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If you have recently returned from a family trip to almost any part of the world excluding the United States, then you might be inspired to do some research on a new toileting device that you witnessed during your travels: the bidet. Perhaps you enjoyed using this so much so that you are curious as to making the investment for your family and friends who could use a bidet in your home.
How to choose a bidet? This Ultimate Buyer’s Guide will help you to consider the various factors that you will need to consider including why choose a bidet over a bidet attachment or bidet toilet seat, how much you should spend on a bidet, and what features you should consider when buying a bidet.
Ultimately, choosing a bidet is all about the experience you want to create for yourself, your family, and your guests within your home. If you are only looking for the basic features of a non-electric bidet, then you might be able to find one that is under $300. However, if you want a few bells and whistles to truly make your bathroom experience pristine, then you may want to consider a larger investment with significantly increased perks.
Why Choose a Bidet Over a Bidet Attachment or Bidet Toilet Seat?
When choosing to purchase a bidet, you may have also considered a bidet attachment or a bidet toilet seat. While there are many pros and cons to each of these options, we will focus on the benefits of choosing a standalone bidet to install within your home. Consider the following when thinking about choosing a standalone bidet for your home:
- Standalone fixtures offer unique bidet space. The standalone porcelain fixture often seen next to a standard toilet is what is considered to be a standalone bidet. In choosing this over something that attaches to your standard toilet, you will be creating a space that is designated strictly for the purpose of using the bidet features.
This can add incentive to use the device and can also help your guests who are not as comfortable with the idea of using a bidet to avoid the experience. In creating an opportunity for all to be happy, you will add to the overall value within your home. Since rerouting the plumbing is an obvious commitment for the standalone bidet installation, you will want to be confident in this decision beforehand.
- Costs can vary, but options seem endless. You may choose a bidet that is very cost-efficient and runs under the $300 range if you are looking for a simple, electric model of the bidet. However, you will get what you pay for with a bidet, bidet attachment, or bidet seat. By investing more money into a bidet, you will receive more perks which adds essential value to your home.
In choosing a bidet over a bidet attachment or bidet toilet seat, you may find more options that allow for manual adjustments rather than electronic ones. Of course, this will require making a financial investment on your end, but most buyers will tell you that the “all in” decision was right for them and those who entered their homes.
- Remote or non-remote options. A standalone bidet is often more of a simple solution to your bidet needs. Rather than having all of the extra bells and whistles that many bidet toilets (often referred to as smart toilets) have, the standalone bidet will be more clear cut and straightforward. This will allow for efficient use rather than extraordinary amounts of time spent in the restroom.
One way that you can benefit from a standalone bidet is that you will likely not need to use a remote. You should be able to manually adjust the nozzle, the water pressure, temperature controls, and so forth. Therefore, the standalone bidet will more likely not come with a remote, but this just means one less thing to keep up with in what could become an overcrowded bathroom setting.
- The standalone bidet has the longest history. Since this was the original bidet, this means that it is the device that most people who visit or live in your home will probably be the most familiar with. This added familiarity will increase the level of comfort provided to the user experience. Thus, choosing a standalone bidet might be the most comfortable option in terms of using something that is “known”.
Another advantage of having a long history is that the device will likely have undergone many modifications to become as efficient and sleek as possible. As it has changed over time, the user experience continues to improve so you are sure to get what you are expecting with this device. - Easy to learn. Since there may be limited “bonus material” or options in the standalone bidet, it should be easier to learn how to control and manage than a fancier, more expensive smart toilet that contains a higher number of options and settings to choose from.
For someone looking to make an easier adjustment to their home, installing a standalone bidet will be something that does not take many trial and error sessions before you really get the hang of the device. Since the nozzles are manually adjusted, also, you should be able to tell exactly where and how you like yours placed to hit the angles you prefer. - Eco-friendly. While the standalone bidet does not often come with a power-saving or “eco mode”, it is innately eco-friendly. Not only are bidets better for the environment than the traditional toileting experience with a standard toilet and toilet paper, but the standalone bidet has its added bonuses, too.
