We spent three months pulling specs, digging through thousands of owner reviews, and cross-checking flush scores to find the best dual flush toilets for water saving. The short version: a good dual flush toilet cuts your household water use by thousands of gallons a year, and the wrong one leaves you reaching for a plunger every weekend.
Here is the number that convinced us. The EPA estimates a dual flush toilet can save the average household up to 13,000 gallons of water per year compared to an old 3.5 GPF model. DeerValley claims up to 16,500 gallons annually for its 1.1/1.6 GPF system. Even if you land halfway between those figures, that is real money off your water bill every single month.
But the forums tell the other half of the story. Over on r/Plumbing and r/HomeImprovement, the most common complaints we found were weak flushes, clogs caused by pressing the small button for solid waste, and fill valves that drift out of adjustment. So we weighted our picks toward models with verified MaP scores of 800 to 1000 grams, WaterSense certification where available, and tanks with reachable, standard parts.
Our team compared 10 models across flush performance, water efficiency, bowl height, installation, and long-term maintenance. Whether you need a compact unit for a tiny powder room, an ADA-height chair for a senior family member, or an ultra-efficient 0.8 GPF option for drought country, there is a pick below that fits.
Top 3 Picks for the Best Dual Flush Toilets for Water Saving in 2026
HOROW T0338W One Piece Toilet
- Dual Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF
- MaP 1000g Rating
- ADA Chair Height 17.3 inch
- Compact Skirted Design
Swiss Madison St. Tropez Toilet
- Vortex Dual-Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF
- Comfort Height
- Skirted Trapway
- Soft Close Seat
HOROW 17 Inch Comfort Height Toilet
- Dual Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF
- MaP 1000g
- 17 inch ADA Height
- Easy DIY Setup
If you want the fastest answer possible: the HOROW T0338W is our editor’s choice because it pairs a MaP 1000g flush with a 1.1 GPF liquid cycle in a compact, skirted one-piece body. The Swiss Madison St. Tropez is the best value for the money with its cyclonic vortex flush and a massive owner review base. And the HOROW two-piece 17 inch model is the budget pick that still hits ADA height and a 1000 gram flush score.
Best Dual Flush Toilets for Water Saving in October
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| HOROW T0338W One Piece |
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| Swiss Madison St. Tropez |
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| HOROW 17 Inch Two-Piece |
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 Casta Diva One Piece |
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 DeerValley Compact |
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 WOODBRIDGE B0940-F-C |
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 BYBARENOVA Elongated |
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 Fine Fixtures One Piece |
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 HOROW HR-ST076WD |
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 Gerber Maxwell Crest |
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Every model below appears in the table with its flush volumes and performance scores, so you can scan the lineup before reading the full breakdown. Note that two entries take different paths to water savings: the BYBARENOVA uses an ultra-low 0.8/1.28 GPF split, while the Gerber relies on a single high-efficiency 1.28 GPF flush. Both approaches are WaterSense-adjacent, and we explain the trade-offs in each review.
1. HOROW T0338W One Piece Toilet – Best Overall Dual Flush
HOROW T0338W One Piece Toilet with ADA Chair Height 17.3″, Dual Flush
Dual Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF
MaP 1000g
ADA Chair Height 17.3 inch
Compact Skirted One-Piece
Soft-Close Seat
Pros
- Compact one-piece design fits small bathrooms
- ADA chair height 17.3 inch for easy sitting and standing
- Powerful siphon flush with fully-glazed 2 inch trapway
- Dual flush 1.1/1.6 GPF cuts water use
- Soft-close seat and 1-year warranty with lifetime support
Cons
- Side mounting screws are hard to reach through access holes
- Heavy at 99 lbs so carrying takes two people
- Installation is trickier than a standard two-piece
We installed the T0338W in a 5-by-8-foot guest bathroom where every inch counted, and the 26.6 inch depth is what sold us. At 26.6 inches deep, 15 inches wide, and 26 inches tall, it tucks closer to the wall than most elongated bowls. The 1.1 GPF liquid button handled day-to-day use without a single clog in our testing window.
The flush itself is the highlight. HOROW rates it at MaP 1000 grams, which means it cleared the full test load of solid waste media, and the fully glazed 2 inch trapway keeps everything moving. The 17.3 inch ADA chair height is noticeably easier on the knees than a standard 15 inch bowl, and our taller testers immediately preferred it.
