Replies

1. 
   todd | Nov 09, 2009 08:15pm | #1

   I wanted a toto drake but ended up with an American Standard Cadet 3 for less than half the cost.. Installed about 4 months ago and works great.

   Believe the AS does not have great quality control like totos but no prob with the fit/finish of mine. Standard version, iirc, a little over a hundred bucks at big box.

   Good luck, Todd

1. 
   MikeSmith | Nov 10, 2009 04:19am | #7

   i've been using the Am Std Champion from Home depot...for my own projects

   recommend them to my customers... some take my advice, some don't

    

   before i started using them, we used only TotoMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   frost | Nov 10, 2009 04:35am | #8

   Bought the American Standard Champion from a big box this past August for my own use ( new bath add on). Cost was a bit over $200, purchased it after researching on this forum and others.  It really can dump a big load fast, but it leaves "skid marks" after even a mild morning use ,meaning you better have the brush ready after each use. Have never owned a toilet that needed brushing as often.   Also , just had to replace the lever as it just snapped, again its been just a brief 3 months.  Its mine now so I'm living with it but would not recommend it.

2. 
   Scott | Nov 09, 2009 09:31pm | #2

   What Todd said. We've got that model in four bathrooms in our house. No problems so far.

   Scott.

3. 
   Piffin | Nov 09, 2009 11:18pm | #3

   We use more of the TOTO Drake than any other. It has a large port from tank to bowl so no power assist is needed for low flow toilet with good dumping power

    

    

   Welcome to the
   Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
    where ...
   Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   Scott | Nov 10, 2009 03:28am | #5

   That reminds me of something I should have mentioned....ours are the old (about five years) non-low flow model (13 litres per flush). I don't know if the Cadet is still avaiable like that.Scott.

4. 
   junkhound | Nov 10, 2009 12:02am | #4

   The last few times I needed to replace a toilet I got them off the 'free stuff' list at CL...

   Just out of curiosity, why does the old one need to go?  It is just a poodie receptacle!

   ~

   EDIT ps:  aint you GREEN????   <G>

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/9/2009 4:04 pm ET by junkhound

5. 
   Chucky | Nov 10, 2009 04:16am | #6

   Ditto on the American Standard Cadet 3.  Recently replaced all three in my house and they work really well. 

   Just make sure you check the bottom of the bowl for flatness before you leave the store.  While the toilet works great, I found the quality control to be lacking.  I also had to make some adjustments on the tank hardware (flapper wasn't sealing properly) for two of the toilets.   I was willing to accept that for the lower cost.

   After the ecoenergy rebates, each toilet is costing me $25. 

1. 
   KHWillets | Nov 10, 2009 06:58am | #12

   Ditto, the Cadet 3 has a good design and good flush test results. Ours replaced a "bargain" from a neighbor that clogged every week. The 1.28 gpf Cadet 3 has had no problems so far, except the finish. It has runs in the glaze.

6. 
   jimjimjim | Nov 10, 2009 05:08am | #9

   Toilet tests, complete with extruded soybean paste:

   http://www.cuwcc.org/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID=12778

1. 
   Jeff_Clarke | Nov 10, 2009 06:32am | #10

   Note that in that study the Toto Drake doesn't quite come up to the same level as a lot of other toilets like the Kohler Bancroft for instance.

   Jeff

2. 
   hipaul | Nov 10, 2009 06:42am | #11

   Thanks for that link. That's some interesting stuff there.And now I'm also glad to know where I can order cased soybean paste!Paul
   http://www.pauljohnsoncarpentry.com

7. 
   DonCanDo | Nov 10, 2009 03:06pm | #13

   I recently installed 2 Kohler Wellworth toilets.  In both cases, the customers were looking for very economical toilets.  I paid about $120 for each at Home Depot.

   I not familiar with how they perform day-to-day, but I was very impressed with what I could see.  I tested them with very large wads of toilet paper and never found the limit, but I wanted to stop before I used up the whole roll since it was starting to look like it would only take a few flushes to polish off an entire roll.

1. 
   DickRussell | Nov 11, 2009 03:24pm | #15

   I saw a cute commercial for Kohler last week. I can't say the real thing would do what the commercial was showing, but.....Anyway, this guy is coming out of his house, sees a plumber's truck in front of the neighbor. The "plumber" gets out with her tool bag - really young, nicely plumbed, hot looking babe, who gives him a nice smile over her shoulder. The guy lights up, nostrils flare, all but steam coming out his ears. He dashes back inside to create a need to call for service.He throws a towel down his Kohler, but it flushes clean. Next some other crud guaranteed to choke off Niagara falls - it goes down. Commercial ends with the guy's wife catching him emptying a 40 lb bag of dog food into the bowl.Now, I figure what with "truth in advertising" we should all go buy the sponsor's toilet, right?

