We’ve spent over 14 hours over a course of 3 weeks individually testing, and assessing each aspect of our top five best self-closing toilet seats. We believe that the Bath Royale Premium Round Toilet Seat with Cover, White - Soft Close, Quick Release for Easy Cleaning is the best among all that we have reviewed. We love how its versatility to fit most of the popular and standard toilet brands out there. We love that it’s made of top-quality polypropylene which makes it long-lasting, more comfortable, and stronger and that it has these little bumpers to evenly distribute a person’s weight. Its quick release function also makes it easier to clean all the nooks and crannies underneath the seat. We mostly love how its seat and cover offers the self-closing function preventing pinched fingers, cracked toilets, and loud slamming.
We’ve all been there, haven’t we?
The constant wake-ups we get at night because someone “accidentally” slammed the toilet seat shut.
The migraine that’s threatening to arise whenever the little ones finish their business and discover how fun it is to slam the toilet seat over and over and over again.
We try to summon our tolerance, but it always seems that our patience remains elusive. We get mad, move on, but then it happens again. Can’t help but feel like giving up.
What if we told you that we know how to fix all of that?
Want to chase all of your toilet frustrations away?
Then it’s high-time you think about getting a self-closing toilet seat. It’s one device that is fundamental to your sanity.
Check out our top 5 best self-closing toilet seats and find out which one is the best.
We’ve done all the research for you so, please, read on.
Ready?
Let’s begin.
Best Self Closing Toilet Seats this 2018
| Product | Weight | Size | Distance Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunwin Optical Digital Pupillary Distance Meter SC252 | 7.15 g | 25cm x 13.8cm x 5.5cm | 48 mm to 77 mm |
| Gizmo Supply Digital LCD Optical Pupilometer | 2.1 lbs | 9.4 x 13.7 x 4.1 inches | 45 mm to 80 mm |
| Sunwin Digital Pd Meters Digital Pupilometer SC344 | 1.6 lbs | 221mm x 164mm x 63mm | 45 mm to 82 mm |
| Optical Digital PD Meter Pupilometer Interpupillary Distance Tester CP-32C1 | 2.4 lbs | 12.2” x 4” x 8.7” | 50 mm to 80 mm |
| Gizmo Supply Optical Digital PD Meter Pupilometer Test Ruler | 8 lbs | N/A | Not specified |
How Do Self-Closing Toilet Seats Work?
Self-closing toilet seats are designed to automatically lower your seat and lid quietly in just a matter of seconds. They use a special slow-close hinge system (some work by having a small air cylinder while others make use of a spring) to lower the toilet seat gently with as little noise as possible.
It saves you the trouble of having to touch the toilet seat with your bare hands. Did you know that it’s been estimated that there are as many as 50 different kinds of bacteria per square inch living on your bathroom’s toilet seat?
What You Should Consider Before Buying a Self Closing Toilet Seat?
There’s more to choosing your very own toilet seat than meets the eye. With all of the advancements in technology these days, toilet seats have now evolved to feature more options than you can imagine. There are some that have personalized cleansing in its system, and others which contain built-in nightlights to help guests or little children find their toilets.
We have compiled a guide below to help you learn a thing or two of the most important considerations before choosing your own self-closing toilet seat.
1. Shape of Your Toilet
Before going to a store and choosing your new self-closing toilet seat, you need to determine the shape of your toilet. Normally there are two different shapes:
- Round Toilet Seats - are the most standard among many households. They are designed to save space and measures about 16 and ¾ inches or less. Round bowls usually measure a max of 28” from the wall. These are also less expensive than elongated bowls.
- Elongated Toilet Seats- measure about 18 and 5/8 or more. These seats fit most residential toilets. Most people find this to be more comfortable than its round counterpart.
2. Mount Type
Determine the mount type you want for your toilet seat. There are two classifications: the integral bolt and nut, and the conventional bolt and nut. The conventional bolt and nut mounts are the standard for most toilet seats and they are generally easier to use than the integral ones.
Integral bolt and nut mounts look better in the beginning but they are harder to removes as they need to be drilled out to remove the seat.
3. Padding
If you have a family member that is recovering from childbirth or surgery, it might be a good idea to get a cushioned toilet seat for more comfort.
If it’s for an elder loved one however, who needs to be transferred to and from the toilet, soft toilet seats can be difficult to maneuver them around. The standard seat will be better for transfers.
How We Assessed and Evaluated These Products
We began by scouring through all of our local stores to find whatever self-closing toilet seats we can get our hands on. We listed all of the different seats we were able to get and recorded all of their specifications, price, size, and design. We also made sure to note the products that were more widely available to customers and which ones were harder to find.
We were expecting that there were a lot of self-closing toilet seats out there. And we were not disappointed. We recorded about 40 different kinds from the stores all over the area. We had too much on the list so we proceeded to devise a grading system where we would assess and score each of the toilet seats based on qualities such as: customer feedbacks, price, quality, customer service and durability.
After scoring all of the self-closing toilet seats on our list, we eliminated the products with the least scores then assessed the ones left (about 7) through some product-testing, more research, and conducting expert and manufacturer interviews.
We ensured that the best product we would pick will not be based on the most expensive toilet seat. We thoroughly reviewed and considered important factors like all of their quantitative and qualitative aspects.
Our Top Picks
When we installed the Kohler K-4636-0 Cachet on our dummy toilet, we liked that it was fairly easy to remove for easy cleaning. Visual-wise, it doesn’t look like other removable toilet seats that were on the bottom of our list because it did not have any large knobs to twist. We love that it looks no different from other regular toilet seats.
