The Toto Washlet S2 offers a premium bidet experience at a lower price point than the S5, with a heated seat, instant warm water, and comfortable spray features. Reviewers noted its easy installation and sturdy build, though it lacks the programmable user settings and remote control of its higher-tier counterpart. YouTube users praised the side-mounted controls and soft close lid as practical conveniences, while Wirecutter recommended it as a solid runner-up to the S5 for those seeking a balance of features and cost. It's best suited for users wanting Toto's quality without the premium price tag.
Full review
Installation and fit
The Toto Washlet S2 installation process proved manageable for most users, with one reviewer noting it required removing the old seat, cleaning the area, mounting the new seat, and connecting the water line. The T-connector for the cold water supply was described as straightforward to attach, though one reviewer mentioned the rubber mounting pieces needed more pressure than expected to push through the toilet holes. Wetting these slightly helped with installation. The mounting plate offered adjustment room to align the seat properly with the bowl. Reviewers emphasized that the seat felt sturdy once correctly mounted, with no noticeable wiggling or looseness. One reviewer specifically mentioned the quick-release mount being useful for cleaning, allowing the entire seat to be slid forward for easier access to the porcelain underneath. The seat's design was noted to be less bulky than older models with water tanks in the back, though it still has some extra height at the rear that may affect positioning for some users.
Heated seat performance
The heated seat feature was consistently praised by reviewers for its comfort and practicality. One reviewer described it as a 'glorious' feature that made cold mornings much more pleasant, likening it to being wrapped in a cozy blanket. The seat offers three temperature settings, with one reviewer noting that the warmth spreads evenly across the sitting area without hot spots. The reviewer preferred the lower setting, finding the higher one too warm. Another reviewer mentioned that the energy-saving mode effectively reduces power usage during idle periods, though they still expected it to use more electricity than non-electric attachments. The heated seat's performance was particularly appreciated in winter months, where the contrast with a regular cold toilet seat was described as 'surprisingly unpleasant' after regular use. The seat's integration with the toilet bowl was seamless, with no noticeable gaps or instability issues reported by users.
Water heating and spray functionality
The Toto Washlet S2's instant hot water system was highlighted as a major advantage over tank-style models, with one reviewer noting there's no small hot water tank that runs out during longer washes. The warm water stays at a steady temperature for as long as needed, unlike other models where the temperature shifts from warm to cold after a short period. The wash functions include rear, soft rear, and front wash settings with adjustable wand position, water temperature, and pressure. One reviewer recommended starting with the lowest pressure setting before increasing, as the water can get very warm and surprises should be avoided. The oscillating and pulsating options were described as providing good control over spray movement and flow rhythm. The aerated stream was noted to feel gentle rather than sharp, which some users preferred for normal use, though others noted it might not suit those accustomed to high-pressure attachments. The spray was described as quiet during operation, though it was noticeable in silent bathrooms. The pre-mist feature activates when sitting down, spraying a light mist inside the bowl to reduce residue buildup, though regular toilet cleaning was still necessary.
Control panel and user interface
The side-mounted control panel was a key differentiator for the S2 model, with one reviewer preferring it over a separate remote due to concerns about losing or replacing batteries. The controls were laid out in a logical manner once users spent time with the unit, with one reviewer noting they could find main buttons by touch without looking down. The panel was described as practical but not premium in feel, with one reviewer noting it felt less solid than the rest of the seat. The controls included settings for water temperature, pressure, wand position, and various wash functions, with one reviewer noting that the controls were intuitive once familiarized. The nightlight feature required some manual setup to configure, which was initially confusing but became appreciated once properly set up. The manual was noted as important for understanding the nightlight's operation, though once configured, it provided a welcome feature for middle-of-the-night bathroom trips without needing to turn on bright overhead lights. The side panel was described as functional but not as premium as the rest of the seat, though it worked well for its intended purpose.
Additional features and user experience
The Toto Washlet S2 includes several additional features that contribute to its overall user experience. The self-cleaning wand system with e-water plus was noted as helpful, treating the water and rinsing both inside and outside the wand before and after use. One reviewer mentioned that while the automatic rinse helped between cleanings, they still maintained their normal bathroom routine for cleaning. The deodorizer was described as a feature that sounds funny but actually works well, pulling air through a carbon filter and continuing to run briefly after use. The reviewer noted it made a noticeable difference in smaller bathrooms, though it didn't remove every odor immediately. The soft-close lid and seat were appreciated for their quiet operation, with one reviewer noting these small details made a difference in daily use. The warm air dryer was described as functional but not perfect, with one reviewer noting it could take several minutes to fully dry and that they usually used it in combination with toilet paper. The dryer's warm air was described as nice but not strong enough to replace paper completely. The pre-mist feature was noted to help reduce residue on the bowl, though regular cleaning was still necessary.
