Replacing a toilet seat is a little bit more complicated than choosing the right color. There are plenty of styles and sizes. Some toilet seats are more comfortable than others and have really useful features, like easy-to-clean surfaces.
To help you find the perfect toilet seat for your porcelain throne, we are going to list and review 10 of the best toilet seats on the market today!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Toilet Seats
- OUR TOP PICK: KOHLER K-4636-0 Cachet
- RUNNER-UP: Bath Royale BR501-00
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Bemis 7850TDG 000
Comparison of the Best Toilet Seats
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How to Choose a Toilet Seat
As mentioned above, there are a few factors you should take into consideration before you choose a toilet seat. Below, we will highlight a few factors we think are important.
Fit
It is always important to choose a toilet seat that is actually compatible with your current toilet. You also want to make sure it will fit securely, which means keeping an eye out for durable hinges. Some toilet seats come with secure fittings that prevent wobbling.
Bacteria and Mold Resistance
You always want to make sure that your bathroom is a clean and sanitary space, which is why bacteria and mold resistance are useful features in a new toilet seat. While a regular cleaning routine will always help, a bacteria and mold resistant surface will help your bathroom stay cleaner for longer.
Easy Installation
Installing a toilet seat should not be a complicated process, which is why you should choose one of the options that is easy to install.
Stylish Design and Color Options
While a new toilet seat may not seem like the most glamorous purchase, the color and look of your toilet seat will have an impact on the overall look of your bathroom. Choose a color that matches your bathroom’s current décor and reflects your personal style. While it may sound silly, the right toilet seat can draw the eye.
Slow-close Hinges
Look for a toilet seat that closes in a slow and controlled way. You do not want one that is going to slam shut whenever you want to put the lid or seat down. You also want to make sure the hinges will last, as some of the cheaper models will loosen up over time. The best way to avoid this is to read reviews from other customers.
Easy-to-Clean Surface
In addition to mold and bacteria resistance, you will also want to buy a toilet seat that has a stain-resistant surface. The less time you can spend cleaning your bathroom, the better. Who wants to spend 15 minutes on their hands and knees scrubbing a toilet seat? It is also important to choose a toilet seat that will not become discolored if you use a commercial cleaning product on it, which can be the case with some of the lower quality toilet seats.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
- Shape: Whether the seat is round or elongated.
- Dimensions: The length, width, and height of the seat.
- Material: The material the seat is made of.
- Weight: The actual weight of the seat.
- Hinge Type: The type and material of the hinges.
- Special Features: Any additional safety or convenience features such as a bidet, heating element, soft-close lid, and more.
Reviews of the Best Toilet Seats
Now that we have explained some important features that you should take into consideration, we can go over our top picks for the best toilet seats. Each of the following products was chosen because we believe they have all the right features to make them a high-quality toilet seat:
Best Overall
KOHLER K-4636-0 Cachet
Specifications
Shape: Oval
Dimensions: 18.62 x 14.17 x 1.14″
Material: Plastic
Weight: 5 lbs
Hinge Type: Quick release
Special Features: Soft close and grip-tight bumpers
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Review
We chose the KOHLER K-4636-0 as our top pick for the best overall toilet seat because it backs a stylish appearance with some really useful features. We were really impressed with the quiet close and quick release hinges. Not only does this ensure that the seat will not slam, it makes it easier to remove the seat from your toilet for a thorough cleaning. The stain and fade-resistant polypropylene surface also makes sure that it will look brand new, even after years of use.
The fact that it is also backed by a 1-year warranty against chipping, fading, and staining is a real plus. While we would have preferred if it was available in a few different colors, the plain white will match most toilets and it looks really crisp and clean. Another major advantage is the fact that the grip tight bumpers will prevent your toilet seat from wobbling, no matter how many times it is used!
Bottom Line
KOHLER is known for making high-quality kitchen and bathroom accessories that deliver bold and stylish looks. This toilet seat is no exception. It looks great and is made to a really high standard. The quick attach and release hardware is really useful and the quiet hinges make sure you will not have to deal with any unnecessary slamming noises.