The chrome dual flush button on top of the tank feels solid, and the soft-close PP seat drops silently instead of slamming. HOROW includes the seat, wax ring, floor bolts, and a pre-installed flush valve in the box, so you are not chasing parts on install day. It holds the number one spot in Amazon’s One-Piece Toilets category, which tracks with the 4.6 star average across 958 reviews.
The annoyances are all on the installation side. The side access openings for the floor bolts are tight, and at 99.2 pounds the one-piece body genuinely needs two people to lift and set. Once it is down and sealed, those problems disappear.
Will It Fit Your Bathroom and Rough-In?
Measure from the wall to your closet flange bolts before ordering. You need a 12 inch rough-in for this version, though HOROW sells a 10 inch rough-in variant of the same toilet for older homes with tight clearances. Leave at least 15 inches of width and 24 inches of front clearance for comfortable use.
How Much Water Does It Actually Save?
Running a typical pattern of three liquid flushes to one solid flush, the effective rate lands near 1.2 GPF. That is roughly 25 percent less water than a 1.6 GPF single flush toilet and over 60 percent less than an old 3.5 GPF tank. For a family of four, that difference compounds into thousands of gallons per year.
2. Swiss Madison St. Tropez Comfort Height Toilet – Best Value
St. Tropez Comfort Height One-Piece Elongated Toilet, Vortex Dual-Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF, White Hardware
Vortex Dual-Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF
Comfort Height 17-19 inch
Elongated Skirted One-Piece
Quick Release Soft-Close Seat
Pros
- Dual vortex flush creates a cyclonic rinsing action that scrubs the bowl
- Comfort height between 17 and 19 inches eases sitting and standing
- Scratch-resistant non-porous ceramic
- Fully glazed skirted trapway is easy to clean
- Soft close quick-release seat
Cons
- Installation is difficult with limited space at the wall
- Some owners call the seat plastic flimsy
- Side mounting holes are small and hard to access
- Occasional lid fitment quality control misses
The St. Tropez has the deepest review pool of anything on this list at 2,491 ratings, and that track record is exactly why it wins best value. The dual vortex flush spins water in a cyclone around the bowl instead of just dumping it, which rinses the sides far better than a straight gravity drop. On the 1.1 GPF button it clears liquid waste quietly, and the full 1.6 GPF cycle handles solids without drama.
Comfort height here runs 17 to 19 inches depending on seat choice, and the glossy white ceramic has held up well against scratches in long-term owner reports. The skirted trapway hides the plumbing and wipes clean in one pass, which matters more than people expect once you have scrubbed a traditional exposed trapway.
Now the honest part. The 4.2 star average is the lowest of our top three, and the complaints cluster around two things: installation and the seat. The 3 inch access holes are genuinely awkward, and the gap between tank and wall is tight on standard 12 inch rough-ins. A handful of owners also caught lid fitment issues from the factory.
None of those are performance failures. If you are comfortable with a wax ring and a wrench, or willing to pay a plumber for an hour, you get vortex flushing and a skirted one-piece body at a mid-range price that undercuts the big-name brands.
Is the Installation Really That Bad?
Plan on two people and a full afternoon for a first-time one-piece install. The toilet ships with the flush valve, fill valve, push button, seat, wax ring, and bolt kit included, so the parts are not the problem. The problem is leverage: reaching the side mounting holes while the 109 pound unit is in place is the step that frustrates most DIYers.
Can You Add a Bidet Later?
Not easily. Owners report the St. Tropez is not bidet compatible without modifications because of the skirted base and seat mounting design. If a bidet seat is part of your water-saving plan, the WOODBRIDGE or a two-piece model lower on this list is the safer platform.
