Rimless toilets: pros and cons, owner reviews

The options for remodeling your house seem limitless. Homeowners are increasingly looking for solutions that improve comfort while also having a less negative impact on the environment, from eco-friendly building materials to energy-efficient appliances. The rimless toilet is one such innovation that has been gaining traction.

Toilets have typically had an inner rim where water flows during flushing. Rimless toilets, on the other hand, adopt an alternative strategy by doing away with the rim entirely. Instead of the dirt and bacteria that are frequently found in traditional toilets, water flows down the bowl in a cascade fashion, guaranteeing a complete and hygienic flush.

The increased cleanliness of rimless toilets is one of their main benefits. Cleaning is easier because there aren’t as many crevices and nooks for dirt and bacteria to hide. This saves time and encourages improved household hygiene, which is important for any homeowner.

Many owners value the rimless toilets’ sleek and contemporary design in addition to their cleanliness. They can give a sophisticated touch to any bathroom with their smooth contours and minimalist look. When building a new home or remodeling an existing one, rimless toilets provide a chic substitute for traditional options.

However, rimless toilets have disadvantages just like any other product. When compared to traditional toilets, some users claim that the flushing mechanism is a little louder, which may worry people who prefer a quieter bathroom experience. Furthermore, rimless toilet installation and purchase may come with a higher initial cost compared to standard models.

The general consensus among owners of rimless toilets is generally favorable, notwithstanding these possible drawbacks. Many value the better hygiene, contemporary style, and ease of cleaning that these toilets provide. For any homeowner wishing to update their bathroom, a rimless toilet can be a wise investment with the right upkeep and care.

Toilets with rimless bowl: device and features

Background information in history. In 2002, the Japanese company Toto introduced the innovative concept of a toilet that is not connected to a toilet. The British were the forerunners of this exciting trend in Europe. In 2007, Twyford Bathrooms, a British company, began producing rimless sanitary fixtures in large quantities for use in the nation’s medical facilities. After more advancements, Twyford experts patented the Rimfree technology in 2012; the Keramag brand was the first to use it. Rimless toilets were introduced to the home sanitary ware market in 2014 and are currently made by all of the world’s top manufacturers.

Even an expert will be unable to distinguish between a standard and rimless toilet based solely on the technology used to create each sanitary appliance if you place them side by side. This is understandable since the goal of making sanitary ware more hygienic and long-lasting is the root of all the subtle variations.

Rimless toilets’ appearance alone makes it impossible to tell which class of sanitary hygiene products they belong to because all the differences are concealed inside.

Differences from traditional sanitary appliances

It only takes a cursory glance at a traditional toilet bowl in this section to comprehend the flushing mechanism. The water flow rushes along the rim and washes the back of the bowl as soon as the cistern’s shut-off valve is opened. The latter serves as a path for the liquid to follow in order to reach the appliance’s sides and front.

A typical toilet bowl’s rim has a crucial function in directing water flow and preventing splashing outside the bowl.

There is a significant flaw in the engineering and hydraulics of this design that makes it appear flawless. The rim makes cleaning more difficult, which leads to dirt buildup and the appearance of rusty stains on the walls of the difficult-to-reach area. Furthermore, the concealed region harbors a multitude of microbial colonies that are detrimental to personal hygiene and emit disagreeable scents within the restroom.

Cleaning difficult-to-reach areas beneath the toilet bowl rim requires extra care because germs and dirt will quickly degrade the sanitary ware.

Numerous plumbing firms have observed that the issue can be resolved by using dirt-repellent coatings and adding another layer of smoother glaze. Unfortunately, the first option only addressed a portion of the issue, and the second was completely impractical because it used strong household chemicals, which rapidly removed the protective layer. Specialists eventually realized that eliminating the problem’s source would be far simpler than resolving its accompanying issues. This led to the decision to forgo the rim in favor of a bowl that is perfectly smooth.

"No rim means no more bacteria and dirt issues!"When considering how to make the toilet bowl more hygienic, sanitary ware makers roughly considered this.

