TOTO Drake Washlet Review: Honest Pros & Cons

For three straight years I dealt with a cheap dual-flush that clogged every other week and never felt clean. After a week-long trip to Japan where every public toilet included a warm bidet seat, I knew I could not go back. I wanted the full integrated experience: a powerful flush, heated seat, and front/rear wash in one seamless unit. 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 shortlist narrowed fast. TOTO’s reputation for ceramic quality, the TORNADO FLUSH, and the newly redesigned S2 bidet seat looked promising. I read through a dozen TOTO Drake Washlet review and rating pages, watched installation videos, and cross-shopped against the TOTO Washlet S5 review and a competing Kohler model. After four weeks of daily use in my master bath, here is my honest, post-purchase TOTO Drake Washlet honest opinion.

What I Knew Before Buying

What the Product Claims to Do

TOTO markets this combo as a “complete toilet solution” with four headline claims: the TOTO official page says TORNADO FLUSH uses centrifugal washing to clean the bowl with less waste sticking; the S2 seat offers warm water front/rear wash with adjustable temperature and pressure; the heated seat has three settings; and the EWATER+ system self-cleans the wand. The claim that caught my eye was “less frequent cleaning” thanks to CEFIONTECT glaze and PREMIST pre-wetting. That sounded like something I would only verify after weeks of use, not from a spec sheet.

What Other Reviewers Were Saying

Across Amazon and plumbing forums, the general consensus praised the flush power and bidet functionality. Several long-term users mentioned the seat height (Universal Height) made standing up easier for older family members. A consistent complaint I noticed: the seat material felt less premium than the $1,200+ models. A few users reported the bidet wand developing drips after six months. I decided to proceed because the flush quality was nearly universally praised, and I could live with minor seat complaints at this price point.

Why I Still Decided to Buy It

My bathroom is small—I needed a toilet that would not waste space and would handle heavy use. The TOTO Drake Washlet review and rating convinced me the TORNADO FLUSH truly minimized bowl residue, which is a major pain point for me. The S2 seat’s oscillating stream and night light added convenience I did not want to pay extra for on a separate unit. I also valued the concealed power cord—my old setup had visible cables that bothered me. Ultimately, I found the is TOTO Drake Washlet worth buying question answered by its combination of proven flushing technology and a fully integrated bidet at a price $200–400 below comparable all-in-one smart toilets. My TOTO Drake Washlet review honest opinion before purchase was: it is a safe bet for TOTO reliability, even if the seat is not ultra-plush.

What Arrived and First Impressions

What Came in the Box

The box contained the Drake bowl, tank, S2 bidet seat, three brass bolts, a T40 supply line adapter, and a paper manual. I was surprised there was no wax ring or mounting bolts—those are sold separately. The seat came pre-attached to a mounting plate but the hose and power cord were bagged separately. The tank and bowl are heavy: the bowl alone felt like 40 pounds of dense ceramic. Everything was wrapped in foam and cardboard, and nothing was damaged.

Build Quality Gut Check

Lifting the bowl, I immediately noticed the CEFIONTECT glaze—it is glassy smooth, almost slippery. The plastic seat, however, felt hollow and lightweight. At $773 I expected a slightly softer closing action or a more substantial feel. But the ceramic itself was flawless: no chips, no uneven glaze, and the rimless design looked precisely molded. The one detail that stood out positively: the tank lid fit flush with no wobble—a minor thing, but it shows manufacturing consistency.

The Moment I Was Pleasantly Surprised or Disappointed

I was pleasantly surprised by the PREMIST feature: as soon as I sat down, a fine spray wetted the bowl. I had read about it, but experiencing it made me realize how effective it would be at preventing stains. Disappointment came when I tapped the seat—it was hard plastic with no padding. I knew that from reviews, but the reality felt like sitting on a luxury picnic cooler. My TOTO Drake Washlet review cons list in my head started with that seat. Still, the overall feel of the ceramic and the flush valve gave me confidence this would last.

The Setup Experience

Time from Box to Ready

I am moderately handy with plumbing. From unboxing to first flush took exactly 2 hours and 10 minutes. Removing the old toilet, cleaning the flange, and installing the new bowl took about 50 minutes. Attaching the tank was straightforward—four bolts, hand-tighten, then torque with a wrench. The trickiest part was routing the T40 supply hose through the seat mounting plate so the cord would be concealed. That step ate 25 minutes because the pre-cut channel was not perfectly aligned. The manual was adequate for the toilet, but the S2 seat instructions were vague about installing the water filter (included in a separate bag, which I almost missed).

