Perhaps one of the simplest, yet elegant design additions to a toilet to gain popularity in the last decade or so are skirted toilet versions. The visual absence of the trapway on the toilet makes more of a difference than you might think. It gives the entire toilet more of a minimal, yet stylish feel.
They don’t completely come without disadvantages. Most notably, they can be a little pricier than their more traditional counterparts.
In this comparison, we’ll review three of the best skirted toilets you can buy at the moment. You can find these specific at many different stores, and we’ll provide links to those marketplaces as well.
The Skirted Toilet Models
The models we chose to focus on for this category are already some of the highest quality toilets on the market in their own right. So, we took these and looked at their individual skirted versions to test and compare.
- Kohler Cimarron 5310-0
- TOTO Aquia IV
- American Standard Cadet 3
Kohler Cimarron 5310
Spacious, easy installation, and built to last.
| Toilet Type | Water Usage | Dimensions (in.) | Material | Seat Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-piece, Elongated | 1.28 GPF | 29 x 17.63 x 30½ | Vitreous china | 16½ inches | 97 lbs |
The Kohler Cimarron skirted toilet has a sleek design to fit the décor in many bathrooms. If you read our review on the non-skirted Cimarron model, you know that this is a solid toilet all the way around.
For those of us that prefer an elongated bowl, it doesn’t get much better than this model. Compared to the typical length of approximately 17 inches, this elongated bowl measures around 19 inches from the back of the tank to the nose of the bowl. Let me tell you, it’s a noticeable difference. When sitting on it, there wasn’t any feeling of crampedness or constriction.
All that said, I know not everyone is a fan of an elongated bowl. But you’re in luck to, because the Cimarron is also available in a round bowl style (although the round version isn’t skirted).
For flushing, the Cimarron 5310-0 uses the company’s powerful AquaPiston canister flush valve technology. As a result, it only requires two pounds of force to initiate a full flush. Another advantage of being easy to flush is it decreases the chances of short, inefficient flushing.
As the design allows water to flow into the toilet bowl from all sides, you can expect a full flush. In addition, the 3:2 ratio contributes to the water force, harnessing the natural power of gravity for increased strength.
The AquaPiston seal also resists all forms of damage. Wear and tear are covered, as well as shrinking and swelling. Thus, you can expect it to last for an extended period.
When the time comes to replace the valve, you’ll find it a simple and easy process. It fits all canister flush toilets, and thanks to the standardized design, finding a replacement should be a breeze.
Most toilets stand at 15 inches, but the Cimarron has two extra inches to enhance comfort. Dubbed “Comfortable Height” by Kohler, this adjustment makes it easier for most adults to sit down and stand up while using the toilet. This particular Cimarron model stands at a seat height of 16.5 inches. Needless to say, this is a big improvement over the standard 15 inches that many other toilets offer. This height also means that it’s ADA compliant.
Installing a toilet may be challenging to some, but Kohler’s design makes it much more straightforward. With the company’s ReadyLock system, you can get the toilet ready to use without professional help. Any bathroom with a 12-inch rough-in can accommodate the Cimarron toilet.
Not only is installing the toilet relatively easy, but you don’t have to drill and risk making a mess. Once you mount and secure the toilet, all that’s left is setting it up for use. ReadyLock is also designed to prevent leaks during the installation process.
Depending on your rough-in, the Cimarron can fit various sizes. This model fits a stand ard 12 inch rough-in, but has kits available for 10- or 14 inch rough-ins as well. So with pretty much any bathroom setup you have you should be able to find compatibility as far as the rough-in is concerned.
The reason why you don’t have to drill holes is primarily due to the skirted trapway. It fits to the floor flange, making holes unnecessary. You’ll get the same solid mount as non-skirted toilet designs.
The flushing level is left-handed and has a polished chrome surface.
Thanks to the skirted trapway, you can clean the toilet easily. In fact, I would bet that this is the second most popular reason that homeowners chose skirted toilets in the first place. The smooth surface makes wiping with a cloth straightforward, preventing debris from lodging in corners or crevices.
With all these features, it’s not hard to see why Kohler’s Cimarron model is popular with homeowners. Its comfortable length and height are great for adults. In addition, the AquaPiston technology ensures every flush is powerful and efficient.
