Smart functionality across the home is fast becoming more of a necessity rather than a luxury touch in modern homes. From smart heating to appliances, everything is becoming more efficient and convenient for contemporary living. Bathrooms, in particular, are evolving quickly, developing from purely functional spaces into elevated areas of comfort, technology and design.
Smart toilets, including bidet or shower toilets and washlets, are becoming the new go-to gadget in the UK. Once reserved for high-end hotels and restaurants they are set to become much more prominent in UK homes as wellness living continues to become a crucial part of UK culture.
In this blog, we’ll be sharing everything you need to know about these innovative toilets and provide advice on what to consider before purchasing for your home.
What is a smart toilet?
A smart toilet is more than a place to sit for your daily business, it’s an advanced piece of bathroom technology designed to make your everyday routine more hygienic, comfortable and convenient - and even that doesn’t really do it justice.
Depending on the model, a smart toilet can include:
-
Automatic ‘no touch’ flushing
-
Heated seat
-
Integrated bidet functions with adjustable spray and temperature
-
Air dyers to reduce or replace the need for toilet paper
-
Deodorising systems to keep your bathroom smelling fresh
-
Ambient lighting
-
Self-cleaning functions for unbeatable hygiene and low maintenance
In short, smart toilets are designed to elevate both hygiene and convenience while adding a touch of luxury to your bathroom.
Where did it all begin?
Let’s wind it back a bit, because you have probably heard of these being more widely referred to as ‘Japanese toilets’ - and there’s a genuine reason for this.
It was 1980 in Japan when TOTO launched the first electronic bidet toilet seat, known as the Washlet G Series. These toilets were a far cry from the sleek designs of today but they were revolutionary in that they created a new culture of comfort and cleanliness by a shift from using toilet paper to self-cleaning with warm water.
More than a million washlets had been sold worldwide by 1987, but it wasn't until the 90s and 00s and the birth of the NEOREST (a sleeker design not requiring a tank and the industry’s first electronic control system) in 1993 that things really started to take off, and these wellness bidet toilets started becoming a standard fixture in Japanese homes with wider appeal in the US, UK and China.
Fast forward to modern day and brands like TOTO, Geberit and Ideal Standard have continued to innovate adding many more features and making these smart toilets a statement just as much as they are functional. TOTO has sold more than 60 million Washlets across the world to date.
Why consider a smart toilet?
If you’re looking for next level efficiency, hygiene and comfort then a smart toilet is certainly going to be right up your alley. Let’s break down the benefits of these toilets more clearly.
Hygiene and cleanliness: Built-in bidets, touchless flushing and self cleaning nozzles make for a much more sanitary bathroom experience.
Comfort: Features like heated seats and warm water sprays make visits more pleasant and comfortable overall with little need for doing much at all.
Eco-friendly: By reducing reliance on toilet paper and using efficient flush systems, smart toilets can support a more sustainable lifestyle, that’s better for the planet and for your bills.
Accessibility: For those with reduced mobility, automated and hands-free features can make a big difference in daily independence.
Style & Value: Designs have come a long way over the years and sleeker, modern styles add a really luxurious touch to your bathroom - great for increasing value to your home.
Things to consider before buying one
Investing in a smart toilet is exciting, but it’s worth thinking about a few key points before choosing the right one.
Budget: Smart toilets are quite broad in price ranges with models from the brand leaders TOTO costing between £2000 and £3000, while models from the likes of Geberit can set you back less than £1000 and still have similar functionality.
Features: Models vary and can offer the basic bidet features to much more high-tech systems. Decide which features matter most to you.
Space and fit: With sleeker, modern designs available, this type of toilet has become much easier to fit into any bathroom. There are wall hung designs and close coupled options making a straight swap from your existing pan easier than you think. Check width requirements on the model you like to be sure it will fit in your space.
Installation: Smart toilets may require access to both a water supply and electrical connection. Ensure your bathroom is prepared or budget for installation work.
Maintenance: While many come with self-cleaning features, understanding how filters or deodorising systems work will help you keep it in top condition.
Style match: Consider whether the design complements your existing aesthetic - smart toilets come in a variety of shapes and finishes to make this switch a simple process.
Is a smart toilet right for you?
Smart toilets are no longer reserved for luxury hotels or high-tech homes in Japan - they’re increasingly popular in everyday households across the UK. If you value comfort, care about hygiene and want to modernise your bathroom while adding value to your home, then they could be a worthwhile investment.
Whether you’re renovating a bathroom, upgrading for sustainability reasons or simply a lover of the latest tech, a smart toilet is a statement piece that combines practicality with indulgence.
Which smart toilet should you buy?
Choosing the right smart toilet depends on your lifestyle, budget and desired features. Whether you want something simple and efficient or indulgent and feature-packed, there’s a model to suit every home and budget.
Here are some of our handpicked smart toilets that are available for all budgets.
Choosing the right smart toilet is about balancing your lifestyle, budget and preferences. With more models available than ever before, there’s likely one that fits your home perfectly. Browse our full range of smart toilets from Toto and Geberit.
If you’re still unsure about whether a smart toilet is right for you, our expert team is always happy to guide you through the options and address any concerns you may have. Speak to our team on Live Chat or call for a free phone consultation when it suits you on 01202 612 800.
