If you’ve recently purchased a new toilet, chances are you need a toilet seat. It’s hit and miss whether your new toilet will include a seat. It should be required right?
Maybe you’re just upgrading toilet seats after a few years. Looking for a padded toilets seat? How about a slow close toilet seat? Or a wooden toilet seat?
Whatever your need, I’ve got a few toilet seats to recommend (even bidet toilet seats). In this article, I’ll share the best elongated toilet seat and I’ll include a number of options for your toilet.
I’ve used all types of toilet seats. Unfortunately, I’ve sat on dirty seats in public bathrooms, but I’ve also sat on luxury toilet seats in Japan. I’ll also share a few things you should look for when purchasing the best elongated toilet seat. Let’s get started.
Elongated and Round Toilet Seats – What’s The Difference
It’s important to understand the difference between elongated and round toilets. If you make a mistake, you’ll end up ordering a toilet seat that doesn’t fit.
Virtually all toilets have either 1) elongated or 2) round toilet bowls. There’s a big difference. Elongated toilets are better for larger, taller individuals. They measure 18.5 inches from front to back. Round toilets measure 16.5 inches from front to back. A quick look at the top of your bowel should be all it takes to determine whether it’s round or elongated.
In this article, we’re covering the best elongated toilet seats, but most of these options can be purchased in the “round” option as well.
Elongated Toilet Seats – Be Aware Of These Things
Wood Toilet Seats Scratch
Wood toilet seats can easily chip and scratch. I learned this lesson the hard way. My flushing lever was the problem. Each time I raised the wooden toilet lid it pressed against the lever.
Eventually it scratches the white paint away the brown color of wood was visible. It occurred on the top of the lid so it didn’t look nice when the lid was down.
If you have a flushing lever that comes into contact with the toilet seat, I advise to go with a plastic option, or get a rounded lever that won’t scratch the lid. If you have young kids or pets that might scratch the lid, I also recommend going with a plastic toilet seat.
Plastic Toilet Seats Are Cold
Plastic toilet seat are lightweight, scratch resistant, and inexpensive. They are also cold in the winter – much colder than a wooden toilet seat.
Many bidets have seat warming options, perfect for the winter. You can also go with a padded toilet seat, however, they are covered in plastic which will also be cold in the winder (only for a few seconds).
Double Check Measurements For Your Toilet Seat (where screws are)
Most toilet seats are universal, however, there are always exceptions. Double check the distance between the screws. It’s also wise to make sure there’s a normal amount of space between the bowl and tank.
Some 1 piece toilets (modern styles) use a special seat that might have a smaller space for hinges. In this case, get search for the brand of seat that matches the toilet model.
Best Elongated Toilet Seat Brands
When choosing a toilet seat, you’ll want to make sure you’re buying a product that lasts. It’s true that quality products last much longer than cheap knock-offs, so it’s good to know which brands make reliable toilets – they probably make reliable toilet seats as well!
A few of the best toilet seat brands that come to mind are American Standard, Toto, Kohler, and Woodbridge. Some of these brands include the toilet seat with your purchase of their toilet, but others don’t (I think they should always include the toilet seat but that’s just me).
In the list of best toilet seats, you’ll recognize a few of the brands. One specialty brand is called “Big John”. This is not a well-known company, but if you need a big toilet seat it’s certainly a good brand to buy from. They make heavy duty seats with a weight limit of 800 lbs!
Best Elongated Toilet Seats (Slow Close, Wood, Plastic, Padded, Big Guys, Potty Insert, Bidet)
#1 Slow Close – Kohler Quiet-Close Elongated Toilet Seat
Everyone likes a slow-close toilet seat. They are also called quiet-close toilet seats. They allow you to put the lid down with one swipe and they will never slam shut.
Slow-close toilet seats are usually plastic and durable. This one is solid polypropylene and it’s resistant to chipping, staining, and fading.
The option we chose for best elongated slow-close seat it the Kohler K-4636-0. It’s going to fit 99% of elongated toilets and it comes in a bunch of colors to match your toilet. It’s also easy to install and remove because it uses quick-release hinges. The mounting holes are 5.5 inches apart.
Reviews are excellent for this slow-close elongated toilet seat. One customer says 400 lbs might be pushing it, so if you’re a heavier person go with a wood or check out the Big John below. This toilet seat comes with a 1-year warranty, standard for Kohler products but below the industry average.
#2 Wood – Mayfair Wood Elongated Toilet Seat
Wood toilet seats are long lasting and better quality than plastic, however, they do chip if scratched. They stay warmer in the winter (not by much) and they tend to be a little more comfortable.
