by Dan |
Last Updated: April 8, 2023 Table of Contents
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There are essentially 2 major categories of toilets depending on their flushing systems: pressure assisted and gravity assisted toilets. It’s very likely that you’ve grown around a gravity fed toilet system. They are the most affordable and common in most homes.
On the other hand, pressure assisted toilets are the newest kids on the block. They rely on a pressure vessel inside the cistern to create a powerful flush that leaves the bowl clean each time.
For long, these systems have been associated with high-end public joes due to their high price tags. But things have changed significantly in the recent years, and their price is no longer a problem.
This article brings you some of the best pressure assisted toilets that we think might be a great buy for your bathroom today.
Top 3 Pressure Assisted Toilets
- Kohler K-3493-0 Highline
- Our Rating: 9/10
- Water Consumption & Flush:
1.6 GPF
Pressure Assist Flushing System - Dimensions:
38.2x25x23.7" - Features:
Comfort Height, Added Room And Comfort - Price:
- American Standard 2876.016.020
- Our Rating: 8/10
- Water Consumption & Flush:
1.6 GPF
Pressure Assisted Siphon Jet - Dimensions:
29.8x20.5x29.2" - Features:
Elegant Design and Finish, EverClean Surface - Price:
- American Standard 2467.016.020
- Our Rating: 8/10
- Water Consumption & Flush:
1.6 GPF
Power Flush Toilet - Dimensions:
30.2x20.5x30.8" - Features:
EverClean Surface, Sanitary Bar on Bowl - Price:
1. Kohler K-3493-0 Highline Classic – Editor’s Choice
High Rated Performance and Water Efficiency
In the toilet market, a high price point is not always a guarantee of better performance. This statement can never be truer especially with the Kohler K-3493-0 in mind.
Despite being the cheapest toilet on this list, this Kohler pressure assist toilet boasts the highest rating in terms of performance and water efficiency.
2 Piece System
This is a 2 piece system that comes in a range of colors to suit different bathroom hues: almond, biscuit, black, and white.
It has an elongated bowl design and comfort height which is the best recipe for a comfortable toilet. What intrigues us is how the Kohler K-3493-0 manages to eliminate wastes better than other high-end systems while using 1.4 gallons per flush.
Remains Clean After Each Flush
Like any other toilet in this collection, this system has loud flushes. However, most homeowners report that the noise subsides almost immediately.
We also like that its bowl remains clean after each flush and does not stain easily. As you’ll soon find out, this is the major problem that plagues the American Standard 2467.016.020 (reviewed below).
Perfect All-In-One Solution
The American Standard is among the top rated manufacturers in this category. This company’s Yorkville line of toilets brings you a whole of options at different price ranges and toilet styles.
The American Standard 2876-016-020 might be a great buy if you are looking for a perfect all-in-one solution for your busy bathroom. While I wouldn’t say that this is the cheapest toilet in the Yorkville series, we do love that it brings about all the best features that someone would ask for in a good flusher.
2-1/8’’ Trapway
For instance, this toilet combines pressure assisted flushing with siphon jet action to create a reliable turbulence that leaves your bowl clean (most of the times) while minimizing clogs at the same time.
Its 2-1/8’’ trapway is also fully glazed to minimize the chance of stuck debris. Moreover, this toilet has American Standard’s Everclean surface. This manufacturer claims that this surface inhibits the growth of mold, bacteria, and mildew and also minimizes odors.
This toilet does not ship with the seat. The advantage here is that you can fit it with any toilet seat that pleases you including a bidet.
3. American Standard 2467.016.020 Cadet – Budget Buy
Two Piece Elongated Toilet
The American Standard seems like an ideal option if you are on the fence about buying a pressure assisted toilet and you don’t want to spend so much on it. This model’s price is just slightly above what some of the top rated standard gravity fed commodes cost.
So, if you’ve always wanted to add the convenience of a pressure assisted toilet to your bathroom, this might be the chance.
Easy Installation
The American Standard 2467.016.020 Cadet is a 2 piece system with an elongated bowl. Its 2 piece configuration means that dealing with the toilet during installation might a little bit easier.
Importantly, the two join together using American Standards Speed Connect Coupling System that makes installation a non-issue.
