TOTO vs American Standard Toilets: Which Is Better? (October 2026)

On this page (9 sections)

1. TOTO vs American Standard toilets: what is the main difference?
2. Which toilet uses less water?
3. How do the Drake and Cadet PRO heights compare?
4. Which toilet's bowl-cleaning features fit your routine?
5. What comes with each toilet, and what should you prepare?
6. How should you set up and care for either toilet?
7. Who should choose the TOTO Drake, and who should skip it?
8. Who should choose the American Standard Cadet PRO, and who should skip it?
9. What is the clearest decision between TOTO and American Standard toilets?

Choose the TOTO Drake for its TORNADO FLUSH, CEFIONTECT glaze and Universal Height; choose the American Standard Cadet PRO for its 19-inch bowl and 1.28 GPF flush. This TOTO vs American Standard toilets comparison comes down to the height, water use and bowl-cleaning features you want.

The Drake uses 1.6 gallons per flush and combines a circular bowl-washing pattern with a smooth glaze. The Cadet PRO uses 1.28 gallons per flush and pairs an extra-tall bowl with a pressurized PowerWash rim and EverClean surface.

Both are elongated, floor-mounted, two-piece toilets. Neither comes with a seat, so plan for that separate purchase and check which installation parts you need.

TOTO vs American Standard toilets: what is the main difference?

The Drake focuses on a swirling flush, smooth glaze and Universal Height; the Cadet PRO pairs a 19-inch bowl with lower water use per flush. Choose between them based on which of those differences affects your bathroom most.

The Drake's TORNADO FLUSH uses dual nozzles to send water around the bowl in a circular pattern. Its CEFIONTECT glaze is designed to minimize waste sticking to the ceramic, while the 3-inch flush valve and siphon jet bowl support its 1.6 GPF flush.

The Cadet PRO uses 1.28 GPF and has a 3-inch flush valve and 2-1/8-inch trapway. Its PowerWash rim sends a pressurized rush of water around the bowl, and its EverClean surface helps prevent accumulation between the bowl and tank.

The products also differ in their stated height descriptions and what comes in the box. The Drake is Universal Height and includes tank-to-bowl hardware; the Cadet PRO has a stated 19-inch bowl and includes installation hardware and EZ install tools.

For a wider look at brand models, see our TOTO toilet comparison and American Standard Cadet PRO guide. If height is your main concern, our guide to extra-tall toilets explains who may prefer that seat position.

Which toilet uses less water?

The Cadet PRO uses less water per flush: 1.28 GPF compared with the Drake's 1.6 GPF. If your priority is lower water use per flush, the Cadet PRO is the clear choice between these two models.

The difference is 0.32 gallons each time you flush. Your household's total use depends on how often the toilet is flushed, so consider the per-flush figure alongside the number of people using it and your daily routine.

The lower figure doesn't decide every part of the purchase. If you prefer the Drake's Universal Height or its bowl-washing features, weigh those benefits against the additional water per flush.

The Cadet PRO's PowerWash rim scrubs the bowl with each flush. The Drake's circular flush and CEFIONTECT glaze approach bowl cleaning differently, so compare the features you value instead of assuming the lower flush volume means one model is better in every respect.

For more context on water-saving labels, read what a WaterSense toilet is. Check whether the exact model you plan to buy carries the certification if that is part of your decision.

How do the Drake and Cadet PRO heights compare?

The Cadet PRO has a stated 19-inch bowl height, while the Drake is described as Universal Height. The descriptions use different measurements, so check the installed seat height if a precise number matters to you.

TOTO describes Universal Height as taller than a standard toilet and says the design can make sitting down and standing up easier for many people. Universal Height models are capable of meeting the ADA height requirement.

American Standard describes the Cadet PRO as its extra-tall toilet, with a bowl 2½ inches taller than its chair-height toilet. The 19-inch bowl may suit taller users or people who want a higher sitting position.

Bowl height and seat height aren't the same measurement when a separate seat is added. Compare the installed height you need, especially if the toilet will be used by people with different comfort preferences.

Which TOTO vs American Standard toilet suits a taller user?

The Cadet PRO is the clearer pick if you want a stated 19-inch bowl height. Choose the Drake if Universal Height suits you and its flush and glaze features matter more than having that specific bowl measurement.

A higher seat can make sitting and standing easier for many people, but it won't feel right for everyone. If possible, sit on a toilet at a similar height before buying, and consider who else will use the bathroom.

For a broader comparison, read our guide to chair height versus standard toilets. It can help you distinguish a familiar chair-height position from the extra-tall Cadet PRO.

Which toilet's bowl-cleaning features fit your routine?

The Drake combines a circular wash pattern with a smooth glaze; the Cadet PRO uses a rim that sends pressurized water around the bowl. The right approach depends on which features you want to maintain and how you prefer to clean.

TORNADO FLUSH directs water around the Drake's bowl, while CEFIONTECT is an ultra-smooth glaze that minimizes waste sticking to the ceramic. TOTO says the combination can reduce how often cleaning is needed.

The Cadet PRO's PowerWash rim is designed to scrub the bowl from top to bottom with every flush. Its EverClean surface helps prevent accumulation between the bowl and tank.

