Electronic toilet: device, types + review of the best models on the market

The introduction of smart plumbing into various areas of everyday life significantly increases the level of comfort.Such an innovative innovation is the electronic toilet.

In addition to the incredible, as it seemed until recently, advantages of using places where you regularly visit, it provides the maximum degree of hygiene and provides the opportunity to perform a number of important procedures without unnecessary movements.

In this article we will talk about the operating principle of smart plumbing, its varieties, and also give a rating of the best manufacturers of smart toilets.

How a smart toilet works

Externally, the smart toilet differs little from its usual historical predecessor. The seat looks somewhat more massive, which in fact is no more than 10 cm thicker than a regular rim with a lid. The control panel and remote control located on the side, with which you can select modes and functions while in another room, seem a little strange.

In fact, the innovative type of plumbing fixtures is radically different from traditional fixtures. The purpose of a conventional toilet retained in it is complemented by numerous technical capabilities, thanks to which the cleaning process itself is extremely simplified and modernized.

The list of standard functions of electronic models includes:

• Presence sensor. Triggered when the user touches the seat. Transmits information about this to the device, which automatically launches a number of actions useful for the vital process.
• Water supply system for ablution. Smart plumbing has several different washing options, taking into account the gender and age of the owners.
• Adjustment devices. The pressure and temperature of the water supplied through the washing nozzle changes.
• Heater for water entering the nozzle. Models are of flow-through or storage type.
• Seat temperature adjustment system. Usually there are several modes, among which it is easy to find the optimal one.
• Automatic flush. It discharges into the sewer at the command of a sensor that reacts to the need to dispose of the contents.
• Microlift seat. Provides smooth lowering of the rim with a cover or just the cover without knocking or human intervention.
• Air purification system. It also works at the command of an infrared sensor that records the fact of use. Removes and neutralizes unpleasant odors, deodorizes.

In addition to the listed practically mandatory functions available in most basic models of smart toilets, there are several more systems included in plumbing fixtures of the highest comfort category.

Very convenient additions include:

• Drying. Produced by a hair dryer type device. Some models are equipped with the ability to select the optimal temperature of the discharge air.
• Automatic lid control. Locks and opens plumbing fixtures for use. Frees owners from performing any manual manipulations at all.
• Pulsating water supply. Used as a prophylactic agent that stimulates normal blood supply.

Water is supplied in a regular, pulsating or oscillating stream by a nozzle made of a stainless steel alloy, which is used in the production of surgical instruments. It does not rust, no mineral deposits form on the surface, and bacteria do not spread. Upon completion of its assigned actions, the nozzle performs self-cleaning by rinsing with clean water. We also recommend reading the article about the bidet attachment for the toilet. More details - go to link.

The retractable part of the nozzle can be easily and simply removed for cleaning or replacement. If it fails, which happens extremely rarely, it is easy to replace. Basically, it is not the nozzle itself that is changed, but its chrome-plated tip.

In addition to the undeniable functional advantages, a smart toilet gives owners a lot of valuable advantages, these are:

• Space saving. Electronic plumbing works like a traditional toilet and bidet, which requires a lot of space to install in a separate version.
• The simplest installation diagram. Toilets of this type have built-in components for connecting to communications and the electrical network. Connection and toilet installation does not cause any difficulties for anyone.
• Ergonomics. The shape of the bowl and seat is thoroughly thought out in terms of convenience, and safety of use is guaranteed.
• Hygiene. Ideally smooth surfaces eliminate the formation and accumulation of sediment of mineral or organic origin. Smart toilets require much less and less frequent regular maintenance, traditional for conventional types.
• Wear resistance. The materials used in the manufacture of plumbing fixtures and system devices are designed for many years of use. External parts are made of acrylic styrene acrylonitrile and duroplast, which do not tend to turn yellow over time.

It should be remembered that numerous technical smart toilet systems can only work if electricity is available. If for some reason the power supply is interrupted, the equipment can only perform the functions of its normal ancestor.

Water supply and heating, deodorization, automatic lid control, etc. are blocked. When the power supply is restored, their work will resume, but the electronic unit will have to be reconfigured, because after activation it automatically switches to modes with the lowest energy consumption.

Installation of a smart toilet is carried out in the standard manner, the only difference is that it must be connected to the mains

The seat cover can be opened using the remote control by pressing the corresponding buttons on the remote control device, or manually. Switching on and off, as well as activating the nozzle can be done either remotely or directly by pressing the buttons on the side of the toilet.

The remote control, unlike mechanical control contact buttons, gives access to all functions available in the unit. According to the factory settings, all functions operate within a certain time interval. For example, drying supplies a stream of air for 30 - 60 seconds, but if necessary, this time can be increased to 180 seconds.

For all smart toilet systems to operate, it requires power supply; when turned off, the unit can be used as its regular counterpart.

Using Eco Modes

All modifications of electronic plumbing provide operation in several power consumption modes. In standard mode, all systems are available and any adjustments can be made. In the economical version, the heating systems are set to minimum values. In standby mode, only the water heating device operates.

Water for washing and air for drying can be heated by the system up to 42º, maximum seat heating is 40º.Naturally, more energy is required to achieve these temperature levels than the lowest performance modes. This means that unless absolutely necessary, you should not get carried away with increasing temperatures.

