certain way, and if you don’t it may take up to 5 flushes to get back in “prime”. Their own manual requires you to flush the toilet 5 times before use. The sad thing is I have 3 of the VorMax toileets in my home, and I flushed it 5 times to “prime” each one and thought I was done, that ain’t so I’m afraid
Thank you, you changed my mind!
I have two complaints with the American Standard, the lid does not fit in one place, it slides all over the place. My old toilet lid did not move, it had a definite grove to set in. The flushing arm comes out of the handle and the wire pin keeps falling out of the chain pin.
Are you certain it is a dark line and not a shadow caused by the bowl shape and lighting in your bathroom?
If it is, in fact, a dark line please try the following cleaning procedure:
Please use CLR along with a blue non-scratch pad(the all blue pad you would use to wash your dishes).
It should say non-scratch right on the packaging.
You will add the CLR to the bowl and let it soak for 15 to 20 mins then use the blue pad to scrub away the build-up.
Hi Robert,
I’m trying to decide between the below 3 toilets:
Kohler Cimarron
American Standard Cadet
American Standard Vormax
What I’m looking for is something that is easy to clean and cleans in one flush.
Any suggestions on which would be better?
Buy Kohler Cimarron.
I did not see this coming. I am in a similar position with needing to choose between AS and Kohler. I have a Kohler but never really liked the flush (doesn’t get it all).
It has been reliable though. My choices: Elmbrook, Highline Arc, and Cadet 3.
Cadet 3
American Standard Vormax is a way better flush than a Kohler gravity flush toilet in my opinion. I have been a professional plumber for 37 years. I install on average 60 toilets a month and most of the toilets I need to unclog are the Kohler toilets. If someone was to pay me money to have a Kohler toilet in my house I would rather buy a American Standard Vormax toilet. Plus all Vormax toilets come with a 10 year warranty on parts no one else can match that. I see almost no return calls ever on Vormax toilets. To say Kohler is a better toilet is wrong and almost a joke.
I have had a Champion 4 toilet for 4 years. It makes you into a plumber if you want to be or not. We have to change the valve seal about every 4 months, due to flaw in design causing it to leak. The toilet fill valve quit working so we replaced it. Now we found out the whole flush valve needs to be replaced. We are just going to replace the toilet, and it won’t be a Champion 4.
I’ve had an American Standard Champion 4 in my house for 15 years and only had to do a repair on it twice. The rubber seal on the screws that hold the tank on had worn out, and the fluidmaster fill valve failed the other day.
This toilet has been in a house with 3 people using it multiple times a day and still works as well as it did on day one.
Maybe it’s just luck of the draw but I’ll be buying American Standard for the foreseeable future because of how well this thing has held up over the years.
A few questions:
1. Do the American Standard and Kohler ceramics have scrathable surfaces that — over time — darken and look like there are “solids” still in the tank, especially in the bottom exit area? If so, does this apply to all models in both brands?
2. Do both brands have water outlets along the rim to help flush anything that is affixed to the side of the bowl? A plumber just installed an American Standard Cadet Pro in the house, and I cannot flush the toilet any amount of times to get even a piece of grass of the side of the bowl without having to get the toilet brush out and clean it manually.
I had the exact same three American Standard Toilets installed in my home from Lowe’s; one in June 2019 and two installed in May 2020.
$199.00 each American Standard Model 2514101S.020, Two piece Elongated Standard Toilet. 345 Reviews 5 Stars. I am grateful and I am VERY satisfied. Thank you for your well written article!
I am posting this piece on Sunday, June 28,2020. It’s my understanding that the American Standard 2862056.020 Fairfield 1 Piece Toilet in White is nolonger in production and that, its been discontinued. The company customer rep even confirm this to me via facebook chat. I am concerned, this model is still in stock both on amazon and Home Depot stores. May someone here help to know as to why this model was discontinued? Will I get unknown issues later if I but this model? To my knowledge, this is the only model in line up with the lowest height from floor to the bowl.
I just installed two American Standard Vormax toilets in my house. They were pricey, but the flush is great and the bowl stays clean. The design of the toilet is different from the regular gravity toilet. It’s actually real innovation compared to just a bigger flush valve in the tank and a “piston” which it’s just a plastic cylinder. The Vormax has two flush valves separating both the siphon and bowl rinse and reverses the water usage ratios between the two. There is a This Old House clip of how it works on YouTube.
These two Vormaxs are replacing two pressure assist Kohler toilets I bought about five years ago, they both came with quality control problems and have been a hassle to maintain.
My son is 6’2 and growing is it better to buy a high toilet and if so what the best one? I see Kohler is ok then it says American trending is better. Please help. My son is uncomfortable in our low toilet. He’ll i am sometimes and I’m 5’5. Lol ty
After 2 houses with Kohler I would never buy anything else, beyond look, choices, performance, the Customer Support and Warranty Support is off the charts great. Our current house was gutted and rebuilt with all Kohler. After 13 years I still have to contact them given we have so many BAs, 2 kitchen sinks/faucets, a “car wash” shower, Kohler sink basins and tubs. EVERYTHING plumbing is Kohler. They STILL send replacement parts for FREE. Free parts, free shipping, all fully covered lifetime and the customer support is as knowledgeable as any technical service I’ve ever spoken with. The plumbing company that did the install loved their products. My current plumber loves them and talks about how other brands make customers send pictures and original invoices for support. All I do, on the occasion I have to every few years, is say what I have. Nothing against American Standard in any way, buy mileage significantly varies on those items. I’ve built homes, remodeled them, and bought numerous new construction, culminating with buying the worst house on the block and gutting it to the studs, adding to it, repiping, reconductering, everything, and I have never once regretted my decision to go all in on Kohler, including towel holders, etc. Everything is Kohler. My dad was so impressed with our Kohler Memoirs Comfort Height Elongated Class 5 flush toilet, he bought one. That, from a guy, who is a remodel-phobe. Hope that helps.