Since there was no room for a rim in the new so-called rimless toilet, the first thing the designers had to do was to find a flushing method that would allow the water flowing from one point to wash the entire bowl without splashing or spraying. And it was found in the form of a ceramic splitter. Installed at the water inlet, the design is calculated to redistribute the flow of liquid in three directions – along the two side walls and along the rear surface of the bowl. Precise calculation of the cross-sections of the individual parts of the diffuser gives the water streams additional acceleration. In this way they not only reach the front wall of the bowl, but also effectively clean all surfaces of the bowl.

When rimless toilets are installed, the splitter helps create multiple streams of water that clean the entire interior surface of the bowl.

Preventing water from spilling over the appliance’s edge posed an equally significant challenge to the engineers and designers. In the earlier models, the peripheral rim served as a flow restrictor, but without it, how would the bowl maintain its flow? Experts from top companies have identified multiple solutions in this area.

For instance, a unique flow divider is used by the Rimfree technology that was previously discussed. Numerous plumbing companies have adopted Twyford’s designs, which is a testament to the efficacy of the flushing system. No less high-quality work is produced by the Tornado Flush technology (Toto trademark), which is distinguished by the creation of a vortex flow of liquid emerging from three holes at the rear wall of the bowl.

Water supply is provided simultaneously from multiple locations by Tornado Flush technology. As a result, a strong vortex forms inside the bowl, guaranteeing optimal flushing.

A perfectly smooth bowl is a unique feature of toilets constructed in accordance with the Rimfree and Tornado Flush schemes. Simultaneously, there exist established hygienic devices, the upper sections of which feature unique dispersal channels or a tiny edge. The latter is used to set the initial water stream direction and width; these models feature "null" recesses in the device’s upper section.

Toilets that have protruding edges and upper bowl recesses are also classified as rimless, but it makes more sense to call them pseudo-rimless toilets.

The price of the new devices has not increased from that of the traditional models, which has raised concerns about their higher cost. This is because the more intricate arrangement of the internal channels of traditional devices merely levels the requirement for a splitter rimless toilet.

When it comes to insulation and heating for homes, comfort and efficiency are crucial. All of your decisions, from selecting the ideal heating system to appropriately insulating your walls and roof, have an effect on your energy costs and level of comfort. Homeowners are interested in the benefits and drawbacks of technological innovations such as rimless toilets. Although some owners worry about water splashing and possible clogging problems, others argue that seamless designs offer easier cleaning and better hygiene. Homeowners can improve their living areas by evaluating these elements and taking actual user experiences into account.

Classification and difference from models of classic design

Rimless toilets, like conventional sanitary ware appliances, let you decorate your bathroom or sanitary unit according to the newest style trends. Plumbing manufacturers now provide a variety of rimless fixture options, including:

• floor;
• suspended (cantilever);
• wall-mounted.

It is vital to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each model while making a purchase to ensure that the much anticipated novelty does not disappoint once installed. We covered some features to consider when selecting a toilet bowl in this post. We will now discuss whether or not the convenience and performance of sanitary appliances of this or that kind have been impacted by their lack of a rim.

Floor models

The enduring classics are directly followed in style by the floor-standing rimless toilet bowl. As before, the drain tank mounted on the back shelf makes it easy to identify which "compacts" they belong to. Additionally, even though these products are less expensive than "advanced" attached and suspended models, there are a few considerations you should make when selecting a rimless toilet with a traditional design.

The floor models of rimless toilets satisfy all cleanliness and hygienic requirements because the bowl’s depth is one of the most crucial factors.

When purchasing a floor rimless unit, it is important to consider the size and features of the restroom or bathroom’s interior. The issue is that there will be a loss of 15 to 30 centimeters of free space due to the protruding shelf with the drain tank installed there, which can be extremely noticeable in a small apartment’s compact bathroom.

The efficiency of flushing is the second consideration for a prospective owner of an innovative "compact". Water has a low potential energy due to the low-lying cistern, a well-known issue that compelled manufacturers to perform hydrodynamic process calculations and modeling. The situation is made worse in modern toilet bowls by the splitter, an extra obstruction to water flow.

Although both toilets are designed with rimless technology, the one on the right has a better chance of becoming the industry leader in terms of flushing cleanliness because of its higher cistern.

As you can see, only companies who appreciate their brand and reputation—their products should be prioritized—have the capacity (read: the desire) to undertake comprehensive research. Prioritize rimless models with a taller cistern if you want to save money; the higher, the better. Experience has shown that they flush considerably more easily than their "low-rise" counterparts.

