With two-piece toilets, you get more install options and save more money. As such, some of you will consider buying this option over the one-piece alternative when building or renovating your bathroom. Our team reviewed the various options available to you and came up with the list of eight of the best two-piece toilets below.
We ranked the toilets in terms of water consumption ratings, construction, warranties, seat height, and any extra attributes the toilet might offer. These typically tell the potential buyer the quality of the product, how easy it will be to use and install the toilet and if there is any extra value to it. If you want to find out why these particular toilets were picked over countless others, read on.
Other features: elongated bowl, universal height, ADA compliant, Watersense certified, fully glazed trapway
The TOTO CST454CEFRG#01 Drake II is a universal height toilet with the seat being 17¼” from the ground. This provides optimal comfort for most of the population. The elongated bowl also helps. It uses a dual gravity flush system. In addition to that, double cyclone technology has been provided to give a more powerful bowl rinse. Another thing you’ll notice on top of the vitreous china construction is the presence of a CEFiONITECT glaze. This feature keeps particles and debris from adhering to the sides of the bowl, which in turn makes flushing more efficient.
The TOTO CST454CEFRG#01 Drake II is a replacement/upgrade for the Toto CST744SF.10#01 Drake. One significant improvement is in the flush system. The cyclone technology, in addition to the glaze, allows you to get higher water efficiency. Consequently, this model uses 1.28 GPF while the predecessor used 1.6 GPF. This has also led to a Watersense certification being added to the product.
What we liked:
We were particularly impressed by the water efficiency of the toilet, which even warrants a Watersense certification. This has led to a significant decrease in the amount of water used per flush, which is great news for the environment. Secondly, the glaze helps keep the toilet clean and reduces the number of cleaning sessions needed. Being ADA certified and having an elongated bowl at universal seat height also means most people will be comfortable using this toilet.
What could be better:
With some of the competition offering warranty coverage of up to 25-years, a 1-year warranty doesn’t cut it. Also, the installation of the two-piece toilet requires the purchase of extra accessories. Among these are mounting bolts, a water supply line, a wax ring, and what we found most disappointing is the exclusion of a toilet seat. This significantly raises the cost of an already pricey toilet and might put off some buyers.
Other features: elongated bowl, semi-concealed trapway, remote control operated, heated seat
An alternative to the Drake II from TOTO is the MW7463046CEMG#01 Drake Washlet+. As the name suggests, this is a washlet option and will provide you with an alternative way to clean up after relieving yourself. It comes standard with a dual flush where you can use either 1.28 or 0.8 GPF. However, the option of auto flush is on the table if you have extra cash to spend. Lastly, the design conceals the water supply and power chord allowing for a more attractive toilet outlook.
This toilet is excellent for people who dislike using tissue paper as you have an integrated washlet to help you clean up after use. It also works well for the disabled since users have less work to do. Lastly, it is controlled using a remote.
What we liked:
We appreciated the comfort features in this two-piece toilet, and we think most users will like them just as much. The height and elongated bowl are two of them, but the heated seat and washlet are even more impressive. Furthermore, the warm water used is quite effective at cleaning your undercarriage. Having a remote control also improves your hands-free use of the toilet. The flushing system also seems quite advanced. Lastly, we liked that you have the option of upgrading to an autoflush toilet.
What could be better:
This two-piece toilet is one of the more expensive options available, although that is likely due to the extra features. Also, anybody who opts for the auto flush capabilities will have to pay more money. However, just like the editor’s choice, we found the warranty to be less than ideal. Lastly, due to the technical aspects of the toilet, installation is bound to be a hassle as well, and you might have to contract a professional to do it.
Other features: elongated bowl, Watersense certified, standard 12″ rough-in
The Kohler K-3999-0 is a great option showcasing the effort the manufacturer has put into flushing efficiency. It uses a canister flush valve for unmatched flushing performance that seems to clean the bowl without wasting any water. Also, the K-3999-0 is a single flush option where you use 1.28 gallons of water every time you flush.
We’ve noticed that the K-3999-0 uses less water per flush than some of the other Kohler models available. As such, it makes an excellent purchase for anybody looking to conserve water. This means it’s one of very few Watersense certified models. Also, the 12” rough in of the toilet works with most bathroom dimensions.