Cleaning and maintenance
Cleaning the Toto Washlet S2 was described as simple but requiring care due to the electronic components. One reviewer specifically mentioned not spraying cleaner directly onto the seat or controls, instead preferring to spray a non-bleach cleaner onto a brush or cloth first, then wiping the seat and control area carefully. The plastic surface was noted to wipe down easily and not seem to hold water spots as much as basic plastic seats. The quick-release mount was appreciated for cleaning purposes, allowing the entire seat to be slid forward for easier access to the porcelain underneath. The underside was described as fairly smooth with fewer spots where dust and residue could collect. One reviewer emphasized the importance of flushing only toilet paper to keep plumbing clear and avoid clogs later. The automatic cleaning system for the wand was noted as helpful, though regular manual cleaning was still part of the routine. The reviewer noted that while the e-water plus system reduced cleaning frequency, it didn't eliminate the need for regular maintenance. The seat's design was described as making cleaning easier than some other models, with fewer tight spaces for debris to accumulate.
Power requirements and electrical considerations
The Toto Washlet S2 requires a nearby 122-V GFCI outlet for operation, with one reviewer noting this was a key consideration before installation. One reviewer mentioned that if no outlet was close to the toilet, this could add cost and effort before installation even began. The electrical requirements were described as straightforward, with one reviewer noting that the unit needed to be plugged in safely because it was being used near water. The energy-saving mode was noted as useful for reducing power consumption during idle periods, though the reviewer still expected it to use more electricity than non-electric attachments. The instant hot water system was described as a major advantage over tank-style models, eliminating concerns about running out of hot water during longer washes. One reviewer specifically mentioned that the power requirements were manageable for homes with existing outlets near the toilet, though they noted this could be a limitation for older homes or installations without nearby power sources.
User satisfaction and long-term adoption
User satisfaction with the Toto Washlet S2 was generally high, with one reviewer describing it as a 'well-developed product' that had become one of the most noticeable upgrades in their house. The reviewer noted that while they initially questioned whether it would feel like too much technology in a simple bathroom, the experience proved to be a significant improvement. Another reviewer mentioned that after using it regularly, a normal cold toilet seat felt 'surprisingly unpleasant,' indicating strong adoption. The heated seat and warm water features were described as particularly appreciated, with one reviewer noting they had moments where they genuinely sighed with relief when sitting down because of the heated seat. The reviewer also mentioned that the deodorizer was one of those features that sounded funny until they realized it actually helped. The nightlight was described as a welcome feature for nighttime bathroom trips, though the initial setup was confusing. The reviewer noted that once properly configured, it provided enough light for nighttime use without needing to turn on bright overhead lights. Overall, the reviewer felt the product had become a 'well-developed product' that had transformed their bathroom experience significantly.
Strengths
- +Heated seat provides comfort on cold mornings or during winter
- +Side panel controls eliminate need for separate remote
- +Easy installation process with adjustable mounting plate
- +Soft close lid adds gentle, quiet operation
Watch-outs
- −No programmable user settings like the S5 model
- −Requires power outlet nearby for operation
How it compares
The Toto Washlet S2 offers a premium bidet experience at a lower price point than the S5, with a heated seat, instant warm water, and comfortable spray features. Unlike the S5, it lacks programmable user settings and a remote control, making it a more basic option. Compared to the Tushy Classic 3.0, it provides better functionality and comfort features, though it requires a power outlet and is more expensive.
Rating sources
“The best bidet we’ve used, the Toto Washlet S5, combines excellent features, aesthetics, customization, and energy-saving options like no other model.”
“Once you’ve been introduced to the warm-water magic, normal toilets are basically outhouses.”
“The Toto Washlet S2 feels like a well-developed product. It has heated water, a heated seat, adjustable washing, drying air, deodorizing, pre-mist, a nightlight, and a soft-close lid, all built”
Our 4.7 score is the average of the 3 scored reviews above; 1 more reviewed it without printing a score and is not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
