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Bidet toilet seats are the most practical option among the types of bidets that are available, and they are ideal for those people who want to save space, as well as money. The Japanese inventors introduced the use of bidet toilet seats. And now, it is widely acknowledged throughout the world as a brilliant invention due to its cost-efficiency and ease of use and installation. Read our article on the top 7 Bidet Seat Options for 2020.
To choose the right bidet seat for your pre-existing toilet, review the various bidet options and select the one that is made of highly durable materials, is at a reasonable price, and has the right size and shape to fit your needs. Additionally, consider any features that are worthy of investment such as heated seats, self-cleaning nozzles, and more.
When choosing the right bidet toilet seat, there are a myriad of factors to consider. In this Ultimate Buyer’s Guide, we will discuss the types of bidet seats that make sense for you, as well as features to consider when choosing a bidet toilet seat. Your needs, preferences, and budgetary guidelines matter in this worthy investment. By choosing a bidet toilet seat with a few bonus perks, you are sure to turn your toileting experience into a trip resembling that of a spa.
What Type Of Bidet Seat Makes Sense?
Unfortunately, you cannot just buy and install any bidet seat in your pre-existing toilet. You have to consider a few factors to end up with the right one for both the dimensions of your toilet as well as one that meets your preferences and standards. Here are some of the areas that you should dig into when choosing a bidet toilet seat:
Material
Bidet toilet seats are available in different materials. So, before you choose to invest in the first model you run across, be sure to consider the material used to make the bidet. In doing so, make sure to go with the one that can last for a long time. Of course, it needs to be sturdy too to withstand the weight of different individuals.
You can find bidet toilet seats that are made of plastic. Aside from that, you can also find wood bidet toilet seats that are treated or laminated to resist moisture. If we compare the two, plastic bidet toilet seats are more durable than laminated wood seats. However, this kind of bidet seat is more expensive than wood.
When you consider the overall investment you will be making into purchasing and installing a bidet toilet seat, you should consider the longevity of the purchase. While many are under warranty, it is still worthy of purchasing one that will last to save the hassle of having to file a claim or make a return. For our recommendation, we suggest that you go with a bidet toilet seat that is made of hard plastic and can withstand up to 350lbs of pressure.
Cost
You can imagine buying a bidet toilet seat as buying a dishwasher or washing machine. They have different models, brands, and features to choose from, so you should be careful when choosing the one that is right for you.
Since you will be investing in a bidet toilet seat, you have to take time and think about what matters most to you in your decision so that your money will not be wasted on a mediocre product. To do this, consider not only the features of a bidet toilet seat but also its price point.
You can find that most high-end electric bidet seats have a higher price compared to the others. But always remember that the price of a product does not have to do with its durability and performance. Moreover, the high-end products’ price range has more to do with the bells and whistles or “unnecessary” but thrilling perks. These, from the perspective of those who own them, are worthy of the additional cost, though they might not be essential to the cleansing function of the bidet.
On the other hand, most people in the United States are accustomed to using toilet paper to clean their anal and genital areas. But this custom requires exorbitant amounts of toilet paper use and a lot of money consequently doing down the drain along with it. Bidet toilet seats provide an alternative and offer a more comfortable way to wash your bottom by using water after defecating or peeing. It will not require you to use a lot of toilet paper nor waste much water since you can control the water flow from the bidet spray when washing.
So, when considering how much you are willing to spend on a bidet toilet seat, you should also consider how much you will be saving in the meantime. These savings, when added to your budget, can help you to advance to the next tier of a bidet toilet seat to choose one that will provide the ultimate bidet experience.
Size And Shape
Compared to price and material, the size and shape of bidet toilet seats are more relevant to consider- practically speaking. You can choose from two primary seat shapes, namely round and elongated. These shapes are intended to suit today’s modern residential toilets.
You may also choose from the different sizes of bidet toilet seats. The standard bidet seat is two inches shorter compared to the regular toilet seat. You must take note of this detail because most people fail to choose the correct seat size for their toilets resulting in needing to return the bidet toilet seat and find one that fits more appropriately.
