Comparing Smart Toilets and Traditional Toilets: Pros, Cons & Cost Benefits
Let’s be honest, toilets aren’t exactly dinner table conversation. But if you’ve recently started a home renovation or are moving into a new space, choosing the right toilet becomes surprisingly important. And with modern tech making its way into our bathrooms, many homeowners are now weighing the pros and cons of smart toilets versus traditional ones.
Smart toilets, like Jaquar’s Bidspa, are changing the game with features that combine comfort, hygiene, and innovation. On the other hand, traditional toilets have been around for decades and still do a great job with simpler mechanics and a friendlier price tag. So how do you know which one’s right for your bathroom (and budget)? Let’s compare both and help you make the best call.
1. What Makes a Toilet “Smart”?
Before we dive into comparisons, it helps to understand what puts the “smart” in smart toilets. In essence, these toilets use advanced technology to offer features like:
- Automatic seat covers
- Adjustable water pressure and temperature
- Rimless, easy-to-clean designs
- Dual flush systems for water efficiency
- Antibacterial coatings for better hygiene
Jaquar’s Bidspa smart toilet seat, for example, comes with a rimless bowl, electronic PP seat cover, and a dual flush. Its anti-germ glazing ensures the bowl stays more hygienic over time, making cleaning less of a chore. It’s especially suited for larger bathrooms where design and functionality go hand in hand.
2. Smart Toilets vs Traditional Toilets: Key Differences
Here’s a quick comparison to break it all down.
| Feature | Smart Toilets | Traditional Toilets |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Sleek, modern, often rimless | Basic, functional |
| Hygiene | Anti-bacterial coating, self-cleaning options | Manual cleaning needed |
| Water Usage | Dual flush for saving water | Often single flush, less efficient |
| Comfort | Heated seats, built-in bidets, night light, remote controls | Basic seat design |
| Installation | May require electrical setup | Simple plumbing installation |
| Maintenance | Minimal due to auto-clean features | Regular manual cleaning required |
The Pros of Smart Toilets
1. Enhanced Hygiene
The Bidspa smart toilet seat from Jaquar features anti-germ glazing, ideal for households that prioritise cleanliness.
2. Water Efficiency
With dual flush, you save water with every flush, reducing your monthly bills.
3. Modern Aesthetics
A rimless design not only looks sleek but also prevents grime from building up–a win-win.
4. Hands-Free Convenience
From electronic lids to built-in bidet functions, the best smart toilets minimize touchpoints, making them both hygienic and accessible.
The Pros of Traditional Toilets
1. Cost-Effective
Traditional toilets usually come at a lower upfront cost and don’t require electrical fittings.
2. Easy Maintenance
With fewer tech components, there's less that can go wrong.
2. Simple Installation
Most plumbers can install a traditional toilet in no time, without needing specialised fittings.
2. Space Friendly
Ideal for compact bathrooms where every inch counts.
The Cons to Consider
Smart Toilets
- Higher Upfront Cost: While long-term savings are possible, smart toilets do require a bigger initial investment.
- Professional Installation Needed: Electrical and plumbing components must be fitted correctly, which could mean extra installation time and cost.Electrical and plumbing components must be fitted correctly, which could mean extra installation time and cost.
Traditional Toilets
- Basic Functionality: No bidet or heated seat here, just the essentials.
- More Frequent Cleaning: Without rimless designs or antibacterial finishes, keeping things sparkling requires more elbow grease.
Cost Benefits Over Time
Yes, the best smart toilets cost more initially, but they can save money over time through:
- Lower water usage, thanks to dual-flush technology
- Fewer cleaning products, as the anti-germ surface reduces build-up
- Less frequent deep cleans, saving time and money on maintenance
And let’s not forget: a well-designed, feature-rich bathroom can also boost the resale value of your home–a bonus worth considering.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, choosing the right toilet boils down to your lifestyle, space, and budget. If you're looking for simplicity and value, a traditional toilet will serve you well. But if you're aiming for long-term comfort, better hygiene, and that 'wow' factor in your bathroom, a smart toilet like Jaquar’s Bidspa is worth the upgrade.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s a solution that works for your everyday routine, and if you’re unsure, Jaquar UK free design support is always just a call away. Your bathroom, your throne: make it count!
FAQs:
Q. Are smart toilets better than regular toilets?
Smart toilets offer more comfort, better hygiene, and water-saving features. But regular toilets still do the job well if you’re looking for something simple and cost-effective.
Q. What is the most hygienic type of toilet?
Smart toilets with rimless bowls and anti-germ coatings, like Jaquar’s Bidspa, top the list when it comes to cleanliness and hygiene.
Q. Do smart toilets use more water?
A. Not at all. In fact, most come with dual-flush systems that help reduce water usage compared to traditional single-flush models.
Q. Do smart toilets clean themselves?
A. Many smart toilets are designed with features that minimise manual cleaning, like rimless bowls and antibacterial glazing, making upkeep much easier.
