TOTO Drake WASHLET Review: Honest Verdict & Pros Cons

Introduction

Combining a high-performance toilet with an integrated bidet seat offers a streamlined solution for modern bathrooms. The TOTO Drake WASHLET review examines whether this combination lives up to its reputation. Designed for homeowners seeking convenience, hygiene, and a cohesive look, the TOTO Drake WASHLET+ integrates TOTO’s Drake toilet with the WASHLET S2 bidet seat. This TOTO Drake WASHLET review and rating explores its features, installation requirements, and real-world performance to help you decide if it’s worth the investment. For a quick look at current availability, check the product on Amazon.

What Is the TOTO Drake WASHLET?

The TOTO Drake WASHLET+ is a two-piece elongated toilet with an integrated S2 bidet seat. It combines TOTO’s TORNADO FLUSH technology, CEFIONTECT glaze, and PREMIST bowl wetting with a heated bidet seat offering rear and front cleansing, adjustable temperature and pressure, a warm air dryer, and a night light. The “WASHLET+” designation means the power cord and water supply hose are concealed for a cleaner installation. It targets users who want an all-in-one toilet-bidet solution without separate power cords or messy connections.

Key Features & Specifications

Below are the main features based on manufacturer information and product specifications.

Feature Details
Flush System Tornado Flush – rimless, hole-free design with dual nozzles creating a centrifugal washing action.
Glaze CEFIONTECT – ultra-smooth glaze minimizing waste adhesion.
Bowl Wetting PREMIST – wets bowl surface before use to aid waste removal.
Bidet Seat WASHLET S2 – heated seat (3 temp settings), soft rear spray, rear cleanse, front cleanse, oscillating stream, adjustable pressure (5 levels) and temperature (3 levels).
Self-Cleaning EWATER+ – transforms water into a safe compound to clean the wand inside and out before/after each use.
Dryer Adjustable warm air dryer.
Deodorizer Air deodorizer with powerful air filters.
Night Light Built-in night light.
Seat SoftClose heated bidet seat.
Dimensions 28.38″ D x 17.19″ W x 29″ H
Weight 57 lbs
Flush Volume 1.28 GPF (gallons per flush)
Height Standard height (lower than Universal Height)
Material Ceramic (toilet), plastic (seat)
Color Cotton White
Included WASHLET, Drake bowl and tank set with hardware, toilet bolt caps (not included: wax ring, mounting bolts, water supply line)

The manufacturer claims the combination of PREMIST, CEFIONTECT, and TORNADO FLUSH reduces cleaning frequency. The S2 bidet seat offers multiple cleansing modes with adjustable temperature and pressure, along with a self-cleaning wand using EWATER+ technology.

What’s Included in the Box

According to product details, the box includes:

  • TOTO Drake two-piece toilet bowl and tank
  • WASHLET S2 bidet seat
  • Mounting hardware for toilet and seat
  • Toilet bolt caps

You will need to purchase separately: wax ring, toilet mounting bolts, and water supply line. The seat comes pre-assembled with the control arm. Setup requires basic plumbing tools and electrical outlet near the toilet. The WASHLET+ connection is designed to hide cords, but proper rough-in measurements are essential.

How to Use

Setup

Install the toilet according to local plumbing codes. The tank mounts onto the bowl with included hardware. Connect the water supply line (not included) to the tank. The WASHLET seat slides onto the bowl and connects to the tank’s water supply via a T-adapter (included). Plug the power cord into a GFCI-protected outlet. The WASHLET+ conceals both the water hose and power cord behind the toilet for a cleaner look.

Operation

After flushing, the PREMIST wets the bowl automatically. The bidet functions are controlled via the arm control panel. Users can select rear cleanse or front cleanse, adjust water temperature and pressure, activate oscillating or pulsating streams, and use the warm air dryer. The night light can be turned on/off. The heated seat maintains temperature on three settings.