While you can still (technically) install a wrong-sized, ill-fitting bidet seat on your toilet, it will feel uncomfortable to sit on and thus use for its intended purpose. For this reason, make sure to prioritize the size and shape of the one you will purchase to have a comfortable setup at home.
Features to Consider When Choosing a Bidet Seat
There seem to be limitless possibilities to the comfort provided by amenities found with luxury bidet toilet seats. Here are some of the functionalities that you may look for when choosing the right bidet seat for your toilet:
Adjustable Water Temperature
If you are looking to buy a bidet seat for your toilet, you will inevitably encounter the ones with an adjustable water temperature feature. This functionality does not just have the option to wash with warm water during cold days. It provides refreshing cool water during hot days and increases the water temperature for cold days. Meaning, you can adjust the water temperature according to your preference to make every washing experience comfortable and relaxing for you.
Another reason why choosing bidet attachment seats with this feature is a strong option is that it can soothe irritation or a rash through a cold flow. This, along with the general advantage of bidets of eliminating the need for repetitive wiping of the anal or genital area with toilet paper, can contribute to your overall health. With adjustable water temperature, both you and the guests in your home will enjoy an experience that is just right.
Heated Seat
What most people hate about sitting for prolonged periods on a toilet seat is the surprisingly cold porcelain surface that touches their bottom. For this reason, bidet attachment seats that have a seat warming feature has become a popular choice.
The heated seat is particularly useful at night and during cold morning toilet visits. For the individuals who find it difficult to fall back asleep after being woken up by a cold toilet seat, you better consider buying bidet attachment seats with a heated seat feature.
The good news is that most modern bidets today come with this feature. This feature is found in the electric bidet variety as this is what powers the seat warming capabilities. So, make sure that the bidet attachment seat you purchase will be installed near a plug as this will provide your energy source for your electric bidet toilet seat to function.
Remote Control
In bidet attachment seats, the remote control feature is not as popular as others because most people do not see the value that they can provide to the entire bidet experience. However, this feature is incredibly helpful, especially when you have just seated on the toilet or have already finished your business.
Usually, the remote control feature of bidet attachment seats is located beside the toilet or at the back. It will allow you to adjust the water temperature, the angle of nozzles, the water flow pressure, and many other functions depending on the model of the bidet.
People who have difficulty getting up and down, bending, those who have limited mobility, individuals who are still recovering after surgery, and also those who have a high risk of falling can benefit from this helpful feature. By limiting the amount that you will have to move to enjoy the cleansing rinse, you limit the possibility of injury while using the toilet and bidet.
Adjustable Water Pressure
The primary function of bidets is to spray water to your anal and genital area for cleaning. But for most people, this idea intimidates them. To ease this thought, be reminded that all types of bidets, including all bidet attachment seats, allow users to adjust the water pressure.
So, before washing your bottom with a bidet, try out different water pressures to find what is comfortable and nice on your terms. Also, doing this will let you avoid further spills and unfavorable outcomes. Increased personalization added by the adjustable water pressure will help this to be a pleasant experience for all users.
Air Dryer
After washing, some bidet attachment seat models feature a built-in heated air dryer that eradicates the need for toilet paper and bidet towels for drying off. This feature is more applicable for home bidets since it requires a couple of minutes to dry off completely. This feature, on the other hand, may not work as well for public bidets since people need to rush so others can use the toilet.
While the heated air dryer feature for bidet attachment seats is still being improved, this simple functionality provides huge help for those who are advised to skip wiping with toilet paper and towels. People who are recovering from anal or rectal surgeries particularly need this feature to avoid irritation that can happen to their bottom with frequent wiping.
You can find bidet seats with correctly working heated air dryers on the market. Any of these will allow you to at least save some time and effort by eliminating the need to pat dry your bottom after washing with water from the bidet. This feature is not only eco-friendly but also cost-efficient.
