Sure, it’s where you do your most personal “business,” but there’s no need to be bashful about these techie toilets! With offering everything from self-cleaning to seat heating, these thrones would bring the wow factor to any bathroom.
Self-Cleaning Wonder
This toilet takes care of everyone’s least favorite bathroom chore all by itself. These toilets are already common in European cities and are starting to appear in public restrooms in major U.S. cities. How does it work? The toilet is usually equipped with censors and timers that signal it’s time for cleaning to begin. In some varieties, a robotic arm will come out with a sponge to clean the seat, while in others the seat itself rotates through a squeegee-like tool. Then, the toilet is sanitized with either a disinfectant solution or ultra violet light. The whole process lasts anywhere between 40 seconds and 2 minutes before it’s ready to use again.
No Touch Flush
Bathrooms can be breeding grounds for germs, especially around the toilet. So it’s no wonder why touch-less flushing is a big deal. You’ve undoubtedly seen such toilets in restaurants and public bathrooms, but did you know you can likely have the same technology in your home for around $50? Koehler offers a $50 sensor kit that you can install in most toilet models. Once the sensor, placed either on the top of the toilet or in the bowl, is triggered, the toilet will flush. Of course, many manufacturers offer toilet models with the sensor built in already. So, if you’re in the market for a new latrine, this is something to consider.
Bidet Away
Gone are the days when bidets were strictly considered European novelties. Whether they’re conversationally-minded or just want to be as fresh as a daisy, more and more Americans are including the rear-washing appliance in their bathroom plans. Of course, not everyone has the space for a toilet and bidet. Thankfully, space doesn’t have to limit you anymore. With recent technology, many toilets come with a bidet arm attached or included inside the toilet bowl. The options don’t stop there, though! You can also buy a clip-on bidet arm that attaches to your toilet seat, so there’s no reason not to try one!
Hot Seat
Your toilet seat is probably comfortable enough, but a heated seat would likely be an improvement for anyone. You can probably install a heated seat in your existing toilet. The seat plugs in electronically, and you can set the temperature on the top or side of the seat. Many of the seats also come with LED lighting, so there’s no stumbling around on your way to the toilet in the middle of the night.
Of course, you don’t have to choose just one toilet tech function. Many smart toilets, pioneered in Japan, not only offer heated seats and lighting, but also the toilet/bidet combination and touch-less flushing. Some even offer air-drying and deodorizing, so don’t be shy about making your throne something to be proud of!
Have a question about bathrooms? Join us for our bathroom workshop, Bathroom Revival: Big Ideas for Your Small Space, on August 16! Or contact us today!