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Top 6 Best Compact Toilets for Small Bathrooms: Reviews & Buying Guide 2023
Does your bathroom lack space to move around comfortably? If so, it might be time for a remodel! Before you bring out the sledgehammer and start taking down walls, consider swapping out your fixtures for compact alternatives. Compact toilets for small bathrooms can do a lot to transform cramped water closets.
This is especially true in older homes, which are notorious for having a single small bathroom. Despite all of the detail and quality construction old homes have, they’re a far cry from the palatial open-concept spaces you find in newer homes these days.
Compact toilets can modernize your space and create the feeling of more room without having to do any major renovations. While it might not seem like it would make a noticeable difference, you’d be surprised by how much room a compact toilet saves. Typically, bathrooms that are between 36 and 40 square feet in size are considered small. With those limitations, every inch counts.
The key to maximizing space is to choose the right toilet. Compact units serve a distinct purpose, but not every option is going to be right for your bathroom. We’ll go over the things you need to look for a bit later in this guide. Before that, here are some of our recommended compact toilet picks.
Comparing the 6 Best Compact Toilets for Small Bathrooms 2023
WHITE Color - 12" Rough-in (PLEASE CHECK BEFORE BUYING)
With its clean lines and smooth low-profile design, this toilet from Galba can maximize space in any cramped bathroom. It’s a one-piece toilet, combining the bowl and tank into a beautifully designed fixture.
Technology:
Even with its small size, the toilet has some great technology. The dual-flush system is highly efficient. With a full flush, it uses 1.6 gallons to get rid of solid waste. However, a half flush uses less than a gallon to save water. The flushing trigger is located on the top of the tank lid. It’s a simple dual-button setup that’s covered in attractive chrome.
Performance:
The cool thing about this toilet is that it’s very easy to clean. The trap is hidden behind a smooth skirt with no complicated design elements. As if that weren’t enough, the entire thing is covered in a self-cleaning glaze to prevent stubborn waste from sticking.
Specs:
12-inch rough-in
One-piece design
Elongated bowl
16.5-inch seat height
24.5 inches long
Dual-flush system
Pros
Uses only 0.8 gallons of water for half flush
Smooth glazed finish
Fully skirted for easy cleaning
Cons
Seat hinges tend to slip
Can be hard to install
Final Verdict:
This toilet won’t be an ordinary part of your bathroom. Thanks to its modern aesthetics, it will be space’s centerpiece. It’s an efficient little toilet that packs a powerful punch in both looks and functionality.
BONUS HALF BATH: The Sanicompact is a self-contained dual-flush toilet system used to install a half bathroom up to 9 feet below the sewer line, or even up to 120 feet...
Need to create a bathroom in a small awkward room? This fixture from Saniflo has you covered. It’s not like your average toilet. This is a macerating toilet that’s made for places where you normally wouldn’t be able to install a toilet.
Technology:
Hidden within the body of this toilet is a powerful macerating pump. This pump is connected to a water supply for efficiency. Thus, there’s no need for a water tank at all. When you flush, waste is turned into a slurry for easy transport to your sewage system or septic tank.
Performance:
The thing that makes this toilet so unique is that it can be used in remote locations or below your sewage line. The built-in pump is powerful enough to push waste to great distances, ensuring that you can get relief just about anywhere.
As one of the most compact fixtures on the market, you can’t go wrong with this toilet. Thanks to its clever design, it doesn’t need a cumbersome tank. Everything is built right into the pedestal.
One piece toilets integrate the tank and bowl into a seamless, easy to clean design
From the popular brand, Kohler, is the Santa Rosa toilet. It has a distinct look and is designed with comfort in mind. Despite its compact status, the toilet has an elongated bowl and comfortable seat height.
Technology:
When it comes to technology, this toilet doesn’t disappoint. It uses the brand’s AquaPiston flushing system. Rather than sending water into the bowl at one point, the unique canister delivers it around the entire perimeter of the bowl. This creates a powerful flush with less water.
Performance:
The toilet only has a single flush. However, that flush is highly efficient without sacrificing power. It only uses 1.28 gallons of water, earning that WaterSense seal of approval.
Specs:
One-piece toilet
Elongated bowl
Single-flush with lever
Pros
Comfort height
Uses 1.28 gallons per flush
Powerful AquaPiston flushing system
Cons
Comes with a low-quality seat
Can be hard to clean
Final Verdict:
With its focus on comfort, this toilet is great for bathrooms that can’t accommodate large models. It manages to pack an elongated bowl and plenty of great performance features into a small package.
Toto is a brand that makes excellent products. This option for small bathrooms takes the cake when it comes to design and performance.