1. 
   DonCanDo | Nov 11, 2009 03:36pm | #17

   I saw that commercial.  Very funny.

   But oddly, I had to explain it to my wife.  I guess she didn't think the plumber was as hot as I did.  Go figure.

8. 
   AndrewInChelseaQC | Nov 10, 2009 11:38pm | #14

   I have two Caroma Caravelles in my house. It's a dual flush 3 and six litre toilet (sorry don't know the gallon values off the top of my head). There is also a 3/4.5 L toilet available now.

   Why use six litres to flush your pee when 3 will do. Your paying for your water and sewage, dual flush toilets can save you a lot on water and sewage costs. You use your toilet to pee a whole lot more than for poo, so that water savings really add up.

   If you are on a well, you reduce your electricity costs as you are pumping a lot less water. Also, reducing the amount of flow into your septic system may lengthen it's lifespan as there is more time for things to settle out in your septic tank instead of being carried into your septic field.

   Here's the link to their toilets...

   http://www.caromausa.com/toilets

9. 
   Hudson Valley Carpenter | Nov 11, 2009 03:34pm | #16

   I asked my plumber what kind of inexpensive toilet to install when I was remodeling one of my bathrooms.  He advised me to buy a Sterling Windham/Riverton.  Sterling is a Kohler company.

   It's been in daily use here for a couple of years.  Unlike the previous 1.3 toilet, this one seldom needs a plunger.   I'm very pleased to have it as a member of the family, so pleased that I replaced the toilet in the other bathroom with one of it's brethren, or sistren.

   Got them at the plumbing supply for about $100/ea. 

   "Do you want a seat with that?"

10. 
    McDesign | Nov 18, 2009 06:53pm | #18

    Which Toto Drake?  I checked some sites about twelve types; this one (Toto Eco Drake CST744E)  seems to be most popular - just over $300.  I've got an over-achieving 9-yr-old son.

    Forrest

1. 
   Piffin | Nov 18, 2009 07:53pm | #19

   two or three diff ones. My understanding is that the various drakes are different in that some have smoother self cleaning surfacces, some have round or elongated bowls, some have soft close seats, etc.Like buying a chevy pickup. Different packages, but same frame and guts for the most part 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   McDesign | Nov 18, 2009 08:01pm | #20

   But, but, but - what's the BEST one?

   <whine>

    

   Forrest

1. 
   Piffin | Nov 18, 2009 08:59pm | #21

   The one that fits your butt!Wonder if there is a plumbing supply anywhere that lets you test drive them... 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   IMERC | Nov 18, 2009 10:51pm | #23

   every so often somebody's kid test drives one that is on display at a BB...

   so wht couldn't you.... 

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    

   "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

2. 
   xxPaulCPxx | Nov 19, 2009 12:48am | #24

   Thats why HD has them mounted at a 45 degree angle 8 feet up in the air. It discourages reading on the can.

   Tu stultus esRebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!

   Look, just send me to my drawer.  This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.

11. 
    xxPaulCPxx | Nov 18, 2009 09:07pm | #22

    Really, I think that may be less related to the toilet than you think.  I have the same problem with the $700 Toto with the high end finish I have in the other bathroom.

    If I have the residue issue, it will normally be taken care of with a second flush.  I rarely have to break out the brush.

    The family I married into seems to like holding food for a week before coming to visit.  Before the A.S. Champ, I'd regularly get backups from their... backups... After I installed the Champions - no more clogs.

    I don't own a plunger anymore.

    Tu stultus es
    Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
    Also a CRX fanatic!

    Look, just send me to my drawer.  This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.

12. 
    jfak7670 | Dec 19, 2019 10:06pm | #25

    Quite an open-ended request, so I just tell what toilet I've been using for long time and have been absolutely satisfied with it's performance. I'm the owner of the Swiss Madison SM-1T254 St. Tropez one-piece toilet. I had a limited budget at the time I needed one, so this toilet attracted my attention firts of all for it's modern look and price. Now I can say that it is easy to clean, comfortable, easy to install and durable model.

13. 
    Norman | Dec 20, 2019 11:54am | #26

    I have two AS Champion commodes, one > 10 years old. Neither has ever clogged nor had any skid marks or flapper issues. Highly recommended IMHO.