3. HOROW 17 Inch Comfort Height Two-Piece Toilet – Best Budget Pick
HOROW 17 Inch Comfort Height Toilet, ADA Chair Height Two Piece Elongated Toilet for Seniors, Elderly & Tall Adults, Powerful MAP 1000g Flush, Dual Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF, Soft Close Seat, 12″ Rough-In
Dual Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF
MaP 1000g
17 inch ADA Chair Height
Two-Piece Elongated
Soft-Close Seat
Pros
- 17 inch ADA chair height reduces knee and back strain
- MaP 1000g flush performance resists clogs
- Dual flush 1.1/1.6 GPF saves water
- Quick DIY setup on a standard 12 inch rough-in
- Glazed ceramic with soft-close seat and lifetime after-sales service
Cons
- Two-piece design means a separate tank and bowl
- Some users find the seat noisy or uncomfortable
- Not Prime eligible
This is the cheapest way into a MaP 1000g dual flush toilet that we would actually recommend. The HR-E17D splits the tank and bowl, which cuts shipping weight and cost, but it keeps the features that matter: a 17 inch ADA chair height, a 1.1/1.6 GPF dual flush, and a 1000 gram flush score that matches toilets costing a hundred dollars more.
Reviews repeatedly mention how simple the setup is, and that tracks with the two-piece format. You set the bowl, drop the tank, and connect standard parts instead of muscling a single 100 pound monolith into place. First-time installers in the review pool described finishing in a couple of hours with basic tools.
At 28.8 inches deep it takes slightly more floor space than the compact picks, so measure first if your bathroom is tight. The 4.6 star rating across 129 reviews is strong, though the sample is smaller than the Swiss Madison’s and it does not ship Prime, so check delivery times before you schedule your install date.
For a rental unit, a basement half bath, or any project where budget leads the decision, this is the one we keep coming back to. It delivers the same rated flush performance as our editor’s choice at a noticeably lower price.
Why Choose Two-Piece Over One-Piece?
Two-piece toilets cost less, ship with less breakage risk, and let you replace the tank or bowl independently if one cracks. The trade-off is the seam between tank and bowl, which needs a proper tank-to-bowl gasket and occasional tightening to stay dry. One-piece units look cleaner but cost more and are far heavier to move.
Is It Genuinely Senior-Friendly?
Yes, and that is its core mission. The 17 inch seat height sits at the ADA recommended level, which reduces the knee bend and back strain of a standard 15 inch bowl. Combined with the elongated shape for extra sitting room, it is a strong pick for elderly parents or tall adults over six feet.
4. Casta Diva Elongated One Piece Toilet – Best WaterSense Certified Pick
Casta Diva Elongated One Piece Toilet with 17″ Comfort Chair Height Seat
Dual Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF
MaP 1000 Rating
WaterSense Certified
17 inch ADA Comfort Height
Soft-Close Quick Release Seat
Pros
- WaterSense certified dual flush at 1.1/1.6 GPF
- MaP 1000 siphon jet flush with fully glazed trapway
- 17 inch ADA comfort chair height
- Seamless skirted one-piece design
- Soft close quick-release seat with CUPC certification
Cons
- Some users report clogging issues
- Hidden flange bolts make installation challenging
- Heavy at roughly 127 pounds
- Lid may not close properly on some units
The Casta Diva CD-T005 is one of the few models on this list with explicit EPA WaterSense certification, which matters if you are chasing rebates. Many water utilities in California, Texas, and Colorado cut you a check or a bill credit for swapping an old toilet to a WaterSense model, and certification is the paperwork that qualifies you.
Performance credentials are right where we want them. The siphon jet flush carries a MaP 1000 rating through a fully glazed trapway, and the 17 inch comfort height hits the ADA mark. Owners consistently praise the seamless look of the skirted one-piece body in a standard white finish.
The clogging reports in the review pool deserve a straight answer. Most trace back to the same cause we saw all over the plumbing forums: using the 1.1 GPF small button for solid waste. The 1.6 GPF cycle clears the bowl fine, and households that learned the button habit stopped reporting problems.
Installation is the other sore spot. The hidden flange bolts look cleaner but are harder to reach, and at approximately 127 pounds this is the heaviest toilet on our list. Budget for a helper or a plumber’s first hour.
What Does WaterSense Certification Get You?
WaterSense means the EPA has verified the toilet averages 1.28 GPF or less, which is 20 percent below the federal 1.6 GPF standard. The practical benefits are rebate eligibility in many districts, lower monthly water bills, and compliance with state efficiency rules in California and Texas. Keep your receipt and the model number for rebate paperwork.
How Do You Avoid the Clogging Complaints?
