TOTO Smart Toilets Singapore Review (Price $800 to $23,000)

Exclusively distributed in Singapore by W. Atelier, a purveyor of luxury home furnishings and accessories, TOTO has established itself as a leader in producing system toilets, bathtubs, sinks, washbasins and faucets and other bathroom fittings since it was founded in Japan in 1917.

Over a century on, the brand still steadfastly upholds the founder’s philosophy: “As we have been, we will provide a healthy and civilised way of life.”

This vision lies at the heart of the TOTO Group’s management and forms the touchstone for their craftsmanship, research and sales activities.

TOTO Toilet Bowl

Many homeowners assume that all WCs are the same, but are they? Alvin Leong, general manager for Singapore Sales Branch, TOTO Asian Oceania Pte Ltd says: “The toilet bowl is probably the centrepiece of your bathroom as it is often the first thing you or your guests will notice when you enter. Along with your sink and shower, it is also the most used fixture in the bathroom. Therefore, you must select a toilet bowl design that is compatible with your bathroom aesthetics and plumbing type.”

There are various toilet bowl designs available in the market today, including one-piece, wall-hung, wall-faced and smart designs. Understanding their benefits and compatibilities will help homeowners select the appropriate toilet bowl for their bathrooms. Alvin advises homeowners to prioritise practical considerations. Factor in the size of your bathroom when selecting a toilet bowl.

Ensure that there is sufficient elbow space, cleaning access and basically room to manoeuvre around comfortably. The toilet bowl should also accommodate the rest of the family in terms of its shape, height and width.

If you have young children, go for lower toilet bowls. Wall-hung units may be a better option for those with mobility issues as the height can be positioned to suit their needs.

If you are on a tight budget, choose something simple and fuss-free, such as a close-coupled toilet bowl that is cost-effective, neat and easy to clean as the pipework is concealed.

If aesthetics are very important, wall-hung toilet bowls with their suspended structures and contemporary designs can make a bathroom appear more spacious. Wall-faced models offer a more streamlined look as the cistern is hidden inside the wall. However, the cistern is sold separately and installation can be slightly costlier.

“Bathrooms have evolved over the years to become more than just a pitstop to answer one’s nature call. Technology has
enabled many fixtures to provide comfort, convenience and even luxury, allowing the bathroom to be a place for relaxation and rejuvenation,” Alvin comments.

The not-so-humble toilet bowl now offers a plethora of features and technology. TOTO’s range of smart toilets boasts a wide range of modern and hi-tech features, such as integrated bidet systems, heated seats, automatic lid and seat opening/closing, touchless flush mechanisms, integrated air-purification and self-cleaning capabilities.

Homeowners can expect to spend between $800 and $1,000 for a WC from TOTO’s basic range. There are many simple designs available to match your bathroom theme and these offer basic flushing mechanisms. Something from TOTO’s intermediate range will set you back by about $1,000 to $2,500 and these come with dual-flushing options to conserve water.

Other features include rimless design, tornado flush and TOTO’s patented CeFiONtect glaze technology to prevent particles from adhering to surfaces. Be prepared to fork out between $8,000 and $23,000 for TOTO’s premium range of WCs. These come equipped with advanced features, such as self-cleaning technology, air deodoriser and customisable settings.

A word of caution from the expert is to remember that the more features a toilet bowl has, the more expensive it gets. Identify the features that you must have and those you can do without and select the most appropriate model accordingly.