These features can support routine cleaning, but they don't replace it. Use a toilet-safe cleaner and a soft brush, follow each brand's care instructions, and avoid harsh tools that could damage the ceramic or surface finish.

A common mistake is choosing only by a feature name. Think about whether bowl washing, a smooth glaze or the Cadet PRO's lower flush volume is most useful in your household, then compare the seat height and fit before ordering.

What comes with each toilet, and what should you prepare?

Both toilets include a tank and bowl, but neither includes a seat. Check the parts list before scheduling a replacement so you can have the needed supplies ready.

The Drake includes a tank-to-bowl gasket, tank-to-bowl hardware and bolt caps. You'll need to buy a wax ring, mounting bolts, water supply lines and a toilet seat separately.

The Cadet PRO includes installation hardware, EZ install tools, a tank, bowl and trip lever. Its seat is also separate.

A second common mistake is assuming that hardware included with a toilet covers every installation need. Compare the parts you already have with the items each model requires, and follow the installation instructions for the toilet you choose.

Before buying either one, measure your toilet rough-in. The Drake is designed for a 12-inch rough-in, and a rough-in measurement helps you confirm that the toilet can align with your existing drain.

How should you set up and care for either toilet?

Start with fit and parts, then install the toilet according to its instructions and care for the bowl with routine cleaning. A careful setup can prevent avoidable fit and maintenance problems.

Measure the rough-in before ordering, then confirm there is room for the toilet's elongated bowl and overall depth. The Drake measures 28.38 inches deep, 17.19 inches wide and 30.13 inches high; the Cadet PRO measures 30.25 inches deep, 17.25 inches wide and 32.88 inches high.

Plan the seat and installation supplies before removing an old toilet. The Drake needs a wax ring, flange bolts and a water supply line; the Cadet PRO includes installation hardware, but still needs a seat.

During installation, prepare the floor area, shut off the water supply and follow the model's instructions for setting the bowl, connecting the tank and checking for leaks. If you're not familiar with toilet installation, have a qualified installer handle the work.

After setup, use the toilet normally and clean it on a regular schedule that suits your household. A swirling flush, PowerWash rim or smooth glaze can assist with bowl care, but none removes the need to check for leaks or clean the seat, hinges and exterior.

Don't choose from the rough-in alone. A toilet can fit the drain and still be a poor match for the room if its depth, height or seat position doesn't suit the people using it.

Who should choose the TOTO Drake, and who should skip it?

Choose the Drake if you want TORNADO FLUSH, CEFIONTECT and a Universal Height model that fits a 12-inch rough-in. It suits buyers who value those features and are comfortable with a 1.6 GPF flush and separate installation supplies.

Its elongated bowl offers added space, and the tank and bowl come with their connecting hardware. The left-hand trip lever is another detail to check against your bathroom layout.

Skip the Drake if your top priority is the lower flush volume in this comparison, or if you specifically want a stated 19-inch bowl height. Also account for its separately purchased seat, wax ring, mounting bolts and water line.

Who should choose the American Standard Cadet PRO, and who should skip it?

Choose the Cadet PRO if you want a 19-inch bowl, 1.28 GPF flush volume and PowerWash rim. It fits buyers who prefer extra-tall seating and want lower water use per flush than the Drake.

Its EverClean surface and PowerWash rim are useful features for a household that wants bowl-washing help during regular use. The included installation hardware and EZ install tools can also make parts planning more straightforward.

Skip it if a 19-inch bowl feels too tall for you or others in the home. Its seat is sold separately, and its greater overall depth than the Drake makes measuring the bathroom especially important.

What is the clearest decision between TOTO and American Standard toilets?

Pick the TOTO Drake for its bowl-washing features and Universal Height; pick the American Standard Cadet PRO for its 19-inch bowl and lower 1.28 GPF flush. That is the practical decision rule for this TOTO vs American Standard toilets comparison.

Choose the Drake when its circular flush pattern, CEFIONTECT glaze and Universal Height match your priorities. Choose the Cadet PRO when the stated extra-tall bowl and lower water use per flush matter more.

Before you buy, verify the rough-in, room depth, seat height and separately needed parts. Our toilet buying guide walks through those fit checks, and our Drake vs Entrada comparison can help if you want to compare another TOTO option.

Frequently asked questions

Is TOTO or American Standard better?

TOTO is the better fit if you want the Drake's TORNADO FLUSH, CEFIONTECT glaze and Universal Height. American Standard suits you if you prefer a 19-inch bowl and 1.28 GPF flush volume.

Compare the height, water use and features that matter in your bathroom before choosing.

Which toilet uses less water?

The American Standard Cadet PRO uses less water per flush at 1.28 GPF, compared with 1.6 GPF for this TOTO Drake. Multiply that difference by your household's flushes to estimate the possible change in water use; the per-flush figures alone don't predict a bill.

Which toilet is taller?

The Cadet PRO has a stated 19-inch bowl height. TOTO describes the Drake as Universal Height, which is taller than a standard toilet, but those descriptions aren't directly comparable; check the installed seat height if a specific measurement determines the fit.

Do these toilets include a seat?

Neither model includes a toilet seat. The Cadet PRO is sold without one, and TOTO lists a seat as a separate purchase.

Plan for a compatible seat and check the installation instructions for any other parts you need.