So, let's examine what you need to know about bidets before you buy one. When you think of a bidet, you probably think of that toilet-like thing that you sit on to wash your posterior. However, this doesn't have to be so, and bidets now come in many shapes and sizes. To distinguish between bidets, there are two main groups and several sub-groups. The two main groups are electric and mechanical bidets:
Electric bidets - These usually have buttons and even a remote control, and they're very useful for people having trouble cleaning themselves. They're also more expensive than the mechanical bidets, and require an electrical outlet to work.
Mechanical bidets - These are the more basic ones. They use simple water pressure, like a hose, and they usually feature dials for pressure control. Although you can find some high-end models, these tend to be more affordable.
When it comes to sub-types, you have handheld bidets, toilet bidets, and bidet seats. Here’s what they entail:
- Handheld bidets or bidet sprayers are nothing more than hoses with shower-like heads. They're simple and cheap, but don't offer that much versatility in the areas of temperature control.
- Seat bidets are bidets attached directly to the seat, and come separate from the seat or together with a seat. This is the most versatile group, as there are electrical and mechanical instances, with a wide array of features, such as seat warmers, pulsing streams, retractable nozzles, feminine cleaning, remote controls, and water temperature. Given the variety, prices move around, and you can find very affordable as well as exorbitantly expensive units.
- Lastly, there are fixed bidets, or bidet toilets. They look like regular toilets, but without the seat and lid. They have knobs that control cold and warm water, as well as a central handle that directs the stream.
In essence, choosing a bidet all comes down to the type of bidet you're going to choose. All three types operate differently, with different prices. Inclusion of luxury features like a seat warmer will cost you extra money when making a purchase. Also, different types require different skill levels to install and operate. Electric models are more luxurious than mechanical, and they offer more control over the streams coming from the nozzles, but mechanical models have a smaller chance of failure. In all, you need to assess what you need first, and then assemble a list of features for your perfect bidet. Be sure, there is one for you out there.
Price
The more features a bidet has, the more expensive it will be. That being said, the most versatile bidets will be the seat-type bidets. They offer a wide variety of devices, so the prices will be all over the place – anything from $40 to as much as $600!
The biggest investment will be the toilet bidet, as you will probably have to call in an expert to install it for you unless you're very handy with plumbing. Lastly, the cheapest bidets are spray bidets, and they're easy to install and use, though they only have basic features. In our research, we avoided excessively cheap bidet options as they seemed poorly made and achieved low customer satisfaction scores.
Features
Bidets have some things in common, as they're key for their proper operation. All bidets have nozzles from which the water sprays and all of them have T-shaped valves that connect to your water pipe to draw water. Most devices feature some kind of pressure control, be it electronic or mechanical. Some come with seats, some are attached to a pre-existing seat. Certain devices offer heated seats, self-cleaning nozzles, deodorizers, and air drying and water temperature control. A great many offer cleaning of feminine parts.
To sum up all the features, here is a short list:
- Nozzles
- T-valve
- Pressure control
- Water temperature control
- Air drying
- Deodorizer
- Heated seats
- Self-cleaning nozzles
Construction and Design
Most bidets have a valve that attaches to your pipes, and some form of nozzle, but that's where the similarities end between the sub-groups. However, you will always be sure what a handheld bidet looks like, or a toilet bidet. Seat bidets come in different forms, as attachments, and with seats.
If you’ll be using your bidet constantly, and especially if it’s for multiple users or those with mobility issues, look out for a solidly built model, and consider paying for professional installation so you can be confident of its strength.
Performance and Ease of Use
When we’re talking about the ease of use, the simplest devices are, of course, handheld bidets. They are no more complex than a shower head, which is why most people will be very familiar with them. Second come the toilet bidets and simple seat bidets, mechanical ones mostly, as they have only a few knobs to operate. Most complicated are electrical bidets, as they will have most buttons, and you’ll have to get used to them. For those with mobility difficulties, a bidet with easy-access controls is essential.
Performance is rather subjective, and some people will like the extra buttons, while some will like simplicity more. However, if the product doesn’t leak and handles well, you can say safely that it performs excellently. Maintenance should be as simple as keeping the fixtures clean and ensuring nothing develops leaks without attention.
By reading our guide, you've become armed with knowledge that, in collaboration with your own personal taste, will help you choose a bidet perfect for your needs. To give you some ideas, we’ve researched five top products from trustworthy brands and reviewed them below. With luck, we’ve found your perfect bathroom companion!
Features
When in doubt, it's always a good idea to go for products that come from reliable and trusted brands. GenieBidet is one such brand, with a long-standing tradition of excellence. Trying to create a connection between company and customers, GenieBidet uses feedback to develop products and improve upon their designs. It operates a design approach of versatility and inclusion, so no one feels left out.
The product we’re presenting today is a seat-type bidet. As we’ve said in the guide, these bidets are replacing your regular toilet seat, making them incredibly neat. This product is also easy to install, and it takes about 45 minutes to do so. On top of that, if you don’t know how to install it yourself, you can have somebody from GenieBidet install it for you, but it’ll cost you extra. As a helpful bonus, the product comes with installation tools, so you don’t have to get anything extra.
