In the world of plumbing fixtures, the cheapest option often comes with a host of hidden issues—from comfort and size constraints to surprisingly low quality and missing essentials like the toilet seat itself. Below, we’ll walk through the entire journey of unboxing, installing, and testing a budget-friendly toilet. You’ll see why spending a bit more up front can save you plenty of headaches (and awkward moments) later.

Why People Seek the Cheapest Toilet

In an age of online shopping, it’s easy to be lured by “lowest price” deals. When faced with $400 specialty toilets versus a bargain basement price, you might assume the cheap one will be just fine—after all, how different can toilets really be? Many homeowners think:

• It’s just a toilet.
• All toilets do the same thing, right?
• The main difference is brand name and fancy features, isn’t it?

While it’s true that all toilets perform the basic function of flushing waste, details like height, bowl shape, water efficiency, trapway size, seat design, and build quality significantly affect comfort, reliability, and long-term satisfaction. If you’re sitting on the fence about whether “cheapest” can possibly mean “best,” read on.

Unboxing the “Cheapest” Toilet

Most hardware and home improvement stores allow you to see a toilet on display, then have it shipped to your home or pick it up in person. Ordering directly from Amazon is a different experience—often you receive large boxes filled with foam inserts and minimal instructions. In the case discussed here, the cheapest toilet arrived in two boxes:

1. Tank Box: Containing the porcelain tank, lid, and internal mechanisms.
2. Bowl Box: Housing the main toilet bowl with an integrated trapway.

Both packages contained a fair amount of cardboard and foam for protection. At first glance, the toilet appeared fine—no major chips or cracks. It even had a recognizable brand name, American Standard, which many homeowners associate with decent quality. So far, so good.

Initial Impressions

• Tank and Bowl Construction: The porcelain was intact, though the trapway size looked smaller than higher-end models.
• Flapper and Fill Valve: A standard flapper assembly and a Fluidmaster fill valve—common, but not necessarily premium.
• Size and Shape: The bowl looked somewhat short and potentially round-fronted instead of elongated.
• Seat Not Included: Many toilets sold online do not come with a matching seat, and this model was no exception.

Installation and Setup

Even the cheapest toilet can install smoothly if you’re handy, and this one was no different. The steps included:

1. Removing the old toilet (shutting off the water, draining, and unbolting).
2. Setting the new wax ring or alternative seal on the flange.
3. Carefully lowering the new bowl onto the flange bolts.
4. Bolting the tank to the bowl with the provided gaskets and hardware.
5. Attaching a supply line and turning on the water to check for leaks.

If you have a straightforward bathroom layout, no cracked flange, and all the right plumbing tools, installing most standard toilets is manageable. The cheap toilet in question did fit the same 12-inch rough-in as the old one, making the swap fairly painless. That said, it’s vital to measure your rough-in distance (the space from the finished wall to the center of the flange) before ordering. Some toilets come in 10-inch or 14-inch rough-ins, which might cause a big headache if you buy the wrong one.

Issues That Can Arise

• Flange Height: If your flange sits below floor level or has damage, you might need flange extenders or repairs—a hidden cost that can exceed the toilet’s price.
• Seat Purchase: The new toilet lacked a seat. Depending on your preference (plastic vs. wooden, slow-close vs. regular), you could spend $20 to $60 more.
• Supply Line Mismatch: Older plumbing might require a different connector or length. Having to buy a new supply line isn’t unusual.

Putting the Toilet to the Test

Once installed, you’d hope the toilet would offer comfortable seating and reliable flushes. But here’s where the cheapest model started to show its shortcomings:

1. Height and Comfort

Standard toilets often measure about 15 inches from floor to seat, while “comfort height” or “chair height” toilets can be 17 or 19 inches. If you’re taller, have mobility concerns, or simply prefer not to squat too low, a short toilet can feel awkward. According to the user experience:

• Knees ended up higher than expected, mimicking a squatty posture.
• Leaning back was uncomfortable, making it feel like sliding off.
• For men, the smaller seating area was awkward to navigate, especially on a round-front bowl.

While some people don’t mind a standard 15-inch toilet, more consumers are choosing taller models for better ergonomic support.

2. Round-Front vs. Elongated Bowl

An elongated bowl provides extra surface area in the front, accommodating more comfortable seating and often reducing mess. Cheaper toilets often default to round bowls to cut costs. Round bowls can be fine in tight powder rooms or for children, but many adults find them less comfortable overall.

