The Best Toilet Bidet Seats and Attachments of 2022

Why Buy a Bidet?

As it turns out, there are a lot of compelling reasons to consider a bidet beyond reducing our dependence on toilet paper.

Bidets for Every Budget

While great bidet toilets range in price from $1,600 to $7,000 or more, you don't have to spend thousands on a fancy new toilet. With bidet attachments and bidet toilet seats, you can use the toilet you already have and, with a simple and painless installation, get all the functionality you'd want from a bidet at the fraction of the price. Bidet attachments typically cost around $50 or less, and bidet seats range in price from $70 to $1,500, depending on the features of the seat.

Clean and Sanitary

Washing your backside with a bidet is a no-hands-needed process, eliminating the spread of germs. Bidet lovers also say they get a much cleaner feel after a wash than a wipe. While some who prioritize that clean feeling use flushable wipes, they aren't good for septic systems or the environment since they don't break down over time like toilet paper (no matter what it says on the packaging).

Environmentally Friendly

Minimizing our use of toilet paper just makes sense as global citizens. Our seemingly endless supply of toilet paper (it seemed endless until 2020, anyway) comes at a steep cost to the environment. Industrial logging operations supplying trees for toilet paper cause widespread, irreversible deforestation, contributing to climate change and displacement of indigenous people groups.

Some worry that a bidet may waste water, but consider this: It takes 37 gallons of water to make one roll of toilet paper, according to Scientific American. In contrast, a bidet uses about one-eighth gallon of water for each use. Put simply, you could use your bidet 295 times before you consumed the amount of water needed to make one roll of toilet paper.

Beneficial for Many Medical Conditions

Bidet seats and bidet attachments aren't just a luxury item. Washing your backside instead of wiping is preferable for a handful of health problems.

If you experience any of these issues, a bidet could be a great alternative for you:

• Constipation
• Hemorrhoids
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Mobility issues due to injury, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Menstruation
• Pregnancy
• Postpartum recovery
• Surgical recovery

What to Consider Before Choosing a Bidet

If you're looking to buy a bidet that works with your existing toilet, you'll need to choose between a bidet attachment or a bidet seat.

Bidet Seat vs. Bidet Attachment

Bidet attachments are affordable devices you can attach to your existing toilet for backside washing. You can easily install the attachment between the toilet seat and almost any toilet in a few minutes' time. Bidet attachments are the most affordable option, but many models lack desirable features such as warm water, front washing, drying, and customizable water pressure and direction. Unlike bidet seats, bidet attachments do not require an electrical outlet, but some do attach to your hot waterline.

Bidet seats replace your existing toilet seat on almost any type of toilet and have retractable nozzles that appear when the seat is activated. A bidet seat offers a wide selection of features at varying price points, such as warm water, front washing, customization of water pressure and direction, seat warming, night-lights, deodorizing, drying, and more. If you want a luxury bidet experience and don't mind paying a little more for it, the bidet seat is the way to go.

Bidet seats do require more for installation, though—plan for about 20 to 30 minutes to do this. Several companies have helpful instructional videos to ensure it's a painless process. Keep in mind, unlike bidet attachments that do not require an electrical outlet, bidet seats do need electricity. If you don't have an outlet near your toilet, consider using an extension cord, having an electrician install an outlet, or use a non-electric bidet attachment instead.

The seats generally come in either round or elongated versions, so be sure you know which shape toilet you have.

Key features

Here are some of the key features you should consider when shopping for a bidet attachment or a bidet seat:

• Water pressure adjustment
• Water temperature adjustment
• Water stream angle adjustment
• Front washing
• Self-cleaning nozzles
• Heated seat
• Night-light
• Multiple user settings
• Remote control
• Drying (no toilet paper needed)
• Deodorizer
• Eco mode
• Soft-closing lid
• Seat contact safety sensor (sprays only when a person is seated)

Bottom Line

As you've probably figured out by now, there really is a bidet for every booty and every budget. You don't have to undergo a major renovation on your bathroom, spend thousands of dollars, or hire a handyman to manage installation. You can simply choose the features that matter most to you, determine your budget, and install your seat or attachment in less time than it takes to watch one episode of your favorite reality TV show.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I install a bidet toilet seat?

There are a few basic steps required to install a bidet toilet seat:

• Turn off the water going to your toilet and flush the toilet to empty the tank.
• Remove the current toilet seat. You will need a Phillips or flathead screwdriver to remove the bolts that hold the seat in place. For some models, the mounting bolts will be underneath the toilet seat.
• Install the T-Valve that came with your bidet toilet seat to the fill valve under the toilet tank.
• Keep a bucket and rag handy to catch any water that may spill when you detach the water line.
• Place the bidet toilet seat where the old toilet seat was and screw it down into place.
• Connect the bidet toilet seat hose to the T-Valve.
• Turn on the water to your toilet to use the bidet toilet seat.

