Is It Worth Purchasing A Smart Toilet

Introduction

Whether or not a smart toilet is worth buying, I believe your reason for researching this topic is that you are currently renovating your bathroom and are torn between spending three times or more the price to purchase a so-called "smart toilet." At the same time, you are also afraid of "spending money and ending up disappointed."

If you're planning to buy a smart toilet, to save you time, I'll list the key points you should pay special attention to.

The following data is based on my research across multiple popular social media platforms—TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Reddit, and Xiaohongshu—and summarizes the main points people have mentioned and discussed.

2. Points to note:

2.1. High energy consumption

Some smart toilets use a "heat storage design," where the water in the tank is constantly heated, resulting in high energy consumption. Additionally, the water in the tank is used for the "butt wash function," and repeated heating can degrade water quality. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase a "instant-heating type."

2.2. Installation hassle

When renovating, you need to plan the location in advance and leave a power outlet.

2.3. Maintenance is troublesome

With more features comes more hassle, and the costs are also higher. If you don't maintain it, replacing it when it breaks down will be even more expensive.

2.4. Features are too sensitive

For example, the foot-sensor flush for men may accidentally activate before urination begins, closing the lid prematurely; passing by the toilet seat may cause it to automatically open, as some smart toilet brands have fixed sensor distances. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase a model with "adjustable sensor distance."

2.5. Cleaning inconvenience

The waterproof rating is only IP4x, so the toilet cannot be directly rinsed with water.

2.6. Flush type recommendation

Do not purchase "direct flush" models: They are noisy. Purchase "siphon flush" models instead.

2.7. Power outage functionality

Purchase models that can flush even during power outages, with unrestricted water pressure, suitable for high-rise residences or users with low water pressure.

2.8. Water waste concerns

As mentioned above, some smart toilets have high sensitivity and will automatically open the lid when someone approaches. Some smart toilets will even flush once before use.

2.9. Water tank design

Regarding the water tank, it is important to clarify whether it has a "dual water supply design," where the water for flushing the toilet and the water for the "butt wash function" are separate. This point is related to points 1 and 7. Since the water for the "butt wash function" is used to clean sensitive areas, it requires high-quality water that has been filtered. The water used for flushing the toilet is solely for that purpose, and if it is stored in a tank, there is no need to worry about low water pressure or incomplete flushing.

After reading the above points, you should have a general understanding of smart toilets and be able to avoid making mistakes when purchasing one. If you are satisfied with this information, you may stop reading here. However, if you would like to learn more about smart toilets, please continue reading.

3. In-depth Research on Smart Toilet Features

3.1 Bubble Shield

The "Foam Shield" feature is quite useful. My smart toilet at home also has this feature. In simple terms, it creates a layer of foam on the water's surface to prevent water from splashing onto the buttocks during bowel movements and to minimize water splashes during urination. The only drawback is that you need to add "foam agent" to the toilet for it to generate the foam.

3.2 Butt Wash and Feminine Wash

If a smart toilet has this feature, it usually includes both. The main difference lies in the cleaning area and water pressure. The butt wash is suitable for everyone, while the feminine wash typically uses a multi-hole or bubble-style water flow with gentler pressure. However, I'm not just listing these differences; I'm discussing whether this feature is necessary. If you're someone who values cleanliness, I recommend trying it (especially for younger generations who prioritize a refined lifestyle).

3.3 Automatic lid opening

The automatic lid opening feature is the core function of a smart toilet. Why is it core? Because buying a smart toilet is essentially for this feature. It frees your hands, eliminates contact, and ensures cleaner hygiene. However, if you want to experience this feature, there are also standalone smart toilet seat covers available on the market at an affordable price, which can be installed on a regular toilet to experience the core function of a smart toilet.

3.4 Foot-activated lid opening and flushing

This feature is also great for hands-free use and hygiene. However, as mentioned earlier, some brands have poor sensor functionality, leading to accidental activations.

3.5 Voice and other multimedia features

These are unnecessary features. They are essentially added by manufacturers to encourage consumers to spend more money. Think about it: what is your primary purpose for using the toilet? Why would you want to do these things while using the toilet? Wouldn't it be better to do these things in other scenarios?

3.6 Issues related to installation

As mentioned earlier, when renovating the bathroom, you need to reserve space for an electrical outlet. This outlet should not be too high, approximately 20-30 cm above the ground, on either side of the toilet. Also remember to install a waterproof cover for the outlet.

For more upscale bathrooms or if you prefer a minimalist design, there are wall-mounted smart toilets. Wall-mounted models have higher installation requirements. During bathroom renovation, the water tank must be embedded into the wall, and the drainage system must also be embedded into the wall. The result is excellent and makes floor cleaning more convenient, but it involves additional costs, such as embedded drainage, wall construction, and water tank systems.

3.7 Regarding aesthetic design

If you prioritize product aesthetics, a smart toilet is more suitable for you.

The water tank of a smart toilet is built-in, resembling a hidden component, resulting in an integrated toilet design. Unlike traditional toilets, which have a water tank mounted on top, appearing bulky and aesthetically unpleasing.

Other features will not be elaborated upon here.

4. Summary

In my personal opinion, whether or not to purchase a smart toilet depends on your individual circumstances, as the two products are designed for different user groups and are essentially opposites. Let me summarize directly:

If you are lazy, on a tight budget, and impatient, then a regular toilet is suitable for you.

If you are hygiene-conscious, pursue a high-quality lifestyle, diligent, not impatient, and financially well-off, then a smart toilet is suitable for you.

Why? Because lazy people and those who are impatient prioritize speed and convenience. This is evident in toilet cleaning: a regular toilet simply flushes with water and is done, but a smart toilet cannot do this, as it only has an IP4x rating, meaning water cannot be directly flushed onto the body.

If you are an impatient person who needs to use the restroom urgently and encounters issues such as accidental lid opening, function recognition errors, or incorrect responses with a smart toilet, then a regular toilet is truly the better choice for you.