One of the largest toilet manufacturers in the world, Kohler toilets was founded in 1873 by John Michael Kohler and has its headquarters in Wisconsin.
While its origins weren’t in plumbing fixtures, it has now become the third-largest bathroom and kitchen fixture manufacturers in the US.
Kohler toilets are mainly made in Wisconsin, South Carolina, Texas and Mexico but some of their parts are also made in India and China.
Kohler makes plenty of great toilets, and it can be hard to narrow them down, especially if you have little experience in buying toilets and are unsure what makes a toilet great.
RANK | IMAGE | PRODUCT NAME | RATING | |
1 |   | WoodBridge T-0001 | ||
2 |   | WoodBridge T-0019 | ||
3 |   | WoodBridge T-0020 | ||
4 |   | WoodBridge T-0031 | ||
5 |   | WoodBridge T-0032 / T-0033 | ||
6 |   | WoodBridge B0950S Bidet |
However, there are some notable stand-outs and we’ve whittled them down to the seven best toilets.
We’ve tested out and compared what Kohler has to offer to determine the best of the bunch.
The main factors we’ve considered include technical points such as how well it flushes, the water efficiency and external bodies certifications, and also more general points such as how appealing the design is, how comfortable it is, if it has any luxury features, how easy it is to clean and install and, of course, its value for money.
Our hope is that if you’re unsure what to look for in a Kohler toilet, our break-down of the top 7 has made your life a little easier by going into detail about what makes each toilet great, as well as what its drawbacks are.
We’ve also included a buyer’s guide so you know what to prioritize when shopping for a toilet, and answered a couple of frequently asked questions about Kohler toilets.
So without further ado, let’s get started!
Kohler Cimarron
Kohler Cimarron Dimensions:
- Depth: 29.5 inches
- Width: 17.625 inches
- Height: 30.75 inches
- Rough-in: 12 inches
The Kohler Cimarron is a single flush two-piece toilet that is suitable for elongated and round toilet bowls. It comes in white, black, almond, dune, ice gray, and sandbar.
Kohler has manufactured many Kohler Cimarron toilets but we’ll be taking a look at the 2 newest models – the Kohler K-3589-0 Cimarron and Kohler K-3609-0 Cimarron.
The only difference between these models is their water consumption. The Kohler K-3589-0 Cimarron uses 1.6 gallons of water per flush, and the Kohler K-3609-0 uses 1.28 gallons per flush.
If you live in California or Texas you will not be able to buy the K-3589-0 because of how much water it uses.
However, the K-3609-0 is compliant to the EPA’s CalGreen and WaterSense requirements, so wherever you are in the United States you can buy this toilet.
The Kohler Cimarron makes use of their patented AquaPiston flushing technology. This technology uses a canister flush valve rather than the traditional flapper-type flush.
This is notable because while the flapper is hinged to one side, the canister lifts completely during flushing which lets water flow from the tank to the bowl from a 360 degrees angle.
What this does to the flushing is that it gets water to flow to the bowl faster, which makes for a more powerful flush.
The canister flush valve is also designed so its inlet is wider than the outlet in a ratio of 3:2.
This narrow exit allows the water to increase in pressure as it enters the bowl, which also helps to make the flush more powerful.
Kohler Cimarron uses an elongated bowl with a comfort height. Its bowl rim height is 16.5 inches, and with the added height of the seat, this takes the total height to 17.5 inches which means it complies with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
However, one downside to Kohler Cimarron toilets is that they don’t have a seat, so you will have to purchase one separately, along with the mounting hardware.
Overall though, the Kohler Cimarron is a powerful flushing toilet that is value for money.
Pros
- Comes in a variety of colors.
- AquaPiston technology is energy-efficient by reducing clogging.
- Comfort height design and elongated bowl shape meets ADA requirements.
Cons
- The flush is not as powerful as pressure assist.
Kohler Veil Intelligent Toilet
Kohler Veil Intelligent Toilet’s Dimensions:
- Depth: 26.13 inches
- Width: 17.25 inches
- Height: 21 inches
- Bowl rim height: 16.125 inches
- Rough-in: 12 inches
If you’re after a state-of-the-art Kohler toilet, look no further than the Kohler Veil Intelligent toilet.
