If you want to buy a new toilet, you will face a tough riddle: Should I buy a one-piece or a two-piece toilet?
The question is hard because there is no definitive answer — it comes down to your affinities and bathroom remodeling plans. However, comparative analysis tells us that one-piece toilets are slightly better.
But that doesn’t mean you’ll end up buying a single-piece model. Those who want sleek design and easy maintenance will pick one-piece toilets. Homeowners who care about the price will stick to the classical two-piece toilets.
But is there a real difference? Keep reading to see our analysis and learn which one is better: one-piece vs two-piece toilet.
Key Features of One-Piece and Two-Piece Toilets
The most important thing is to understand that one-piece toilets perform the same function as two-piece toilets. The only substantial difference is obviously the structure:
- A one-piece toilet is a fixture consisting of a single element – the tank and the bowl are not divided
- A two-piece toilet has a couple of parts — the separate tank and the bowl
Apart from that, both products share the same features. We will go through all of them to see which of these toilet types wins in each section.
Performance
No Winner
When you purchase a new toilet, you can expect it to work properly for years. It doesn’t matter which one you choose as both single-piece toilets and double-piece toilets share the same abilities performance-wise.
The two products may vary depending on the flush system. For example, single flush systems can sometimes outperform dual flush models. But even that is not the general rule because the overall functionality depends on the model and the brand.
The bottom line is that a one-piece toilet is the same as a two-piece toilet in terms of performance.
Aesthetics
Winner: One-Piece Toilets
Most people believe that single-piece toilets are more beautiful than their double-piece counterparts. New models, with their sleek design and minimalism, make one-piece toilets perfect for modern bathrooms.
On the other side, the traditional double-piece toilets offer an old-fashioned charm. If you build a retro-style bathroom, it may be the way to go. Our advice is to choose a model that matches your bathroom.
But it is true that single-piece toilets indeed look more eye-pleasing, so they are the winners in this category.
Installation
Winner: One-Piece Toilets
Another thing you should know is that a one-piece toilet has the same plumbing system as a two-piece toilet. The installation process is very similar because you always need to attach a new toilet to the ground and the waste pipe.
Both models sit on a flange with the wax ring on it. Both have the same outlet drains and flushing mechanisms. However, there is a big difference here as your one-piece toilet requires little to no adjustments.
Unlike a two-piece toilet, its simpler comrade doesn’t force you to install separate parts like toilet tanks, fill hosepipes, and similar. It all comes down to putting a single piece of equipment in its position.
In other words, single-piece toilets are easier to install than double-piece toilets.
Durability
Winner: One-Piece Toilets
Durability is another feature where a one-piece toilet outperforms a two-piece toilet. It’s a matter of common sense because single-piece toilets don’t have too many parts that you can damage or break.
A double-piece toilet has multiple connection points because it has to bring together different components. A plastic tube divides the toilet tank from the bowl, while multiple nuts and tank bolts keep the whole thing in place.
Even though it’s a simple structure, it can’t compete with single-piece toilets. With fewer parts, the chance of something going wrong reduces drastically. That’s why we can conclude that single-piece toilets are more durable.
Maintenance
Winner: Two-Piece Toilets
Double-piece toilets are more complex, but they are easier to handle and keep in good shape. That’s because you can approach almost every part without uninstalling the entire toilet. All it takes is to remove a few bolts to access a given element.
On the other side, single-piece toilets require much more work for proper maintenance. If something goes wrong, you will have to decompose the whole thing and reassemble it after fixing the broken part.
In such circumstances, a two-piece toilet is a clear winner.
Price
Winner: Two-Piece Toilets
A hefty price tag is what makes the most important difference in the one-piece-vs-two-piece-toilet story. Toilets that come in one solid unit are much more expensive, mainly because they look better.
Double-piece models can also be costly, especially if you target an item with smart gadgets and high-tech solutions. But that’s an exception – the general rule of thumb is that two-piece toilets are very affordable compared to single-piece toilets.
Prices change daily, but you’ll probably realize that a one-piece toilet costs twice as much as a two-piece toilet. That means we have a winner in this category, and that is a two-piece toilet.
Size
Winner: One-Piece Toilets
Size plays a big role when choosing a toilet – it is among the most significant features to consider. Single-piece toilets look more attractive, and they do not require much room. It’s easy to see why – there are no bulky tanks or long tubes to get in your way.
Double-piece toilets are less adaptable than one-piece models due to their massive size. They can hardly squeeze into small-sized bathrooms. Also, they need more space to install them properly and give yourself enough room to do your thing.
That’s why one-piece toilets outperform two-piece toilets in size.
Weight
Winner: Two-Piece Toilets
Even though many people might not think about it, the weight of a toilet is an important factor. Whether you’re buying a standard or high-end unit, you’ll need to lift it and put it into place.