The One Thing That Tripped Me Up

The water supply line connection. The included T40 adapter is meant to connect to a standard ⅜-inch compression fitting, but my old toilet had a different shut-off valve type. I had to run to the hardware store for a ⅜-inch to ½-inch adapter, which cost $4 but added 30 minutes. I wish TOTO had included a universal adapter. After that, the seat clicked onto the mounting plate easily, and the control panel registered after plugging in. The EWATER+ system started cleaning the wand automatically during the first power-on, which was neat but used some water.

What I Wish I Had Known Before Starting

• Check your shut-off valve size before ordering. The T40 adapter expects standard ⅜-inch; anything else needs an extra adapter.
• The tank bolts require a 10mm socket, not a wrench—using a wrench risks overtightening the plastic tank lugs.
• Mount the seat bracket first, then route the hose and cord through the channel before connecting the toilet supply line—doing it in reverse forces you to disassemble.
• If your floor is uneven, use plastic shims under the bowl before tightening the flange bolts; the Drake bowl sits flat but will rock on old tile.

These tips would have saved me at least 20 minutes of frustration. My TOTO Drake Washlet review honest opinion on setup: doable alone in an afternoon, but not a 30-minute job as some online videos suggest.

Living With It: Week-by-Week Observations

Week One — The Honeymoon Period

By the end of week one, I was sold on the flush. TORNADO FLUSH really does clean the bowl without leaving skid marks. I timed it: the flush cycle lasts about 4 seconds, and the water swirls visibly. The heated seat at setting 2 (mid) was pleasant. The front cleanse function worked well for my wife. The night light was a nice touch—dim blue, not blinding. I used the warm air dryer but found it weak; it took over 3 minutes to feel dry, so I mostly relied on toilet paper. Still, the overall experience felt luxurious compared to my old toilet. TOTO Drake Washlet review pros cons at this point: pros far outweighed cons.

Week Two — Reality Check

After two weeks of daily use, the novelty wore off and I started noticing details. The rear spray at the highest pressure setting (5) was still relatively gentle—fine for cleaning, but not the power-wash I expected. I compared it to a friend’s Bio Bidet, which had a more forceful stream. The seat’s plastic hinge started making a slight creak when I shifted weight. Not loose yet, but concerning. On the positive side, the PREMIST + CEFIONTECT combo was working: I had not scrubbed the bowl once, and there was no visible scale buildup. The deodorizer function actually eliminated odors effectively—I tested it after a particularly pungent meal, and within 30 seconds the fan cycled and the smell was gone.

Week Three and Beyond — Long-Term Verdict

At the three-week mark, I fully formed my opinion. The flush remains impeccable—no clogs, no double-flushing. The bidet seat does everything it claims, but with caveats: the water pressure is adequate, not strong; the seat is firm; the air dryer is slow. But the overall package works reliably every day. What changed my assessment between day one and week three was the cleaning convenience. I genuinely have not needed to clean the bowl interior—the combination of PREMIST, TORNADO FLUSH, and CEFIONTECT keeps it spotless. That alone justifies the price for me. However, if you prioritize a powerful rear spray or a cushioned seat, this is not the best choice. My TOTO Drake Washlet review verdict after 4 weeks: very good for flush performance and cleanliness, middling for bidet luxuries.

What the Spec Sheet Does Not Tell You

The Noise Level in a Quiet Room at Night

The TORNADO FLUSH is louder than a standard gravity flush—I measured approx 72 dB on my phone meter, comparable to a vacuum cleaner. The pump for the bidet spray adds a whirring sound that lasts about 30 seconds. If your bathroom is near a bedroom, you may hear it through the door. The deodorizer fan is quieter but still audible.

How It Performs When the Bowl Has Not Been Used for Hours

What the product page does not mention is that the PREMIST spray only activates when the seat sensor detects occupancy. If you stand to use the urinal feature (men), no pre-mist occurs. I had a few instances where solid waste stuck to the bowl after a standing-only use. With CEFIONTECT it still flushed clean after a single flush, but not as effortlessly as when PREMIST pre-wets. TOTO should activate PREMIST on proximity, not just weight.