In order to save not at all cheap electricity, it is recommended to choose the minimum mode of heating water and air pumped by a hairdryer that is permissible in personal opinion

The volume of water supplied to the washing nozzle ranges from 0.6 to 1.2 liters, the displacement varies depending on the pressure and function chosen by the owner. Water consumption can be reduced by choosing a water supply with the lowest pressure and refusing to pulsate the water supply to the nozzle.

Flushing is carried out with a stream of water in volumes of 3-4 and 4-6 liters, they are distributed into small and large versions. In this case, you won’t be able to save on water consumption, because... it was initially designed to meet the lower limit required to comply with sanitary standards.

Types of electronic plumbing

The choice of the type and model of an intelligent toilet depends on the personal preferences of potential owners and the stage of the repair. If replacement is possible, then instead of the old conventional plumbing, full-fledged electronic equipment is installed. If dismantling is too complex or temporarily undesirable, then its functions can easily be handled electronic bidet cover.

If there is no desire or opportunity to dismantle the outdated toilet to install an electronic model, install a bidet cover

According to the option of connecting to the sewer, toilets with electrical systems, by analogy with traditional plumbing in this segment, are divided into:

• Hanging. The plumbing does not rest on the floor, the center of gravity at the bowl is moved, and the outlet is made horizontally.
• Floor-standing. The bowl rests on the floor, its center of gravity in the traditional place. Most models have a vertical outlet, but there are also products with a horizontal outlet.

The direction of release must be taken into account when choosing electronic plumbing fixtures. The method of connection to the sewer system, and sometimes even the possibility of installation, depends on it. It happens that a model with vertical outlet placed on a pedestal, but in the case of purchasing plumbing fixtures for a user with physical limitations, such a solution will create additional unnecessary difficulties.

The hanging model takes up minimal space and does not rest on the floor. To install such a structure, installation is required

Holes for draining and supplying water, connection points are completely hidden. Floor-standing options are more familiar and easier to install. Hanging models are now more popular, but their installation technology is much more complicated. In addition, installation is required - a massive support frame, which reduces space in the bathroom.

Almost all models of the latest generation presented on the domestic market are produced without a rim, behind which sediment most often accumulates and colonies of bacteria settle.

Electronic floor-type models are mounted without installation; their outlet can be either vertical or horizontal

Serial releases of smart toilets include basic models with a minimum set of functions offered by a specific manufacturer, and luxury toilets with an expanded range of systems.

They are complemented not only by systems for more thorough and careful care, but also by illumination, which allows you to determine the location of an object in complete darkness.

Rating of manufacturers of “advanced” toilets

The production of plumbing fixtures with electronic control is carried out by industry-leading manufacturers from regions in which the principle of washing after a mandatory process in life is a national or religious tradition. Manufacturers from technologically advanced countries that have reverence for everyday comfort are not far behind them.

The following are recognized as leading in the field of production:

• Vitra, Türkiye. It supplies the market with two categories of toilets: the high-comfort Comfort collection and products of the Basic version. The heater is flow-through. Aging-resistant materials are used in production; contaminated parts can be easily washed off for cleaning. Adjustment and start-up is carried out using a remote control or manually.
• Geberit AquaClean, Switzerland, Germany. In serial releases there is also a division according to the degree of comfort. The heater is storage, there is a retractable hair dryer and backflow protection. Control and configuration are carried out both manually and remotely.
• Villeroy&Boch, Germany. Produces wall-hung toilets with a perfectly glossy surface and antibacterial seat coating. Flow-through type of water heater, processing flow in two modes. The range of functions and control options is similar to the equipment described above.
• Toto, Japan. It produces electronic models with presence sensors and UV treatment of the bowl. The water pressure for washing is adjusted, taking into account the gender and age of the user. Toilets with dirt-repellent and antibacterial external protection. The touch control panel is mounted on the wall.
• Panasonic, Japan. In addition to the listed functions of the previous “Japanese” equipment, the equipment is supplemented with double air purification through adsorption and a catalyst. Storage heater, IR control, built-in batteries in case of power outages.
• SensPa, South Korea. Manufactures toilets with a tankless flush system that are directly connected to the water supply. The heater is flow-through with several heating modes.The siphon flush system operates under high pressure and uses water and electricity economically. Remote and manual control.
• Orans, Germany. Offers a wide range of electronic bathroom equipment. Products of this brand are equipped with all the advantages and functions required by their status. The consumer is pleased with the affordable price, thanks to which they are in reasonable demand.

In fact, all trading offers are equipped with an almost equal set of functions. Everyone provides gentle care with washing, which allows you to feel fresh. There are some differences in the optional features that complement the comfort class toilets.

Despite the relatively recent development and introduction of electronic plumbing into the everyday life of our compatriots, the range is quite large.

In the abundant range of trading offers, it is not difficult to find an option that is suitable in terms of cost, functionality and price.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Presentation of an intelligent model from the American manufacturer Calipso:

Video demonstrating the functions of SensPa products:

Japanese plumbing equipment from TOTO:

Purchasing a smart toilet is not so much a tribute to the windy fashion, but a smart investment in your own health. Electronically controlled equipment will provide maximum sanitation where it is needed most. It will greatly facilitate the hygiene procedures necessary to maintain cleanliness and ideal freshness.

If you have experience using a smart toilet, please share it with our readers. Tell us if you are satisfied with its work, perhaps there are some nuances of its use? Leave your comments and ask questions in the block below.