3. Trapway and Flush Performance

A smaller trapway can increase the risk of clogs if large waste loads or excessive toilet paper is frequently flushed. High-efficiency toilets attempt to use less water while still clearing the bowl effectively, but a tiny trapway plus minimal water can sometimes lead to more plunging sessions.

Another factor is the flush valve size. Two-inch flush valves are typical in many standard toilets. Premium toilets might have a three-inch flush valve for a faster, more powerful flush that helps reduce the chance of partial clogs. The cheap toilet came with a smaller trapway and a standard flush valve—a combination that might be less forgiving over time.

4. Missing or Low-Quality Seat

Often, the cheapest Amazon options either do not include a seat or come with a flimsy one. In this case, no seat was provided at all. Buying a decent seat involves additional expense and the hassle of finding a matching color and shape. Plus, a poor seat can crack prematurely or cause slipping.

The Biggest Drawbacks

So, what’s the verdict on “the cheapest toilet on Amazon?” Key issues include:

• Uncomfortable Height: At 15 inches, it feels too low, particularly for taller users or those with mobility issues.
• Round Bowl: A smaller seating area can cause discomfort, especially for men or bigger-bodied individuals.
• Risk of Clogs: A tighter trapway plus minimal water usage can be less reliable in clearing large waste or toilet paper loads.
• No Seat Included: Increases the final cost.
• Longevity Concerns: Lower-cost toilets may use cheaper glazing or less durable parts, potentially wearing out faster.

What to Do with a Disappointing Purchase

After testing for a short period, the decision was made to remove the toilet. The user found it so uncomfortable that they didn’t want to keep it. That raises the question—what do you do if you’ve already installed a toilet and realized it’s not ideal?

1. Check Return Policies: Amazon typically has a window for returns, though shipping a used toilet back is more complicated.
2. Donate or Recycle: Some local charities or home improvement thrift stores might accept new or lightly used toilets, as long as they’re in good condition.
3. Use as a Temporary Fixture: If you have a garage workshop or outbuilding, consider installing the cheap toilet there, where it sees minimal use.
4. Repurpose: Occasionally, folks use an old toilet as yard décor or a planter, though that’s definitely not for everyone.

Is a Cheap Toilet Ever Worth It?

In certain scenarios, a cheap toilet might suffice:

• Light Use Areas: If you have a seldom-used basement half-bath or guest room that sees occasional traffic, a budget toilet could do the job.
• House Flips on a Budget: When speed and budget dominate over long-term comfort, some flippers might install a cheap toilet just to have something new.
• Temporary Installations: If you’re remodeling in phases and need a short-term solution, going cheap might make sense—knowing you’ll eventually upgrade.

That said, even in these scenarios, a mid-range toilet might offer a better balance of cost, function, and reliability.

Selecting a Good Toilet Instead

If you’re looking for something more reliable and comfortable, consider:

1. Proper Height: Look for terms like “comfort height,” “chair height,” or “universal height.”
2. Elongated Bowl: Generally more comfortable and can reduce splashes.
3. Larger Flush Valve: A 3-inch flush valve often provides a more forceful flush.
4. PowerWash Rim or Cyclone Flush: Premium features that help clean the bowl with each flush.
5. Water Efficiency: Aim for 1.28 gallons per flush or less, but ensure the brand is known for good flushing performance.
6. Quality Brand and Warranty: Reputable companies often offer better warranties and replacement part availability.

Real Cost vs. Initial Price

A cheap toilet might save you $50 to $100 upfront compared to mid-range models. However, consider the following hidden costs:

• Extra Seat Purchase: Could be $20 to $60.
• Higher Risk of Repairs: Replacing flimsy parts might negate initial savings.
• Less Efficient Flush: Wasting time and water if multiple flushes or plunging is frequent.
• Lower Overall Satisfaction: Comfort and reliability matter, especially for everyday use.

When you factor in these issues, the difference between cheap and mid-priced may be negligible—and the frustration of dealing with an uncomfortable or clog-prone toilet can far outweigh the initial discount.

Lower upfront cost does not always mean a good long-term value, particularly if you end up replacing it quickly or dealing with constant annoyances. From uncomfortable seat height to missing parts to riskier clogs, there are multiple reasons to think twice before hitting the “buy” button on that suspiciously inexpensive model.

Instead, consider a modestly priced, well-reviewed toilet from a reputable brand. Confirm the right height and bowl shape for your comfort. Look at flush performance, water usage, and whether the seat is included. A little extra investment can translate into daily comfort, fewer plumber calls, and overall peace of mind for years.