In the past, when I bought a toilet for my house, I didn’t pay attention and chose a product from an unknown brand provided by the interior design company. It was only when I started using it that I realized there were too many issues. Replacing the toilet later was very difficult, so I had to accept the current situation.
From my experience, I have learned some important points to consider when choosing a toilet. If I have the opportunity to shop again, I will definitely stay away from the following six types of toilets, not because I am picky, but because they are truly difficult to use.
1. Wall-hung Toilet
The wall-hung toilet, also known as a wall-mounted toilet, has a unique design with the cistern placed inside the wall, leaving only the bowl and flush button exposed. This type of toilet has the advantage of being aesthetically pleasing and space-saving, making it suitable for small bathroom spaces.
Despite its attractive design, this type of toilet has three main drawbacks. Firstly, the flushing method of this toilet often creates loud noises, doesn’t clean effectively, and tends to splash water outwards.
Secondly, the installation and maintenance of wall-hung toilets can be complicated; in case of leaks, water may seep into the wall and go unnoticed. Lastly, both the construction costs for the wall and the price of the toilet itself are typically high, leading them to opt for smart toilets with a floor-mounted flushing system instead.
2. Toilet with Inferior Glaze
When choosing a toilet, the quality of the glaze is a crucial factor that directly impacts its performance and cleanliness after flushing. Many toilet products are only partially glazed, with a thin layer of glaze applied to visible areas, while the rest is neglected. This results in an uneven and rough glaze that can peel off over time, leading to dirt buildup.
Additionally, toilets with inferior glaze are more prone to cracks, which further increases the likelihood of dirt accumulation and may even affect the structure, resulting in toilet cracks or water leaks, causing significant inconvenience to users.
Therefore, when purchasing a toilet, consumers should prioritize choosing a design that appeals to them, and then consider the quality of the glaze. If the glaze does not meet the required standards, it is best to avoid the product, regardless of its price.
3. Straight Flush Toilet
There are different types of toilets available, including straight flush, siphon (or vortex), and rim-fed toilets. It is recommended to avoid straight flush toilets as they often struggle to clean effectively, creating noise and water splashes that can become increasingly annoying over time.
Instead, opt for a siphon toilet. This type of toilet operates on the principle of using two streams of water that spray powerfully and directly from the rim, creating a vortex that evenly flushes the inside of the bowl.
The combination of gravitational and centrifugal forces enhances the strength of the vortex, ensuring that all dirt is flushed away. Additionally, the integration of two spray nozzles instead of a rim results in more efficient water usage, consuming only 3.5 to 6 liters of water per flush, contributing to water conservation.
4. Separated Cistern Toilet
The separated cistern toilet, also known as a toilet with a detached cistern, is a popular design. Its advantages include affordability, ease of installation, and high adaptability. However, its most significant drawback is that it occupies a considerable amount of space and lacks aesthetic appeal.
Additionally, a concern worth noting is the gap between the cistern and the bowl, which can accumulate dust and bacteria over time, leading to unhygienic conditions. Moreover, the connection area between the cistern and the bowl is often prone to water leaks, making the separated cistern toilet less appealing and practical than a monobloc toilet.
5. Toilet Produced by Low-temperature Firing Method
At first glance, toilets produced by the low-temperature firing method may appear similar to conventional products, and their low price may attract many consumers. However, they share similar issues with toilets that have inferior glaze, including structural cracks and water leaks.
Compared to high-temperature fired toilets, those produced at low temperatures tend to be weaker due to the absence of a complete melting process. Therefore, it is advisable to choose toilets fired at high temperatures. Reputable manufacturers typically specify this information, and while these products may be more expensive, they offer long-lasting durability that justifies the investment.
6. Low-quality Smart Toilet
When selecting a smart toilet, consumers must exercise caution, especially with low-cost options. Numerous unknown brands have disappointed customers as the functions, such as automatic lid opening, cleaning, or seat warming, tend to malfunction just a few days after purchase.
Based on the experiences of many consumers, investing in a product from a reputable brand offers greater peace of mind. A basic smart toilet with cleaning and seat warming functions is sufficient, while additional features like bubble creation or automatic lid opening are merely optional extras.
Furthermore, monobloc smart toilets generally provide a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing experience compared to those with detachable lids.
