Toto Drake II CST454CEFG-01

Bottom line

The Toto Drake II CST454CEFG-01 uses just 1.28 gallons of water per flush (gpf) and removes a hefty 800 grams of solid waste, making this one of the most efficient toilets available. Combined with Toto's proprietary ion-barrier glaze and Double Cyclone flushing action, the Drake II requires less cleaning than most toilets. But when you do clean it, be careful: Harsh chemicals may damage the finish.

Type

Powerful flushing technology. The Toto Drake II CST454CEFG-01 is a single-flush, two-piece toilet that uses Double Cyclone technology combined with gravity to create a powerful, clean flush using a tower-flush mechanism. This WaterSense-certified toilet doesn't come with a bidet, but most standard bidet attachments will work with this model. Toto's adapted toilet seat, the Washlet (Est. $400 to $1,000, depending on style and features), includes a built-in bidet.

Performance

Efficient and effective. The Toto Drake II CST454CEFG-01 earns a Maximum Performance score of 800, meaning it removes a hefty 800 grams of solid waste or more in a single flush. It uses just 1.28 gpf, which is about 20 percent less than a standard toilet that uses 1.6 gpf. Its 3-inch flush valve is wider than most for a faster, more powerful flush.

The Drake II's Double Cyclone flushing technology uses two nozzles instead of rim holes to add a powerful flow of water to every flush, which combines with gravity for more bowl-cleaning action. Owners say at Amazon.com that they're impressed by how quickly and efficiently this toilet flushes everything in the bowl, and report that it almost never clogs.

Lifestyle features

Comfortable height, sanitary coating. The Toto Drake II CST454CEFG-01 has an elongated bowl and meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards with a 17.25-inch seat height. Customer reviews at Amazon.com say this is a more comfortable height for average to tall users, but a few point out that shorter people may find the toilet less comfortable.

The Drake II is coated with SanaGloss, a sealed, ionized ceramic barrier that's ultra-smooth and prevents bacteria from adhering to the surface. This ultimately reduces cleaning difficulty and frequency, as well as the amount of chemical cleaners in the water supply. One owner warns that cleaners with stain-removal components may damage the SanaGloss finish.

The toilet has a one-year warranty and comes in several colors, including bone, colonial white, cotton and Sedona beige.