The Best Low Flow Toilets of 2023
In search of the best low flow toilets for your home or business? They’re a great way to save water without sacrificing performance. Many modern low-flow toilets outperform standard ones for flush power and water usage. And since low-flow toilets use less water, they can also help you save on your water bill, making them energy-efficient.
Low-flow toilets have been around since 1992, when they were mandated by the Energy Policy Act by President Bush. Since their inception, they have improved dramatically, and in this article, we’ve rounded up the top-rated and best low flow toilets from leading brands.
We’re talking about the high-efficiency kinds that use even LESS water so that you can find the perfect one. This guide will help you find the ideal model for your needs, whether you’re looking for a powerful flushing system or a water-saving option.
What are the best low flow toilets?
Let’s first look at the few different kinds of high-efficiency, water-saving toilets out there.
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Types of low-flow toilets
- One-piece. These toilets feature the commode and tank together, meaning there isn’t that gap where the two parts join. They are easier to clean because they lack a crevice.
- Two-piece. In these, the tank and seat are separate. These are the most common residential toilets.
There isn’t any difference in the way these two perform. We only point them out, so you understand the difference when we refer to one or the other.
Types of flushing systems
- Gravity-assisted. A gravity-assisted toilet uses a gravitational force to help move waste through the drainage system. This type of toilet is typically more efficient than a standard toilet, as it requires less water to flush.
- Pressure-assisted. These low flow toilets flush with the assistance of pressurized air. They tend to use the least amount of water, but they are also pricier and noisier.
- Vacuum-assisted. They use a vacuum to draw waste from the bowl, reducing the water needed to flush. These toilets also have maximum flushing power, making them a good choice for high-traffic areas.
- Dual Flush Toilets. Unlike a single flush, dual flush means that users have the option of either full or partial flushing, with partial using significantly less water. A partial flush is suitable for eliminating liquid waste, but you’ll want to go with a full flush for solid waste.
1. Overall Best Low Flow Toilet
Niagara Stealth
- 0.8 GPF
- White vitreous china
- Push-button flush
- 12″ rough-in
- Seat included
- WaterSense & IAPMO Certified
- MaP premium labeled (800g)
- 28.9″x18.25″x31″ (LxWxH)
- Possibly the quietest toilet on the market
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
This two-piece design is our top pick because not only is it incredibly affordable, it reigns supreme with the amount of water it saves (it uses only 0.8 gallons per flush). The Niagara Stealth is extremely quiet and uses vacuum-assisted, flapper-free flushing. It comes with a comfortable, elongated seat (you can get the round version if available), and everything you need for installation is included.
2. Best “Tornado flush” Low Flow Toilet
Toto Vespin II
- 1.28 GPF
- White ceramic
- Super quiet
- Skirt design for easier cleaning
- Accommodates elongated seat (not included)
- Double cyclone flush system
- 12″ rough-in (can accommodate a 14″ rough-in with a separate adapter)
- 30.25″ x 16.75″ x 22″
- CSA, ASME, IAPMO Certification
- ADA Compliant
- Limited 1-year warranty
Another two-piece, floor-mounted design, the Toto Vespin II, is an excellent choice due to buyers’ rave reviews about the flush’s effectiveness, which can be a common issue with low-flow toilets. It also has a SanaGloss finish to help prevent waste from sticking to the sides.
It uses gravity-assisted flushing and operates at 1.28 GPF. However, there is a 1.0 GPF version available. When a seat is mounted, it sits at 17 3/4″ tall.
3. Best Dual Flush Toilet
H2Option American Standard
- 0.92/1.28 GPF
- White vitreous china (can get off-white linen)
- Push-button dual flush
- EverClean surface
- Round seat (not included)
- Everclean Surface
- 15” x 27.75” x 30”
- WaterSense Certified
- Limited 5-year warranty
Dual flush toilets are a great way to go when it comes to water-saving toilets. This budget-friendly, gravity-assisted H2Option from American Standard got great reviews for saving water and having a good flush. It’s of normal height, but you can get one that sits taller at 16 1/2″.
