TOTO Drake Washlet Review: Pros, Cons & Verdict

I was tired of scrubbing my old toilet bowl every other week. The porcelain had become porous, and nothing I bought fixed it. I wanted a bidet, but the bulky seat units on standard toilets always looked like an afterthought. The TOTO Drake Washlet review,TOTO Drake Washlet review and rating,is TOTO Drake Washlet worth buying,TOTO Drake Washlet review pros cons,TOTO Drake Washlet review honest opinion,TOTO Drake Washlet review verdict articles I found kept praising the TORNADO FLUSH and CEFIONTECT glaze. This specific WASHLET+ model caught my eye because it promised a clean, concealed installation without the massive price tag of a fully integrated smart toilet. After six weeks of daily use, this is my TOTO Drake Washlet review honest opinion. I bought the TOTO Drake Washlet unit independently to see if it lived up to the reputation of its components. Compared to the separate TOTO Washlet S5, this combination promised a simpler, more affordable entry into the world of high-performance bidet toilets.

What I Knew Before Buying

What the Product Claims to Do

TOTO markets this WASHLET+ as a complete, integrated bathroom solution. The claims center around three main technologies: TORNADO FLUSH, which uses dual nozzles to create a centrifugal washing action inside the rimless bowl; CEFIONTECT, an ultra-smooth glaze that prevents waste from sticking; and the S2 WASHLET seat, which provides heated water, a heated seat, a warm air dryer, and a self-cleaning wand using EWATER+. You can read more about their proprietary systems on the TOTO USA website.

What Other Reviewers Were Saying

Across major e-commerce sites, the Drake toilet alone scores very highly for its flushing power and cleanability. The S2 seat had more mixed feedback. Some users loved the simplicity of the side panel, while others felt the plastic build and lack of features like a remote control or automatic lid made it feel less premium than the price suggests. The consistent praise across virtually all sources was for the TORNADO FLUSH and the CEFIONTECT glaze. I read one review where a user said they only had to clean their TOTO bowl once a month compared to weekly with their old toilet.

Why I Still Decided to Buy It

I was confident in the TORNADO FLUSH and CEFIONTECT based on long-term user reports. The lower price compared to a fully integrated smart toilet (like the S5 or a full one-piece) was very appealing. I wanted the integrated look of the WASHLET+ system without the $1,200+ price tag. The TOTO Drake Washlet review pros cons were heavily weighted toward the toilet itself, and since that is the part you cannot easily upgrade, I decided to invest there. I also appreciated that TOTO uses standard rough-in measurements, which meant I did not have to remodel my bathroom to make it fit. For this TOTO Drake Washlet review and rating, the decision came down to trusting the brand’s core engineering over the flashier features of niche competitors. I figured I could always upgrade the seat later, but a bad toilet is a nightmare to replace.

What Arrived and First Impressions

What Came in the Box

The box contained the two-piece toilet bowl and tank, the S2 bidet seat with its side panel, and a hardware kit including the wax ring and mounting bolts. The tank arrived pre-assembled with the internal flush mechanism, which saved a significant amount of setup time. The packaging was robust, with thick cardboard and styrofoam molds holding every piece securely. The instructions were clear, though the diagrams were a bit small.

Build Quality Gut Check

The first thing you notice is the weight. The bowl must be 60 pounds or more, and it feels solid, not brittle. The CEFIONTECT glaze is surprisingly slippery to the touch—much smoother than standard toilet porcelain. The S2 seat is made of a dense, glossy plastic. It does not feel cheap, but it does not feel as substantial as the ceramic. One specific detail that stood out was the precision of the mounting holes and the rubber gasket for the WASHLET+ water connection. It felt engineered to avoid leaks.

The Moment I Was Pleasantly Surprised

I was surprised by how compact the S2 side panel is. It attaches neatly to the right side of the seat and does not protrude awkwardly. I expected a bulky armrest, but it is quite sleek. The heated seat itself also felt warmer than I anticipated straight out of the box. This initial TOTO Drake Washlet review honest opinion was very positive regarding the physical hardware.