We tested its durability and loved that it doesn’t flex or bend like other cut-rate seats.
All we had to do was tap so that the seat and lid will slowly lower themselves. We also observed that this is great for people who have bad backs since they don’t have to bend over to put the seat and lid down.
Its quick-release functionality allowed us to easily clean every nook and cranny- a very handy system since most standard seats have small protected areas which is difficult to reach and clean.
There are also rubber bumpers under the lid, we like that it was designed to create little to no noise in closing.
We even contacted Kohler through their website to check certain versions of the type of toilet we had and also to ask for their advice. We were genuinely surprised that they called us back directly and happily answered our questions and even made sure that we had the correct color.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
2. Bath Royale Premium Round Toilet Seat with Cover, Soft Close, Quick Release for Easy Cleaning – Editor’s Choice
Upon looking at the Bath Royale Premium Round Toilet seat, it appears to be well made. We were able to install it under 15 minutes. Be sure to read the enclosed instructions though because the installation is different than that of the standard ones.
We love that this self-closing toilet seat stays in place since most of the other seats wiggled a bit and shifted in position when sat upon.
We also liked that once this is removed from its mounting pins, only two small 1.5 inch covers the mounting holes. This toilet seat has clear rubber gaskets that prevent dirt from finding their way underneath. Standard toilet seats have hinge frames which do not have gaskets.
We also observed that if the toilet bowl has nuts embedded in the porcelain, instead of holes, reusing the old bolts will work fine with this type of toilet seat.
We found that its quick-release mechanism comes very handy when you want to do a thorough job of sanitizing your toilet- especially around the hinges. We only had to push a button and it pops on and off – no tools required.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
On testing the TOTO SS154#11, we love that it came with clear, easy, and concise instructions. We noticed that we had more trouble removing the original seat attached than installing this one. We also noted that upon installation, it’s best to not tighten the seat yet when clicking it to the toilet base. We found that this allows easy positioning of the seat before tightening everything down.
All we really needed on the installation was a Philips head screwdriver- that’s how easy it was. We loved that all we needed to do was give it a soft nudge and it closes without hardly any sound at all. We were also surprised that the Toto’s seat fit other manufacturer’s bowls quite well.
We also found the contour of the seat is very comfortable to sit on. We also love that the seat has these silicone pads to keep it from slipping where it mounts to the bowl. We observed that the plastic it was made was high-quality and it looks like this toilet seat is going to last a long time before breaking.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
When we installed this toilet seat, we liked that it was easy to swap out from the bowl’s original toilet seat. We found that the material it was made of is pretty resistant to thermal conductivity so we figured that it won’t give your bottoms a shock when you do your business at night in the cold wintry months.
We love that it’s made of thicker and heavier material than the standard toilet seats. It feels and appears to be well-made and study enough to last a few years. We installed it on an American Standard toilet and we love that it fits well and matches the toilet base.
We gave it points for not having any uncovered hinges. That meant it’s easy to clean. Although there are a lot of nooks and crannies underneath the seat, we still liked that they aren’t tight small spaces. Surprisingly, we were able to reach all the areas without any problem.
Our larger co-workers did have a bit of a hard time fitting their buns on the seat. We wouldn’t recommend this if it’s for larger people. That’s because there isn’t much “space” on the seat as it is thin.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
On first handling the Topseat Tiny-Hiney Potty, we were impressed that it is made of a high quality material. We love the fact that the toddler seat just folds back so it doesn’t clutter the bathroom.
We love that the seat offers closed hinges. In our opinion, it’s a nice touch as the training seat will not easily come off anytime soon. This is great since it’s very secure, kids won’t pinch themselves like others training seats because of sliding.
It’s well constructed as we’d hoped. Although the toddler seat is not self-closing, we believe that it was made that way so that kids won’t make an accident while waiting for the seats to close.
We can imagine that it saves you the need for a separate potty.
We observed that it’s made of a very sturdy material that once potty training is finished, there won’t be any need to replace the seat as the small one fits securely into the lid.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Our Recommendations:
Editor's Pick: Bath Royale Premium Round Toilet Seat with Cover, White - Soft Close, Quick Release for Easy Cleaning
After hours of careful deliberation, we were able to figure out which self-closing toilet seat was the best. We chose the Bath Royale Premium Round Toilet Seat with Cover because of its quick and easy installation process and also because of its high-quality components. The screws that come along with the seat are metal and not plastic.
We also love that in just a push of a button, the back of the seat removes easily for thorough cleaning and disinfecting.
Runners Up: KOHLER K-4636-0 Cachet Quiet-Close with Grip-Tight Bumpers Elongated Toilet Seat
& Topseat Tiny-Hiney Potty Round Toilet Seat, Adult/Child
If you’re looking for the next best thing, we’d recommend the KOHLER K-4636-0 Cachet. We love the quality of this product because it doesn’t bend or flex like the standard ones. We found it to be comfortable to sit on and it also has a quick-release mechanism that makes it really easy to remove and clean.
The Topseat Tiny-Hiney Potty is our third pick. We were impressed that the toddler ring really does not pull off and its bumpers under the toddler seat prevents tiny fingers from getting pinched. Its hand sanded, durable wood construction makes it really comfortable to sit on. We love that it doesn’t look like it has a toddler seat on it as the toddler seat is magnetized to the lid (it’s hidden really well).
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