Expert reviews of top-rated WaterSense toilets that save 13,000+ gallons annually while delivering powerful, single-flush performance.
Your toilet is the single biggest water user in your home, accounting for nearly 30% of indoor water consumption. If you're still flushing with an old 3.5 GPF (gallons per flush) toilet, you're literally flushing money down the drain every single day. Modern WaterSense-certified toilets use just 1.28 GPF or less while delivering superior flushing performance thanks to decades of engineering improvements.
The math is compelling: a family of three with an old 3.5 GPF toilet uses about 19,000 gallons annually just for flushing. Upgrade to a 1.28 GPF model, and that drops to 7,000 gallons. That's 12,000+ gallons saved per toilet, per year. At average water and sewer rates, you're looking at $100-150 in annual savings that continue for the 25+ year lifespan of a quality toilet.
Average savings when upgrading from 3.5 GPF to 1.28 GPF
Plus potential $50-100 rebates from your water utility
The TOTO Drake II has earned legendary status among plumbers and homeowners alike for one simple reason: it never clogs. TOTO's Tornado Flush technology uses two powerful nozzles to create a centrifugal washing action that cleans the entire bowl surface while delivering 1.28 GPF efficiency. The large 3-inch flush valve and fully glazed trapway ensure everything goes down on the first flush, every time.
Our Take: The Drake II is the toilet we recommend most often. Its combination of water efficiency, flush power, and long-term reliability makes it the smart choice for most homeowners. Yes, you'll pay more upfront, but you're getting a toilet that will perform flawlessly for decades while saving you $100+ annually on water bills. The MaP score of 1000g means it can flush a full kilogram of waste in a single flush - you'll never double-flush again.
Typical price: $350-450 (bowl + tank, seat separate)
The Cadet 3 proves you don't need to spend a fortune to get excellent water efficiency and solid performance. American Standard's PowerWash rim scrubs the bowl with each flush while the 3-inch flush valve delivers strong, reliable flushing at 1.28 GPF. This is the toilet contractors install in new homes because it hits the sweet spot of price, performance, and durability.
Our Take: The Cadet 3 is our budget pick because it delivers 90% of the performance at 60% of the price. For most households, it performs flawlessly, and the EverClean surface genuinely helps keep the bowl cleaner between scrubs. If you're upgrading multiple toilets and watching your budget, this is the smart choice. The included slow-close seat is a nice bonus that saves you another $30-50.
Typical price: $200-280 (complete with seat)
The Ultramax II is the Drake II's sophisticated cousin, offering the same legendary Tornado Flush performance in a sleek one-piece design. The seamless construction eliminates the tank-to-bowl joint where bacteria and grime love to hide, making cleaning significantly easier. If aesthetics matter and you want the absolute best flush performance available, this is your toilet.
Our Take: The Ultramax II is for those who want the best and are willing to pay for it. The one-piece design looks stunning in a modern bathroom and is genuinely easier to keep clean. You get TOTO's best flush technology plus the convenience of an included SoftClose seat. It's heavy (about 100 lbs), so plan on a helper for installation. For master bathrooms where appearance matters, this is the gold standard.
Typical price: $550-700 (complete with seat)
Kohler's Wellworth offers the flexibility of dual-flush technology: 1.1 GPF for liquid waste and 1.6 GPF for solids. Over time, this averages out to about 1.28 GPF while giving you maximum water savings on light flushes. The Class Five flushing technology uses a large flush valve and direct-fed jet for powerful, clean bowl clearing.
Our Take: If you're disciplined about using the light flush for liquids, the Wellworth can save even more water than standard 1.28 GPF toilets. The dual-flush mechanism is intuitive once you get used to it. Kohler's build quality is excellent, and their customer service is top-notch. This is a solid choice for water-conscious households who want maximum flexibility.
Typical price: $280-380 (seat separate)
The Aquia IV combines TOTO's dual-flush efficiency (0.9/1.28 GPF) with a space-saving elongated design that's perfect for smaller bathrooms. Despite its compact footprint, it doesn't compromise on flush performance thanks to TOTO's DynaMax Tornado Flush system. The skirted design hides the trapway for a sleek, modern look that's incredibly easy to clean.
Our Take: The Aquia IV is perfect for half-baths, powder rooms, or any bathroom where space is at a premium. The skirted design looks fantastic and wipes clean in seconds. The 0.9 GPF light flush is impressively water-efficient while still clearing the bowl effectively. If you want TOTO quality in a space-saving package, this is your toilet.
