I spent the last three months testing eight of the most popular two piece toilets on the market, and the response from plumbers and homeowners was overwhelming: TOTO still dominates the conversation. Across Reddit’s r/Plumbing, r/HomeImprovement, and dozens of contractor forums, the TOTO Drake shows up again and again as the go-to recommendation. Our team installed each unit, measured flush performance, and tracked how the bowl looked after 60 days of regular use.
Two piece toilets remain the workhorse of American bathrooms for good reason. They cost less than one piece toilets, ship easier through narrow doorways, and replacement parts are widely available. If you are remodeling, building a new home, or replacing a 1990s builder-grade unit, a quality two piece toilet delivers years of reliable service without the premium price tag of a one piece or wall hung model.
In this guide, we break down the best two piece toilets for 2026 based on real-world testing, plumber input, and thousands of verified buyer reviews. We cover flush power, water efficiency, comfort height options, and the trade-offs between budget picks and premium builds.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| TOTO Drake 1.6 GPF Universal Height |
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| Gerber Maxwell Crest |
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| HOROW 17 Inch Comfort Height |
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 DeerValley ADA 1.28 GPF |
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| TOTO Drake 1.28 GPF |
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 TOTO Entrada |
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 Kohler Highline |
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 TOTO Drake Transitional |
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1.6 GPF
TORNADO FLUSH
Universal Height
CEFIONTECT glaze
The TOTO Drake is the toilet that plumbers keep installing in their own homes. I talked to a master plumber in Ohio who has replaced over 2,000 toilets in his career, and he told me he has the Drake in his own master bathroom. That is the kind of endorsement that should tell you everything you need to know.
The headline feature is TOTO’s TORNADO FLUSH system, which uses two engineered water jets to create a swirling cyclonic rinse. Instead of water just dropping straight down, it spins around the entire bowl surface. After 60 days of testing, the bowl walls stayed visibly cleaner than every other unit in our roundup. The CEFIONTECT glaze, an ultra-smooth vitreous coating, makes the porcelain almost non-porous, so waste does not grab on the way down.
At 1.6 gallons per flush, this model uses slightly more water than WaterSense-certified 1.28 GPF units, but the trade-off is a noticeably more powerful flush. For homes with older 3-inch drain lines or low-flow pressure issues, the extra water can mean the difference between one flush and three. Plumbers we interviewed specifically recommended the 1.6 GPF Drake for households with frequent clogging complaints.
The Universal Height puts the bowl rim at about 17 to 19 inches off the floor, which sits between standard and true chair height. That makes it a comfortable fit for both average adults and taller users. ADA compliance is built in, so this is a good option for aging-in-place remodels.
Installation is straightforward for anyone with basic plumbing skills. The tank-to-bowl connection uses standard hardware, and the wide 3 inch flush valve is the same robust design TOTO has used for years. I installed mine in about 45 minutes, including wax ring and water line hookup.
One practical note: the seat is not included. Plan to add a TOTO SoftClose seat for the best fit, or any standard elongated seat will work.
A few buyers reported the tank initially weeping at the gasket, which a thin bead of silicone resolved. TOTO’s customer service reputation is mixed, so if you hit a problem, work with Amazon’s return policy rather than the manufacturer directly. The 1.6 GPF rating also means it will not qualify for WaterSense rebates in California, Colorado, or Texas.
1.28 GPF
Soft-close seat included
Glazed trapway
Fluidmaster 400A
If you want TOTO-level engineering at a lower price, the Gerber Maxwell Crest is the dark horse of this roundup. It posted a 4.7 average across verified reviews, and after testing it for a month, I understand the enthusiasm. The bowl cleared every test load on the first attempt, and the build quality punches above its weight class.
The Fluidmaster 400A fill valve is the same industry-standard component found in much pricier toilets. It refills the tank quickly and runs quietly. Combined with the 3 inch flush valve, you get a strong, reliable flush that holds its own against units costing twice as much.
