Today’s article looks at the best bidets available for $999 or less. We’ll focus mostly on bidets usually priced between $500 to $1000. If you’d like one for less, see the article on bidets under $500.
The absolute best bidets under $1000 include the top-tier TOTO bidets, namely, the S550e and S500e, two options typically found for just under $1000. Less expensive options (~$500-$700) include the Brondell S1400, Omigo Luxury bidet, and TOTO K300.
Each bidet listed is typically found for under $1,000, with the top-tier options being just under (effectively, right at) $1,000.
We’ll start with options in the $500 to $600 range and work our way up to $900-$1000. You’ll be happy to know that a budget of 1K will get you the best money can buy.
Only a few models are found above 1k and usually only when purchased directly from the manufacturer.
So, you have an idea, this table summarizes what’s usually on offer from bidets in the $500 or less price range.
Less than $500 | Between $500 and $1000 | Over $100 |
---|---|---|
Handheld sprayers usually go for $30 to $80. Attachments are usually between $35 and $100 and non-electric seats range from $80 to $120. Entry-level electric bidets start at about $200. E.g., the Brondell S300 has a tank heater and no dryer. Warm air dryers are pretty common after $300, but not universal. IME, hybrid heaters (extended warm water) are increasingly common after $350. |
Premium and luxury class bidet seats. Warm air dryers on pretty much all units. Mostly hybrid and instantaneous heaters (extended and endless warm water, respectively). Advanced features like nightlights, air deodorizers, and nozzles that self-clean with disinfectants (silver, Ewater+, etc.) become increasingly common as price increases. Other advanced features include sittable lids, LCD wireless remotes, and special spray modes. High-end TOTO bidets offer auto open/close seats and lids and other unique features. |
Now, we’re talking toilet-bidet combos (a toilet and bidet in one unit). Not to be confused with toilets sold with bidet seats, TB combos are ultra-modern toilets (usually tankless) that have a built-in bidet. They start at $1200 and can be found as high as $6500. |
Keep in mind, that’s what bidets typically offer at various price points. In writing this article, I poured hours into making sure the below recommendations (even the sub $600 models) resemble the most expensive bidets as much as possible, in terms of the features they offer.
Quick Summary
Feature | Bidets Under $1000 |
---|---|
Endless Warm Water (Tankless Heater) | TOTO bidets: K300, S550e, and S500e Omigo Luxury and Brondell S1400 |
Extended Warm Water (Hybrid Heater) | Bio Bidets: BB A8 and BB-2000 |
Air dryer | All |
Wireless remote | All |
Self-cleaning nozzle(s) | All |
Self-disinfecting nozzle(s) | TOTO bidets (via Ewater+): K300, S550e, and S500e Brondell S1400 (silver oxide nanoparticles) |
Antimicrobial wand(s) | Omigo Luxury |
Highest pressure | BB-2000 (via Enema mode) |
Air deodorizer | All |
Nozzle oscillation | All |
Pulse/massage mode | BB-2000 TOTO bidets: K300, S550e, and S500e |
Sittable lid | Omigo Luxury and Brondell S1400 |
Least bulky | TOTO bidets: K300, S550e, and S500e Each have a 5″ rear height |
Night light | All but TOTO K300 and TOTO S500e |
Warranty | TOTO bidets (K300, S550e, and S500e) have a 1-year warranty All other bidets in the article have a 3-year warranty |
Available for elongated and round toilets | All but the TOTO bidets (K300, S550e, and S500e) |
The Best Bidets Under $600
TOTO K300 Washlet
First up, is the TOTO K300 Washlet (also found here). IMO, it’s the best premium bidet for those with elongated toilets (it’s not available in round).
Honestly, I consider the K300 a luxury bidet, though it’s not advertised as such. It far surpasses other “luxury” bidets on the market and it’s the best bidet for the money. It comes with 90% of the features on offer by the most high-end bidets but at about half the price.
Key Features of the TOTO K300
- A warm air dryer with three variable temperature settings.
- Limitless warm water thanks to the instantaneous water heater.
- Self-disinfecting wand via Ewater+
- Self-cleaning toilet bowl via PREMIST technology.
- Convenient wireless remote.
- Aesthetic, low-profile design.
- Five pressure levels with wide and narrow spray width settings for added control over water pressure.
- Air deodorizer.
As you’d expect from a bidet in our target price range, the K300 has a warm air dryer and a wireless remote, both of which are pretty standard after a few hundred dollars.
