For bathrooms, en-suites, or powder rooms on the smaller side, a great space-saving solution is a compact toilet. Making some of the best toilets for small bathrooms, these fixtures come with smart features like fully-shrouded, shorter bowls, and concealed tanks to name a few. Not only are these more suitable for smaller living spaces such as studio apartments and bachelor pads, but are equally in demand for RVs.
Manufacturers in the industry now offer a range of the best compact toilets with all the features found in standard toilets. You have as much choice in matters of size, type, shape, material, water consumption, flush type, and warranty as you would when considering a standard toilet. Taking these points into consideration, we have put together a list of the best compact toilets available in the market today.
Our testers have spent time testing these products based on their performance as well as aesthetics. With our experts’ recommendations, you get a range of functional and stylish choices to equip your small bathroom to perfection. So take a look at the full description of each product. If you already have a product in mind, then do go through our buying guide to make sure that you’ve got all the essentials covered.
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Editor’s Choice: TOTO Eco Ultramax MS853113E"A one-piece ceramic toilet with powerful flushing system and fully glazed trap way."
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Best Space Saving: Saniflo Sanicompact"This elegant one-piece toilet has a round bowl and uses only 1.28 gallons of water per flush."
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Budget Pick: Swiss Madison SM-1T112"A low priced ceramic one-piece toilet with a lifetime warranty and an elongated bowl."
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Best Cleaning: GALBA Small Toilet MU133"This one-piece elongated toilet is made of vitreous china and has a self-cleaning glazed surface."
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Best Two-Piece Toilet: American Standard 2887.218.020 H2Option"A two-piece toilet with round bowl uses a dual gravity flush system and has an everclean surface."
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Most Eco-Friendly: Nature's Head Self Contained Composting Toilet"A one-piece composting toilet is a unique way to use a little space and fertilize your garden without any unpleasant odor."
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Best for Travelling: Thetford Aqua-Magic V"A portable lightweight plastic toilet made specifically for using it on the road."
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Best Wall-Mounted Toilet: TOTO CT418F Aquia"This tankless compact one-piece toilet is made of vitreous china and designed to be installed on the wall."
Top 8 Toilets for Small Bathroom Review 2022
TOTO Eco Ultramax MS853113E – Editor’s Choice
- Size: 16.5 x 16.5 x 27 inches
- Type: one-piece
- Shape: round
- Material: ceramic
- Water Consumption: 1.28 gpf
- Flush type: gravity flush
- Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: Watersense certification, fully glazed trap way, e-max flushing system
TOTO is a premier brand in the industry producing one and two-piece compact toilets along with gravity fed to pressure assisted toilets. The MS853113E also known as the Ultramax Toilet, is a one-piece toilet that provides a powerful flush without the noise.
Its highlights are E-max flushing system and WaterSense certification. The E-Max flushing system delivers a powerful and consistent flush using a wide 3 inches valve along with a rather large siphon jet. This gives this toilet an incredibly rapid flush response. Alongside the larger flushing valve, this model boasts a wide, fully glazed trap way, which minimizes any chances of blockage or choking.
This innovative technology is using a mere 1.28 gallons of water per flush every time. The WaterSense certification guarantees that water consumption is about 20% less than the amount of water flushed by using traditional toilets.
The TOTO Ultramax has a must-have soft closing seat that takes care of the bothersome toilet slam every time someone puts down the toilet seat. Its unique mechanism makes sure that the lid closes slowly and quietly – a real nerves’ saver in small apartments. The shape of the seat is designed to support the contours of the body, so you can sit for as long as you like without getting uncomfortable.
This unit falls in the higher price category but given all its benefits, is totally worth the investment. That is also why it makes our Editor’s Pick.
What are our favorite features?
- E-max flushing system
- Quiet flushing operation
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Easy installation
- WaterSense certified
What could be better?
- Expensive
Saniflo Sanicompact – Best Space Saving
- Size: 18 x 14.5 x 16 inches
- Type: one-piece
- Shape: round
- Material: vitreous china
- Water Consumption: 1.28 gpf
- Flush type: gravity flush
- Warranty: 2-years limited
More features: the discharge elbow can be rotated 360°, connected non-return valve, allows the connection of a sink
This model from Saniflo, SANICOMPACT is one of the top contenders for the best compact one-piece toilet. Its aesthetics are top-class featuring chrome hinges and a sleek design that impresses the eye. It is a one-piece unit that comes with no the external tank and functions with a timed button. This toilet may be tricky to install, but the result is totally worth it.
