Kohler is among the best toilet brands on the market. Since they have a good deal of toilet models to choose from, it is not always an easy task to pick a flushing toilet from them. And for this reason, we decided to highlight one of the most famous Kohler toilet models on the market. This is the Kohler Highline toilet.
The Kohler Highline toilet has a modern look with a little blend of the traditional toilet design. The toilets from this series are some of the most comfortable, with a powerful flushing system. We will look at the Kohler Highline K-3889-0 and the Kohler Highline K-3493-RA-0 Classic two-piece toilet. These two toilets have a lot of similarities, yet they differ a little bit. So which one should you buy? Read our Kohler Highline toilet reviews to know more about these toilets.
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Our Recommended Top 2 Kohler Highline Toilets
| Images | Kohler Highline Toilets | Water Consumption | Flush Type | Price Idea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Check Price | Kohler K-3889-0 Highline Comfort Height 1.28 gpf Toilet, 10-inch Rough-In, White Read Review | 1.28 GPF | Gravity Flush | Medium |
 Check Price | Kohler K-3493-RA-0 Highline Classic Pressure Lite Comfort Height Elongated Toilet with Right-Hand Trip Lever, Less Seat, White Read Review | 1.6 GPF | Pressure Assist flushing system | Medium |
Overall, they are both excellent in performance and will accommodate different users because of their elongated bowls and comfort height. If you’re here to find out which toilet is better or best suits your needs, then read this review to the end.
Summary of content
Kohler K-3889-0 Highline Comfort Height Toilet Review
- Design & Height
The Kohler K-3889-0 Highline two-piece toilet is not only stylish and elegant, but it also features a Comfort height that makes sitting on or standing up from the toilet simple. Comfort height is the same as universal height or chair height. As a result, different users will have an easy time using the toilet regardless of their age or size. In addition, the toilet comes with an elongated bowl that offers a more sitting area.
Related: Difference between Kohler Highline and Cimarron Toilets
- Clog-Free Flushing System
One of the common problems that Kohler users have had in the past is clogging. That’s not the case with this toilet model. Even though it jams, it is not rampant. This is a result of the powerful class five flushing technology that can eliminate massive waste efficiently and with little water. In this case, it uses only 1.28 GPF. Therefore, you not only get to get rid of the waste but as well as save on your water bill.
- Clean & Installation
Besides providing a powerful and efficient flushing system that leaves your toilet looking clean, this toilet will blend perfectly with any bathroom design. Thanks to its beautiful white finish that makes it looks elegant. Also, it has the chrome trip lever located on the left-hand side, which means it can be installed in the restroom or any other public area. However, the toilet is not best suited for standard toilets with a 12-inch rough-in as it comes with a 10-inch rough-in.
Technical Specifications:
| Features | Kohler Highline Comfort Height toilet |
| Material: | Vitreous China |
| Water Consumption: | 1.28 GPF |
| Piece: | Two-Piece |
| Shape: | Elongated |
| Seat Included: | No |
| Trapway Size: | 2-1/8 inches |
| Rim Height: | 16-1/2 inches |
| Certification: | WaterSense |
| Flush Type: | Gravity Flush Toilets |
| Installation Method: | Floor Mounted |
| Color: | White |
| White finish: | Yes |
| Handle/Lever Placement: | Left |
| Comfort Height: | Yes |
| Warranty : | One-year limited warranty |
| Weight | 1 pound |
| Dimensions: | 41.3 x 35.4 x 23.6 inches |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
Pros of the Kohler Highline Comfort Height toilet
- Durable toilet for long-lastingness
- Comfortable elongated bowl
- Straightforward to install with the two-piece design
- Uses only 1.28 GPF; thus, it conserves water
- EPA WaterSense certified
- One-year warranty
Cons:
- It doesn’t come with a toilet seat
- It has a slightly loud flushing system
- Several users have complained that the toilet doesn’t clear vast waste in one flush
My Verdict on Kohler K-3493-RA-0 Highline Classic Toilet
- Water Consumption Rate
Our second Kohler Highline toilet is the Kohler K-3493-RA-0 Classic two-piece toilet. The main difference between this toilet model and the previous one is the water consumption rate. Even though this toilet saves at least 2000 gallons of water per year, it still uses more water. The Previous Kohler Highline model used only 1.28 GPF.
Related: What to know before buying a Kohler Persuade Toilet?-Features & review
- Overall Construction
In terms of construction, this is a robust and stylish toilet that will instantly change the look of your bathroom when installed. It is a two-piece model, so mounting is not a problem at all. Additionally, this toilet features a chrome trip lever that is positioned on the right-hand side of the toilet. As a result, it is not ADA-compliant. However, it is still simple to flush and very effective.
- Flushing Mechanism
The toilet uses a pressure-assisted flushing system, which is more efficient than gravity-flow toilets in eliminating waste. Unlike gravity-fed toilets, this toilet is extremely loud in operation and may be a nuisance to many. Also, it uses 1.4 GPF, which is slightly more than what many current modern toilets come with.
- Installation & Warranty
All-in-all, this is a sleek toilet that will not only bring efficiency to your bathroom but as well as comfort. Thanks to the elongated bowl design and comfortable height. To make the toilet even more convenient and easy to install, you will need to purchase a toilet seat separately.
With a one-year warranty, you can relax knowing that you can entirely rely on the manufacturer as they have their customers in mind.
