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TOTO Washlet S2 Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat vs TOTO Washlet S5 Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
TOTO Washlet S2 Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on easy install & fit.
The biggest complaint about the TOTO Washlet S2 Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat is needs an outlet near the toilet; for the TOTO Washlet S5 Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat it's no controls on the seat. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| TOTO Washlet S2 Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat | TOTO Washlet S5 Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in bidets & bidet seats | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Electric seat | Electric seat |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 8% | 6% |
| Overall score | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Wash quality | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Water temperature | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Easy install & fit | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Comfort & features | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Leaks & durability | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $100 · $$ $100–400 · $$$ over $400. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
TOTO Washlet S2 Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat
- Needs an outlet near the toilet
Wirecutter notes electric seats require a nearby outlet. Good Housekeeping says that if one isn't there, an electrician costs about $300 on average, according to Angi. CNN Underscored runs an extension cord across its counter.
- Busy side panel, no remote or presets
Wirecutter calls the side panel intuitive but busy, with very small writing that may be hard to read for people with limited vision. It has no user presets. CNN wishes Toto sold a cheaper S2-level model with a remote.
Source: Wirecutter, CNN Underscored - Round seat still a bit small
CNN Underscored says the round S2 has more sitting area than the old C2 but still less than an elongated seat. Wirecutter says bidet seats in general shrink the opening to about the size of a round seat.
Source: CNN Underscored, Wirecutter
TOTO Washlet S5 Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat
- No controls on the seat
Wirecutter says the S5 has no onboard buttons, so if the remote is damaged or dropped in the toilet, you can't use the bidet. One of its long-term testers switched to a side-panel model after kids dropped a remote, and replacements aren't cheap.
Source: Wirecutter - Pricey, and settings need the manual
Wirecutter says the long-term settings on the remote are often baffling without the manual. CNN Underscored calls the price too high for anyone but the most bidet-obsessed.
Source: Wirecutter, CNN Underscored - Needs an outlet; plain plastic T fitting
Like all electric seats, it needs a nearby outlet; Good Housekeeping cites about $300 to have one added. Wirecutter notes the T fitting is gray plastic rather than chrome; Toto says that is less likely to damage the tank threads. Amazon's small set of reviews calls installation mixed.
Who should pick which
Pick the TOTO Washlet S2 Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat if
The most comfortable warm wash and dryer
Homes with kids who might lose a remote
Back-to-back users (warm water doesn't run out)
Skip it if: You have no outlet near the toilet; You want a remote or saved user presets (see the S5); You're a larger person with a round toilet
Pick the TOTO Washlet S5 Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat if
Households that want saved settings for each person
Remote control you can mount on the wall
Pairing with a Toto toilet
Skip it if: You have no outlet near the toilet; Kids might drop the remote (there are no side controls); You don't need presets (the S2 is cheaper)
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