It will allow you to save money from using toilet paper and a bidet towel, and it is helpful if you are struggling to wipe your bottom for any possible reason like limited mobility, medical conditions, and more.
Stainless Steel Nozzle
Stainless steel nozzles are more hygienic than plastic. This is because the plastic nozzle of bidets tends to have more pieces compared to the stainless variant. Germs and bacteria can hide in the crevices between nozzle pieces. So, if there are more nozzle components, expect that there is a higher rate of health risk unless you increase manual sanitation routines.
Aside from that, stainless steel features a non-porous surface. As a result, it will be difficult for bacteria and germs to attach themselves to the nozzle. Compared to plastic, stainless steel nozzles provide a more hygienic experience for its users. Generally, bidet manufacturers prioritize the safety of their customers, so they put hygiene first among anything else; stainless steel nozzles are just one way that the hygienic practice has been advanced.
Self-Cleaning Nozzle
Another feature that you should look for in a bidet toilet seat is one that comes with a self-cleaning nozzle. Aside from reducing the need to clean them regularly, this feature also prevents the spread of bacteria and germs.
Different bidet toilet seats with self-cleaning nozzles have a unique way of cleaning themselves. Some bidet nozzles clean by running warm water over themselves while others use UV lights, infrared lights, nanotechnology of different forms, or even chemical inserts that automatically self-spray. This feature is particularly ideal for those people who share toilets from time to time with other users.
Energy Savings
The reason why a lot of countries around the world utilize bidet attachment seats is not just because of their convenient features but also their energy-efficiency. If you are among those people who want to save money by skipping the primary use of toilet paper for removal of left-behind bacteria and other matter, a bidet is the right solution for you.
Electric bidet attachment seats will allow you to save energy in two ways. First, it consumes less electricity than an electric bidet toilet combination. Second, it will enable you to conserve your physical energy with its convenient automated features.
Adjustable Nozzle Angle
This is the ultimate must-have feature of every bidet toilet seat, primarily because it provides a better washing experience for each new user. If you want to buy a bidet toilet seat that you can install as a shared toilet in your home, consider one that has an adjustable nozzle. This helps to provide a wash that is appropriate and comfortable for people of different sizes and shapes.
Adjustable nozzles allow you to reach and wash areas where you need it the most. It also prevents unfavorable experiences such as spills due to the wrong nozzle angle. You will be able to position the nozzle in the way that you prefer and your family members will be able to do the same. A bidet toilet seat without this feature feels incomplete and senseless to buy.
Deodorizer
Of course, having a deodorizer is the feature that most people will opt for in a bidet seat. It is primarily used for those installed in public toilets, but it advances your toileting experience at home, too. Bidet toilet seats with a deodorizer will filter any foul smell by sucking the air from the toilet and passing it through a carbon filter. While it does not produce a nice scent, it strips the foul smell in the air, leaving a smell-free toilet.
Carbon filters are effective in removing germs and odor from the air. They cleanse the air without leaving any trace of smelly contaminants. This will provide peace of mind for you as well as you may do your business without anyone needing to know about it.
Eco Mode
If you want to reduce your energy consumption, get a bidet toilet seat that integrates an eco-mode feature. It works by lowering your water usage and the use of a seat warmer to preserve the energy needed to operate the device. This is good for the environment as well as your electric bill.
Multiple Nozzles And Oscillation
Bidet seats come with different options for nozzles such as oscillation or multi-nozzles that you can choose from. While these two different nozzle options are unique to each other, they work for a similar purpose: to manipulate the water flow in a way that covers more surface when washing. Through the increase of area that can be covered by the spray, you provide more opportunity for your bodily surface area to be cleansed.
Why is it Important to Consider Your Bidet Toilet Seat Options?
Bidet toilet seats are available with a spectrum of excellent features that can provide both comfort and convenience. If you wish to have a soothing washing experience using a bidet toilet seat, it is important to think about functionality that you want to have. Aside from that, the kind of material that is used to manufacture the bidet seat, as well as its price will affect your overall experience.
