Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsBest Toilet!
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2014
I purchased two of the “TOTO MS604114CEFG#01 Ultramax II HET Double Cyclone Elongated One Piece Toilet with SanaGloss, Cotton White” in August 2014. Amazon had them delivered, via UPS, within a few days and the toilets were in perfect condition upon my receipt and inspection.
This is an amazing toilet with an excellent design and flushing system. My plumber recommended Toto toilets, and the G-max model in particular, but after much online research, I decided on the Ultramax II as it is consistently a top ranked toilet and Amazon has the best price. I am very meticulous with my research so hopefully my review will help you in your decision as I will consolidate all of my knowledge herein:
Color:
We wanted a pure white finish so we chose Cotton White. When we inspected our new toilets side by side, we noticed that one toilet had an off-white appearance. I am going to guess this toilet was perhaps in a batch of toilets where the color pigmentation during manufacturing was just ever so slightly off. You would not have even noticed it unless you had two side by side like we did. However, we informed Amazon and they quickly sent us a replacement, which had a true Cotton White color.
Style:
Ultramax II is a one piece, which provides a clean, high-quality, solid, streamlined look compared to a two-piece. It looks very sleek, modern, and low-profile.
Gallons per Flush:
Ultramax II is 1.28 gallons per flush, which is considered a High Efficiency Toilet (“HET”). This conserves more water than what I believe is the current industry standard of 1.6 gallons per flush, labeled a “low-consumption toilet”. Although you may think 1.28 gpf is not enough, trust me it is not an issue considering the flushing system of this toilet. Note that after flushing the toilet refills quickly and quietly within about ten seconds. Another reviewer suggested that you should check with your local water district to see if they are offering any rebates or discounts if you install a water saving toilet. I checked but there was no offer in my district. Ultramax II is less gpf (1.28 gpf) than all G-Max models (1.6 gpf) so it will conserve more water but will have a better flush as described later.
Flushing System:
This gravity-flow toilet has a large 3” flush valve which allows the 1.28 gallons to more quickly be flushed into the bowl. The 1.28 gallons drops through the 3” flush valve and is sent in three directions. One is through a large siphon jet at the bottom of the bowl that is directed straight down the glazed trap way, and the other two are through the two nozzles located just under the rim of the bowl. The nozzles use water more efficiently than numerous small rim holes and Toto explains that this results in better rim and bowl wash and less stains than you would typically see weeping from a bunch of rim holes as the water is directed from just two locations in a centrifugal counterclockwise motion. If you look down at the toilet and imagine a clock, one nozzle is at the one position and the other is at the eight position, directed water counterclockwise. Note that just like the G-max models, this toilet has the 3” flush valve and the large siphon jet; however the Ultramax II is labeled as an “E-max” because of its more Efficient use of water (being only 1.28 gpf). The main difference is that the Ultramax II uses less water plus it has the two double cyclone nozzles rather than rim holes, which in my opinion (and Toto’s) makes this a superior toilet to the G-max.
Large Glazed Trap way:
The large trap way has a 2-1/8” diameter that is larger than typical toilets, allowing more waste to exit the bowl. The trap way is glazed; however, after I unpacked the toilets, I looked and felt inside to see for myself and it is not glazed the same as the bowl, as I was expecting. An internet search led me to a review that stated that Toto explained the trap way only has one coating of glaze, but still provides enough of a coating to prevent waste from clinging to the trap way. Same as G-max models.
SoftClose Seat:
Both the seat and cover use a hinge mechanism that causes them to close quietly and softly after you give them a quick tap downward. This is great if you have kids who slam the toilet seat down. Note that they close a little on the slower side so you may have to push them down if you are a person who doesn’t want to flush the toilet until the lid is completely down.
Elongated Bowl and Universal Height (aka ADA Compliant Height):
This shape and height is not only the standard for persons with disabilities, but is also a comfortable sitting position as you don’t have to squat down as far to sit, thereby making it easier to stand back up. Note that a person of shorter stature may find the toilet to be too high off the ground and uncomfortable. I am 6’2” so it is comfortable for me.
SanaGloss:
The bowl is said to be coated in SanaGloss finish which prevents waste, mold, and bacteria from sticking to the surface; however it is not something you can see. My bowls have remained very clean with minimal brushing, and I think it is a result of the combination of the SanaGloss and the double cyclone rinse. Note that sometimes a small clump of matter will stick to the wall, but it comes off quickly and easily by reaching down and swiping off with some toilet paper.
In conclusion, I believe the design and flush system on these toilets is excellent. I have had no issues since they were installed about six week ago and would highly recommend them.