The push button activates a timer to fill and wash the sides of the bowl. The same also triggers the flushing action and macerating pump to allow the water and waste to pass through the toilet. After an approximate 10-15 seconds, the motor stops and the timer program refills the bowl with fresh water.
This feature gives this model a high efficiency cleaning system which makes maintenance that much easier. Yet it uses a minimal amount of water but with the same efficiency of a standard toilet.
Staying true to the description of a small, compact toilet, it has a mere length of 18 inches. With its compact toilet depth, you can easily install it in the smallest of spaces, such as in a residential location where bathroom space is limited, but comfort is required.
This product comes backed by a 2 years limited manufacturer’s warranty. And when you register your unit, you get an extended 3 years warranty.
If you want to add to the aesthetics of your limited bathroom space, then go for this compact round toilet.
What stands out?
- 360° rotatable discharge elbow
- Allows to connect sink to it
- Easy maintenance
- WaterSense certified
- 2 year warranty
What cons did we manage to find?
- Difficult to install
Swiss Madison SM-1T112 – Budget Pick
- Size: 26 x 14 x 29 inches
- Type: one-piece
- Shape: elongated
- Material: ceramic
- Water Consumption: 1.28 gpf
- Flush type: dual tornado flush
- Warranty: limited lifetime
More features: slow closing quiet seat
The Swiss Madison 1T112 is a compact elongated toilet that won’t bleed you wallet. For this reason it earns the nomination of a Budget Pick on the list.
However, it doesn’t mean that this unit scrimps on any of the essential features. If anything, it has quite a few surprises in store for you. For instance, this model has a dual tornado flushing system featuring two strong nozzles which create a rotating rinsing action. This mechanism is power packed and minimizes waste buildup while keeping the toilet bowl clean. Some reviewers have noticed that Swiss Madison develops a clogging problem over time if you take poor care of this unit.
A high efficient technology uses only 1.28 gpf, meaning that its single flush is more effective that multiple flushes on other models. So you only use the exact amount of water for a thorough rinse and clean without being wasteful.
The design on this unit is fully skirted for a sleek look and easy cleaning. There are no carved out areas that can otherwise collect debris and make it hard to keep the toilet clean. The Swiss Madison is also WaterSense certified and meets EPA flushing guidelines.
The Comfort Height component of this compact toilet paired with its elongated shape offers added thigh support and convenience while sitting. In addition it comes with a soft seat that closes down slowly and quietly.
Why did it make our list?
- Dual tornado flushing system
- WaterSense certified
- Clean finish
- Contemporary design
- Comes with slow closing seat
- Easy installation
What is not ideal about it?
- Develops clogging issues
GALBA Small Toilet MU133 – Best Cleaning
- Size: 24.5 x 14 x 27 inches
- Type: one-piece
- Shape: elongated
- Material: vitreous china
- Water Consumption: 1.6 gpf
- Flush type: dual flush
- Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: self-cleaning glazed surface
This GALBA model is known for its compact dimensions and recognized as the shortest adult toilet available on the market. Despite its small size, you still get a toilet that compromises neither comfort, nor aesthetics.
Its design profile features a one-piece skirted unit that is easy to keep clean – it has flat surfaces and a quick release detachable seat, while its self-cleaning glazed surface prevents skid marks and gives a cleaner flush. The same also prevents the unit from changing color, rusting or scratching. The one downside may be the low level of water in the bowl, which means you may have to clean the unit more often.
The construction for this unit is vitreous china with some plastic fittings in place. The manufacturers have paid special attention to its engineering and created a very durable unit that can bear heavy weight well. This unit is accessorized with a slow closing seat which saves you the trouble of buying one separately.
Keeping up with contemporary flushing systems, the GALBA features a dual flush. With this option, you get a full flush of 1.6 gallons and a partial flush of 1 gallon. This lets you choose the amount of water you want to flush and anyone who is environmentally inclined will surely appreciate this feature.
What are its best features?
- Self-cleaning surface
- Dual flush system
- Comes with a slow closing seat
- Easy installation
What could be improved?
- Low water level in a bowl
American Standard 2887.218.020 H2Option – Best Two-Piece Toilet
- Size: 15 x 30 x 30 inches
- Type: two-piece
- Shape: round
- Material: vitreous china
- Water Consumption: 1.28 gpf
- Flush type: dual gravity flush
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty on chinaware; limited 5-years warranty on all mechanical parts
More features: everclean surface
A leader in the industry, American Standard features toilets af all shapes and sizes. And today we will talk about their two-piece H2Option which rounded shape saves you those few essential inches of bathroom flooring in a small area. This toilet is WaterSense certified, meaning it yields exceptional low water consumption that translates into a lower water bill. The partial flush feature further economizes your water consumption but doesn’t cut down on efficiency.
