6 Best Kohler Toilets Reviewed (Classic & Smart Models)

1. KOHLER 3810-0 Santa Rosa

If you are looking for comfort and space saving design, look no further than the Kohler Santa Rosa toilet. This one-piece toilet with small elongated bowl gives you the best of both worlds for smaller bathrooms.

Using the AquaPiston flushing technology the Santa Rosa only uses 1.28 GPF saving you water and money. The single piece design is also easy to maintain and keep clean, and because it is a single unit, there aren’t bolt holes or rubber grommets to wear down and start leaking.

When it comes to Kohler one-piece toilets, you have a choice. Kohler currently offers 25 different styles, including the Archer, Katherine, and Memoirs lines. Each one will provide you with a distinctive look and expert flushing technology. However, the fresh look of the Santa Rosa is sure to catch your eye and your budget.

With seven finishes to choose from, there is sure to be a color that matches your bathroom décor. Everything from Gloss White to Ice Grey and even Black Black will have you coordinating your style and look in no time.

The stand out features is the Brevia “quiet-close” seat and Comfort Height size. These make it easier to sit down and stand up without much issue while preventing the lid from slamming down.

You are sure to love the simple look and professional functionality of the Kohler Santa Rosa in every bathroom in your home.

2. KOHLER K-31539 Veil 

If you are looking for something different, a Kohler wall-hung toilet might be the answer you are after. The Veil wall-hung unit is a single-piece toilet with a compact elongated seat. The footprint is small enough to fit any size bathroom and comfortable enough to stay seated for extended periods.

There are three models of wall-hung toilets to choose from, and two of them are in the Veil line (hidden trap way is the other design). The other option is the Memoirs unit that has a modern square design.

However, unless the rest of your bathroom is done in the Memoirs line, the toilet will stick out like an eyesore, no pun intended. The Veil unit offers you the modern look with a classical twist that will tie in with most other fixtures regardless of the model line.

All of the mounting hardware is concealed behind your wall, which makes the aesthetics more pleasing and the clean up a lot easier.

When everything is complete, the new look of your bathroom will all be worth it. Space saving design and a modern look in five different color options, give you a sleek and stylish bathroom to be proud of.

3. KOHLER K-4026-0 Karing 

For the minimalist or tech-savvy homeowner, the Kohler bidet toilet is a step up from traditional toilets. The Karing is a skirted one-piece toilet with bidet and automation built in. The lid will automatically open and close when the proximity motion sensor is activated.

The powerful Pressure Lite flushing technology allows you to use 1.28 GPF, saving you water consumption and money on your water bill each month. Because the GPF is under 1.5, the Kohler Karing is available to all 50 states. If you have never installed an intelligent toilet before, it is recommended that you hire a licensed plumber to do the job.

If you are looking for a bidet toilet, Kohler offers you four designs, including the Veil and Numi collections. However, the Kohler touchless toilet technology in the Karing will most likely have you coming back to hit that purchase button.

The Karing offers you much more, as well. With a bowl pre-mist to aid in a cleaner flush and a self-cleaning wand with deodorizer and UV sanitation. There isn’t much more you could ask for from your toilet than the Kohler Karing model provides.

4. KOHLER K-5401-PA-0 Veil

5. Kohler K-3493-0 Highline Classic

What can be said about a classic design with modern touches? The Kohler elongated toilet from the Highline models raises the bar. This conventional styled, two-piece toilet will fit any traditional or contemporary bathroom design.

It uses the Pressure Lite flushing technology that is suitable for your home and powerful enough to be used commercially. You won’t have to stand around waiting to see if you need to flush a second time, as the Kohler Highline gets the job done and then some.

On top of a powerful flush, the entire toilet surface is antimicrobial. The finish resists mold, mildew, and odors and makes clean up a breeze.

If comfort is what you are after, the elongated seat will provide you with enough room to sit cozy without taking up too much washroom space. You have your choice when it comes to two-piece toilets, though we believe you will appreciate the durable design and sleek elegance from this traditional toilet.

The budget-friendly toilet not only performs higher than your expectations but will provide you with a near maintenance-free cleanup and helps to keep your bathroom smelling fresh and clean.

