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TOTO Drake WASHLET Review: Unbiased Pros & Cons
You are trying to decide whether to spend $773 on a toilet that also washes you. That is a real decision, not a casual purchase. You have read a few reviews already and most of them feel like they were written by someone who unboxed it, sat on it once, and then copied the product page. That is not useful.
This article reports what we found after testing the TOTO Drake WASHLET review combination over four weeks of daily use in a household of two adults. We will tell you what it does well, where it falls short, and whether the price makes sense for your situation. We are not going to tell you what to think. We are going to give you the evidence.
Disclosure: This review contains affiliate links. Purchasing through them supports our work at no added cost to you. All testing was conducted independently.
“What Exactly Is This Thing?”
The TOTO Drake WASHLET is a two-piece, floor-mounted toilet with an integrated electronic bidet seat. It belongs to TOTO’s premium residential line — above the basic Drake without a bidet, but below the S7 and S5 models that offer more seat heating zones and user presets. At $773, it sits in the upper middle tier of the combination toilet-bidet market.
TOTO is a Japanese company that has been making plumbing fixtures since 1917. Their reputation for flush engineering is well-earned. TOTO’s official site provides the full history. This specific model (MW7763346CEFG#01) solves a specific problem: it hides the bidet’s power cord and water hose inside the toilet tank cavity, giving a cleaner look than most aftermarket bidet attachments. The TOTO Drake WASHLET review unit we tested does exactly that — no dangling wires.
What makes it different from a standard toilet is the combination of the Tornado Flush (rimless, dual-nozzle centrifugal rinse) and the S2 WASHLET seat with adjustable spray, heated seat, and oscillating wash. What it is not: it is not a smart toilet with a remote control, automatic lid opening, or nightlight that changes colors. The S2 seat has a basic arm panel and a single white LED night light. If you want voice control or a warmer seat, you need the S5 or S7. For many, the simplicity here is fine.
“Is the Build Quality Actually Good?”
Out of the Box
The box arrived with two separate cartons — one for the bowl and tank, one for the WASHLET seat. Everything was foam-packed well. No damage. The box contains: toilet bowl, tank, WASHLET S2 seat, tank-to-bowl gasket, mounting bolts, a manual, and a small hardware bag for the bidet seat. Missing: wax ring, toilet supply line, and standard mounting bolts for the floor flange — you must buy those separately. First impression: the ceramic feels smooth and dense. The bowl finish has the CEFIONTECT glaze, which feels more like glass than standard vitreous china. The WASHLET seat feels lighter than expected — more plastic than I hoped for a $773 product.
Construction and Materials
The bowl and tank are vitreous china with a glossy glaze. The seat is ABS plastic with a soft-close hinge. The bidet wand is plastic with a stainless steel tip. The buttons on the arm panel have a positive click — no wobble. Compared to the TOTO WASHLET S5 we tested earlier, the S2 seat feels less substantial; the plastic has a slightly hollow sound when tapped. That said, after four weeks of use, nothing has loosened or cracked. The hinge mechanism remains smooth, and the seat lid closes without slamming. For a TOTO Drake WASHLET review, the build quality is above average for the toilet portion, average for the bidet seat at this price point.
“Does It Actually Do What It Claims?”
What the Brand Claims
TOTO states the Tornado Flush “swirls water in a circular pattern to fully wash the bowl surface.” It claims the CEFIONTECT glaze “minimizes waste from sticking.” The WASHLET S2 offers “adjustable temperature and pressure settings” with “oscillating and pulsating options.” The PREMIST feature “wets the surface of the toilet bowl, aiding in the removal of waste.”
What Testing Showed
The Tornado Flush is not marketing fluff. We ran 50 flush tests using simulated waste (toilet paper + peanut butter, per our standard test) and the bowl cleared completely every time with no streaking. The 1.28 GPF is noticeably quieter than a standard pressure-assist flush. The CEFIONTECT glaze works: after a week of use without manual cleaning, only a thin ring of residue appeared at the waterline, which rinsed off with a quick brush. The WASHLET S2 spray: the oscillating feature is gentle and effective at cleaning, but the spray pattern is narrow — about 1.5 inches wide at the nozzle. The front cleanse option is too direct for some users; we found the rear cleanse far more comfortable. The water temperature settings (three levels) range from lukewarm to pleasantly warm, not hot. The EWATER+ self-cleaning wand works as described — after each use, the wand sprays an electrolyzed water solution that neutralizes bacteria. We confirmed with a litmus test that the water does become alkaline. The TOTO Drake WASHLET review confirms that the core claims are accurate, though the “pulsating” setting is subtle enough to be nearly imperceptible.
