Bidet vs. Traditional Toilets: Which is Right for Your Australian Bathroom?

Have you often heard the word 'bidet' every time you use the bathroom?

Well, if you don't know, a bidet is used to clean yourself off after you're done with the toilet. It serves the same purpose as toilet paper but more thoroughly, as it uses water instead of just wiping with toilet paper. Bidets are considered more hygienic than toilet paper as they can help reduce the risk of skin irritation and infections.

Do you remember the Toilet Paper Shortage of 2020? According to businesses in Australia, sales of bidets soared by 500 percent amid the coronavirus toilet paper shortage. Furthermore, they have reported a huge increase in traffic to their websites as supermarkets ran out of supplies, highlighting the demand for toilet bidets Australia. 

As fixtures evolve throughout the years, you're engaging in a dance between tradition and innovation in the bathroom.

Imagine this: on one side, we have the rusty traditional toilet, a fixture in every home that’s built to last. On the other, the modern marvel of a bidet, promises an elevated level of cleanliness and convenience.

So, how do you decide which one is right for you? Join us as we delve into the differences between bidet vs traditional toilets to help you make an informed choice for your bathroom upgrade.

"Choosing between a bidet and a traditional toilet involves more than just aesthetics. It’s about functionality, hygiene, and environmental impact."

In this guide, we will break down the functionality and usage, highlight the hygiene and health benefits, explore the environmental impact, and compare the cost and installation processes.

By the end, you'll have a clearer idea of what suits your lifestyle: the tried-and-true traditional toilet or the fresh innovation of a bidet seats. 

The Basics of Bidet Seats

A bidet toilet is a type of toilet that integrates a bidet feature into its design. Bidet toilet seats are advanced attachments installed on standard toilet bowls, offering adjustable water temperature, heated seats, night lights, eco-friendly cleaning options, and other bidet comfort features, depending on the type of smart toilet seat you are purchasing 

The Standard Traditional Toilets

Traditional toilets have been a staple in Australian homes for generations. These fixtures are well-known for their straightforward design, ease of use, and almost ubiquitous presence. When you think of a toilet, this is likely the image that comes to mind: a porcelain bowl and tank equipped with a flushing mechanism. 

One of the main attractions of traditional toilets is their simplicity. There's no learning curve involved—simply sit, do your business and flush. They're also a more familiar option in public restrooms and homes alike. This familiarity comes with its own set of pros and cons. 

Hygiene Advantages Of Bidets: A Cleaner Alternative?

One of the main bidet benefits is their hygienic nature. With a bidet seat, you can clean yourself more thoroughly and avoid the irritation that can come with wiping with toilet paper. Bidet seats also offer significant hygiene advantages of bidet use, being more environmentally friendly than traditional toilets, as they reduce the need for toilet paper, which can lead to excessive waste.

On the other hand, traditional toilets are generally more affordable and easier to install. They also come in a wider range of styles and designs, making it easier to find a toilet that fits your bathroom decor. Traditional toilets also don’t require any additional plumbing or electrical work, unlike bidet seats.

Functionality And Usage: How Do Bidets And Traditional Toilets Differ?

Traditional toilets have been a staple in Australian homes, but the bidet is making a splash with its enhanced hygiene features. A bidet, whether it's a standalone unit or a bidet toilet seat attachment, uses a stream of water for post-toilet cleaning, reducing the need for toilet paper. On the other hand, traditional toilets rely solely on paper, which can be less effective and more abrasive.

Environmental Impact: Bidet vs. Traditional Toilets

Australia's growing focus on sustainability makes the environmental benefits of bidets increasingly appealing. Bidets can reduce the environmental impact associated with toilet paper production. This aligns with the country's commitment to environmental stewardship and reducing carbon footprints.

Meanwhile, traditional toilets, while they've become more water-efficient, still contribute to paper waste since traditional toilets rely on toilet paper for cleaning. This increases the environmental impact, from deforestation to high water consumption in paper manufacturing.

Cost And Installation: Breaking Down The Expenses

Installing a bidet can vary in cost depending on the type you choose. Bidet attachments are the most affordable option, converting your existing toilet into a bidet-equipped one. Bidet seats and integrated bidet toilets offer more features but come at a higher price point. Installation is relatively straightforward for bidet attachments and seats, often requiring minimal plumbing adjustments. Additionally, the long-term bidet cost savings on toilet paper can offset the initial investment.

Traditional toilets, on the other hand, generally come with lower initial costs compared to advanced bidet systems. Standard toilet seats are inexpensive and easy to install, typically requiring no special plumbing skills. Additionally, traditional toilets are universally compatible with existing bathroom layouts in most Australian homes.

User Comfort And Convenience: A Luxurious Bathroom Experience

Another important thing to consider with bidet toilet seats is comfort. Bidets offer adjustable water temperature and pressure settings, ensuring a personalized experience. Features like heated seats and air dryers add to the luxurious feel. Meanwhile, traditional toilets, while familiar, lack these customizable options, which can make a difference in user comfort, especially during colder months.

Sinks and Bowls Can Help

Deciding between a bidet and a traditional toilet boils down to your priorities. If you value enhanced hygiene, environmental responsibility, and long-term cost savings, a bidet might be the ideal choice.

At Sinks and Bowls, we offer a wide range of bidet toilet seats that attract customers for their functionality, usage, and cost-saving purposes. However, if you prefer the familiarity of a traditional toilet and simpler maintenance, sticking with what you know may be more suitable.

As you weigh your options, consider the factors that matter most to you—whether it's sustainability, personal hygiene, or comfort. Both bidets and traditional toilets have their pros and cons, and the right decision ultimately depends on your preferences and lifestyle.

So, which is right for you? It depends on your personal needs for your Australian home. Contact Sinks and Bowls today to learn more about our bidet seats and traditional toilet options and get started on your bathroom upgrade journey.

Enjoy 20% off by using the promo code EOFY2024 at checkout. 

Transform Your Space with Style and Functionality at Sinks and Bowls.