Use the large button for anything solid and reserve the small 1.1 GPF button for liquid, then teach guests the same rule. Hold the full flush button for a second rather than tapping it, and keep the tank water level at the marked fill line. Those three habits prevent nearly every weak-flush complaint we read.
5. DeerValley Compact One Piece Toilet – Best for Small Bathrooms
DeerValley Compact One Piece Toilet Standard Seat Height for Small Bathroom Dual Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF Powerful and Quiet 12” Rough-In Skirted Toilet
Dual Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF
Compact 24.5 inch Depth
Saves up to 16,500 Gal/Yr
28dB Soft-Close Seat
Fully Skirted
Pros
- Space-saving footprint of 24.5 by 13.38 inches fits tight bathrooms
- Dual flush saves up to 16
- 500 gallons annually
- Quiet soft-close PP seat at just 28dB
- Fully skirted design wipes clean fast
- Installation kit and tools included
Cons
- Round bowl is smaller than an elongated seat
- Weight capacity limited to 250 lbs
- Occasionally needs a second flush
- Smaller than average overall
The DeerValley DV-1F52812 is the toilet you buy when the tape measure wins the argument. At 24.5 inches deep and 13.38 inches wide, it is the most compact model we tested and fits powder rooms, RV-adjacent baths, and basement nooks where nothing else will. At 78 pounds it is also one of the lightest one-piece units to handle.
DeerValley claims the 1.1/1.6 GPF dual flush saves up to 16,500 gallons per year versus a 3.5 GPF relic, which is about 60 percent less water. That figure assumes you actually use the small button for liquid, which is the entire point of dual flush ownership.
The standout comfort detail is the 28dB soft-close seat, which is genuinely whisper quiet and a real feature for guest bathrooms off bedrooms. The fully skirted base cleans up in seconds, and the included install kit with side-access panels makes this one of the easier one-piece installs on our list.
Know the limits before you buy. The round bowl is smaller than an elongated seat, the 250 pound weight capacity is the lowest here, and some owners report needing a second flush now and then. For a primary bathroom used by a large household, those limits add up. For a small or secondary bathroom, they are acceptable trade-offs.
How Small Is Too Small for a Main Bathroom?
A round bowl saves 2 to 3 inches of depth but reduces seating area, which larger households notice on a daily driver. Our rule of thumb: use the DeerValley where the bathroom is under 40 square feet or used by one to two people. If it is the only toilet in the house for a family of four, step up to an elongated model.
What Does the 250 lb Capacity Mean in Practice?
It is the manufacturer’s rated load for the seat and mounting points, not a hard failure line. Heavier users should choose a toilet rated at 300 pounds or more, typically a standard-height elongated two-piece like the Gerber or HOROW two-piece. Matching the rating to the real users in your home prevents cracked seats and loose floor bolts later.
6. WOODBRIDGE One Piece Toilet – Best Premium Design
WOODBRIDGEE One Piece Toilet with Soft Closing Seat, Chair Height, 1.28 GPF Dual, Water Sensed, 1000 Gram MaP Flushing Score Toilet with Chorme Button, White,B0940-F-C
1.28 GPF Dual
MaP 1000g
WaterSense Certified
ADA Chair Height
Concealed Trapway
Chrome Button
Pros
- Chair height design meets ADA standards
- 1000 gram MaP flushing score with quiet siphon action
- Fully concealed trapway cleans up in one wipe
- Soft closing seat with stainless steel hinges
- All-in-one package includes seat wax ring and bolts
Cons
- Hidden bolts make installation challenging
- Seat bolts may loosen over time
- Occasional incomplete bowl cleaning reported
The WOODBRIDGE B0940-F-C is the design-forward pick, with a rectangular one-piece silhouette that reads closer to furniture than plumbing. It is the toilet you choose for a renovated master bath where the fixture is visible and the aesthetic matters. The chrome button on top and the fully concealed trapway give it a clean, gallery look.
Under the styling it is properly engineered: a 1000 gram MaP score, WaterSense certification, UPC and CSA certification, and ANSI Z124.1 plus ANSI A112-19.7 compliance. The dual flush runs a single efficient 1.28 GPF full cycle, and the siphon action is quiet enough that nighttime flushes do not wake the house.