This model has a pressurized rim that lets water be sprayed into the toilet automatically. This feature scours the bowl to ensure that it stays fresh. The PowerWash rim and siphon jet push any bacterial residue off the bowl’s surface which is a meaningful function for anyone who wants to enjoy an exceptionally hygienic bathroom without having to put in too much elbow grease themselves. Plus, there is an EverClean surface that keeps the unit cleaned reducing the need for manual cleaning.
Installation is easy for anyone who knows what they are doing with a standard 12 inch rough-in to the waste pipe. While installation requirements are similar to other two-piece toilets this one comes with the grommets and bolts pre-installed. The pre-assembled loose parts are a much appreciated time saving part of the installation process.
The seat for the unit is not included in the purchase. Some reviewers have mentioned that toilet stalls before refilling the tank for about 2-5 seconds.
What makes it stand out?
- Features siphonic dual flush
- WaterSense certified
- EverClean surface
- 5 year limited warranty
- Pre-installed bolts
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
- Toilet seat is not included
- Slow tank refilling
Nature's Head Self Contained Composting Toilet – Most Eco-Friendly
- Size: 22 x 20.5 x 21 inches
- Type: one-piece composting
- Shape: elongated
- Material: polyethylene plastic, stainless steel.
- Water Consumption: none
- Flush type: none
- Warranty: 5-years limited
More features: built-in low volume air circulation fan
Instead of flushing away human waste, composting toilets use the natural processes of decomposition and evaporation to recycle it. The waste that enters the toilet is more than 90% water that gets evaporated and is returned to the atmosphere. The remaining solid materials gets converted to fertilizing soil through natural decomposition.
As such, a compact composting toilet must be able to do a number of things efficiently. For starters, it should compost the waste without odor. Then it should make sure that the compost is safe to handle. And finally, it should evaporate its liquid component.
The Nature’s Head model seems to do all this pretty effectively and without the smell of any compost byproduct either. The mechanism is that of dry composting where the toilet separates liquid waste into a different container.
The maintenance is quite easy – you just empty container with liquids once in two days, and it takes about 80 uses before you dispose of the solids. This toilet is surprisingly easy to clean with the usual toilet brush and some water.
This sturdily built unit requires easy assembly. Yet it is easy to transport and handle. But it would take some time before you learn to open the side latches smoothly.
Why did it make our list?
- Big compost capacity
- Easy disassembly
- Portable
- Eco friendly
- Has a built-in fan
- 5 year warranty
What is not ideal about it?
- Tight side latches
Thetford Aqua-Magic V – Best for Travelling
- Size: 16 x 18 x 19 inches
- Type: one-piece
- Shape: round
- Material: plastic
- Water Consumption: not specified
- Flush type: hand flush
- Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: suited for RV, it can be fitted with a hand sprayer
A compact portable toilet is a great thing to take along on your travels. But when you have an RV you can consider the next best option – a toilet that will hook up to the central water tank of your vehicle with a waste tank located beneath the floor. And the Aqua Magic V fits the bill.
There are two height profiles available, and you can go for either the high or low based on you preference. The Aqua Magic V also comes with a foot flush or hand flush model and once again, you can choose which one you like better.
This recreational vehicle’s hand flush is user-friendly – when you activate it halfway, it adds water to the bowl, when you push it all the way, the flush gives complete coverage of the bowl.
So every time you flush the unit, it cleans all parts of the bowl, targeting even the most difficult spots. The toilet comes with a textured lid that sheds water and resists scruff to keep a clean surface.
Although it is a plastic construction, consumers are satisfied with its reliable performance on their travels.
What do we love it for?
- Effective flushing mechanism
- Full bowl coverage
- Portable
- Easy to install
- Hand sprayer compatible
- Easy to clean
What were we disappointed with?
- Plastic is easy to break
TOTO CT418F Aquia – Best Wall-Mounted Toilet
- Size: 21 x 14 x 15 inches
- Type: one-piece
- Shape: elongated
- Material: vitreous china
- Water Consumption: 1.6 gpf
- Flush type: gravity flush
- Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: dual-max flushing system
If you’re trying to save space by wall mounting your unit, then this next product is for you. This modern toilet doesn’t need a water tank to clear the bowl’s contents but is designed to receive water directly from the supply line at a higher pressure.