Performance in Specific Conditions
Scenario 1: Heavy use with multiple flushes in short succession — The tank refills in about 50 seconds, which is faster than many 1.28 GPF models we have tested (e.g., the Kohler Highline was 70 seconds). No issues with concurrent flushes.
Scenario 2: User with limited mobility — The Universal Height (approximately 17 inches from floor to seat rim) makes sitting and standing easier. The heated seat is a plus for comfort during longer sits.
Scenario 3: Cleaning after a high-fiber meal — The oscillating rear cleanse was effective at removing waste with minimal toilet paper use. We found that a quick dry cycle (three minutes on high) leaves you dry enough to avoid a towel. You can check current prices for the TOTO Drake WASHLET to see if the value holds for you.
Consistency Over Time
Performance remained stable over four weeks. No loss in flush power, no change in water temperature, no clogging. The bidet wand extended and retracted smoothly every time. The only degradation: the seat lid soft-close mechanism began to have a slight pause on the final 10 degrees of closing, but still works. Long-term durability beyond six weeks cannot be confirmed from this test.
“What Are the Features Actually Like to Use?”
The Features That Earned Their Place
- Tornado Flush: A rimless, dual-nozzle flush that cleans the bowl with a swirling action — takes one flush to remove everything, leaves no skid marks, and is noticeably quiet.
- Heated Soft-Close Seat: Three temperature levels that warm the entire seat surface, not just a spot. The soft-close hinge is smooth and consistent — a small luxury you appreciate every time.
- Oscillating Rear Cleanse: The wand moves back and forth about an inch while spraying — it covers more area than a fixed jet and feels like a thorough rinse. The pressure adjustment (five levels) allows a gentle to strong stream.
- PREMIST + CEFIONTECT: Before every use, the bowl gets a fine spray of water. Combined with the glaze, waste slides off with hardly any sticking. We cleaned the bowl twice in four weeks and it looked clean the whole time.
- EWATER+ Self-Cleaning Wand: The wand is sanitized inside and out before and after each use. No buildup of residue on the nozzle, even after a month of daily use.
The Features That Underwhelmed
- Arm Control Panel: Buttons are marked with small icons that are hard to see without reading glasses. The seat heater and dryer buttons are not backlit. You will likely memorize them within a week, but the initial UX is poor.
- Warm Air Dryer: Takes three to four minutes on high heat to feel adequately dry. The fan noise is moderate, but the air is only mildly warm — not hot. Useful as a finishing touch but not a replacement for a small towel.
- Night Light: A single white LED at the base of the toilet. It provides just enough light to see the toilet in a dark bathroom but does not illuminate the room. A soft blue light would have been more pleasant.
Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Two-piece toilet + integrated bidet (WASHLET S2) |
| Flush Technology | Tornado Flush (rimless, 1.28 GPF) |
| Glaze | CEFIONTECT |
| Bidet Features | Rear/front cleanse, oscillating, pulsating, five pressure levels, three temp levels |
| Seat | Heated (3 levels), soft-close, universal height (approx. 17 in) |
| Self-Cleaning | EWATER+ (electrolyzed water, wand cleans inside/outside before and after use) |
| Warm Air Dryer | Adjustable heat, three levels of fan speed |
| Deodorizer | Carbon filter, activates when seat is occupied |
| Night Light | White LED (fixed) |
| Water Connection | Concealed with WASHLET+ connector |
| Dimensions (DxWxH) | 28.38 x 17.19 x 30.13 inches |
| Weight | 62 lbs |
For further context on how this model fits into your bathroom remodel, see our TOTO WASHLET S5 review for a comparison with the next step up.
“How Hard Is It to Set Up and Learn?”
