Toilet Showdown: Which Workhorse Will You Install Next?

Alright, let's talk toilets. We're not messing around with fancy bidets or anything that requires a PhD to operate. We're talking about the bread and butter of the plumbing world – reliable, no-nonsense two-piece toilets. I've spent the last 15 years installing these things in everything from starter homes to high-end remodels, and I've seen what holds up and what's just a pretty face. Today, we're lining up four common options you'll find at The Home Depot and seeing which one earns its place on your next job. We've got a couple of Glacier Bays, an American Standard, and a Kohler. Let's see how they stack up when the chips are down – or rather, when the tank is full.

Quick Specs at a Glance

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here's a quick look at what we're dealing with. All these are 12-inch rough-in, two-piece models, which is pretty standard for most remodels and new builds.

| Model | Brand | Price | Flush (GPF) | Shape | Seat | Average Rating | Number of Reviews | | ------------ | ----------------- | ------- | ----------- | --------- | ---------- | -------------- | ----------------- | | Reliant | American Standard | $149.00 | 1.28 | Round | Slow Close | 4.3976/5 | 674 | | (Basic) | Glacier Bay | $99.00 | 1.28 | Round | Included | 4.3717/5 | 8805 | | Highline Arc | KOHLER | $199.00 | 1.28 | Elongated | Soft Close | 4.4609/5 | 13565 | | (Dual Flush) | Glacier Bay | $109.00 | 1.1/1.6 | Elongated | Included | 4.3728/5 | 7548 |

Feature Face-Off

Let's break down what really matters when you're on the clock.

Flushing Power & Efficiency

Most of these are rocking the 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) standard, which is good for saving water without sacrificing performance – most of the time. The American Standard Reliant and the basic Glacier Bay are right there. The Kohler Highline Arc also uses 1.28 GPF. The outlier is the Glacier Bay Dual Flush, which gives you options: 1.1 GPF for liquids and a more robust 1.6 GPF for solids. This is a nice touch for saving a bit more water long-term, especially in high-traffic bathrooms. On the job, I haven't had any major issues with the 1.28 GPF models clearing a full load, but you do get what you pay for. Some cheaper models can clog up easier. The dual-flush definitely has an edge for versatility and water savings, assuming the mechanism holds up.

Comfort and Design (Round vs. Elongated)

This is a big one for homeowners. Round toilets are typically more compact and fit in smaller spaces, which is great for powder rooms or tight guest baths. The American Standard Reliant and the basic Glacier Bay are round. Elongated toilets, like the Kohler Highline Arc and the Glacier Bay Dual Flush, offer a more comfortable seating experience, especially for adults. They take up a bit more space, but most people prefer the extra room. For residential installs, elongated is generally the way to go unless space is a serious constraint.

Seat Quality & Features

This is where you see the price difference really show. The American Standard Reliant and the Kohler Highline Arc come with slow-close or soft-close seats. Trust me, after a long day, nobody wants to hear a toilet seat slamming shut. It's a small thing, but it’s a touch of quality that homeowners appreciate and that makes your install look a bit more polished. The Glacier Bay models just say "Seat Included," which usually means a basic plastic seat. While you can always upgrade these, it’s an extra cost and another part to potentially deal with down the line if it cracks or breaks. For a professional install, I’d lean towards the models with the better seats already included.

Price and Value: What's Your Dollar Buying?

Here’s the breakdown: * **Glacier Bay (Basic): $99.00** - The cheapest option. You get a functional toilet, but you’re cutting corners on seat quality and maybe long-term durability. * **Glacier Bay (Dual Flush): $109.00** - A bit more expensive, but you get the water-saving dual flush and an elongated bowl. Still a basic seat, though. * **American Standard Reliant: $149.00** - Mid-range price, round bowl, but you get that nice slow-close seat. American Standard has a decent reputation for reliability. * **KOHLER Highline Arc: $199.00** - The most expensive, but you’re getting an elongated bowl, a quality soft-close seat, and the Kohler name. The price jump is significant, but the features are there. For sheer value, the **Glacier Bay Dual Flush at $109** is hard to beat if you want an elongated bowl and water savings. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more for a better user experience and a more established brand name, the **American Standard Reliant at $149** is a solid choice, especially if the round bowl works for your space.

Who Should Buy Which?

* **Budget-Conscious DIYer / Flippers:** The **Glacier Bay Basic Round ($99)** or **Glacier Bay Dual Flush ($109)** are your go-to. They're cheap, get the job done, and have tons of reviews, suggesting most people are happy enough for the price. The dual flush is a no-brainer upgrade for just ten bucks more. * **Homeowners Prioritizing Comfort & Quiet:** The **American Standard Reliant ($149)** is a good middle ground if you need a round bowl but want that soft-close seat. If you can swing the extra cash and need an elongated bowl, the **KOHLER Highline Arc ($199)** is the clear winner here. That soft-close seat is a small luxury that makes a difference. * **Tradespeople Looking for a Reliable Mid-Range Install:** I'd be looking at the **American Standard Reliant ($149)**. It’s got a decent brand name behind it, a better seat than the basic Glacier Bay, and at 1.28 GPF, it’s efficient. The price point is acceptable for a solid install that won't come back to bite you.

The Verdict: My Picks

If I'm putting a toilet in for a client and I want to avoid callbacks and hear fewer complaints, here's what I'm going with: **Best Overall Value:** The **Glacier Bay Dual Flush Elongated Toilet ($109)**. For a little over a hundred bucks, you get an elongated bowl and the water-saving dual flush. It’s hard to argue with that price for what you get, even if the seat is basic. **Best for a Premium Feel (Without Breaking the Bank):** The **KOHLER Highline Arc Elongated Toilet ($199)**. You pay more, but you get a better-looking toilet, a truly comfortable elongated seat, and the peace of mind that comes with the Kohler name. That soft-close seat is worth the extra dough in my book. The American Standard Reliant is perfectly fine, but it sits in a bit of a no-man's-land between the budget options and the premium Kohler. You get a better seat than the basic Glacier Bay, but it's round. If I'm going up in price, I'm going all the way to the Kohler for the elongated bowl and overall package. These are all going to flush and function, but for longevity and user satisfaction, the Kohler Highline Arc takes the crown, with the Glacier Bay Dual Flush being the smart budget pick.