When investing in a new toilet, Kohler and American Standard are two of the biggest and most reputable brands. But which offers the better toilets overall? This comprehensive comparison of Kohler vs American Standard toilets will dive into the key differences in quality, features, technology, and performance.
Overview of Kohler and American Standard
First, let’s look at quick overviews of these two toilet titans:
Kohler
- Founded: 1873 in Kohler, Wisconsin
- Owned by: Kohler Co.
- Headquarters: Kohler, Wisconsin
- Key innovations: First tank lever, H2Option dual-flush, touchless flushing
- Product lines: Numerous, including Cimarron, Highline, Wellworth, Santa Rosa, Tresham
- Price range: $$-$$$$
- Known for: Elegant designs, wide range of styles, innovative features
American Standard
- Founded: 1875 as Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Co. in Pittsburgh
- Owned by: LIXIL Corporation
- Headquarters: Piscataway, New Jersey
- Key innovations: Champion flushing system, EverClean surface, VorMax flushing
- Product lines: Champion, Cadet, Colony, Mainstream, Town Square
- Price range: $-$$$
- Known for: Reliable performance, affordable prices, PowerWash technology
Now let’s compare the two brands across some key factors:
Toilet Construction Quality
The quality of the materials and construction plays a big role in the durability and longevity of a toilet.
| Kohler | American Standard |
|---|---|
| Vitreous china material is high-gloss and stain-resistant | Uses vitreous china that resists chips, stains, bacteria |
| Seats solidly on the floor with excellent balanced weight | Very sturdy, balanced construction |
| Tanks and bowls are covered by a limited lifetime warranty | 5-10 year limited warranties on tank/bowl |
| High-impact plastic or wood seats with stainless steel hinges | Durable plastic or wood seats |
| Exposed trip levers made of metal | Chrome-plated metal trip levers |
| Available two-piece and one-piece models | Two-piece and one-piece toilets |
Both brands construct their toilets from durable vitreous china and high-quality components. Kohler offers more comprehensive lifetime warranties while American Standard provides solid standard 5-10 year warranties.
Flushing Performance
Flushing power and effectiveness is a top priority for homeowners. Here is how Kohler and American Standard compare:
| Kohler | American Standard |
|---|---|
| Offers single flush 1.6 gpf toilets | Combo of pressurized water and a wide trapway prevents clogs |
| Powerful Class Five flushing technology | Champion 4 flushing system provides clog-free performance |
| Canister flushing design for 360° cleaning | PowerWash rim scrubs bowl with each flush |
| AquaPiston canister allows water to flow 360° for superb siphoning | Jets deliver water powerfully from a 3″ flush valve |
| Most models provide strong bulk waste removal | Combo of pressurized water and wide trapway prevents clogs |
Both brands excel at delivering clog-free flushing power, even for larger waste loads. Kohler uses a unique canister inside the tank while American Standard employs a wide tramway and pressurized jet design. Overall flushing effectiveness is comparable.
Water Efficiency
Water conservation is key for modern toilets. Here’s how Kohler and American Standard toilets measure up:
| Kohler | American Standard |
|---|---|
| Provides both 1.6 gpf and 1.28 gpf high-efficiency models | WaterSense-certified models available |
| Dual-flush toilets allow partial flush up to 1.1 gpf | Dual flush H2Option models offer partial flush up to 1.1 gpf |
| Low-flow models still provide robust siphon action | Champion 4 system maintains power with less water |
| Older 3.5 gpf models still sold in some areas | Older 3.5 gpf models still available in some regions |
| Range of WaterSense certified high-efficiency toilets | Range of WaterSense certified high efficiency toilets |
When it comes to water conservation, the two brands are comparable, both offering high-efficiency 1.28 gpf models alongside older 1.6 gpf options. Overall water savings are excellent with either brand.
Toilet Bowl Features
Toilet bowl shape, design, and size all affect the user experience. Here are key contrasts between Kohler and American Standard:
| Kohler | American Standard |
|---|---|
| Elongated, round front, and compact bowl options | Provides both elongated and round front bowls |
| Trending towards sleeker, more elongated bowls | Traditional round bowl designs remain popular |
| Offers chair height and comfort height options | Comfort height models maximize ease of use |
| Range of standard and larger bowl capacities | Standard 12″ rough-in size |
| Rectangular tanks allow more knee room | Efficient tank shape maximizes knee space |
| Quiet-close seats prevent loud slamming | Slow-close lids available to prevent slamming |
Kohler pulls ahead with more variety in bowl shapes, heights, and capacities to fit any space. Both make use of space-saving tank designs for more comfortable seating.
