Toilets can be one-piece or two-piece units. One-piece units are visually sleeker since there are no gaps between the bowl and tank. These are also easier to clean because of the absence of grooves and spaces. One-piece toilets are more expensive compared to two-piece units but the probability of leakage problems is also reduced significantly. Two-piece toilets have a separate tank and bowl which need to be attached to each other when the toilet is installed.
The majority of toilets on the US market are two-piece models which makes the choice very difficult. Because there are so many choices and good quality toilets available, it’s hard to declare an absolute best.
After having done several bathroom remodels on our home and rental properties, our top choice is the American Standard Cadet 3. It offers a powerful flush, a stylishly sleek design for a 2 piece model and good value for money. However, there are more affordable budget models and premium toilets that we describe in detail below. Â
Two-piece toilets are easier to move and carry around since the parts are detached from each other but installation also takes longer since the bowl and tank need to be connected to each other. Two-piece toilets are cheaper compared to one-piece units and have more options when it comes to height and style. However, these are also harder to clean since dirt can get into the spaces and are more likely to leak.
Best Two-Piece Toilets
American Standard 2988101.020 Cadet 3 FloWise 2-Piece (Concealed Trapway)
The Cadet 3 Toilet by American Standard is a round-front two-piece toilet that combines function, convenience, and power in a single unit. It features a concealed trapway for a smooth look and for easy cleaning and the compact round front design makes it suitable for small bathroom spaces. The Cadet 3 toilet uses 1.28 gallons for flush which translates to 20% water savings compared to standard toilet models and ADA-compliant with a Right Height bowl.
The WaterSense toilet uses FloWise technology, an innovation that ensures users get the maximum level of water conservation without sacrificing performance. The Cadet 3 is glazed with EverClean to ensure the surface is protected from bacteria, mold, and mildew that cause stain and odor and features the PowerWash rim which scrubs the bowl with every flush with the help of pressurized water. The toilet comes with a slow-close lid and seat and does not need any tools for installation.
The majority of customers who purchased the Cadet 3 loved the concealed trapway of the toilet which made it easier to clean. Installation is also an easy process but customers advise following the instructions closely as it can be hard to undo the bolts once you have tightened them in the hole. Users reported that while the unit uses less water, the flushing system is very efficient and the majority agree that it only takes one flush to remove waste from the bowl.
One of the things that could use improvement, according to customer reviews, is the toilet seat. While the soft-close feature works well, users shared that it is difficult to install the seat and was too small to sit on comfortably. Some customers also reported that the seat broke within a few months of installing it. Replacing the toilet seat was also difficult as users said that it didn’t fit into the standard one available in the market.
American Standard 288DA114.020 Toilet Normal Height (Budget Pick)
The H2Optimum 288DA114.020 Two-Piece Toilet by American Standard is a high-efficiency WaterSense toilet that uses only 1.1 gallons of water per flush. The round front design makes the toilet suitable for smaller bathrooms and the unit comes with a fully glazed 2-inch trapway, 15-inch rim height, 12-inch rough-in, and a 9×8-inch water surface area. The bowl, made of vitreous china for durability, comes with a lifetime warranty and a 5-year warranty on mechanical parts.
The H2Optimum makes use of siphon action via a direct-fed jet for flushing away waste. It also features American Standard’s EverClean technology, a glaze on the surface of the toilet that prevents the growth of mildew, mold, and bacteria which, if not addressed, can lead to stain-formation and foul odors. The toilet also has the PowerWash rim innovation, a pressurized spray that cleans the bowl with every flush.
According to customer reviews, the H2Optimum has a strong flush and some users even said that it had a stronger flush compared to their older toilet unit. Installation is also easy with the instructions easy to follow. Customers reported being able to install the toilet in an hour or so and most of the hard work just involved lifting the parts. According to users, the water-saving feature does not affect the flush performance negatively and it removes waste efficiently.
Some customers found the toilet unit too small for them and thought the size was more suitable for children. Others also had issues with the toilet and tank not arriving together as a set. Several users also found the toilet had formed cracks after several months of use, which led to leaking. Some customers thought that the toilet came with the seat only to find out that it wasn’t included when they contacted customer service.
TOTO CST454CEFG#01 Drake II 2-Piece Toilet (Elongated)
TOTO Drake II two-piece toilet is a high-efficiency toilet unit that integrates advanced technology with simplicity and function. It uses 1.28 gallons per flush and is WaterSense-certified to ensure that it adheres to EPA’s water-saving guidelines. The toilet is coated with TOTO’s CEFIONTECT innovation, a glaze that makes the surface smooth and minimizes the amount of waste that sticks on the bowl.
