Which toilet is better, Toto or Kohler? This debate has begun in the last century or so. Some will say Toto is better, and others will say that isn’t true. As a plumber, I will differentiate some features between these two toilet brands. But If you want a decision-making answer, then I suggest buying a Toto toilet. In this Toto VS Kohler toilets review, we compare and contrast the Kohler VS Toto brand. And will find out which one of these two brands fits your needs and demands.
Are Toto toilets better than Kohler’s? Our Recommendation In short
If you have a tight budget, then go with the Kohler toilet brand.
If you can afford extra 70-100 bucks for some additional features, then buy Toto toilets.
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Features Comparison: Toto VS Kohler Toilets 2025
Note: This Kohler and Toto brand comparison is based on my personal experience and according to user feedback. I have no statistical data to prove it. You can comment below, If you have the opposite experience.
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Features |
TOTO Toilet Brand |
KOHLER Toilet Brand |
| Flushing Mechanisms: |
|
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| Flush Sound: | Less Noise | Little bit higher |
| Refilling Noise: | Quiet | A bit of noise |
| Pricing: | High | Affordable toilet |
| Maintenance: | Less | Regularly |
| Loose flush: | Less | High |
| Leak Issues: | Lesser | Higher |
| Company Focus: | Only Toilets | bathroom & kitchen appliances |
| Plumber Recommendation: | Higher | Lesser |
| Homeowners Advice: | Great Long-term Investment | Good Budget Investment |
| My Recommendation: | (My 2025’s Choice) Check Price |
 Check Price |
If you are looking for a durable, efficient, and comfortable no-clog toilet, then you should consider buying from brands like Toto and Kohler. These two brands are some of the most famous and are known for their high-quality toilets. Actually, many plumbers and homeowners recommend buying from these two brands. But what is the best brand? Is it Toto or Kohler? Here is our recommendation-
Comparison Between Toto & Kohler’s Two Best-Selling Toilets
A home is incomplete without a toilet. So, whether you’re looking to install a toilet in your newly built house or want to replace it with a dysfunctional one, you need to make the right choice. With so many toilets on offer, consumers are usually confused about which one to pick. A toilet is something that should last for many years, and it should have little maintenance. Not all brands that you see out there are worth buying, as some are poorly made, and you will only regret them after buying them.
Features |
TOTO Drake II |
KOHLER Santa Rosa |
| Material: | Vitreous China Material | China |
| Certification: | ADA | WaterSense |
| Water Consumption: | 1.28 GPF per flush | 1.28 GPF per flush |
| Bowl Shape: | Elongated toilet bowl | Elongated bowl design |
| Dimensions: | 28.8 x 16.5 x 29.4 inches | 31 x 20.8 x 29 inches |
| Color: | Cotton White | White |
| Size: | 12 Inches | 12 Inches |
| Item Weight: | 94 pounds | 102 pounds |
| Batteries Required: | No | No |
| Toilet Seat Include: | No | Yes |
| More: | Details Review | Details Review |
| Price: | My Choice Check Price |
Check Price |
Compare Flushing System
A right flush system is essential when choosing the best toilet brands. A good toilet should have a very efficient flushing system that clears the waste or the contents of the bowl in just one flush. Toto has a powerful g max powerful flushing system that clears any dust or waste in one flush. Also, Kohler is known to have a flushing mechanism that not only doesn’t waste your time but as well as saves water. Just one flush, and everything will be cleared.
Besides having an efficient flush system, many homeowners dislike toilets that make noise. Imagine everyone is asleep at night, and your activities in the bathroom awaken them because of the noise made after flushing. This isn’t very pleasant! The good news is that there is no need to worry anymore, as both Kohler’s and Toto’s toilets have a very silent flushing mechanism when compared to other traditional toilet brands. Therefore, you will not create unnecessary noise after using the toilet. But Toto is said to be more silent than Kohler. Also, both brands offer several flushing systems for different users.
Related: American Standard VS Kohler Toilets
Maintenance
When buying a toilet, there are so many things to consider. Maintenance is one of them. Also, you should look at the availability of spare parts, just in case a part breaks and needs replacement. Kohler is an American brand, and thus very easy to get spare parts. On the other hand, Toto is a Japanese toilet brand that has distributors in many parts of America. So getting spare parts won’t be a big problem.
Plumbers and home users say that maintaining Toto toilets is very easy as they usually don’t have leakages or loose flushes. So, you can be guaranteed that your toilet will last for a very long while without having to call a plumber to fix it. Kohler is also easy to maintain but not as easy as Toto. This means Toto is slightly more durable than Kohler.
Price Comparison
So Toto toilet vs. Kohler toilet: Which one is cost-effective? Many homeowners and businesses prefer buying a toilet that will last for a very long time. A toilet is something that you should shop for once and think of changing after ten years or so. That is if need be. Toto standard toilet models are known to be expensive, but they are the best. So, if you want to spend a little more to have the best and most popular toilet brand, then Toto is an ideal choice. Kohler is slightly cheaper, but it as well offers quality toilets that last long. So, if you’re looking at price, then you should go for Kohler. But if you want the best toilet, I suggest you get one from Toto.
Related: Difference between American Standard and Toto Toilets
Design
Both Toto and Kohler toilet is excellently designed to provide comfort to the user. You will have elongated and round bowl designs to select from. Furthermore, the toilets from these brands meet ADA requirements, and you will get to save a lot of water yearly. But if you are looking for the most versatile toilets, Toto has lots of them.
Cleaning
Who wants a toilet that is problematic when it comes to cleaning? Kohler and Toto both toilets are very easy to clean. You will only need to use a small portion of the cleaning chemical and less scrubbing. This is not the case with other toilet brands. However, Toto and Kohler’s two-piece toilet designs are tough to clean. This is something that you should know as you get to choose between a one-piece and two-piece toilet.
Final Toilet Decision
After looking at the Kohler vs. Toto toilets brands, it is clear that Toto is a better Japanese brand; but Kohler is still a quality and reliable brand as well. If you are ready to spend to get the best of the best, then you should go with Toto. But if you want a quality toilet and you’re on a budget, then I would recommend the Kohler brand. Toto is superior because it has the best flushing systems and needs less maintenance, and it is very silent compared to most Kohler toilets. Overall, both toilets are amazing as they are very easy to clean and comfortable, and they meet ADA requirements. I hope this Toto vs. Kohler toilets reviews article was helpful to you.
FAQs
1. Which brand offers better flushing technology?
Answer: Both Toto and Kohler offer advanced flushing technologies, but Toto’s Tornado Flush is often considered more powerful and efficient.
2. Are Toto toilets more water-efficient than Kohler?
Answer: Toto toilets generally focus on water efficiency with models using as little as 1.0 GPF, while Kohler also offers water-efficient options but may not be as consistent across all models.
3. Which brand is easier to maintain?
Answer: Toto toilets are easier to maintain due to their CEFIONTECT glaze, which prevents debris buildup, while Kohler also offers durable finishes.
4. Are Toto toilets more expensive than Kohler?
Answer: Toto toilets tend to be more expensive than Kohler, but the cost reflects their innovative features and superior performance.
5. Which brand is better for modern bathroom designs?
Answer: Both brands offer stylish designs, but Toto often leads in sleek, contemporary aesthetics, while Kohler provides a mix of classic and modern styles.
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.