Technology:
The manufacturers used a couple of different methods to make this toilet efficient. First, the entire unit is glazed, even the trap. This helps to cut back on clogs quite a bit. Secondly, the toilet has a power gravity flushing system to get rid of waste with ease.
Performance:
One thing that stands out about the toilet is the wide flush valve. While you can’t see it during regular use, you’ll certainly see how effective it is. The trap is three inches in diameter. This delivers a large volume of water quickly to maximize power.
Specs:
One-piece toilet
26.5 inches long
Single-flush with lever
Comes with soft-close seat
Round bowl
Pros
Fully glazed trap
Wide flush valve for more power
Uses 1.6 gallons a flush
Cons
Low-quality flap valve is prone to leaking
Doesn’t have a skirt for easy cleaning
Final Verdict:
The Toto toilet has it all. Not only is it designed to create powerful flushes every time, but it’s has a low-profile water tank to cut back on wasted space.
Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
If you have a corner drain, this toilet from American Standard may be the fixture you have been looking for. By tucking this commode in the corner, you can maximize your floor space and create an open feeling in your bathroom.
Technology:
From a design standpoint, this toilet checks off all the boxes. It’s ADA compliant and has a comfortable height. Plus, it’s relatively easy to clean even though it doesn’t have a skirt. The entire bowl is coated in the EverClean glaze, which is a nice touch that can make all the difference when you clean.
Performance:
Like the previous toilet, this model features a wider 3-inch flush valve. This creates a robust flush that can get rid of waste without any issues. The large valve is a great addition, especially when you consider that the toilet only uses 1.28 gallons of water.
Specs:
Corner toilet
Round bowl
ADA-compliant height
Comes with soft-close seat
Pros
EverClean glaze
3-inch flush valve
Uses 1.28 gallons a flush
Cons
Doesn’t come with a seat
Has specific plumbing requirements
Final Verdict:
Corner toilets are a rare commodity. If your home has the right plumbing, this fixture is a unique alternative to some of the other compact units on this list.
Another offering from American Standard is the Champion 4 toilet. This fixture continues the tradition of excellence that the brand is known for. From the powerful flush to the low-profile design, it has a lot to offer those with limited bathroom space.
Technology:
Like other American Standard toilets, this model has the EverClean glaze. This unique finish inhibits bacterial growth. Not only does it keep your bowl looking clean, but it can also keep odors at bay.
Performance:
The muscle behind this toilet is the Accelerator flush valve. A large piston with a 4-inch diameter dumps water into the bowl at a high-volume rate. Even though it only uses 1.6 gallons of water, the powerful flush makes it seem like it uses much more. Plus, the water flows in all directions to wash the bowl clean.
Specs:
One-piece toilet
Elongated bowl
ADA-compliant
Comes with 10-year warranty
Pros
EverClean glaze
Accelerator flush system
Wide flush valve
16.5-inch seat height
Uses 1.6 gallons a flush
Cons
Doesn’t come with a seat
Low-quality flapper prone to damage
Final Verdict:
While it might look simple, the Champion 4 toilet from American Standard is anything but. Unique design elements deliver a powerful flush that rivals models with a tank three times its size.
A Complete Buying Guide on Compact Toilets for Small Bathrooms
Traditional toilets are a dime a dozen. Take a walk through your local home renovation store and you’ll find aisles of options to choose from. Unfortunately, most of those models aren’t going to cut it for your small bathroom.
Compact toilets are purpose-built with space limitations in mind. To make a purchase that you won’t regret, you need to understand what makes a compact toilet unique and what features are most important. Luckily, we’ve done most of the hard work for you. Check out our guide below to learn more.
What Are the Benefits of Purchasing a Compact Toilet?
The most obvious benefit that you can take advantage of is more floor space. The fixtures in your bathroom take up a significant amount of room. Your toilet alone is a big space waster, with most requiring at least 30 inches of length from the wall. If you have a traditional three-piece bathroom, you may barely have enough room to change clothes.
Swapping out your old commode with a compact one can free up several inches. Depending on the particular compact model you choose, you might create up to a foot of extra room to move. Think about how your comfort levels would improve with that kind of space.
If you’re like most people, you spend between 30 and 60 collective minutes in your bathroom a day. Why not make that space as comfortable as possible?
If you’re creating a new bathroom or moving fixtures around, a compact toilet can also save you a lot of headaches during your renovation.
Picture this…
You have just installed a brand-new standard-size toilet in a new bathroom and are ready for inspection. Then, the inspector tells you that your remodeling project doesn’t meet code.
That situation is far too common during small bathroom renovations. Most often, it’s because the dimensions of a standard toilet don’t provide enough room in front of them to meet local building codes. Typically, toilets need at least 24 inches of clear space in front of them and 15 inches on each side. If you have a door nearby, code requirements can get even more confusing.