It is a dual flush one-piece elongated toilet that has a bidet toilet seat integrated into it. It is widely considered one of the best bidet toilet combinations that Kohler has to offer.
You have a total hands-free experience when using the Kohler Veil toilet. From the moment you enter the bathroom to the moment you leave, you do not have to touch anything!
The lid will automatically lift as you approach the toilet thanks to the sensor in the bidet, and it will also close after you’ve left the toilet!
You won’t even need to use toilet paper after you’re done, as the nozzle made from stainless steel that appears from behind the seat will release warm water to clean you.
Besides the rear and front washes, the Veil also provides pulsating and oscillating washes.
An oscillating wash moves the nozzle back and forth quickly to clean a larger area. Meanwhile, the pulsating wash uses both gentle and powerful steams which has a massaging effect.
Aeration helps to infuse the warm water with air bubbles, for a wash that is thorough but gentle. Plus, you can adjust the pressure and the water temperature to better suit your preferences.
The nozzle is disinfected with sterilized water as it retreats to make it more hygienic. Additionally, an automatic UV light sanitizes the nozzle daily.
A warm air dryer with adjustable temperature will then blow warm air to dry you completely.
This technology also takes care of any scent left behind too, thanks to the air deodorizer that will automatically switch on to ensure the room never smells bad.
What’s more, the toilet seat is never cold as it is heated, which comes in handy during winter.
The Veil also makes going to the toilet in the night easier too, thanks to the blue LED night light that illuminates the bowl so you can easily find your way to the toilet – no need to turn on the bathroom lights, and no more uncomfortable squinting!
The Kohler Veil toilet also looks beautiful, it has a curved tankless design that is sure to be the highlight of any bathroom.
You may be wondering if the Kohler Veil suffers without a tank, but this is not the case at all.
Water for flushing the toilet is sent to the bowl at an incredibly high pressure which is more than enough to flush the toilet in one flush. The Veil is a dual-flush toilet so it just uses 0.8 or 1 gallon of water per flush.
If you’re after a wall-mounted toilet, then the Kohler Veil has a wall-hung version too. It works in exactly the same way and comes with all the features of the standard Kohler Veil.
However, the Kohler Veil does have its downsides too, and these are the installation and the price.
Considering it comes with so many features it is worth the money, but the price point may not be accessible to everybody. Plus, for all its functions to work you will need an electrical outlet in your bathroom.
Overall, the Kohler Veil is an excellent toilet, and if you can afford it we would highly recommend considering it for your bathroom.
Pros
- Hands-free experience thanks to sensors and bidet.
- Pulsating and oscillating washes.
- Ability to control water temperature and pressure.
- LED lights to guide you to the toilets without turning a light on.
- Wireless remote control.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Difficult to install and requires an electrical outlet.
Also available at: KOHLER
Kohler Santa Rosa
Dimensions of the Kohler 3810-0 Santa Rosa are:
- Depth: 27.75 inches
- Width: 18.75 inches
- Height: 28.18 inches
- Rough-in: 12 inches
- Bowl height: 16.5 inches
The Kohler 3810-0 Santa Rosa is a single flush one-piece elongated and comfort height toilet.
It is the latest version of the Santa Rosa toilet, not to mention the best. It is available in white, black, almond, biscuit, dune, ice gray and sandbar.
One of the first things that will catch your eye about the Kohler Santa Rosa is that it is attractively designed. The one-piece design makes sure there isn’t a gap between the tank and the bowl like other toilets.
This gives the toilet a seamless look, and the lack of nooks and crannies makes cleaning quicker and easier.
The Santa Rosa also uses Kohler’s patented AquaPiston flushing technology that is meant for bulk flushing.
It may only use 12.8 gallons of water per flush, but the flush it produces is powerful enough to move the water with just one flush.
If you want more water with your flush, then we recommend the Kohler 3811-0 Santa Rosa. This model flushes using 1.6 gallons of water per flush.
However, this toilet is unavailable to those that live in California or Texas, as according to state law toilets must use no more than 1.28 gallons per flush.