The full flush uses 1.28 GPF while the partial flush only uses 0.92 gallons. It’s also WaterSense Certified, comes with a push button flush, and you can opt for a round or elongated seat. Like many of the other best low flow toilets, the seat is not included, so be aware of that when ordering.
4. Best Luxury Low Flow Toilet
Eplo Smart Toilet
- 1.1 / 1.6 GPF
- One-piece tankless design
- White ceramic and plastic
- Touchless dual-siphonic flush
- Bidet included
- 27.2″ x 16.1″ x 19″
- IAPMO, EGS & CUPC Certification
- ADA compliant
- 2-year warranty (residential)
If you don’t think a water-saving toilet could be attractive, think again.
When it comes to innovation, it’s hard to beat this luxury low flow toilet from Eplo. This eco-friendly dual flusher comes highly recommended due to its ultra-sleek design and deluxe smart features listed below.
- bidet
- nightlight
- LED display
- deodorizer
- warm water option
- heated seat with varying levels of warnth
- warm-air dryer
- hands-free flush with foot flusher, button, and remote control
- anti-backflow technology
- pre-wetting function (when user is seated)
5. Best Wall-Mounted Toilet
Swiss Madison Ivy
- 0.8/1.28 GPF
- Glossy white ceramic
- Dual flush
- Wall-mounted (500 lb weight limit)
- 15″ to 19″ Adjustable height
- Soft close quick-release seat
- 20.68″ x 14.75″ x 13.37″
- ADA compliant for height only
- 1-year limited warranty
This gravity-assisted, wall-mounted toilet is an ultra water saver when using the partial flush. All the bolts & screws needed for installation are included. However, the concealed tank and wall actuator are sold separately.
Reviewers love the modern look and the quiet flush, and that’s why it made our list of the best low flow toilets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a low flow toilet?
Low flow toilets use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, but some are even more water-efficient, using 1.28 gallons per flush. These are your high-efficiency toilets.
According to the EPA, toilets account for 30% of water usage in the average home, so water-saving toilets are high on the list of sustainable home products.
Before 1992 when low flow toilets were mandated, most standard toilets used anywhere from 31/2 to 7 gallons per flush.
What are the benefits of low flow toilets?
The benefits of using one of these best low flow toilets far outweigh the money and effort required to put them in.
- They’re better for the environment than non water-saving toilets.
- They will save the average person $110 per year in water costs (according to the EPA).
- They last a long time, up to 30 years, so each year you recoup more and more of your investment.
- You will likely see a boost in your resale value.
- Rebates for some of the best low flow toilets are available in some locales.
What are the disadvantages of using a low flow toilet?
Some low flow toilet issues include noise and water pressure problems, resulting in inadequate flush. However, not all models have these complaints, and we’ve laid out the best ones here.
Can low flow toilets be installed in any home?
If your home is older, it may not be 100% install-ready for a water-saving toilet. The reason is that since they rely on pressure and gravity assistance, the plumbing must be installed at a certain angle for them to work.
Most homes built after the year 2000 will be suitable, but you might need to have your pipes and plumbing adjusted before installing a low-flow toilet, and this could increase the overall costs.
What do I look for when shopping for a low flow toilet?
Look for one that’s labeled “high-efficiency,” for starters. You may also want to ensure it holds the EPA’s stamp of approval with a “WaterSense” label. This means it has survived third-party testing. There are other certifications to look for, and we’ve included the ones we found in our list above.
Don’t necessarily go for a more expensive model just because you think it will be better quality. Luxury toilets generally have more bells and whistles that are pleasing to the eye but don’t affect how well they function.
How much to most low flow toilets cost?
There’s a huge range in prices for eco-friendly toilets that save water. On the low end, you’re looking at around $200 for the toilet itself, plus extra if you need to pay for installation.
On the high end, you can spend as much as $8,000-$9,000 for a low-flow toilet with all the bells and whistles you could ever long for.
Best Low Flow Toilets – Final Thoughts
We hope this list of the best low flow toilets of 2023 has been helpful. If you’re ready to buy and you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, go with our number one choice, and you’ll for sure save a lot of money–and water–in the long run.
P.S. I will be looking more into modern composting toilets soon, so check back for more info on that.