Typical price: $450-550 (seat separate)
| Model | GPF | MaP Score | Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOTO Drake II | 1.28 | 1000g ⭐ | Two-Piece | $350-450 | Overall performance |
| American Standard Cadet 3 | 1.28 | 800g | Two-Piece | $200-280 | Budget-conscious |
| TOTO Ultramax II | 1.28 | 1000g ⭐ | One-Piece | $550-700 | Premium bathrooms |
| Kohler Wellworth | 1.1/1.6 | 800g | Two-Piece | $280-380 | Maximum flexibility |
| TOTO Aquia IV | 0.9/1.28 | 800g | Two-Piece | $450-550 | Small spaces |
The Maximum Performance (MaP) score tells you how many grams of solid waste a toilet can flush in a single attempt. Look for scores of 800g or higher. TOTO toilets often score 1000g, meaning they can flush a full kilogram of waste without issue. Higher scores mean fewer clogs and no embarrassing double-flushes. This is the single most important specification when choosing a high-efficiency toilet.
Elongated bowls are about 2 inches longer than round bowls and are generally more comfortable for adults. They also tend to perform better because the larger water surface area helps with flushing. However, round bowls save space and work better in tight bathrooms. Most high-efficiency toilets come in both options. If you have the space, go elongated.
Standard toilets are 14-15 inches from floor to seat. Comfort height (also called "Right Height" or "Universal Height") toilets are 17-19 inches. The taller height is easier on knees and more accessible for those with mobility issues. Most adults prefer comfort height once they try it. If you have young children, standard height might be more practical for now.
Two-piece toilets (separate tank and bowl) are less expensive, lighter, and easier to install. One-piece toilets cost more but are easier to clean since there's no joint between tank and bowl. Performance is identical between the two styles, so this comes down to aesthetics and cleaning preference. One-piece models are heavier (80-100 lbs) and may require two people to install.
The rough-in is the distance from the wall to the center of the toilet drain. Standard is 12 inches, but older homes may have 10-inch or 14-inch rough-ins. Measure from the wall (not the baseboard) to the center of the toilet bolts. Order the correct rough-in size, or you'll have gaps or the toilet won't fit. Most toilets come in 12-inch only, but major brands offer 10 and 14-inch options for popular models.
Replacing a toilet is a manageable DIY project if you're comfortable with basic plumbing. You'll need a wrench, wax ring, and about 2 hours. That said, professional installation typically costs $150-250 and ensures everything is done correctly. If you're not confident or the old toilet has corroded bolts, hiring a plumber is money well spent. They'll also haul away your old toilet.
Many high-efficiency toilets don't include a seat, so budget an additional $30-80 for a quality slow-close seat. You'll also need a new wax ring ($5) and possibly new supply line ($10) if yours is old or corroded. Some toilets come with mounting hardware; others don't. Read the product description carefully so you're not making last-minute hardware store runs.
Modern 1.28 GPF toilets actually flush better than old high-volume toilets in most cases. Engineering advances like larger flush valves, optimized bowl designs, and powerful flush mechanisms mean today's efficient toilets outperform yesterday's water-wasters. The key is choosing a toilet with a high MaP score (800g+). Avoid cheap, no-name brands that may struggle with low water volume.
For a family of three replacing a 3.5 GPF toilet with a 1.28 GPF model, expect to save 12,000-15,000 gallons annually. At average combined water and sewer rates of $10-15 per 1,000 gallons, that's $120-225 per year, per toilet. Your savings depend on your household size, current toilet efficiency, and local water rates. Use our water savings calculator for personalized estimates.
For most homeowners, yes. TOTO consistently earns the highest flush performance scores and has a well-deserved reputation for reliability. Their toilets rarely clog, which means no plunger duty and no embarrassing moments with guests. The ceramic glaze genuinely keeps bowls cleaner, reducing cleaning frequency. If you can afford the upfront cost, TOTO delivers long-term value. That said, American Standard and Kohler make excellent toilets at lower price points.
Dual flush can save additional water if your household will consistently use the light flush option for liquid waste. In practice, many people forget or just use the full flush every time. If you're disciplined about water conservation, dual flush is great. Otherwise, a standard 1.28 GPF toilet is simpler and still very efficient. The mechanical complexity of dual-flush systems also means slightly higher potential for future repairs.
Upgrading to a high-efficiency toilet is one of the best water-saving investments you can make. The technology has matured to the point where you get better performance with less water. Our top recommendation for most homeowners is the TOTO Drake II for its unmatched flush performance and long-term reliability. If budget is a concern, the American Standard Cadet 3 delivers excellent value. For those wanting premium aesthetics, the TOTO Ultramax II one-piece is stunning.
Whatever you choose, make sure it's WaterSense certified with a MaP score of at least 800g. Check for utility rebates before purchasing, and don't cheap out on installation if you're not confident in your DIY skills. Your new toilet will save you money every single day for the next 25+ years. That's a return on investment you can't beat.
Ready to calculate your exact savings? Try our water savings calculator to see how much you'll save based on your specific household and water rates. Then check out our complete toilet guide for more information on installation and maintenance.