Bowl shape
The overall shape of the toilet bowl.
The choice of this parameter largely depends on the aesthetic preferences of the user and the overall design of the bathroom; however, the shape of the bowl is quite practical. So, in our time, the most common is
semicircular models, where the rear edge of the bowl is made straight, and the rest - rounded (oval, egg-like, etc.). This shape not only looks good - it is convenient to sit on, and the absence of angles (at least in front of the bowl) facilitates cleaning and reduces the risk of hitting the toilet with your foot. In addition, material on such a bowl requires less than a rectangular product of similar dimensions - as a result, semi-circular toilet bowls are relatively inexpensive and light.
The rectangular shape, in turn, gives a larger support area, which is important for users of large physique. However, toilet bowls
classical rectangular shape are rare (due to the high cost of production, as well as for some other reasons). Much more common are variations on this topic - the bowls
, with bevelled (rounded) corners, as well as
, with the front end shaped arc.
Drain tank volume
The working volume of the flush tank installed on the toilet-compact (cf. «Type») or supplied with a classical model; in other words - the amount of water contained in the tank.
The current standard volume value is 6 litres; it is believed that this capacity provides an optimal balance between water consumption, drain efficiency and compact design. However, there are also toilet bowls
with a reduced tank - less than 6 l (usually 4 - 5 l). This feature saves water and reduces the size of the tank; and to ensure the efficiency of the flush, various additional devices can be provided in the design. As a result, such toilets may cost more than full-size tanks; however, if the water in the bathroom comes from meters, the difference in price quickly pays off.
It should be noted that, in addition to the reduced tank, such features as a half drain (cf. «Functions and Capabilities») and a safe design (cf. above) contribute to the savings.
Water supply
Location of the pipe for supplying water to the toilet bowl. Modern toilets contain
lateral,
rear and
bottom water supply. In the first two types of pipes are located at the top of the tank, and the choice between side and rear supply in practice depends mainly on the location of pipes in the head and, accordingly, the convenience of connection. The bottom line is considered the most modern option: it provides a minimum level of noise when filling the tank, in addition to being easy to conceal, thus ensuring aesthetics.
Some models in our catalogue have combined signs of supply -«side/ bottom» or «side/ rear». This can mean both a versatile device, with the ability to select the type of connection, and a model produced in several variations different type of supply.
Functions
Among the basic functions of the toilet, one can single out
circular flush of water in the bowl,
half flush,
antibacterial coating, anti-
splash, micro-lift of the
seat. More about them:
— Vortex flush (in the bowl). In toilets with a vortex flush, water flows from holes under the rim and sequentially washes the entire bowl through the formation of a characteristic water vortex. Jets of water can be directed from the outlets straight or at a slight angle: the first option is called swirling, the second – shower. The advantages of a vortex flush are low water consumption, high-quality cleaning of the toilet, absence of splashes and minimal noise levels. However, sanitary equipment with such a flush system are often more expensive than traditional solutions.
- Half drain. The ability to drain from the tank not all the water, but only a part, usually half (hence the name). It is due to the fact that a complete drain is not always required - for example, half a tank is enough to flush urine even in toilet bowls with a plate bowl (see "Bowl Shape"). This function will be useful primarily for those for whom water saving is critical (for example, if meters are installed in the apartment).
- Anti-splash. The anti-splash system prevents water splashing on the sides when the water is drained
...from the tank. Anti-splash toilets have a special bowl design. In them, the bowl is inclined, the water flowing down the inclined plane from the tank immediately goes into the sewer drain. The "anti-splash" function allows you to increase the level of hygiene and sanitation in the restroom. Toilets with an anti-drain system also have disadvantages. The main disadvantage of such models is the increased water consumption.
— Seat microlift. A device that prevents the toilet seat from hitting the rim of the bowl. It works similar to door closers: the movement of the seat is slowed down, slowing down as much as possible when approaching the rim, which ensures soft contact, prevents unpleasant popping and protects the seat and rim from damage and wear. In addition, the microlift provides additional convenience - you just need to push the seat, and it will lower itself.Bidet functions
Built into the toilet, allowing it to be used as a bidet - a hygienic bath for washing the external genitals and anus after using the toilet. Toilet bowls with similar functionality are by definition equipped with
hygienic shower (with one or
>multiple operation modes45a>); in addition, they may also include Water heating and/or
self-cleaning nozzle. Here is a detailed description of these features:
— Hygienic shower. This function is the whole essence of the bidet: a hygienic shower is a device with which you can wash the perineum after using the toilet. Theoretically, such a shower can have a different design, but in the toilet bowls most often there is the most simple and compact version - a small tube built directly into the rim of the bowl in such a position that the stream of water from it gets «clearly on purpose». Another option is a cover and a seat, supplemented by its own hygienic shower; a similar cover in many models can even be removed and moved to another bowl, if necessary.
Also in the characteristics often specify the number of hygienic shower modes. Most often this mode is one - this is enough for most cases. However, there are exceptions - for example, the design may provide «male» and «female» modes (taking into account anatomical differences between the sexes)the function of massage and so on. N. In some models, t
...he number of modes reaches 7. In any case, if the formats of work are more than one - their particular set will not hurt to clarify separately; and the increase in the number of modes inevitably affects the cost.