A compact toilet can help you create those few extra inches of space you need. It beats having to go back to the drawing board and modifying your layout.
When it comes to your maintenance requirements, compact toilets prove to be very beneficial. You will still need to take care of your typical maintenance duties. Compact units function the same way as traditional toilets, so taking care of leaks and clogs is still important.
However, cleaning is where compact toilets excel. Smaller commodes take up less floor space. Thus, you have less surface area to wipe down. Plus, we found that many manufacturers adopt a streamlined design for their compact toilets. Instead of intricate details and exposed traps to get around, you’ll have a smooth bowl and a minimalist tank.
Those sleek designs have fewer places for stubborn grime to hide, making cleanup a breeze.
What are the Important Features to Consider When Buying Compact Toilets for Small Spaces
Size
Size should be your first consideration. Standard toilets are roughly 30 inches deep and 20 inches wide. By definition, anything less than that is considered “compact.” Because there is no set standard for compact toilets, you’ll find a wide range of sizes to choose from.
It’s a good idea to take some measurements before you start searching. Take a look at your bathroom and think about how much space you want to create. You can easily find models that are 24 or 25 inches deep.
One of the biggest components that take up space with traditional toilets is the water tank. Responsible for creating adequate flushing power, the water tank can be quite bulky. Luckily, modern toilets are using less water than ever before, allowing the water tank to take on a low-profile design. We’ll get into water usage in a bit.
In addition to planning out the footprint for your new toilet, you need to consider your bathroom’s rough-in dimensions. Unless you want to invest in moving your drainage pipes, it’s better to stick with models that fit your current setup.
Finally, you’ll need to pay attention to the shape of the bowl. Round bowls are a few inches smaller than elongated ones. As a result, most compact units will have a round bowl by default. Compact toilets with elongated bowls do exist, though you may have to sacrifice some of that precious space.
Water Usage
There’s a good chance that your old toilet is costing you a pretty penny when it came to water usage. Older toilets used, on average, about 3.6 gallons of water per flush. Some bulkier models used up to 7 gallons!
Thanks to advancements in toilet design, modern fixtures don’t use nearly as much water as their older counterparts. The federal standard for new toilets is 1.6 gallons a flush. Already, that’s a vast improvement over some of the toilets you find in old homes.
With that said, you can do even better than that if water conservation is a priority for you.
Water-conscious designs are getting more popular by the day. Many compact toilets use less water than the federal standard. This is due, in large part, to the need for a smaller footprint. To minimize the size of the tank as much as possible, manufacturers have had to come up with creative ways to use less water without sacrificing flushing power.
Dual-flush toilets can use less than a gallon of water. As the name would suggest, these models allow you to perform two types of flushes. The full flush is ideal for solid waste. Meanwhile, the half flush will serve you well for liquids. Investing in a dual-flush compact toilet can provide you with a lot of benefits. Not only can you save space, but you’re also able to decrease those water bills.
If you’re looking for the most efficient model possible, look out for the WaterSense label. It indicates that the toilet uses just 1.28 gallons of water or less for a full flush.
Flush Rating
Beyond the water usage, you should pay attention to the flushing rate. This refers to the power of the flush. Inferior toilets may not be capable of removing waste with a single flush. Not only is this frustrating, but it defeats your water conservation efforts and is unsanitary.
The flushing rate varies from brand to brand, so it’s not always easy to gauge. Typically, the flushing power of a fixture is determined by the flushing system.
The most common flushing uses gravity and a basic canister. This method has been used for centuries and continues to serve homeowners well. When the water tank is filled, a flapper valve keeps it in place until you’re ready to make a flush. Pulling on the lever or pressing a button releases the valve, causing water to rush into the bowl.
That surge of water creates a siphoning effect. Have you ever wondered what that distinct curve towards the back of your toilet is? Well, it’s the siphon. When the water from the tank flows into the bowl, it’s able to get over the curve and siphon waste out. Most standard and dual-flush fixtures use this method.
Another option is a pressure-assisted flushing system. Commonly found in public bathrooms, these systems use pressurized water to create an explosive flush. These systems are a bit rarer because they require special pressure valves, larger pipes, and a direct connection to a water supply. If your home is equipped to handle the toilet’s needs, however, these units are some of the most compact around.
Some brands also improve the flushing rate by changing the way the water flows. For example, you’ll find that many fixtures have a cyclone flush that creates a miniature whirlpool to get rid of waste.
Ease of Cleaning
Like we said earlier, compact toilets are typically easier to clean than most models. However, you can purchase commodes with special features to make things even easier. Many brands have their own unique glazes. They’re applied on top of the ceramic and produce a smooth surface to prevent sticking. Some examples would be Cefiontect from Toto and EverClean from American Standard.
