Considering options for toilet suites

With new innovations hitting the market every other week, choosing between the many toilet suites isn't as simple as you might think. Today, water efficiency, space-age technology and cutting-edge design all compete for the buyer's attention as toilet suites take on royal throne status in the home.

So which type of toilet is for you? Let's look at the main contenders:

Close-coupled Toilet Suites 

The close-coupled loo comprises a cistern that sits directly on top of the toilet pan and is the cheapest and most common style of toilet. When looking at close-coupled toilet suites, the key things to consider are the projection of the pan from the wall and the shape of the bowl.

If space is at a premium, look out for pans with minimal projection – the most compact units only extend 415mm from the wall. Just keep in mind that if you're doing a retrofit, the 'set out' (distance from the wall to your waste trap) may be shorter than it was for your original toilet, in which case you'll need additional plumbing.

Round pans, as opposed to traditional oval ones, are also good space savers, but some people may not find them comfortable or convenient.

Back-to-wall Toilet Suites 

Adding an element of minimalism to the traditional close-coupled suite is the wall-facing, or back-to-wall toilet. These toilet suites fit tight up against the wall, with either an all-in-one cistern and hidden flush pipe, or a cistern that's concealed in a stud wall. Because it does away with the usual nooks and crannies, it's easy to clean.

If you choose a concealed cistern, bear in mind that you'll need adequate space within the wall, as well as sufficient support for the brackets that hold the pan.

Wall-hung Toilet Suites 

Wall-hung pans appear to 'float' above the floor and the cistern is usually hidden in a furniture unit or stud wall. Because they allow for a clean, unbroken line between the wall and floor, they're perfect for the contemporary, minimalist bathroom. They also allow you the flexibility of positioning the pan at whatever height you desire.

When considering wall-hung toilet suites, keep in mind that the waste pipe has to go out through the wall, so if your existing waste trap is in the floor, it will have to be moved.

Water-efficient Toilet Suites 

All new toilets must now come with a 3/6 litre half/full flush option to achieve minimum three-star water efficiency. But if you want to take water conservation to the next level, look out for new, innovative designs that integrate hand basins with the toilet suite.

"These allow you to use water twice," says Dr Steve Cummings, research and design manager at Caroma. "As the cistern fills, water is redirected through the spout, allowing you to wash your hands. That same water then goes back into the cistern ready for the next flush."