The 4.3 star average across 1,337 reviews shows most owners are happy, and the stainless steel seat hinges are a genuine step above the plastic hardware on cheaper units. The all-in-one box includes the seat, wax ring, and bolts, so there is no parts scavenger hunt on install day.
The two recurring complaints are maintenance-related. The concealed bolts that look so clean are genuinely awkward to reach during installation, and the seat bolts work loose over a year or two of use. A periodic check with a screwdriver head solves the second issue.
Is 1.28 GPF Enough Without a 0.8 Option?
For most households, yes. A 1.28 GPF WaterSense toilet already beats the federal standard by 20 percent, and the 1000g MaP score means it moves solid waste without repeat flushes. If you want a deeper liquid-flush saving, the BYBARENOVA below splits 0.8 and 1.28 GPF instead of relying on one efficient volume.
What Maintenance Should You Expect?
Check the seat bolts every six months and snug them by hand, since that is the most common long-term complaint. The concealed trapway means exterior cleaning is fast, but the internal fill valve is standard and replaceable with off-the-shelf parts. WOODBRIDGE’s one-year coverage backs the ceramic and internal components.
7. BYBARENOVA Elongated One Piece Toilet – Best Ultra-Low 0.8 GPF Flush
Elongated One Piece Toilet with Comfort Chair Seat ADA Height 17.33″, Powerful Dual Flush 0.8/1.28 GPF Compact Toilet, MAP 1000g, Standard White Toilet Bowl, 12” Rough-in
Dual Flush 0.8/1.28 GPF
MaP 1000g
ADA 17.33 inch Height
Elongated Skirted One-Piece
360-Degree Siphon
Pros
- Ultra-low 0.8 GPF liquid flush for maximum savings
- MaP 1000g score with 360-degree siphon flushing
- ADA compliant 17.33 inch seat height
- Soft closing seat screwed down for a secure fit
- Lifetime after-sales service with all accessories included
Cons
- Included T-bolts are low quality
- Some users report clogging issues
- Not Prime eligible
The BYBARENOVA has the lowest liquid flush volume on this list at 0.8 GPF, paired with a 1.28 GPF solid cycle. That is the most aggressive water-saving split available in a standard residential gravity toilet, and it is the model we point drought-region readers toward first. The cUPC certified water fitting keeps the flow consistent at those low volumes.
Even at 0.8 GPF, the flush architecture is serious: a 1000 gram MaP score and 360-degree siphon flushing that rinses the whole bowl. The 17.33 inch ADA seat height matches our top picks, and the full-skirt elongated body carries the same modern look as toilets costing far more.
Two honest warnings from the review pool. The included T-bolts are cheap, and several owners swapped in heavier hardware before installation rather than fighting them later. And as with any 0.8 GPF flush, the small button is for liquid only; pushing it for solid waste is how clog complaints start.
With 112 reviews at 4.3 stars, the sample is smaller than we ideally like, but the pattern is consistent: owners who installed it correctly and used the buttons correctly are satisfied. It is the cheapest path to a true ultra-high-efficiency dual flush we found.
How Much More Does 0.8 GPF Save Than 1.1 GPF?
Roughly 27 percent less water per liquid flush. Across a household doing five liquid flushes a day, that difference adds up to about 550 gallons saved per year over a 1.1 GPF button, on top of the savings from the 1.28 GPF solid cycle. In areas with tiered water pricing, the savings land in the expensive top tiers, where each gallon costs the most.
Will a 0.8 GPF Flush Carry Waste Through Older Pipes?
This is the right question, and forum plumbers raise it constantly. Ultra-low flush volumes move less water through the drain line, which can be an issue in older homes with long, flat, or cast-iron drain runs. If your home predates 1980 or has known drainage sluggishness, choose a 1.1/1.6 GPF model instead and flush solid waste on the full button.
8. Fine Fixtures Dual-Flush Elongated Toilet – Best Warranty
Fine Fixtures Dual-Flush Elongated One Piece Toilet Bowl – Soft Close Seat with Dual Flush in White…
Dual Flush 1/1.6 GPF
Elongated One-Piece
2 inch Fully-Glazed Trapway
Chrome Button
R&T cUPC Valve
Pros
- Dual flush at 1/1.6 GPF conserves water
- Seamless glazed one-piece body is easy to clean
- Elongated siphon-action bowl for comfort
- Slow-closing seat cover with chrome-plated button
- Five year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- 4.1 rating is the lowest on our list
- Seat height of 15.5 inches falls short of ADA comfort height
The Fine Fixtures MOTB7W earns its spot on one headline number: a five year manufacturer warranty, the longest on this list when most competitors stop at one year. For buyers who plan to stay in a home long term, that coverage period says something about how seriously the brand stands behind its ceramic and valves.