One of the best things about this bidet is the adjustable spray intensity. On the side, there’s a small lever that can be used to adjust the spray. Not only that, but there's a lever that allows the bidet to clean your posterior, or to make it fit for feminine cleaning. The bidet is also very useful for people with hemorrhoids, people with dexterity problems and small children. The dual nozzles featured are retractable and self-cleaning, which makes the bidet extremely convenient, and the device operates without electricity, so no fears about getting electrocuted!
In the end, this is one splendid product. Its adjustable spray intensity and adjustability for both men and women are highly praised, proving once again that the GenieBidet are right on point.
Features
Coming up next is another prominent company, called BioBidet. Instead of installing new toiletry, which can be very expensive and very messy, BioBidet opted for a different approach – to make bidets that attach right there on your toilet. Simplicity is its primary concern, and BioBidet products are easy to install with the tools provided, and very easy to use.
The bidet we’re presenting today is the BB-70 bidet attachment. This item is nothing but a nozzle and a control panel that attaches to the side of your toilet. The device is entirely non-electrical, so there’s no chance it will malfunction or, even worse, electrocute your rear! The product is very easy to install, like all BioBidet products, so you don’t have to call in a professional and pay extra.
One of the best things about the device is the controllable streams, so you can adjust the intensity to suit your needs. The device also has a nice valve and a high-quality inlet to ensure there are no leaks or mishaps. The bidet is covered by a one-year warranty. The nozzles are also self-cleaning, so you don’t have to get all dirty trying to dismantle the thing once you’ve mounted it.
All in all, if you need a quick fix, this is your best bet. The bidet is very easy to install, and doesn’t require professional help. Its nozzles are self-cleaning and the stream is adjustable, which is a great addition.
Features
One of the best devices comes our way from Toto. If you want to get fancy and get something stylish and truly wonderful-looking, then you need to go with Toto. Its designs are almost artistic in nature, and there's a good chance you've seen Toto products in home improvement catalogs. It makes excellent bidets that are both functional and beautiful – two features you definitely want.
The product we’re presenting today is the Washlet-series C100 elongated bidet – a very neat and stylish product. The C100 is a state of the art device that will certainly suit your needs. Though not easy to install like some other options, this one has more than enough features to compensate for its slightly harder setup. It features a heated seat, making it a superb product during winter, and the device is packed with an air dryer and a deodorizer, which is certainly a plus.
You can adjust the intensity of the stream and the temperature of the water, and it also features feminine cleansing. The bidet comes in elongated and round versions. However, for extra class and extra features, you’ve got to pay extra cash, and the C100 won’t come cheap. If you opt for professional installation too, the cost can mount up significantly.
All in all, if you’ve got the extra cash, you can be sure this product will amaze you. It’s truly high-class, and the features are well worth the money you’re paying for it.
Features
Our next product has a very strange origin story. Brondell started when its current CEO, Dave Samuel, went to Tokyo before his freshman year at MIT and had an unfortunate run-in with a bidet that made him look like he peed his pants! After that run-in, Dave decided bidets were the way to go, and brought them back to the US.
The one we’re talking about today is the simplest device on our list. The CleanSpa Luxury Handheld Bidet is a handheld bidet, which is the simplest kind of bidet, and the easiest to use. It has a very ergonomic handle and a metal spiral that protects the hose. The sprayer features a thumb lever that you press to clean yourself. If you really want something affordable, practical and easy to use, this is the thing.
The device also has a useful holster that can be mounted on the toilet or wall. The bidet has a metal T-valve that allows you to control water pressure, giving you some form of control over spray intensity. The valve is easy to manipulate, but has limited scope and is a little clumsy.
All in all, if you like simple stuff, CleanSpa Luxury Handheld Bidet is the bidet for you. Versatile and easy to handle, you will enjoy using it. However, you don’t have as much control with it.
Features
Our last product comes from a company that is quite young. Luxe Bidet is seated in San Diego, and the company focus is on producing premium bidets that are hygienic and eco-friendly. Luxe Bidet also ships worldwide if you decide to buy directly from them, and the excellent warranties mean you probably will.
The product we're presenting as a part of our list is the Neo 120, a part of their prestigious Neo series. This is a non-electric bidet with a very fine design. Again, this is a seat–type device, so it's relatively simple to install. It features premium-quality parts with two chromed dials that control the water pressure and posterior or feminine washing.
As with most of our products so far, this device has retractable nozzles. These nozzles are more hygienic and prevent accidental spills. The nozzles are also self-cleaning, so they’re no trouble to keep in order. The device carries an 18 month warranty against all defects.
All in all, this is one stylish, inconspicuous and versatile bidet. We particularly like its warranty, as it’s the most extensive on this list. The device also doesn’t cost too much, which is a definite plus.
At last, we’ve come to the end of our little guide. As you’ve seen, buying a bidet is a matter of some consideration, and, more importantly, a good addition to your home. We hope you’ve found the perfect bidet. If not, then we wish you luck with your search.
