Articles
/
Guides

A Beginner's Guide To Toilet Bowls In Singapore: How To Choose The Perfect Toilet Bowl

Written By
Karen Chua
Date Written:
12/6/2024

Just collected your keys and want to select the perfect toilet bowl for your new bathroom, but don’t know where to start? EZiD is here to help! Here is a guide lovingly curated that will equip you with all the knowledge you need to choose the right toilet bowl for your new bathroom. 

Step 1: Decide on your toilet bowl budget

  • Cost of a toilet bowl in Singapore

Step 2: Choose the right type of toilet bowl

  • Types of toilet bowls in Singapore

Step 3: Decide on the toilet bowl material

  • How to tell if a toilet bowl is porcelain or ceramic
  • Porcelain vs ceramic toilet bowl

Step 4: Choose the most suitable flushing system

  • How to avoid clogging of toilets

Step 1: Decide on the budget for your toilet bowl

Before we look at all the different types of toilet bowls, it is important to set a budget. This can help you shortlist the main toilet bowl types you should be searching for. You may be wondering, how much is a typical toilet bowl in Singapore?

How much should you spend on a new toilet?

Basic models cost below $300, which is just enough for you to answer nature's calls. Such models typically have basic functionality and limited designs. If you are not picky with your bathroom experience, such models would be suitable for you

beautiful mid-range one-piece toilets

Mid-range toilet bowl models cost between $300 and $600, and are the common ones seen in most Singaporean households. Such models offer greater versatility in design and function. If you are looking for something comfortable and lasting in the long-run without breaking the bank, these are toilet bowls you may consider.

High-end models can cost up to thousands of dollars. If you are someone who cares a lot about the experience, aesthetic and functionality of the bathroom, you can expect to pay  between $600 and $2000 for a top tier toilet bowl. Equipped with  advanced features such as bidet functions and smart technology, the luxurious finish of such toilet bowls would elevate the overall design of your bathroom.

4 room hdb resale modern luxe toilet bowl edgefield plains visionary interior
Modern Luxe HDB, featuring a high-end toilet bowl model, at Edgefield Plains by Visionary Interior

Step 2: Choose the right type of toilet bowl

You may assume that people are generally not too picky or observant with the details or features of a toilet bowl, but you might be surprised to find the opposite true! There is a wide variety of toilet bowl offerings each with its own advantages and disadvantages that may be very overwhelming.  Fret not, let us go through all the considerations so that you may choose the toilet bowl that’s best suited for your new home! 

What are the different types of toilet bowls in Singapore?

In Singapore, there are four types of toilet bowls – Close-Coupled, also known as Two-Piece, Wall-Hung, One-Piece and Smart Toilets. You must be wondering, what do the four different toilet bowl types look like, and what are the advantages and disadvantages? Let’s go through them individually!

Close-Coupled/Two-Piece

Close-coupled toilet bowls are most common and easily identifiable. The cistern, which is the structure that contains the water tank, is mounted at the back of the toilet bowl.

4 room hdb close-coupled two-piece mid century toilet bowl northshore drive visionary interior
Mid Century Modern HDB, featuring a Close-Coupled/Two-Piece toilet bowl, at Northshore Drive by Visionary Interior

People who choose close-coupled toilet bowls are usually attracted by its advantages. On top of having a lower price point which is perfect for budget-friendly toilet renovations, it is easy to install and repair. Due to its two-piece structure, you can easily repair individual parts without having to replace the entire toilet bowl unit in the event of a cistern malfunction.

However, its two-piece nature does bring about some troubles. Close-coupled toilets require additional cleaning effort as it is more susceptible to frequent dirt build-up, due to the gaps between the cistern and the toilet bowl. Additionally, when compared to other options such as wall-hung models, close-coupled toilet bowls are floor-mounted and hence take up more space.

