Shower Toilets

Buyers Guide To Bidet Toilets

Evolution

For many, many years there was just a toilet. Usually situated in a dark, dingy room, out of sight and somewhere to be used and vacated as quickly as possible. Later into the 20th century back to wall and wall hung toilets appeared. They marked the beginning of efforts to integrate the bathroom into the rest of the house and make it one of the family. With the advent of the 21st century came a new outlook and a new breed of toilets that made the bathroom one of the best places to be in the house.

The bidet toilet or shower toilet as it has become known, demands a second look and further scrutiny. As in many ways it is almost indistinguishable from a normal pan unless you stop to take a closer look. The shower bidet was introduced in the 1980’s in Japan as a revolutionary new idea. It gave the user a complete experience in the bathroom from start to finish without the need for toilet paper.

They are expensive when compared to a standard toilet and seat. If you are installing a new bathroom from scratch, it can make perfect sense. And will have a big impact on the saleability of your property when you come to sell in the future.

Putting hygiene first

Of course, the hygienic aspect of bidet toilets cannot be ignored and is the number one reason for making a purchase. Comfort when using the toilet can’t be taken for granted and reaching behind to use toilet paper is a complicated and strenuous business. This can be almost impossible if you are a large build or have any sort of disability. Twisting your arm behind your back can be an uncomfortable experience that can cause muscular problems at the tops of shoulders. By simply removing the whole need for this process, shower toilets give you an immediate advantage.

Manufacturing excellence

Several major manufacturers in the bathroom industry now produce shower toilets. The market leader being Geberit who have half a dozen models marketed under the Aquaclean brand. The Sela and Mera are the latest to appear and feature sleek ergonomic styling. With faultless function and reliability as standard. Villeroy & boch are one of the most well known and respected bathroom manufacturers in Germany. Their ViClean range has been a best seller since its introduction last year, especially when coupled with their new ViConnect range of wall hung toilet frames and flush plates.

Grohe, another German name, make the Sensia Arena. A gracefully contoured piece that exudes technological prowess. Which puts them at the forefront of innovation.  One of the most popular pan is made by Vitra, the Vitra V Care Comfort Intelligent Rimless Toilet. With a strong continental aspect, it will add ambience and class to any bathroom in the house.

Mostly these pan are wall hung needing suitable frames and flush plates to allow a suitable installation. But some manufacturers such as Geberit now also include back to wall pans which sit solidly on the floor without the need for frames. This undoubtedly suits some installations better as not everyone has access to the wall void, especially if it is a retro fit. Another aspect to consider is the enhancement route to an existing pan. Although not all pans are suitable for this, a list of compatible toilets can be obtained on request so you don’t make an expensive mistake.

The shower principle

The heart of all these outstanding engineering pieces is the shower system. Which takes care of cleaning and of course, is the principle reason for using one in the first place. Usually, with the press of a button, the shower arm will bring to life from its hidden chamber. And provide the user with a warm flow of water that pulsates backwards and forwards. This spray can usually be adjusted to several setting which give you a range of pressures. and many manufacturers have a memory button that allows you to save your own personal settings. This is perfect if there are quite a few people that use it regularly. The lady wash is a joy to use and sensitive intimate areas are gently massaged and soothed with a warm water spray. It offers far more gentle and thorough clean when compared to toilet paper. One thing is for sure, once you start using the shower toilet, you will never want to use a normal toilet again.

Heated luxury

Getting up in the middle of the night to go to the loo is never a pleasant experience. But imagine opening the door to the bathroom and finding that the toilet has a warm welcoming glow. Lighting the way without having to put the loud glaring bathroom lights on to see your way.

Now take that one step further and sit down to find the seat is warm and toasty as well.

Welcome to the world of electronic toilets! Geberit’s Aquaclean toilet pan features both of these features. Presenting you with a softly glowing orientation light underneath the bowl.

Designed to guide you slowly but surely to the seat, these lights can be altered through a range of colours to suit your mood. On approaching the toilet you will be amazed as the lid gently lifts in readiness. Geberit patented technology is used in full with the Mera with a discreet hidden proximity sensor. It senses your approach and lifts the seat cover without the need to touch it at all.

Just another reason to take the plunge into electronic toilets.

Always in control

Remote control technology has been readily available for many years now. So it is comforting to be able to use something so familiar to control our toilets. Available in a selection of finishes from chrome and white to sleek, sexy black. They sit easily in the hand and facilitate control of all the major functions of the toilet including spray initiation and drying. In addition, some models also offer wall mounted control panels. This is a great idea for high class hotels where remotes can be sited adjacent to pans for maximum benefit.

Air Drying

Once the shower has finished you will need to enter into the next phase which is drying and almost all models include this feature. The gently heated air flow is circulated around the bowl. Providing a comfortable and discreet drying sensation that makes the use of toilet paper redundant.

The heated air is adjustable to your own preferential temperature. This is an example of yet another personal preference. That can be set to an individual’s own preferences if the toilet supports that functionality.

Fresh air

Geberit were one of the first to introduce odour removal into their flush plates. This was with the Omega frames, Aquaclean 5000 Plus and later with the Monolith Plus. This technology has been translated straight from these best sellers into their latest shower toilets. With the introduction of the Mera and now the brand new Tuma. When the seat automatically lifts it engages the odour fan which gently and silently draws stale air into the unit. Which neutralises it quickly and efficiently using the latest carbon neutral techniques. This technology will become common place one day but for now it is only available in these exclusive pieces It will make your bathroom into a sanctuary from the outside world.

Design essentials

These electronic bidet toilets are built to uncompromising standards of engineering. Utilising only the finest components and unique features. Such as Nano technology glazing surfaces which allow dirt and waste to simply slide off the sides and rim. So they ultimately remain far cleaner and more hygienic than standard toilets. Their superior grade construction means years of faultless use. Their understated luxury combined with delicate curves provides a flawless outer finish.

The newly introduced rimless pan is another example of design. Seamlessly introducing a pared back design that actually increases the performance of the pan. By not allowing germs to take hold anywhere unlike older styles where the rim is a breeding ground for germs. It also does away with the need to get out the toilet brush and blindly battle with the rim. Squirting copious amounts of bleach and chemicals under the rim to try and make sure no corner is left untouched. As before, a remote control is the easiest way to operate the shower toilet. But several also include side mounted buttons, ergonomically placed for ease of use. With such manufacturers as Geberit and Villeroy & Boch in the market place for these pans. They already have an extensive back catalogue of construction methods to build on. So that each piece will justifiably enhancing your bathroom experience.

Are you ready to buy?

It makes extensive reading taking in all the innovations and technological benefits that are built into these modern marvels. It is difficult to see why it wouldn’t be your next bathroom purchase. With such major manufacturers running the show, shower toilets are definitely here to stay. UKbathrooms can supply all the leading brands listed so give us a call if you have any questions.