Pros
Color-matched hinges
Quiet close lid will not slam
Quick attach hardware for an easy installation process
Quick release hinges make it easy to remove for cleaning
Grip tight bumpers add stability and prevent wobbling
Cons
Only available in a basic white color
Somewhat thin plastic is less durable than a thicker toilet seat
Runner-up
Bath Royale BR501-00
Specifications
Shape: Oval
Dimensions: 18.5 x 14.25 x 2.13″
Material: Polypropylene
Weight: 5.69 lbs
Hinge Type: 90 degree quick release hinge
Special Features: Soft close
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Review
Bath Royale is a family-owned company based out of North Carolina. They have built a strong reputation for offering a limited range of high-quality kitchen and bathroom products. Given that their products are known for their durability and reliability, it is no surprise that this toilet seat is made from an extra-thick type of polypropylene. It is much heavier than a standard toilet seat, which means it will not crack or warp with use. In fact, the seat has commercial grading, which means it is made to last over 10 years, or over 50,000 closing cycles!
We really liked that it is easy to install and remove. The stain and chip-resistant coating is also a major plus! Given that Bath Royale is generally considered to be a more luxurious brand, we cannot really complain too much about the price. If you are willing to spend a little bit extra for quality, you cannot go wrong with the Bath Royale Executive Elongated Toilet Seat.
Bottom Line
This toilet seat is incredibly easy to install and is compatible with all of the major toilet brands. If you are looking for something that will hold up to years of use, you should seriously consider this slow close toilet seat from Bath Royale. Not only is it rated for 10 years of heavy use and designed to support up to 400 lbs, but it is also backed by an impressive 2-year warranty!
Pros
Available in three colors
Quiet close seat and lid
Fits just about any toilet brand
Heavy duty polypropylene surface is designed for added durability
Stain-resistant surface and quick release clamps for easier cleaning
Cons
Somewhat expensive compared to some of the other options
Best for the Money
BEMIS 550TTT 000
Specifications
Shape: Oval
Dimensions: 18.5 x 5.71 x 23.25″
Material: Plastic
Weight: 5.946 lbs
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Review
Bemis has been designing toilet seats since 1932, so they certainly know what they are doing. All of their toilet seats are designed for comfort and reliability, which is really evident when you take a look at this 550TTT 000 Heavy Duty Open Front Toilet Seat. The simple design is compatible with just about any type of elongated toilet, so you should not encounter any issues when it comes time to install it. We liked the fact that the plastic is really thick and commercially graded.
The fact that all of the components are rust and corrosion resistant is also really beneficial, as it will keep everything looking great and performing properly for years to come. The seat also closes slowly, so you will not have to worry about it slamming and making unnecessary noise.
Bottom Line
If you like the look of an open-faced toilet seat and you are looking for something that is going to last, you cannot go wrong with this simple toilet seat from Bemis. While we would have preferred if it was backed with a longer warranty, it is made to an extremely high standard, so we cannot envision any problems. The plain white color should match most toilets and the slow closing hinges work really well. Overall, it is a great toilet seat that is available at a fantastic price!
Pros
Budget-friendly price
Installs quickly and easily
Non-corrosive 300 series stainless steel fastening components
Made to commercial standards, so it will not crack, chip, or warp
Designed for a tight hold, so it will not loosen or wiggle after installation
Cons
Warranty only covers the first 3 months after purchase
Best Bidet Toilet Seat
TOTO Washlet C5
Specifications
Shape: Oval
Dimensions: 20.88 x 15.06 x 5.81″
Material: Plastic
Weight: 14.92 lbs
Special Features: Washlet bidet seat, Illuminated touchpad, Heated seat
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Review
This innovative bidet from TOTO offers a variety of unique and practical features. For starters, it has a heated and contoured seat, which ensures maximum comfort and a warm seat, even if your home is cold. A built-in air deodorizer neutralizes unpleasant odors by trapping them in a powerful filtration system. Not only does this cut down on bathroom smells, it cleans the air around the toilet, so your bathroom retains a fresh and pleasant scent.
