Which Toilet Has the Best Flushing Power? Our Top Picks

A powerful toilet flush is essential for preventing clogs and removing waste effectively every time. But with so many models on the market, how do you determine which toilet really has the strongest flush?

In this buyer's guide, we'll walk you through the key factors that impact flushing power. We'll also review some of the top-rated pressure assisted, gravity flush, and high efficiency toilets to help you choose the right one for your bathroom.

What Factors Affect How Powerfully a Toilet Flushes?

There are several critical toilet components that influence flush performance:

Pressure Assisted vs Gravity Flush Toilets

Pressure assisted toilets use compressed air inside the tank to create a pressurized siphon during flushing. This blast of pressurized water allows pressure assisted models to generate a more forceful flush than gravity models.

Gravity flush toilets rely fully on the weight and downward pull of the water to siphon out waste. So they cannot match the raw flushing power of pressure assisted toilets.

However, pressure assisted toilets tend to be noisier and usually cost more than gravity flush equivalents. They also require more maintenance as the internal components wear out over time.

Tank Size and Flush Volume

The larger the toilet tank, the greater the capacity it has to store water for each flush. Modern high efficiency toilets have a flush volume of 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) or less. But models with 3.5 gpf tanks can still be purchased.

While a lower flush volume saves significant water over time, these ultra low flow toilets may require two flushes to fully eliminate waste. So getting the balance right between water savings and flush power is essential.

Trapway Size

The trapway is the curving waste passageway that connects the toilet bowl to the drain pipe. Wider trapways, usually 2-1/8 inches or more, allow a greater volume of water and waste to funnel through with each flush.

Narrower trapways can restrict waste flow, reducing flushing efficiency. The shape and material of the trapway also impact how easily and completely waste can funnel through.

Reviews of Toilets with the Strongest Flushing Power

Now that you understand what makes for a powerful flush, let's review some top rated models in different toilet categories:

Best Pressure Assisted Toilets

Zurn Z5798 Aqua-Vantage Pressure Assist Toilet

With its 3.5 gallon tank and 4000 series Aqua-Vantage flushing system, the Zurn Z5798 packs incredible flushing power. It's a great choice for commercial restrooms with heavy traffic.

This Zurn toilet uses a wider 3 inch flush valve and a fully glazed 2-1/8 inch trapway to blast out 1000 grams of solid waste per flush. The elongated bowl ensures comfortable seating.

American Standard Cadet PRO Pressure Assisted Toilet

The Cadet PRO uses a pressurized air chamber to generate siphonic jet action that scrubs the bowl more efficiently. The PowerWash rim with extra injection jets helps clean the bowl fully.

With its 3 inch trapway, this pressure assisted toilet can move a 70% larger mass of waste than gravity models. The sturdy steel tank resists condensation and corrosion.

Best Gravity Flush Toilets

Toto Drake II 2-Piece Toilet

Toto is renowned for making toilets with excellent flushing systems, and the Drake II is no exception. Its wide flush valve, extra large siphon jet, and fully glazed 2-1/8 inch trapway produce a commercial grade flush.

Despite having just a 1.28 gpf dual max flush, this toilet still manages to power through 1000 grams of waste in a single flush. The universal height makes it ADA compliant.

Kohler Highline Classic Pressure Lite Toilet

The Kohler Highline uses a 3.5 gallon canister flush valve that unleashes water into the bowl from all sides for complete cleaning.

The large flush valve, glazed trapway, and elongated bowl combine to ensure solid flushing performance. Kohler stands behind this toilet with a 1 year limited warranty.

Best Low Flow Toilets for Powerful Flushing

Here are two standout options that offer robust flushing power despite using just 1.28 gallons per flush:

Toto Promenade II 1.28 GPF Toilet

Toto's innovative Double Cyclone Flushing system uses two powerful nozzles to create a centrifugal rinsing action. This rinses the bowl more forcefully and hygienically.

The wide computer designed fully glazed trapway also boosts waste removal efficiency. Toto offers a 1 year limited warranty on this excellent dual max flush toilet.

American Standard Champion PRO Right Height Toilet

With its 4 inch piston action Accelerator flush valve, PowerWash rim, and a 2-1/8 inch trapway, this toilet scrubs the bowl impressively clean with each flush.

The siphon jet pushes water into the extra large trapway to completely scour the bowl and passageway surfaces. This helps prevent streaks and buildup.

How to Choose the Best Flushing Toilet for Your Home

When selecting a toilet for optimal flush performance, there are several key considerations to weigh:

• Budget - Pressure assisted and 3.5+ gpf models tend to cost more
• Noise level - Pressure assisted toilets make a distinct noise when flushing
• Water conservation - Lower flush volume saves more water long term
• Traffic and household size - Larger households may need more flushing power

Make sure any toilet under consideration meets the latest WaterSense criteria for high efficiency. Also check what type of warranty and post-purchase support options the brand provides.

While pressure assisted toilets like the Zurn Z5798 offer the most raw flushing muscle, excellent gravity flush models like the Toto Drake II and Kohler Highline can still provide commercial grade flushing power.

And for water conservation, choosing an ultra low flow toilet with innovations like Toto's Double Cyclone flush can maintain impressive flush performance. This allows you to save water without sacrificing on flushing power in your bathroom.

Important Features That Enhance Flushing Power

Here are a few key toilet features and technologies that can contribute to a more powerful flush:

Large Flush Valve Diameter

A wider flush valve, 3 inches across or larger, permits greater water flow during the flush. This creates more siphon jet power to push waste through.

Enhanced Flush Valve Design

Newer flapperless flush valve technologies, like the canister designs from KOHLER, cause less obstruction enabling more efficient water flow.

Pressurized vs Gravity Flush

Pressure assisted flush systems blast out air or water to essentially blow waste out of the bowl, making them stronger than gravity models.

Lower Gallons Per Flush (GPF)

While lower flush volume saves water, some high efficiency 1.28 GPF toilets flush as well as older 3.5 GPF models thanks to bowl optimization.

Improved Bowl and Trapway Design

Wider trapways, glazed surfaces, and geometric shaping allow more waste to quickly funnel out of the bowl.

Bonus Features

While not directly related to flushing power, extras like soft-close seats, touchless flush, and a heated seat can enhance the overall user experience.

When searching for a toilet that can handle heavy usage without clogging, be sure to examine the size and design of key components like the flush valve, trapway, and water jets.

Bigger dimensions and more optimized surface shapes translate to more waste being forced out with each flush.

While pressure assisted toilets lead for pure flush strength, impressive gravity flush models like the Toto Drake II also stand out with their commercial grade performance.

Just remember, a toilet that may work flawlessly for a small household might not stand up long term to a large, busy family. So factor in your household size and traffic level before deciding.