The battle between one-piece versus two-piece toilets is never-ending. If you’ve never used both of these toilets, then you can never really know the benefits and shortcomings of every type. But as a plumber, I have not only installed but as well as used both 1-piece & 2-piece toilets for many years. I must say that both of these toilets are exceptional in their way, and it depends on your needs and budget.
If you don’t know which to choose between the one-piece toilet and the two-piece toilet, then read this comparison article to the end. We’ve featured all the relevant categories that you need to make the right choice. So, take your time and find out which toilet best suits your needs.
General Comparison: One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Toilet
|
Features |
One Piece Toilet |
Two Piece Toilet |
| Cleaning: | Easier | Hard |
| Performance: | Better | Good |
| Durability: | Yes | Not Enough |
| Size: | Smaller | Bigger |
| Installation: | No need for technical knowledge | Need technical knowledge |
| Replacement: | Hard | Easier |
| Replacement Cost: | High | Low |
| Maintenance: | Easy | Not Easy |
| Leaking Issues: | Less | More |
| Maintenance Cost: | High | Low |
| Compactness: | Fit in a small area | Need Large area |
| Toilet Cost: | High | Low |
| Popularity | High | Increasing |
| Our Recommendation: |  Check Price |
 Check Price |
Summary of content
One-Piece Toilet
The one-piece toilet features an integrated tank and bowl. Because of this, they are easy to clean. Also, they eliminate the gap between the toilet tank and the bowl, which is a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and other substances. Also, this makes the toilet compact as the tank is lower.
One-Piece Toilet Pros:
- Straightforward to clean
- Well-built to last long
- They are more compact to fit in tight spaces easily
- Sleek and elegant design
- Straightforward to install
Limited Cons:
- They are slightly more expensive than two-piece units
- Quite challenging to ship as the bowl and tank are integrated into a one-piece
- They have fewer rough-in options
Single-Piece Toilet Recommendation: Toto Ultramax II
Technical Specification of the Toto (MS604114CEFG#11) One Piece Toilet
| Features | Toto (MS604114CEFG#11) Toilet |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 28.31 x 16.56 x 28.75 inches |
| Material: | Ceramic |
| Weight: | 99 Pounds |
| Bowl: | Round |
| Flush: | Double Cyclone |
| Finish: | SanaGloss |
| Water Usage: | 1.28 GPF |
| TrapWay: | 2.125 inches |
| Height: | ADA |
| WaterSense: | Yes |
| Flush Valve: | 3 inches |
| Price: |  Check Price |
Two-Piece Toilet
Two-piece toilets come with a bowl and tank separately. As a result, the toilet is easy to ship, and you can maneuver or mix and match different bowls and tanks. Also, it is easy to maintain as spare parts are easy to find. Some of the best 2-piece toilets are Toto Drake II, American Standard ActiClean, and 20-inch convenient height toilets.
Two-Piece Toilet Pros:
- They are easy to ship
- More affordable than one-piece toilets
- Simple to maneuver pieces for installation
- They allow the user to mix and match tank and bowl
- They offer a broader range of height, style, rough-in options
Notable Cons:
- Quite challenging to maintain as they leak and break with much ease
- Not self-cleaning toilets as they are difficult to clean
- They usually take up more space
- Similarities and Differences between one-piece and two-piece toilets
Two-Piece Toilet Recommendation: TOTO Drake
Technical Specification of the TOTO CST454CEFG#01 Drake Two-piece Toilet
| Features | Toto Drake Toilet |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 28.75 x 16.5 x 29.44 inches |
| Material: | Vitreous China |
| Weight: | 94 Pounds |
| Bowl: | Elongated |
| Flush: | Gravity Flush |
| Finish: | CeFiONtect |
| Water Usage: | 1.28 GPF |
| TrapWay: | 2.125 inches |
| Height: | ADA |
| WaterSense: | Yes |
| Flush Valve: | 3 inches |
| Price: |  Check Price |
Features comparison between 1-piece and 2-piece toilet
Durability
A toilet is not something that you select randomly. Since you will be using your toilet for many years to come, why not pick the best and most durable? When it comes to the battle of a 1-piece VS 2-piece toilet in terms of durability, the one-piece toilet has an edge. This is because two-piece toilets come with a coupling between the tank and bowl. The coupling may crack after some time, and the rubber gasket found in this section may degrade and start to leak. With one-piece toilets, there is no coupling; hence, you won’t experience such challenges.
