The 5 Best One-Piece Toilets of 2025: A Guide to Sleek Designs and Easy Cleaning
The toilet may be a humble fixture, but when it comes to a bathroom renovation or upgrade, it’s a cornerstone of both function and style. For homeowners seeking a modern, hygienic, and visually stunning option, the one-piece toilet has become the new standard. By integrating the tank and bowl into a single, seamless unit, these toilets eliminate the grimy, hard-to-reach gap found on traditional two-piece models, transforming the dreaded task of cleaning. This guide will take you through the best one-piece toilets on the market, helping you select a model that combines powerful performance with effortless maintenance and sophisticated design.
Why Trust Our Recommendations?
- Plumber & Designer Consultations: We’ve combined the practical wisdom of certified plumbers with the aesthetic insights of interior designers to evaluate these toilets on both performance and style.
- Hands-On Renovation Experience: Our team has specified, purchased, and installed one-piece toilets in real-world home renovations. We know the challenges of installation and the long-term benefits of a good choice.
- Technical Specification Analysis: We go beyond looks, dissecting MAP flush scores, flushing technologies (canister vs. flapper), and materials to understand how a toilet will actually perform in your home.
- Thousands of Homeowner Reviews Analyzed: We’ve synthesized feedback from thousands of verified purchasers to identify the models that consistently deliver on their promises of easy cleaning, powerful flushing, and long-term satisfaction.
The Ultimate One-Piece Toilet Buyer’s Guide
A one-piece toilet is an investment in your home’s value and your own daily comfort. Before you choose, it’s essential to understand the key features that separate a good toilet from a great one.
1. Design: The Power of the Skirt
The primary appeal of a one-piece toilet is its seamless design. But for the ultimate in easy cleaning, look for a model with a fully skirted trapway.
- Exposed Trapway: This is the traditional look, with the S-shaped pipe visible on the side. It’s the hardest to clean.
- Concealed Trapway: A step up, this design smooths out some of the curves but still has ridges and indentations.
- Skirted Trapway: This is the gold standard. The base of the toilet is a smooth, solid column from the tank to the floor, leaving no place for dust, grime, or germs to hide. A simple wipe-down is all it takes to clean the entire exterior.
2. Flushing Performance: The Engine of the Toilet
A beautiful toilet that can’t flush properly is useless. Look for a high MAP Score (Maximum Performance), an independent test that measures how much waste a toilet can remove in a single flush. A score of 800-1,000 grams is excellent. Also, consider the flushing technology. Many high-end one-piece toilets use a canister flush valve instead of a traditional flapper, allowing water to rush into the bowl faster and from all sides for a more powerful, comprehensive flush.
3. Dimensions, Rough-In, and Comfort
This is where you need to get out the tape measure.
- Rough-In: This is the distance from the finished wall to the center of the drainpipe (the closet flange bolts). The U.S. standard is 12 inches. Measure yours before you buy!
- Bowl Shape: Elongated bowls are generally considered more comfortable for adults, while round bowls save space in smaller bathrooms.
- Height: Look for “Comfort Height,” “Chair Height,” or “ADA Compliant” models. At 17-19 inches high, they are easier to sit on and stand up from than standard 15-inch toilets.
4. Water Efficiency: Saving Money and the Planet
Every new toilet sold in the U.S. must be WaterSense certified, using 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF) or less. The current standard for high-efficiency toilets (HET) is 1.28 GPF. For even more control, consider a dual-flush model, which offers a full flush for solids and a reduced flush (often 0.8-1.1 GPF) for liquids, saving a significant amount of water over the toilet’s lifetime.
The 5 Best One-Piece Toilets of 2025
The Kohler Santa Rosa is arguably the most popular and well-regarded one-piece toilet in the United States. It strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated design, powerful performance, and reasonable price. Its compact elongated bowl offers the comfort of a larger toilet while fitting into the space of a round-front model. The heart of the Santa Rosa is Kohler’s AquaPiston canister flush technology, which delivers a fast, powerful, and virtually plug-free flush every time. The seamless design is inherently easy to clean, and its versatile aesthetic fits beautifully in bathrooms from traditional to contemporary.
Expert Insight: For most homeowners, the Santa Rosa is the perfect choice. It’s a no-compromise toilet from a top-tier brand like Kohler. It brings the high-end feel of a one-piece toilet without the astronomical price tag of some luxury models. It’s a true modern classic.
Pros
- Powerful and reliable AquaPiston flush
- Comfort Height for ease of use
- Space-saving compact elongated bowl
- Includes a soft-close seat
- Excellent brand reputation and support
Cons
- Trapway is concealed, not fully skirted
- Installation can be tricky due to weight
American Standard is known for delivering incredible performance and value, and the one-piece version of their legendary Cadet 3 is no exception. It combines the clean, integrated design of a one-piece with the powerful flushing system that has made the Cadet line a favorite among plumbers. The Cadet 3 features a large 3-inch flush valve for a powerful flush and a PowerWash rim that scrubs the bowl with every use. Crucially, it also includes American Standard’s EverClean surface, a permanent glaze that helps inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, making cleaning even easier.
Expert Insight: If you want the hygienic benefits and sleek look of a one-piece toilet without the premium price, this is your best bet. You get a reliable, powerful toilet with advanced cleaning features from a trusted brand at a price that’s hard to beat.
Pros
- Excellent value for a one-piece design
- Proven, reliable flushing system
- EverClean surface stays cleaner, longer
- WaterSense certified (1.28 GPF)
- Right Height (comfort height) design
Cons
- Design is more functional than high-style
- Does not have a fully skirted base
TOTO is a titan of the toilet industry, renowned for its incredible engineering and performance. The Ultramax II is a testament to that legacy. It features TOTO’s Tornado Flush system, which uses two powerful nozzles to create a centrifugal, cyclonic rinsing action that cleans the entire bowl more effectively and quietly than traditional rim holes. It also comes with TOTO’s CEFIONTECT glaze, an ultra-smooth ceramic surface that prevents waste from sticking. This combination results in a toilet that is incredibly powerful, quiet, and exceptionally clean.