What we liked:
We liked the 12” rough in which should work with most bathroom spaces. Also, there are three pre-installed tank bolts making installation so much easier. As such, DIY installation is possible, and you can avoid spending extra cash on hiring professional help. Next is the exemplary flushing performance where the toilet uses 1.28 gallons of water even with bulk waste. As such, buyers can rest easy knowing they’re doing their part to conserve water.
What could be better:
We didn’t like the fact that warranty coverage is only for one year. In our opinion, the toilet is a significant investment, and the manufacturer should provide more coverage. Also, the toilet may be Watersense certified, but the lack of a dual flush option works against it. This is because you use the same amount of flushing water for all types of waste. Lastly, only the toilet is included in the purchase. Consequently, a few extra purchases are needed to complete the installation of the K-3999-0.
Other features: elongated bowl, Watersense certified, standard 12″ rough-in
Next, we have the KOHLER K-3817-0 Memoirs, a single-flush two-piece toilet just like the K-3999-0. The toilet uses gravity, a flush valve, and even an aqua-piston canister to achieve excellent flushing results. It is also compatible and works well with other products in the memoirs collection.
This toilet is great for anyone looking for an easy-install toilet that fits easily into a standard bathroom space. It also doesn’t take much to flush, which leads to water savings and easy use.
What we liked:
We liked that the toilet comes in an elongated bowl design that, when coupled with the 16½” seat height, is comfortable. Also, the standard 12” rough in means it’s easy to find space for the toilet in your bathroom. It’s easier to install than most other toilets of the same caliber. Lastly, the toilet only uses 1.28 gallons of water per flush which is a lot better than the 1.6 GPF option.
What could be better:
Being a single flush toilet means there is no 0.8 GPF half-flush option when there is less waste. As such, there is still some water that goes to waste. Another thing we disliked is how the seat and the supply line are sold separately. These are necessary for the use of the toilet, and you’ll likely have to add them to your budget as well. The warranty terms could also be better.
Other features: elongated, 3″ flush valve system, WaterSense certified
The Miseno MNO1503C’s warranty terms are better than what you get with most well-known toilet manufacturers. The gravity flush system works well, seeing as it only needs 1.28 gallons of water per flush. Construction isn’t bad either.
This toilet differentiates itself from other options by coming with a five-year parts warranty in addition to a lifetime material cover. Furthermore, it comes with a toilet seat which most other manufacturers opt to sell as extra accessories. Other than that, it features pretty standard benefits, including a comfortable elongated bowl at a comfortable height for most users.
What we liked:
The lifetime warranty for the material and 5-year warranty for the parts is better than you’ll get with most of the other two-piece gravity flush toilets. The 1.28 gal flush has allowed the MNO1503C to receive a Watersense certification for water conservation. The toilet seat being included in the purchase is a major positive. Lastly, the bowl is fairly comfortable to sit on since it is elongated and raised to the optimal height.
What could be better:
While this toilet doesn’t have many negatives, we noticed that this is a single flush option and, as such, doesn’t offer the option to conserve more water by using 0.8 gallons per flush. Also, the make and model have not been used widely, meaning there is very little information on what people dislike about the toilet. As such, you may have to experience using the toilet first hand to come to a verdict.
Other features: elongated bowl, visible trapway
At almost 21”, the Signature Hardware 945956 Bradenton is one of the best two-piece elongated toilets. It comes in a gloss enameled porcelain body and uses a gravity flush system. Also, you can clearly see the trapway whenever you look into the toilet.
The Signature Hardware 945956 toilet seems made for taller individuals as they might find it easier to sit and stand compared to the other 16” and 17” models available. The warranty is also pretty convincing since you’ll be covered for 25 years.
What we liked:
The 25-year warranty is quite attractive to buyers, especially since there are options that only offer 1-year coverage. It uses a maximum of 1.28 gallons of water per flush, although admittedly, it hasn’t received a Watersense certification. Additionally, we noticed it’s easier for taller users to sit on the bowl, which is pretty comfortable, thanks to its elongated design. Lastly, this is one of the few two-piece toilets listed to ship with a seat.