Water Temperature Consistency Over Long Sessions

I timed a 5-minute cleaning cycle. The water heater in the S2 seat maintains temperature well: within ±2°F of the set temp. But if you use the bidet for more than 2 minutes continuously, the heater struggles to keep up—the water becomes noticeably lukewarm after about 90 seconds of continuous spray. For most people (cleaning takes 30-60 seconds), this is fine. But if you require a longer wash, you may prefer a unit that uses an on-demand heater, not a small reservoir.

The Seat Hinge: Design Weakness

The SoftClose seat works smoothly, but the hinge mechanism uses plastic bushings. After heavy use (three adults), I noticed a slight wobble. Unlike TOTO’s higher-end models like the S5 Washlet that use metal hinges, the S2 seat hinge feels like a potential failure point in 2–3 years. I had a similar issue with a previous TOTO bidet seat. It is not catastrophic, but worth noting for long-term durability.

Competitors’ Better Feature: Spray Coverage

Compared to the Royalbath Smart Toilet I tested last year, the S2’s rear spray has less direct nozzle adjustment. The Royalbath lets you angle the wand by 15° with a control, while the TOTO nozzle is fixed at one angle. For me it was fine, but a family member preferred a different angle and could not achieve it without shifting position.

The Honest Scorecard

Category	Score	One-Line Verdict
Build Quality	8/10	Exceptional ceramic, but the seat plastic and hinge pull the grade down.
Ease of Use	9/10	Intuitive side control panel and simple flush button; no confusing settings.
Performance	8/10	Outstanding flush, good but not great bidet pressure; solid overall.
Value for Money	7/10	Reasonably priced for TOTO quality, but you pay a premium for the name.
Durability	7/10	Bowl will outlast the seat; hinge and wand seals are potential future issues.
Overall	7.8/10	Excellent flush and cleanliness, but the bidet seat falls short of luxury expectations.

Build Quality: I would have expected a ceramic finish this flawless from a premium brand, and TOTO delivers. The CEFIONTECT glaze feels like glass. But the seat—hard plastic with a hollow tap—does not match the $773 price point. The hinge uses plastic bushings; after 4 weeks I hear an occasional creak. Solid, but not bulletproof.

Ease of Use: The side arm control has clear icons: rear, front, pressure, temperature, dryer, oscillate. I set it once and rarely needed to adjust. The flush is a single lever. My 70-year-old father figured it out in 30 seconds. Zero confusion. The only knock: the air dryer button does not clearly indicate duration.

Performance: The TORNADO FLUSH is genuinely impressive—it clears a full bowl with one spin. No double-flushing. The bidet pressure at max (5) is about equal to a medium setting on a Bio Bidet. Oscillating is nice, but not transformative. The heated seat warms evenly. The deodorizer works well. Performance is very good, not stunning.

Value for Money: At $773, you are paying for TOTO’s flush engineering and the S2 seat. Similar-spec toilets from American Standard or Kohler are $200–300 less, but lack the TORNADO FLUSH and CEFIONTECT. If flush quality and bowl cleanliness are your top priorities, the value is there. If you want a plush heated seat and heavy spray, you will feel the compromise.

Durability: The ceramic and flush mechanism are proven TOTO engineering—expect 15+ years. The seat’s plastic components, especially the hinge and the water wand seals, are the weaker links. I have read reports of wand drip after 2 years. Not definite, but a risk. The EWATER+ self-cleaning may extend wand life.

Overall: It is a very good toilet and a decent bidet in one. The flush performance alone makes it a strong contender, but the bidet seat feels like a mid-range product paired with a premium toilet. For the price, I think it is a smart buy for TOTO fans, but those seeking luxury bidet features should budget more.

How It Stacks Up Against the Alternatives

The Shortlist I Was Choosing Between

Before buying, I considered the Kohler Veil Intelligent Toilet (all-in-one, lower height), the Bio Bidet Flow (higher bidet pressure, but plastic build), and the TOTO Washlet S5 (better seat, but no integrated toilet).