Wall-Hung

Wall-Hung toilets refer to toilets with cisterns hidden behind the wall, and give the effect that the toilet bowl is floating.

wall-hung toilet bowl
Image Source: DXV

Since the only portion visible is the toilet bowl itself, this style is perfect if you are going for a sleek, clean, and uncluttered look. The toilet does not touch the floor, making it easier for cleaning as well. However, the complex installation hikes up its price point, and the concealed cistern may pose a challenge to maintain and repair.

resale modern condo wall-hung toilet flora drive ethans interior
Modern Condo, featuring a Wall-Hung toilet bowl, at Flora Drive by Ethans Interior

One-Piece

As suggested by the name, one-piece toilets combine the cistern and body of the toilet into a single unit, ensuring no crevices between the body and the cistern. Cleaning a one-piece toilet will be a breeze, as opposed to close-coupled ones. 

hdb bto 5 room muji hdb jurong west my reno diary one-piece toilet bowl
Muji HDB, featuring a One-Piece toilet bowl, at Jurong West by My Reno Diary

One-piece toilet bowls are more durable than other models. The single-unit composition drastically reduces the chances of leakage, meaning that you will not have to worry about frequent repairs.

However, its durability comes with a hefty price tag. Due to higher manufacturing costs compared to close-coupled toilet bowls, these toilets are generally more expensive. Even though one-piece toilet bowls are durable, in the event that they do spoil, the entire unit needs to be replaced (rather than just a specific part). 

Smart Toilet

Envious of Japanese locals and their immaculate toilet standards? This style of toilet may be your sort of thing! Smart toilets have advanced features that elevate your entire bathroom experience that will be reminiscent of those in Japan. Be pampered by the built-in sensor, bidets and seat warmer features that truly relieves you. 

Smart toilets are comfortable and modern. Such models usually come with high-tech features such as automatic flushing, strong flushing, auto-santising effect and heated seats with temperature control. It can also be environmentally friendly as some smart toilets are water-saving and energy-efficient.

As expected, these advanced high-tech toilets come along with a hefty price tag. Additionally, if you are less tech-savvy, you may find it difficult to use the features that are less intuitive. 

Step 3: Decide on the toilet bowl material

While most toilet bowls are visually similar, did you know that they could be either made of porcelain or ceramic? It is helpful to understand the pros and cons of each material so that you may make an informed decision on which material of your toilet bowl works best for you!

modern contemporary 3 bedder condo twin waterfall visionary interior bidet toilet bowl
Modern Contemporary Condo, featuring a toilet bowl equipped with bidet, at Twin Waterfall by Visionary Interior

How to tell if a toilet bowl is porcelain or ceramic?

Let us first understand what is the difference between porcelain and ceramic: ceramic is made from firing a mixture of materials in a kiln, while porcelain is made from higher-grade clay, fired at even higher temperatures. You can tell if a toilet bowl is porcelain or ceramic by its surface finish and weight. If a toilet bowl is made from porcelain, it will have a smoother surface finish, unlike ceramic toilet bowls with a rather textured finish. Porcelain toilet bowls are also heavier than typical ceramic toilet bowls.

hdb bto 5 room scandinavian toilet bowl bedok south ovon
Scandinavian HDB, featuring a ceramic toilet bowl, at Bedok South by Ovon

Which is better, porcelain or ceramic toilet bowls?

Generally, porcelain toilet bowls are more durable than ceramic toilet bowls, and are more costly. If you do not plan to splurge on a toilet bowl, a ceramic toilet bowl will suffice. Here is a breakdown on the advantages and disadvantages of having a porcelain and ceramic toilet bowl.

Porcelain toilet bowls

One of the main reasons people are willing to spend more money on a porcelain toilet bowl is for its durability. Porcelain toilet bowls are able to withstand the test of time as they are not prone to forming cracks and chips, unless there is a sudden strong impact. Additionally, the non-porous and stain-resistant properties of porcelain make these toilet bowls easy to maintain. 

However, porcelain toilet bowls are more expensive than that of ceramics, and they tend to be more brittle. If there were a sudden huge force, a porcelain toilet bowl is likely to break, while a ceramic might just bend. 

Ceramic toilet bowls

Since ceramic toilet bowls are more affordable, you’d free up some budget to renovate other areas of your home!  These toilet bowls come in a much wider variety of designs, and are lightweight, hence making it easier to install it yourself for a DIY project.

However, beware that it is less stain-resistant compared to porcelain toilet bowls. As ceramic is more porous compared to porcelain, it is more vulnerable to discolouration as a result of wear and tear. Moreover, it is less durable than porcelain, resulting in a higher probability of needing a replacement in the long-run.

Vitreous China: Best of both worlds?