The Drake II also features TOTO’s Tornado Flush technology, a hole-free rim design that utilizes two nozzles to create a cyclonic washing action to clean the bowl more thoroughly with every flush. The toilet is designed in TOTO’s universal height and meets the ADA code for a comfortable sitting position across different users. The Drake II comes with the toilet bowl, tank, tank-to-bowl gasket, tank to bowl hardware, and bolt caps. It does not include the toilet seat, wax ring, water supply line, and toilet mounting bolts.
Most customers are happy with the flush performance of the Drake II toilet. According to reviews, it only takes a single flush to remove waste, and refill time in between flushes is also quick. Some users shared that the flush power varies depending on how long you hold it down for. Holding the flush lever down longer will give you a more swirly flush. The majority of customers also found the toilet easy to clean.
Some users found the flush too noisy and loud enough to be heard in adjacent rooms. Other customers also received damaged toilet parts, some of which had chips, and others were completely broken into pieces. There was also feedback from other customers that the universal height was too high which made sitting down uncomfortable. There were also some issues with the toilet clogging and leaking.
Niagara 77001WHCO1 Stealth 0.8 GPF Toilet
The Niagara 7701WHCO1 Toilet is a powerful water-efficient toilet that uses only 0.8 gallons per flush for more water savings. It uses only half of the federal regulation’s requirement of 1.6 gallons without sacrificing the quality and power of the flush thanks to the siphon action of the patented Stealth technology. The elongated toilet uses flapper-less technology to prevent leaks and a vacuum-assisted flush chamber and air transfer system for a thorough single flush.
The 77001WHCO1 toilet also has a low-profile body and a quiet flush. The elongated bowl together with the EZ height design promotes comfort when sitting down and standing up from the toilet. The toilet also has a fully glazed 2-inch trapway, a standard Fluidmaster 400A fill valve, and a durable flush button. The toilet set includes the elongated bowl and tank but does not come with the seat.
Based on customer reviews, the Niagara toilet is quiet when flushing and refills quickly afterward. The majority of users also found the flush efficient although it may need to be flushed twice in some instances. The flush button is also easy to press which makes it suitable for kids. Customers have also shared that it has reduced their water bills thanks to the reduced water use. Quality-wise, numerous users have been using the 7700WHCO1 toilet for years without running into any major issues.
Some customers found that the water only runs down one side of the toilet when flushing, making it inefficient in cleaning the bowl properly in case of streaking with solid wastes. There is also feedback from some users who found the toilet height too high to sit on comfortably. Some customers had clogging problems with just a few weeks of use and plungers won’t be able to fix it because of the second hole in the holding tank that helps with the vacuum-assist flush.
KOHLER K-6669-0 Memoirs 2-Piece Toilet
The Memoirs two-piece toilet features a stylish architectural style that keeps with a traditional toilet look while combining water efficiency and function. It combines a K-5626 bowl and a K-4434 tank. The KOHLER toilet uses 1.28 gallons per flush for considerable water savings without affecting flush quality. The high-efficiency toilet can save up to 16,500 gallons of water yearly compared to a 3.5-gallon toilet.
The two-piece toilet has an elongated bowl for more room to sit on and a Comfort Height feature to make sitting down and standing up from the toilet easier for the majority of adults. The Memoirs toilet has a concealed trapway for easier access when cleaning and Clean Caps low-profile bolt caps. The toilet utilizes AquaPiston technology, a canister that lets water flow into the bowl from all sides to improve the flush’s effectiveness.
One of the things customers liked about the Memoirs toilet is the flat lid on the tank which gives users the option to put some items on top. The flushing mechanism is also fast and removes waste from the bowl quickly. Despite being a two-piece toilet, the design of the Memoirs hides the trapway and makes the unit easier to clean too. Customers with knee problems found the Comfort Height feature a big help when it comes to using the toilet comfortably.
According to customer reviews, the toilet does not come with the toilet seat and wax ring which they take to be unreasonable considering the price of the Memoirs. Some users have also commented that the bottom of the bowl cannot be cleaned properly with a brush, resulting in the toilet looking dirty. Other customers who have been using the toilet for a couple of years had clogging issues that occurred several times per week.
TOTO CST474CEFGNo.01 Vespin II Two-Piece High-Efficiency Toilet
TOTO’s Vespin II is a two-piece high-efficiency toilet with a sleek, high-profile design. It comes with an elongated bowl for comfort and ease of use, ADA-compliant TOTO Universal Height design, a skirted trapway design for easier cleaning, and a 12-inch Uni-Fit rough-in. The WaterSense toilet uses 1.28 gallons per flush for more water savings and features TOTO’s Tornado Flush flushing system to ensure the blown stays clean after every flush.
