Kohler Santa Rosa Review – Is It Really The Best Comfort Height Toilet?
The Kohler Santa Rosa is one of the more affordable options for one piece toilets. Although affordable, this one piece toilet is quite compact and uses the revolutionary AquaPiston flushing technology.
Kohler is a known to produce high-efficiency toilets, and the Santa Rosa is no stranger to that. With a 1.28-gallon flush, this toilet can save up to 16,500 gallons every year.
To help you determine if the Kohler Santa Rosa is the best toilet for you, here is comprehensive review complete with all the merits and demerits.
Kohler Santa Rosa Review: Construction and Workmanship
The Santa Rosa features a single piece toilet and it comes in seven different colors.
The different color choices will allow you to coordinate with the aesthetic of your bathroom.
That it is a single piece means the toilet is easy to clean and you do not need to worry about leaks between the bowl and the tank.
The toilet is made from vitreous china complete with an elongated seat. Despite the elongation, the corners are rounded.
Easy to Clean & SMART DESIGN
As a result, the toilet does not have tight corners where mold, bacteria or mildew might grow. Additionally, the rounded corners increase the ease of cleaning.
A chrome trip lever actuates the flush for convenience. In addition, the toilet has a Comfort Height which makes the Santa Rosa comfortable and effortless to sit on despite the age of the user.
The toilet is ADA compliant which means it meets the standard required for people with disabilities.
SPACE IN YOUR BATHROOM
The ergonomic design guarantees that the Santa Rosa occupies the least amount of space. Therefore, if you have limited bathroom space, the Santa Rosa is an ideal option to consider.
If on the other hand, you have a large bathroom space, the Santa Rosa is still ideal and you only need to find a spot that complements your space.
Features and Specifications
The Flushing Mechanism
The Santa Rosa utilizes Kohler’s patented AquaPiston Flushing System. The system is designed to deliver 1.28 gallons of water per flush.
1.28 gallons of water is not a lot and as a result, the AquaPiston system has a shooting mechanism that boosts the power and effectiveness of the water in each flush.
The fact that the Santa Rosa only consumes 1.28 gallons per flush means it is both EPA and Water Sense certified. Having a Water Sense Certified toilet ensures you can qualify for rebates on water bills in most municipalities or states.
The flushing mechanism is also helped greatly by the glazed trap way. Because of the glaze, waste does not stick and during a flush, it is completely cleared. Note also that the glazing helps prevent clogging.
Additional Features for the Kohler Santa Rosa
The inside of the bowl has a large surface area that helps prevent stains and it also ensures that odors do not linger both inside and outside the bowl.
The Santa Rosa has a typical 12” rough-in. Consequently, the toilet is easy to install in both small and large bathrooms.
The Bowl
Also, the bowl has a canister design that works hand in hand with the AquaPiston to produce more pressure anytime you press the flush handle. In turn, the clean is thorough and none of the waste is left floating around.
Stains & Bacteria
As noted above, the vitreous china is the material of choice for Santa Rosa. It is essential to bear in mind that vitreous china is resistant to stains caused by germs of a particular kind or by bacteria.
Therefore, you will be able to maintain a hygienic environment in your bathroom.
Performance of The Kohler Santa Rosa
Regarding the performance of the Santa Rosa, the first thing one ought to note is that it is an affordable option that has the potential to help you save on water bills.
Second, irrespective of the fact that the manufacturer does not consider the low flow option as a key selling point; it is essential to note that Santa Rosa uses less water than other comparable models.
Additionally, despite using less water, the Santa Rosa still manages to completely remove the waste via a single flush.
Finally, thanks to the Comfort Height (the toilet is two inches taller than typical toilets), adults can easily sit down without stretching or squatting.
Why Opt for The Kohler Santa Rosa?
Ease of Installation
The Kohler Santa Rosa is incredibly easy to install, similar to the Kohler Wellworth. For one, it comes with mounting holes at the base.
The mounting holes guarantee you can install the toilet on bathroom floors of varying types. Also, the mounting holes ensure the toilet will not wobble once installed.
