Bidets have been around for centuries and are commonly used in many countries, particularly in Europe and Asia. While they’ve also been around in the United States for some time, they’ve recently become more popular as sustainability trends continue to gain traction.
Traditionally, bidets are a bathroom fixture that is separate from the toilet. However, the term has become interchangeable with toilet attachments and all-in-one toilets. You can find several different types of bidets, from manual bidet attachments to electronic all-in-one toilets.
Popular Bidet Options
Standalone Bidets
Traditional bidets look like a cross-combination of a toilet and a sink, and usually are placed right next to a toilet. These types of bidets are commonly found in European countries. Unlike attachments and toilet-bidet combinations, this extra “sink” is often used for a variety of purposes besides cleaning the nether regions after going to the bathroom, including women maintaining hygiene during their menstrual cycles or people washing their feet. Elderly or users with physical handicaps may also find bidets to be beneficial for cleaning the body without fear of slipping or falling in the shower or bath.
One of the main downsides of a traditional bidet, however, is that it does take up extra space and would not be ideal for smaller bathrooms.
Manual Bidet Attachments
It seems that the market for manual bidet attachments has grown quite a bit in the last few years. They are simple and the most inexpensive way to get a bidet into your home. These manual bidets usually attach right below your toilet seat and connect to your existing water supply. Because it doesn’t involve any extra plumbing, it’s fairly easy for anyone to install, and there are controls for you to manually control the strength of the spray nozzle.
The primary con to a manual bidet attachment is that they are truly the bare minimum. Most only connect to the cold water supply, which may not be ideal in the wintertime, and manual attachments that offer “heated” water usually must be accessible to the sink.
Photos: Kohler
Photos: NY Magazine
Electronic Bidet Attachments
Electric bidet attachments offer more features than the manual versions, offering a more comfortable bathroom going experience. Some attachments offer heated seats, warm spray-water, and angled nozzles. They may require extra plumbing components for installation. If you decide to go with an electronic bidet, make sure to get an attachment that is compatible with your toilet!
All-In-One Toilets
If you’re designing or remodeling your bathroom and are considering getting an electric bidet attachment, why not just get an all-in-one toilet? These toilets come with all the bells and whistles: temperature-controlled spray water, retractable and angled nozzles, front and rear modes, air-dryers, heated seats, air fresheners, UV-light sanitation, nightlights, flushing sensors, eco-mode, and even separate remote controls. These can cost anywhere between $3,000 to $8,000, but you can find them in elegant designs that will make any bathroom look luxurious.
Top All-In-One Toilet Brands
Toto
In Japan, all-in-one toilets are also called washlets, a term that was trademarked by Toto. Founded in 1917, Toto is considered the world’s largest toilet manufacturer. In 1980, they came out with the Washlet, their signature product that offered rear cleansing and drying, and heated seats. Since then, they have been known to be leaders and pioneers of the various advancements and features found in all-in-one toilets today.
Photos: Toto
Kohler
Kohler is one of the America’s oldest private manufacturing companies that is known for its plumbing products. They currently offer four different models of “intelligent toilets,” one of which can be mounted on a wall for a sleek look for your bathroom.
Photos: Kohler