Due to the fact that the user has to (often) manually turn on the valve, it is likely that once the user is finished, he or she will be sure to turn off the device. Since it could become worrisome to the user if the nozzles were left on, this added motivation can help to increase the economic and environmentally protective factors by limiting water usage. Finally, since it is often mechanical or does not require significant bouts of electricity, this will save in the power used as well. - Speedy and Efficient. Since you will not have to wait on the standalone bidet to heat up the seat or water, it is more likely that you will have a more speedy and efficient bidet experience. The standalone bidet uses your home’s plumbing and water source meaning that it can attract the water in this way rather than securing it from an attachment or other filtration system.
By keeping the bidet experience simple, you are sure to enjoy the experience and know exactly what it is you are going to do. If you are not in the market for major bells and whistles, then the standalone bidet might be the right option for you.
Of course, if you are on more of a budget and want a great option for a bidet seat, check out my buyers guide here!
How Much Should You Spend on a Bidet?
The amount that you spend on a bidet should be considered both under the context of your budget, the perks that you find necessary, the bonus perks that you are willing to pay a little more for, and the realistic range that you can find this on the market. That said, you can choose to spend between $300 to over $6,000 USD on a variety of bidet options.
Monitoring the bidet market is relatively simple once you begin your research. In this field of devices, you get what you pay for. That is, the more cash you are willing to shell out, the more benefits you will receive from your device. It is rare that a bidet that is more expensive will not include features that seem worth the price to many buyers.
If you are looking for a simple, standalone bidet, you can often find one between $250-$400 USD. With this lower price range in mind, though, you will want to know what you are going to receive. These options are often fully mechanical and therefore require no electricity. You will want to make sure that you include the cost of adjusting or adding any needed plumbing for a standalone bidet, though, as this will not be attached to your pre-existing toilet.
Advancing your options a little bit, you can find slightly more updated standalone bidets between $500-$600 USD that will include temperature adjustment options, water pressure options, adjustable nozzles, and more. These modifications will be made by hand, though, as the mechanical bidet will not come with a remote or electric option.
If you are looking for a “smart toilet”, in other words, a bidet/toilet combination, then you will be looking to spend between $1500-$6,000 USD depending on the model you are looking for. While this style of bidet is not considered an attachment (as the entire device will be installed at once), it is significantly more advanced than the usual standalone bidet that is separate from the toilet. These are what will make your bathroom experience feel more like a resort, but the price tag will accompany that of luxury as well.
I recommend the Toto G400 if you are trying to stay on the lower end, and the Toto Neorest 700H if you are able to spend a little more to get all the features. Of course, you can read more about those and many other luxury bidet options here.
One of the best factors to keep in mind when considering how much you are willing to spend on a bidet is that this should be a one-time investment opportunity to update the bathroom experience in your home. You should not need to replace the bidet anytime soon, and many come with warranties just in case.
Therefore, if you are able to spend a little more to make a remarkable difference on your behind, then the extra money could be worth it. But, if you are looking to stay more economical and simply add the hygienic practice to your bathroom routine, then a simple, less expensive standalone bidet will do the trick.
What Features Should You Consider When Buying a Bidet?
When purchasing a bidet, it is critical to remember that this is a long-term investment, and you will get out what you put into buying this device. That said, you must also be conscious of your own budget and preferences. There are several features that come with varying options of bidets. Some are more commonly found on bidet seat attachments or bidet toilet seats rather than standalone bidets. Depending on what you are looking for, you can consider the following factors to help you make your decision.
Electric versus Mechanical
Bidets come in two options: electric and mechanical. Electric bidets will require a plug-in that is located near the device. This could add to your overall cost if you will need to install an electric outlet to plug in your electric bidet. However, the electric bidet will come with an exorbitant number of options as compared to the mechanical bidet.
The mechanical bidet will not require an electric plug as all of the features will be done by hand. This can make the process more simple as you will only adjust that which you are hoping to modify (ex. the water temperature, angle of spray, etc.).