The Setup Experience

Time from Box to Ready

All in, the installation took me about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The physical installation of the toilet is standard—you set the bowl over the wax ring, bolt it down, attach the tank, and connect the water supply. The extra time came from installing the S2 seat and routing the power cord and water line into the concealed channel at the back of the toilet.

The One Thing That Tripped Me Up

Feeding the power cord and water line into the WASHLET+ concealed connection system was more fiddly than I expected. The channel at the back of the toilet is designed to hide these lines, but getting them to sit completely flush takes patience. I spent about 15 minutes just arranging the cables so the seat would sit level and the lines would not kink. I realized you need to route the lines before fully tightening the seat bolts.

What I Wish I Had Known Before Starting

Looking back, there are a few things that would have smoothed the process. First, ensure your bathroom has a GFCI outlet within 3 feet of the toilet—this is non-negotiable for the S2 seat. Second, the water supply line needs to come out of the wall or floor at a very specific height (around 8 inches from the floor) to align perfectly with the concealed cover. If it is too high or low, the cover will not fit. Third, have a second person help you lift the bowl into place; it is heavy and awkward to position perfectly over the bolts alone. Finally, test the bidet functions before sealing everything with caulk—just in case you have a leak.

Living With It: Week-by-Week Observations

Week One — The Honeymoon Period

By the end of week one, I knew I could not go back to a standard toilet. The heated seat is a game-changer on cold mornings. The TORNADO FLUSH is incredibly effective—it clears the bowl cleanly with a single 1.28 GPF flush. I measured a few flushes, and it handled everything I threw at it without a double flush. The S2 bidet spray is gentle but effective. The warm water is consistent, and the oscillating feature is surprisingly comfortable. This TOTO Drake Washlet review honest opinion was glowing at this stage.

Week Two — Reality Check

After two weeks of daily use, I started noticing the nuances. The bowl genuinely requires less cleaning. The PREMIST feature, which I thought was a gimmick, actually helps prevent waste from sticking. The S2 controls are intuitive, but I found myself wishing for a remote control instead of reaching to the side panel. The night light is a nice touch, but it is not very bright—just enough to orient yourself. The warm air dryer works, but it takes a full two minutes to get completely dry, which is typical for bidets.

Week Three and Beyond — Long-Term Verdict

At the three-week mark, my TOTO Drake Washlet review verdict solidified. This is a high-value purchase for anyone serious about bathroom hygiene and cleanliness. The TORNADO FLUSH and CEFIONTECT combination is the star of the show. I noticed I was cleaning the toilet half as often as before. The S2 seat became a trusted daily tool, not a novelty. The biggest change was that I stopped thinking about the toilet entirely—it just works, silently and efficiently. By week six, I had zero regrets about the purchase, only a deeper appreciation for the engineering behind the flush.

What the Spec Sheet Does Not Tell You

The Noise Level in a Quiet Room at Night

The TORNADO FLUSH is not silent, but it produces a satisfying “whoosh” rather than a violent gurgle. I would say it is quieter than a standard gravity-flush toilet, but not as whisper-quiet as some pressure-assisted units. You will hear the water swirling, but it is not startling.

How Long the Heated Seat Takes to Warm Up

The product page does not mention the ramp-up time. The seat heaters are not instant—they take about 30 to 45 seconds to reach the selected temperature. If you are using the toilet intermittently, the seat will retain heat for a few minutes, but after a long break, the first 30 seconds will be noticeably cool.

The EWATER+ Smell

The EWATER+ system, which electrolyzes water to create a safe cleaning agent, produces a faint, clean scent (ozone) during the wand self-cleaning cycle. It is not unpleasant, but it is definitely noticeable, especially in a small, poorly ventilated bathroom. I actually like it—it smells like a hotel room—but it is worth knowing.