The Kohler Cimarron “Toilets In The Wild” (learn about “In The Wild” photos here). This photo was taken in a hotel bathroom.
Kohler Cimarron
Our Verdict on the Skirted Kohler Cimarron
Skirted or not, this is a great toilet. There’s a reason why even the base model has been popular ever since Kohler released this it to the public. With very few drawbacks to go on about, our verdict is that the Kohler Cimarron is a very solid purchase option.
Kohler Cimarron 5310-0 pictured at top
Toto Aquia IV
Packed with technology.
| Toilet Type | Water Usage | Dimensions (in.) | Material | Seat Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-piece, Elongated | 0.08 / 1.0 GPF | 27½ x 15½ x 29½ | Ceramic | 16⅛ inches | 114 lbs |
TOTO is a toilet brand known for its unique toilets, as some of its models have heated bidets, nightlights, and other impressive features. So it’s no surprise that users rate the company’s Aquia IV model so highly (check out our full review of the Aquia IV here). The intelligent design helps it stand out from rounder toilet models.
The Aquia IV has a two-piece, elongated design. From the toilet tank’s back to the bowl’s nose tip, it measures 27.57 inches. Those of us with longer legs certainly appreciate this feature.
TOTO’s DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH technology is what powers the toilet bowl and offers its impressive flushing capabilities. It uses 360-degree water flow to reach every part of the bowl, thus ensuring a clean flush each and every time. In addition, all of the water comes from the rim, making direct contact with the bowl.
The DYNAMAX technology harnesses gravity to help increase the power of each flush. In addition, it only uses one gallon per standard flush and can go even lower to 0.8 gallons. Note that you can choose between either before buying.
An ultra-efficient flush helps conserve lots of water in both the short and long term. As a result, you’ll find yourself spending much less on your water bills if you install the Aquia IV.
Nevertheless, using less water per flush doesn’t mean the Aquia IV is a weak toilet. The Aquia IV’s inner bowl is optimized to enhance water flow. The improvements reduce water flow resistance and noise, providing a quiet yet powerful touch.
Another advantage of such a powerful flush is that you can spend less time and chemicals when it’s time to clean the toilet. The skirted design also enables easy cleaning, thanks to the uniform and smooth surface.
Speaking of surfaces, the Aquia IV is made of ceramic, coated with TOTO’s CEFIONTECT glazing. The glaze helps make the surface incredibly smooth, enabling you to wipe away any dirt and debris with ease. The principle behind it is preventing particles from sticking to the ceramic easily.
Therefore, you’ll find wiping the surface down effortless. Instead of laboring over the surface, you can get it done in a few minutes.
TOTO has several certifications for the Aquia IV:
- EPA WaterSense – This certification assures consumers that the Aquia IV is designed to minimize water use through its efficient design.
- Universal Height – Considers people of different heights and ages, including those with limited mobility.
- CALGreen – The CALGreen certification means that the toilet meets California’s Green Buildings Standards. As such, it’s considered a green technology that’s designed to help protect the environment.
- Proposition 65 – The Aquia IV conforms to Proposition 65 of California, which regulates adequate displaying of warnings for users to read.
As standard, the Aquia IV fits a 12-inch rough-in. The process requires owners to purchase other objects such as:
- Wax ring
- Toilet mounting bolts
- Water supply lines
However, it comes with the main components ready for assembly.
Since this toilet comes with TOTO T40 WASHLET+ compatibility, you can upgrade it whenever you want. The toilet has a bowl surface channel that helps conceal the WASHLET+ supply line and power cord. Seamless integration makes for a stylish design.
TOTO’s toilets are well-known worldwide, and its Aquia IV design boasts some unique advantages. In particular, its ultra-efficient flush will help conserve water without sacrificing power. It’s also pretty comfortable for anyone to use.
Our Verdict on the Skirted Toto Aquia IV
One of the things that Toto is known for is its advancements in technology. Some of their innovations have literally propelled toilet capabilities forward at a very fast rate. That same brain power and innovation is easily seen with the skirted Aquia IV. Our verdict is that this is an obvious win. All the elegance + technology make it an easy decision to recommend for buying.