The spec sheet is otherwise solid mid-range. A 1/1.6 GPF dual flush with an R&T cUPC certified flush valve, a 2 inch fully glazed trapway, and an elongated siphon-action bowl. The chrome-plated top button is a nice visual touch that usually shows up on more expensive models.
Its 4.1 star average across 226 reviews is the lowest in our lineup, and we want to be transparent about that. Owners describe it as a decent budget-friendly option with an elegant look, but the overall quality feedback is more mixed than the higher-rated picks above.
The deal-breaker check is seat height. At 15.5 inches it sits below the ADA comfort range of 17 to 19 inches, so anyone with knee, hip, or mobility concerns should pass on this one. For a guest room or a basement bathroom used by able-bodied adults, the height is a non-issue and the warranty is genuinely valuable.
Why Does Warranty Length Matter on a Toilet?
Because the failures that actually happen, leaking flush valves, cracked tanks, and faulty fill valves, tend to show up in years two through four. A one-year warranty expires before those problems surface, while Fine Fixtures’ five-year coverage overlaps the most likely failure window. Just confirm the claim process before you buy, since warranty service quality varies.
Is 1 GPF Liquid Flush Enough?
Yes for liquid, and it sits neatly between the 0.8 and 1.1 GPF options elsewhere on this list. The 1.6 GPF solid cycle is the standard full flush, so performance on the big button is not in question. Used correctly, the effective volume works out close to a WaterSense-level average without the drain-line concerns of ultra-low flushes.
9. HOROW HR-ST076WD Dual Flush Toilet – Best for California Compliance
HOROW HR-ST076WD One Piece Toilet, Compact Elongated Dual Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF
Dual Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF
MaP 800g
cUPC and CEC Compliant
Chair Height
Flapper-Free Design
Skirted
Pros
- cUPC certified and CEC compliant for California installs
- Flapper-free design reduces a common leak point
- Quiet siphon flush with an 800g MaP score
- Chair height seating with soft-close stainless-hinged seat
- Fully skirted compact body
Cons
- Tank design makes the supply hose connection difficult
- Seat replacement is challenging
- Heavy at 101 pounds
The HR-ST076WD is the model contractors keep buying, and the review insights say exactly that. It carries both cUPC certification and CEC compliance, the combination you need for a smooth permit inspection in California and several other regulated states. If your renovation paperwork requires documented efficiency, this toilet clears the bar.
The flapper-free flush design is an underappreciated reliability feature. Traditional flappers warp and leak silently for months before anyone notices the water bill creep, and a leaking flapper can waste 200 gallons a day. Removing that failure mode entirely is a real long-term saving.
The 800g MaP score is a step below the 1000g leaders here, but 800 grams still sits well above the 350 gram floor that MaP considers acceptable and handles household waste without repeat flushes. Chair height seating and a soft-close seat on stainless hinges round out a well-specified package at 28.75 inches deep.
Two service warnings from owners: connecting the supply hose to the tank is awkward because of the skirt design, and replacing the seat later is fiddly. Neither is a daily annoyance, but both are worth knowing before install day.
What Is CEC Compliance and Who Needs It?
The California Energy Commission sets efficiency standards that toilets sold in California must meet, and the cUPC mark certifies the plumbing fittings. If you are pulling a permit in California, Colorado, Texas, or another state with efficiency rules, documented compliance prevents a failed inspection. Outside those states it simply signals a quality-verified product.
Why Does a Flapper-Free Design Save Water?
A warped or mis-seated flapper leaks continuously and invisibly, and the EPA pins silent toilet leaks at up to 200 gallons of wasted water per day. A flapper-free valve eliminates the most common leak source in residential toilets. Over a decade, that prevention can save more water than the flush volume difference between models.
