Gerber Avalanche HE-21-818

Bottom line

The Gerber Avalanche HE-21-818 is easy to install, even for do-it-yourselfers without professional experience. This WaterSense-certified toilet removes up to 800 grams of solid waste per flush. Combined with a wider flush valve and a fully glazed trapway, it flushes flawlessly, doesn't leak and stays relatively clean with each flush.

Type

Single-flush, water-efficient. A single-flush toilet with a tower flush mechanism, the two-piece Avalanche HE-21-818 is WaterSense-certified. It doesn't come with a bidet, but most standard bidet attachments will work with this model. On the downside, experts say two-piece toilets like this one may not be as easy to clean as a one-piece model and the seat isn't included.

Performance

Removes waste with ease. The Gerber Avalanche HE-21-818 earns a MaP score of 800, removing 800 grams of waste using just 1.28 gallons of water per flush (gpf). It has a fully glazed trapway that prevents the buildup of bacteria and a large water surface to keep the bowl cleaner. Combined with a 3-inch flush valve that ensures more waste is removed with each flush, the bowl stays cleaner over time.

In professional tests, the HE-21-818 earns very good scores for solid waste removal, and excellent scores for both liquid waste removal and noise. A standard 1.6 gpf version of the Gerber Avalanche HE-21-818 (Est. $240) , sold under the same model number without the "HE," also earns solid scores in professional tests. But with the two toilets costing the same, it makes sense for consumers to purchase the water-efficient option.

Lifestyle features

Comfort height, easy to clean. The elongated bowl shape and 17-inch seat height (which meets Americans with Disabilities Act standards) make the Gerber Avalanche HE-21-818 comfortable to sit on. However, editors at TheFamilyHandyman.com point out that taller toilets are difficult for small children and shorter adults to use. This toilet is available in white only.

The HE-21-818's fully glazed trapway provides antimicrobial protection and prevents waste buildup, making the bowl easier to clean. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, the Gerber Avalanche is a solid performer that doesn't leak and works flawlessly.