Both are convenient and air dryers allow you to reduce and even eliminate toilet paper usage (no need to dab dry). Ditching TP will help the bidet to pay for itself that much sooner.
The K300 is only one of three TOTO bidets that has an instantaneous, tankless water heater, offering unlimited warm water.
Most bidets in this price range have hybrid heaters that run cool after a couple of minutes. Also, instantaneous heaters save a ton in electrical costs.
Like most of the higher-end TOTO bidets, the K300 has a few unique self-cleaning features that you won’t find anywhere else.
- The cleaning wand on the K300 disinfects itself with each use of the bidet using Ewater+. Ewater contains electrolytes that convert to sodium hypochlorite, a common disinfectant used to treat water. Pretty much all bidet nozzles are self-cleaning, but TOTO bidets go a step further with self-sanitizing nozzles.
- The K300 also has a self-cleaning bowl. A sensor detects when you’re about to use the toilet, and pre-mists with Ewater+ which prevents waste (read: poop) from sticking to the inside of the toilet bowl.
This bidet also has an air deodorizer to remove bad odors from the bathroom.
And, of lesser importance, I really like the wireless remote that comes with TOTO bidets. They offer so much control but somehow manage to be sleek and minimalist in appearance. They’re not bulky with big colorful buttons. Bidet remotes are often twice the size while only performing three or four functions.
Having a tankless heater creates a streamlined, minimalist look. So, the bidet itself is slim and aesthetic at only 5” high (~12.7 cm) in the rear, so there’s not a huge slope to it. It’s also plain white with no noticeable decals or labels.
Other Features and Specs
Water Temperature:
- Of course, you get adjustable water temperature. You can choose between the “Off” position and 3 settings that range from 95° F to 104° F.
Water Pressure:
- The water pressure can be adjusted across 5 settings that range from 0.07 to 0.11 gal (or 0.27 – 0.43 L) per minute.
- There’s no spray mode specifically labeled “strong” or “turbo” but the spray width is adjustable. Hence, the max pressure setting plus narrowest spray width will provide the strongest water pressure.
- While there’s no “strong” mode, there is a setting labeled “Rear soft cleansing” meant to cleanse your rear with “soft embracing water flow.” Softer water pressure is less effective at cleaning (in a given wash session), but it’s useful for irritated skin such as with hemorrhoids.
Comfort and Convenience:
- You get 2 user presets (memory settings) to save preferences.
- There doesn’t appear to be an auto “one-push” wash function, but again, there are user presets.
- The bidet has a continuous contour, so it’s a comfortable sit with plenty of upfront room.
- The spray is aerated so it provides a gentle, non-irritating cleanse.
Seat and Lid:
- Heated seat with an adjustable temperature range: “OFF” and from 82° F to 97° F.
- Quick-release docking station for easy bidet attachment and removal.
- Unfortunately, the K300 does not have a sittable lid, so you can’t sit on the toilet when the lid is down.
Cleaning Wand and Spray Capability:
- Single nozzle with front (feminine) and rear (posterior) cleansing.
- You can adjust the wand across 5 different points between the front-most and rear-most setting.
- The nozzle is not stainless steel.
- Oscillating spray pattern: the oscillating feature moves the nozzle back and forth to cover a wider area.
- A pulsating/massage function that rotates the water pressure between soft and strong for a massage-like effect.
- Adjustable spray width settings allow you to switch from a wider/softer spray to one that’s narrower and more concentrated.
Water and Energy Efficiency:
- First and foremost, the TOTO K300 has the most efficient type of water heater, drawing very little power when the bidet isn’t being used.
- The K300 has several energy-saver modes to cut down on power use. Auto energy saver and auto energy saver + memorize when the seat is typically in use and lowers the energy-zapping heated seat to its lowest setting. Another setting lets you choose when the bidet goes into low energy mode. Using all of the settings at once saves the most energy.
- The aerated wash incorporates air into the jet stream saving water.
The Omigo Luxury Bidet Seat
Next up, is the Omigo Luxury bidet (Amazon link). It’s available for round and elongated toilets.
I recently wrote an article where I covered the features of the Omigo SL, the mid-tier electric bidet put out by the brand.
The Omigo Luxury doesn’t cost that much more than the SL, so IME the jump in price is worth it. Sometimes, upgrading to the next best bidet isn’t really worth the extra cost that’s incurred, but in this case, I think it is.
