Caroma, one of the leading manufacturers of water-efficient toilets, started out as a plastics producer. After making the first plastic syringe that was able to be sterilized using heat, the company transitioned to making plastic toilet cisterns. From there, the company as we know it today exploded.
In the 1970s, the Australian company received the “Good Design” label for its innovative concepts, which pioneered the use of plastics in bathrooms for design and functional purposes. But Caroma is perhaps better known today for its development of the dual-flush toilet.
In 1980, Caroma created a cistern that held two separate water volumes with distinct buttons. The company had to redesign the toilet bowl to maximize flushing efficiency with less water. After a trial rollout of the cistern resulted in water savings of 32,000 liters per year in one small town, the Australian government passed legislation to require dual-flush technology in new buildings.
Although Caroma focuses on water conservation, it doesn’t sacrifice style. The company’s toilets feature traditional, modern and minimalistic options that will look great and save water in any home.
Caroma Toilets
For this review series, we’ll be reviewing four of the most popular Caroma toilet models:
Comparison Chart
| Toilet Model | Toilet Type | Water Usage | Dimensions (in.) | Material | Seat Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney II | Two-piece, Elongated | 1.28 GPF | 29 5/16 x 18⅞ x 33⅞ | Vitreous china | 17.5 inches | 100 lbs |
| Caravelle | One-piece, Elongated | 1.28 GPF | 29 15/16 x 14⅛ x 30⅜ | Vitreous china | 18 inches | 103 lbs |
| Brisbane | Two-piece, rounded | 1.6 GPF | 28⅜ x 15¾x 33¼ | Vitreous china | 16 inches | 111 lbs |
| Somerton | Two-piece, Elongated | 1.28 GPF | 30⅛ x 14 3/16 x 31½ | Vitreous china | 17½ inches | 97.2 lbs |
Caroma Sydney II
- Elongated - Easy Height Bowl (ADA compliant)
- Bowl includes Soft Close Elongated Seat
- As with all Caroma toilets, the signature trap way is nearly twice the size of the industry average, virtually eliminating blockages
Last update on 2024-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
| Toilet Type | Water Usage | Dimensions (in.) | Material | Seat Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-piece, Elongated | 1.28 GPF | 29 5/16 x 18⅞ x 33⅞ | Vitreous china | 17.5 inches | 100 |
This is a powerful toilet that could work in a residential or commercial space. It has a classic design that complements a wide variety of décor. With its traditional tank-based style, the Sydney II offers an easy swap with your old toilet.
But it contains several beneficial features, including Caroma’s signature water savings. These elements make it an affordable and efficient upgrade from your existing commode. They also make the Caroma Syndey II a smart option for a new build.
This toilet has all of the benefits of the Caroma brand. It is a high-efficiency model with a dual-flush option. The trapway is twice as wide as standard trapways, which reduces the risk of clogs and maintains proper function even with heavy usage.
Plus, the slow-close toilet seat is included in the kit, which makes this toilet easy to install. It features a standard 12-inch rough-in and ADA-compliant seat height.
As if that wasn’t enough, to top it all off, the Sydney II has a perfect MaP flush score of 1000 grams.
Our Verdict on the Caroma Sydney II
The Sydney II is a strong contender if you’re looking for a new toilet. It doesn’t have many bells and whistles. However, it has everything that you would want from a standard toilet, with features that improve function and save you money.
If you have anything against two-piece toilets, this may not be the option for you. But don’t worry, Caroma makes one-piece toilets that might suit you as well.
Caroma Sydney II 
Caroma Caravelle
- High efficiency toilet
- Rounded Contours for easy cleaning
- EPA Water Sense labeled
Last update on 2024-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
| Toilet Type | Water Usage | Dimensions (in.) | Material | Seat Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-piece, Elongated | 1.28 GPF | 29 15/16 x 14⅛ x 30⅜ | Vitreous china | 18 inches | 103 lbs |
What makes the Caravelle toilet so smart? Besides its sleek silhouette, it offers high-efficiency dual-flush technology and a Smart Glaze coating. It’s also easy to adapt to your existing toilet area because it allows for easy installation that fits a rough-in of 10 to 12 inches. They call this the Smart Connect, see video below:
You won’t have to work hard to clean this model. The glaze prevents waste from sticking to the interior or exterior of the bowl. The toilet is completely skirted, leaving no indentations around the trapway to collect grime.
The elongated bowl features a removable, slow-close seat. With a seat height of 18 inches, this toilet is especially comfortable for tall people or those with limited mobility. The Caravelle packs all of this in a slim design. Its narrow width makes it ideal for smaller bathrooms.
Our Verdict on the Caroma Caravelle
The Caravelle is an ideal option for people who want a tall seat on a streamlined toilet. You won’t have to perform much maintenance or cleaning, which is another benefit for those with limited time or mobility.
Caroma Caravelle
Caroma Brisbane
| Toilet Type | Water Usage | Dimensions (in.) | Material | Seat Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-piece, rounded | 1.6 GPF | 28⅜ x 15¾x 33¼ | Vitreous china | 16 inches | 111 lbs |
If you think that every toilet looks the same, think again. The Brisbane is a unique option for people who prize exceptional style. It features a boxy tank and rounded toilet seat. Clean lines flow from one surface to another, making for easy cleaning and a contemporary design. Top marks for the design indeed!
Although it uses more water than the Sydney II and Caravelle, the Brisbane is still considered to be a water-saving, high-efficiency toilet. It features the signature dual-flush mechanism and extra-wide trapway.
Installation is easy on a rough-in of 10 to 12 inches. The toilet comes with the seat, which is unique to this model. Even though this toilet appears small, it has an ample-sized seat and bowl. With a seat height of more than 16 inches, it is ADA compliant and comfortable for most people.
Our Verdict on the Caroma Brisbane
The Brisbane is an excellent toilet for people who are seeking something a little different. However, its shape might take some getting used to. It’s ideal for you if you want something with a seat that’s not too short or tall, and value a unique look in your bathroom.
Caroma Brisbane
Caroma Somerton
| Toilet Type | Water Usage | Dimensions (in.) | Material | Seat Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-piece, Elongated | 1.28 GPF | 30⅛ x 14 3/16 x 31½ | Vitreous china | 17½ inches | 97.2 lbs |
Even though it has a streamlined silhouette, this toilet looks substantial. That’s why it’s surprising that it weighs less than the other models that we reviewed. There is not much waste in this two-piece toilet, which features a slightly rounded tank and elongated seat.
The full skirt hides the trapway, and the Smart Glaze repels dirt. The soft-close seat is detachable for ease of cleaning.
The other reliable features that you expect from a Caroma toilet are also incorporated. You’ll get a dual-flush mechanism that functions quietly and efficiently. The water control assembly is especially quiet.
Our Verdict on the Caroma Somerton
This toilet looks luxurious and functions similarly. It conserves water, flushes quietly and does its job with minimal maintenance on your part. It’s also on the lightweight side for two-piece toilets, which is a bonus if you plan to install the toilet yourself.
Caroma Somerton
The ToiletsMan Verdict
If you’ve read much of our content before, you know that I’m big on design. Functionality has to be there, of course, but the differentiator for me is usually the design and overall uniqueness of how the toilet looks.
For that reason, the Brisbane gets my vote. Here are some reasons:
- It’s a good height for different ages and mobilities
- Good for water conservation
- Wide trapway
- Relatively easy to install
- It looks awesome!
The Brisbane is very high on the list of toilets-that-can-make-your-bathroom-pop. Not just among Caroma toilets, but all brands. We very much endorse it!