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

Amir Gumarov
Checked by a specialist: Amir Gumarov
Author: Alesia Markova
Last update: April 2019

The introduction of smart plumbing in various areas of everyday life significantly increases the level of comfort. This cutting-edge innovation is the electronic toilet.

In addition to the incredible, as it seemed recently, advantages of using regular visiting places, it provides the maximum degree of hygiene, provides an opportunity to perform a number of important procedures without unnecessary gestures.

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

The principle of operation of a smart toilet

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

In fact, the innovative type of plumbing is radically different from traditional equipment. The purpose of the familiar toilet stored in it is supplemented by numerous technical capabilities, thanks to which the care process itself is extremely facilitated and modernized.

The list of standard functions of electronic models includes:

  • Presence sensor. It works when the user touches the seat. Transmits information about this device, which automatically starts a series of actions that are useful for a vital process.
  • Water supply system for ablution. In smart plumbing, there are several different options for washing, taking into account the gender and age of the owners.
  • Devices for adjustment. The pressure and temperature of the water supplied through the washing nozzle are changed.
  • Heater for water entering the nozzle. Models are flow-through or cumulative.
  • Seat temperature adjustment system. Usually there are several modes, among which it is easy to find the optimal one.
  • Automatic flush. It outputs to the sewer at the command of the sensor, which responded to the need to dispose of the contents.
  • Microlift seat. Provides smooth lowering of the rim with the cap or only the cap without knocking and human involvement.
  • Air purification system. It also works on the command of an infrared sensor that records the fact of use. Deletes and neutralizes an unpleasant smell, makes deodorization.

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

Very convenient add-ons include:

  • Drying. It is made by the device like the hair dryer. In some models, it is equipped with the ability to select the optimum discharge temperature.
  • Automatic cover control. Closes and opens the plumbing for use. Frees owners from performing any kind of hand manipulation at all.
  • Pulsating water supply. It is used as a prophylactic that stimulates normal blood supply.

Water is supplied by a conventional, pulsating or oscillating jet by a nozzle made of stainless steel alloy, which is used in the manufacture of surgical instruments. It does not rust, mineral deposits do not form on the surface, and bacteria do not settle. Upon completion of the actions laid to it, the nozzle performs self-cleaning by rinsing with clean water. We also recommend that you read the article about the bidet for the toilet. More details - go to the link.

The extension of the nozzle can be easily and easily removed for cleaning purposes or for replacement. In the event of its failure, which happens extremely rarely, it is not difficult to replace it. Basically, it is not the nozzle itself that is changed, but its chrome tip.

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

  • Space saving. Electronic plumbing works like a traditional toilet and bidet, for which installation in a separate version requires a lot of space.
  • The simplest installation scheme. This type of toilet has built-in nodes for connecting to communications and to the mains. Connection and toilet installation does not cause any difficulties.
  • Ergonomics. The shape of the bowl and the seat is thoroughly thought out in terms of convenience, guaranteed safety of use.
  • Hygiene Perfectly smooth surfaces exclude the formation and accumulation of sediment of mineral or organic origin. Smart toilets need regular care that is traditional for ordinary types, much less and less.
  • Wear resistance. The materials used in the manufacture of plumbing and system devices are designed for many years of operation. External parts are made of acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile and duroplast, which are not typical to turn yellow over time.

It should be remembered that the numerous technical systems of a smart toilet can only work if there is electricity. If, for any reason, the power supply is cut off, the equipment can only perform the functions of its usual ancestor.

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

Features of installing a smart toilet
The installation of a smart toilet is done in the standard manner, the only difference is that it needs to be connected to the mains

The seat cover can be opened both using the remote control by pressing the corresponding buttons on the remote control, 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 the mechanical control contact buttons, provides access to all the functions available in the unit. According to the factory settings, all functions operate at a specific 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.

The specifics of electronic plumbing
For the operation of all smart toilet systems, he needs power supply, when turned off, the unit can be used as its usual counterpart

Using saving modes

In all versions of electronic plumbing, work is provided in several modes of energy consumption. In standard mode, all systems are available, any adjustment is made. In an 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 to 42º, the maximum heating of the seat is 40º. Naturally, to achieve these temperature levels requires more energy than for modes with the lowest rates. So, without special need, you should not get carried away by temperature increases.

Energy Saving Modes
In order to save not cheap electricity at all, it is recommended to choose the minimum mode of heating the water and the air pumped by the hairdryer, which is acceptable in personal opinion

The volume of water supplied to the nozzle for washing 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 selecting the water supply with the lowest pressure and abandoning the pulsating water supply to the nozzle.

Flushing is carried out by a stream of water with a volume of 3-4 and 4-6 liters, they are distributed into a small and a large version. In this case, it will not be possible to save on water consumption, because it is initially designed for the lower limit required to comply with sanitary standards.

Varieties of electronic plumbing

The choice of type and model of smart 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 too complex or temporarily undesirable, then it will easily cope with its functions electronic bidet cover.