In the old days, everyone used a quality wooden toilet seat. These days, many households have switched to a plastic option that is scratch resistant and lightweight. Wooden toilets are solid and do well with heavier weights. If you want a classy toilet seat, you’ll want to go with wood.
This wooden elongated toilet seat is the Mayfair molded wood. It comes in a few colors, namely white, bone, and linen. It’s also affordable and has the same slow-close technology that you usually find on plastic options.
#3 Plastic – Bath Royale Elongated Toilet Seat
If you’re looking for a well-reviewed plastic toilet seat, Bath Royale makes a good one. People seem to love it’s performance and the look.
Plastic toilet seats have become the norm in toilets and this one has all the features you need. I uses a quick release attachment that lets you remove it for cleaning.
It also has the slow-close technology so there won’t be any slamming of the lid or seat.
It’s made to fit all toilet brands, including Kohler, American Standard, Toto, Crane, Eljer, and Caroma. It uses an adjustable mounting system that fits screw holes that are 4-7 inches apart.
I like the 2-year warranty and the fact it’s adaptable to most toilets. Overall, this is a great option for an elongated toilet seat and it comes at a great price.
#4 Padded – Mayfair Elongated Toilet Seat
If you’ve ever sat on a padded toilet seat you know how nice it feels. In fact, it’s way better than a hard plastic or wood toilet seat (but it may need to be cleaned more often).
For the best padded toilet seat, I’m going with another Mayfair product. This option comes in 7 colors including green and pink! It fits all elongated toilets (5.5 inch distance between screws) and it’s proudly made in the U.S.A.
The core of the padded toilet seat is wood so it’s got a solid frame.
#5 For Big Guys – Big John Elongated Toilet Seat
The Big Daddy of toilet seats in the “Big John”. It’s a funny name, but a serious product. The Big John is oversized, yet it still fits standard sized toilets. How so?
The seat adds some width to the bowl without sacrificing the integrity of the toilet (19 inches wide). Due to its size, it stands 1.5 inches higher than other toilet seats. It’s also very comfortable. If you have big thighs this extra large toilet seat will provide a little more room and will work for people up to 800 lbs.
The size is noticeable so it’s not a discrete product, however, the whole family can use it without a problem (all shapes and sizes).
#6 With Removable Child Potty Insert
If you have a toddler, you definitely need a toilet seat that can accommodate them. Sure you can buy a separate seat, but you’ll spend time putting it on and taking it off the toilet.
This Mayfair model of toilet seat includes a removable child’s toilet seat. Once your child has learned to use the big seat, you can permanently remove the child’s size and keep the same toilet seat (genius idea, right?).
The features include the slow-close lid, durable enameled wood seat and quick release fastening system. It’s as good as the other toilet seat options with a kid’s insert!
With over 3,000 positive reviews there are a lot of people who bought and like this toilet seat. It’s definitely the best child toilet seat for elongated toilets.
#7 Bidet – Elongated Toilet Seat
You might laugh at the thought of a bidet, but they work! Many people are afraid to try it, but everyone who has tried loves them. Most bidets sold in American are toilet seat bidets. They attach to the existing toilet require very little tools or expertise to install.
I wrote an article on the best bidet toilet seats. I like the Toto and Brondell toilet seats best. Both brands are high-quality and come with plenty of options. A remote, seat warmer, warm rinse, and feminine rinse are all options on the best bidets. I use a Brondell model and love it.
My Pick
My pick for best elongated toilet seat is the slow-close wooden toilet seat by Mayfair. I like the feel and weight distribution of wood and this one has the slow-close lid which I really like.
Wood tends to last longer than plastic options, however, it is prone to scratching which is a big negative in my book. Even though I prefer the wooden toilet seat, the other options on this list are also quality.
Color options are also important so make sure you choose the right look toilet seat for your bathroom. If you’re flashy you could try the pink or green colors!
Installation Of An Elongated Toilet Seat
Installation of an elongated toilet seat is pretty straight-forward. Make sure you measure the distance between screws on your toilet and match it with the toilet seat that you like.
Some toilet seats are even adjustable and fit a range of measurements. During installation, you shouldn’t even need a screw driver.
Conclusion
In this article, we cover the best elongated toilet seats. We considered a range of options that you might prefer, including wood, plastic, slow-close, padded, big guys, and bidet. We all have different preferences so thank goodness for a wide-selection.
Most of the options on my list are also available for round bowls. Make sure you differentiate whether your bowl is round or elongated before purchasing.
Once again, thanks for reading another Toilet Travels blog post. We aim to make your toilet experience better with every article we write!