On the other hand, the elongated bowl design complements this throne’s right height design to offer you a John you’ll love to use.
Most homeowners report that the 2467.016.020 flushes like a champ. A small section, however, notes that the EverClean Surface whose intention is to prevent staining, odors, and the growth of molds and bacteria leaves so much to be desired.
Editor’s Choice
Needless to mention, the Kohler K-3493-0 Highline Classic fills our slot of the best pressure assisted toilet today. This commode tends to solve most of the major problems that plague other toilets that are way pricier than it.
As a 2 piece toilet, it has a straightforward installation, and anyone with basic plumbing skills can get it going.
Its powerful flushing system uses the lowest amount of water per flush (1.4 gallons) and leaves the bowl clean each time. Importantly, there were no reports of clogging- something that we all dread.
Best Pressure Assisted Toilet Comparison Chart
| Rank: | Model: | Our Verdict: | Price: | Our Rating: | Water Consumption: | Flush Type: | Dimensions: | Type: | Special Features: | Rough In: | Shape: | Material: | Color: | Finish: | Weight: | Installation Method: | Certification: | Warranty: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Kohler K-3493-0 Highline Classic | Best Overall (Our Pick) | $$ | 9/10 | 1.6 GPF | Pressure Assist Flushing System | 38.2x25x23.7" | Two Piece | Comfort Height | 12" | Elongated | Vitreous China | White | White | 102.5 pounds | Floor Mounted | ADA Compliant | 1 Year Limited Warranty |
| #2 | American Standard 2876.016.020 | Premium | $$$ | 8/10 | 1.6 GPF | Pressure Assisted Siphon Jet | 29.8x20.5x29.2" | Two Piece | Elegant Design and Finish, EverClean Surface | 12" | Elongated | Vitreous China | White | White | 107 pounds | Floor Mounted | No Certifications or Listings | 1 Year Limited Warranty |
| #3 | American Standard 2467.016.020 | Budget | $$ | 8/10 | 1.6 GPF | Power Flush Toilet | 30.2x20.5x30.8" | Two Piece | EverClean Surface, Sanitary Bar on Bowl | 12" | Elongated | Vitreous China | White | Chrome | 99 pounds | Floor Mounted | WaterSense | 1 Year Limited Warranty |
What Is A Pressure Assisted Toilets?
Also known as a high power flush toilet, the pressure assisted system relies on pressure to ride waste with a little bit more power and ‘authority’ than the conventional gravity assisted toilet.
The major visual difference between a gravity fed toilet and a pressure assist toilet is that, when you take off the lid from the two units, water will be the major component that you’ll find in the gravity assisted toilet.
How Does Pressure Assisted Toilet Work?
What you find inside the tank of a pressure assisted toilet is another tank. This tank-inside-a-tank design works by compressing and holding air in the storage tank as the water continues to flow in.
Once you pull down the flush lever, the compressed air forces the water under high pressure bolstering its bowl clearing and cleaning capability. Pressure assisted toilets are said to be 50% more powerful than gravity reliant systems.
Even better, the new concepts for the modern toilet have brought about an electric pump that boosts the flushing pressure even more. These toilets tend to use way less water than conventional toilets. The only issue is that they can be quite pricey for the average home.
Who Are Pressure Assisted Toilets Best For?
Given their high flushing performance, pressure toilets are common in public restrooms that want a balance between minimal water usage and reduced clogs.
You might also want to go with these models if you live in an old home that is prone to regular clogs. The strong flow of water coupled with glazed surfaces and wide trapways leave your waste lines clean and thereby reducing the risk of clogs.
There are no limitations though. These systems are ideal for any household where water conservation is key.
Mind you, installing a pressure-assisted toilet might soon become more of a necessity than a luxury considering these units’ efficiency and excellent flushing performance.
Conclusion: Should You Buy A Pressure Assisted Toilet?
Well, I bet this is for you to decide. The conventional gravity assisted toilets still do the job. Most of the latest units such as the Toto CST454CEFG-01 Drake II have undergone a design overhaul in a bid to reduce the water consumption and improve performance.
On the other hand, most pressure assisted toilets are quite expensive although the prices have really come down in the recent past. In our opinion though, if you have a large home with several toilet users, it might be safe to install a pressure assist model given the amount of tissue paper that goes through the toilet.