Electric models will often come with more features whereas mechanical bidets will be more simplistic. Keep in mind the bathroom space that these options could imply for you. If you need additional plugs or have to shift the location of your bidet to one that is less ideal in order for it to work, this could cramp the style of your bathroom.
Self-Cleaning Nozzle
Some bidets- mainly those that are electric- will come with a self-cleaning nozzle. While this does not mean that you should not have to wash your bidet and sanitize it regularly, it will add to the peace of mind you have regarding the overall sanitation of your device.
Bidets without self-cleaning nozzles are still known to be sanitary, though, as they have other protective factors that prevent the spread of bacteria and germs from fecal and other matter. But, if you want the peace of mind between users, then finding a bidet with a self-cleaning nozzle might be the best choice for you.
Adjustable Water Temperature and Pressure
In both simplistic and more advanced options, you will likely find varying options for choosing warmer or cooler water temperature options and some with the ability to increase or decrease the force of the bidet spray. Additionally, some even come with the option of pulsation to really up the bidet spraying game. This will add to the uniqueness of your bidet experience and result in a significantly more comfortable and enjoyable time on the bidet.
Some mechanical, simple, standalone bidets do not have these options, though, as it is considered an added perk. So, if you choose to go the less expensive route and are not willing to invest in a bidet that has adjustable water temperature and pressure, just be sure that you are ready to wait out the experience until you have become more comfortable with it through routine use and practice.
Adjustable Nozzle Angles
Some bidets come with a nozzle that is fixed in one place and requires the user to adjust while others come with the ability to manually or electrically adjust the angle of the bidet nozzle. While an experienced user should be able to adjust his or herself while using the bidet, this may not be as simple for the non-experienced user or a user with limited mobility.
By choosing a bidet with an adjustable nozzle, you will be able to hit all of the angles in the regions that you want to cleanse. Additionally, this will also add to the option of a “feminine wash”. That is, you will be able to cleanse the front region of the female genitalia through extending the angle of the nozzle without needing multiple spray sources.
Heated Seats
If you are looking for a device that heated seats, then the standalone bidet is likely not the right option for you. Most standalone bidets do not have large seat options and therefore are limited in their capacity to heat up. Additionally, many standalone bidets are mechanical and thus not plugged into the electricity that is required of a heated seat option.
Those looking for the ultimate comfort while using a bidet, though, should consider a bidet toilet seat or bidet seat attachment that has a heated seat. The added comfort of sitting on something that is a comfortable temperature will create a calm, relaxing experience in the bathroom of your dreams.
Drying Fan
Many advanced electric bidets will have a drying fan that will aid in completing the bidet experience without the need for additional towels or toilet paper usage. This is not a common feature found on standalone bidets, though, so keep that in mind when you are considering the purchase.
If you choose to purchase a bidet without a drying fan, you will simply need to have something to dry you off after the rinse. This can include a set of towels that you discard in an assigned bin or otherwise choose to sanitize routinely.
Appearance
It is safe to say that if you do not like the overall look, appearance, and design of the bidet, you are less likely to see the benefits that it adds to your health and your life. In creating a comforting bathroom experience, the look of the room has a ton of impact on the overall feel. A bidet that does not fit with the feng shui of your bathroom could disrupt the spa-like experience you are attempting to create by adding a bidet in the first place.
Control Settings
Control settings on a bidet can include anything from the ability to adjust the experience using a remote to the maintenance of a user profile on the settings or switchboard of the device. This can generally be found on pricier, more advanced bidet toilet options but is not often found on the standalone, simple bidet that you will find in public places like hotels.
Warranty
In making a significant investment into your home and bathroom, it is critical to find a device that comes with a warranty. Especially if you choose to purchase a bidet that makes more of a dent in your bank account, then you will want to make sure that you can return or replace the device should anything break or otherwise go wrong.
Many bidets come with warranties of 2-3 years, but some more advanced options come with lifetime warranties. It is up to you to decide how long you would like for the warranty range to extend, but you should consider finding one that is as long as possible for the added peace of mind.
