When choosing a toilet for your home, durability, brand reputation, and affordability are essential considerations. Sterling toilets, now a well-known brand under Kohler Co., have become a popular choice for homeowners and contractors alike. But where did the brand come from? Who makes Sterling toilets? Are they still reliable in 2025? And most importantly—are they worth your money?
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the complete background, ownership journey, manufacturing details, product quality, and top benefits of Sterling toilets to help you make an informed decision.
A Brief History of Sterling Toilets
Sterling Plumbing has a long-standing presence in the U.S. plumbing industry. The company was founded in 1907 as an independent brand producing a range of plumbing products such as toilets, sinks, and bathtubs.
For many years, Sterling operated independently, with its own management structure, product design teams, and marketing divisions. Its aim was to provide high-quality yet budget-friendly plumbing solutions for American households.
However, in the early 1980s, the market became more competitive. Sterling began to struggle financially, and it became clear that the company needed a stronger foundation to continue its growth.
The Kohler Acquisition: A Turning Point
In 1984, Sterling Plumbing was officially acquired by Kohler Co., a giant in the bathroom and kitchen fixture industry. This acquisition marked a pivotal turning point in the history of Sterling toilets.
✅ What Changed After the Acquisition?
- Technology and Design Upgrades: With Kohler’s backing, Sterling products began incorporating advanced technologies and design improvements that rivaled top-tier brands.
- Expanded Product Line: The Sterling brand started offering not just toilets but also bathtubs, shower enclosures, kitchen sinks, and bathroom accessories.
- Better Market Reach: Leveraging Kohler’s global supply chain, Sterling products became available across the United States and internationally.
While Sterling maintained its own branding and identity, it operated as a mid-range division of Kohler, focusing on budget-conscious homeowners without sacrificing quality.
How Old Are Sterling Toilets Today?
As of 2025, Sterling toilets are 118 years old, tracing back to the brand’s original founding in 1907. That gives them over a century of industry experience—something few brands can claim.
For the last four decades (since 1984), they have been part of Kohler’s extensive portfolio of plumbing brands, enjoying innovation, consistent quality control, and wider market access.
Who Makes Sterling Toilets Today?
Today, Sterling toilets are manufactured by Kohler Co., under its Sterling Plumbing division. Most of their production facilities are based in the United States. However, like many global brands, Sterling also outsources part of its manufacturing to other regions like:
- Asia
- The Middle East
- Europe
Kohler maintains strict quality standards regardless of production location. That means whether a Sterling toilet is made in the USA or overseas, the performance, finish, and reliability remain consistent.
The exact manufacturing origin of each toilet may vary depending on model and distribution channel, but Sterling continues to deliver top-tier craftsmanship aligned with Kohler’s global standards.
Sterling’s Market Position: Mid-Range But Powerful
Sterling doesn’t try to compete with luxury toilet brands like TOTO or Kohler’s own high-end models. Instead, it offers solid, affordable, and durable toilets that deliver reliable performance in residential and commercial settings.
Sterling is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious homeowners
- Property managers
- Home renovation contractors
- DIY bathroom remodelers
This positioning helps Sterling compete strongly in the mid-tier toilet market, where performance and price need to strike a delicate balance.
What Makes Sterling Toilets Stand Out?
Let’s break down the key benefits and features of Sterling toilets that make them a solid choice for many homes:
✅ Sleek and Space-Saving Designs
Sterling toilets feature modern, minimalistic designs that complement contemporary bathrooms. Many models have compact footprints, making them suitable for small bathrooms or powder rooms.
✅ Durability and Quality Materials
All Sterling toilets are made with Vitreous China, a durable and easy-to-clean ceramic material. They are designed to resist cracking, fading, and discoloration, even with daily use.
✅ Water Efficiency
Water-saving technology is a major highlight. Many Sterling toilets are WaterSense-certified, using only 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) or less. This helps you save water and reduce your utility bills.
✅ Easy Installation
Sterling toilets are known for their simple installation process, whether you’re a professional or a DIYer. Most models come with easy-to-follow instructions and are compatible with standard plumbing setups.
✅ Affordable Price Point
Despite their impressive quality, Sterling toilets are very competitively priced. This makes them an attractive alternative to more expensive Kohler or TOTO models, especially for buyers on a budget.
✅ Available Replacement Parts
Maintenance is rarely a hassle with Sterling. Replacement parts—like flush valves, fill valves, and toilet seats—are widely available and often interchangeable with Kohler parts.
Common Product Lines and Models
Here are a few popular Sterling toilet models and what they offer:
| Model | Flush Type | GPF | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Windham | Gravity Flush | 1.28 | Elongated bowl, sleek profile, budget-friendly |
| Sterling Riverton | Pressure-Assist | 1.6 | Powerful flush, great for high-traffic areas |
| Sterling Karsten | Dual Flush | 1.1/1.6 | Dual flushing for water efficiency |
These toilets often include options for round or elongated bowls, comfort-height seating, and ADA-compliant models.
Where Are Sterling Toilets Used Most?
Sterling toilets are commonly found in:
- Residential homes
- Apartment complexes
- Hotels and motels
- Public restrooms
- Small commercial buildings
Their affordability and reliability make them especially useful in multi-unit buildings and remodeling projects where budget matters but quality cannot be compromised.
Discontinuation of Faucets and Refocus on Toilets
In recent years, Sterling Plumbing made a strategic shift by discontinuing its faucet product line to focus entirely on toilets, bathtubs, and other core plumbing fixtures. This move allowed the brand to:
- Streamline manufacturing
- Focus more on quality control
- Launch innovative toilet models
- Expand availability and support
This strategic decision demonstrates their commitment to dominating the bathroom fixture market with fewer but higher-quality offerings.
Sterling vs. Kohler Toilets: What’s the Difference?
You might wonder: if both Sterling and Kohler are made by the same company, what makes them different?
| Feature | Sterling Toilets | Kohler Toilets |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Mid-range / budget-friendly | Mid to premium |
| Design Complexity | Simple, modern, functional | Sleek, designer-grade, innovative |
| Materials | Vitreous China | Vitreous China / Enameled Cast Iron / Ceramic |
| Advanced Features | Basic to moderate | Dual flush, bidet-compatible, smart features |
| Warranty | Typically 5 years | Often 1-year to Limited Lifetime |
Are There Any Downsides?
No brand is perfect. Here are some minor drawbacks reported by a few users:
- Some models may lack the design elegance of premium brands.
- Pressure-assisted models may be louder than gravity-flush types.
- While reliable, certain models may not have dual-flush or modern smart features.
However, these are usually not deal-breakers, especially considering the value you get for the price.
Sterling Toilets Reviews and Consumer Feedback
Many Sterling customers are satisfied with the product performance, design, and price. Most reviews highlight:
- Smooth and powerful flush
- Easy installation
- Good value for the cost
- Long-lasting materials
Contractors also often recommend Sterling toilets for budget-conscious builds or multi-unit installations because of their cost-effectiveness and dependability.
Final Verdict: Are Sterling Toilets Worth It in 2025?
Absolutely. If you’re seeking a durable, efficient, and affordable toilet, Sterling toilets are a strong contender. Backed by the legacy of Kohler, the brand delivers excellent performance at a reasonable price.
While they might not have all the bells and whistles of high-end smart toilets, they do what most users need—flush effectively, last long, save water, and look great.
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