Life-changing moments often divide our existence into "before" and "after." For me, discovering the bidet is one of those monumental shifts. Since integrating a bidet seat into my home, I can't imagine life without it, and I genuinely miss its presence during travels or any time I'm away from my personal sanctuary. It's reached the point where installing one in the guest bathroom at my in-laws' became a necessity, signaling a profound personal evolution.
While bidets have a long history, originating in 18th-century France and gaining popularity in Japan decades ago, they're still relatively new to many Americans. However, their appeal is growing rapidly stateside as more people realize that traditional toilet paper methods are, frankly, not the cleanest. A bidet's pressurized water offers a far superior experience compared to simply wiping with paper.
I had the distinct pleasure of testing the latest bidet innovations, from simple seat add-ons to high-tech, all-in-one toilet systems. Whether you call it a modern marvel or "buttmaxxing," I'm all in, especially when features like heated seats and oscillating sprays are involved. This deep dive into bidet technology aims to help you find the perfect fit for your bathroom.
Among the top contenders, the Brondell Swash 1400 stands out for its blend of functionality, simplicity, and effectiveness, making it an ideal choice for bidet newcomers at an attractive price. It boasts a heated seat, adjustable nozzle, consistent water flow, and a deodorizer, all controlled by an intuitive remote. Its drying feature is prompt and efficient, and the ability to program two user profiles adds a nice touch of personalization. It performed so well that it became my personal choice after testing.
For those seeking the pinnacle of bidet technology, Toto's S7A flagship model is exceptional. It cleverly integrates into a standard toilet seat, complete with automatic lid lifting and a subtle night-light. The controls are user-friendly, offering adjustable spray position, intensity, and oscillation, with a sleek remote that can store settings for up to four users. Toto's innovative Ewater+ system for self-cleaning the bowl is a game-changer, potentially reducing the need for frequent scrubbing. While the drying fan might be slightly less powerful than on previous models, the S7A remains a top-tier, reliable investment.
If sheer water pressure is your priority, the Bio Bidet BB-2000 is unparalleled. Its patented vortex wash technology delivers a powerful, targeted hydro-flush. Beyond its intense cleaning capabilities, it offers all the luxury features expected from high-end models, including a heated seat, dryer, adjustable nozzle, night-light, and deodorizer. While it has a slight learning curve, it's the ultimate choice for those who demand thoroughness and intensity.
For a truly integrated and luxurious experience, the Toto Aurora Washlet+ S7A with Integravity System redefines the toilet. This sleek, quiet, and technologically advanced unit seamlessly combines with the S7A bidet for touchless operation of seat lifting, lowering, and flushing. The nozzle, heated seat, air-dry, and oscillation features are outstanding, and the Integravity System ensures the bowl remains sparkling clean with every flush, using less water than standard toilets. Despite potential installation complexities and a high price point, it offers an unparalleled bathroom experience.
The Kohler Veil One-Piece and PureWash E930 Set offers a discreet bidet solution. It cleverly conceals cords and hoses for a clean look and features UV sanitization for the wand. The ultra-slim design includes a night-light and intuitive controls, with the added convenience of an auto-opening seat cover and seat, a feature highly valued for hygiene. An accompanying app provides quick access to user profiles.
For value, the Kohler PureWash E820 offers many premium features at a lower price point than top-tier Toto models. It includes backup buttons on the seat, UV sanitization, and effective spray and dryer functions. Installation is straightforward, and the minimalist design blends well with any bathroom decor. While the controls could be more intuitive and the hose/plug placement slightly awkward, it's a strong contender for its blend of features and cost.
Finally, for those with tight spaces, the THU9090R Toilet Extension Hose is a must-have accessory, particularly when installing an elongated bidet seat in older homes. It simplifies the connection process by providing crucial extra space for maneuvering the water supply splitter.