Space considerations
If you want to save space, then the one-piece compact toilet is the way to go. Since a one-piece toilet comes with the tank and bowl incorporated into one unit, it doesn’t take up much space. However, two-piece toilets come with lots of rough-in options when compared to one-piece toilets.
Related product: Install Galba Toilet If You Have a Small Space
Even though a one-piece toilet comes in a single unit, it is not very convenient to ship. On the other hand, two-piece toilets are simple to transport as they come in different pieces. Also, one-piece toilets are quite heavy, which is a disadvantage during shipping.
Appearance
Unfortunately, one-piece or two-piece toilet designs do not determine how beautiful the toilet is. With that said, one-piece toilets look more elegant with a modern appeal when compared to two-piece toilets. The good news is that some one-piece toilets feature a traditional design, and some two-piece toilets have a modern look. So, you won’t be limited to what type of toilet to choose.
Ease of installation
Two-piece modern toilets are quite challenging to install as you need to bolt the tank to the bowl. On the other hand, one-piece toilets don’t need this as the tank and bowl are integrated into a one-piece. But a two-piece toilet gives you a chance to move and maneuver as you install it. Always get some help when installing the one-piece toilet, as they are quite heavy.
Height
A single flush toilet typically stands at a standard height of about 15 inches from floor to bowl rim, excluding the seat. This design, predominant in older homes and commercial spaces, offers simplicity with one flush option for all types of waste. In contrast, the dual flush toilet, a more recent innovation, often has a slightly taller profile, averaging around 16 to 17 inches from floor to bowl rim. This added height provides enhanced comfort for many users, especially taller individuals or those with mobility issues. The defining feature of a dual flush toilet is its two-button system, allowing users to choose a lower volume flush for liquid waste and a higher volume flush for solid waste, contributing to water conservation efforts.
Maintenance
Today, many people are embracing one-piece toilets because they are straightforward to clean and maintain. In addition, one-piece toilets don’t feature a coupling, which is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria. So, cleaning is made easy, and you don’t have to continually clean the tank and bowl-like with two-piece toilets.
Related article: Which one is Better Between Dual Flush and Single Flush Toilets?
Costs
Typically, one-piece toilets cost more than two-piece toilets. It doesn’t matter if they have the same features and even color; they will still cost more. This might be attributed to their durability, ease of cleaning, and overall aesthetics.
Final Thoughts: One Piece or Two Piece Toilet?
All-in-all, there is no significant difference between a one-piece and a two-piece toilet. It all depends on your taste. However, a one-piece toilet such as Toto Eco Ultramax, Toto Aimes, or American Standard Champion 4 offers more comfort and is easier to maintain than a two-piece toilet. Also, they look more beautiful as they have the tank and bowl seamlessly integrated into a one-piece. The only challenge is that they are slightly more costly than two-piece toilets.
Whichever toilet you choose, you will still get the same comfort and performance as long as they share the same features.
Related Comparison Articles:
Comparison: Toto Ultramax II vs. Toto Drake II
Differences between Kohler Veil and Toto Neorest toilets
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.
Two years ago, I had a Huberhaus 1 piece toilet at the cottage. In the fall, I drained it and poured RV antifreeze in the tank and flushed it. Then flushed it until only antifreeze remained in the bowl. It didn’t survive the winter. Temperatures in Ottawa Ontario, Canada can reach -40 -50 in winter. I have installed a similar one this summer because of its smaller footprint. Other than removing and storing it at home, is there a means of ensuring that it is completely drained. Would it be necessary to leave any antifreeze in the bowl? Your comments would be appreciated.