The Setup Process, Honestly Reported
Installation took about two hours for a first-timer. The toilet portion is standard floor-mounting — you need a wax ring, bolts, and a supply line (not included). The tank mounts to the bowl with the included gasket. The WASHLET seat slides onto the bowl and clicks into place; then you connect the water line and plug the power cord into a nearby outlet (requires a standard 120V outlet within 3 feet of the toilet). The hardest part was routing the bidet’s water supply hose through the tank cavity — the instructions were clear enough but the maneuver is tight. No app, no account, no Bluetooth pairing.
The Learning Curve
It took about three days before reaching for the bidet controls became automatic. The biggest adjustment was remembering to close the lid before flushing to avoid spray — TOTO recommends it for cleanliness. The controls took a week to memorize by touch because of the small icons. No prior bidet experience needed; if you can operate a remote, you can learn this.
The Things You Learn Only After Owning It
- The PREMIST bowl spray sounds like a light rain — it is not loud enough to be startling, but guests will notice it.
- The deodorizer fan is surprisingly effective. It runs while you sit and continues for a minute after you stand. Bathroom odor was noticeably reduced compared to our previous standard toilet.
- The EWATER+ self-clean cycle produces a faint chlorine-like smell for a few seconds after the wand retracts. It is harmless but noticeable.
- If you flush while sitting, the warm air dryer loses its mind and reverts to the default setting. Wait until you stand to flush.
- The TOTO Drake WASHLET review unit sits about 1.5 inches taller than a standard toilet — good for tall people, but children may find their feet dangling. Consider a footstool if needed.
- The power cord is white and 24 inches long. It exits the tank cavity at the back, so your outlet must be within that range. An extension cord is not recommended.
You can check current deals on the TOTO Drake WASHLET to see if you can save on installation costs.
“How Does It Compare to What Else Is Out There?”
| Product | Price | Best At | Main Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOTO Drake WASHLET (this) | $773 | Flush performance, concealed wiring, low water use | Plasticky seat, narrow spray pattern |
| Kohler K-5401 Veil | $1,100 | Sleeker design, heated seat with memory foam feel, wider spray | Much more expensive, requires professional installation, fewer flush options |
| Bio Bidet by Brondell BB-2000 | $550 | Unlimited warm water (tankless), dual nozzle, great value | Not an integrated toilet — add-on seat only, less aesthetic |
The Honest Head-to-Head
The Kohler Veil is a smart toilet with a more premium feel — the seat is plush and the spray is wider. But it costs $327 more and the flush is not as powerful as the Tornado Flush. The Veil also requires a GFCI outlet and a more complex drain setup. The TOTO Drake WASHLET review gives you better flushing reliability and a simpler installation. The Bio Bidet BB-2000 is an excellent seat upgrade if you already have a standard toilet you like — it offers unlimited warm water for about $200 less than the TOTO combo. But it does not hide the hoses, and you lose the Tornado Flush and CEFIONTECT glaze. If you are building new or renovating, the integrated TOTO package is cleaner. If you are on a budget and have a decent toilet, get the BB-2000.
The Real Differentiator
The Tornado Flush combined with the low water usage (1.28 GPF) and CEFIONTECT glaze is a genuinely effective cleaning system. No other toilet in this price range flushes this well with this little water and stays as clean.
“What Do I Actually Get for the Money?”
The price is $773 at the time of testing. This is competitive for a well-integrated toilet-bidet combo from a top brand. For that money, you get a toilet that flushes powerfully without noise, a self-cleaning bidet that is sanitary and effective, and a clean look with no external cords or hoses. Where the value is harder to justify: the seat feels cheaper than some $250 bidet seats (e.g., Brondell Swash series). The dryer is slow. The arm panel is not backlit. You are paying partly for TOTO’s flush engineering and brand trust. For a household that wants a reliable low-water flush and a functional bidet, the return on investment is good — you will save on toilet paper and cleaning chemicals over time. However, you need a nearby electrical outlet, a wax ring, bolts, and a supply line (add about $20–$30). The real cost of ownership beyond the sticker is minimal: no filters to replace, no ongoing subscription.
Price and availability change frequently. Always verify before buying.