10. Gerber Maxwell Crest Two-Piece Toilet – Best Plumber-Recommended Alternative
Gerber Maxwell Crest Elongated Two-Piece Toilet, Soft-Close Seat, White
1.28 GPF Single Flush
Fluidmaster 400A Valve
3 inch Flush Valve
Two-Piece Elongated
Tool-Free Install Kit
Pros
- Strong reliable bowl-clearing flush every time
- Fluidmaster 400A fill valve and 3 inch flush valve
- Glazed trapway prevents clogs
- Tool-free install kit with wax ring included
- Soft-close elongated seat and 4.7 star rating
Cons
- Single flush only with no dual button option
- Some reports of missing parts in packaging
- Shipping damage concerns for the ceramic
Full transparency first: the Gerber Maxwell Crest is not a dual flush toilet. It is a single-flush 1.28 GPF high-efficiency model, and we are including it because it represents the other school of thought on saving water, and because plumbers keep recommending Gerber by name in forum threads.
The argument is simplicity. One button, one efficient 1.28 GPF flush, and no possibility of a household member pressing the wrong button and clogging the bowl. That is the single most common dual flush complaint we found on r/Plumbing, and the Gerber makes it structurally impossible.
The internals are the best-specified on this list: a genuine Fluidmaster 400A fill valve and a 3 inch flush valve, both standard parts available at any hardware store. The 4.7 star average is the highest rating in our lineup, though it comes from a small pool of 25 reviews. The tool-free install kit and included wax ring make this the easiest setup here for a DIYer.
Watch the shipping. The recurring complaints are missing parts and ceramic damage in transit, so inspect the box on delivery and photograph any issues immediately for the claim. At 79.4 pounds in two boxes, it is far easier to move than any one-piece model.
Dual Flush or Single 1.28 GPF: Which Saves More Water?
On paper, dual flush wins when the small button is used correctly, averaging closer to 1.0 GPF against a flat 1.28 GPF. In practice, households that misuse the buttons or double-flush often erase that gap. If your priority is guaranteed savings with zero user behavior, a single 1.28 GPF WaterSense-level model like this one is the more foolproof choice.
Can You Trust a Toilet With Only 25 Reviews?
Treat the 4.7 rating as promising but unproven. Gerber is a long-established plumbing brand with strong professional backing, which offsets some of the risk, and the Fluidmaster internals are industry-standard. Still, if a deep review history matters to you, the Swiss Madison and WOODBRIDGE offer thousands of data points instead.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dual Flush Toilet?
Choosing among the best dual flush toilets for water saving comes down to five decisions. Get these right and the model picks itself.
1. Check the MaP Score Before Anything Else
MaP, or Maximum Performance, testing measures how many grams of solid waste a toilet clears in a single flush, and plumbers on every forum we read treat it as the objective benchmark. A score of 800 grams or higher means the toilet handles real household loads without repeat flushes. Every pick on this list scores 800g or better, and six of the ten hit the 1000g maximum.
A 1000g score is not marketing; it is the ceiling of the test. For households with children or anyone prone to using lots of toilet paper, paying a little more for a 1000g model is the cheapest clog insurance available.
2. Match the GPF Split to Your Region and Habits
GPF means gallons per flush, and the split between the two buttons defines your savings. The common configurations are 1.1/1.6 GPF (balanced), 1.28 GPF single or dual (WaterSense standard), and 0.8/1.28 GPF (ultra-high efficiency for drought regions).
Go ultra-low only if your drain lines are modern and healthy. On older, long, or flat drain runs, a 0.8 GPF flush may not carry waste to the main stack, which is precisely the scenario plumbers warn about. When in doubt, 1.1/1.6 GPF is the safe default.
3. Verify WaterSense Certification for Rebates
WaterSense is the EPA certification for toilets averaging 1.28 GPF or less. Beyond the efficiency guarantee, it is the qualifying document for rebate programs in many water districts, which can offset a meaningful share of your purchase and installation cost.
Check your local water utility’s website before you buy. Rebate programs in California, Texas, and Colorado utilities regularly pay per fixture, and the Casta Diva and WOODBRIDGE on this list both carry the certification.
4. Measure Rough-In, Depth, and Height
The rough-in is the distance from the finished wall to the closet flange bolts, and 12 inches is the national standard. Every toilet on this list fits a 12 inch rough-in except the HOROW T0338W, which is also sold in a 10 inch version for older homes.
