The 6 Best Bidet Toilet Seat Attachments to Buy
Updated: Dec. 21, 2022
If you're unfamiliar with a bidet and all that it can offer, here's a crash course—and some of the best bidet toilet seat attachments to buy for your bathroom for every budget.
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What is a bidet?
If you’re a frequent traveler, chances are you’ve stumbled on a bidet or two in your lifetime. Though less common in the United States, bidets (pronounced buh-days) are having a serious moment—and they might even save you some money in the long run.
These nifty devices resemble a bowl or receptacle that attaches to a standard toilet. They are designed for washing the down-there areas of your body that toilet paper is usually tasked with tidying.
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How does a bidet work?
Like a sink or a bathtub, a bidet is a dedicated bathroom fixture. It utilizes a targeted water stream to clean both front and rear after using the bathroom—no toilet paper necessary.
“Traditionally, the bidet was a separate feature, and the washing experience was considered a two-step process and not easy to use,” explains Christine Tingen, showroom manager at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Now, with today’s stand-alone bidet, bidet toilet seat or integrated smart toilet with bidet functionality, the fixture is more accessible, affordable and easy to use.”
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What is a bidet toilet seat attachment?
Bidets are expensive, but you can buy just the toilet seat attachment at a much more affordable price. This is a great option for renters, or a homeowner who is not ready to commit to a stand-alone bidet or integrated smart toilet with bidet functionality, says Tingen. She also points out that a bidet attachment works with your existing toilet fixture.
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The benefits of using a bidet toilet seat attachment
Bidets and bidet attachments have been trending in recent years. Tingen believes this is because customers are looking for products that aid in better hygiene and cut down on waste (i.e., toilet paper). In fact, the average American uses 141 rolls of toilet paper each year, more than any other country in the world, according to a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council.
While it’s true that a bidet uses more water than a standard toilet, Tingen notes that the increased costs associated with owning a bidet are a matter of cents. “Any increase in water usage at the bidet’s water source is offset by the amount of water used in toilet paper manufacturing,” she says.
People with certain health conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease or hemorrhoids, may actually see relief from using bidets. Research, including one study published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science, found that the use of an electronic bidet can help relieve pressure on the anus as well as a warm sitz bath.
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What should I look for in a bidet toilet seat attachment?
When shopping for the best bidet toilet seat attachment for your toilet, here are a few things worth considering.
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Water pressure and temperature controls
In simplest terms, you may want to make sure you purchase a bidet attachment that can go from warm to cold. “Even the cheapest models come with a water temperature option,” says Andrew Barker, founder and CEO of TradesmenCosts, a home improvement company. He recommends choosing a model that will either provide you with instant heat or experience a slight delay.
Water pressure is also a biggie. “You can find bidet seats with directional controls, and some offer oscillating and pulsating sprays,” says Tingen.
Adjustable nozzle positioning
Being able to adjust the nozzle will give you options for a better wash, notes Barker. “Plenty of models are the same when it comes to how they operate, however, different features come at different prices,” he says. “Make sure to check the quality and ease of use before deciding.”
Size and shape
Although there are different sizes and shapes of bidets available on the market, the round and elongated ones are the most common, says Barker. “They are designed to match the shape and size of most residential toilets,” he says. “It’s worth noting that a standard bidet seat is two inches smaller than the regular toilet seat, so be sure to measure accurately.”
Durability
Bidets are toilet fixtures that are built to last for years. However, Barker recommends checking out the materials used to see how durable it would be. “High-grade plastics last longer than laminated wooden seats since they don’t accumulate moisture,” he says. Keep in mind, he adds, that “expensive materials don’t necessarily mean they’re stronger.”
Budget
“Getting a bidet is almost the same as getting a dishwasher or a washing machine since you will be using it every single day,” says Barker. “A bidet may require you to spend a considerable amount of money at the start; however, the savings that you’ll incur is much bigger than your initial spending.”
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Best bidet toilet seat attachments on the market
Ready to shop bidet toilet attachments? Here are the ones the pros think are worth investing in.
Brondell Swash Electronic Bidet Seat LE89
According to Barker, the Brondell Swash Electronic Bidet Seat LE89 works almost the same as the expensive ones, but for half the price. “It has a heated seat and air dryer that come with high temperatures,” he says. “You can also enjoy its comfort settings that can go with Eco Mode and lower temperature.”
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Bio Bidet Bliss Smart Electric Bidet Seat
“The Bio Bidet Bliss Electric Bidet Seat comes with plenty of features such as pressure levels, enema-like pressure, and vortex wash,” says Barker, who is also a big fan of its water temperature levels. “The bidet can be easily installed and maintained and comes with a three-year full coverage warranty,” he adds.
Omigo Luxury Bidet Toilet Seat
This luxury toilet seat from Omigo is hailed for its customizable, self-cleaning capability as well as its adjustable spray width. “People can choose from the bidet’s ranged wash or targeted wash,” says Barker. “It also comes with a seven-nozzle position that lets you choose whether you want [the water to come] from the front or the back.”
Kohler Elongated Warm Water Bidet Toilet Seat
Talk about high-tech features: This bidet toilet seat attachment from Kohler includes a heated seat, automatic night light, air blower, side-mounted control feature, automatic deodorization, and quiet-close, notes Tingen. “From the touchscreen remote control, you can easily adjust the bidet water temperature, pressure, and spray type, and save the setting for your next use,” she says. “The built-in nightlight technology makes safely locating the toilet in the dark more convenient…for those middle-of-the-night bathroom trips.”
Kohler Puretide Quiet-Close Elongated Manual Bidet Toilet Seat
This more affordable Kohler manual cleansing seat utilizes an easy-to-use manual lever, but Tingen warns not to expect all the bells and whistles since it does not have a power source or additional plumbing. “This can, however, be a great inexpensive option,” she says. “Kohler’s thoughtful design that includes an adjustable spray position, self-cleaning wand, and comfortable, streamlined seat design makes using lukewarm ambient water a refreshing experience.”
Toto Washlet+ Ready Washlet S350e Elongated Bidet Toilet Seat
If you’re looking to splurge on your bidet toilet seat attachment, this one by Toto is for you. The Japanese company is known for its bidets and bidet attachments, so it’s no surprise it’s on the more expensive side. “The auto open and close lid lifts on motion detection and eliminates the need to touch the fixture,” says Tingen. “It also offers a dryer and deodorizing fan.”
- Natural Resources Defense Council: "The Issue With the Tissue: How Americans Are Flushing Forests Down the Toilet"
- Journal of Korean Medical Science: "Effect of Electronic Toilet System (Bidet) on Anorectal Pressure in Normal Healthy Volunteers: Influence of Different Types of Water Stream and Temperature"
- Christine Tingen, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery Area Showroom Manager for the brand's Raleigh, North Carolina location
- Andrew Barker, Founder & CEO of TradesmenCosts
Originally Published: January 13, 2021