You can take a look around if you like, but take our word for it. The Kohler Highline is the right toilet for your traditional bathroom needs.

6. Kohler Lintelle 

For a powder room remodel or construction, you may not want to go all out with your budget. The Kohler Lintelle collection has you covered. This two-piece complete toilet kit comes with everything you need to have your toilet installed and operational in no time.

It utilizes a traditional flush system with flush valve and flapper while giving you the precision clean and force of the Class Five technology. Let gravity do the work while you save cash.

The added room and comfortable seating from the elongated toilet seat will let you relax while you go. Plus, the kit comes with the Quite-Close Grip-Tight seat to prevent banging when accidentally dropped or knocked into.

For the DIYer, the Lintelle toilet will be a blessing in disguise. You won’t have to guess which parts are needed or which flapper size to purchase as everything for the toilet is included in the box.

When it comes to traditional look, performance, and maintenance, the Kohler Lintelle gives you all of that. You will also get a fully glazed trapway which helps the flush, fights water discoloration and maintains simple clean up and maintenance.

For those with a half bathroom, are on a tight budget or want to replace a simple toilet, this one is the model you have been looking for.

What makes the Kohler Brand Popular?

Special Features of Kohler Toilets

Kohler has some unique features and options that you may be interested in. The following list outlines the elements as they affect your toilet and the design of the bathroom.

Choosing the correct Kohler Toilet For Your Home

When you are considering a new toilet for your bathroom remodel or new construction, there are several aspects you need to think about before making a final decision. The following topics will help you choose the right Kohler toilet for your specific needs.

Toilet Type

The type of toilet will be one of the more significant choices you will have to make. Over everything else, choosing the right kind of Kohler toilet will mean the difference in one that fits well in the space and one you have to struggle with.

Kohler toilets come in many shapes, sizes, and fittings. There are Kohler toilet parts for different rough-ins and drain locations. However, you need to match your preferences with your style and design needs, as well.

Luckily, Kohler has thought of all this for you and gives you design aesthetics as well as performance options. While functionality will always be a part of the decision, if the new toilet doesn’t look and feel like it belongs in the space, it won’t make you happy about the purchase, as it should.

Bowl Shape

The shape of the bowl may not seem like an important thing to consider, though you should give it a few extra moments of thought. Round bowls are generally more common and fit better in smaller spaces. The main issue with a round bowl is that they produce a less forceful flush and can be challenging to clean because of their smaller size.

An elongated toilet will aid those that have difficulties getting up and down, and most people find the elongated bowl more comfortable. While they are more expensive than a round bowl, they are easier to clean with a forceful flush.

A mixture of both worlds is a compact elongated toilet. They are longer (from the wall) than a standard 28 inches but don’t reach out as far as a full elongated bowl. This is done by keeping the size of the bowl and reducing (or eliminating) the size of the tank. This also allows you to save space in smaller areas while maintaining the longer bowl.

Drain Location/Rough-in Measurement

If you are doing new construction or remodeling an existing bath, the drain location for the toilet is crucial. The drain location (professionally known as the rough-in measurement) is the distance from the back wall and from the sides to the center of the toilet mounting flange.

You will also need to ensure you have the proper clearance in front of the toilet. To find out the minimums, you will need to check with your local city codes or licensed plumber. In general, the side clearance should be 15 inches on either side. The front clearance will change based on the city ordinances, though so you will need to check on that.

The most important number is from the back wall (not the molding or studs) to the center of the flange. The most standard Kohler rough-in measurement is 12 inches. You should note, though, that there are 10 inch and 14-inch options.

For new construction, you should know the rough-in distance before purchasing your new toilet. For a remodel, you will need to measure to the center of the flange and buy a toilet that matches the rough-in measurement.

Toilet Height

Toilet height is the measurement from the ground to the top of the seat when closed. Do not confuse this with the height of the bowl, as the seat is included and a standard seat is precisely 1 inch taller than the bowl.

Standard toilet height is 15 inches. However, there are some disabilities and elderly persons that have difficulty sitting down or getting up from a 15-inch seat. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public toilets offer an ADA-compliant toilet height of at least 17 to 19 inches.