In the absence of a tank, this TOTO model saves space, saves on water bills and works with a hands-free flushing system. This eliminates the need for touching a lever or button to flush the water and minimizes the risk of contracting or spreading germs.
This model has a dual flushing system letting you use less water when you need to clear the bowl contents.
An important consideration regarding this unit is that it does not come accessorized with a seat cover or a push button. These will have to be purchased separately and you can opt for the Toto SS114 01 SoftClose Elongated Toilet Seat Cover and Toto YT800#WH Rectangle Push Plate Dual Button as these are compatible with the unit.
You may also want to keep in mind that the maximum weight for this toilet is 700 lbs.
Why did it make our list?
- Dual flush system
- Tank less design
- 700 lbs weight limitation
- Durable
- CalGreen compliant
What is not ideal about it?
- Difficult installation
- Need to purchase seat cover and push button separately
Tips on saving bathroom space for your house
Limited bathroom space may present a problem. Yet, you don’t have to compromise on either functionality or style of this living space as there are several ways to maximize it. To use every inch of you bathroom to its most try some of these tips:
- Install a corner sink if that suits the layout better;
- A narrow, wall-mounted trough sink gives more room for foot traffic;
- You can connect sink right to your toilet, like Saniflo 023 SANICOMPACT;
- Float the vanity to free up floor space underneath;
- Accessorize the space over the toilet tank with a freestanding organizer shelf;
- Don’t forget the space above your door – hang a shelf there for more storage space.
Compact and portable – toilet for your RV
Choosing a toilet for your RV as opposed to your home will obviously need some different considerations.
For the RV use, you can choose from different types based on what suits you best. Some options offer you a permanent fixture with a removable holding tank such as standard gravity flush toilet. Or you could go for a macerating flush where power-motored blades macerate waste before it goes into a holding tank.
Other options include a vacuum flush where contents get powerfully pulled from the toilet through a stored vacuum vessel and macerating pump into a holding tank. Another type engineered for recreational vehicles is the cassette toilet which provides a compact toilet bowl permanently attached over a small, removable waste tank.
The choice that’s right for you will depend on the size of your RV and the space available. Take a look at our Best for Travelling Aqua Magic V compact toilet to see how well it fits into your RV.
Need a tank?
It’s not that common, but not all toilets come with a tank. In fact, there is a tankless variety where the toilet receives its water directly from a supply line. The flushing mechanism for such models comes from the force of the water entering from the supply line.
So if you’re looking to save space and have the plumbing in place, the tankless toilet may be your perfect solution. We have one on our list, which is the TOTO 418F Aquia.
Choose wisely – important features of a compact toilet
All toilets share the same basic features but when you have limited space, you may need to be a little more vigilant in your choice of the best compact toilet. We have a detailed description of everything you need to consider.
Size
In most cases, the width and height won’t cause issues and it’s the length, or front to back distance, that will be a deciding factor.
Because there are space clearance considerations in front of the toilet set, your best bet is to go with a shorter toilet. Shaving off those few inches to save more floor space is what you’re looking for. So go for a model that stays within the limit of 25 inches or less, length-wise, to choose from the most compact products available.
All those on our list today, save one, meet this requirement which gives you plenty of choices.
Type you need
Essentially, there are two types of constructions for toilets. The first is a two-piece toilet, which is also the most common type. With this construction, you get a product with a separate tank and bowl. Should any of the two parts need replacing, you can replace just the one that needs to go without touching the other.
In a one-piece toilet, the bowl and the tank are fused together. The benefits include a clean finish, and easier cleanup with no visible seams harboring any dust or grime.
On the space saving front, the one-piece comes out the clear winner as there is no need to make any provision to support the tank. However, the one downside to these models is that they do boast a bigger price tag than the two-piece toilets.
Space-saving shape
Toilets typically come with either compact or elongated bowls. While the width remains the same for both types, the length is what basically makes a toilet more compact. Compact sizes tend to be 2 inches shorter on average than those with elongated bowls.
In general, many people feel more comfortable on an elongated-style toilet bowl as there is more thigh support on the longer seat. So if you like the comfort of an elongated toilet bowl, but are short on space, then you can consider a hybrid known as the compact-elongated toilet.
This one-piece fits into the same space as the round front toilet, but with an elongated bowl. The GALBA MU133 model is a perfect example with well-rounded features.