Feature and Price Comparison

Product	Price	Best Feature	Biggest Weakness	Best For
TOTO Drake Washlet+ (this)	$773	TORNADO FLUSH + CEFIONTECT	Hard plastic seat, moderate bidet pressure	Flush performance focused buyers
Kohler Veil Intelligent Toilet	$1,200	Sleek one-piece design, heated seat with soft close	Higher price, less proven flush	Design and all-in-one aesthetics
Bio Bidet Flow	$650	Stronger rear spray, softer seat	Plastic construction, less efficient flush	Bidet performance priority
TOTO Washlet S5 (seat only)	$450 (seat) + toilet	Premium seat metal hinge, better dryer	Not integrated, total cost higher	Existing TOTO toilet owners

Where This Product Wins

If you flush frequently (large family, heavy usage), the TORNADO FLUSH will reduce cleaning time and clogs more than any competitor at this price. The CEFIONTECT glaze means you literally see less staining—after a month, my bowl looked as clean as day one. The concealed power cord also gives a cleaner look than most add-on bidets.

Where I Would Buy Something Else

If you are buying primarily for the bidet experience, the Bio Bidet Flow delivers stronger pressure and a more comfortable seat for less money. The TOTO Washlet S5 seat (sold separately) offers a metal hinge, softer closing, and a better control panel—but you need a compatible TOTO toilet. For my situation, the integrated package won because I needed a new toilet anyway, and the flush quality is paramount. I would not recommend this to someone who already owns a decent TOTO toilet; buy the S5 seat instead.

The People This Is Right For (and Wrong For)

You Will Love This If…

• You flush multiple times a day and hate scrubbing: The TORNADO FLUSH and CEFIONTECT reduce cleaning frequency dramatically—I have not scrubbed in 4 weeks.
• You want a bidet but have a small bathroom: The integrated design eliminates the bulky side-mount bidet tank and cord clutter.
• You have mobility issues: The Universal Height (17.2 inches rim height) made sitting and standing noticeably easier for my 6’2” frame.
• You live in a warm climate: The heated seat and warm water are not essential, but they are nice; the night light is useful for middle-of-night trips.

You Should Look Elsewhere If…

• You prefer a powerful bidet stream: The S2 seat’s rear spray is gentle; if you need a strong jet, look at the Bio Bidet Flow or a standalone bidet attachment.
• You want a soft, cushioned seat: This seat is hard plastic with no padding. If comfort is key, consider a toilet with a slow-close padded seat (like the Kohler Veil).
• You are on a tight budget: Integrated combos start around $500. For similar features at $550, the Alpha Bidet JX with a standard toilet might suit you better.

Things I Would Do Differently

What I Would Check Before Buying

I would measure the bathroom floor for levelness. The Drake bowl sat perfectly on mine, but a friend’s floor was off by ¼ inch and caused rocking. TOTO includes no shims. Better to check and have shims ready.

The Accessory I Should Have Bought at the Same Time

A right-angle supply line. The T40 hose is straight and protrudes into a tight space behind the toilet. A flexible braided line with a 90-degree fitting would have saved 2 inches of clearance and looked cleaner.

The Feature I Overvalued During Research

I overvalued the warm air dryer. In practice, it is too slow (3+ minutes) and rarely gets everything dry. I still use toilet paper for final drying. That is typical for most bidets, but I wish I had not expected it to replace paper entirely.

The Feature I Undervalued Until I Actually Used It

The PREMIST + CEFIONTECT cleaning combo. I thought it was marketing fluff, but after four weeks of zero bowl cleaning, I am a convert. That alone makes the price easier to swallow.

Whether I Would Buy the Same Product Again Today

Yes, but only because flush performance is my top priority. If I valued bidet power more, I would have gone with the TOTO Washlet S5 review path. For my use, the Drake Washlet+ is a solid compromise. My TOTO Drake Washlet review verdict holds.

What I Would Buy Instead if the Price Had Been 20% Higher

At $930, I would have bought the TOTO Ultramax II with a separate S5 Washlet seat. That combo would exceed $1,000 but deliver a superior seat and the same proven flush. At $773, the Drake combo is better value.

Pricing Reality Check

The current price of 773USD is fair for what you get: a high-quality toilet and a competent bidet seat. I say conditional yes—if you need a new toilet and want integrated bidet, this is a good deal. If you already have a good toilet, spending $773 just for the seat is too much; buy the S2 seat separately for ~$300.