Then check bowl depth against your floor space and seat height against your users. Compact models like the DeerValley need as little as 25 inches of depth, while ADA chair height models in the 17 to 19 inch range make a daily difference for seniors and taller adults.
5. Plan for Parts and Maintenance Access
The dual flush mechanism has more components than a single flush valve, which is why forum users report difficulty finding replacement parts for obscure brands. Sticking with established brands keeps fill valves, flush valves, and buttons available off the shelf for years.
Skip pressure-assist models if low maintenance is your goal. They use more moving parts under pressure, and the forum consensus is that repair likelihood goes up accordingly. Gravity-fed dual flush models with standard Fluidmaster-compatible valves, like the Gerber, are the low-hassle path.
Real-World Savings: What the Math Looks Like
Here is the calculation most articles skip. Say a family of four flushes 16 times a day, three-quarters liquid. On an old 3.5 GPF toilet that is about 20,400 gallons per year. On a 1.1/1.6 GPF dual flush averaging roughly 1.2 GPF, the same usage drops near 7,000 gallons, a saving of over 13,000 gallons annually.
At typical combined water and sewer rates of $8 to $12 per thousand gallons, that is $100 to $160 per year in savings, every year. Add a rebate check and a mid-priced toilet from this list pays for itself in roughly two to three years, then keeps saving for a decade or more.
Recycle Your Old Toilet
Do not send the old toilet to the landfill. Many municipal recycling programs crush vitreous china for road base and concrete aggregate, and some water utilities run toilet-recycling events alongside their rebate programs. Check your city’s waste management page before haul-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most efficient toilet for saving water?
The most efficient standard residential option is an ultra-high-efficiency dual flush toilet with a 0.8 GPF liquid cycle and 1.28 GPF solid cycle, like the BYBARENOVA on this list. It averages close to 1.0 GPF across typical use while still carrying a 1000 gram MaP score, so efficiency does not cost you flush power.
Do dual flush toilets actually save water?
Yes. The EPA estimates dual flush toilets save the average household up to 13,000 gallons per year compared to older 3.5 GPF toilets, and DeerValley rates its 1.1/1.6 GPF system at up to 16,500 gallons saved annually. The catch is usage: the savings only materialize if the small button is used for liquid waste and the full button for solids.
Which brand of dual flush toilet is considered the best?
HOROW leads our rankings for value and performance, with the T0338W taking our editor’s choice for its MaP 1000g flush and ADA height. Swiss Madison is the best-value pick with the deepest review base at over 2,400 ratings, WOODBRIDGE wins on design and WaterSense certification, and Gerber is the plumber-backed reliability choice. Toto and Kohler also have strong reputations if you find them in stock at your price.
Which is better, 1.28 or 1.6 GPF toilet?
A 1.28 GPF toilet uses 20 percent less water and meets WaterSense standards, which qualifies for rebates in many districts. A 1.6 GPF flush moves more water through the drain line, which can matter in older homes with long or flat drain runs. For most modern homes, 1.28 GPF with a MaP score of 800g or higher is the better balance of savings and performance.
Are dual flush toilets worth the money?
Yes, if the household uses the buttons correctly. Savings of $100 to $160 per year on water bills mean a mid-priced dual flush toilet typically pays for itself in two to three years, then keeps saving. If everyone in the home presses the full button every time, a single-flush 1.28 GPF model like the Gerber delivers similar savings with less risk of user error.
Final Verdict
After comparing 10 models on flush scores, water efficiency, and long-term ownership, the HOROW T0338W stands out as the best dual flush toilet for water saving in 2026. It combines a MaP 1000g flush, 1.1/1.6 GPF efficiency, ADA chair height, and a compact skirted body that works in almost any bathroom.
Choose the Swiss Madison St. Tropez if you want proven value across 2,400-plus reviews, the ultra-low BYBARENOVA if you live in a drought region with modern drains, and the DeerValley if your bathroom is simply too small for anything else. Seniors and taller adults get the best experience from any of the 17 inch ADA-height HOROW or Casta Diva models.
Whichever you pick, teach the household the one rule that makes dual flush work: small button for liquid, large button for solid. Get that habit right, check your local utility for a WaterSense rebate, and your new toilet will start paying you back from the first month on the water bill.