When it comes to choosing the right toilet for your bathroom, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go with an elongated toilet or a round toilet.
Both types have their own set of advantages. Understanding these key differences between an elongated toilet or a round toilet can help you make an informed choice that suits your bathroom needs.
In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and considerations of choosing an elongated toilet. From comfort and space efficiency to performance and design, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to pick the best elongated toilet bowls for your bathroom needs.
1. Understanding Elongated and Round Toilets
Before delving into the specifics, it’s important to know what distinguishes elongated toilets from round toilets:
Elongated Toilets: Elongated toilets have a longer bowl shape that is oval or egg-shaped. They tend to measure around 18.5 inches (47 cm) from the front of the bowl to the back. This design typically offers extra space for sitting, making them more comfortable for many users. The elongated toilet bowl offers a more spacious seating area, which is beneficial for comfort.
Round Toilets: Round toilets, on the other hand, feature a more compact, circular shape. The bowl length measures around 16.5 inches (42 cm), making them a more space-efficient choice. These toilets are more traditional in design and have been around longer than elongated models.
Now that we know the basic differences between these two toilet styles, let’s explore their respective benefits and drawbacks in greater detail.
2. Comfort: Which Toilet Offers the Better Seating Experience?
When it comes to comfort, the elongated toilet tends to have the edge. The additional length and oval shape of the bowl provide more seating space, which is particularly beneficial for users who prefer a larger or more relaxed seating area.
Elongated Toilets:
- Larger Seating Area: The elongated toilet bowl allows for a longer and more comfortable seating area. This extra room makes it easier for users to sit comfortably for longer periods of time, especially for individuals with larger body types or those who need more support while sitting.
- Ergonomic Design: Many users find the elongated design to be more ergonomic. It aligns better with the natural shape of the body and can reduce strain on the legs and back, making it ideal for anyone who spends extra time sitting on the toilet, whether due to health reasons or preference.
- Better for Adults: Because of the larger seating area, elongated toilets are generally preferred by adults, especially those with physical limitations that make it difficult to sit comfortably on a round toilet.
Round Toilets:
- Smaller Footprint: The more compact design of round toilets means they take up less space, which can be beneficial in smaller bathrooms. This smaller design also typically means a shorter seating area, which may not be as comfortable for all users.
- Not as Comfortable for Larger Body Types: The round shape might feel cramped for larger individuals or those who prefer more room when seated. However, it can still provide a satisfactory level of comfort for users who are more petite or those who don’t spend as much time sitting on the toilet.
- Great for Children: Round toilets can be a good option for children’s bathrooms because their smaller size and shape are often more suited to a child’s size and weight.
Conclusion on Comfort:
If comfort is your top priority, elongated toilets are likely your best option, offering more space and a more ergonomic design. Round toilets are ideal for smaller users or bathrooms where space efficiency is key.
3. Space Efficiency: Which Toilet Works Better in Small Bathrooms?
When space is at a premium, choosing the right toilet can make a big difference in the overall feel and functionality of your bathroom. Round toilets are typically the better choice for small bathrooms due to their more compact design.
Elongated Toilets:
- Larger Size: Elongated toilets, with their longer bowls, require more space in the bathroom, both in terms of length and width. The extended size of the long toilet bowl can make them less suitable for bathrooms where space is limited.
- Not Ideal for Tight Spaces: If your bathroom is very small or has a cramped layout, a round toilet may be a better fit. The extra length of an elongated water closet can make the room feel more cramped and may even limit the placement of other bathroom fixtures like the sink or shower.
Round Toilets:
- Perfect for Tight Spaces: The round toilet’s smaller size allows it to fit into tight bathroom spaces more easily. It’s the perfect choice for half-baths, powder rooms, or smaller guest bathrooms where space-saving is a priority.
- Great for Smaller Homes or Apartments: Round toilets are ideal for smaller homes, apartments, or any situation where you need to maximize every inch of space. Their compact size allows them to fit without dominating the room.
- Easy to Install in Small Layouts: The compact nature of round toilets allows for more flexibility in bathroom layout design. They can easily be positioned in corners or smaller spaces where an elongated toilet might not fit.
Conclusion on Space Efficiency:
If you’re working with a small bathroom or a tight floor plan, round toilets are the way to go. Their smaller size makes them more suitable for confined spaces, whereas elongated toilets are better suited for larger bathrooms with ample space.
4. Performance: Which Toilet Delivers Better Functionality?
While both elongated toilets and round toilets are designed to perform the same basic function, there are slight differences in performance due to the bowl shape and size.
Elongated Toilets:
- Greater Flush Efficiency: The longer design of the elongated toilet means it generally has a larger surface area for waste removal, which can improve flushing performance. The increased bowl size allows the water to distribute more evenly, which can lead to more thorough cleaning and fewer clogs.
- Modern Features: Many modern elongated bidet toilets have a bidet function that offers different water spray patterns and pressures for a thorough cleaning. They also might have an automatic flush system, triggered either by sensors or a remote control.
- Improved Hygiene: The extra space in an elongated toilet makes it easier for the water to reach all areas of the bowl, helping to reduce the chances of waste remaining behind after the flush.
Round Toilets:
- Adequate, but Smaller Surface Area: Round toilets generally offer the same flushing power as elongated toilets, though the smaller surface area may result in slightly less efficient waste removal. This can sometimes lead to a greater chance of clogs, especially in high-traffic bathrooms.
- Water Distribution: Due to the smaller size, water flow in round toilets is less likely to be as evenly distributed across the bowl compared to elongated toilets. This could lead to more frequent cleaning and maintenance.
- Compact Design with Efficient Flush: Despite the smaller size, round toilets still perform well, especially with modern flushing technology. You can find round toilets with water-saving features like low-flow systems that make them highly efficient in terms of water consumption.
Conclusion on Performance:
Elongated toilets tend to perform slightly better in terms of waste removal and overall flush efficiency due to their larger size. However, round toilets still provide adequate performance, especially if space-saving is more of a priority.
5. Price Comparison: Which Toilet is More Affordable?
When it comes to cost, round toilets tend to be the more budget-friendly option. The simpler design and smaller size make round toilets generally less expensive than their elongated counterparts.
Elongated Toilets: These typically cost more due to the larger bowl size and the additional comfort features. The added design and often modern flushing technologies make them more expensive overall. The best elongated toilets tend to be made of high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity, making them a worthwhile investment for your home.
Round Toilets: The smaller, simpler design generally makes round toilets more affordable. If you’re on a tight budget, this could be the way to go without compromising on essential functionality.
Conclusion on Price:
Round toilets are typically more affordable, making them a good choice for those looking to save on installation costs or for bathroom renovations on a budget. Elongated toilets, while more expensive, offer added comfort and performance, which can justify the higher price for many homeowners.
Conclusion: Elongated vs. Round Toilets – Which One Should You Choose?
Elongated toilets offer more comfort, better waste removal, and an ergonomic design, making them ideal for larger bathrooms where space is less of a concern. If comfort is a priority, go for an elongated toilet.
Round toilets are compact, affordable, and perfect for smaller spaces, making them a great choice for tight bathrooms or half-baths.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your bathroom size, budget, and preferences.
