Buying guide for best american standard toilets
![Michael]()
Written by
Michael
Updated June 2023
What do you want from a toilet? Something that works flawlessly every time and is easy to use.
But more than merely a working toilet, you also want something that suits your bathroom décor, stays clean, and has a lustrous finish. Your toilet should also be able to meet the current standards for water conservation to help you reduce water usage.
American Standard has earned the trust of Americans for over 100 years through its reliable bathroom appliances and plumbing fixtures. With their innovations in porcelain enamel in 1880, modern plumbing and sanitation were created, and they’ve been improving on it ever since. Today, American Standard offers dozens of different toilets that vary in design, efficiency, and luxury features.
Though choosing the right toilet from American Standard can be an intimidating process, their wide catalogue means that anyone can find the right model for their home. Our buying guide will walk you through their features and variations to help you find a toilet from American Standard that fits your needs and budget.
Key considerations
Rough-in distance
What is “rough-in” distance and why does it matter? Rough-in is how much room there is to install your toilet before you run into the wall.
To measure the rough-in dimensions of your bathroom, get a tape measure and find the two bolts that secure the toilet to the floor. There is one on each side of the toilet, usually covered by a white or beige plastic cap.
Measure the distance from the middle of the bolt to the wall behind the toilet. That distance is the rough-in for your bathroom.
Make sure that the American Standard toilet you choose has the same rough-in. That way, you know it will fit as intended. American Standard toilets have rough-in dimensions of 10, 12, and 14 inches.
Gallons per flush
Toilets are measured by gallons per flush (gpf). The EPA’s WaterSense program awards certifications to products that are 20% more water-efficient than older products without sacrificing performance.
Modern toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush, less than half of what the older 3.5 gallons per flush toilets used. American Standard also has some High-efficiency toilets that use 1.28 gallons per flush. Most of the toilets we reviewed use 1.28 gallons or less per flush. Their Ultra-High-Efficiency models use only 1.1 gallons per flush, and they are often more expensive.
Height
American Standard has responded to the Americans With Disabilities Act by making toilets that are higher and easier to access for people in wheelchairs. However, taller toilets are preferred by many.
The height for toilets is measure from the floor to the rim of the bowl. The toilet seat adds another inch or two. The standard height is 15 inches, but if there are only adults in your house, then one of American Standard’s Right Height toilets may be your best option, measuring 16.5 inches tall.
Features
Material
The toilet bowl and tank of most modern toilets are made from vitreous china. Some might still be made from porcelain-enameled steel or cast iron, but those are a vanishing breed. Most of the levers are stainless steel or chrome-finished steel. The seats are typically made from ABS plastic or porcelain-enameled wood.
Some American Standard models feature their EverClean Surface. It is a permanent glaze additive that creates a mirror-like shine that is easy to clean and lasts for years.
American Standard offers three finishes on their toilets — bone, linen, and white. The finish should complement the decor and colors of your bathroom.
Dual-flush
Dual-flush is a feature offered by many American Standard toilets has two push buttons on top of the tank instead of a lever. One button is noticeably smaller than the other. The small button uses 0.8 gallons per flush for when you’re eliminating fluids only. The larger button releases the full tank when you’re flushing solids.
Slow-close seat
If the American Standard toilet you’ve chosen comes with a toilet seat (not all do), you may want to consider a slow-close seat. These are toilet seats with a compression device that lets the seat down slowly, so it doesn’t bang when it comes to rest. If you’ve got kids or a dog who has learned to nose-up the seat when he wants a drink, a slow-close toilet seat is a good investment for your nerves.
Self-cleaning toilets
American Standard has a line of self-cleaning toilets — a great option for those with busy schedules. There is a receptacle on top of the tank for a bottle of proprietary cleaning solution. Simple controls for activate the self-cleaning cycles.
Did you know?
American Standard’s EverClean Surface is a surface double coating that is silver-based. It inhibits the growth of bacteria, mildew, and mold.
STAFF
BestReviews
Accessories
Toilet seat: American Standard Traditional Luxury Seat
For those occasions when you need to replace the seat on your existing toilet, this American Standard seat will fit nearly any toilet. It’s so easy to install that it doesn’t require any tools.
Wax ring: Fluidmaster Extra Thick Wax Toilet Bowl Gasket with Flange
Some toilets come with a wax ring, but if your American Standard toilet does not, this one from Fluidmaster will do the job.
Rubber ring: Fluidmaster Universal Better Than Wax Toilet Seal
If you want a non-wax ring for your toilet, Fluidmaster has a rubber ring that works just as well and is a favorite of customers.
Toilet bowl night light: Witshine 16-Color Motion Activated Toilet Night Light
Navigating the bathroom at night can be a problem, but a toilet bowl night light can help you see without turning on any blinding lights. This motion-activated toilet bowl night light from Witshine displays 16 different colors.
American Standard toilet prices
The most affordable toilets from American Standard start around $130 to $180. These are generally smaller toilets without an included seat.
Their mid-range models cost from $180 to $470. Toilets in this range are suitable for many people’s needs with features like EverClean Surfaces, siphon jets, and slow-close seats to prevent banging.
American Standard’s most expensive toilets cot from $470 to $2,600. Toilets on the higher end of this range often have features like dual nozzles, auto-flush, and warm water on demand. Models for around $1,000 use a PowerWash system that cleans the rims with every flush.
Tips
- Cushioned toilet seats age quickly. If you opt for one, you should probably change it at least once a year.
- Ultra-High Efficiency toilets that use less than 1.28 gallons per flush are prone to clogging. If you opt for one of American Standard’s Ultra-High-Efficiency models, you may need to flush more frequently — though they will still save water in the long run.
- A taller toilet bowl doesn’t change how much water the toilet uses. However, they can be easier to use for those with disabilities or for the elderly.
FAQ
Q. Can I mix bowls and tanks from different toilets?
A. American Standard’s bowls and tanks are not interchangeable. However, they have a number of accessories available, including a variety of seats.
Q. Can I use a chlorine tab to clean the tank of my toilet?
A. No — chlorine tabs are intended for swimming pools only. The harsh chemical will eat away at the components in your toilet tank.
Q. What bowl shapes does American Standard offer?
A. Amerian Standard has both elongated and round front bowls at a variety of price points, making it easy for you to find a toilet that suits your preference.
