Home › Guides › Plumbing › 8 types of toilets: how to choose for your bathroom
Buyer's guideA toilet isn't the most exciting part of a bathroom, but choosing the right type affects comfort, water bills, cleaning and how well it fits your space. Here are the main types of toilets, how they differ, and how to pick the right one.
One-piece toilets are sleek and easy to clean but pricier and heavier; two-piece are the affordable, common standard; wall-mounted save space and look modern but cost more and are harder to repair.
Gravity flush is the simple, quiet standard. Pressure-assisted uses compressed air for a stronger flush and fewer clogs, at the cost of more noise and pricier repairs.
Elongated bowls are more comfortable, especially for taller adults, but take more space; round bowls suit small bathrooms. Comfort/chair height eases bending for seniors and taller people; standard height suits kids.
Modern toilets use far less water than old ones. Dual-flush and low-flow models cut water bills — a small upgrade that pays back over time.
A seamless unit with the tank and bowl moulded together — sleek, durable and easy to clean with fewer crevices.
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Best for: Smaller or modern bathrooms
The common standard, with a separate tank and bowl — affordable and easy to find parts for.
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Best for: Most bathrooms on a budget
The tank hides in the wall, so only the bowl shows — space-saving and easy to clean under.
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Best for: Small, modern bathrooms
Uses gravity and water weight to flush — the simple, quiet, affordable standard in most homes.
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Best for: Budget-conscious remodels
Uses compressed air for a powerful flush that clears waste and resists clogs.
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Best for: Busy households tired of clogs
Offers a half-flush for liquids and full-flush for solids to save water.
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Best for: Water-conscious homeowners
Uses minimal water per flush while still clearing waste effectively.
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Best for: Small, efficiency-focused homes
Adds features like heated seats, bidet function, auto-flush and night-lights.
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Best for: Higher-budget upgrades
Found the type you want? Book a vetted, insured pro at an upfront price:
A one-piece or wall-mounted toilet with a round bowl saves the most space. Wall-mounted looks sleekest but needs a pro install.
If you deal with frequent clogs or want a stronger flush with less water, yes — the trade-offs are more noise and pricier repairs.
A standard two-piece is DIY-friendly, but wall-mounted and pressure-assisted models are best left to a licensed plumber. On Genie you can book one at an upfront price.