If porcelain toilet bowls are outside of your budget, but you're wary about the lack of durability of ceramics, you may consider toilet bowls made of vitreous china! Such toilet bowls are ceramic bowls coated with a vitreous enamel, making it a more affordable alternative to porcelain that is just as durable and non-porous.

Step 4: The suitable flushing system for your toilet needs

If the functionality of a toilet bowl is a priority to you, it is to us too! It is vital that you choose a reliable flushing system that can free you from troublesome instances of having your toilet clogged, which brings us to the question…

What toilet is the most anti-clogging?

It depends on the flushing system! There is a wide variety of flushing systems offered by Singaporean toilet brands. Let us examine one-by-one to determine which is the best flushing system for your household.

Dual Flushing System

Have you ever seen toilet bowls with several flushing options? Such toilets utilise dual flushing systems, where you can control whether you want a partial or full flush. This system is a popular choice as it saves water when you are able to choose the strength of the flush appropriately each time you use the bathroom. Additionally, the trapway of a dual-flush toilet bowl is larger than other flush systems, making it a reliable system that reduces the chances of clogging the toilet. 

dual flushing system toilet bowl
Toilet bowl featuring a dual flush system

Pressure-Assisted Flushing System

This sort of toilet flush utilises pressurised air to produce an extremely powerful flush, which hence uses less water. Typically, if a toilet has an extremely loud and explosive flush, it is likely to be a pressure-assisted flushing system! 

4 room hdb modern luxury visionary interior toilet bowl
Modern Luxury HDB, featuring a toilet bowl with a powerful flushing system, at Canberra by Visionary Interior

So which great white throne is best for me? 

There are endless variations and considerations about your future toilet, and even more so about every other aspect of your home renovation—we deeply understand the struggle! On EZiD, we have specially curated a lean and reliable pool of interior designers that have all the answers to your questions.

If you are looking to renovate soon and want to work with a reliable and well-informed interior designer that knows which toilet bowl (and all your other renovation concerns) is best for your dream home, EZiD is here to ease the process. You don’t need to sift through all 5000 ID firms in Singapore anymore! Simply share with us the details of your renovation here, and our EZiD team will carefully match you with our compatible and reliable interior designers for your choosing! 

Share this article
Articles
/
Guides

A Beginner's Guide To Toilet Bowls In Singapore: How To Choose The Perfect Toilet Bowl

Written By
Karen Chua
Date Written:
12/6/2024

Just collected your keys and want to select the perfect toilet bowl for your new bathroom, but don’t know where to start? EZiD is here to help! Here is a guide lovingly curated that will equip you with all the knowledge you need to choose the right toilet bowl for your new bathroom. 

Step 1: Decide on your toilet bowl budget

  • Cost of a toilet bowl in Singapore

Step 2: Choose the right type of toilet bowl

  • Types of toilet bowls in Singapore

Step 3: Decide on the toilet bowl material

  • How to tell if a toilet bowl is porcelain or ceramic
  • Porcelain vs ceramic toilet bowl

Step 4: Choose the most suitable flushing system

  • How to avoid clogging of toilets

Step 1: Decide on the budget for your toilet bowl

Before we look at all the different types of toilet bowls, it is important to set a budget. This can help you shortlist the main toilet bowl types you should be searching for. You may be wondering, how much is a typical toilet bowl in Singapore?

How much should you spend on a new toilet?

Basic models cost below $300, which is just enough for you to answer nature's calls. Such models typically have basic functionality and limited designs. If you are not picky with your bathroom experience, such models would be suitable for you

beautiful mid-range one-piece toilets

Mid-range toilet bowl models cost between $300 and $600, and are the common ones seen in most Singaporean households. Such models offer greater versatility in design and function. If you are looking for something comfortable and lasting in the long-run without breaking the bank, these are toilet bowls you may consider.

High-end models can cost up to thousands of dollars. If you are someone who cares a lot about the experience, aesthetic and functionality of the bathroom, you can expect to pay  between $600 and $2000 for a top tier toilet bowl. Equipped with  advanced features such as bidet functions and smart technology, the luxurious finish of such toilet bowls would elevate the overall design of your bathroom.