In terms of the bidet features, a self-cleaning wand can be programmed to a variety of angles and pressures. The cleaning wand sends water beads upwards, which ensures an effective clean. It also features a heated air dryer, which allows for a hands-free experience. Everything is controlled from a touch-activated remote control and you have the option to save two distinct settings, which is a really nice time saver. It is also available in two different colors, so it will not look out of place with your existing toilet.
Bottom Line
If you are in the market for a comfortable and effective bidet toilet seat, the TOTO Washlet C5 is about as good as it gets. Not only does it come with a wide variety of customizable features, including heat, pulse, and pressure settings, it is also incredibly easy to install. Typically, a bidet style toilet seat can be really difficult to install and some even require professional installation; however, the TOTO is designed so anyone can set it up, regardless of experience level.
Pros
Self-cleaning spray wand
Quick and easy installation
Adjustable temperature and pressure settings
Two user memory settings for added convenience
Gentle, yet powerful water spray offers an effective clean
Cons
Fairly expensive, which is usually the case with bidet toilet seats
Most Comfortable Toilet Seat
Mayfair 126MBSL 000
Specifications
Shape: Oval
Dimensions: 18.91 x 14.13 x 3.44″
Material: Wood
Weight: 6.395 lbs
Special Features: Soft and cushioned seat
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Review
If you are looking for an incredibly comfortable toilet seat that is made from sustainable materials, the Mayfair 126MBSL 000 Benton Toilet Seat is the ideal choice. All of their toilet seats are made in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin using eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes. The toilet seat is incredibly easy to install, as it features pre-drilled holes and Mayfair provides a straightforward installation video.
Not only is the soft surface incredibly comfortable, but it is also made to last. This is because the soft exterior is supported by a solid wood interior. The exterior surface is also made from an easy-clean vinyl material, so it is easy to keep in great condition.
Bottom Line
This soft toilet seat is the right choice for anyone that values comfort but does not have the budget for a heated toilet seat. The soft surface feels great and has an easy-clean surface, so you can quickly and easily clean and disinfect the seat. We really like that these toilet seats are made domestically from sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Overall, it is a great toilet seat for anyone that prefers a more cushioned seat.
Pros
Fits almost all elongated toilets
Incredibly comfortable cushioned seat
Wooden core for long lasting durability
Quickly and easily detaches for cleaning purposes
Made in the United States from eco-friendly materials
Cons
Only available in one color
Best Toilet Seat for a Heavy Person
Big John 2445646-1W
Specifications
Shape: Closed front oval and round
Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 3″
Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Weight: 10 lbs
Hinge Type: Stainless steel
Special Features: Synthetic rubber bumpers and oversize bumpers
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Review
All of the Big John toilet seats are designed to be a comfortable and practical option for anyone, regardless of body size or weight. This means they are perfect for heavier individuals, as well as those that have special needs, like senior citizens and physically impaired people.
This is because it is engineered from ABS plastic to be tough and long-lasting. It fits all standard toilets, including rounded and elongated models. It is also available with an open or closed front. It is a popular choice for hospitals and other healthcare facilities, so it is made to an unquestionably high standard.
What makes it great for all people, is the fact that its surface area is 75 percent larger than a standard toilet seat.
Bottom Line
If you need a toilet seat that is larger than a standard option, the Big John is a practical and comfortable choice. Its larger surface area and durable design make sure it works for just about anyone. It is also easy to install and is compatible with just about any type of toilet.