What could be better:
While the height of the seat is great for some people, it can be problematic for those who are shorter, including children. Additionally, the toilet isn’t certified by either the ADA or Watersense, which means it hasn’t undergone testing by authority bodies. Lastly, some people don’t appreciate the trapway being visible, although that is just a matter of personal preference and doesn’t reflect poorly on the quality of the seat.
Other features: elongated, ADA compliant, 12” rough-in
With a Cadet® Flushing System, the American Standard Cadet 3 is another entry on our list. It offers a standard size rough-in of 12” and a seat height of 16½”. Other than that, it comes ADA certified and with an elongated bowl for comfort.
This option is for those who want an easy-to-clean, easy-to-maintain option. The rest of the toilet’s construction is also top-notch, including the chemical-resistant flapper.
What we liked:
The American Standard Cadet 3 comes with one of the more impressive warranties on our list. Also, with a seat height of 16 1/2” and an elongated bowl, the product has been deemed ADA compliant. The chemical-resistant flapper is quite durable and assures buyers that the flush valve is there to last. Lastly, the EverClean antimicrobial surface means you don’t need to struggle to keep the toilet clean.
What could be better:
Like many other two-piece toilets listed, the American Standard Cadet 3 omits the toilet seat from the initial purchase. You’ll need to add that to your budget alongside the other installation and use accessories needed. Also, the toilet doesn’t seem to take kindly to harsh chemicals during cleaning sessions. As such, you’ll need to be careful in your selection of cleaning agents so as not to damage it.
Other features: 10” rough-in, elongated bowl, ADA compliant
The floor-mounted Toto CST744SF.10#01 Drake, made using vitreous china material, is another top-tier two-piece toilet from the manufacturer to feature on this list. The seat height is on par with most of the competition listed; hence it’s been issued with ADA certification.
If you have limited bathroom space, this toilet is an excellent pick with the 10” rough-in. However, it still incorporates a comfortable elongated bowl.
What we liked:
The toilet seems comfortable enough to receive ADA compliance certification. This is partly due to the 17 1/4” seat height. Also, the elongated bowl does help a bit. Additionally, with a 10” rough-in, you can easily fit this in a small bathroom space. Lastly, it seems you rarely have to flush the toilet a second time after use. The G-Max flushing system makes sure of that.
What could be better:
We noted the biggest downside to the Toto CST744SF.10#01 Drake to be the amount of water it uses per flush. While 1.6 gallons per flush may have been acceptable a few years ago, 1.28 gallons per flush is the new standard. This also explains the absence of a Watersense certification. Lastly, the toilet doesn’t ship with a seat, wax seal, mounting bolts, and other accessories needed for installation.
Whenever you decide to buy a two-piece toilet, the criteria for deciding whether an option is good enough for you is the same. However, some of you may not know these criteria, which is why we get into that in the sections below.
Two-piece toilets typically ship as two separate components, i.e., the tank and the bowl. As such, buyers need to put them together during installation. This is different from one-piece toilets that have these two components permanently joined.
Compared to their one-piece counterparts, two-piece toilets tend to be less expensive. Additionally, you get more options with regards to styling since they come in lots of different roughs, styles, height, and more. Consequently, you can mix and match your tank and bowl with ease. Lastly, they’re easier to ship and move during the installation.
Once you’ve decided to buy a two-piece toilet, considering the features below should give you the best results when you finally make your purchase choice.
An easy-to-install toilet makes things so much easier for the buyer. You can forego calling a plumber and do the installation yourself. This will save you money, although you might need to be a good DIYer to pull it off. However, if you need professional help for the install, be ready to cater for the extra costs.
The types of flush systems will differ from toilet to toilet. For instance, the American Standard Cadet 3 uses a “Cadet® Flushing System,” while the TOTO MW7463046CEMG#01 Drake Washlet+ uses a dual or auto-flash system. You’re looking for an efficient system that ensures all the waste is gone with a single flush. You might need to look at what other users have to say about each flush system before deciding on a purchase. That said, most of the toilets mentioned above are well rated and don’t seem to have any problems flushing.