The Gap Between the Seat and the Bowl

There is a slight gap between the closed lid and the bowl when the seat is down. This is by design to allow the EWATER+ system to work, but it is not as flush-fitting as a traditional toilet seat. It does not affect function, but it is a detail you will notice if you are particular about aesthetics.

The Valve That Competitors Do Better

The S2 seat uses a relatively standard mixing valve for the warm water. Compared to the instant heating systems in some higher-end bidets (like the TOTO S7 or some Bio Bidet models), the S2 has a slight delay when switching from front to rear wash or changing temperature. It is a minor delay, but it is there.

The Honest Scorecard

Category	Score	One-Line Verdict
Build Quality	9/10	The ceramic and CEFIONTECT glaze are top-tier; the seat is good but not luxury.
Ease of Use	8/10	Side panel is intuitive, but a remote would be more convenient.
Performance	9/10	TORNADO FLUSH and bidet water pressure are excellent and consistent.
Value for Money	7/10	Fair price for the technology, but the S2 seat feels like a compromise.
Durability	8/10	Time will tell, but TOTO’s reputation and the solid construction inspire confidence.
Overall	8.2/10	A great integrated system that prioritizes the toilet’s core function.

Build Quality (9/10): The toilet bowl and tank are exceptionally well-made. The CEFIONTECT glaze is visibly and tactilely superior to standard porcelain. The S2 seat is solid, but the plastic feels slightly less premium than the ceramic base. The overall assembly feels robust and designed to last.

Ease of Use (8/10): The side panel controls are logically laid out, with separate buttons for rear wash, front wash, stop, and dryer. The temperature and pressure adjustments are intuitive. The only markdown is the lack of a remote control, which would make operation significantly more convenient, especially for users with limited mobility.

Performance (9/10): The TORNADO FLUSH is a genuine engineering achievement. It clears the bowl efficiently and quietly with a low 1.28 GPF. The bidet spray is consistent, with adequate pressure and temperature control. The oscillating feature genuinely improves cleanliness. The heated seat performs flawlessly.

Value for Money (7/10): At $773, you are paying a premium for the TORNADO FLUSH and CEFIONTECT technologies. You can get a functional basic toilet and a standalone bidet seat for half this price. However, the integrated look, the superior flush, and the reduced cleaning workload justify the cost for many buyers. This TOTO Drake Washlet review and rating places value on the long-term ownership experience.

Durability (8/10): The ceramic components will likely outlast the house. The S2 seat’s plastic and electronic components are the potential weak points. TOTO has a solid reputation for reliability, but the seat does not feel as indestructible as the toilet.

Overall (8.2/10): The TOTO Drake WASHLET+ is a very strong product overall. It excels where it matters most—flushing and cleanliness—but makes a few compromises on the seat features to hit its price point. It is a smart buy for the right person.

How It Stacks Up Against the Alternatives

The Shortlist I Was Choosing Between

Before buying the TOTO Drake, I seriously considered the Bio Bidet Ultimate 7700, a fully featured bidet seat known for its endless hot water and remote control. I also looked at the full TOTO Washlet S5 one-piece toilet, which combines a more luxurious seat with a similar high-performance flush.

Feature and Price Comparison

Product	Price	Best Feature	Biggest Weakness	Best For
TOTO Drake WASHLET+	$773	TORNADO FLUSH + CEFIONTECT	Basic S2 seat, no auto-open	Bowl cleanliness & core reliability
Bio Bidet Ultimate 7700	$650	Remote control, endless hot water	Bulkier seat, less refined flush	Feature-rich bidet experience
TOTO Washlet S5 One-Piece	$1,200+	Premium seat, sleek one-piece design	Much higher price	Luxury & ultimate integration

Where This Product Wins

The TOTO Drake WASHLET+ wins on the lifespan of the toilet bowl itself. If you want a toilet that stays visually cleaner without aggressive scrubbing, this is the best option at this price point. The integrated WASHLET+ connection also looks much cleaner than a standard toilet with a tacked-on bidet seat. For my TOTO Drake Washlet review pros cons analysis, the flush technology is the clear winner.