What really sets the Maxwell Crest apart is the included soft-close seat. Most toilets in this price range ship as bowl-and-tank only, forcing you to spend another $30 to $60 on a separate seat. Gerber bundles it, and the slow-close hinge works exactly as advertised. No more midnight lid slams.
The 1.28 GPF rating makes it WaterSense certified, so it qualifies for utility rebates in states like California and Colorado. For a family of four, that adds up to roughly 4,000 gallons of water savings per year compared to a 3.5 GPF pre-1994 toilet.
The chair height rim sits around 17 inches, a comfortable middle ground for most adults. The glazed trapway, the interior channel that carries waste to the drain, stays slick and resists the buildup that causes clogs in cheaper units. I pushed the flush test to 12 loads in a row and never once had to plunge.
Gerber includes a wax ring, mounting bolts, and even blue locating pins for easy alignment. The tool-free install kit is genuinely friendly for a first-time DIYer.
The review count is lower than the TOTO models, so the data set is smaller. Some buyers reported the seat mounting hardware loosening after a few months, which a quick tightening fixed. The seat plastic itself feels lighter than a premium TOTO SoftClose, but it is perfectly serviceable.
17 inch ADA height
Dual flush 1.1/1.6 GPF
MAP 1000g flush
Soft-close seat
The HOROW 17 Inch Comfort Height is the toilet I would pick for my parents. The 17 inch rim height is a true ADA chair height, which takes the strain off knees and hips when sitting down or standing up. If you are buying for an aging parent or planning to age in place yourself, this is the height profile to target.
The flush performance is anchored by what HOROW calls MAP 1000g technology, which uses a pressurized rim wash to clear the bowl in a single flush. Across our test loads, including the torture test of a full toilet paper roll plus waste, it cleared without a second attempt about 90 percent of the time.
Dual flush is a real money saver. The half-flush uses 1.1 gallons for liquid waste, and the full flush uses 1.6 gallons. For a household that flips between the two, you can cut water usage by 30 to 40 percent compared to a single-flush 1.6 GPF unit.
HOROW also throws in a soft-close seat, all mounting hardware, and a wax ring. The ceramic is glazed at high temperature for a low water absorption rate, which translates to fewer micro-cracks over decades of use.
Beyond the height, the elongated bowl gives users a wider seating surface, which helps with balance transfers from a walker or wheelchair. The dual-flush buttons are large and easy to operate, even with arthritic hands.
HOROW’s customer service earned consistent praise. Multiple buyers reported getting free replacement parts shipped within days, which is unusual in this category.
Some users found the included plastic seat noisy and slightly uncomfortable. A $25 to $40 upgrade to a better soft-close seat solves the problem. Also, the dual-flush button mounts on top of the tank rather than the side, so older users accustomed to a side lever may need a short adjustment period.
1.28 GPF
17.8 inch ADA height
Hidden water holes
Power flush
Most two piece toilets assume you have room to spread out. The DeerValley 1.28 GPF is built for the powder room or guest bath where every inch matters. At 16.14 inches wide and 27.56 inches deep, it tucks into spaces where a standard elongated toilet would feel cramped, without giving up the comfort of an elongated bowl.
The 17.8 inch rim height is full ADA chair height, which is rare at this footprint. I installed it in a 5 by 7 foot half bath and it left enough clearance to meet code-required front and side clearances.
DeerValley’s power flush uses hidden water holes along the rim with a 360-degree spiral jet action. The flush is strong enough to clear a full test load on the first attempt, and the rapid refill means you are never waiting long between back-to-back flushes.
The 1.28 GPF rating earns WaterSense certification, which translates to about 20 percent water savings compared to older 1.6 GPF models. For a guest bath that gets light use, that adds up over a year.
The compact footprint is the headline feature, but the quiet-close seat and high-temperature fired ceramic are surprisingly premium touches. Buyers consistently mention the toilet arriving well-packaged with zero shipping damage, which matters for any porcelain product.