4 room hdb resale modern luxe toilet bowl edgefield plains visionary interior
Modern Luxe HDB, featuring a high-end toilet bowl model, at Edgefield Plains by Visionary Interior

Step 2: Choose the right type of toilet bowl

You may assume that people are generally not too picky or observant with the details or features of a toilet bowl, but you might be surprised to find the opposite true! There is a wide variety of toilet bowl offerings each with its own advantages and disadvantages that may be very overwhelming.  Fret not, let us go through all the considerations so that you may choose the toilet bowl that’s best suited for your new home! 

What are the different types of toilet bowls in Singapore?

In Singapore, there are four types of toilet bowls – Close-Coupled, also known as Two-Piece, Wall-Hung, One-Piece and Smart Toilets. You must be wondering, what do the four different toilet bowl types look like, and what are the advantages and disadvantages? Let’s go through them individually!

Close-Coupled/Two-Piece

Close-coupled toilet bowls are most common and easily identifiable. The cistern, which is the structure that contains the water tank, is mounted at the back of the toilet bowl.

4 room hdb close-coupled two-piece mid century toilet bowl northshore drive visionary interior
Mid Century Modern HDB, featuring a Close-Coupled/Two-Piece toilet bowl, at Northshore Drive by Visionary Interior

People who choose close-coupled toilet bowls are usually attracted by its advantages. On top of having a lower price point which is perfect for budget-friendly toilet renovations, it is easy to install and repair. Due to its two-piece structure, you can easily repair individual parts without having to replace the entire toilet bowl unit in the event of a cistern malfunction.

However, its two-piece nature does bring about some troubles. Close-coupled toilets require additional cleaning effort as it is more susceptible to frequent dirt build-up, due to the gaps between the cistern and the toilet bowl. Additionally, when compared to other options such as wall-hung models, close-coupled toilet bowls are floor-mounted and hence take up more space.

Wall-Hung

Wall-Hung toilets refer to toilets with cisterns hidden behind the wall, and give the effect that the toilet bowl is floating.

wall-hung toilet bowl
Image Source: DXV

Since the only portion visible is the toilet bowl itself, this style is perfect if you are going for a sleek, clean, and uncluttered look. The toilet does not touch the floor, making it easier for cleaning as well. However, the complex installation hikes up its price point, and the concealed cistern may pose a challenge to maintain and repair.

resale modern condo wall-hung toilet flora drive ethans interior
Modern Condo, featuring a Wall-Hung toilet bowl, at Flora Drive by Ethans Interior

One-Piece

As suggested by the name, one-piece toilets combine the cistern and body of the toilet into a single unit, ensuring no crevices between the body and the cistern. Cleaning a one-piece toilet will be a breeze, as opposed to close-coupled ones. 

hdb bto 5 room muji hdb jurong west my reno diary one-piece toilet bowl
Muji HDB, featuring a One-Piece toilet bowl, at Jurong West by My Reno Diary

One-piece toilet bowls are more durable than other models. The single-unit composition drastically reduces the chances of leakage, meaning that you will not have to worry about frequent repairs.

However, its durability comes with a hefty price tag. Due to higher manufacturing costs compared to close-coupled toilet bowls, these toilets are generally more expensive. Even though one-piece toilet bowls are durable, in the event that they do spoil, the entire unit needs to be replaced (rather than just a specific part). 

Smart Toilet

Envious of Japanese locals and their immaculate toilet standards? This style of toilet may be your sort of thing! Smart toilets have advanced features that elevate your entire bathroom experience that will be reminiscent of those in Japan. Be pampered by the built-in sensor, bidets and seat warmer features that truly relieves you. 

Smart toilets are comfortable and modern. Such models usually come with high-tech features such as automatic flushing, strong flushing, auto-santising effect and heated seats with temperature control. It can also be environmentally friendly as some smart toilets are water-saving and energy-efficient.

As expected, these advanced high-tech toilets come along with a hefty price tag. Additionally, if you are less tech-savvy, you may find it difficult to use the features that are less intuitive. 

Step 3: Decide on the toilet bowl material

While most toilet bowls are visually similar, did you know that they could be either made of porcelain or ceramic? It is helpful to understand the pros and cons of each material so that you may make an informed decision on which material of your toilet bowl works best for you!

modern contemporary 3 bedder condo twin waterfall visionary interior bidet toilet bowl
Modern Contemporary Condo, featuring a toilet bowl equipped with bidet, at Twin Waterfall by Visionary Interior

How to tell if a toilet bowl is porcelain or ceramic?