Pros
Affordable price
Durable ABS construction
Fits just about any type of toilet
75 percent larger surface area than the average toilet seat
Ergonomic design ensures a comfortable experience for everyone
Cons
Hangs over the edge of most toilets, which can look a little odd
Best Elongated Toilet Seat
TOTO SS204#01 SoftClose
Specifications
Shape: Oval
Dimensions: 18.5 x 14 x 2.625″
Material: Plastic
Weight: 6.1 lbs
Special Features: Soft close
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Review
This elongated toilet seat from TOTO is constructed from the most durable materials, which ensures it will continue to work just as well as the day you bought it, even after years of regular use. It features soft closing hinges, which make sure you do not have to deal with unpleasant slamming sounds. This is also really useful if you have small children, as it helps prevent trapped fingers and other potential injuries.
We chose it as our top pick for an elongated toilet seat because it fits these types of toilets flawlessly. It also installs in minutes, so you do not have to worry about a complicated or frustrating installation process. While we would have preferred metal mounting hardware, the screws and bolts actually work really well and prevent the seat from loosening over time.
Bottom Line
This toilet seat does all the basics well and it is available at a very reasonable price. We really liked that the mounting hardware is hidden, which gives the toilet seat a cleaner look.
If you are looking for a basic toilet seat that will fit your elongated toilet properly, you cannot go wrong with the TOTO SoftClose.
Pros
Comfortable ergonomic design
Closes softly to reduce injuries and unnecessary noise
Made from a solid, high-impact polypropylene material
Unique mounting hardware will not loosen with regular use
Will not become discolored with exposure to cleaning products
Cons
Uses plastic screws, rather than metal screws, which tend to be more durable
Best Round Toilet Seat
Mayfair 26MBSL 000
Specifications
Shape: Round
Dimensions: 16.563 x 14.375 x 2.313″
Material: Wood
Weight: 7.05 lbs
Hinge Type: Metal
Special Features: Soft and cushioned seat, eco-friendly
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Review
As mentioned previously, Mayfair has been making high-quality toilet seats since 1932, so they certainly know how to design a comfortable and long-lasting product. The fact this toilet seat fits and looks great on any round toilet means it is a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their current seat. We like that the chrome and matte black hinges look fantastic, but also work extremely well. They prevent unnecessary wiggling and prevent the seat and lid from slamming.
If you are looking to give your bathroom a more sophisticated appearance, this toilet seat can really help you achieve that aim.
Bottom Line
The Mayfair 25MBSL Benton Toilet Seat works just as well as it looks. The matte black and chrome hinges offer plenty of style and sophistication. That it is also available at an affordable price is a major plus for those that are on a tight budget. It is comfortable, stylish, and works really well!
Pros
Stylish chrome metal hinges look great and draw the eye
Installs in as little as two minutes using just a simple wrench
Slow and quiet closing prevents pinched fingers and loud noises
Unique Stay-Tite fastening system prevents the seat from wiggling
Mayfair sells matching chrome and white accessories to give your bathroom a complete look
Cons
Chrome is susceptible to scratching, so you need to clean it with a soft cloth
Best Heated Toilet Seat
Brondell LumaWarm
Specifications
Shape: Oval
Dimensions: 20 x 14 x 2.8″
Material: Plastic
Weight: 4.6 lbs
Special Features: Heated seat and illuminating Nightlight, Gentle closing seat and lid
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Review
This adjustable heated toilet seat will prevent you from ever having to deal with the shock of a freezing cold seat. Three separate heating modes let you choose the exact temperature you prefer. Not only is the seat heated, it features a gentle closing seat and lid. It is also available in round and elongated sizes, so it is compatible with just about any type of toilet you may have.
The cool blue highlight is a great feature, as it means you do not have to turn the bathroom light on when you wake up in the middle of the night. While we would have liked it if the power cord was a little bit longer and maybe a tad more discreet, it is easy to use and works with any standard wall outlet.
Bottom Line
This is a really useful product if you live in a cold climate. Nobody enjoys sitting down on a cold toilet seat and the Brondell LumaWarm makes that unpleasant experience a thing of the past. The fact that it is also reasonably priced and can be installed in minutes means that it is a fantastic option for just about anyone.