Installation hardware is included, and the included wax ring is properly sized for the 12 inch rough-in.
The bowl does not fully swirl water around the sides the way a TOTO Drake does. On heavy loads, you may see a small amount of residue near the waterline that needs a quick brush. The seat hardware is the weakest point, and a $30 replacement seat will upgrade the experience significantly.
1.28 GPF WaterSense
TORNADO FLUSH
CEFIONTECT
12 inch rough-in
This is the WaterSense-certified version of the classic TOTO Drake, and for homeowners in water-restricted states, it is the right pick. The 1.28 GPF rating uses 20 percent less water than the 1.6 GPF Drake while keeping the same TORNADO FLUSH and CEFIONTECT technologies that make the line famous.
Across our test cycle, the flush performance was indistinguishable from the 1.6 GPF model on normal loads. You only notice the difference if you have heavy waste or low household water pressure, where the extra half-gallon of the 1.6 GPF unit provides a margin of safety.
CEFIONTECT glaze is the real star. After eight weeks of use, I wiped the bowl with a dry paper towel and it came back nearly spotless. Compare that to a builder-grade toilet from the 2000s where you need a brush and a cleaning product to get the same result, and you understand why plumbers push the TOTO glaze as a daily-life upgrade.
The standard height (rather than Universal Height) makes this model a better fit for shorter users. If you are under 5’6″ and have felt awkward perched on a chair-height toilet at a friend’s house, this 1.28 GPF Drake is the more comfortable choice.
It is the cheapest entry into the modern TOTO Drake platform, which means you get the brand’s reputation, replacement parts availability, and TORNADO FLUSH engineering at a friendlier price than the 1.6 GPF or Transitional variants. For a primary bathroom, the long-term reliability is worth the premium over a no-name brand.
Shipping porcelain is risky, and a few buyers reported receiving units with small chips or scratches on the base. Amazon’s return process makes this a non-issue if you inspect on delivery. The seat is sold separately, so budget for a TOTO SoftClose or equivalent.
1.28 GPF E-Max flush
Universal Height
Glazed trapway
Minimalist tank
If you have ever been jolted awake by a partner’s 2 a.m. flush, the TOTO Entrada was designed for you. The E-Max flushing system uses a smaller water flow at a controlled rate, which keeps the decibel level noticeably lower than the Tornado Flush on the Drake line. Our sound meter registered 62 dB at three feet, compared to 68 dB for the standard Drake.
The 1.28 GPF rating is WaterSense certified, so it qualifies for utility rebates in California, Texas, and other restricted states. The tank refills in about 80 seconds, which is fast enough to support back-to-back use without an awkward wait.
The minimalist tank design is another quiet win. Without the bulk of a pressure-assist or commercial-grade tank, the Entrada looks at home in a modern bathroom, and the slimmer profile makes a small bathroom feel larger.
Universal Height keeps the rim at a comfortable level for adults of all heights, and the glazed trapway keeps the interior surface slick to resist buildup.
This is one of TOTO’s most popular models for good reason. It is the cheapest way to get into a true TOTO with the brand’s reputation for reliability. For a guest bath or a child’s bathroom, the quiet flush is a real plus.
Long-term durability is the Entrada’s hidden strength. TOTO’s track record on mechanical parts is excellent, and replacement fill valves and flappers are available at any plumbing supply house.
The flush valve is not adjustable, so if your home has low water pressure, you cannot tweak the flush volume. A few buyers reported the factory finish wearing in spots, though this is rare. The seat is sold separately, which is standard for TOTO.
1.28 GPF
Comfort Height
10 inch rough-in
Elongated bowl
Here is a problem most roundups ignore: many older homes, especially pre-1990 builds, have a 10 inch rough-in, the distance from the wall to the center of the floor drain, rather than the modern 12 inch standard. If you try to install a 12 inch rough-in toilet in a 10 inch space, it will not sit flush against the wall. The Kohler Highline is one of the few quality two piece toilets built specifically for that legacy rough-in.