Electronic Bidet Cover
If there is no desire or ability to dismantle an outdated toilet bowl to install an electronic model, install a bidet cover

According to the option of connecting to the sewerage, toilets with electrical systems, by analogy with traditional sanitary ware of this segment, are divided into:

  • Outboard. Plumbing does not rest on the floor, the center of gravity of the bowl is moved, the release is horizontal.
  • Floor standing. The bowl rests on the floor, its center of gravity in a traditional place. In most models, the release is vertical, but there are also products with horizontal release.

The direction of release must be taken into account when choosing electronic plumbing. The method of connecting to the sewer system, sometimes even the possibility of installation, depends on it. It happens that a model with vertical release put on a pedestal, but in the case of the purchase of plumbing for a user with physical disabilities, this solution will create additional unnecessary difficulties.

Wall hung toilet
The suspended model takes up a minimum of space, does not rest on the floor. Installation of a similar design requires installation

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

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

Floor mounted electronic toilet
Floor-mounted electronic models are mounted without installation; their release can be either vertical or horizontal

In the serial production of smart toilets, there are basic models with a minimum set of functions proposed by a particular manufacturer, and enhanced toilets with an expanded set of systems.

They are supplemented not only by systems for more thorough and accurate care, but also by backlighting, which allows to determine the location of an object in complete darkness.

Rating of manufacturers of "advanced" toilets

Electronically controlled plumbing is produced by industry-leading manufacturers from regions in which the principle of washing after the mandatory process of life is a national or religious tradition. Manufacturers from technically advanced countries are not far behind them, with a reverence for household comfort.

Leading in the field of production recognized:

  • Vitra, Turkey. It supplies to the market two types of toilets: increased comfort of the Comfort collection and products of the basic version. Flowing heater. Aging-resistant materials are used in the manufacture; contaminated parts are easily washed off for cleaning. Adjustment and start-up is carried out by 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 cumulative, there is a retractable hair dryer and protection against backflow. Management and configuration are carried out both manually and remotely.
  • Villeroy & Boch, Germany. It produces hanging toilets with a perfectly glossy surface and an antibacterial coating on the seat. Flowing type of water heater, processing stream in two modes. The set of functions and control options is similar to the equipment described above.
  • Toto, Japan. It produces electronic models with touch sensors of presence and UV treatment of the bowl. Adjustable water pressure for washing, taking into account the gender and age of the user. Toilet bowls with dirt-repellent and antibacterial external protection. Remote control for touch control mounted on the wall.
  • Panasonic, Japan. In addition to the listed functions of the previous "Japanese" equipment is complemented by a double air purification through adsorption and catalyst. Heater storage, IR control, there are built-in batteries in case of power outages.
  • SensPa, South Korea. It produces toilets with a tankless flush system, directly connected to the water supply. Instantaneous heater with several heating modes. The system of siphon flushing is performed under high pressure, economically consumes water and electricity. Remote and manual control.
  • Orans, Germany. It offers an extensive range of electronic equipment for bathrooms. Products of this brand are equipped with all the status and benefits and functions. Consumers are pleased with the affordable price, due to which they are in reasonable demand.

In fact, all trading offers are equipped with an almost equal set of functions. All produce gentle care with a wash that allows you to feel fresh. There are some differences in the optional features, which are in addition to the comfort class toilets.

Despite the relatively recent development and implementation of electronic plumbing in the life of our compatriots, the range is quite large.

In the abundant range of trading offers, it is easy to find an option that is suitable for cost, functionality and price.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Presentation of the intellectual model from the American manufacturer Calipso:

SensPa product demonstration video:

TOTO Japanese Plumbing Equipment:

The acquisition of a smart toilet is not so much a tribute to the windy fashion, but a reasonable investment in your own health piggy bank. Electronically controlled equipment will ensure the highest degree of sanitation where it is most needed. The hygiene procedures required to maintain cleanliness and perfect freshness will be greatly facilitated.

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

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Visitors Comments
  1. Aslan

    This is fantastic of course, especially for Muslim men. I dream of such a synthetic miracle of sanitary technology and electronics, which also undermines. How much is the cheapest base, with a minimum of functions, interestingly, in Moscow? And which is cheaper: hanging or floor? Which is still the most optimal in strength, and which, again, are the best in quality (manufacturer)?

    • Expert
      Amir Gumarov
      Expert

      Prices for such toilets start at 80 thousand and above. Floor standing is cheaper than hanging. Firms that are worth paying attention to are listed above in the material.

  2. Vladislav

    In my opinion, this is an absolutely useless “gadget” that will be acquired only by very wealthy people, just for the sake of fashion. Most of the functions are quietly performed independently and do not require any effort to use equipment for this. It’s only useful to people with disabilities, only such people hardly have money for such a “miracle of technology”.

  3. I have been using the similar SensPa TCB-080SA for several months. Almost all the features in the topic. Only the auto-opening of the lid had to be turned off, because due to the proximity of the front door, it opens by itself, and how to fix it is not yet clear.Drying is still weak, and there is little practical benefit from it, it takes a long time to wait for the result, and everyone “dries” after washing with toilet paper. Otherwise, the contraption is extremely convenient!

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