The bowl height is one of the key factors when you’re looking at the comfort and usability of the seat. Most of the 16”-18” options are ADA certified since they’re well suited to persons with disabilities. However, something like the Signature Hardware 945956 Bradenton is better for taller individuals since the bowl is positioned higher and is easier for them to reach. Consider the people in your household before deciding on the optimal bowl height.
With water being a depleting resource, you want to use as little as possible while you flush. As such, options like the TOTO MW7463046CEMG#01 Drake Washlet+ are excellent since you can opt to use 0.8 or 1.28 gallons of water depending on the waste.
The materials used to make the toilet can also be very telling of the expected longevity of the purchase. Porcelain and vitreous china are both excellent options since they’re durable and often easy to clean. That said, be sure to check this as you shop, so you don’t end up with a flimsy toilet.
The two bowl options available in the market right now are the elongated and round toilet bowls. The latter was the first to be invented and has been used for many years before the advent of the elongated variation. It tends to take less space in the bathroom, but most people find it uncomfortable.
The elongated bowl is more comfortable but takes a lot of bathroom space. Deciding which option is the right one for you requires an introspective look at your needs and circumstances. You might want an elongated option, but if you have limited space in your bathroom, you’ll end up having to buy a round bowl option.
However, if there are no hindrances, you can buy an elongated option like the TOTO CST454CEFRG#01 Drake II without any problems.
You also want your two-piece elongated toilets to be a good match for your bathroom with regard to color. Ideally, it should blend in nicely with the décor or the bathroom. However, most of these toilets are only available in white, so you should consider that before you redo the bathroom. However, if you already have another color that would be a good match for your bathroom, you should take it provided the other features are acceptable as well.
The toilet’s rough-in is the distance from the bathroom wall to the waste outlet for the toilet. You cannot afford to get the wrong rough-in as it would mess up your installation. As such, you want to check the measurements in your bathroom before you even decide on your purchase.
Notably, most modern toilets have a 12” rough with an example such as the Kohler K-3999-0. However, there are alternatives such as the Toto CST744SF.10#01 Drake that comes with a 10” rough-in. This option will likely fit better in a smaller bathroom as well.
You also want extra protection or a guarantee that you won’t have to pay more if the product is damaged or if it deteriorates faster than it should. Unfortunately, some of the well-known toilet manufacturers such as TOTO and Kohler only give 1-year warranty coverage.
The case is different for some of the other manufacturers, as seen in the 25-year warranty of the Signature Hardware 945956 Bradenton.
Of course, your decision will also be swayed by the price and what you can afford. These toilets are all in different price ranges according to the features. As such, you have to evaluate how much money you have to spend on a toilet. After that, you can narrow down your list and decide which option to order.
It’s also not uncommon for toilets to have extra features. For example, the TOTO MW7463046CEMG#01 Drake Washlet+ comes with a washlet. It might make cleaning up easier, but it will raise the price of the toilet significantly. You will have to pick between the extra functionality and spending more.
Additionally, once you have the 1-piece toilet in the bathroom, everything else is a breeze during the install. On the other hand, you might have an easier time fitting your 2-piece toilet through the bathroom door, but mounting the tank on the bowl is often risky.
Next, the 2-piece option is more prone to leakages due to the way it’s put together. On the other hand, the 1-piece alternative is more expensive. Ultimately, it seems they’re both excellent options. As such, you can pick an option in accordance with your needs and with the pros and cons of each in mind.
Notably, we have a couple of forerunners for which options should be the best two-piece toilets in the market. They include the TOTO CST454CEFRG#01 Drake II, which is our editor’s choice. It uses one of the most effective flushing systems and is even a dual flush system. Next is our premium pick, the TOTO MW7463046CEMG#01 Drake Washlet+, as it comes with many extra features, including the washlet, heated seat, and more.
We also liked the Kohler K-3999-0. It provides good value for money, especially when you consider the features, easy installation, and flushing proficiency. It is an excellent all-rounder for the price. The KOHLER K-3817-0 Memoirs and the Miseno MNO1503C also have some positive features, although that is true for all the toilets listed.
Ultimately you’ll have to go through the list of features provided above and decide which ones matter the most to you. After that, you can look through the best two-piece toilets listed and choose the one that most embodies your needs.