You can purchase an ADA-compliant toilet for your home as well, and the Kohler ErgoHeight toilets (also known as the Kohler Comfort Height toilets) are at least 17 inches tall.

If you find a standard toilet height to be comfortable, there is no need to switch; however, if you have difficulties sitting and standing or aren’t comfortable sitting on a lower toilet, an ErgoHeight toilet could be the right option for you.

Design

Water Saving Technology

Another factor to think about is water savings. Not only is it eco-friendly, but having a toilet that uses less water per flush will also save on your monthly water bill.

As technology improves, water usage continues to have higher legal limits. What used to be allowed is no longer the case. 3.5 gallons per flush (GPF) is now restricted as low as 1.28 GPF in some areas and 1.5 in most others.

Over 90% of Kohler toilets are at or below 1.28 GPF, making them viable for installation virtually anywhere, nationwide. If your city, county, or state requires specific water saving GPF, you should double check to ensure the toilet you choose matches this criterion.

Flushing Mechanism

Flushing a toilet may appear to be a simple process, but there is a lot of math and science involved. Kohler flushing mechanisms give you half a dozen different ways to flush your toilets.

Price

Price is going to be an essential deciding factor. You will want to ensure you get the features and style you want without going over your budget. Kohler currently offers over 50 different models and styles to choose from ranging in price from $200 to over $8000.

This range meets the budgets of most households and contractors who are doing new installs or remodels. Other brands have a much more strict price range depending on who their target market is.

American Standard, for example, rarely goes over $1200 for their higher end models. Likewise, Toto only has a few select models under $400 to choose from.

If the price is your primary concern, there will be a Kohler toilet that fits your budget, regardless of what it is.

Warranty

Kohler has a standard warranty that blanket covers their entire line up. With the sole exception of the Kohler intelligent toilets and the Kohler C3 Cleansing Seat, all Kohler toilets will fall under the standard 1-year warranty.

This warranty protects against defects in operation, functionality, and craftsmanship. You do not need to have the toilet professionally installed, though you should note that Kohler will not pay for removal or installation of the toilet during the claim period.

It is also important to remember that there is only 1 item that will void the warranty: the use of in-tank toilet cleansers.

Kohler Flushing Systems Explained

Kohler offers a few different flushing systems. Each one has its benefits, and you should understand the flushing system in the toilet you are going to purchase.

The standard flushing system is still used in many two-piece toilets. This uses flush and fills valves to expel and store water in the tank. When the handle is pressed, the flapper opens to allow the water to drain into the bowl. Gravity and water pressure take care of the rest.

The new Aquapiston technology does away with the flapper and uses a cartridge to maintain the proper ratio of water in the bowl and tank. This ration also delivers a forceful flush that will swirl and clean the bowl as it drains.

The Class Five flushing system is an innovative flush that is designed for extraordinary bulk removal and a powerful cleaning swirl. See the video below for a demonstration.

Comparisons with Other Brands

When looking between brands for your final decision, there are many factors to consider. Primarily you will want to budget accordingly and not overspend for items you won’t use or don’t need.

American Standard has some of the most budget-friendly, albeit basic, toilets on the market. Where they lack in technology, they make up for in selection.

Toto toilets, on the other hand, are relatively high-end, and while they offer a more limited catalog, their prices are some of the highest in the industry.

Kohler fits nicely in the middle of these two brands by offering a wide selection and one of the most comprehensive price ranges to fit any budget.

Overall, Kohler has better performance than most other brands and a price selection to ensure you get the style you are after at the price you can afford.

Installation of Kohler Toilets

Replacing a toilet with a new one isn't as complicated as installing one during new construction. You will need to measure your rough-in, as we previously explained.

Once you have your new toilet, there are a few installation techniques. Skirted, non-skirted, and wall mount toilets will all have a different installation.

The basic concept is the same, though. Attach the toilet base to the flange so the drain lines up. For floor mounted toilets you will need a wax ring with a plastic guide to get the best, leak-proof fit.

Bolting the toilet to the flange using the two mounting bolts and then securing them with the wingnuts or mounting nuts. After the bowl is secure (for two-piece toilets), you will need to secure the tank to the bowl.