The Luxury option has several important qualities lacking in the SL.
Key Features of the Omigo Luxury Bidet
- Warm air dryer.
- Instantaneous heater for water that won’t run cold.
- Automatic self-cleaning nozzles with on-demand self-sanitizing function via antimicrobial silver solution.
- A handy, wireless remote.
- A built-in LED night light to illuminate the bowl.
- Adjustable water pressure and spray width settings for increased control of water pressure.
- Sturdy, sittable lid.
The Omigo has an internal ceramic, tankless water heater for instant and endless heated water.
The cleaning nozzles self-rinse with each use (automatically), while an on-demand function allows you to douse the nozzles in a silver ion sanitizing solution. Silver has natural antimicrobial properties.
The wireless remote isn’t as sleek as with TOTO bidets, but it’s very intuitive with larger, colorful buttons making the remote more user-friendly for younger kids and older users.
Also, the remote comes with a magnetic wall mount and batteries and has an energy-saving mode to conserve battery life.
The night light is a nice perk. It looks cool and helps with navigating the bathroom at night.
Like with the K300, the Omigo Luxury seat allows for adjusting the spray width. The widest setting will cover a larger area and provide a softer cleansing experience. The narrowest setting hits a smaller area but cleans more effectively.
Finally, the Omigo luxury bidet has a sittable lid, meaning you can sit on the toilet when it’s closed, as you would with a porcelain toilet seat/lid.
Other Features and Specs
Water Temperature:
- The Omigo has 4 temperature settings for each wash mode, including “Off”, Low (90° F), Medium (95° F), and High (100° F).
Water Pressure:
- Three pressure settings (Low, Med, and High) for front and rear, maxing out at 0.13 gal (or ~ 0.5 L) per minute.
- Like with the bidet above, there’s no “turbo” setting, but there are three width settings you can use to adjust from a soft stream to a strong concentrated spray.
Comfort and Convenience:
- Two user presets allow for programmable settings, meaning two people can save their preferences for things like pressure and temperature.
- There’s also an auto or “let’s go!” mode that allows you to hit one button to run a pre-programed wash cycle (rear or front).
- Having a tankless heater, the Omigo doesn’t have an especially bulky rear end and thus allows for plenty of room upfront.
- The aerated water stream incorporates micro-bubbles, for a softer cleanse that’s easier on irritated skin.
- Carbon air deodorizer circulates air from the toilet bowl through a carbon filter to keep the bathroom smelling fresh.
Aesthetics:
- The Omigo luxury bidet is relatively sleek with a rear height of 5.8” (~14.7 cm). So, as for size and shape, it’s fairly low-profile.
- But it does stand out a bit, having a few decals and a big sensor at the rear of the lid.
Seat and Lid:
- Heated seat with adjustable temperature. Settings include, “Off”, Low (89° F), Med (93° F), and High (97° F).
- Gentle and quiet-closing seat and lid to prevent slamming to save wear and tear.
- Quick-release mechanism makes it easy to remove the seat for periodic manual cleaning.
Cleaning Wand and Spray capability:
- Dual nozzles for front and rear cleansing.
- Both nozzles are adjustable to one of seven positions for max coverage.
- Nozzles are made of stainless-steel, so they’re more durable and better at resisting corrosion.
- On-demand nozzle oscillating function for a back-and-forth motion to hit a wider area.
Safety and Sanitation:
- The dual nozzles automatically self-rinse before and after use and allow for on-demand sterilization via a silver ion solution.
- An LED night light illuminates the bathroom without blinding the user.
- The seat has a built-in safety sensor that requires skin contact for the bidet to operate so the bidet is never accidentally turned on. (This function can be toggled off).
Water and Energy Efficiency:
- The water heater is among the most energy-efficient.
- As you’d expect, the Omigo has an Eco Mode to help reduce energy consumption when the bidet isn’t in use.
- The aerated water cuts down on water consumption.
Bio Bidet A8 Serenity
Another option in the sub $600 category is the Bio Bidet A8 Serenity (link to Bidet King). Also available on Amazon. This one is available for elongated and round toilets.
I consider this bidet a mid-tier premium option because it has a few high-end features and a luxury aesthetic (slim, solid color, low-profile), but still lacks in a few areas making it more affordable.
Key Features of the Bio Bidet A8 Serenity
- Warm air dryer.
- Extended warm water via hybrid water heater.