TOTO Aquia IV CST446CUMGF#01 pictured
American Standard
Cadet 3
Reliable and budget friendly.
| Toilet Type | Water Usage | Dimensions (in.) | Material | Seat Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-piece, Round | 1.28 GPF | 27½ x 15½ x 29½ | Vitreous China | 16½ inches | 75 lbs |
The American Standard Cadet 3 differs from the other two toilets on our list, primarily due to its more rounded design. Nevertheless, it’s still a skirted toilet designed for American homes. You can rest assured that it’s both comfortable and efficient.
The toilet isn’t labeled as an elongated design, but it’s slightly longer than the other models, making it comfortable for those with longer legs to use.
The Cadet 3 uses American Standard’s PowerWash technology. As the water flows from the tank, it cleanses the entire bowl with every flush. As a result, no debris or stains are left behind after the water stops flowing.
Compared to other toilets, the Cadet 3 has a GPF of 1.28, which is comparable to the Kohler Cimarron. This number is still considered high-efficiency, as few toilets can go lower and still clear the bowl. Not to mention, your water bill will thank you after you install a Cadet 3 in your bathroom.
Regarding flushing, 1.28 GPF is around 20% less than standard toilets that aren’t optimized for efficiency. This efficiency is thanks to the WaterSense certification that the Cadet 3 received. The certification ensures users that they’re purchasing an environmentally-friendly product.
Thanks to the 17-inch height, this toilet is comfortable for anyone to use, regardless of age, ability, and height. Of course, the toilet seat you install can make the height vary slightly, but it won’t be a significant change that affects the ease of use.
Additionally, the toilet is also ADA Compliant. Disabled people can use the toilet without issue.
Skirted toilets tend to be easy to clean, and the Cadet 3 is no exception. Other than the uniform concealed trapway, the biggest reason is the EverClean Surface. It’s a glaze additive that prevents bacteria, stains, and more from becoming an issue.
EverClean is permanently added to the toilet’s circulation piping. Thus, the pipes are highly resistant to the following threats:
- Mildew
- Algae
- Fungus
- Mold
If these thrive, your pipes can stain or even deteriorate.
The included toilet seat is a slow-close model, which prevents it from closing quickly and slamming against the toilet bowl. Instead, it will close silently and slowly to avoid damaging the bowl or making any unwanted noise.
Plus, the Cadet 3 comes with a five-year limited warranty upon purchase. A warranty makes it an excellent investment, especially if it gets damaged.
The American Standard Cadet 3 “Toilets In The Wild” (learn about “In The Wild” photos here). This photo was taken in a restaurant bathroom.
American Standard Cadet 3
Our Verdict on the Skirted American Standard Cadet 3
Overall, the Cadet 3 is a solid and reliable skirted toilet. It complies with many American consumer standards and perfectly fits into many homes. It’s a great fit for most households. The biggest draw to picking this toilet is that it’s generally cheaper than the other two options of skirted toilets on this list.
American Standard Cadet 3 29881011.020 pictured at top
The ToiletsMan Verdict
This section will help you decide which toilet is best for you.
If you’re on a budget and don’t need any significant bells and whistles, we recommend the Cadet 3. It’s around the same price as the Cimarron, but it’s simpler to use due to having fewer features. It’s a solid piece of equipment that’s easy to clean. But, more importantly, anyone will find it comfortable to use.
For those who like a powerful flush but don’t want to spend much, the Kohler Cimarron is the best choice for you. It has a powerful flush canister that isn’t too loud either. In addition, it’s a reliable toilet that shines in the aesthetic department.
Replacing the Cimarron’s canister is simple, and you can buy them online. In addition, the installation process for this toilet is straightforward, as no professional help is needed.
Finally, if you like a powerful toilet that can save water, pick the Aquia IV. It’s more expensive, but TOTO makes high-quality products used worldwide. It also comes with many extra features that make it a great toilet.
However, the Aquia IV is 1.5 times more expensive, which won’t suit everybody’s budget. But, for its price, it does bring some incredible features to your bathroom experience. TOTO’s toilets are also well-made, which makes them worth every penny.
The toilet of choice is affected by a user’s needs, budgets, and how easy it is to install. However, our top pick would be the Kohler Cimarron 5310. It’s basically the middle-of-the-road when it comes to all these three options, but still has more than enough power and elegance to be a great fit.
Whichever option you choose, there won’t be any buyer’s remorse. These are all solid options that will work for most any home.