In brief: The best toilet depends on your personal needs. For maximum hygiene and durability, ceramic floor-standing toilets are the first choice. Compact wall-hung toilets save space and make cleaning easier. The right design, flushing system and seat height are crucial. Our 2026 comparison shows what you need to look out for.
Are you planning a new bathroom or looking to replace your old toilet? There is a huge selection to choose from. Our 2026 review and comparison takes you through the most important buying criteria – from the design and flushing system to the right toilet seat. We show you what really matters.
Which toilet design is right for you?
The first decision concerns the design. It determines the appearance, space required and cleaning effort.
Floor-standing toilet (close-coupled toilet)
The classic floor-standing toilet is widely used. Its waste pipe leads directly into the floor. Installation is usually straightforward. The downside: the area around and underneath the toilet is difficult to clean. Dirt and dust collect there.
Wall-hung toilet
The wall-hung toilet is suspended from a mounting frame. The waste pipe leads into the wall. This is a clear hygiene advantage. The floor underneath is freely accessible and can be mopped easily. It also creates a sense of space. Installation is more involved because an installation system must be built into the wall.
Flushing systems compared: which flushes best?
The flushing system affects hygiene, water consumption and noise levels. Modern technologies offer more.
Cistern with dual-flush button
The standard option. One button activates the small flush (3 Liter), while the other activates the full flush (6 Liter). Look for a cistern that fills quietly.
Turboflush or vortex flush
Here, the shape of the ceramic and water pressure create a powerful vortex. This cleans the entire bowl effectively, leaving less residue behind.
Rimless technology
The most important advance. Rimless toilets do not have the usual rim around the bowl. Water flows across the entire inside of the bowl. This radically prevents limescale and dirt traps. Cleaning becomes extremely easy.
Comfort and accessibility: seat height matters
Toilets no longer come in one standard height. Seat height is an important factor in comfort.
Standard height: Approximately 40 cm. Suitable for most people.
Comfort-height or height-adjustable toilet: Has a seat height of 46 to 48 cm. This reduces strain on the knees and hip joints when sitting down and standing up. Ideal for older people or those with limited mobility. A step towards an accessible bathroom.
The choice of height also affects everyday usability throughout the home.
Choosing the right toilet seat
The seat is your direct point of contact. Material and function are crucial.
Material: plastic (thermoset) vs. wood (MDF)
Thermoset plastic is easy to care for, moisture-resistant and durable. It often feels slightly colder.
MDF toilet seats with a melamine coating offer a warmer, more natural seating feel. High-quality models are also robust and moisture-resistant.
Special features
Modern seats offer added comfort:
- Soft-close function: The lid closes gently and quietly, preventing annoying slamming. A must for families. The even features dual soft-close functionality for the lid and seat.
- Soft-close: The same principle as the soft-close function.
- Damping mechanism: An integrated shock absorber, like the one in the , for particularly soft and quiet closing.
An MDF seat with a soft-close function, such as the
, combines a natural feel with modern comfort.
The highest-rated toilets in our range compared directly:
| Model | Customer rating | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Thermoset toilet seats | – | Currently unavailable |
| Dalben thermoset toilet seat | – | Currently unavailable |
| Fischt thermoset toilet seat | – | Currently unavailable |
| MDF toilet seat with damping mechanism | – | Currently unavailable |
| Bamboo MDF toilet seat with soft-close function | – | Currently unavailable |
Installation and Connections
Installing a toilet is a job for professionals or highly experienced DIYers.
You must connect the water supply and wastewater safely. Wall-hung toilets also require the complex installation of the concealed cistern frame. A mistake can cause water damage.
Factor the cost of a professional into your budget. They will also ensure the correct height and a secure fit.
Our Buying Guide: How to Find the Right Toilet
Proceed step by step.
- Choose the design: Wall-hung toilets offer maximum hygiene and a modern design, while close-coupled toilets are easier to install.
- Choose the flushing system: A rimless toilet with a dual-flush button is the premium choice. Alternatively, choose a good vortex flush.
- Check comfort: Choose the seat height according to the needs of the users. Comfort-height toilets are suitable for the whole family.
- Choose a toilet seat: Decide between plastic and MDF. A soft-close mechanism is a worthwhile comfort feature.
- Check the dimensions: Measure the available space carefully. Do not forget to allow room for the cistern.
Care and Cleaning
A modern toilet makes cleaning easier.
Rimless models offer the greatest advantage. Clean regularly with suitable bathroom cleaners. Avoid abrasive products, as they can scratch the surface.
With wall-hung toilets, you can simply wipe the floor underneath. This keeps the bathroom cleaner.
A soft-close seat with a damper, as in , also protects the material and lasts longer.
Conclusion: The best toilet for you combines the design you want with a hygienic flushing system and the right level of comfort. Invest in quality and modern features such as rimless technology or soft-close. You will appreciate the benefits every day, as well as the reduced cleaning effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is better: a close-coupled toilet or a wall-hung toilet?
- A wall-hung toilet is more hygienic and space-saving because it is suspended above the floor, making the floor easy to clean. A close-coupled toilet is often less expensive to buy and install. The choice depends on your budget and hygiene priorities.
- Which flushing system is the most efficient?
- Modern dual-flush systems for 3 and 6 liters are the most efficient. They save water without compromising cleaning performance. Tornado flushes or rimless toilets offer additional hygiene benefits. Look for efficiency class A.
- What is the right toilet seat height?
- The standard height is around 40 cm. For accessible living, comfort-height or height-adjustable toilets with a seat height of 46-48 cm are ideal. They reduce strain on the knee joints and make standing up easier.
- What does rimless toilet mean?
- A rimless toilet does not have the usual cleaning rim beneath the ceramic bowl. Water flows around the entire bowl. This prevents limescale and dirt deposits, making cleaning much easier and more hygienic.
- Can I replace a toilet myself?
- Experienced DIYers can replace a toilet themselves, but the job involves working on water and wastewater connections. Mistakes can cause leaks. Installing the support system for a wall-hung toilet is demanding. In many cases, hiring a professional is worthwhile.