Suspended rimless WCs

Even for those who are not familiar with plumbing, the benefits of the "floating" in the air toilet bowl are readily apparent; one only needs to take a cursory look at this device to appreciate the extent to which its design can make cleaning easier. A couple more benefits that more informed customers will mention are a visual increase in the room’s volume and, above all, a special chance to create a chic, airy, and unforgettable interior. Naturally, there will be skeptics who will seize the chance to point out how costly and time-consuming the installation process is, how difficult it is to access the cistern and outlet system, and so on.

The appliance is light and weightless thanks to the installation mechanism that is hidden in the wall. It also provides a strong water flow for ideal flushing.

Regarding our "test subject"—a rimless bowl—the wall-mounted installation offers a number of additional benefits that support the cantilever design. As a result, skillfully redistributing water flows lessens noise from the operating apparatus, and combining a high cistern with an improved flushing system enables you to use less water.

If we are being completely honest, rimless technology has not added any negative aspects to the already-existing drawbacks of suspended sanitary ware. As previously mentioned, wall-mounted toilets have a few drawbacks, including a shallow bowl, challenging communication access, and an expensive and challenging to install design.

The wall-mounted plumbing fixtures

The best features of the floor and suspended models could be combined with the elimination of various inherent drawbacks of the former, thanks to the development of seamless wall-mounted toilets. When you select such a device, you will value the flushing system’s economical and efficient operation, easy installation, and reliable design. In addition, using a splitter and using less water has reduced noise, which for a long time was a major drawback of cantilever sanitary fixtures.

When contrasting two identical rimless models of different types, the benefits of the attachable device must be emphasized. While wall-hung toilet bowls offer temporary advantages, a deeper bowl will guarantee optimal cleanliness and hygiene, and floor mounting will offer stability and ease of installation.

The owners of floor rimless toilets attest to the highest level of comfort and convenience when using them because they have a depth that allows the "antisplash" feature to be fully implemented. Because the cistern of this kind of wall-mounted toilet is concealed within the wall, it appears nearly as light and unweighted as the wall-hung versions.

Technology without limits Since wall-mounted toilets have very few drawbacks, you can choose them by following industry standards for design, dependability, and quality.

Video: advantages of rimless toilets

Pros and cons

Many of our readers are curious as to whether rimless toilets are actually a novel idea or if it’s just another ploy by marketers to get customers to abandon their standard sanitary appliances in favor of style and innovation at any costs. Now let’s look at the functionality and convenience that the new technology offers.

Benefits of rimless toilets include:

• absence of hidden and hard-to-reach areas makes the device more hygienic, because on the surface of its bowl there is no place where dirt and bacteria could accumulate;
• as expected, the new models have a more aesthetic and stylish design both inside and outside;
• You can use household detergents much less frequently when caring for rimless units. This means one thing – less chemicals go down the drain and more jingle coins in your pocket. All you need to keep a rimless toilet bowl clean at all times is a soft cloth and warm water and soap;
• the new flushing technology requires much less liquid, so the novelty allows you to save up to 30% of water;
• traditionally noisy toilets with a wall-mounted installation work much quieter – the effect of reduced consumption and a more efficient flushing system;
• The reduced number of cleaning operations with household chemicals has a positive effect on durability – the appliance will delight the owner with its pristine shine for much longer.

Regarding drawbacks, rimless toilets essentially have none. If there are any bad aspects, they are typically attributed to design flaws or the inadequacies of specific manufacturers rather than the limitations of technology.

It only takes a cursory look at a rimless sanitary fixture to realize that cleaning it will be considerably simpler.

What the market offers: manufacturers and models of rimless toilets

We’ve already discussed selecting a rimless toilet above, looking at the procedure through the lens of design elements. We now suggest that you examine the sanitary ware market’s current offerings more closely, evaluate them critically, and pay particular attention to these or those models.

Popular Russian manufacturer VitrA provides toilets with the cutting-edge Rim-ex system, which combines a patented flow diffuser and flushing scheme. Certain models (such as the VitrA Form Rim-ex S20 or VitrA Form Rim-ex S20) have detachable parts, making it possible to maintain optimal cleanliness of the sanitary ware.

The unique design of the flow diffuser and the lack of a rim on VitrA toilets with the Rim-Ex system both improve hygiene and cleanliness.