— Water heating. Built-in heater for water supplied to hygienic shower. By default, such a shower uses ordinary cold water, and this is not always and not for everyone comfortable. Heating the water helps to remedy the situation; however, it should be borne in mind that this function has a significant impact on the price of the toilet, and the heater requires connection to the electrical network.
— Self-cleaning. The automatic cleaning function typically uses both flush and hygienic shower (therefore self-cleaning and refer to the functions of bidet); but other features of such systems can be different, depending on the model. Thus, in some toilets this mode is switched on periodically after a certain time or a certain number of flushes, in others - after each flush, in the third used pollution sensor, determining the need for cleaning, etc. Anyway, This function significantly increases hygiene and makes cleanliness easier to maintain. For example, regular self-cleaning significantly reduces the likelihood that the genitals will become contaminated during the use of the shower or harmful microbes; and manual cleaning of the toilet becomes easier and less frequent.Toilet material
—
Sanitaryware(“sanitary faience”). The most common material for modern toilets, at a low cost, has a neat appearance, is durable and reliable. The main disadvantage is the porous structure, which contributes to the accumulation of dirt and odors (although recently technologies have been applied to eliminate this disadvantage). The service life of such material in modern toilets can reach 40 years.
—
Sanfarfor(“sanitary porcelain”). Like sanitary ware, it belongs to ceramic materials, however, with similar strength and appearance, it absorbs water and dirt much less easily, due to which it has a longer service life - up to 60 years. However, sanitary porcelain is also more expensive.
- Stainless steel. The key advantage of “stainless steel” is its high strength: this material can easily withstand even strong impacts that can crack sanitary porcelain or sanitaryware. On the other hand, such toilets are not cheap, despite the fact that the mentioned strength in reality is not needed so often. Therefore, it makes sense to pay attention to this option in cases where reliability and resistance to damage are of key importance - for example, if plumbing fixtures are purchased for a stadium, bar, etc., and must be vandal-resistant.
- Ceramics. These or other types of ceramics that either do not belong to the sanitary porcelain or sanitary ware described above, or represent specific v
...arieties of these materials. The specific features of ceramic toilets should be clarified separately; however, for the most part these are quite advanced and high-quality products.
Moreover, each of the listed materials may additionally have a special antibacterial toilet coating that prevents the growth and reproduction of bacteria. It significantly improves the hygiene of use, but affects the price.Weight
The total weight of the product; for compact-toilet (cf. «Type»), as a rule, is specified for standard equipment - together with «native» tank (empty).
When choosing floor models on this indicator you can not pay much attention, but for a hanging toilet bowl (see. «Installation») weight is quite principial: because the installation (or other attachment) should normally withstand both the design and the user sitting on it.
Dimensions (HxWxD)
General dimensions of the toilet bowl in height, width and depth (by depth is meant the distance from the front edge to the rear edge).
These indicators allow you to determine how much space is required to install the product, and also affect some practical points. In this case, width and depth are of key importance. Specific figures and nuances for these dimensions are as follows:
- Width:
up to 35 cm in the narrowest models,
40 cm or more in the widest, intermediate options -
36 - 37 cm and
38 - 39 cm. A large width is desirable if people of large build will use the toilet. However, it should be borne in mind that this dimensions is indicated by the widest part of the structure, and this is not necessarily a bowl - we can talk about a tank.
- Depth:
up to 50 cm - is considered small, in the largest products -
more than 65 cm ; intermediate options include
51 - 55 cm,
56 - 60 cm and
61 - 65 cm. Here the choice depends on the height and physique of the user: tall people and people with long legs will be most comfortable with toilets with great depth.
Height is worth mentioning. In models without a tank, it corresponds to the height of the bowl
..., see more about this indicator above. In compact toilets (see "Type"), the height with the tank is usually indicated, it depends on how much vertical space is required for installation. Here, an indicator of 75 cm or less is considered small, 76 - 80 cm is average, 81 - 85 cm is above average, and for the highest products, more than 85 cm of free space above the floor will be required.Country of origin
The country of origin of the brand under which the toilet is marketed. Nowadays, on sale you can mainly find products from such countries (in alphabetical order):
Belgium,
Germany,
India,
Spain,
Italy,
Poland,
Turkey,
France,
Czech Republic,
Switzerland,
Sweden,
Japan.
There are many stereotypes related to how the origin of goods from a particular country affects their quality. However, in general, these stereotypes are unfounded. Firstly, this paragraph does not indicate the actual place of manufacture of the toilet bowl, but the "homeland" of the trademark (or the location of the manufacturer's headquarters); production facilities may be located in another country. Secondly, the actual quality of the product depends not so much on geography, but on the organization of processes within a particular company. So when choosing, it is best to focus not so much on the "nationality" of the toilet, but on the overall reputation of a particular brand. And paying attention to the country of origin makes sense if you fundamentally want (or do not want) to support a manufacturer from a
...certain state.