The Vespin II toilet is also glazed with SanaGloss, a coating that protects the surface from bacteria, mold, and mildew that can odors and stains. The glaze also makes the bowl smoother to reduce the amount of waste that sticks on the surface and reduces the need to use harsh chemicals for cleaning. To avoid clogging, the Vespin II has a computer-designed fully glazed trapway to facilitate the passage of waste materials. The toilet does not come with a seat but may be purchased from TOTO separately.
Just like other toilet models with a concealed trapway, the Vespin II toilet is easy to clean because there are no spaces and grooves to worry about. The majority of users also agree that the flush function works well, flushes quickly and quietly, and rarely needs a second flush to get rid of waste. Several customers shared that the toilet never gets clogged and the Universal Height feature improves comfort too.
According to customer feedback, the Vespin II toilet can be quite difficult to install and requires the help of a plumber. Some customers said that their water supply line needed to be adjusted to accommodate the installation of the bowl. Users have also shared that the toilet needs to be installed with the provided mount in the package and this requires holes to be drilled on the floor. Some customers have also had issues with the water splashing out of the bowl when flushed.
Signature Hardware 413995 Stalnaker ADA Compliant Two-Piece Elongated ToiletÂ
The Stalnaker Toilet by Signature Hardware is a two-piece elongated toilet unit with a classic style to suit any bathroom. Made from high-quality porcelain, the Stalnaker toilet uses only 1.6 gallons of water per flush to meet federal regulations in accordance with the Energy Policy Act. The toilet also meets ADA requirements with a bowl height of 18 ¼ inches, suitable for people with physical limitations, mobility problems, and the elderly.
The Stalnaker toilet has a visible trapway and comes with a standard toilet seat with a soft-closing hinge. Signature Hardware has an optional bidet seat that goes with the Stalnaker toilet for additional comfort. Some of the features of the bidet seat include a self-cleaning, antibacterial spray nozzle with different cleansing modes and water-saving function, and a side knob that allows users to adjust water pressure and angle.
Based on customer reviews, the majority of those who purchased and use the toilet are those with knee problems and they’ve found the ADA height suitable for their needs. The majority of customers were happy with the height of the bowl and found it easier to sit down and stand up from the toilet. When it comes to the flushing system, users said that it flushed well and refilled quickly. Installation-wise, most customers found it easy to do it themselves.
A major issue for most customers is the toilet seat that comes with the Stalnaker unit. Customers said that the material is flimsy and uncomfortable to sit on. Other customers also said that the seat buckles when you sit on it and doesn’t cover the bowl completely. There was also some feedback that the lid on the tank easily moves off the tank when bumped.
KOHLER K-3837-96 Devonshire Comfort Height Two-Piece Elongated
The Devonshire two-piece toilet by KOHLER features an old-world design combined with high efficiency and water savings. The toilet uses 1.28 gallons of water per flush and gives users water savings of up to 16,500 gallons annually compared to 3.5-gallon toilets. Despite being a water-saving toilet unit, the Devonshire toilet doesn’t compromise on function and delivers an efficient flush using a combination of gravity and precision-engineered bowl, tank, and trapway.
The elongated bowl gives more room to sit on while the Comfort Height feature ensures chair-height seating to make sitting down and standing up from the toilet easier for the majority of adults. The Devonshire toilet is also integrated with an AquaPiston canister that enables water to flow through all sides of the bowl to ensure a thorough flush. The canister design exposes 90% less seal material compared to a 3-inch flapper model which also helps protect from leaks.
If you love an antique style, you’ll definitely love the vintage vibe that the Devonshire toilet gives. Customers said that the toilet has very low water usage but has a powerful flush and they noticed a significant reduction in their water bill. The majority of users also found the flush effective in cleaning the bowl. The toilet is also easy to clean manually and most customers haven’t had any problems with clogging. Flush refill time is also fast and doesn’t make too much noise.
The Devonshire toilet does not come with a toilet seat and wax ring which some customers found disappointing especially since most KOHLER toilets have this with their toilet sets. There have also been some issues with the toilet tank running continuously. A few users found the need to press down on the flush handle for several seconds to get a decent flush.
Saniflo SaniAccess3 Macerating Upflush Toilet
The SaniAccess 3 Toilet by Saniflo is a macerating toilet system that can get rid of human waste with the help of stainless-steel macerator blades and a pump. The pump system is capable of installing a complete bathroom up to 15 feet below the sewer line horizontally or up to 150 feet away from a soil stack vertically. The SaniAccess 3 toilet is comprised of a pressure chamber that starts and stops the system and a motor sealed in an oil-filled enclosure that runs the blades and pump.