Material
In terms of materials, there is a choice between porcelain/ceramic and vitreous china for the bowl.
Of these, porcelain/ceramic is a very durable and reliable material and is cheap to manufacture. It is water-proof, easy to clean, and will support even the heaviest of users without giving way.
Vitreous china is a glazing technique added to the porcelain which makes it denser and shinier.
Water consumption for better economy
Toilet water use can vary quite a bit. So much so that older toilets may be using up to 3, 5, or even 7 gallons of water with every flush.
Nevertheless, newer, high efficiency toilets only use up to a max of 1.28 gpf (gallons per flush) of water like TOTO MS853113E Eco Ultramax. This helps conserve water and all of the models listed as our recommendations fall in this category. Low flow models use only up to 1.6 gpf.
Flush type
There are quite a few different types of flushing systems. Among popular choices, you will find the gravity flush system that uses water to create flushing pressure. This, in turn, forces everything from the tank and bowl through the trapway. A siphoning action completes the flush and cleanses the bowl.
A more contemporary take on flushing systems is the pressure assisted system that uses pressurized air to force the water down. This system will get the water down faster than the traditional gravity system, but will also be louder.
For the environmentally conscious consumer, taking it a step further is the dual flushing system. This gives you the choice to either go for a partial flush or a full flush. Saniflo 023 SANICOMPACT is a prime example of an efficient flushing system that doesn’t waste any water.
Weight
Standard two-piece toilets weighs around 55 pounds, whereas their one-piece counterparts can go up to 88 pounds. This is because the one-piece toilet holds the ceramic tanks and will definitely weigh more. If you are not looking for a portable unit, its weight won’t be an issue. However, Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet weighs about 28 pounds but is easy to disassemble for a convenient transportation.
Installation method
Even though one-piece toilets are much heavier to move around, their installation is much easier. There is no hassle of connecting the tank to the bowl and once you get the unit in position, the installation is almost done.
Installation for the two-piece toilet, on the other hand, is easier in the sense that you can deal with the tank and bowl separately. This allows you to split up the total weight between the two parts. The job is easier for a single person to handle as it eliminates the need to wrestle with a lot of weight.
That said, you need to be extremely accurate when mounting the tank to the wall to avoid leaks later on. So if you’re not too sure of your DIY skills, then just get some professional help instead.
Noise
As you’ve seen earlier, pressure assisted toilets to have a lot of efficient features but all that high octane power comes with a lot of noise. These models have noisy flushers, so if you want something quieter, then you could go with the more traditional gravity flushing system instead, like in TOTO MS853113E Eco Ultramax.
Another minor, yet somewhat bothersome consideration regarding noise is a slamming toilet lid. If you want to avoid the inconvenience of hearing a brick fall every time someone puts down the toilet lid, then look for a model with a slow-drop seat that closes gradually. Some toilets also feature slow-close seats that are removable, which can make cleaning a cinch.
Warranty
Reputable brands will offer some kind of a warranty ranging from one year to a lifetime one. It could be a manufacturer’s warranty, a limited warranty on mechanical parts, a limited warranty on chinaware, or even a guarantee period for flushing systems, accessories and toilet seats. This will vary from one brand to the next, but you should always look for a warranty when you invest in a compact toilet.
FAQ
It’s not surprising to find mold behind the toilet given its dark, damp location. To prevent this from happening, some common measures include regularly checking for leaks, having good ventilation and keeping humidity levels inside to a minimum. Regular cleaning of the area will also help this problem from worsening.
The functioning features of both types are very similar with size, with the length being the main difference. You can get all the functions of a standard sized toilet in its compact counterpart.
No they are not. You use the same cleaning techniques as you would with a standard toilet and as long as you do so on a regular basis, you should not have any problems.
Our Verdict
We think that our take on compact toilets has something for everyone.
The TOTO MS853113E Eco Ultramax can give you everything that you could wish for in a compact version of the standard toilet to give your small bathroom a stylish and functional touch. The only downside may be its price factor, so if you don’t like that then move on over to the Swiss Madison model.
The Swiss Madison SM-1T112, our budget pick, is also an absolute favorite as you can get the most out of the best toilet for small bathroom at a very reasonable price.
Ranking high among the best compact toilets, Saniflo 023 SANICOMPACT delivers well on looks and performance and won’t give you a lot to complain about. We really like that this model does not compromise anything given its significantly smaller size but adds to your bathroom’s appeal instead.
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