How to Buy a Bidet Toilet Seat: First Time Buyer

There are a few factors to decide when purchasing a bidet seat that can determine the best model to fit your specific needs. Some factors are a simple matter of preference while others are requirements determined by things like the size or style of your toilet.  Let’s go over these factors that everyone buying a bidet seat should consider.


Bio Bidet BB 2000 installed on a toilet, front viewSo you are in the market for a bidet seat and you don’t know what to get? Just breathe. This is a very common issue and we are here to give you a bit of guidance. There are a few factors to decide when purchasing a bidet seat that can determine the best model to fit your specific needs. Some factors are a simple matter of preference while others are requirements determined by things like the size or style of your toilet.  Let’s go over these factors that everyone buying a bidet seat should consider.

Cost

The first consideration is what we all have in mind when purchasing something, cost. Cost is going to be very dependent on what you have in mind. If your mindset is that you want the latest and greatest, or luxury and fully featured, then you are likely looking at the $600+ price range. 

Some example bidet seats in this luxury category include: TOTO S550e SW3056, Bio Bidet BB-2000, Brondell Swash 1400, and Kohler Novita BH 90/93.

Mid-level bidet toilets seats will be in the $400 to $600 price range and some examples include: Alpha JX, Bio Bidet BB-1000, and TOTO K300 Washlet.

Entry level bidet seats will be in the $300 vicinity and these include the Clean Sense dib-1500R, Alpha iX Hybrid. Now what makes all these seats different? Well this will come down to factors like build quality, features and functions, warranty support and more.

Features and Functions

For the most part, all bidet toilet seats will come with the following standard features: slow closing seat and lid, heated seat, warm water spray, adjustable spray pressure, and adjustable nozzle position. All other features beyond this standard set will add a bit to the value of the seat.

For example, certain bidet seats have features like an enema/turbo function, wide spray adjustment, stainless steel nozzles, deodorizer, a sittable lid, and auto opening and closing lids.  Some users will consider certain functions like the enema wash a requirement, while other users may consider the motorized seat and lid to be an absolute must have. 

If this is your first bidet seat, don’t sweat the minutia too much.  If you’re a more experience bidet seat user, then you’ll want to determine which features are most important to you.  Then, find a bidet seat that does those things well. 

Looking for a seat with strong spray pressure? Go with the Bio Bidet BB-2000 or BB-1000.  Need a bidet seat that’s super easy to use and has a sittable lid and LED nightlight? The Alpha JX and Brondell Swash 1400 would be great fits. 

Every bidet seat will have strengths and weaknesses.  Figure out your needs, and then decide which model is best for you. You can always contact us for help choosing the right model.

Alpha iX Hybrid shown in 360 degree angle

Style and Aesthetics

Are you the type of user that’s very concerned about aesthetics and design? Well, style is probably a big determining factor for you. Perhaps you are in the market for something with a low profile because you want to give your bathroom that minimalistic look. In this instance, you might want to consider the TOTO S550e SW3056 as that has the most low profile construction. Perhaps a stylish, contoured lid is your thing. In that case, maybe a Brondell 1400 or Alpha JX may suite your taste

The important thing to remember is that style is extremely subjective.  We’ve had customers that absolutely love the way a certain bidet seat looks, while others complain that they hate that very same model.  It’s your bathroom, so choose something that you love and don’t worry about what anyone else has to say about how something looks. 

Compatibility

For the most part, compatibility isn’t much of an issue, especially if you have a two piece elongated toilet – any bidet seat will fit.  However, if you have a designer toilet like a compact one-piece toilet, or a toilet with a strong French curve, then you need to be careful. Some toilets are absolutely not compatible with any bidet seats (Kohler Rialto/Rosario) as they do not provide enough space for the bidet seat to mount.  This can be because of its curved design, or it may just be too compact.

Click here to view our bidet toilet seat fitment guide.

Some toilets like the Kohler San Raphael and Santa Rosa are difficult, but not impossible.  The Alpha JX and Blooming NB-R1063 can actually fit these toilets.  These bidet seats have a slightly smaller footprint and are curved in the rear. Where most seat need 1.75” of clearance behind the bolt holes, the Alpha JX and Blooming only need 1.5” of clearance. Now these units aren’t the solution to all compact or French curve toilets, but in some cases they will work.

To conclude, the best bidet seat to buy is the one that best fits your individual needs.  Whether its price, specific features, simplicity, a certain aesthetic, or simply compatibility with your toilet, choose the best bidet seat for your own situation.  

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.  We have a live chat system, email assistance at support@bidetking.com, or simply give us a call at 1.888.310.4511.