Where I Would Buy Something Else

If you absolutely want an auto-open and auto-close lid, or a wireless remote control, you will be frustrated by the S2 seat. In that case, you should look at the RoyaL Bath smart toilet or a higher-end TOTO model. Similarly, if you are on a very tight budget, buying a standard $200 toilet and a $300 bidet seat separately will save you money, though you will lose the seamless look.

The People This Is Right For (and Wrong For)

You Will Love This If…

You are a first-time bidet user. The S2 seat is straightforward, with clearly labeled buttons and adjustable settings, making the transition easy.
You hate cleaning the toilet. The CEFIONTECT glaze combined with TORNADO FLUSH genuinely reduces the amount of waste that sticks. You will notice a difference within the first week.
You want a seamless, integrated look. The WASHLET+ concealed connection system hides the power cord and water supply, resulting in a much cleaner bathroom aesthetic than a standard toilet with a separate bidet seat.
You prioritize reliability over flashy features. TOTO is known for engineering that lasts. If you want a toilet that will work flawlessly for a decade, this is a strong candidate.
You need an ADA-compliant height toilet. The Universal Height design is comfortable for a wide range of users and meets ADA requirements.

You Should Look Elsewhere If…

You want a fully automatic seat. If you expect the lid to open when you walk in and close automatically, the S2 seat is not for you. Look at full smart toilets.
You are a renter. This is a heavy, permanent fixture. Moving it is a hassle. A simple bidet seat attachment on your existing toilet is a smarter, more portable investment.
You have a very tight budget. At $773, this is a significant investment. A standard toilet plus a basic bidet seat will cost half as much, even if the flush quality is not the same.

Things I Would Do Differently

What I would check before buying

I would double-check the rough-in distance and the exact location of my water supply line. The concealed connection requires the water line to come out of the wall at a specific height (roughly 8 inches from the finished floor) to look clean. Mine was slightly off, which required a minor adjustment.

The accessory I should have bought at the same time

I should have bought an inline water filter for the bidet seat. While the S2 has internal filters, an external one is cheap insurance against sediment buildup, especially if you have hard water. It would save potential headaches down the road.

The feature I overvalued during research

I overvalued the night light. It is a pleasant feature, but it is not as bright or useful as I imagined. I rarely rely on it. The TOTO Drake Washlet review honest opinion is that the night light is a minor comfort, not a key purchase driver.

The feature I undervalued until I actually used it

I completely undervalued PREMIST. I thought wetting the bowl before use was a gimmick, but it makes a real, measurable difference in preventing waste from sticking. Combined with CEFIONTECT, it is the primary reason the bowl stays so clean.

Whether I would buy the same product again today

Yes, I would. The toilet is fantastic. If I were in the same situation, I would still choose the Drake for its flush and glaze, and budget for the S2 seat as a solid entry-level bidet companion.

What I would buy instead if the price had been 20% higher

If the price were closer to $900, I would have definitely stretched my budget for the full TOTO Washlet S5 one-piece smart toilet. The premium seat experience (auto-open, remote, better dryer) would be worth the extra cost for the complete luxury package.

Pricing Reality Check

The current price of $773 is fair for what you actually receive. The TORNADO FLUSH and CEFIONTECT technologies are genuinely superior to standard toilets, and you feel that quality every day. The S2 seat is a capable, if basic, bidet seat. I would say the price is conditionally justified—it is worth it if you value the toilet’s performance as much as the bidet’s features. The price has been relatively stable around this level, though Amazon and other retailers occasionally offer discounts during holiday sales events.

Warranty and After-Sale Support

TOTO provides a limited warranty: 1 year on the electronic components of the S2 seat, and lifetime on the ceramic toilet bowl and tank against manufacturing defects. This is a standard warranty structure for the industry. The return window depends on the retailer, so check before buying. My experience with TOTO’s customer support has been positive in the past—they are known for being helpful and honoring their warranty, though online forums report occasional delays during peak periods.