The Kohler Santa Rosa is a compact elongated toilet, which means it is more comfortable than those with a round bowl. However, round toilets are better for bathrooms where space is limited.
Still, the Santa Rosa is meant to be the best of both worlds. It is 27.75 inches deep, and takes up the same amount of space as a small toilet.
Because it doesn’t use much water, the Kohler 3810-0 Santa Rosa is available all over the US, as it meets the requirements of CalGreen and WaterSense. Thanks to its bowl rim height of 16.5 inches, it is also ADA compliant too.
As it is a one-piece toilet, the Santa Rosa comes in one big box, as opposed to two-piece toilets which come in 2 boxes. However, coming in one big box makes these toilets more prone to damage during shipping.
Unlike other Kohler toilets, the Santa Rosa has a soft close toilet seat. A soft/slow close toilet seat puts an end to slamming the toilet seat!
Overall, we would say that the Kohler Santa Rosa is definitely value for money.
Pros
- Easy to clean thanks to one-piece design.
- Reduced water usage helps you cut down on water bills.
- Soft/slow close toilet seat reduces slam.
Cons
Also available at: build.com
Kohler Highline
The Dimensions of the Kohler K-3493-0 Highline toilet:
- Depth: 30.56 inches.
- Width: 21.25 inches
- Height: 31.25 inches
- Bowl rim height: 17.125 inches
- Rough-in: 12 inches
The Kohler Highline is a single flush two-piece elongated and comfort height toilet.
There are several models available, but we’re going to look at 2 in particular: The Kohler K-3999-0 and the Kohler K-3493-0 Highline. The Kohler K-3999-0 is a gravity flush toilet that is incredibly budget-friendly.
It is a fairly good toilet that consumes only 1.28 gallons per flush. Meanwhile, the Kohler K-3493-0 Highline is a pressure assisted toilet that is a bit pricier and uses more water. This is the toilet we’ll mainly be looking at.
Pressure-assisted toilets are toilets that use compressed air and water to create pressure in the tank for a powerful flush. There is a secondary tank inside the main toilet tank called a pressure vessel.
Kohler K-3493-0 uses Sloan’s Flushmate pressure vessel, and Sloan is widely believed to be the top manufacturer of pressure-assist systems.
When water flows from the supply line to the pressure vessel, it combines with the air already in the vessel compressing it more. The water is then stored in the vessel under pressure.
When you flush, the water is pushed out of the vessel and flows into the bull. The strong force of the water creates a strong flush, and makes sure the toilet won’t clog.
If your current toilet is experiencing issues with clogging, then the Kohler K-3493-0 is a great replacement.
If you’re tall, elderly, or have limited mobility then this toilet would be great for you. The 17.125-inch bowl rim height increases to a seat height of 18.125 inches, which makes sitting down and getting up easier.
However, there is a downside. The Kohler K-3493-0 Highline Classic Pressure Lite doesn’t comply with CalGreen and WaterSense water consumption requirements, as it uses 1.6 gallons of water per flush so will not be able to be purchased by those in California and Texas.
Another downside of the Kohler Highline pressure-assisted toilet is the loud flush, as pressure-assisted toilets tend to have a louder flush than gravity flush toilets.
This toilet also doesn’t have a seat, so one will need to be purchased separately.
However, all those drawbacks aside, the Kohler Highline is still one of Kohler’s best toilets.
For those on a budget we recommend the Kohler K-3999-0 Highline, but if you want a stronger flush then we would recommend the Kohler K-3493-0 Highline.
Pros
- Has a strong Pressure Lite flushing system.
- The seat is the right height and shape for those who are tall, elderly, or have limited mobility.
- Stylish design.
Cons
- The pressure flush can cause splashing.
Kohler Memoirs Classic
Dimensions of the Kohler Memoirs Classic:
- Depth: 29.625inches
- Width: 17.81 inches
- Height: 31.44 inches
- Rough-in: 12 inches
If you’re after a Kohler toilet that is classic and elegant, but bold at the same time, then why not go for the Kohler K-6999-0 Memoirs Classic?
