When renovating your bathroom, one question often arises: conventional toilet, Japanese toilet, smart toilet—how do you choose between these three options? They may look similar, but they differ significantly in terms of comfort, price, and functionality. Here is a complete comparison to help you choose.

Conventional toilet: the traditional solution

The conventional toilet remains the most common type of toilet in French homes. Simple, affordable, and easy to find, it uses a manual flush and offers no automated functions.

Advantages:

Generally more affordable purchase price

Simple installation with no electrical connection required

Basic maintenance with no electronics to manage

Limitations:

No comfort features (no heated seat, no built-in washing)

Complete reliance on toilet paper

No advanced hygiene options

Japanese toilet: built-in washing as a key feature

The Japanese toilet (or "washlet") introduces a major innovation: a water spray for washing, built directly into the bowl and used either in addition to or instead of toilet paper. This technology, which has been widespread in Japan for several decades, is now becoming more popular in France.

Advantages:

Improved hygiene thanks to water washing

Significant reduction in toilet paper consumption

Increased comfort, especially for people with reduced mobility or digestive issues

Limitations:

Generally requires a nearby electrical supply

Higher price than a conventional toilet

Features vary widely by model (some remain basic)

Smart toilet: comprehensive automated comfort

The smart toilet goes further than the Japanese toilet by incorporating several automated functions in addition to washing: automatic opening and closing of the seat, sensor-activated flushing, a heated seat, built-in deodorization, and sometimes exceptionally quiet operation thanks to soundproofing foam.

Advantages:

Fully automated, touch-free experience

Thermal comfort thanks to the heated seat

Optimal hygiene (automatic flushing, deodorization)

Discreet operation, suitable for nighttime use

Limitations:

Higher initial investment than a conventional toilet or basic Japanese toilet

Requires a suitable electrical installation

Technical maintenance will be required over the long term, as with any connected device

In summary

Among conventional toilets, Japanese toilets, and smart toilets, each option has its strengths: the conventional toilet remains the simplest and most affordable, but offers no comfort features; the Japanese toilet adds built-in washing for improved hygiene at a mid-range price; the smart toilet goes even further by combining full automation, thermal comfort, and deodorization, offering a higher price tag but a significantly superior experience.

Which model should you choose based on your needs?

Are you renovating on a tight budget? The conventional toilet remains a reliable solution, even though it offers no special comfort features.

Are you primarily looking for improved hygiene and reduced toilet paper consumption? The Japanese toilet is an excellent choice, with a mid-range price.

Do you want to transform your bathroom into a truly comfortable space without compromise? The smart toilet remains the most comprehensive solution, combining hygiene, thermal comfort, and automation.

An investment that pays off over time

Although the purchase price of a smart toilet is higher than that of a conventional toilet, several factors balance this investment over the long term: reduced toilet paper consumption, daily comfort that is difficult to match, and enhanced hygiene for the whole family.

Ultimately, the choice between a conventional toilet, Japanese toilet, and smart toilet depends mainly on your budget and your priorities in terms of comfort and hygiene.

At Nelsmann, we offer a range of smart Japanese toilets designed to combine these different functions in a sleek design. Discover our selection of smart toilets.