Are all the lids on A S and Kohler plastic? If so, will they cave when sat on?
I need a toilet that will flush from the back of a 2000 sq ft house to the front. Evidently the flush goes under the house. I had an ‘old’ toilet replaced and the replacement could not flush the lines (nothing big going through).
Which toilet would be best to be able to try and clear the distance it has to flush. I had been looking at the American Standard Champion 4 with 1.6 gpf but my plumber keeps showing me other 1.2 gpf toilets. Kohler and American Standard. I just want to make a good decision on the best flush
If your priority on powerful flushes, then go with 1.6gpf toilet.
I have a small space in which to install a toilet. It looks like you would recommend the Kohler Cimarron because of the space constrictions. Am I correct?
And, in your reviews regarding the flushing, the Kohler Cimarron elongated has the Revolution Flush, which the round front Cimarron does not have.
Have you compared the elongated one with the Revolution Flush to the American Standard toilets?
Hi thanks for the info. Very helpful. We have an American Standard and it won’t flush. We just bought the house. The toilet is our main en suite so we need it to flush well. We have tried clearing the drain etc and not difference. We think we need to replace the toilet. What are your thoughts?
Thanks
Installed 3 American Standard toilets in my house 3 years ago.
Besides other issues, I just discovered a crack in the tank.
I will never buy American Standard again!
20 years experience installing toilets. 5 years with a company that carried American Standard. Ive pulled more “AM STAN” toilets out of houses then Ive installed. Problems with footprint casting, seals ( yes ! Plural) on the flush valves not sealing properly.
Kohler is a well designed product. You do get what you pay for. The mounting bracket system they developed makes installation seamless and virtually leak proof. The flush systems are simple and effective . Ive rarely had issues with higher end kohlers.
I have a problem with my commode, it fills the bowl up and then goes down very slowly. Sewer line is clear. Is there a vent inside the commode
I am about to get toile installed in my small powder room bathroom. After reading your article and reviews/comments, I was debating between American Standard Champion vs Kohler Cimarron. I am leaning more towards Kohler Cimarron because I have bad experience with my new AS toilet in Master Bathroom, cracks inside bottom of waste goes out started in year or two, didn’t complain but suddenly there is crack from outside toilet where water constantly leaking. It has demanded side of my vanity. I am very frustrated with AS product, how can ceramic can crack? I will never buy AS over new one which is trying Kohler Cimarron this time. Thanks for info.
Just installed an American Standard Champion from Home DEpot, the casting on the tank lid underside was cracked but whatever, they must have let it pass QC. The area of porcelain around the bolt holes inside the tank were pitted so the factory rubber grommets leaked on both sides, then the fill tube fitting leaked at the factory connection, where it meets the porcelain.
If this is how AS tanks are nowadays, no thanks. Kholer or some other brand. By the way this article said nothing about casting quality.
I am installing a new toilet in a second floor bathroom that will be located over kitchen area and I need a somewhat silent flushing toilet, elongated bowl and higher seat as I am an elderly person (87 years young) and need the ease of standing up when finished. Thank you.
You should try this Convenient Height Toilet. It is a perfect toilet for Senior people, and the flush is quiet.
Hi Robert,
I have a limitation since my countertop spans across the washroom and is above the toilet. The height from the floor to countertop is 30.5 inches. Is there a toilet that you recommend?
Thanks,
Stephanie
What is ghost flushing?
I currently have an American Standard Champion “Pro” 1.68 flush (purchased in 2014). The only problem I had with it was changing the seal. This toilet truly takes a lot of paper and flushes in one flush.
I now have to purchase another toilet and want the same strong flush. I have to use the round seat for a very small powder room. Will the Kohler Cimmaron K3609-0, 1.28 flush give me as good a flush as the American Standard Champion “Pro”, 211BA.104, 1.28?
No.
1.28gpf flush will be less powerful than 1.6gpf flush.
Feb. 8, 2022
I’ve narrowed my options to 4 toilets from these 2 brands that will be replacing 2 American Standard toilets (20 years old 1.6 gpf). I’m leaning towards the Kohler Persuade Curv as I think it looks the best & will perform as well as the others. One of my concerns is how easy/difficult it will be to install any of these options. The other concern is I’ve had clogging issues in one toilet & wondering if any of these should be avoided. How would you rank these if you were to purchase these toilets?
American Standard
FloWise Suite
H2Option
Kohler
Wellworth
Persuade Curv
According to your list, I will suggest buying this model.
Nice. I will consider adding american standard and kohler toilets to my selection. Thank guys.
Every buyer prefers reputable brands so those who need to buy a toilet think about Glacier Bay vs American Standard toilets. They’re the brands that gather a great deal of buyers. Is Glacier Bay a good toilet? Yes, it is since it produces cost-efficient toilets. You’ll find affordable models that function with innovative systems.
Thank you Robert, you changed my mind!
Hi!
In the process of replacing two toilets at our church. One stall is for handicap. Leaning toward the buying American Standard toilets for replacements. Since this is not residential, what is the best replacement for the church, Kohler or American Standard?
What toilet do you recommend that is chair height and has a skirt for easy cleaning?
You can Check this toilet.