The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Toilet

Everything You Need to Know Before Choosing the Perfect Toilet for Your Bathroom

Buying a new toilet might seem straightforward, but with so many styles, sizes and flushing options available, choosing the right one can quickly become confusing.

Should you choose a close-coupled toilet or a wall-hung model? Is a rimless toilet worth the extra investment? What does comfort height actually mean? And how do you know whether the toilet will fit your existing bathroom?

Whether you're renovating your family bathroom, updating an en-suite or fitting out a compact cloakroom, this guide explains everything you need to know before making your decision.

At Allbits Plumbing Supplies Romney Ltd, we stock a wide range of toilets to suit every style, budget and bathroom size. This guide will help you choose the right one with confidence.

Why Choosing the Right Toilet Matters

A toilet is one of the most frequently used items in any home.

The right choice should offer:

• Everyday comfort
• Reliable flushing performance
• Easy cleaning
• Water efficiency
• Long-term durability
• A style that complements your bathroom

Unlike taps or accessories, a toilet is not something most people want to replace again in a few years, so it's worth taking a little time to get it right.

Types of Toilets Explained

Choosing the right style is the first decision you'll need to make.

Close-Coupled Toilets

The UK's most common toilet design.

The cistern sits directly on the toilet pan, creating a single, compact unit.

Best for:

• Family bathrooms
• Straightforward replacements
• Most plumbing layouts
• Traditional and modern homes

Advantages

• Easy to install
• Wide choice of styles
• Excellent value
• Readily available replacement parts

Back-to-Wall Toilets

The cistern is hidden behind furniture or within a wall, leaving only the toilet pan visible.

Best for:

• Contemporary bathrooms
• Furniture units
• Cleaner appearance
• Easier cleaning around the toilet

Read our guide:

Back-to-Wall Toilets Explained

(Link to published article.)

Wall-Hung Toilets

The toilet is mounted on a concealed wall frame, leaving the floor beneath completely clear.

Best for:

• Luxury bathrooms
• Small bathrooms
• Contemporary interiors
• Easier floor cleaning

Read our guide:

Wall-Hung vs Close-Coupled Toilets

(Link to published article.)

💡 Big Al's Expert Tip

Wall-hung toilets often make smaller bathrooms feel larger because more of the floor remains visible. They also make cleaning underneath much easier.

What Is a Rimless Toilet?

Traditional toilets have an enclosed rim that directs water around the bowl.

Rimless toilets use an open flushing design that distributes water around the bowl without a concealed rim.

Benefits include:

• Improved hygiene
• Easier cleaning
• Fewer hidden areas for bacteria
• Efficient flushing
• Modern appearance

What Is Comfort Height?

Comfort-height toilets are slightly taller than standard models.

This can make sitting down and standing up easier for:

• Taller users
• Older adults
• People with reduced mobility
• Anyone who prefers a higher seating position

Comfort height doesn't suit everyone, so consider who will use the bathroom most often.

Toilet Projection Explained

Projection refers to how far the toilet extends from the wall.

Generally, toilets fall into three categories:

Always check the exact dimensions on the product specification.

Flush Types

Modern toilets are available with several flushing options.

Dual Flush

Provides a smaller flush for liquids and a larger flush for solids, helping reduce water consumption.

Single Flush

One consistent flush volume.

Often found on older installations.

Push-button and lever-operated versions are both available depending on the toilet design.

Choosing the Right Toilet for Your Bathroom

Small Cloakroom

Look for:

• Short projection
• Wall-hung or back-to-wall designs
• Compact dimensions

Family Bathroom

Consider:

• Easy cleaning
• Durable construction
• Rimless technology
• Soft-close seat

Luxury Bathroom

Popular features include:

• Wall-hung installation
• Concealed cistern
• Rimless flushing
• Slim soft-close seat

Soft-Close Toilet Seats

Soft-close seats prevent the toilet seat from slamming shut.

Benefits include:

• Quieter operation
• Reduced wear
• Safer for children
• Premium feel

Many modern toilets now include a soft-close seat as standard.

Before You Buy Checklist

Before ordering your new toilet:

✅ Measure the available space

✅ Check the projection

✅ Confirm your soil pipe position

✅ Decide between floor-standing or wall-hung

✅ Choose the correct style

✅ Decide if rimless is important

✅ Consider comfort height

✅ Check if the seat is included

✅ Measure door clearance

✅ Arrange professional installation if required

Common Buying Mistakes

Buying by Appearance Alone

A stylish toilet that doesn't fit your bathroom isn't a bargain.

Forgetting the Soil Pipe Position

Always check where your existing waste outlet is located.

Ignoring Projection

A toilet that projects too far can make a small bathroom feel cramped.

Assuming Every Seat Fits Every Toilet

Toilet seats vary in shape and fixing positions.

Choosing the Cheapest Option

A quality toilet is a long-term investment.

💡 Big Al's Expert Tip

If you're replacing an existing toilet, take a few photos of the current installation before shopping. Pictures of the soil pipe, water inlet and available space can make choosing the correct replacement much easier.

Our Top Picks from Allbits

🏆 Best Family Toilet

🏆 Best Small Bathroom Toilet

Compact short-projection close-coupled toilet.

🏆 Best Luxury Toilet

🏆 Best Traditional Toilet

🏆 Best Value Toilet

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of toilet is easiest to clean?

Rimless and wall-hung toilets are generally easier to keep clean because they reduce hidden areas and improve access around the pan.

Are wall-hung toilets strong enough?

Yes. When installed correctly using an approved concealed frame, wall-hung toilets are designed to support everyday use.

Is a rimless toilet worth it?

Many homeowners feel the improved hygiene and easier cleaning make rimless toilets an excellent choice.

What is the standard toilet height?

Most standard toilets are around 400–420mm to the top of the pan, while comfort-height models are usually taller.

How long should a toilet last?

A quality ceramic toilet can last for many years when installed correctly and maintained properly.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right toilet is about more than simply finding one that fits.

By considering the style, projection, flushing system, height, ease of cleaning and available space, you can select a toilet that will provide comfort and reliable performance for years to come.

Whether you're looking for a compact cloakroom toilet, a stylish wall-hung design or a family-friendly rimless model, Allbits Plumbing Supplies Romney Ltd has a solution to suit your bathroom.

Browse the complete Allbits Toilet Collection:

https://allbits.co.uk/collections/toilets

Related Allbits Guides

• Rimless Toilets Explained
• Wall-Hung vs Close-Coupled Toilets
• Back-to-Wall Toilets Explained
• Comfort Height Toilets
• Toilet Projection Guide
• Best Toilets for Small Bathrooms
• Soft-Close Toilet Seats Explained
• How to Measure for a New Toilet
• Traditional vs Modern Toilets