Pros
Easy installation
Slow close design
Built-in illuminating nightlight
Designed and made in San Francisco, California
Three heat settings ensure a comfortable experience during all seasons
Cons
The power cord is fairly short, so you may need to use an extension cord if your outlet is far away from your toilet
Best Raised Toilet Seat
Bemis 7YE85310ARM
Specifications
Shape: Oval
Dimensions: 18.5 x 23 x 10″
Material: Plastic & aluminum
Weight: 11.43 lbs
Hinge Type: Self-sustaining
Special Features: Elevated/raised seat, reverse funnel
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Review
This raised toilet seat features extremely stable and durable support arms. In fact, each arm can support up to 350 lbs and the heavy-duty toilet seat is capable of supporting up to 1,000 lbs. The seat is crafted for comfort, which means it has an ergonomic contour. It is also incredibly easy to clean, which is thanks to the reversed funnel design and easy-clean surface.
We like that it is made in the United States and meets ADA compliance. If you or someone in your house requires a raised toilet seat, this high-quality option is made to an extremely high standard and it is available at a very reasonable price.
Bottom Line
While raised toilet seats are not for everyone, they can give those with mobility issues more independence. They can be a very worthwhile investment and this particular option from Bemis is a great choice. Convenient features and an incredible level of strength mean it is the ideal option.
Pros
Easy to install and use
Innovative ‘Shield Protection’ prevents backsplash
Patented ‘Snap 2 Secure System’ ensures a stable hold
Raised arms provide a stable grip and can support up to 1,000 lbs.
Seat height is raised by 3” to make it easier for those with limited mobility to sit down
Cons
Only compatible with round toilets, so you must check the size of your toilet before you buy
Types of Toilet Seats
There are three main types of toilet seats on the market today. These are the traditional round, elongated, and bidet.
What is an Elongated Toilet Seat?
An elongated toilet seat extends several inches more towards the front of the toilet. They have a more contemporary appearance and usually work better for those with longer legs. They are designed to work with elongated toilets, so it is important that you make sure you have one of these types of toilets before you buy an elongated seat. They have a more oval, rather than circular design, which explains their name.
The more traditional rounded toilet seats are designed to work with older toilets. In most cases, an elongated toilet seat will measure roughly 18.5 inches from front to back.
What is a Bidet Toilet Seat?
Bidet toilet seats are a relatively new invention. Essentially, they operate in the same way as a traditional bidet, but they are much smaller and actually just replace a standard toilet seat to transform a toilet into a combination toilet and bidet.
They are said to offer a more thorough and sanitary clean than using just toilet paper, which explains why they are surging in popularity. The major advantage is the fact that they are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and offer a variety of features that can make your bathroom experience that much more comfortable.
Toilet Seat Comparisons
So, how do various seats compare? Is one shape or material better than another? Here are some helpful breakdowns:
Elongated vs Round Toilet Seats
As discussed above, elongated toilets have a more oval shape and they are designed to work with the more contemporary toilets. On the other hand, the traditional rounded toilet seats are shaped more like a circle, which allows them to properly fit an older style toilet.
It is important to know what type of toilet you have before you purchase a new toilet seat, as an elongated toilet seat will look odd on a rounded toilet and vice versa. It is also possible that you will not be able to attach the toilet seat if it is not matched up with the type of toilet you have.
Plastic vs Wood Toilet Seats
As you would expect, the main difference between these two types of toilet seats is the primary build material. Wooden toilet seats tend to be more durable, which is why they were such a popular choice in the past; however, the more modern plastic toilet seats are usually more sanitary, as they are much easier to clean and disinfect.
Wood toilet seats also have a tendency to slam, as they are much heavier than the more modern build materials. Some people prefer the look of a wooden toilet seat, but it is worth noting that you will have to clean the seat more often and it may not last as long.
Ultimately, the decision on which type of material your toilet seat will be made from is a personal choice.
How to Measure for a Toilet Seat
Measuring for a toilet seat is actually fairly simple. Take a tape measure and mark out the distance between the center of the mounting holes at the back of your toilet and the front edge of the bowl. Imagine the toilet bowl is like a clock and measures from 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock.