- Handheld remote.
- Soothing blue night light.
- Low-profile exterior (in some ways).
- Child mode.
- Powerful air deodorizer with catalytic filter.
This bidet offers limitless heated water via a hybrid water heater. Hybrid heaters still use a heated reservoir (I.e., a tank of water kept warm), but integrate instantaneous heating technology along with the tank heater.
Some hybrid heaters are advertised as providing “endless” warm water, but in my experience, the water temp usually drops to the low 90’s Fahrenheit after about 40 seconds. So, the water never runs cold but isn’t at max temperature indefinitely.
The warm water reservoir has a tank size of 740 mL. So, at the rate of output (0.7 L/min), the warmest water would last about 40sec to 1 minute, depending on water pressur used.
I really like the design of the wireless remote. Being dual-sided (controls on both sides), it provides all the controls offered by the average remote but at half the size. You can adjust everything from the water temp and pressure to the glow of the night light and how loud the control chimes.
As you probably guessed, the child wash mode makes the bidet kid-friendly. When activated, it adjusts functions like seat temperature, water pressure, and nozzle position to be suitable and safe for kids.
For example, the nozzle extends further in to adjust for shorter height. It also has a pre-set duration for the wash and dry cycle so the kid doesn’t have to choose the correct settings.
Other Features and Specs
Water Temperature:
- The adjustable water temp has 4 settings (“Off”, low, medium, high) that range from room temperature to 102° F.
Water Pressure:
- The adjustable pressure has 5 settings offering a maximum of 0.18 gal (or ~0.7 L) of water flow per minute.
- Unfortunately, there is no “turbo” or “strong” wash setting.
Comfort and Convenience:
- The auto function provides a basic cycle of 2 minutes of wash (combined rear cleanse, oscillation, and massage) and 3 minutes of dry time.
- Dual-user presets: two users can save personal settings for a personalized one-push auto function.
- This bidet is rather high in the back, but the slope isn’t exaggerated, so the comfort of the sitting experience isn’t compromised.
- Gentle, aerated wash is easy on the skin making it good for issues like hemorrhoids.
Aesthetics:
- Size-wise, the bidet is kinda bulky in the back with a rear height of 6.8” (~17.3 cm).
- As for shape, it has a relatively continuous slope despite the bulky backend. Along with the solid color design and minimal decals, the unibody lid design gives the bidet a contemporary, polished look. There’s one small decal at the top rear of the lid.
- Another cool feature that helps the looks of the bidet is the hideaway power cord. The cord is centered at the back of the bidet allowing you to swing it to either side and built-in clips keep the cord flush against the rear of the unit helping keep the cord out of site. The feature also makes installation more convenient because the cord can be directed to either side of the bidet.
Seat and Lid
- Heated seat with 4 temperature settings (“Off”, low, medium, and high).
- Slow, gentle-closing seat and lid.
- Quick-release side button for easy bidet removal (for cleaning, etc.).
- No sittable lid.
Cleaning Wand and Spray Capability:
- The A8 has a 2-in-1 nozzle for front and rear wash.
- The nozzle is durable stainless steel (no plastic) and positionable to 5 different settings.
- Oscillating/wide spray pattern to widen the cleansing area.
- There is a “massage” mode but it doesn’t mention anything about pulsation. Pulsing nozzles rotate high and low water pressure, and the function is usually synonymous with massage. In this case, the massage mode seems to be a rhythmical wash via the oscillating function.
Safety and Sanitation:
- The nozzle is on-demand self-cleaning, meaning it doesn’t self-rinse on its own with each use. You activate the self-cleaning function via the remote.
- The soothing blue night light is handy for navigating the bathroom at night without having to toggle the bathroom switch on.
- There’s also an intelligent body sensor that knows when someone is using the bidet, so functions aren’t left on by accident.
Energy and Water Efficiency:
- Energy-saver mode for energy savings.
- The water stream is aerated by default (all spray modes) which cuts down on water use.
- Having a hybrid water heater, the A8 uses less energy compared to entry-level bidets with tank heaters, but it’s not as efficient as bidets with tankless water heaters.
The Best Bidets Under $700
Brondell SWASH 1400
For a bit more than the aforementioned options, you can get one of the all-time best bidets on the market: the Brondell SWASH 1400 (also available here). It’s available for elongated and round toilets.
It’s the best bidets you’ll find for the price, and most consider it second only to the TOTO S500e and S550e.
