1. The History of TOTO: From Humble Beginnings to Global Leadership

TOTO’s story began over a century ago with the goal of improving sanitation in Japan. The founder, Kazuchika Okura, saw an opportunity to bring modern plumbing systems to Japanese households, which were primarily using traditional squat toilets at the time. Inspired by the advanced sanitation systems he encountered during his travels in Europe, Okura set out to create a company that would revolutionize Japan’s bathroom culture.

In 1917, Toyo Toki Company, which would later become TOTO, began producing high-quality porcelain toilets and basins. Over the decades, TOTO expanded its product offerings, leading to the development of innovative technologies like the Washlet in the 1980s.

The introduction of the Washlet was a game-changer, not just for TOTO, but for the bathroom industry worldwide. This electronically enhanced toilet seat included a built-in bidet system, offering superior personal hygiene through a spray of warm water. It quickly became a symbol of luxury and cleanliness, and it has since evolved into a central feature of TOTO’s high-end toilet models.

TOTO’s journey from local innovation to global success has seen them open manufacturing plants across the world, with their products now available in over 150 countries. Today, TOTO’s toilets are a fixture in both residential and commercial properties, from five-star hotels to airports and luxury homes.

2. TOTO’s Innovations in the Toilet Industry

TOTO has become renowned for pushing the boundaries of toilet design and function. Their innovations have focused on improving hygiene, water conservation, and user comfort. Here, we explore some of their most significant contributions to the industry.

2.1. Washlet Technology: Redefining Personal Hygiene

The TOTO Washlet was first introduced in 1980 and is now one of the most recognizable features of TOTO toilets. It incorporates a bidet function that uses a warm water spray to cleanse the user after using the toilet, effectively replacing the need for toilet paper. Washlets are not just about cleanliness; they also offer various comfort features like:

• Adjustable spray settings: Users can modify the water temperature, pressure, and nozzle direction to suit their preferences.
• Heated seats: Many Washlet models come with a heated seat, perfect for cold weather, offering warmth as soon as the user sits down.
• Air drying function: Washlets include an air dryer that helps dry the user after cleansing, further eliminating the need for toilet paper.
• Deodorizer: An air deodorizer is activated to eliminate bathroom odors, enhancing the overall experience.

Washlets are available as standalone products that can be installed on existing toilets, or they can be integrated into TOTO’s advanced toilet models, such as the Neorest series.

2.2. Tornado Flush System: Powerful and Efficient

TOTO’s Tornado Flush technology is one of their most celebrated innovations. Unlike traditional toilets that use gravity to create a vertical flush, Tornado Flush creates a centrifugal force that sends water swirling around the entire bowl, cleaning it more efficiently with less water.

The key advantages of the Tornado Flush system include:

• Superior bowl coverage: The circular water motion reaches every part of the toilet bowl, ensuring no residue is left behind.
• Water efficiency: The Tornado Flush uses less water than conventional systems while maintaining strong flushing power. Most Tornado Flush toilets use between 1.0 and 1.28 gallons per flush, contributing to significant water savings.
• Quieter operation: The swirling water motion reduces noise compared to the loud, gurgling sounds typical of older flush systems.

By minimizing water usage and maximizing cleaning efficiency, the Tornado Flush has become a favorite feature for environmentally conscious consumers and businesses.

2.3. CeFiONtect Glaze: Keeping Your Toilet Cleaner for Longer

To complement the Tornado Flush, TOTO developed a proprietary ceramic glaze known as CeFiONtect. This ultra-smooth coating prevents waste and bacteria from adhering to the toilet’s surface, making it easier to keep the toilet clean. It also inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, significantly reducing the need for chemical cleaning agents.

The smooth glaze is four times more effective than standard ceramic finishes and helps maintain the pristine appearance of TOTO toilets, even after years of use.

2.4. Dual Flush Technology: Water Conservation at Its Best

TOTO’s Dual Flush system is another eco-friendly feature that allows users to choose between a full or partial flush. For liquid waste, a lower water volume (around 0.9 gallons per flush) can be used, while solid waste requires a higher volume (typically 1.28 gallons per flush).

This flexibility allows households to save thousands of gallons of water per year, contributing to significant reductions in water bills and environmental impact. Dual Flush toilets are certified by WaterSense, a program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that recognizes water-efficient products.

3. Types of TOTO Toilets

TOTO offers a broad range of toilet designs to suit different needs, preferences, and bathroom configurations. Each type is designed with a unique purpose in mind, catering to both luxury and functionality.

3.1. One-Piece Toilets: Sleek and Modern

TOTO’s one-piece toilets are a popular choice for homeowners seeking a modern, streamlined look. In these models, the tank and bowl are combined into a single unit, eliminating the crevices typically found between two-piece toilets, which can accumulate dirt and bacteria over time.

Popular one-piece models include the TOTO Ultramax II and the TOTO Carlyle II, both of which offer advanced features like Tornado Flush and CeFiONtect glaze. These toilets are ideal for smaller bathrooms where space is a premium, as their compact design takes up less room than traditional two-piece toilets.

The benefits of one-piece toilets include:

• Sleek appearance: The seamless design adds a contemporary aesthetic to any bathroom.
• Ease of cleaning: With fewer joints and crevices, cleaning one-piece toilets is quicker and easier.
• Durability: The absence of a separate tank means fewer moving parts, reducing the risk of leaks.