With regards to the installation itself, in addition to the rough-in mentioned above, you need a wax seal, bolts, nuts, and new fixing bolts.
After acquiring the above tools, just follow the instructions. The installation of Santa Rosa does not differ from the installation of any other single-piece toilet. It requires minimal DIY skills and will take the least amount of time possible.
If you are in doubt during the installation process, just consult the detailed Kohler installation guide. It details everything you need to do. This ease of installation is a key consideration of why you should opt for the Santa Rosa.
Affordability
The Kohler Santa Rosa is incredibly affordable without compromising on quality. For those who are in search of a good toilet that will last for a significant amount without breaking the bank, then the Santa Rosa is a good choice.
The Brand
The Kohler brand has been in existence since 1873. Over the years, they have inspired countless trends in the toilet industry.
In addition, they have been in the business for this long means they are trustworthy.
A while ago, the Builder Magazine named Kohler the most used and the best quality when it comes to bathroom products and accessories.
Consequently, if you are on the lookout for a high-quality toilet, then you cannot go wrong with the Kohler Santa Rosa.
You Should Consider This Before Purchasing the Kohler Santa Rosa
It is essential to note that toilets are responsible for 30% to 40% of all water consumption in the United States.
That means getting an efficient toilet that minimizes water consumption is not just a preference but a necessity.
Understand The Difference Between High-Efficiency Toilets and Dual Flush Toilets
In some states, for instance, California there is actually a limit on the amount of water per flush.
With this in mind, many people are on the hunt for water-efficient or low flow toilets complete with a Water Sense certification.
When it comes to low flow toilets, you have two options to choose from—High-efficiency toilets and dual flush toilets.
High Efficiency vs Dual Flush Toilets
A high-efficiency toilet strictly uses 1.28 gallons of water per flush. On the other hand, a dual flush toilet gives the choice to either flush with 1.28 gallons of water or 1.6 gallons of water.
The choice on which to opt for is dependent on preference. However, if you live in a state like California then you do not have a choice because the state restricts consumption to 1.28 gallons per flush.
The Kohler Santa Rosa is a high-efficiency toilet. However, as noted above, the toilet incorporates a mechanism that adds power to the flush to ensure you get a thorough cleanse.
The Level of Noise the Toilet Produces When Flushing
Does the toilet make noise when flushing? Admittedly, this is not an issue that will bother everyone.
However, if you live in an apartment with thin walls, then you might want a quiet toilet to ensure you do not disturb the neighbors.
Also, if your bathroom is located near the dining room, for instance, you might also want a quiet bathroom so that you do not spoil the ambiance of an ongoing dinner party.
With the Kohler Santa Rosa, water does not swirl around when you flush. Instead, the water is pulled down. As a result, there is less noise and splash.
However, note that the toilet is not a hundred percent silent; just not as noisy as some. During purchase, you need to keep this in mind, especially if noise is an essential consideration.
The Aesthetics
As noted above, the Santa Rosa comes in a myriad of seven different colors. During purchase, it is essential to consider your bathroom’s color against the color of the toilet.
Among the seven colors, you need to find one that best complements your bathroom. That way you will maintain the room’s aesthetic and not feel as if the toilet does not fit.
If unsure, you can always consult with an expert or ask the opinion of a friend who has a good eye when it comes to color. It is especially crucial to do so when you encounter various shades of a color like white.
The Warranty
The Kohler Santa Rosa only gives a warranty of one year. This is a relatively short warranty and you should also consider this during purchase.
On the other hand, and as noted above, Kohler is a reputable brand with quality products which means you do not need a warranty that lasts more than one year.
Ready to Buy the Kohler Santa Rosa Toilet?
Kohler Santa Rosa is a small and affordable toilet that has numerous features. It has some cons as well but the pros outweigh the cons by a considerable margin.
When looking to purchase a toilet, Kohler Santa Rosa is worth your consideration.
Summary
Reviewer
Rob
Review Date
Reviewed Item
Kohler Santa Rosa
Author Rating