Key Features of the Brondell SWASH 1400
- Warm air dryer.
- Endless warm water via ceramic core heater.
- On-demand self-sanitizing nozzle.
- Wireless, handheld remote.
- Illuminating nightlight.
- Sturdy, sittable lid.
- Spray width settings.
- Air deodorizer.
First, is the warm air dryer, a feature offered by only a few Brondell bidets—for example, the S1200 doesn’t have an air dryer.
As for what makes the S1400 competitive against bidets of other brands, it offers limitless warm water via a ceramic core heater and silver nanotechnology used for nozzle sterilization.
The dual nozzles self-sanitize on-demand using patented Silvernado technology, a solution containing silver, a natural antibacterial agent.
The easy-to-use wireless remote control comes with a mounting bracket and magnetic dock and has an Eco mode to help preserve batteries.
The S1400 also offers three different width settings allowing you to widen or narrow the spray for added control over the spray pressure.
Finally, the S1400 is one of only two bidets in the lineup that has a sittable lid (the other being the Omigo Luxury bidet).
Other Features and Specs
Water Temperature:
- Four temperature settings for both front and rear: “Off” (cold tap), Low (90° F), Medium (95° F), and High (100° F).
Water Pressure:
- Adjustable water pressure w/3 strength levels, the highest maxing out at 0.13 gal (or ~0.5 L) per minute.
- On top of the adjustable water pressure, the spray width can be narrowed or widened to increase or decrease the water pressure.
Comfort and Convenience:
- The one-touch auto mode activates a preset wash and dry cycle (for front and rear).
- There are two user presets to personalize settings for things like water pressure, temperature, and even the spray width.
- The SWASH 1400 is one of the least bulky bidets in the lineup which makes for a comfortable sitting experience and plenty of room in the front.
Aesthetics:
- Brondell bidets always have a few decals and branded colors and the S1400 is no exception.
- But as for shape and size, it’s relatively sleek with only a 5.7” (~14.5 cm) rear height.
Seat and Lid:
- Heated seat with four settings for temperature (Off/Low/Med/High).
- Slam-free, gentle closing seat and lid.
- Quick-release seat for easy removal and cleaning.
Cleaning Wand and Spray Capability:
- Durable, dual stainless-steel nozzles for front and rear cleansing.
- Oscillating spray pattern for wider coverage and a more thorough wash.
- While there are spray width settings, there is no pulse/massage mode.
- The cleaning wands can be adjusted to 7 different positions for precise aiming.
Safety and Sanitation:
- On top of the on-demand sterilization, both nozzles are automatic self-cleaning, so they self-rinse automatically with each use.
- Deodorizer with replaceable activated charcoal filters. A small fan removes stinky air from the toilet bowl, passing it through a carbon filter to break down odorous molecules.
Energy and Water Efficiency:
- The SWASH 1400 bidet seat has the most efficient type of water heater, so it’s one of the most efficient bidets in the lineup.
- Energy-saver mode automatically reduces the temperature of the seat 10 minutes after the bidet was last used.
- Aerated wash with micro air bubbles, reduces water consumption.
The Bio Bidet BB-2000
The list wouldn’t be complete without the Bio Bidet BB-2000 (also available here). It’s available for elongated and round toilets.
Feature-wise, it’s far from the best bidet on the list, but it’s an all-time favorite in the bidet community (yes, there is one), so there must be a good reason for it.
Key Features of the BB-2000
- Warm air dryer.
- Extended warm water via hybrid water heater.
- Handheld remote.
- Night light.
- Strong water pressure via enema mode.
- Powerful air deodorizer.
Like the A8, the BB-2000 has a hybrid water heater advertised to provide “limitless” warm water. On the high setting, water runs at maximum temperature for about 40 seconds and then drops to the low 90’s F.
While the BB-1000 came with a bulky remote with tons of colorful labels, the BB-2000 comes with a stylish wireless remote with LCD display.
The bidet also comes with an enema function, that provides an extra-strong and narrow stream of water for constipation relief.
While not a true enema (a medical procedure), the jet stream is quite effective in both stimulating bowel movements and penetrating the sphincters (the latter introduces water into the rectum), both of which help get things moving when you’re backed up.
The enema mode is designed for constipation relief but doubles as an extra-strong turbo mode providing strong water pressure for those who just prefer a harder spray.