Expert Insight: The Ultramax II is an investment in performance. For those who want the best flush in the business and are willing to pay for superior engineering, there is no better choice. It’s the toilet for people who never, ever want to deal with a clog.
Pros
- Incredibly powerful and quiet Tornado Flush
- CEFIONTECT glaze for ultimate cleanliness
- Universal Height for comfort
- Includes a SoftClose seat
- Sleek, high-end one-piece design
Cons
- Premium price point
- Base is not fully skirted
For the design-conscious homeowner, the Swiss Madison St. Tropez is a showstopper. Its defining feature is a fully skirted trapway, creating a smooth, seamless base that is incredibly easy to clean. There are no curves, nooks, or crannies for dust and grime to collect. The design is minimalist and modern, perfect for contemporary bathrooms. It’s not just about looks, either; it features a powerful dual-flush system (0.8 / 1.28 GPF) that saves a tremendous amount of water and a high-quality, soft-closing seat is included. The top-mounted flush buttons add to its sleek, high-end appeal.
Expert Insight: This toilet is the answer for anyone who despises cleaning the outside of a toilet. The fully skirted design is a game-changer for maintenance. It delivers a high-end, European design aesthetic at a very competitive price point.
Pros
- Stunning, fully skirted modern design
- Extremely easy to clean exterior
- Water-saving dual-flush system
- Includes a high-quality soft-close seat
- Great value for a skirted design
Cons
- Installation can be more difficult due to the skirted base
- Accessing plumbing for future repairs is tighter
The WoodBridge T-0001 has become an online sensation by offering a luxurious, all-inclusive package at an incredible price. Like the Swiss Madison, it features a sleek, fully skirted design that is exceptionally easy to clean. It boasts a powerful and quiet siphon flushing system that consistently earns high marks for performance. But what sets the WoodBridge apart is the value: it comes with everything you need for installation, including a pre-installed soft-closing toilet seat, a high-quality wax ring, and floor bolts. This attention to detail makes it a favorite among DIYers.
Expert Insight: WoodBridge has cracked the code on delivering a high-end experience without the high-end price. For homeowners who want a fully skirted, modern toilet and appreciate an all-in-one package that simplifies installation, the T-0001 is an unbeatable deal.
Pros
- Luxurious, fully skirted design
- Powerful and quiet flushing performance
- Comes with seat, wax ring, and bolts included
- Exceptional value for the features
- Comfort Height seating
Cons
- Like all skirted toilets, installation is more involved
- Lesser-known brand than Kohler or TOTO
Pro Tip: Bidet Compatibility
All of the one-piece toilets on our list are compatible with most modern bidet seats and attachments. Upgrading to a bidet is easier than ever and can further enhance the hygiene and luxury of your new toilet. For an easy-to-install option, consider a handheld bidet sprayer, which can be added in minutes.
What to Know Before Installing a One-Piece Toilet
One-piece toilets offer a superior user experience, but installation requires a bit more planning than their two-piece counterparts.
1. They Are HEAVY: This is the most important thing to know. A one-piece toilet can weigh 90-120 pounds. This is not a one-person job. Always have a helper to lift and place the toilet to avoid injury to yourself or damage to the toilet or your floor.
2. Prepare Your Supplies: While some models like the WoodBridge are all-inclusive, most do not come with a wax ring or new floor bolts. Always buy a new wax ring for any toilet installation. It’s also a good idea to buy a new, flexible water supply line.
3. The Skirted Challenge: Installing a skirted toilet is trickier because you cannot see the floor bolts to align them. Many plumbers use templates or special installation kits. Read the instructions carefully and consider watching a few online tutorials before you begin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are one-piece toilets harder or more expensive to repair?
This is a common myth. While the tank and bowl are integrated, the internal flushing components (the fill valve and flush valve) are almost always standard, replaceable parts from brands like Fluidmaster or Korky. Repairing the “guts” of a one-piece toilet is no more difficult or expensive than repairing a two-piece model.
What is a “skirted trapway” and is it worth it?
A skirted trapway (or skirted base) means the sides of the toilet are smooth, flat surfaces, hiding the S-shaped pipe (the trapway). It is 100% worth it if easy cleaning is a top priority for you. It eliminates the most difficult-to-clean part of a toilet, turning a lengthy chore with a brush into a quick wipe-down with a cloth.
How can I keep my new toilet smelling fresh?
The smooth, non-porous surfaces of these modern toilets are already a great start. Regular cleaning is key. Additionally, using one of the best toilet odor eliminators can help keep your bathroom smelling fresh between cleanings. And always remember the basics of good plumbing health by avoiding flushing anything that shouldn’t be flushed. See our guide on what not to flush to protect your pipes.
Conclusion: A Worthy Upgrade for Any Modern Bathroom
Upgrading to a one-piece toilet is more than just a style choice; it’s an investment in cleanliness, performance, and daily convenience. Their seamless design not only elevates the look of your bathroom but fundamentally makes it a more hygienic and easier-to-maintain space. Whether you opt for the perfectly balanced performance of the Kohler Santa Rosa or the stunning, easy-to-clean design of the Swiss Madison St. Tropez, you’re choosing a fixture that you’ll appreciate every single day.
By considering your needs for design, performance, and budget, you can confidently select the perfect model from this list to serve as the new centerpiece of your bathroom—a symbol of modern efficiency and sophisticated style.