It is a single flush two-piece comfort height elongated toilet that is available in 7 colors, including the classic white and black.
The Kohler Memoirs toilet collection has many models, but we’re going to focus on the K-6999-0 model.
What makes this model stand out is the intricate design and sharp corners, which is a contrast to traditional toilets that have a curved tank or bowl, making the K-6999-0 model very distinct!
Another feature that makes the Kohler Memoir models interesting is its concealed trap-way design. It is not totally skirted unlike other toilets that have a similar design.
The bolts can be accessed from the outside unlike other skirted toilets that usually have their toilet bolts inside the skirt.
Skirted toilets have an undoubtedly appealing look, but they are very difficult to install. The skirt makes it harder for you to access the toilet bolts, for example.
However, Kohler Memoirs seems to have solved this problem by utilizing this design by still having the bolts on the outside which makes installation easier.
Like other modern Kohler toilets, the Memoirs utilizes the AquaPiston flushing technology. It has a rating of 1.28 gallons per flush, and is able to use less water without affecting the power of the flush.
How many gallons it uses per flush also means it’s able to be sold all over the US as it complies with the government’s requirements regarding toilet water usage.
The Kohler Memoirs uses Kohler’s DryLock installation system to mount the tank on the bowl.
In contrast to other toilets, the tank installs on the bowl using 3 bolts that come preinstalled on a bracket under the tank. You just have to mount the tank on the bowl and tighten it to make sure it’s in place.
The distance from the floor to the top of the bowl rim is 16.5 inches, bringing the toilet’s seat height to 17.5 inches.
This makes the Kohler Memoirs a comfort-height toilet, and we’re sure that you’ll find it easier and more comfortable to use than a standard height toilet.
The Kohler Memoirs has a classic design with several corners and few intricacies at the bottom of the tank and on the tank lid. The joint between the bowl and the tank also leaves a crevice.
This means that cleaning the toilet is harder and will take a longer time compared to some other Kohler toilets on this list, as it can easily gather dust.
Another downside to the Kohler Memoirs is that it does not have a seat, so you will have to purchase one separately and this adds to the overall cost.
If you’re a fan of classic designs, then the Kohler K-6999-0 Memoirs Classic is a good choice, and for an even bolder look, we recommend the black toilet.
Pros
- Saves water thanks to the canister flush.
- The gravity flush is quiet yet powerful.
- It has a comfort height and elongated shape.
Cons
- Not as strong as a pressure-assisted flush.
Also available at: KOHLER
Kohler Adair
Dimensions of the Kohler Adair are:
- Depth: 28.56 inches
- Width: 16.31 inches
- Height: 28.44 inches
- Bowl rim height: 16.5 inches
The Kohler Adair is a single flush one-piece elongated and comfort height toilet that is only available in the colors white and biscuit.
It is not as popular as other Kohler toilets as it is a new addition to their repertoire, but it more than holds up to the competition. It has a slim yet curved appealing design which looks really distinct in your bathroom.
The Kohler Adair is a great addition for those with small bathrooms thanks to its compact size. Its one-piece design means it has a smaller depth than other two-piece Kohler toilets.
The difference in depth isn’t too stark, but sometimes it only takes an inch or two for a toilet to fit or not fit in a bathroom.
The Kohler Adair comes with the Kohler Cachet soft close toilet seat, which is one of the best toilet seats you can buy.
As well as being a slow close seat, it also has a quick-release mechanism, meaning that if you want to remove the seat to clean it you can do so easily.
The polished chrome toilet handle is beautifully crafted, and you can either have the flush on the left side or the right side.
The Kohler Adair also makes use of the AquaPiston flushing technology, and consumes just 1.28 gallons of water per flush with a strong flushing power.
Therefore, the Adair is certified by EPA’s (see also ‘What Does It Mean To Be EPA Certified?‘) WaterSense and CalGreen, so no matter where you live in the US you can buy this toilet.
Its bowl height is 16.5 inches and has a seat height of 17.5 inches, which also makes it compliant with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Pros
- Beautifully designed.
- Compact design which makes it great for smaller bathrooms.