Other Features and Specs
Water Temperature:
- The water temperature is adjustable across four settings (“Off”, Low, Normal, and High), ranging from 37.4° F to the highest of 104° F.
Water Pressure:
- Adjustable pressure across 5 settings, with a max of 0.185 gal (or ~0.7 L) per minute.
- The max output of 0.7L/min isn’t quite on par with the 1.2L/min provided by the BB-1000. But, it’s still comparable in strength, the BB-2000 is just a bit more water efficient.
Comfort and Convenience:
- No user presets, but there’s an auto function with a 30sec wash + 1min dry.
- The bidet isn’t overly sloped or large in the back, so it’s a comfortable sit.
- Air deodorizer to keep the bathroom smelling fresh.
Aesthetics:
- Again, it’s not overly bulky at only 6” (~15.2 cm) high in the rear, so that’s good. But I’m not a huge fan of the big silver hinge at the back of the seat.
Seat and Lid:
- Adjustable heated seat with 4 temperature settings.
- It’s not advertised in the product specs, but the BB-2000 does have a gentle closing seat and lid.
- Quick-release mechanism for easy installation and removal.
Cleaning Wand and Spray Capability:
- Single, stainless-steel, 3-in-1 nozzle cleans the front and rear. The third nozzle hole is for the enema function.
- The positionable wand can be adjusted across 5 positions between front and rear cleansing.
- Oscillating spray pattern via the “MOVE” button provides a more effective cleaning session and greater coverage.
- The BB-2000 does have a massage/pulse mode that rotates strong and soft water pressure.
Safety and Sanitation:
- The self-cleaning nozzle is automatic (triggered before and after each session) and can be operated on demand.
- Night light for safe night time navigation.
Water and Energy Efficiency:
- The hybrid water heater will use much less electricity over time compared to tank-type heaters.
- The energy-saver mode keeps a water and seat temperature of 89.6° F.
- The water stream isn’t aerated.
The Best Luxury Bidets At or Under $1000
The TOTO s550e Washlet
If you’re looking for the absolute best money can buy, the general consensus is that you can’t do better than the TOTO S550e (also available here). Unfortunately, it’s only available for elongated toilets.
If you look at the table above, you’ll see it pretty much ticks every box. About the only thing missing is a sittable lid.
The S500e is a close second, but it’s not much cheaper, so I recommend the S550e. If you’re going to go, go big.
I will be listing the S500e as an option (the next bidet), just in case the S550e happens to be out of stock or something.
The S550e beats every other bidet in this article by a mile. In doing so, it comes at a cost as it usually can’t be found for much less than $1000, and that’s only at certain retailers. When purchased from the manufacturer, it’s closer to $2000.
Key Features of the TOTO S550e
- Warm air dryer.
- Limitless warm water via instantaneous heater.
- Stylish and convenient handheld remote.
- Self-cleaning and self-sanitizing nozzles via Ewater+.
- The TOTO S500e cleans the toilet bowl before and after each use.
- Air deodorizer.
- Adjustable water pressure with a wide spray option for frontal cleansing.
- Automatic (hands-free) open and close seat and lid for convenience and hygiene.
- Aesthetic, low-profile design.
- Auto flush compatibility with certain toilets.
- One of the only TOTOs to offer an illuminating nightlight.
As you’d imagine for a bidet of this kind, the TOTO S550e has an instantaneous water heater that provides endless warm water while saving on energy.
The bidet and remote control have an ultra-aesthetic, minimalistic look despite having 10x the functionality of other bidets with wireless remotes.
The slim, illuminated remote control comes with a magnetic wall mount. The controls are easy to read as the remote only has one vertical row of buttons.
One feature exclusive to the bidet (not offered by the S500e) is the automatic open/close seat and lid function. The auto flush is nice too if you have a compatible toilet.
When it comes to water pressure, it’s no BB-1000, but it’s among the stronger electric bidets out there when the highest-pressure setting is used with the narrowest spray setting.
The S550e is the only TOTO bidet to have a nightlight for some reason. Nightlights are fairly common and some non-electric bidets have them (using batteries). But for whatever reason, TOTO only offers this feature with their best bidet.
The S550e is one of a handful of bidets to have a self-sanitizing nozzle. Like the K300, the nozzles are cleaned before and after each use with an electrolyte solution that forms sodium hypochlorite, a naturally antimicrobial substance.
