Best Flushing Toilets
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Kohler Highline

Is the Kohler Highline toilet worth the money or overpriced?-Full Review

Kohler HighlineKohler 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

ImagesKohler Highline ToiletsWater ConsumptionFlush TypePrice Idea
Check PriceKohler K-3889-0 Highline Comfort Height 1.28 gpf Toilet, 10-inch Rough-In, White
Read Review
1.28 GPFGravity FlushMedium
Check PriceKohler K-3493-RA-0 Highline Classic Pressure Lite Comfort Height Elongated Toilet with Right-Hand Trip Lever, Less Seat, White
Read Review
1.6 GPFPressure Assist flushing systemMedium

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: Kohler Highline toilet reviewsCheck 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: Kohler K-3493-RA-0Check 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.

2 thoughts on “Is the Kohler Highline toilet worth the money or overpriced?-Full Review”

  1. 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.

     
    1. 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.

       

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