We have one bathroom in our house. One. And it's small. Over the holidays I've had as many as nine people sleeping under our roof, all sharing that one little room, and I'm hosting a full house again this year. So I've been thinking a lot about what would make that bathroom feel a little nicer without tearing it apart before company shows up...

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Here's my confession: I have never used a bidet. Not once. But the more I read about bidet seats, the more curious I get, and TOTO is the name that keeps coming up.

The catch? My husband and I are still going back and forth on whether to remodel or move. I'm not about to buy a brand new toilet for a bathroom that might get gutted in a year or two. And it turns out that's the exact question you need to answer before you shop TOTO, because they sell two very different setups.

A regular WASHLET is an electronic bidet seat that goes on a compatible toilet you already own. WASHLET+ pairs a specially designed TOTO toilet with a matching WASHLET seat, so the water and power connections are hidden for a cleaner look. Here's how to figure out which one fits your bathroom (and your plans).

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TOTO Washlet vs. Washlet Plus at a Glance

	WASHLET seat	WASHLET+ setup
What you buy	An electronic bidet seat	A matching TOTO toilet and WASHLET seat
Your current toilet	Can stay, if it fits	Usually replaced
How it looks	Hoses and cord may show	Water and power connections are hidden
What to check	Bowl shape, seat measurements, mounting space, water and power	Toilet rough-in, room size, exact toilet and seat pairing, water and power
Size of the project	Install a seat	Replace the toilet and install a seat

Product listings vary, so check exactly what's included before you order: the seat, the toilet (if there is one), any connection parts, and shipping.

Once you know whether your toilet is staying, this toto washlet comparison chart makes it easy to compare seat features, heating options and controls side by side. Just double check the specs for the exact model you pick.

Will a Washlet Fit the Toilet You Already Have?

Maybe. Round or elongated is only the starting point. You also need to check the measurements and the space behind the seat against the installation instructions for the model you want.

Measure the Bowl and Mounting Area

• Bowl length: from the mounting holes to the front edge of the bowl.
• Mounting holes: the distance between the two bolts that hold your seat on.
• Back clearance: the space from the mounting holes to the tank or wall. The back of a WASHLET is bulkier than a regular seat, so it needs room to sit flat.

While you're in there, find your toilet's model number (it's often stamped inside the tank) and snap a photo of it. It makes checking compatibility so much easier.

Check Water and Power

This is the part people miss. Every electronic WASHLET needs a water connection and an outlet close to the toilet, and plenty of bathrooms simply don't have one there. Read the manual for your exact model before you order, and talk to a licensed electrician about adding or changing an outlet or circuit.

My outlet is right beside the vanity, so I'd need to measure whether a seat's cord would actually reach it before ordering.

My tip: if you already have an electrician coming for another project, ask them to look at the spot next to your toilet while they're there. One visit is a lot cheaper than two.

Power needs also vary by model. TOTO's A2 specification sheet for the SW3004 lists 287 watts rated and 363 watts maximum, while models with more heating features can draw a lot more. Always check the current specs for the seat you're buying.

When Does Washlet Plus Make More Sense?

If your toilet flushes well, is in good shape and fits the seat you want, a standalone WASHLET is the simpler upgrade. You keep the toilet and skip the cost and mess of replacing it. That's where I land right now, since I honestly don't know what our bathroom will look like in a couple of years.

WASHLET+ makes more sense when you're already replacing the toilet or remodeling, and you want that clean, coordinated look with no visible hoses or cords. Just know that WASHLET+ doesn't automatically mean a better clean. That comes down to the seat model and its features.

Before you decide, compare the full installed cost of both options:

• The seat, plus the toilet if you need one
• Removing and hauling away the old toilet
• Installation labor
• Any plumbing or electrical changes

If you're replacing the toilet, measure the rough-in first. That's the distance from the finished wall to the center of the floor drain, and the new toilet has to match it. Measure your bathroom space too.

How to Compare TOTO Washlet Models

Once you know the seat will fit, focus on the features you'll actually use: warm water, adjustable spray settings, a heated seat, the style of controls, and self cleaning features. Go by each model's spec sheet, not just the name.

Then think about everyday life in your house. With a house full of holiday guests, I'd want controls anyone can figure out without a tutorial. Ask yourself:

• Can everyone in the house reach and understand the controls?
• Is the seat (and the area around it) easy to clean?
• Are replacement parts and care instructions easy to find?

The most expensive model isn't automatically the best one for your bathroom.

Whatever you choose, follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions, including care for the spray wand and what to do if the seat sits unused for a while. A 2016 study in the Journal of Water and Health found that bacteria already in tap water can multiply in some warm water tank seats. That's not a reason to skip a bidet seat. It's a reason to keep up with the maintenance.

Common Questions About TOTO Washlets

Do I need to replace my toilet to install a Washlet?

Not necessarily. A standalone WASHLET can go on the toilet you already have, as long as the measurements, back clearance, water connection and power all work.

Is WASHLET+ the same as a toilet with a built-in bidet?

No. WASHLET+ is a TOTO toilet paired with a matching WASHLET seat, designed so the connections are hidden. TOTO also sells all-in-one toilets with bidet features built in, so check which kind a listing is describing.

Will any elongated Washlet fit my elongated toilet?

No. Bowl shape is just the first check. The seat also has to match your mounting measurements and have enough room in the back.

Do I need a plumber or electrician?

It depends on what you already have. Putting a compatible seat on an existing toilet can be a fairly simple project. If you need a new outlet, a change to the water supply, or a full toilet replacement, that's when it's worth calling a pro.

Which Upgrade Fits Your Bathroom?

If your toilet is in good shape and compatible, a WASHLET seat gives you the features with a lot less work. If you're replacing the toilet anyway and love a clean, finished look, WASHLET+ deserves a look. Either way, check the exact model numbers, measurements, what's included and the install requirements before you buy.

Now I want to hear from you... have you tried a bidet seat? Tell me in the comments whether it was worth it, because I'm still on the fence!