If you’re in the market for a bidet, two of the biggest names you’ll encounter are Kohler and Toto. Both companies make high-quality bidets with innovative features. But which one is better for your needs?
In this detailed comparison guide, we’ll look at the key differences between Kohler and Toto bidets across several categories:
- Bidet types and features
- Design and aesthetics
- Technology and customization
- Price and warranty
- Installation and maintenance
We’ll also provide pros and cons for each brand and help you determine which bidet best fits your preferences and budget. Let’s dive in!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Kohler Bidets | Toto Bidets |
| Bidet Types | Toilet seats, floor-standing, wall-mounted | Toilet seats, floor-standing, wall-mounted, tankless |
| Design Style | Traditional, refined, subtle | Contemporary, bold, statement |
| Technology | Quality basics | Cutting-edge innovations |
| Customization | Decent adjustability | Endless personalization |
| Price Range | $$ | $$$$ |
| Warranty | 1 year limited | 2 years + 1 year parts |
| Installation | DIY-friendly | Professional often needed for highest-end models |
Bidet Types And Features
Kohler and Toto both offer a range of bidet toilet seats and standalone bidets to suit different needs and budgets.
Toilet Seat Bidets
Both brands provide electric toilet seat bidets that attach to your existing toilet. These come with a heated seat, warm water wash, and air dryer. Most also include additional settings like oscillating and pulsating spray, adjustable water pressure and temperature, night light, etc.
Toto offers more toilet seat bidet models than Kohler, with advanced features like a sterilizing UV light, automatic opening/closing lid, and wireless remote. But Kohler’s main Novita bidet seat has a slim, low-profile design.
Standalone Bidets
For a standalone bidet, Kohler focuses on two main designs – French-style floor standing bidets, and wall-mounted bidets that don’t take up floor space.
Toto has a wider range of standalone bidets, including smart bidets with auto open/close lids, tankless designs with instant water heating, and contemporary styles like the minimalist Neorest.
Bidet Features
Here are some of the common features in Kohler and Toto bidets:
Kohler Bidet Features:
- Heated seat
- Warm air dryer
- Adjustable spray shape, position, water pressure
- Self-cleaning wand
- Night light
- Slow close lid
- Air deodorizer
Toto Bidet Features:
- UV light for sterilizing the wand
- Wireless remote control
- Auto open/close lid
- Tankless water heating
- Oscillating and pulsating spray modes
- User presets
- Built-in Bluetooth audio
Toto offers more high-tech features overall, especially in their premium Neorest collection. But Kohler bidets provide excellent functionality for the price.
Design And Aesthetics
Kohler and Toto have quite different design philosophies when it comes to their bidets.
Kohler Bidet Design
Kohler bidets feature elegant curved shapes and minimalist profiles. Their colors are usually neutral whites and blacks rather than bold hues. This allows Kohler bidets to blend in discreetly with most bathroom decor.
The Novita bidet seat has an especially low-profile lid and subtle silhouette. Kohler’s standalone bidets come in French-inspired styles with ornamental details.
Overall, Kohler’s bidet aesthetic can be described as refined and traditional. They aim to look subtle yet luxurious.
Toto Bidet Design
Toto bidets have more distinctive oval, contoured forms for both their toilet seats and standalone units. You’ll find bolder pops of color and metallic accents in finishes like cotton white, Sedona beige, and even black forest green.
Many of Toto’s high-end bidets have a contemporary style, like the space-age Neorest collection. They tend to stand out rather than blend in. The ultra-minimalist Neorest NX exudes modern sophistication.
If Kohler is traditional, then Toto is contemporary. Their bidets make a statement in your bathroom’s decor.
Technology And Customization
Both Kohler and Toto pack their bidets full of technology. But Toto pulls ahead when it comes to innovation and customization.
Kohler Technology
Kohler bidets utilize responsive touchscreen remotes and premium stainless steel wands. Their Novita bidet seat detects your position on the toilet and adjusts the wand angle accordingly.
You can customize wash settings like water temperature, spray width, and nozzle position. But presets and users profiles are limited compared to Toto bidets.
Overall, Kohler bidets offer intuitive controls and decent customizability for the price. But they don’t have as many advanced tech features as Toto.
Toto Technology
Toto bidets are packed with state-of-the-art features. Their top-tier Neorest collection includes an auto open/close heated toilet seat, UV light that cleans the wand before and after each use, wireless remote with user presets, warm air dryer, and tankless water heating for endless warm water.