- The quick-release mechanism makes cleaning easier.
- Compliant with WaterSense, CalGreen, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Cons
- Might be too small for some bathrooms
- Only available in two colors, which is disappointing when Kohler toilets are usually available in a wide range of colors.
Also available at: KOHLER
Kohler San Souci
Kohler San Souci assembled dimensions are:
- Depth: 25.625 inches
- Width: 16.75 inches
- Height: 24.25 inches
- Bowl height: 15.25 inches
- Rough-in: 12 inches
Kohler K-4007-0 San Souci is another well-designed toilet from Kohler, and is a single flush one-piece round front toilet with a standard height.
Like the Adair toilets, if you have a small bathroom these toilets might be ideal for you as they are rather compact.
It has a total assembled depth of just 25.625 inches, which will help you save on bathroom space.
The Kohler San Souci has a height of 24.25 inches, giving you plenty of room for some storage shelves over the toilet to really utilize your bathroom space and give you extra storage.
Elongated toilets are typically more comfortable than round toilets, however some people would rather have a round toilet because they are more space-saving.
Still, round toilets are usually more comfortable than elongated toilets for young children, so it may be the better choice for a family toilet.
If the aesthetics of your bathroom is very important to you, you’ll love the Kohler San Souci.
The low profile, one-piece design with a curved exterior really makes the toilet stand out and looks great with most bathroom design and decor. Plus, as the toilet has no crevices, cleaning the toilet couldn’t be easier.
The Kohler San Souci doesn’t just look good though. It also has excellent flushing power as it uses AquaPiston flushing technology.
It is water efficient with a consumption rate of 1.28 gallons per flush, so it’s suitable for those who live in California and Texas, as well as the rest of the United States.
However, the Kohler San Souci does not comply with ADA requirements.
Its standard bowl height of 15.25 inches and 16.25 inches of bowl height, means it comes just under the ADA requirement of 17 inches seat height.
Still, although comfort toilets are popular, some might not mind a standard height toilet.
The toilet also comes with a soft close seat, and has a quick-release mechanism. This makes the seat easy to remove and reattach for cleaning.
For an attractive, compact and circular front Kohler toilet then look no further than the Kohler San Souci. It is available in white, black, almond, dune, cashmere, ice gray, biscuit, thunder gray and sandbar.
Pros
- Compact size makes it ideal for small bathrooms.
- The height makes it easier to install storage shelves above it.
- Round toilets are more comfortable for children, so this toilet might be suited to families.
- They meet WaterSense and CalGreen requirements.
Cons
- Does not meet ADA requirements.
Also available at: build.com
Buyer’s Guide
When you’re buying a new toilet there are several things to consider to make sure you buy the toilet that is right for you and your bathroom.
Just because a toilet is good for others doesn’t mean it will be good for you, what may look amazing in someone else’s bathroom won’t necessarily work for you.
So we’ll take a look at some factors that won’t just come in handy when buying a Kohler toilet, but any brand of toilet.
Toilet Dimensions
The dimensions of your toilet are crucial, especially when your bathroom is rather small or you need to factor in other fixtures in your bathroom.
Before you buy a toilet you have to make sure it will fit perfectly in your bathroom, so have a tape and measure to hand!
Of course, we all make mistakes, and this is especially a problem when you buy online and you haven’t seen the toilet in person.
Of course, the site you buy the toilet from gives you the dimensions but beware that these dimensions are usually approximate figures or are shipping dimensions.
To find out the dimensions of a Kohler toilet, look up the model number on the Kohler website. Then click on the specification sheet, as this should bring up the precise dimensions and more important details.
However, one way to ensure you save space in your bathroom is by opting for a round toilet. The depth of a round toilet bowl is shorter than an elongated one by about 2 inches.
However, if space isn’t much of a concern for you, an elongated toilet is more comfortable. The Kohler Santa Rosa is a best of both worlds solution, as it is an elongated toilet but also the size of a round toilet.
One-Piece vs Two-Piece Kohler Toilets
There is some debate around which is better, a one-piece toilet or a two-piece toilet. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Two-piece toilets are usually shipped in separate 2 boxes, to lower the risk of them being damaged, which usually happens when toilets are shipped whole in one box.