Maintenance

The bidet wand self-cleans with EWATER+ before and after each use. Periodically, the wand nozzle can be manually extended for cleaning with a soft brush. The outer seat surface can be wiped with mild detergent. The toilet bowl benefits from CEFIONTECT glaze, but occasional scrubbing may still be needed. Replace the deodorizer filter as recommended by the manufacturer (check manual for interval).

Troubleshooting

Common issues include low water pressure (check supply line and filter), seat not heating (confirm power and settings), or wand not extending (reset unit by unplugging for 30 seconds). The control panel may show error codes; refer to the manual. For persistent issues, contact TOTO customer support.

Performance & User Experience

Note: This section is based on manufacturer specifications, product details, and general consumer feedback patterns rather than personal testing.

TOTO is a well-known brand in bathroom fixtures. The Drake toilet has a reputation for reliable flushing. The TORNADO FLUSH system uses dual nozzles to create a swirling motion that cleans the bowl with less water (1.28 GPF). The CEFIONTECT glaze helps prevent waste from sticking, and the PREMIST system pre-wets the bowl. Combined, these features aim to reduce the need for frequent cleaning.

User reviews on Amazon (3.7 out of 5 stars from 7 ratings) suggest mixed experiences. Some users appreciate the integrated design and bidet functions, while others note installation complexity or seat comfort issues. The S2 bidet seat offers multiple spray options, but some may find the control panel layout less intuitive initially. The heated seat and warm dryer are generally well-received.

Potential limitations include the standard height (lower than universal height) which may not suit taller users, and the need for an electrical outlet near the toilet. The plastic seat may feel less premium compared to solid wood seats. Also, replacement parts or filters might be costly over time.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Integrated design hides cords and hoses for a clean look
  • TORNADO FLUSH provides effective cleaning with 1.28 GPF
  • CEFIONTECT and PREMIST reduce bowl cleaning frequency
  • EWATER+ self-cleaning wand enhances hygiene
  • Adjustable water temperature, pressure, and oscillating streams
  • Heated SoftClose seat with three temperature settings
  • Built-in night light
  • Warm air dryer with adjustable settings

Cons

  • Standard height may be low for some users
  • Installation requires separate purchase of wax ring, bolts, and supply line
  • Plastic seat material less durable than wood
  • Need for a nearby electrical outlet (GFCI recommended)
  • Limited customer reviews (7 ratings) make long-term reliability unclear
  • Replacement filters and parts may be expensive
  • Control panel placement on arm may require some learning

Comparison With Alternatives

For context, consider these alternatives (no pricing included):

  • Kohler Veil Intelligent Toilet: A one-piece design with integrated bidet, touch-screen remote, and heated seat. Kohler’s flush uses AquaPiston. The Veil is taller and includes a self-cleaning function. However, it requires more space and a dedicated electrical connection.
  • Bio Bidet by Brondell Swash 1000: A bidet seat that can be added to most standard toilets. It offers similar features (heated seat, warm water, dryer) at a lower price point but lacks the integrated look and TOTO’s flush technologies.
  • TOTO Ultramax II with WASHLET C5: Another TOTO combination with a one-piece toilet, Universal Height, and C5 bidet seat. The Ultramax uses a different flush (G-Max). It may be preferable for taller users but the C5 seat has fewer spray modes than the S2.

The TOTO Drake WASHLET+ stands out for its two-piece design and concealment of connections, but buyers should compare seat features and toilet dimensions to match their needs.

Who Should Buy This Product?

Ideal users:

  • Homeowners seeking a complete, integrated toilet-bidet solution
  • Those with standard height preferences (not too tall)
  • Users who want TOTO’s TORNADO FLUSH and CEFIONTECT for easier cleaning
  • Anyone willing to install an electrical outlet near the toilet

Not ideal for:

  • Taller individuals who need a universal/comfort height toilet
  • Bathrooms without accessible electrical outlets
  • Those on a tight budget (total cost higher than separate toilet + bidet seat)
  • Users who prefer a one-piece toilet for easier cleaning

Expert Tips

  • Measure the rough-in distance (usually 10″ or 12″ from wall to center of drain) before purchasing to ensure fit.
  • Consider hiring a licensed plumber for installation, especially if you lack experience with toilet or electrical work.
  • Run a vinegar solution through the bidet system once every few months to prevent mineral buildup (check manual first).
  • For best performance, use a water softener if your water is hard; this reduces scale on the wand and internal parts.
  • The night light brightness may be fixed; plan bathroom lighting accordingly.