A built-in VitrAFresh detergent container, a microlift lid, and other extra features are among the more useful models. Toilet bowls are offered in a range of price points, from the more costly T4, Shift, or Metropole to the more affordable S20 or S50. The latter are beyond reproach in terms of quality, so they can be taken without fear. When it comes to less expensive models, customers have pointed out a few flaws, like the diffuser’s two-layer design, the lower outer surface of the bowl lacking enamel, the design being boring, and so forth.

Apart from the distinctive attributes of Rim-Ex technology, Vitra toilets possess an integrated container containing a specific cleaning agent, rendering them completely sterile in the purest sense of the term.

The Roca brand uses in its WCs rimless Clean Rim bowls, which feature the presence of small dispersal channels at the back wall. In the class of Rimlex-appliances, the manufacturer offers mid-priced models Inspira (Round and Square), as well as the popular novelty The Gap. The sanitary ware stands out for its excellent finish, but the design of the fixtures and the quality of the complete fittings is a bit of a letdown – there are consumer complaints about unremarkable appearance, low-quality plastics and short-lived connections. Nevertheless, it is the products of this brand that are preferred by owners of hotels, restaurants and other establishments, which allows us to draw conclusions about the reliability of the devices.

Although it has a tiny lip at the top of the bowl, Roca’s The Gap wall-hung toilet with Clean Rim technology has a conventional rimless design with a monolithic ceramic splitter.

There is no need to introduce the Swiss company Gustavsberg; they are among the top producers of sanitary ware. Additionally, even though the restrooms’ design isn’t exactly "clean," We couldn’t resist bringing up the much-discussed Hygienic Flush WWS, Nautic, and Arctic fixtures—rimless due to the open-type rim. "Minimum hygienic care with elementary care." "A genuine premium class at a reasonable cost!" Forget these advertising slogans forever if you plan to purchase a wall-hung model.

The developers have actually "outdone" themselves. The console fixtures with Hygienic Flush have a shallow and flat bowl that is very inconvenient, even for men, despite their exquisite design. Regarding the pseudo-rimless design, a specific curved brush is required; do not use your regular brush. To put it briefly, we will not recommend the suspended Gustavsberg "rimless." The floor-standing models, however, do! Even more so when compared to other companies based on standards like glazing quality and flushing efficiency.

The well-known brand Gustavsberg’s pseudo-rimless Hygienic Flush WWS toilet bowl has drawbacks beyond its low bowl. The device will not be very convenient to wash because of the edge at the bowl’s edge.

Not so well-known a French company In the class of rimless toilets, Jacob Delafon only has one device to offer: the Jacob Delafon ODEON UP. Similar to the Gustavsberg brand’s suspended models, it has a small protrusion on the upper edge to stop water splashing. As a result, the company’s experts were able to improve the drainage system’s performance and strengthen the flow; however, the cantilever ODEON UP has the same drawbacks as Gustavsberg mentioned earlier.

Without a hitch Delafon Jacob There are floor and suspended versions of ODEON UP available. Reviews show that while the cantilever version has a few drawbacks, the latter is essentially without any.

Keramag toilets, which are the same Rimfree that we discussed earlier, feature two walls and a rounded bowl that is the ideal depth and shape. Through tiny slits in the bowl, water is drained from the splitter and enters the front wall. Regarding shape, comfort, and workmanship quality, there are no complaints. An authentic high-end category. The only drawback is that it will cost a substantial amount of money.

The Keramag toilet doesn’t require extra channels because of its slotted splitter, which produces such strong water streams in the bowl that there isn’t even a trace of grime or bacteria in it.

And lastly, the brand, which is impossible to ignore—TOTO (Japan) has already been mentioned. With Tornado Flush technology, two- and three-stream flushing systems effectively handle any dirt; a true tornado forms in the bowl.

Toto creates rimless toilet bowls that are each works of engineering and design art. Put simply, authentic Japanese quality!

Naturally, the Japanese also had to install automatic flushing systems, remote lid lifts, and UV bacteria destroyers on the toilets. Naturally, none of these options are free, but remember the days when "made in Japan" meant cheap thrills?