If you want to hire a professional, HomeAdvisor estimates that the cost will fall between $218 and $512. If you're going to try it yourself, you can check out this video to see what you are up against.

Toilet Maintenance Tips

Almost every toilet will eventually have parts that go bad. This can have a different timeline based on environmental factors, condition of the water, and how well you maintain your fixture. This list will cover what you should and should not do to keep your Kohler toilet maintenance free and working correctly.

You can see this video addressing one of the most common problems: clogged flush valves.

FAQs

Let’s take a moment to cover some of the more commonly asked questions in regards to Kohler toilets and Kohler toilet parts.

How do I know if I need replacement parts for my Kohler toilet?

Your Kohler toilet is designed to give you years of trouble-free service. However, there will eventually be problems. You will know your toilet needs replacement parts if you notice any of the following:

In most cases, the problem will be a worn out flapper (in the case of a two-piece toilet) or a stuck valve. A clogged water line and fill valve will also cause the tank not to fill or fill slowly. You can order replacement parts and do the swap yourself, or hire a plumber to do the work for you.

Where do I find the model number and color code for my Kohler toilet?

The model number and color code can be found stamped on the toilet itself, the product label on the packaging it came in, the owner's manual, and even possibly the receipt where it was purchased.

The color code is embedded within the model number, and you will notice that the model numbers offer a series of alphanumeric codes separated by dashes. The first letter is always going to be a K (note, the K may not be stamped on the product itself) followed by a dash.

Following the K are the base numbers followed by another dash, the item variation letters with another dash, the color code with a dash and finally the generation code. In the example, K-3589-RA-0-AA, the “0” represents the color code, in this case, white. Other codes may include B for black or CP for polished chrome.

What should I do if I smell an odor in my Kohler toilet?

Most often, a smell from the bathroom is an expected thing. Now and then, though, there is a lingering odor that you can’t find. Most likely, the culprit will be the tank. Because water sits in the tank for long periods, it is dark and closed; it is prime real estate for bacteria growth.

You should clean the tank with vinegar at least twice a year. However, if you already have the odor, you will need to do a little scrubbing. The best method is to flush the toilet and stop it from refilling. You can either turn off the water supply inlet valve or block the float.

Once that is done pour a little warm water (about 4 cups) into the tank followed by a cup or white vinegar. Mix the solution around with a toilet brush and then scrub the sides and bottom of the tank. Let the mix sit for a few hours and clean again. After you restore water and flush a few times, the odor should be gone.

Can I add a Bidet to an existing Kohler toilet?

Yes, you can add a bidet to an existing toilet. Before you rush out to make a purchase though, you should note the color of your toilet (see how to find the color code above), the type of toilet and of course the kind of bowl (round, elongated, compact elongated, etc.).

Once you have the information in hand, you can find the best match for the color and style for your new bidet.

What is the price range of the toilets on our list?

The other Kohler toilets in this review will fall somewhere between these two prices. They begin around the $200 mark and up to around the $4000. These prices do vary day to day at different online stores.

Where is a good place to buy a new Kohler toilet?

The best place to purchase a new Kohler toilet is from Amazon, build.com or their own website. Not only are you assured quick delivery, but your purchase will be backed and protected by Amazon because their return policies are easier to claim that direct shipping (or having to pick up and return yourself), the process is smooth and straightforward.

In some cases, you can also extend your warranty through Amazon (Prime membership might be required) which will give you a longer protection term than the 1-year supplied by Kohler. 

Conclusion

With so many options of bathroom fixtures to choose from, it can be tough to decide. Luckily there is a Kohler toilet for every style and need. Whether you want simple elegance or an intelligent toilet that can light up the water and play music, you are sure to find the model you need with Kohler.

Since 1883, Kohler has brought us innovative and durable toilet fixtures for everyday life. The Santa Rosa model, for example, delivers a single-piece toilet that will fit virtually any décor. With AquaPiston flushing and state of the art compact elongated seat for added comfort in a smaller space.

Regardless of the model you finally choose, knowing you have a Kohler will bring you peace of mind and years of reliable flushes.