When the flush system is activated, water flows into the toilet and activates the micro-switch in the pressure chamber. This, in turn, starts the motor and the flushing process ensues. Water and waste matter enter the chamber and are reduced to a slurry, after which these are ejected through a grill and picked up by the impeller pump under the motor. The SaniAccess 3 toilet has an operating cycle of 10 to 12 seconds which keeps power consumption to a minimum.
According to customer feedback. The SaniAccess 3 toilet is easy to install and perfect as a basement toilet unit. It also flushes well and is relatively quiet despite the use of the motor when flushing. Some customers would prefer a higher water level to prevent waste from smearing on the sides of the bowl.
TOTO WASHLET+ Drake II Two-Piece Elongated (Luxury Pick)
If you are after a two-piece toilet that gives an exceptional level of luxury and comfort when going to the bathroom, you might want to consider the TOTO WASHLET+ Drake II S300E Toilet. Featuring a sleek and elongated design, the toilet system integrates the toilet and WASHLET for doing personal hygiene. The water-efficient toilet uses 1.28 gallons per flush and includes TOTO’s Tornado Flush System which siphons water with 2 nozzles to clean the bowl completely.
The Drake II S300E toilet is glazed with CEFIONTECT, a coating that prevents waste from sticking on the bowl’s surface for easier cleaning. It also has TOTO’s Univeral Height feature and is ADA compliant to ensure the bowl height is comfortable for the majority of users. The WASHLET offers superior comfort features including EWATER+ technology, heated seat, warm air dryer, air deodorizer, instant warm water, a self-cleaning wand, and a soft-close seat and lid. The Drake II comes with a concealed supply connection for a smoother installation and a chrome trip lever and has a 12-inch rough-in.
Customers love the features of the Drake II toilet when it comes to comfort and convenience. The bidet toilet seat gives users a luxurious experience when it comes to washing and hygiene. Getting a bidet seat integrated into the toilet is also suitable for individuals with disabilities and physical limitations as well as the elderly as a means of improving self-care and fostering independence.
Buyers Guide
Trapway
Two-piece toilets can have an open or concealed trapway. Concealed or skirted trapways are easier to clean and give the toilet a smoother look since it hides the curves and grooves of the toilet unit. Skirted toilet units are suitable for users who are after a low-maintenance toilet.
Water-Efficiency
Two-piece toilets can have a single flush or dual flush. Dual flush two-piece toilets give more water savings since users have an option to use a half flush or full flush to get rid of waste. As much as possible, go for a WaterSense-certified toilet to ensure it meets the EPA’s guidelines when it comes to saving water.
Toilet Height
Two-piece toilets come in standard height and ADA-compliant height. Standard height toilets are suitable for children and for shorter individuals. ADA height toilets are best for individuals with mobility and knee problems, the elderly, and those on the taller side.
Toilet Seat
A two-piece toilet can come with or without a toilet seat. Make sure you check the quality of the seat first before deciding on a toilet unit and if it is compatible with standard toilet seats in the market for easy replacement if needed.
Bidet Seat
Two-piece toilets can come with a bidet seat or a bidet attachment can be placed on the toilet for more comfort. When choosing a two-piece toilet, take into consideration if a bidet seat will fit into the seat hinge if you want an upgrade in the future.
Flushing Action
Two-piece toilets have different flushing mechanisms. Most toilet units make use of siphon action with the help of gravity to facilitate the removal of waste. Choose a toilet that has an efficient flushing system even without using too much water.
Round vs Elongated Bowl
Two-piece toilets can have a round or elongated bowl. Round toilet bowls are shorter and increase available space in front of the toilet. Elongated bowls, on the other hand, give more room to sit on for more comfort and leave more space at the sides of the toilet.
Conclusion
A toilet is sanitation hardware used to collect human waste. Toilets can either be with or without water but it wasn’t until the 3rd millennium BC that the first-known urban sanitation system in the world came into existence, thanks to the Indus Valley Civilization. It was during this time that toilets and sewers were invented and flowing water was used to remove human waste.
The modern flush toilets, on the other hand, weren’t invented until the year 1596 by Sir John Harington. Harington’s design had a flush valve to let water out of the tank with a wash down design to facilitate the cleaning of the bowl. Over the years, the toilet has seen many technological advances to shape it into how we know it now.
Two-piece toilets are a cheap toilet solution compared to other toilet types. These are usually easy to install even without experience but may need the assistance of a plumber and/or electrician for electric units. There are different styles available in the market to suit different bathroom types, from traditional designs to modern ones. A bidet seat can be attached to two-piece toilets for improved comfort and convenience when doing personal hygiene.