Many Toto bidets can be controlled via mobile app as well. You can customize the spa experience to your exact preferences, then save them as presets. With smart features like a flush that adjusts based on waste volume and built-in deodorizer, Toto bidets offer the utmost in comfort and hygiene.
Also Read: Differences Between Sanimove And Saniflo.
Price And Warranty
In terms of price, Toto bidets are generally more expensive than comparable Kohler models. But Toto offers better coverage under their warranties.
Kohler Bidet Pricing
A Kohler bidet toilet seat like the Novita starts around $600. Their standalone bidets can range from $1,000 – $2,500. These prices are reasonable for the features you get.
Toto Bidet Pricing
Toto’s flagship Neorest bidets retail for $5,000 and up. Their mid-range toilet seats start around $1,000. So expect to pay a premium for Toto’s advanced functions and sleek styling.
Warranties
Kohler bidets come with a 1 year limited warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Toto provides a 2 year warranty plus an additional 1 year on key electronic parts. So Toto offers better protection.
For the higher prices, Toto bidets still provide good value considering their quality construction, eco-friendly engineering, and market-leading innovation.
Installation And Maintenance
Installing a Toto or Kohler bidet requires some DIY skills, but isn’t too difficult with proper guidance. Maintenance is also straightforward.
Kohler Installation
Kohler bidets come with clear installation instructions. Their Novita toilet seat has a simple DIY installation that takes less than an hour. You simply unscrew your existing seat and reconnect the water supply.
A standalone Kohler bidet requires more effort to install the plumbing. But overall, their bidets have a user-friendly setup process.
Toto Installation
Toto Neorest bidets in particular may need professional installation due to the electrical and plumbing requirements. But their toilet seat bidets can be DIY-installed like Kohler’s.
The instructions are detailed, and Toto provides tutorial videos online. Just be prepared for a slightly more involved install process.
Maintenance
To clean your Toto or Kohler bidet, you can use a soft damp cloth and gentle detergent on the exterior. Avoid abrasives.
The self-cleaning wands do the tough work for you. Both brands recommend periodic filter changes and descaling if you live in an area with hard water.
Kohler Vs. Toto Bidets: Pros And Cons
To recap, here are the key pros and cons of Kohler and Toto bidets:
Kohler Bidet Pros:
- Elegant traditional styling
- Affordable pricing
- Easy DIY installation
- Quality heated seat and dryer
Kohler Bidet Cons:
- Fewer high-tech features than Toto
- Limited custom presets
- 1 year limited warranty
Toto Bidet Pros:
- Cutting-edge smart features
- Advanced sterilization and deodorizing
- Contemporary design
- Excellent product warranty
Toto Bidet Cons:
- Very expensive, especially Neorest models
- Can require professional installation
- Overwhelming features for some
Key Takeaways
- Kohler offers great value for money on entry-level luxury bidets.
- Toto provides the ultimate in innovative technology and customization.
- Toto is better if you want advanced wellness and hygienic functions.
- Kohler is a good option if you prioritize straightforward operation.
- Both brands make high-quality bidets that enhance your bathroom.
Also watch the video about Toto Bidets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For those seeking the latest in bidet innovation and customization, the investment in a Toto bidet is usually worth it. You get superb engineering, contemporary style, and indulgent comfort. But the high prices make Toto bidets luxuries rather than necessities.
The ‘best’ bidet depends on your budget and needs. Top choices are the entry-level Kohler Novita for high-quality basics under $1000. Mid-range options like Toto’s C200 provide excellent functionality for ~$1500. And if money is no concern, Toto’s flagship Neorest line offers elite luxury.
Toto toilets are renowned for their modern designs, durable construction, and efficient flushing performance. Their signature innovations include cyclone siphoning to prevent clogs and eWater+ technology that mist the bowl with electrolyzed water to keep it clean.
The Bio Bidet Bliss BB-2000 and Toto Neorest 700H are two of the top-rated electric bidet seats that combine advanced functions with a quality toilet system. For a budget combo, look at the Brondell Swash DS725.
Conclusion
Kohler and Toto both provide excellent options for upgrading your bathroom with a bidet. Kohler offers classic style and quality at lower prices. For unlimited luxury, Toto’s state-of-the-art bidets are the pinnacle of form and function.
Consider your budget, features needed, and aesthetic before choosing between these leading brands. With the benefits that bidets provide, you can’t go wrong investing in your comfort and hygiene.