In this grand age of technology, we’ve seen some pretty incredible advancements. We have smart phones that can fit in your pocket, networks that can connect people all over the world, and home control panels that can manage every aspect of your home. But smart toilets?
As crazy as it sounds, smart toilets are actually very beneficial. Not only do they look great, but they also make things a lot easier for your bathroom visits, particularly if you’re suffering from health problems or if you’re potty training a toddler.
But these toilets don’t come cheap. The most affordable luxury smart toilets cost upwards of $4,000. The reason for the high cost, as of now, is because manufacturers are currently targeting higher-profile customers who don’t mind making exorbitant purchases.
Once these toilets have garnered a little buzz, they will likely start to drop in price, so that the everyday consumer can afford them. In fact, you can actually purchase a smart toilet seat, rather than the entire commode, for less than $1,000. The price keeps dropping, so in the next few years, a smart toilet seat could be as affordable as a simple comfort-height seat.
For now, why would you want to spend that much money on a toilet? Well, it comes with some surprising benefits.
Reduced Plumbing Issues
Regular toilets are subject to a myriad of common plumbing issues, from toilet clogs to sewer smells. Smart toilets have technology that can help avoid that. When you purchase an integrated toilet, it not only helps to prevent clogs, but it can also sense them before you overflow the toilet.
Additionally, you don’t need to worry about any kind of overflow. The toilet will stop you from flushing the toilet if it’s clogged, which will keep water levels in the bowl low until you’ve fixed the problem.
Instant Cleaning
Some smart toilets even clean their own bowls. These bowls are comprised of an ultra-smooth ceramic that’s fortified with zirconium, a non-stick coating that prevents mineral and waste buildup. These toilets also feature ultraviolet lights that kill odor-causing bacteria and automatic cleaning cycles, to keep things fresh and clean.
Automatic Flushing
Automatic flushing has been around for a long time, but it’s rarely seen in residential homes. Smart toilets have sensors that activate flushing, based on movement. This significantly cuts down on germs, since you don’t have to touch anything to flush. It’s also extremely useful for potty training or forgetful users.
Water Savings
Smart toilets save water considerably, using as little as 0.6 gallons per flush, which is one gallon less than basic toilets use. The downside here is that your toilet uses electricity to power that water-saving technology, so the cost and environmental benefit is questionable. If you have a battery-powered toilet, however, you can experience both electrical and water savings.
Health Tracking
Some smart toilets are lifesavers for people with serious conditions—literally. With a smart toilet that’s connected to a smartphone app and your doctor’s office, analyzing the contents of your urine is now possible. This can tell diabetic patients if their blood sugar is too high and let the elderly know if they’re at risk for certain diseases.
Extra Features
These handy bathroom gadgets also come with a variety of extra features that are not only practical, but also pretty cool. Here are some of the options available with the purchase of any high-tech commode:
- Water spray and air dryer
- Nightlight
- Slow closing lid
- Bluetooth and MP3 capabilities for music while you go
- Foot warmer
- Remote control
- Emergency flushing system for power outages
- Massaging bidet wash
- Heated seating
- Built-in sensors that alert you of plumbing issues
Overall, are smart toilets worth it? It all depends on your needs and preferences. With the cost ranging from $4,000 to $10,000, it’s not a decision you should make lightly.
But are they cool?
Absolutely.