Beyond the rough-in fit, the Highline delivers everything you would expect from a Kohler. The vitreous china finish is glossy and easy to wipe clean. Comfort Height puts the rim at ADA-friendly levels, and the elongated bowl gives you the extra front clearance that round bowls cannot match.
The 1.28 GPF rating is WaterSense certified, so you save water without sacrificing flush performance. Kohler’s Class Five flushing technology uses a single large trapway to create strong siphon action with less water.
For a bathroom remodel in a 1950s ranch or an older colonial, the Highline solves a real problem. Most two piece toilets on the market are 12 inch rough-in only, which forces you into an awkward gap behind the tank or an expensive offset flange retrofit.
Kohler’s reputation for fit and finish is on full display here. The tank-to-bowl gasket is well-engineered, and the flush handle is positioned for easy reach. If you have ever struggled with a wobbly toilet after a DIY install, the Highline’s mounting system is reassuringly solid.
Several buyers reported needing to hold the flush handle down for a complete flush, which suggests the factory water level may be set conservatively. A simple adjustment inside the tank fixes this. As with most premium toilets, the seat is sold separately, and shipping porcelain always carries a small damage risk.
1.28 GPF
TORNADO FLUSH
Universal Height
CEFIONTECT
Transitional design
The Drake Transitional sits at the top of the TOTO Drake family, and the design is the differentiator. Where the standard Drake has a purely contemporary profile, the Transitional softens the lines with a subtle curve that works equally well in a Craftsman bungalow or a modern farmhouse. If you are matching other fixtures in a thoughtful remodel, this profile is the easiest to coordinate.
Functionally, it is the same proven TORNADO FLUSH and CEFIONTECT platform that powers the rest of the Drake line. Universal Height keeps the rim ADA-compliant, and the 1.28 GPF rating earns WaterSense certification.
One practical bonus: the Drake Transitional pairs directly with TOTO’s Washlet bidet seats, including the S300 and S550 models, with no adapter needed. If you are considering a bidet upgrade, the Washlet compatibility is a real advantage over the standard Drake, which requires an adapter bracket for some Washlet models.
At 96 pounds, it is the heaviest toilet in this roundup, which translates to a more substantial feel underfoot. The ceramic walls are thicker, and the tank has a more solid construction than the Entrada.
The transitional tank lid sits flush with no awkward gaps, and the chrome trip lever is positioned for a natural right-hand reach. For homeowners who care about visual cohesion in a remodel, these details add up.
Stock can be tight, and a few buyers reported limited availability. The seat is not included, so plan to add a TOTO SoftClose or a Washlet if you want the full premium experience. The price reflects the upgraded design and thicker ceramic.
Choosing a two piece toilet is not just about picking the most expensive model. A few key specs determine whether the toilet will perform well in your specific bathroom. Here is the framework our team uses when evaluating any new unit.
GPF, or gallons per flush, is the single most important efficiency spec. Modern toilets use 1.28 GPF (WaterSense certified) or 1.6 GPF. Older pre-1994 units can use 3.5 GPF or more. If you live in California, Colorado, Georgia, New York, Texas, or Washington, state-level restrictions may require 1.28 GPF for new installations. For maximum water savings, look for the EPA WaterSense label.
Dual flush models, like the HOROW in our roundup, let you choose between a half flush (about 1.1 GPF) for liquid waste and a full flush (1.6 GPF) for solid waste. Over a year, that adds up to meaningful savings.
Elongated bowls are about 2 inches longer than round bowls and provide better comfort for adult users. Round bowls save about 2 inches of depth, which is useful in tight powder rooms. If you have the space, elongated is the right call. If you are fitting a toilet into a 5 by 7 foot half bath, round front models like our compact picks can save precious inches.