Technical Specifications:
| Features | Kohler Highline Classic Pressure Lite Toilet |
| Material: | Ceramic |
| Water Consumption: | 1.4 GPF |
| Piece: | Two-Piece |
| Shape: | Elongated |
| Flushing System: | Pressure Assisted flushing system |
| Flush Type: | Gravity Flush Toilets |
| Installation Method: | Floor Mounted |
| Flush Valve Size: | 3 inches |
| Trapway Size: | 2-1/8 inches |
| Rim Height: | 16-1/2 inches |
| Rough-In Size: | 12 inches |
| Water Surface Area: | 10 x 12 inches |
| Seat: | Included |
| Seat Hinge Material: | Plastic |
| Supply Line: | Not Included |
| Mounting Hardware: | Included |
| ADA Compliant: | Yes |
| WaterSense Certified: | No |
| Color: | White |
| White finish: | Yes |
| Handle/Lever Placement: | Right |
| Comfort Height: | Yes |
| Warranty : | One-year limited warranty |
| Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Overall Width: | 31.25″ |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
Pros of the Kohler Highline Classic Toilet
- Sturdy construction from ceramic
- An elongated bowl delivers more sitting space
- Powerful flushing system
- Easy to install
- Saves up to 2,000 gallons of water per year with the 1.4 GPF consumption
- One-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Lacks a toilet seat, which means it is an added expense
- It is not ADA compliant
- It is not EPA WaterSense certified
What are the differences between the Kohler Highline K-3889-0 and K-3493-RA-0?
As seen from the two reviews, these toilets have a lot in common, from the elongated bowl to the two-piece design and much more. However, they also vary in several ways, which include gallons per flush utilized, location of the trip lever, rough-in size, and tank design. The Kohler K-3889-0 utilizes 1.28 GPF, while the Kohler K-3493-0 uses 1.4 GPF.
So, if you want an EPA WaterSense-certified model, you should be okay with the Kohler K-3889-0 two-piece toilet. But for those who want a toilet with a more powerful rinse, then you’re better off with the Kohler K-3493-RA-0 toilet. Additionally, the K-3493-RA-0 toilet features a 12-inch rough-in, while its counterpart has a 10-inch rough-in. This is an essential function to note before buying any of the toilets.
Kohler Wellworth vs. Highline vs. Elmbrook
| Comparison | Wellworth | Highline | Elmbrook |
| Model No: | K-3577 | K-3989 | K-45983 |
| Water Usage: | 1.28 GPF | 1.28 or 1.4 GPF | 1.28 GPF |
| Flushing Type: | Gravity Flush | Dual-Flush | Gravity Flush |
| Seat Included: | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bowl Shape: | Round | Elongated | Elongated |
| Bowl Height: | 14.5 | 16.5 | 16.5 |
| Water Surface Area: | 267 mm x 197 mm | 289 mm x 203 mm | 279 mm x 222 mm |
Final Verdict
Picking a toilet has never been easy, but with Kohler toilets, you’re confident that you’re selecting a sturdy and reliable toilet that will last for a while. Kohler creates some of the best toilet models on the market, and this can be seen in the two models above.
The Kohler Highline 1.28 GPF and 1.4 GPF toilets are exceptional in performance and can be relied on to perform at a high level at all times. The toilets are constructed compactly but with a unique design that will easily match most modern bathrooms. I hope you have gotten a clear idea after reading this Kohler Highline toilet reviews article.
FAQs
I have a running toilet. How do I restore it?
Before you can fix your running Kohler Highline toilet, you need to know the source of the problem. In this case, there are usually two causes of a running toilet. First, you need to know if the water is running into the overflow tube. Secondly, check the chain and find out if it’s tight or too slack.
If the chain is very slack or tight, then you have to ensure that it has only 1 to 2 beads of slack. And if the water is running into the overflow tube, then you have to lower or adjust the float valve. For those who are not good at fixing things, you can also hire a professional plumber to fix the toilet for you.
Do all Kohler toilets feature a noisy flushing system?
Not all Kohler toilets feature a noisy flushing system. Some toilets like the Kohler San Raphael, Rosario, and Rialto feature powerful but quiet flushing systems. Unlike other Kohler toilet models, these toilets depend on the gravity of water to flow into the toilet bowl. Most of the noisy models feature a flushing system with a velocity of water flowing into the bowl.
Hi, I am Jose S. Franz. Currently, I am working as a professional plumber, and our team offers various plumbing services at an affordable price. After my college education, I completed a vocational certification course in plumbing systems and worked with several construction companies. Since then, I have fixed lots of different toilet models, from older to the latest versions. So I have more than 22 years of experience installing plumbing systems and toilets in both residential and commercial buildings.
How long should it normally take the tank to refill. Just had highline comfor height toilet installed and the refill time is long (one full minute) and loud. Very different from old Kohler Wellworth toilet. Would like to understand if this is normal before I call plumber back.
Thanks.
Follow these suggestions that will help to improve the performance of your toilet. The chain connecting to the trip lever should be taut. If there is any slack, it should be tightened to remove the slack. The water level can also be checked. The water level in the tank should be at the water line which is marked on the inside back wall of the tank or on the flush valve.
You should also check the refill tube. It should be connected at both ends connecting the fill valve to the center of the canister valve. If either end is disconnected, it should be pushed back into place. Please also ensure there is water coming out of all of the rim holes around the bowl when the toilet is flushed.