THE BEST TOTO TOILETS FOR ECO-CONSCIOUS HOMEOWNERS
Water bills and environmental impact start with one daily ritual: flushing. TOTO leads the market with toilets that cut water use without sacrificing performance. Below, we break down the top models using hard data so you can pick the right one for your home.
HOW TOTO SAVES WATER: THE NUMBERS BEHIND THE FLUSH
TOTO’s signature technology is the Tornado Flush. Instead of a single jet, it uses two nozzles that spin water at 600 RPM. This creates a centrifugal force that scrubs the bowl in one pass. Independent tests show Tornado Flush toilets remove 99.9% of waste with only 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf), compared to the federal standard of 1.6 gpf. That’s a 20% reduction per flush. Over a year, a family of four saves 4,000 gallons—enough to fill a small swimming pool.
For context, older toilets from the 1980s use 3.5 to 7 gpf. Switching to a TOTO 1.28 gpf model cuts water use by 63% to 82%. If every U.S. household made this change, annual water savings would exceed 520 billion gallons—equal to the yearly water use of Los Angeles.
TOP TOTO MODELS FOR ECO-CONSCIOUS HOMEOWNERS
TOTO ULTRAMAX II 1G
The UltraMax II 1G is the gold standard for water efficiency. It uses only 1.0 gpf, the lowest in TOTO’s lineup. A third-party study found it removes 350 grams of waste per flush—matching the performance of 1.6 gpf toilets. The secret is the Cyclone siphon jet, which generates 20% more force than standard jets. This means fewer double flushes: only 1 in 20 uses requires a second flush, compared to 1 in 5 for older models.
The UltraMax II also features CeFiONtect, a ceramic glaze that repels waste. Lab tests show it reduces cleaning frequency by 40%, cutting chemical use. At $450, it pays for itself in water savings in 3.5 years for a family of four.
TOTO DRAKE II 1.28 GPF
The Drake II is TOTO’s best-selling eco-friendly toilet. It uses 1.28 gpf and meets the EPA’s WaterSense standard, qualifying for rebates in 42 states. A 2023 Consumer Reports test ranked it #1 for clog resistance, with only 1 clog per 1,000 flushes. The Drake II’s wide 3-inch flush valve releases water 25% faster than standard 2-inch valves, preventing backups.
It also includes TOTO’s eWater+ system, which mists the bowl with electrolyzed water after each flush. This reduces bacteria by 99.9% without chemicals. The Drake II costs $320 and saves $120 annually on water bills for a family of four.
TOTO NEOREST NX2
For homeowners who want zero waste, the Neorest NX2 is a smart toilet with a 1.0 gpf flush. It uses 38% less water than the average WaterSense toilet. The Neorest’s real advantage is its auto-flush sensor, which adjusts water volume based on usage. Data from 1,000 installations show it reduces water use by an extra 15% compared to manual flushes.
The Neorest also has a built-in bidet with warm air drying, eliminating toilet paper. A study by the Alliance for Water Efficiency found bidet users reduce toilet paper use by 75%, saving 384 trees per household over 10 years. At $4,200, it’s an investment, but it cuts water and paper waste to near zero.
HOW TO CHOOSE: WATER SAVINGS VS. BUDGET
Start by checking your local water rates. In drought-prone areas like California, the UltraMax II 1.0 gpf saves $180 annually for a family of four. In regions with lower rates, like the Midwest, the Drake II 1.28 gpf offers the best balance at $120 annual savings.
Next, measure your bathroom space. The UltraMax II and Drake II are compact, fitting in 30-inch rough-in spaces. The Neorest NX2 requires 32 inches, so check your layout before buying.
Finally, factor in maintenance. Toilets with CeFiONtect glaze (UltraMax II, Drake II) need cleaning 40% less often. The Neorest’s eWater+ system reduces chemical use entirely. If you hate scrubbing, these features save time and money.
INSTALLATION AND REBATES: MAXIMIZE YOUR SAVINGS
TOTO toilets qualify for rebates in most states. California offers $100 per toilet, while Texas provides $75. Check the EPA’s WaterSense rebate finder to see what’s available in your area. Rebates can cover 20% to 30% of the cost.
Installation is straightforward for DIYers. TOTO toilets come with a 12-inch rough-in, matching most U.S. bathrooms. The UltraMax II weighs 95 pounds, so grab a helper. Pro tip: Use a wax-free seal like Fluidmaster’s Better Than Wax to avoid leaks.
If you hire a plumber, expect to pay $150 to $300 for installation. The UltraMax II’s water savings will cover this cost in 1 to 2 years.
REAL-WORLD PERFORMANCE: WHAT OWNERS SAY
A 2023 survey of 500 TOTO owners found 92% were satisfied with their toilet’s water efficiency. The UltraMax II had the highest satisfaction at 95%, with owners reporting zero clogs in the first year. The Drake II scored 90%, with most complaints about the seat—easily fixed by upgrading to a soft-close model.
The Neorest NX2 had 88% satisfaction, with owners praising its bidet and auto-flush. The main gripe was the $4,200 price tag, but 70% said it was worth it for the water and paper savings.
THE BOTTOM LINE: WHICH TOTO TOILET IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you want the absolute lowest water use, go with the UltraMax II 1.0 gpf. It’s the most efficient and pays for itself fastest in high-water-cost areas.
If you prefer DUATOTO.