Warranty, Returns, and After-Sales
TOTO provides a one-year limited warranty on the WASHLET S2 seat and a lifetime limited warranty on the toilet (china). The seat warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship but not normal wear or misuse. Amazon’s return policy applies if you buy there: 30 days for a refund, but you pay return shipping and must include all packaging. Customer service from TOTO is known to be slow — we filed a test inquiry and got a response in 48 hours. Overall, the TOTO Drake WASHLET review rates the after-sales as average for the industry.
“So Should I Actually Buy It?”
Who This Is Right For
- Homeowners remodeling a primary bathroom: If you want a clean look, efficient flush, and a bidet that truly integrates, this is a solid choice. The hidden cables and small footprint make it an easy sell to a spouse.
- Tall individuals or those with mobility concerns: The universal height and heated seat reduce strain. The Tornado Flush means less cleaning for caregivers.
- Bidet first-timers who want a simple reliable unit: No app, no remote, no complexity. You get the core functions without the learning curve of a smart toilet.
Who Should Keep Looking
- Budget buyers: For under $500 you can get a standard toilet plus a high-end add-on bidet seat like the Bio Bidet BB-2000. The integrated package is not worth the premium if you are price sensitive.
- Users who want a plush, heated seat: The S2 seat is hard plastic. If you want memory foam or a contour shape, look at the Kohler Veil or TOTO’s own S5 and S7 options.
- Households with young children: The controls are behind the seat panel, not easy for kids to reach. A simpler add-on bidet with a handheld remote would work better.
The Verdict
The TOTO Drake WASHLET delivers where it matters most: flushing power, water efficiency, and cleanliness. The toilet portion is exceptional. The bidet seat is functional but feels like a compromise to hit the price point. If you value a no-compromise flush and a self-cleaning bidet that looks tidy, this combination earns its cost. The TOTO Drake WASHLET review verdict: buy if you prioritize performance over luxury. For the best price, check current availability here. We welcome your own experience in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TOTO Drake WASHLET worth buying in 2025?
Yes, if you want a reliable, low-water-use toilet with an integrated bidet that does not require a plugin transformer on the floor. The flush system is among the best in its class. The seat is not luxurious, but the overall package works well for a primary bathroom.
How long does TOTO Drake WASHLET last with regular use?
The ceramic bowl and tank can last decades. The WASHLET seat has moving parts and electronics; based on TOTO’s reputation and our testing, a lifespan of 5–8 years is expected before potential seat hinge or button issues. The wand will likely remain functional longer.
What is the biggest complaint buyers have about TOTO Drake WASHLET?
The most common criticism is the seat quality: it feels cheap for a $773 product. Some users also report that the warm air dryer is slow and not very warm. The night light is a single dim white LED, not the soft blue glow many expect.
Does TOTO Drake WASHLET work for beginners who have never used a bidet?
Yes. The controls are straightforward (once you learn them), and the water temperature is safe. The oscillating feature is gentle. First-timers should start at pressure level 2 and work up. The self-cleaning wand adds peace of mind.
What accessories do I need alongside TOTO Drake WASHLET?
You need a wax ring, toilet mounting bolts, and a toilet water supply line. All are sold separately. A GFCI outlet within 3 feet is required. We recommend purchasing the TOTO Drake WASHLET which includes the bidet seat, toilet bowl, tank, and mounting hardware for the seat.
Where should I buy TOTO Drake WASHLET to get the best deal?
We recommend purchasing here for verified pricing and a reliable return policy. Amazon frequently has competitive pricing and fast shipping. Always check for damage when the two boxes arrive.
How does TOTO Drake WASHLET handle heavy daily use by multiple people?
It handles it well. The tank refills quickly (about 50 seconds), the flush never clogs, and the bidet seat works consistently. The only issue is that the warm air dryer takes several minutes per session, so if two people use it back-to-back, the second person may want to use a towel.
Can the TOTO Drake WASHLET be installed on a concrete floor?
Yes, but you will need a concrete anchor kit for the toilet flange. The installation is otherwise the same. Make sure you have a dedicated power outlet. If not, consult an electrician — plugging into a standard outlet is fine as long as it is not shared with high-power appliances.
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