However, having your toilet shipped in two boxes can be inconvenient, as they may arrive at different times.
One-piece toilets are usually shipped in one box and as we just mentioned they are more prone to breaking during shipping, mainly because of their unusual shape.
However, one-piece toilets are more compact than two-piece toilets.
One-piece toilets are also quicker to install than two-piece toilets, however you can install two-piece toilets by yourself usually, while installing one-piece toilets is a team effort.
A good tip when installing your toilet is to never discard the box your toilet came in until you’ve taken a good look at it and spotted no cracks.
Keep the box until the toilet is installed and you know it’s working, just in case you have to return the toilet.
Comfort Height vs Standard Height
Comfort height toilets comply with the ADA requirement of toilet seat heights being 17 inches. Comfort height toilet seats are also known as chair toilets, right toilets, or universal height toilets.
Meanwhile, standard height toilets are toilets with a seat height below 17 inches.
Most people tend to prefer comfort height toilets, but a small number do prefer standard height toilets, so there is no right or wrong choice.
Toilet Rough-In
If you have never heard of this term, the rough-in of a toilet is the distance between the toilet’s rear finished wall and the middle of its drainpipe.
You should always measure the distance from the finished wall and not the baseboard.
The standard rough-in of modern toilets is 12 inches. However, it’s not unusual to see toilets with a rough-in of 10 or 14 inches in older bathrooms.
Unfortunately, there are not many toilets with a rough-in of 10 or 14 inches, although you can replace a toilet with a rough-in of 14 inches with that of 12 inches.
However, there will be a gap between the wall and the toilet. If you want to replace a toilet with a rough-in of 10 inches, the specifications will have to be the same.
However, if you do require a toilet with a 10-inch rough-in, the Kohler K-3889-0 Highline is an excellent choice. Not only is it a comfort height toilet, it also has a water consumption of just 1.28 gallons per flush. However, if you’re after a toilet with a rough-in of 14 inches, the Kohler-3947-47 Wellworth might be for you!
Round vs Elongated Kohler Toilets
When buying a toilet, the final factor you need to consider is whether you want a round or elongated toilet, and which type of toilet will be more suitable for your bathroom. There are upsides and downsides to both options.
Firstly, elongated toilets have a bowl shaped like an oval with a length of around 18.5 inches. This makes them more comfortable to use, however they are better suited to larger bathrooms.
Meanwhile, round toilets have a bowl that is almost completely circular and are around 16.5 inches long.
They are not as comfortable as elongated toilets, but if you have a smaller bathroom they are a better fit. They may also be a better choice if you have a family, as research has shown that children find round toilets more comfortable than elongated toilets.
The best of both worlds is a compact elongated toilet, as they are small enough to fit in snug bathrooms, but they have all the comfort of a traditionally sized elongated toilet.
The Kohler Santa Rosa is one of the best compact elongated toilets. But if your bathroom is on the small side, then the Kohler San Souci is the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Kohler Toilets Have A Wax Ring?
The wax ring is a basic toilet seal, forming a seal between the bottom of the toilet and the drainpipe.
While most new toilets have a wax ring, this isn’t the case with all Kohler toilets. Some have a wax ring, while others don’t, and you will need to purchase one separately.
Do Kohler Toilets Have Seats?
Just like some Kohler toilets don’t come with a wax ring, some also don’t come with seats.
Again, it is important to check the listing on the website you’re purchasing the toilet on, as it doesn’t depend on the model you’re buying.
It can be quite misleading however, as even toilets that sell seats separately have promotional photos with the seats attached for the full effect.
The reason Kohler sells toilets without seats on them is because it lets you add non-standard seats onto the toilet if you want, and most of Kohler’s non-standard models that include bidet seats, heated sights, and LED night light seats often do not come with seats.
Can You Get Kohler Toilets In Different Colors?
Most Kohler toilets are available in a range of colors. You’ll mostly find toilets in white, and also off-white colors such as almond, cream, and biscuit, and Kohler is producing more and more toilets in unusual colors like black.