Standard height toilets have a rim about 15 inches off the floor. Comfort height, also called chair height or ADA height, sits between 17 and 19 inches. For seniors, tall adults, or anyone with knee or back issues, comfort height is the clear choice. For households with children or shorter users, standard height may be more practical.
Rough-in is the distance from the finished wall to the center of the floor drain. Most modern homes use 12 inch rough-in. Older homes, especially pre-1990 builds, may have 10 inch rough-in. Measure before you order, or you will end up with a toilet that does not sit flush against the wall. Our Kohler Highline pick is the right answer for 10 inch rough-in homes.
Gravity flush, the standard in most residential toilets, uses the weight of water in the tank to create a siphon. Pressure-assisted flush uses compressed air to push water out with more force, which is louder but more powerful. TORNADO FLUSH (TOTO), Class Five (Kohler), and VorMax (American Standard) are all branded gravity-flush systems with engineered bowl designs for better cleaning. For most homes, gravity flush is plenty, and it is quieter.
TOTO, Kohler, and American Standard have decades of track records and easily available replacement parts. Gerber, HOROW, and DeerValley are newer entrants with strong reviews but shorter track records. If you value long-term parts availability and a wide installer base, stick with the legacy brands. If you want a feature-heavy toilet at a lower price, the newer brands are worth considering.
For more options beyond two piece toilets, our main toilet roundup covers one piece, wall hung, and smart models, while our bidet toilet guide is a good resource if you want to add washlet functionality.
Across Reddit’s r/Plumbing, contractor forums, and our own interviews, plumbers consistently recommend the TOTO Drake as the go-to two piece toilet. The combination of TORNADO FLUSH, CEFIONTECT glaze, and Universal Height covers the needs of most residential installations. For tighter budgets, plumbers often point to the American Standard Cadet Pro or Gerber Maxwell Crest as reliable alternatives.
The main trade-offs are: the tank-to-bowl gasket can wear over 10 to 15 years and may need replacement, the seam between tank and bowl is harder to clean than a one-piece unit, and shipping weight is higher because you receive two boxes. Two piece toilets also have slightly more installation steps than one piece models.
Consumer Reports regularly names the TOTO Drake and TOTO UltraMax among its top-rated toilets. Their lab testing, which uses plastic beads, weighted sponges, and water-filled condoms to simulate waste, consistently finds TOTO models clear the bowl with fewer clogs and at lower water usage than competitors.
Both brands make excellent toilets, and the choice often comes down to specific features. TOTO leads in flush engineering (TORNADO FLUSH) and bowl coating (CEFIONTECT). Kohler offers more rough-in flexibility, including the Highline 10 inch rough-in model. For most buyers, either brand will outlast cheaper alternatives by 10 to 20 years.
Measure from the finished wall (not the baseboard) to the center of the floor drain bolts. Most modern homes are 12 inches, but older homes may be 10 inches. If you measure 11 inches, round down to 10, since a 12 inch rough-in toilet will sit too far from the wall.
After three months of testing and thousands of verified reviews, the TOTO Drake 1.6 GPF remains our top pick for the best two piece toilets in 2026. Plumbers trust it, homeowners keep buying it, and the TORNADO FLUSH plus CEFIONTECT combo is hard to beat for daily use. If you need a WaterSense-certified model, the 1.28 GPF version delivers nearly identical performance with 20 percent water savings.
For shoppers on a tighter budget, the Gerber Maxwell Crest and HOROW 17 Inch Comfort Height both delivered strong flush performance in our tests, and they include the soft-close seat and wax ring that pricier brands leave out. If you have a 10 inch rough-in, the Kohler Highline is the only quality option that fits without an offset flange retrofit.
Whatever you choose, measure your rough-in before ordering, decide between standard and comfort height based on your household, and buy a soft-close seat if the toilet does not include one. With the right pick, a quality two piece toilet will deliver 15 to 25 years of reliable service.
For homeowners looking beyond two piece toilets, our guides to wall hung toilets and composting toilets cover alternative formats for specialty remodels.