Let us first understand what is the difference between porcelain and ceramic: ceramic is made from firing a mixture of materials in a kiln, while porcelain is made from higher-grade clay, fired at even higher temperatures. You can tell if a toilet bowl is porcelain or ceramic by its surface finish and weight. If a toilet bowl is made from porcelain, it will have a smoother surface finish, unlike ceramic toilet bowls with a rather textured finish. Porcelain toilet bowls are also heavier than typical ceramic toilet bowls.

hdb bto 5 room scandinavian toilet bowl bedok south ovon
Scandinavian HDB, featuring a ceramic toilet bowl, at Bedok South by Ovon

Which is better, porcelain or ceramic toilet bowls?

Generally, porcelain toilet bowls are more durable than ceramic toilet bowls, and are more costly. If you do not plan to splurge on a toilet bowl, a ceramic toilet bowl will suffice. Here is a breakdown on the advantages and disadvantages of having a porcelain and ceramic toilet bowl.

Porcelain toilet bowls

One of the main reasons people are willing to spend more money on a porcelain toilet bowl is for its durability. Porcelain toilet bowls are able to withstand the test of time as they are not prone to forming cracks and chips, unless there is a sudden strong impact. Additionally, the non-porous and stain-resistant properties of porcelain make these toilet bowls easy to maintain. 

However, porcelain toilet bowls are more expensive than that of ceramics, and they tend to be more brittle. If there were a sudden huge force, a porcelain toilet bowl is likely to break, while a ceramic might just bend. 

Ceramic toilet bowls

Since ceramic toilet bowls are more affordable, you’d free up some budget to renovate other areas of your home!  These toilet bowls come in a much wider variety of designs, and are lightweight, hence making it easier to install it yourself for a DIY project.

However, beware that it is less stain-resistant compared to porcelain toilet bowls. As ceramic is more porous compared to porcelain, it is more vulnerable to discolouration as a result of wear and tear. Moreover, it is less durable than porcelain, resulting in a higher probability of needing a replacement in the long-run.

Vitreous China: Best of both worlds?

If porcelain toilet bowls are outside of your budget, but you're wary about the lack of durability of ceramics, you may consider toilet bowls made of vitreous china! Such toilet bowls are ceramic bowls coated with a vitreous enamel, making it a more affordable alternative to porcelain that is just as durable and non-porous.

Step 4: The suitable flushing system for your toilet needs

If the functionality of a toilet bowl is a priority to you, it is to us too! It is vital that you choose a reliable flushing system that can free you from troublesome instances of having your toilet clogged, which brings us to the question…

What toilet is the most anti-clogging?

It depends on the flushing system! There is a wide variety of flushing systems offered by Singaporean toilet brands. Let us examine one-by-one to determine which is the best flushing system for your household.

Dual Flushing System

Have you ever seen toilet bowls with several flushing options? Such toilets utilise dual flushing systems, where you can control whether you want a partial or full flush. This system is a popular choice as it saves water when you are able to choose the strength of the flush appropriately each time you use the bathroom. Additionally, the trapway of a dual-flush toilet bowl is larger than other flush systems, making it a reliable system that reduces the chances of clogging the toilet. 

dual flushing system toilet bowl
Toilet bowl featuring a dual flush system

Pressure-Assisted Flushing System

This sort of toilet flush utilises pressurised air to produce an extremely powerful flush, which hence uses less water. Typically, if a toilet has an extremely loud and explosive flush, it is likely to be a pressure-assisted flushing system! 

4 room hdb modern luxury visionary interior toilet bowl
Modern Luxury HDB, featuring a toilet bowl with a powerful flushing system, at Canberra by Visionary Interior

So which great white throne is best for me? 

There are endless variations and considerations about your future toilet, and even more so about every other aspect of your home renovation—we deeply understand the struggle! On EZiD, we have specially curated a lean and reliable pool of interior designers that have all the answers to your questions.

If you are looking to renovate soon and want to work with a reliable and well-informed interior designer that knows which toilet bowl (and all your other renovation concerns) is best for your dream home, EZiD is here to ease the process. You don’t need to sift through all 5000 ID firms in Singapore anymore! Simply share with us the details of your renovation here, and our EZiD team will carefully match you with our compatible and reliable interior designers for your choosing! 

Share this article