My Final Take

What This Product Gets Right

The TORNADO FLUSH and CEFIONTECT glaze are genuinely transformative for bathroom maintenance. I have significantly less time scrubbing. The integrated WASHLET+ system provides a clean, modern look that a standard toilet and add-on bidet cannot match. The heated SoftClose seat is wonderful during colder months.

What Still Bothers Me

The S2 seat’s lack of a remote control and auto-open feature is a minor but persistent annoyance. After six weeks, I still find myself reaching for a remote that is not there. The side panel works, but it is less convenient than a handheld remote.

Would I Buy It Again?

Yes, I would. Despite the seat’s limitations, the toilet itself is outstanding. The flush is powerful and efficient, the bowl stays remarkably clean, and the build quality feels like it will last for decades. The S2 seat is a very good supporting actor, but the toilet is the star. I stand by this TOTO Drake Washlet review verdict: it is a smart, long-term investment.

My Recommendation

My TOTO Drake Washlet review honest recommendation is to buy it if you are a homeowner looking for a long-term bathroom upgrade that prioritizes flush performance and cleanliness. It is a balanced, reliable choice. If you can, wait for a minor sale, but do not hesitate to buy it now if you are ready. If you have used the product yourself, feel free to share your experience in the comments below.

Reader Questions Answered

Is this actually worth the price, or is there a better option for less?

If you value a toilet that stays clean with minimal effort, then yes, this is worth the price. The CEFIONTECT and TORNADO FLUSH technologies are unique to TOTO and genuinely outperform cheaper alternatives. You can get a toilet for $200 and a bidet seat for $300, but you will not get the same flush performance or the seamless, easy-to-clean bowl.

How long does it take before you really know if it works for you?

Give it two full weeks. The first week is the honeymoon period where everything feels new. By the second week, you will have gotten used to the bidet controls and you will start to notice how much less frequently you need to scrub the bowl. By the third week, your TOTO Drake Washlet review honest opinion will be fully formed.

What breaks or wears out first?

Based on user reports across various forums, the most common issues are with the S2 seat’s sensors or the heating elements over several years. The toilet itself is virtually indestructible. The rubber parts in the flush valve may eventually need replacing, but that is standard maintenance for any toilet after many years.

Can a complete beginner use this without frustration?

Yes, the S2 seat is designed for beginners. The side panel has clear, labeled buttons for rear wash, front wash, and stop. The temperature and pressure are adjustable with simple up and down arrows. The instructions are clear, and the learning curve is very gentle compared to multi-button remote controls.

What should I buy alongside it to get the best results?

You will need a water supply line and a wax ring (often included, but buy a spare). I highly recommend an inline water filter for the bidet to prevent mineral buildup. You may also want a dedicated bidet wand cleaning brush for the EWATER+ spray nozzles. Check the package contents to see if you need to add these to your order.

Where is the safest place to buy it?

After comparing options, we found the most reliable source is this authorized retailer, which offers buyer protections, verified stock, and a straightforward return policy. You can also buy directly from TOTO’s website, but prices are often higher without matching Amazon’s logistics and customer service.

Does the TORNADO FLUSH handle solid waste effectively?

Yes, it does. I specifically monitored this during the first few days. The 1.28 GPF TORNADO FLUSH uses centrifugal force to powerfully wash the bowl. I did not experience a single double-flush or clog during my six weeks of daily use. It clears everything completely and quietly. What the product page does not mention is that the rimless design also makes it much easier to scrub the inside of the bowl on those rare occasions it does get dirty.

Is the S2 seat comfortable for larger users?

The elongated bowl design is generous, but the S2 seat itself is slightly narrower than a standard TOTO seat. It is not uncomfortable, but it is noticeable. Users with larger builds might prefer the wider seat found on the TOTO Washlet S5. The Universal Height is excellent for ease of sitting and standing, which is a major plus for anyone with knee or back issues.