Like most TOTO bidets, S550e uses PREMIST technology to automatically spray the toilet bowl upon sitting down, keeping anything from sticking to the bowl saving you the hassle of manual toilet cleaning.
But, unlike the K300, the S550e will also spritz the bowl after each use instead of just pre-misting it.
Other Features and Specs
Water Temperature:
- Adjustable water temperature with 4 settings: the “Off” position (cold tap) and 3 levels ranging from 86° F to the highest of 104° F.
Water Pressure:
- Adjustable pressure w/5 settings that range from 0.08 to 0.11 gal (or 0.32 – 0.43 L) per minute.
- The S500e and S550e offer good pressure, but they don’t have a spray mode labeled “strong” or “turbo”.
Comfort and Convenience:
- There are 2 user presets for personal memory settings. Several features have an auto function, but there’s no generic one-push wash cycle.
- I’ve used the S550e and it is a very comfortable sit. It’s the least bulky bidet I’ve used and thus one of the most comfortable. Being non-bulky with very little sloping, there’s no getting forced to the front of the toilet seat. It’s the absence of the heating tank that creates the continuous contour.
- The self-cleaning toilet bowl (via PREMIST technology) means less manual toilet cleaning. Again, the S550e and S500e mist the bowl both before and after each use while the K300, C2, and C5 only spritz the bowl before.
- The built-in air deodorizer keeps the bathroom smelling fresh.
Aesthetics:
- The bidet is only 5” (~12.7 cm) high in the rear giving it a low-profile shape.
- Solid color, no visible decals or labels.
- With the sleek design and solid white paint job, it’s about as close as you’ll get to a bidet that doesn’t look like a bidet.
Seat and Lid:
- Adjustable seat temperature: “OFF”, and settings that range from 82° F to 97° F.
- Quick-release mechanism for easy bidet removal and cleaning.
- No sittable lid, unfortunately. TOTO doesn’t do that for some reason.
Cleaning Wand and Spray Capability:
- Single nozzle with rear (posterior) and front feminine spraying capability.
- The cleaning wand allows adjustment across 5 positions including the front-most and rear-most position.
- The special wide front mode offers greater coverage when using the soft, female cleansing function. This wash mode is not offered by the K300.
- There’s a rear soft cleansing mode for soothing irritated skin (hemorrhoids, etc.).
- Oscillating spray pattern to hit a wider area. When something oscillates, it moves back and forth. Hence, when oscillating, the nozzle hits a wider area.
- Massage/pulse capability: the “pulsating cleansing” mode cleanses with water pressure pulsating between strong and soft.
Safety and Sanitation:
- The automatic self-cleaning wand reduces the risk of infection in a couple of ways. For one, Ewater+ prevents waste from sticking to the wands—waste that would otherwise cause bacterial contamination. For another, the Ewater+ makes sodium hypochlorite which is a natural antimicrobial chemical used in water treatment.
- LED light for night time navigation.
Water and Energy Efficiency:
- There’s no aerated wash for water efficiency, but the S550e really shines in how energy-efficient it is. With an instantaneous water heater, it’s among the most eco-friendly bidets on the market, far outperforming lesser TOTO Washlets like the A100, C2, and C5
- Like the K300, the S550e has several energy-saver modes to choose from that further improve its energy efficiency. The Timer Energy Saver lets you choose when you want the bidet to go into low-power mode while the Auto Energy Saver setting memorizes when the bidet is least likely to be in use and lowers the seat temperature. The Auto Energy Saver + mode lowers the seat and water heater temp.
The TOTO s500e Washlet
The other top-tier bidet on the market is the TOTO S500e (also available here). Like the S550e, it’s not available for round toilets.
It has all but two of the S550e features mentioned above. It’s two of the more trivial features that are lacking, but that’s my opinion.
One difference is that it doesn’t have a nightlight. Nightlights are great. They look cool and keep you from having to blind yourself at night. If you’re one who has to make several trips a night, this may be a bigger perk. But overall, it’s a pretty small difference.
Another difference is that it doesn’t have an automatic open/close lid. It’s a nice feature, but hardly exotic, given that you can find auto-open/close toilets at Walmart.
Should you get the S550e or S500e?
The two bidets are usually about the same price, or not that far apart, so I always recommend the S550e. If the difference in cost is significant (prices are subject to change) or the S550e isn’t available, the S500e is the way to go. Otherwise, you should go with the S550e, as it is the better of the two.
You can’t go wrong either way.