If you want to do that yourself, you might realize that one-piece toilets are much heavier than two-piece models. You might be surprised when you pick up a one-piece toilet for the first time – it is much heavier than anticipated.
It takes a strong person to carry a single-piece toilet, so you better prepare for heavy lifting if you purchase this product. Therefore, double-piece toilets have the upper hand in terms of weight.
Cleaning
Winner: One-Piece Toilets
Pedantic homeowners will pay attention to the last feature on our list. After all, keeping the bowl clean is critical because toilet bowls operate with human waste, dirt, mineral deposits, and grime.
Choosing a winner in this section is easy because one-piece toilets are simple and refined. All it takes is a few wipes to make a one-piece toilet perfectly clean. On the other hand, two-piece toilets demand more work because of more parts involved.
You need to clean everything from the toilet bowl to the fill tube to the tank. With so many elbows and joints, cleaning your two-piece toilet can turn into a time-consuming DIY project.
To put it simply, single-piece toilets win this one because they are easy to clean.
What One Should I Pick?
Now that we’ve analyzed nine features in the game of one-piece vs two-piece toilet, we can see an overview of their pros and cons.
The performance level is the same, so you can choose the best model based on additional factors.
One-Piece Toilets
Benefits
- This model is looking good
- It’s easy to clean it
- It’s easy to install
- High durability
- The size is relatively small
Drawbacks
- The price is higher
- It’s a heavyweight item
- Difficult to maintain
Two-Piece Toilets
Benefits
- Affordability
- Lighter than one-piece models
- Easy to maintain
Drawbacks
- It’s not too pretty
- Harder to clean
- Installation is tricky
- Slightly less durable
- It’s more robust
We remind you once again to think twice before buying a new toilet. Consider the most important features like the bathroom style, personal preferences, spacing, and price.
Our Favorite One-Piece Toilets
The toilet market is saturated with dozens of brands and thousands of models. We can help you choose by showing you our favorite best one-piece toilets.
Beautiful Design: Swiss Madison St. Tropez One Piece Toilet
When it comes to design, we can’t help but mention Swiss Madison St. Tropez. It’s a beautiful element that you’ll barely notice in your bathroom. Its look is subtle, while a soft closing seat makes Swiss Madison St. Tropez even more discrete.
This model has a dual flush system, so you can choose between a single and full flush to protect the environment.
However, it doesn’t mean you will sacrifice performance because Swiss Madison St. Tropez has a highly efficient flush system.
Ultra Modern: KOHLER San Raphael Toilet
If you purchase Kohler San Raphael, you’ll get a beautiful bathroom item with a seamless design. The toilet looks modern, but it doesn’t affect its functionality. On the contrary, Kohler San Raphael uses only 1.28 gallons per flush to get rid of waste.
Its elongated bowl gives you additional comfort, while the skirted trapway turns cleaning into a simple process. Quick-release hinges are the bonus feature, helping you detach the seat with ease.
Our Favorite Two-Piece Toilets
We also need to mention a couple of quality two-piece toilets. Here are our top picks.
Best Overall: American Standard Cadet Elongated Two Piece Toilet
Homeowners looking for a reliable two-piece toilet should check American Standard. It is the most popular model in the US, but we love it because it’s durable and easy to maintain.
It lasts forever, but even if it breaks, you can find spare parts at all times.
Homeowners also love American Standard’s combination of low consumption and high efficiency. It makes this model a perfect choice for money-savvy individuals who also take care of nature.
Value for Money: Toto Drake Two-Piece Elongated 1.6 GPF Toilet
Toto Drake is your model if you don’t need more than the average and highly durable two-piece toilet. The price is relatively low, so you get value for money. The only thing we don’t like is that you have to buy a toilet seat separately.
Its tornado flush system does a great job swirling water and making the toilet bowl crystal clear. At the same time, Toto Drake has an ultra-smooth glaze that prevents poop from sticking to the bowl.
The Bottom Line
So would you choose a one-piece or a two-piece toilet? There is no key difference between the two options because they serve the same purpose and meet the needs of most customers.
A one-piece toilet may be slightly better, but it doesn’t mean it will suit your bathroom. That’s why you have to reconsider your plans and see which model better fits your style and your budget.
FAQ
What are the benefits and cons of the one-piece toilet?
The main pros of the one-piece toilet are its sleek design and dimensions. On the other hand, one-piece toilets are harder to maintain and heavy on the budget.
Can you replace the two-piece toilet with the one-piece toilet?
Yes, you can replace most double-piece toilets with their one-piece counterparts. The only issue is to find a model that suits the current plumbing system and its dimensions.
However, it shouldn’t be a problem because the same manufacturer can probably offer a new model with the same dimensions.
Are dual flush toilets good?
Yes, dual flush toilets are good because they help you reduce water consumption. It allows you to minimize utility bills and protects nature from excess water consumption.