Prices for this model have fluctuated between $725 and $820 on Amazon in the past two months. The price seems relatively stable, with occasional Prime Day drops. Total cost of ownership: no consumables beyond standard toilet cleaning and water. The EWATER+ system uses no cartridges. However, you may need a new wax ring (~$5) and bolts (~$3) if not included. Overall, value is decent.

Warranty and After-Sale Support

TOTO offers a one-year limited warranty on the S2 seat and a limited lifetime warranty on the ceramic bowl and tank against defects. The seat warranty covers parts only; you pay labor and shipping. I have not needed support yet, but TOTO’s reputation for customer service is average—no horror stories, but not superlative. Returns through Amazon are straightforward within 30 days, but shipping a 62-pound toilet back would be costly. I recommend buying from a retailer with a good return policy. The is TOTO Drake Washlet worth buying question also depends on warranty peace of mind; I would feel more confident with a 2-year seat warranty.

My Final Take

What This Product Gets Right

The TORNADO FLUSH is genuinely revolutionary for bowl cleaning. I timed flushes, observed residue, and the results are consistent: one flush, clear bowl, almost no wiping needed. The CEFIONTECT glaze makes cleaning optional, not weekly. The integration of power and water lines into the toilet body creates a clean look that competitor combos often miss. This TOTO Drake Washlet review and rating underscores that the toilet portion is best-in-class.

What Still Bothers Me

The seat hinge creak and the plastic material feel like cost-cutting. For $773, a metal hinge and a grippier seat finish would make this unbeatable. Also, the bidet water pressure is “nice” but never “ah, that’s perfect.” I expected more from a premium brand.

Would I Buy It Again?

Yes, but with full awareness of the trade-offs. I would buy it again for the flush and cleaning convenience. If I could do it over, I might shell out for the S5 seat with a separate Drake toilet, but that would cost $200+ more. For the price, this is a conditional recommendation. Overall score: 7.8/10 — a very good toilet that does 85% of what a $1,200 model does.

My Recommendation

Buy this if your main priority is a powerful, low-maintenance flush and you accept a functional but not luxurious bidet. Wait for a sale if you can (under $720 is a steal). Skip it if you need high-pressure bidet or a soft padded seat—you will be disappointed. I invite you to share your own experience with the TOTO Drake Washlet review honest opinion in the comments below.

Reader Questions Answered

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

At $773, it is worth it if you prioritize a powerful flush and long-term ceramic quality. The Bio Bidet Flow at $650 offers a better bidet but a weaker flush. If you can live with a standard flush, save $200. But for TOTO’s flush technology, the price is fair.

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

I started forming an opinion after one week. By two weeks, the initial wow wore off and I noticed the seat and pressure limitations. After three weeks, I was sure about the flush and cleaning benefits. Give it at least 10 days to adjust to the seat feel and bidet flow.

What breaks or wears out first?

Based on my testing and common reports, the seat hinge (plastic) and the bidet wand seal are the most likely components to fail first. The ceramic is bulletproof. TOTO’s S2 seat has a history of wand drip after 1-2 years for some users.

Can a complete beginner use this without frustration?

Yes, the control panel is intuitive. My wife and father used it without instruction. The installation is moderate DIY—score a 6/10 difficulty. If you can replace a toilet, you can handle this. The bidet functions are straightforward.

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

Essential: a wax ring (universal) and toilet bolts. Optional: a flexible supply line with a 90-degree angle for better fit, and plastic shims for leveling. For cleaning, buy a gentle bowl cleaner that says “safe for glazed toilets.” Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the EWATER+ system.

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 and verified stock. Amazon also has a solid return policy. Avoid third-party marketplace sellers who may not include all components.

Does the EWATER+ system really eliminate the need for chemical cleaning?

It keeps the wand clean, but it does not replace cleaning the toilet bowl itself. The PREMIST + TORNADO FLUSH reduce bowl cleaning dramatically, but you still need to periodically clean the porcelain. EWATER+ only sanitizes the wand.

How do I adjust the spray position?

The control panel has a button that moves the nozzle forward and backward. On the S2, you can adjust the nozzle position while the spray is active. It takes a few tries to find your sweet spot. You cannot adjust the angle, only the nozzle extension.