3.2. Two-Piece Toilets: Classic and Versatile

The two-piece toilet design is the most common type, where the tank and bowl are separate units. TOTO’s two-piece models offer excellent performance and reliability, with many featuring the same advanced technologies found in their one-piece toilets.

For example, the TOTO Drake II is one of the brand’s best-selling two-piece models. It offers the Tornado Flush system, CeFiONtect glaze, and is available in both standard and ADA-compliant heights.

Two-piece toilets tend to be more affordable than one-piece models and provide greater flexibility in terms of bowl and tank combinations. They are also easier to transport and install, as the components are lighter and can be handled separately.

3.3. Wall-Hung Toilets: Space-Saving and Stylish

TOTO’s wall-hung toilets are an excellent choice for those looking to maximize space in their bathrooms. These toilets are mounted on the wall, with the tank hidden inside the wall, giving the bathroom a minimalist and open appearance.

Wall-hung toilets, such as the TOTO Aquia series, are ideal for modern bathrooms with a sleek, clutter-free aesthetic. They also offer practical benefits:

• Easier floor cleaning: Since the toilet is suspended above the ground, it makes cleaning the bathroom floor much easier.
• Adjustable seat height: Wall-hung toilets allow for customizable seat heights, making them ideal for people with specific mobility needs.

The main consideration with wall-hung toilets is the installation process, as it requires placing the tank inside the wall, which may involve additional construction.

3.4. Smart Toilets: The Future of Bathroom Comfort

TOTO’s smart toilets represent the pinnacle of bathroom luxury and technological advancement. These toilets come equipped with numerous high-tech features designed to maximize comfort, hygiene, and convenience.

The Neorest series is TOTO’s flagship smart toilet line. These toilets include features like:

• Automatic lid opening and closing: Sensors detect when the user approaches, automatically opening the lid for hands-free operation.
• Heated seats: A heated seat is a standard feature, providing comfort during colder months.
• Self-cleaning functions: The Neorest NX2, for example, uses Actilight technology to break down organic waste in the bowl using a UV light and a special glaze.
• Deodorizing systems: Built-in deodorizing systems neutralize odors immediately after use, leaving the bathroom fresh and pleasant.

Smart toilets are controlled via a wireless remote or smartphone app, allowing users to customize their experience, from water temperature to spray settings.

While these high-tech toilets come with a premium price tag, they are an excellent choice for those seeking ultimate convenience and luxury in their bathroom.

4. Sustainability: TOTO’s Commitment to the Environment

As a global leader in bathroom fixtures, TOTO is committed to reducing its environmental impact. Their dedication to sustainability is evident in several areas:

4.1. Water Conservation

TOTO toilets are designed to use significantly less water than traditional models, without compromising performance. Their Dual Flush and Tornado Flush systems are prime examples of how TOTO integrates water-saving technology into their products. Many of their toilets are WaterSense-certified, meaning they meet the EPA’s standards for water efficiency.

TOTO estimates that their high-efficiency toilets can save up to 20,000 gallons of water per year in a typical household. This not only benefits the environment but also leads to lower water bills for consumers.

4.2. Energy Efficiency

In addition to water conservation, TOTO’s smart toilets and Washlets are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Features like heated seats and warm water sprays use minimal electricity, and many models come with Eco Mode, which conserves energy by reducing power consumption when the toilet is not in use.

4.3. Sustainable Manufacturing Practices

TOTO’s commitment to sustainability extends to their manufacturing processes. They operate several LEED-certified factories around the world, which are designed to minimize waste, reduce energy consumption, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, TOTO aims to use eco-friendly materials and has a goal of achieving zero waste in all of its manufacturing plants.

5. User-Focused Design: Enhancing Comfort and Accessibility

TOTO’s focus on user experience goes beyond just technology. The brand is committed to designing toilets that are comfortable, accessible, and inclusive for all users.

5.1. Universal Design

TOTO incorporates universal design principles into many of its products, making them accessible to people of all ages and abilities. This includes features like:

• ADA-compliant seat heights: Many TOTO toilets are available in Comfort Height options, which have a taller seat height, making it easier for elderly individuals or those with mobility issues to sit down and stand up.
• User-friendly controls: Smart toilets and Washlets come with intuitive, easy-to-use remote controls that allow users to adjust settings such as water temperature, spray direction, and more.

5.2. Quiet Operation

Many TOTO toilets are designed with noise reduction in mind, from the soft-closing lids to the quiet yet powerful Tornado Flush. This makes them ideal for households where bathrooms are located near bedrooms or shared living spaces.

TOTO’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and user comfort has established it as a global leader in the bathroom industry. From the high-tech Neorest series to the eco-friendly Dual Flush models, TOTO offers a toilet for every type of user, whether they’re seeking luxury, performance, or environmental responsibility.

By combining cutting-edge technology like the Washlet and Tornado Flush with timeless design and sustainability efforts, TOTO continues to shape the future of bathroom products worldwide.

With a wide range of options to suit any bathroom design or budget, TOTO toilets are an investment in quality, performance, and environmental consciousness, making them a top choice for homeowners and commercial properties alike.