Once you have this measurement, you will be able to find a compatible toilet seat, as most manufacturers use this number in inches to describe the size of their product. You may also want to take the width of the toilet bowl, which will help you ensure that you have the exact right seat for your particular toilet.
Top Brands in the Toilet Seat Space
To help you find the perfect toilet seat, we are going to quickly highlight some of the most respected brands on the market:
KOHLER
KOHLER is often recognized as one of the best brands in the bathroom accessory market. Their products have outstanding quality ratings and almost always have an eye-catching appearance. Their toilet seats in particular are known for durability and comfort, which is why they are usually seen as one of the top brands.
Bath Royale
While Bath Royale is a much smaller company than KOHLER, they have an outstanding reputation for quality. They have been around for just over 30 years, but in that time they have blended their unique designs with durable materials to ensure that they have some of the most desirable toilet seats and bathroom accessories on the market today.
Bemis
While they may not be a household name, Bemis is actually the world’s largest toilet seat manufacturer. They have achieved this status by specializing which is why it is no surprise that some of their products feature the most innovative and unique designs you will find anywhere.
Price Points of Toilet Seats
While they may seem like a basic product, toilet seats are available at a wide range of price points. To make things easier, we will explain some of the features that separate different price point ranges:
$25 – $50
Toilet seats within this price range tend to be basic options that do not feature many extras. Besides maybe coming with quiet closing hinges and ergonomic seats, you will be getting a pretty standard toilet seat.
$50 – $100
These are some of the more luxurious toilet seats. While they will rarely feature the latest technology, they are usually built to a really high standard and feature more expensive details, such as chrome hinges and quick-lease clamps for easier cleaning.
$100 +
Toilet seats that cost over $100 are usually fairly high-tech and have electronic features, such as built-in heating pads, highlights, and even bidet spouts. If you are willing to invest in your own comfort, spending over $100 can get you a toilet seat that will offer plenty of unique features and accessories.
Conclusion
Choosing a new toilet seat does not have to be difficult. Just make sure that you measure properly and find out whether or not you have a rounded or an elongated toilet seat. From there, we recommend choosing one of the 10 options we reviewed above, as all of them meet our high standard for quality, durability, and value!
People Also Ask
No, toilet seats are available in different lengths and widths, so you should make sure you double check the dimensions of your toilet before you purchase a new toilet seat. Some toilets are also designed for an extra-wide fit, as this makes them more accessible for heavier people, as well as those with mobility issues.
Most of the toilet seats you will find today are made from some sort of durable plastic material. This ensures a good weight-to-strength ratio. Plastic is also much easier to clean than other materials, which is important for toilet seats, as they need to be cleaned for sanitary reasons on a regular basis.
While it might be possible with certain toilets, an elongated toilet seat is designed specifically to work with an elongated toilet, so you should always make sure you match the toilet seat to the actual toilet. Even if you are able to attach an elongated toilet seat to a rounded toilet, there is a good chance it will become loose and wobbly.
Toilet seats typically last about 10 years these days; however, some people prefer to replace their toilet seat every 5 years for sanitary reasons. The best way to extend the lifespan of your toilet is to make sure you clean it properly on a regular basis. Allowing your toilet seat to stay dirty will lead to discoloration and fading.
Most toilet seats today come with hinges. While it is always worth checking to make sure the toilet seat actually comes with all of the necessary hardware, all of the toilet seats on our list come with everything you need.
Top fixing toilet seats work by feeding two bolt fixings into the toilet pan and tightening from the top. They can offer a stable hold and mean you do not have to use the pre-drilled holes in your toilet to attach the seat.
Toilet seats range in price from as little as $20 all the way up to nearly $500. The cost usually reflects the quality, as well as the number of extra features. The powered and bidet toilet seats are far more expensive than the standard options, so weigh up what you are looking for out of your toilet seat when deciding your budget.