Available Smart Features
Smart toilets with advanced tech features are becoming more popular. Here are some of the standout options from Kohler and American Standard:
| Kohler | American Standard |
|---|---|
| Touchless and remote operations are available | Offers touch-free flush activation |
| Nightlights and antimicrobial colors | Built-in antimicrobial properties |
| Numi model has Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa | Connects with home automation systems |
| Dynamix self-cleaning wand on some models | EverClean surface resists mold and mildew |
| Kohler Konnect app monitors usage | Not as many smart features yet |
Kohler offers the widest array of smart toilet options like touchless flushing, mood lighting, and app connectivity. American Standard has focused more on internal sanitary improvements over high-tech conveniences so far.
Design Aesthetics
Kohler
The style and look of your new toilet are also important. Here is how Kohler and American Standard toilets compare aesthetically:
| Kohler | American Standard |
|---|---|
| Sleek, modern curved designs | Traditional, conservative straight lines |
| Artistic lines and embellished details | More basic and understated |
| Wide palette of color options | Mostly standard white color models |
| Numerous two-tone color combos | Some two-tone toilet designs available |
| Unique shapes like French curve front | Focus more on function over form |
American Standard Toilets
Kohler offers much more variety and customization when it comes to toilet style and design elements. American Standard takes a more straightforward, traditional approach to their aesthetics.
Pricing Differences
Here is an overview of pricing for each brand:
| Kohler | American Standard |
|---|---|
| $$-$$$$ | $-$$$ |
| Tank toilets $160-$790 | Tank toilets $110-$530 |
| One-piece models $415-$1,075 | One-piece models $300-$1,200 |
| High-end smart toilets over $5,000 | Most models under $600 |
| Higher average pricing overall | Very affordable lower-end options |
American Standard has more budget-friendly toilet options under $200, while Kohler excels at high-end designs priced over $500. Shoppers can find decent mid-range choices with either brand.
Best Selling Models
Here are some of the top-selling models from Kohler and American Standard:
Best Selling Kohler Toilets
- Cimarron: Popular, affordable two-piece toilet with efficient 1.28 gpf flush
- Highline: Classic tall toilet design with comfortable height seating
- Wellworth: Powerful dual-flush performance with WaterSense certification
- Santa Rosa: Compact one-piece with elongated bowl and AquaPiston flush
- Tresham: Unique two-piece with decorative tank and 1.28 gpf flush
Best Selling American Standard Toilets
- Cadet 3: Reliable flushing performance at a great value
- Champion 4: Powerful one-piece clog-free flushing at 1.6 gpf
- Colony: Soft-close seat and PowerWash rim with EverClean surface
- Mainstream: Affordable 1.6 gpf classic toilet with good bowl clearance
- Town Square: Sleek one-piece dual flush design with right height bowl
Both brands offer best-selling models across a range of features and budgets. High-efficiency flushing and comfortable seat heights are popular options.
In-Depth Feature Comparison
To summarize the key differences in toilet features:
| Feature | Kohler | American Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl types | Elongated, round-front, compact | Elongated, round-front |
| Bowl shape | Elongated, French curve, rectangular | Traditional oval |
| Heights | Standard, chair, comfort | Standard, comfort |
| Auto-flush | Motion-activated, touchless available | Touch-free flushing models |
| Water usage | 1.6 gpf, 1.28 gpf, dual-flush | 1.6 gpf, 1.28 gpf, dual-flush |
| Flushing tech | Class Five, AquaPiston canister | Champion 4, PowerWash rim |
| Seats | Quiet-close, quick-release | Slow-close seats |
| Colors | Numerous color options | Mostly white |
| Smart tech | Konnect app, Alexa voice control | Antimicrobial properties |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime on pottery | 5-10 years |
| Price range | $$-$$$$ | $-$$$ |
Kohler offers greater variety in bowl shapes, heights, auto-features, colors, and smart tech overall. American Standard provides reliable quality and performance for excellent value.
Which is Better: Kohler or American Standard?
So which toilet brand comes out on top in this Kohler vs American Standard comparison? Here are some key takeaways:
- Performance – Both brands excel at providing strong, clog-free flushing powered by 1.6 gpf or 1.28 gpf models. For most homeowners, the level of flushing effectiveness is comparable.
- Features – Kohler pulls ahead in terms of offering the widest range of bowl types, heights, dual-flush options, auto-flush availability, colors, and smart technology features.
- Quality – Again, both brands use durable vitreous china in their toilet construction. Kohler offers more comprehensive lifetime warranties. Overall build quality is excellent with both.
- Price – American Standard has more budget-friendly models under $200. Kohler showcases more high-end designer options over $700. Shoppers can find decent mid-range choices from either brand.
- Aesthetics – Kohler offers more variety and customization in terms of colors, artistic designs, and embellished details. American Standard sticks to more understated traditional straight lines.
For shoppers seeking the widest selection of innovative features, standout sleek designs, and custom colors, Kohler is the winner. But for reliable quality and impressive performance at a great value, American Standard gets the job done.Evaluate your priorities to decide if Kohler or American Standard is the right toilet brand for your bathroom and budget.