If you want to make cleaning the exterior of the toilet easier, stick with options that have a full skirt. The hardest part to clean for any toilet is the trap towards the back. Skirts cover the trap entirely, creating a smooth pedestal from all sides. It looks great and keeps things clean.
Seat Height
Just because your toilet is smaller doesn’t mean that it has to be shorter! Toilets come in a range of heights to accommodate people of all sizes. To be ADA compliant, the seat of the toilet must be between 17 and 19 inches off the floor.
“Comfort Height” models usually hover somewhere in the middle. Older traditional toilets have seats that are around 15 inches tall. Those few extra inches can do a lot to reduce strain on your back and legs, so it’s worth considering.
Keep in mind that those heights are with the seat included. Because seats can be swapped out relatively easily, it’s not hard to get the perfect height.
Style
If you’re renovating your bathroom, you might as well take the opportunity to get a look that matches your personal style. Toilets can be as simple or fashionable as you want. Traditional designs are great with everything. However, more modern options can be the center of attention.
More and more brands are starting to produce models with clean lines and noticeably futuristic shapes. They add a touch of sophistication to your bathroom and can turn that tiny space into something spectacular.
Frequently Asked Questions about Small Space Compact Toilets
What are the differences between one-piece toilets and two-piece toilets?
When you’re shopping, you’ll have the opportunity to choose between a one-piece toilet and a two-piece model. Both types of toilets work the same way. The difference comes down to design.
Two-piece toilets are the most common. The tank and the bowl are separated, which can help make the installation process a bit easier. These models are also a bit more affordable. The downside is that they tend to take up a bit more space.
A one-piece toilet has everything molded into one unit. The tank is attached to the bowl and can’t be removed. While this does make things more cumbersome during your install, one-piece fixtures aren’t as bulky afterward. They have a much smaller footprint and a more streamlined design.
Which bowl shape should I choose?
When it comes to elongated and round toilet bowls, the best option for you comes down to personal preference. Elongated bowls are considered to be more comfortable because they offer more room in the front.
They also offer more stability. The longer shape creates more space for you to sit. As such, they’re often recommended for heavier users.
What are some of the ways in which I can upgrade my toilet?
If space isn’t a huge issue for you, small upgrades can make your toilet feel brand new. The main components of the toilet, such as the bowl and tank, can’t be replaced. Though, you can swap out the smaller parts.
Seats can be replaced in only a few minutes. The market is filled with tons of variety. You can get padded seats, models with unique designs, and seats that are specifically made to provide more support. You can even get fancy hinges to add a touch of elegance to the commode.
One of the easiest ways to upgrade the look of your toilet is to change the buttons or lever. Match the finish and design of the lever to your sink faucet to create a cohesive look throughout the bathroom.
What is the best toilet shape for children?
Compact toilets are great for kids. The smaller size makes it more comfortable to use and easier to approach. This is great if you have a young kid that you’re trying to potty train.
As for the bowl shape, round is always better. Elongated bowls are too big for small kids. They can find it hard to balance on the seat without falling in.
What is the best toilet height?
There’s a reason why 17 to 19 inches is considered “comfort height.” Most standard chairs fall within this range, making it easier to get on and off. It’s recommended that you go with a comfort height model if the toilet is going to be used by elderly family members. It’s safer and more accessible.
What is the average cost of installing a toilet?
When you factor in things like location and plumber fees, it’s impossible to come up with a definitive price on how much it would cost for you to install a new toilet. Generally, it will set you back somewhere between $218 and $518. It all depends on where you are located and what you plan to do.
The good news is that installing a toilet isn’t that difficult. If you have some basic DIY experience, you should be able to get the job done yourself without any issues.
Conclusion
Don’t let a lack of space get in the way of you enjoying your bathroom. By simply replacing your traditional toilet with a space-saving compact model, you can free up some room and make your bathroom feel comfortable. With all the great commodes on the market today, you’ll have no issues picking the best compact toilets for small bathrooms in your home.
Liked this review? You may want to check out the best bidet toilet combos that you can buy for your bathroom in 2023.
Paul is a compulsive tinkerer and inventor who loves writing about latest machines technology. He is especially inclined towards home improvement, exercise and outdoor equipment that every sports enthusiast and house dweller would love to get their hands on.
Does your bathroom lack space to move around comfortably? If so, it might be time for a remodel! Before you bring out the sledgehammer and start taking down walls, consider swapping out your fixtures for compact alternatives. Compact toilets for small bathrooms can do a lot to transform cramped water closets.
The most obvious benefit that you can take advantage of is more floor space. The fixtures in your bathroom take up a significant amount of room. Your toilet alone is a big space waster, with most requiring at least 30 inches of length from the wall. If you have a traditional three-piece bathroom, you may barely have enough room to change clothes.