Video: rimless toilet Toto vs. German-made sanitary ware

Owner reviews

These are some testimonials from people who have rimless toilet bowls so you won’t think we’re biased. This could prove to be a compelling case for one model over the other.

Karina. "I was not happy the first time we bought a toilet bowl, Jacob Delafon. After my initial outburst passed, I realized there was one small inconvenience: cleaning the bowl’s top is not very practical. It is true that you do not need to clean it very often because it hardly gets dirty."

Vlad. "After searching for a while for a suitable toilet without a rim, I came across the Ifo Rimfree model. The stunning design and sturdy construction with the molded flow diffuser really pleased me. After using the toilet for a year and a half, I have never regretted my decision because it flushes well, uses little water, and requires little upkeep.

Sweetheart. "I picked the toilet based on looks and ease of use when we bought it. I just discovered that our plumbing is so incredibly advanced 🙂 "Did you buy a rimless toilet bowl?" my husband’s brother inquired when he arrived, just two months later. That’s when I started paying closer attention to how clean it flushes. I still clean it once a week, but it’s much simpler now to clean the interior bowl. I suggest using the really cool toilet. The name of it is VitrA S50.

Nata. Purchased the highly regarded Roca The Gap. How do I put it? The toilet bowl requires routine cleaning just like any other toilet bowl.

Avpopov. "A Keramag Renova v.1 203050000 is presently in my possession. As content as an elephant. The molding is flawless, with glaze all over. "It seems to be ringing." It’s a slick surface. Not a single rim. Not splattering. It washes quite effectively, though obviously not all of the front wall gets cleaned. There is a microlift and the seat is from AM to PM."

Peskishev, Oleg. "Cersanit Carina": the bowl is level, so if you make a tiny incision, the splash back bounces off your feet. Your belongings are in it when you sit on it (the bowl); to wash it, simply press the drain button. The interior surfaces of the pot itself only have a few pieces of enamel rather than any. However, the splashing on the floor when flushing is the biggest drawback. I think there are still flaws in the rimless toilet production technology. I advise using a deep bowl and a toilet bowl with a rim.

Anna. "We purchased a firm cercanit rimless toilet bowl, but we are not happy with the product. The water does not cover the required area for flushing, and the toilet bowl’s water splashes onto the walls and floor."

Naturally, no one will be able to conduct a thorough analysis of the owners’ feedback. We conducted a small survey and found that the number of people in favor and against rimless toilets was nearly equal. Nonetheless, we can declare the success of Rimless technology because customers who are unhappy with the quality of the products are much more likely to write them off in the network.

The use of flush toilets is quickly surpassing that of conventional ones. Rimless technology will soon completely replace the antiquated classics, even though many of the new products still contain childhood diseases. We can now only suggest one thing to avoid being unhappy with your selection: don’t cut costs. First-tier manufacturers have a plethora of dependable, tested solutions available on the market.

Pros	Cons
1. Sleek design	1. Higher initial cost
2. Easier to clean	2. Limited options in design
3. Water-efficient flushing	3. Potential for clogging

The novel design and alleged advantages of flush toilets have drawn attention in recent years. These toilets’ enhanced hygiene and simpler cleaning procedure are frequently praised by their owners.

The improved cleanliness of rimless toilets is one of their biggest benefits. These toilets are simpler to maintain hygienic because they don’t have the conventional rim where bacteria and germs can gather. Owners say they feel more assured about the hygiene of their bathrooms, particularly in homes with young children or senior citizens.

In addition, cleaning rimless toilets usually takes less work than cleaning rimmed ones. Because there is no rim, there is no need to scrub difficult-to-reach places, which saves time and lessens the inconvenience of maintaining a toilet. Because rimless toilets are easier to clean, many users find that they simplify household chores.

There might be some disadvantages to rimless toilets despite their benefits. Certain users have observed that rimless designs could lead to more splashing when in use, which could raise hygiene issues near the bathroom. Furthermore, rimless toilets may initially cost more than traditional models; however, over time, these costs may be offset by the savings on cleaning supplies and labor.

To sum up, rimless toilets present a strong choice for homeowners looking to enhance hygiene and simplify bathroom cleaning. Many users discover that the advantages of using them outweigh the potential splashing issues and higher upfront costs. The choice to purchase a rimless toilet ultimately comes down to personal tastes and the importance of convenience and cleanliness.