Common Mistakes

  1. Incorrect rough-in measurement – Leads to toilet not fitting against wall or leaving a gap.
  2. Forgetting to purchase necessary components – Wax ring, bolts, and supply line not included; many buyers overlook this.
  3. Not using a GFCI outlet – Electrical code often requires GFCI for bathroom outlets near water sources.
  4. Over-tightening seat bolts – Can crack the plastic seat or toilet base.
  5. Ignoring water pressure requirements – Bidet works best with water pressure between 20-80 PSI; low pressure reduces spray effectiveness.
  6. Skipping manual reading for control panel – The S2 has multiple modes; not understanding functions leads to dissatisfaction.

Where to Buy

The TOTO Drake WASHLET+ is available through major online retailers and home improvement stores. Check stock at Amazon, Lowe’s, Home Depot, or TOTO’s official website. Availability may vary by region. For convenience, you can view the product listing on Amazon using the link below.

Final Verdict

The TOTO Drake WASHLET review concludes that this integrated toilet-bidet is a solid choice for those prioritizing a seamless design and TOTO’s well-regarded flush technology. The combination of TORNADO FLUSH, CEFIONTECT, and PREMIST does reduce cleaning effort, and the S2 bidet seat offers a range of adjustable features. However, the standard height, plastic seat, and separate component requirements may deter some buyers.

In assessing is TOTO Drake WASHLET worth buying, the answer depends on your bathroom setup and height preference. If you already have an electrical outlet and prefer a lower toilet height, this unit delivers reliable performance with convenient bidet functions. If you need universal height or a one-piece design, consider alternatives.

Overall, our TOTO Drake WASHLET review honest opinion is that it’s a well-engineered product with minor compromises. For a full range of features, see our detailed TOTO Drake WASHLET review pros cons and make an informed decision.

FAQ

1. Does the TOTO Drake WASHLET require a special electrical outlet?

Yes, it requires a standard 120V, 60Hz electrical outlet, preferably GFCI-protected. The power cord is about 39 inches long, so the outlet should be within that distance.

2. Can I use this toilet without the bidet seat?

Yes, the toilet functions independently. However, the WASHLET seat is integrated for aesthetic reasons; removing it would leave exposed connections. The seat can be turned off electrically, but the toilet can be used normally.

3. How often does the deodorizer filter need replacement?

TOTO recommends replacing the filter every 6–12 months depending on usage. Replacement cartridges are available separately.

4. Is the seat compatible with other TOTO toilets?

The S2 seat is designed for specific Drake two-piece bowl models with the WASHLET+ connection. It may not fit other TOTO bowls without modification.

5. What is the difference between EWATER+ and standard self-cleaning?

EWATER+ uses electrolyzed water to create a safe antimicrobial compound that cleans the wand inside and out. It is not the same as UV or chemical cleaning; TOTO claims it is safe for human contact after the cycle.

6. Can I adjust the water pressure for the bidet spray?

Yes, the S2 seat offers five pressure settings. Two temperature settings for water are also available.

7. Does the toilet include a slow-close seat and lid?

The seat is SoftClose (slow-close), but the lid is not mentioned; typically, the lid is also slow-close on WASHLET seats. Confirm with the manual.

8. Is the toilet ADA compliant?

Standard height (around 14.5″ from floor to rim) is lower than the ADA recommended 17–19″. It may not meet ADA requirements unless installed on a raised platform.

Newsletter

Get the latest bathroom product reviews and expert tips delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter.

Affiliate Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This article contains affiliate links, meaning I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are based on research and product specifications; actual results may vary. You can support this website by using the links provided.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *