The Toto Washlet S5 is Wirecutter's top pick for bidet toilet seats, praised for its excellent features, aesthetics, and customization options. Reviewers noted its intuitive remote with divided controls, five-position nozzle, and energy-saving eco modes. The S5 combines functionality with a clean design, though it comes at a premium price point. While the S2 offers a lower-cost alternative without a remote, the S5's advanced features and user presets make it the preferred choice for those seeking a high-end bidet experience.
Full review
Installation and mounting
Reviewer from The Toto C5 Washlet Electronic Bidet is the Ferrari of Toilet Seats noted that the bracket has slots for positioning but reported significant side-to-side movement after reinstallation, which they attributed to insufficient tightening. Despite the movement not affecting performance, the reviewer suggested Toto reconsider their mounting solution. The plumbing connection involves removing the supply line and installing an included T-shaped fitting, with all connections requiring hand-tightening to avoid stripping plastic threads. The remote control installation is optional, with the reviewer noting that while the symbols on the remote are not intuitive, it can be wall-mounted using a provided bracket and placard. The mounting bracket's magnetic catch ensures secure attachment, though the reviewer found the setup process straightforward despite initial concerns about the bracket's stability.
User interface and controls
The reviewer from The Toto C5 Washlet Electronic Bidet is the Ferrari of Toilet Seats emphasized that the front side handles basic functions including activating the spray wand, adjusting intensity, and controlling feminine wash settings, while the back side manages seat temperature, water temperature, and dryer temperature. The remote includes a daily timer that can be set from midnight to nine to cool down the unit and save electricity, as well as an eco mode that learns usage patterns. Each person in the household can have personalized settings with user presets one and two, allowing for quick adjustment when sitting down. The reviewer noted that while the remote is easy to use once familiarized, the initial learning curve can be challenging for guests, and the lighting feature proves useful at night. The reviewer also highlighted the manual cleaning function that flushes the wand with water and the power button for turning the unit on and off.
Performance and functionality
The reviewer from Review - TOTO WASHLET C5 Bidet Toilet Seat 2026 noted that the spray pattern is steady and the ability to adjust the nozzle position reduces the need for constant repositioning. The unit includes a soft scrub function, oscillating and pulsating options, and a feminine wash setting that moves the spray forward. The reviewer emphasized that the spray pressure is adjustable, with the highest setting being too intense for some users. The seat heat feature maintains a consistent temperature, with the reviewer noting that a low setting makes the seat feel normal even in cold months. The deodorizer fan activates when sitting down and effectively reduces odors without adding scent. The reviewer also mentioned that the seat heat and water temperature can be adjusted independently, with the water temperature being electrolyzed as 'e-water plus' which acts as a disinfectant. The reviewer noted that the cleaning process includes a self-cleaning wand that flushes with water to maintain hygiene.
Energy efficiency and operating costs
The Toto Washlet C5 demonstrates impressive energy efficiency, with the reviewer from The Toto C5 Washlet Electronic Bidet is the Ferrari of Toilet Seats measuring an average of 0.23 kilowatt hours per day when the seat temperature is set to low and water temperature to medium. At typical electricity rates, this translates to an annual operating cost of just twelve dollars, which the reviewer found to be remarkably economical. The unit includes an eco mode that learns usage patterns to save electricity, though the reviewer noted they were unsure exactly how this function operates. The reviewer also mentioned that the seat heat feature, which maintains warmth at all times, does not significantly increase energy consumption compared to competitors that only heat when detecting weight. The reviewer found that the unit's energy-saving features make it a cost-effective long-term investment, especially when compared to the operating costs of other bidet models that require more frequent heating cycles or lack energy-efficient features.
Comfort and user experience
The Toto Washlet C5 provides a comfortable user experience with its heated seat feature, which maintains a consistent temperature range from low (93°F) to high (120°F) as observed by the reviewer from The Toto C5 Washlet Electronic Bidet is the Ferrari of Toilet Seats using an infrared camera. The reviewer noted that the seat heat feature prevents the 'cold seat shock' and provides a cozy experience, particularly in colder months. The water temperature can be adjusted to personal preference, with the reviewer finding the middle setting most comfortable. The spray pattern is steady and adjustable, with the ability to move the nozzle back and forth reducing the need for constant repositioning. The reviewer from Review - TOTO WASHLET C5 Bidet Toilet Seat 2026 emphasized that the unit's features like the deodorizer fan and the ability to save two user presets make daily use more convenient. The reviewer also noted that the air dryer, while not particularly fast, is still better than nothing and provides a pleasant drying experience. The reviewer found the unit's design to be aesthetically pleasing and the overall experience to be a significant improvement over traditional toilet paper use.
Durability and maintenance
Despite flushing the filter and unplugging the unit to reset the computer, the issues persisted and required professional repair costing at least $200. However, the reviewer from The Toto C5 Washlet Electronic Bidet is the Ferrari of Toilet Seats reported that the unit's electronic components and mechanical functions remained reliable after extended use. The reviewer noted that while the mounting bracket may experience side-to-side movement, this does not affect performance. The unit includes a self-cleaning wand feature that flushes the spray wand with water to maintain hygiene, and the reviewer emphasized that the e-water plus feature acts as a disinfectant. The reviewer also mentioned that the unit's electronic components are designed to be user-friendly, with the remote control providing clear access to all functions and settings.
Strengths
- +Excellent features including instant hot water and oscillating/pulsating spray
- +Intuitive remote control with clean interface and divided controls for easy access
- +Five-position nozzle with customizable water temperature and pressure
- +Energy-saving eco modes that learn usage patterns and adjust seat heat accordingly
- +Four user presets for personalized comfort settings
Watch-outs
- −Expensive compared to alternatives
- −The drying fan is not very efficient.
How it compares
The Toto Washlet S5 is Wirecutter's top pick for bidet toilet seats, praised for its excellent features, aesthetics, and customization options. Compared to the Toto Washlet S2, it offers more advanced features and a wireless remote, while the Tushy Classic 3.0 lacks heated seat and temperature control. Unlike the Bio Bidet BB-2000, it provides a more streamlined design and better user interface but at a higher price point.
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.”
“It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Literally, every day. The truth is, I love it just as much as he does, which is why I’m sharing this review.”
“Not too into the way they look, but I keep reading about how I should put in an outlet and get a washlet.”
Our 4.3 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.
