Consumer Reports Shares The One Smart Toilet Under $1,000 Worth Buying

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Heated seats, built-in bidets, warm-air dryers, automatic flushing — smart toilets have a lot going for them, and honestly, they can make even an ordinary bathroom feel luxurious. There is, however, one big problem. Good toilets from reputable smart bathroom appliance brands are often expensive, while cheap ones might cut corners to save money or have little to no customer service. Now, this can be a problem for customers who are on a tight budget. There's no reason to worry, though, because Consumer Reports has got your back. The independent consumer non-profit recently tested some smart toilets to find the best on the market, and one of their picks is budget-friendly (if your budget is $1,000 at the most): the Canest Smart Toilet TC-200GE. As of this writing, it is on sale for $764.

Consumer Reports found that this Canest toilet did an excellent job removing solid waste and also performed very well when it came to maintaining a clean bowl. Its bidet earned just an average rating, though, and Consumer Reports actually gave its noise level a somewhat low rating, so it's louder than more expensive high-end brands.

These are all things you should keep in mind before you consider buying a smart toilet for your home. That said, you still get a lot of features with the Canest TC-200GE. The toilet can automatically adjust its seat temperature, and it has a warm-air dryer, too. There are also multiple ways to flush it – a press knob on the toilet, a foot sensor, and a remote control (which can also control things like temperature and lighting). The dual flush system has a perfect Maximum Performance (MaP) score as well, plus a night light, automatic deodorization, and a backup flush in case of power outages.

Buyers seem to like it, too. The smart toilet has almost perfect reviews on both the manufacturer's website and Amazon, which sells that model and other Canest appliances. Reviews from customers frequently highlight the value of the TC-200GE, considering its cost and smart features. The conclusion is clear — if you are ready to upgrade your bathroom with a smart toilet, the Canest TC-200GE is a good choice, though there are still some things to keep in mind.

As impressive as the Canest TC-200GE is, there are a few caveats, some of which you may encounter before you even use it. Take, for instance, its weight. The smart toilet weighs nearly 95 pounds, and it is not easy to carry and maneuver. In fact, one person even noted in Canest's customer reviews that at least two people should handle the toilet during installation because of its weight. Additionally, keep in mind that, since it is a smart toilet, it will need to use an electrical outlet, which not every bathroom has near its toilet. So, either you will need to install an electrical outlet yourself, get creative with a power strip, or hire a professional electrician before you install this toilet.

It is also important to note that the Canest TC-200GE requires a 12-inch rough-in, and Consumer Reports specifically mentions that potential buyers should confirm there are 12 inches between the wall and the toilet's waste pipe opening. Fortunately, most bathrooms have a 12-inch rough-in, but you should definitely still check, especially if it's an older house. Plus, don't forget its noise levels, either. The toilet may not be a good choice for you if your bathroom is right beside a bedroom and late-night flushes are common.

While rare, there were some technical problems mentioned by certain reviewers on the Canest website, as well. For instance, one buyer noted that the seat and water temperature controls stopped working after about five months, and another said the auto-opening lid occasionally malfunctioned and had to be reset from time to time (though they still gave the toilet a four-star rating). These problems are scarce among reviews, but are still worth keeping in mind. Every person and every bathroom is different, so before making any purchase, you ultimately have to ask yourself: Are smart toilets worth it for you and your household?