Note: These instructions may vary according to the type of bidet toilet seat you are installing. Electric bidet seats may require electricity, so be sure you have a plug nearby or use an extension cord for electric models.

How do I install a bidet attachment?

Here are the basic steps for installing a bidet attachment:

• Turn off the water going to your toilet and flush the toilet to empty the tank.
• Remove your current toilet seat and save the original hardware.
• Connect the T-Valve that's provided to the fill valve under the toilet tank.
• Connect the water supply line coming from the wall to the bottom of the T-Valve.
• Connect the bidet attachment hose to the T-Valve.
• Install the bidet attachment mounting brackets onto the bidet attachment. Push them in until they snap in place.
• Place the bidet attachment onto the toilet. Make sure the nozzles are at the back of the toilet. Leave a small space between the nozzles and the toilet. The bidet attachment brackets should line up with the holes of the toilet fixture.
• Make sure the control knob on the bidet attachment is turned off when you're installing it.
• Replace the toilet seat so it sits on top of the bidet attachment.
• Secure the toilet seat with the original hardware and ensure that it's properly in place. The control knob for the bidet attachment should lay flat against the toilet.

Note: Some bidet attachments allow you to hook up to your bathroom's warm water supply so you can use a warm water spray. This is generally located under your sink. In this case, you'll need to run a second water hose to your bathroom's hot-water supply.

Do I need a plumber to install a bidet?

You don't need a plumber to install a bidet toilet seat or bidet attachment. You can watch video tutorials or follow a few easy steps and have your bidet seat or bidet attachment installed within half an hour.

Can I control the water temperature and pressure on my bidet toilet seat?

Bidet toilet seats usually come with water heating capabilities. Electronic bidet toilet seats can warm the water without hooking up to a hot water line. They also come with adjustable water pressure sprays, heated seats, and other features that you can control.

Are there any health benefits to using a bidet toilet seat?

Bidet toilet seats offer a health benefit in that they help you get cleaner than just using toilet paper alone. The water spray from a bidet toilet seat helps to remove any unhealthy residue that may be left on your bottom. It washes it away and down the toilet.

Plus, most electronic bidet toilet seats also come with a dryer that will dry you off. You can even adjust the temperature of the air from the dryer. No more dirty or wet bottoms when you and your family use an electronic bidet toilet seat!

Are bidet toilet seats hard to clean?

Cleaning a bidet toilet seat is not much more difficult than cleaning a regular toilet seat. However, you will need to ensure that the nozzles that spray water are kept clean and free from debris.

It's best not to use bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners that can damage or scratch your bidet toilet seat. Use a mild, soap-based cleaner and wipe away any residual residue from above and below the toilet seat.

Some bidet toilet seats come with a setting that allows you to extend and retract the spray wand for easier cleaning. If your bidet toilet seat has a nozzle wash feature, be sure to use it daily.

Here are some basic steps for cleaning your bidet toilet seat:

• Make use of your bidet's nozzle wash feature each day — It runs water over the nozzle to clean it. (Some bidet toilet seats have an automatic feature that does this each time you use it.)
• Put on a pair of waterproof gloves to protect your hands and wipe the bidet toilet seat over and under with a damp cloth and mild cleanser. Be sure to get in and around the crevices as well. Also, be sure to wipe down the remote control. Be sure not to spray it excessively with the cleanser you use, and never submerge the remote in water.
• Once a month, and according to the manufacturer's instructions, you should remove the bidet toilet seat and wipe all areas with a soft damp cloth and mild cleanser.
• If the bidet toilet seat comes with a deodorizing filer, remove and clean it. You can usually do this with a soft toothbrush and water according to the manufacturer's directions. Try using the toothbrush on the water nozzle as well, being careful not to damage it.
• Twice a year, remove the strainer close to the water inlet and rinse it off to remove any mineral build-up. If there's a connection hose with a water shutoff valve, you should clean the inside of the valve with a toothbrush as well.

If you have hard water, this is particularly important to do. In this case, you may want to consider purchasing a bidet toilet seat water filter that sits between the seat and the water hose. You can get these in your local hardware store for about $30.

Note: You should always refer to your particular bidet toilet seat manual for information on how to clean it. Every bidet toilet seat is different.

Are bidet toilet seats worth the cost?

It depends on your preference. Prices range from $30 for a bidet attachment to $1,900 for a top-of-the-line bidet toilet seat. You can usually find a bidet toilet seat with personal memory settings for two users for around $300-$600.

Some manufacturers claim that their bidet toilet seats allow you to save on toilet paper – as much as 80 percent less!

Do you need to wipe when using a bidet toilet seat?

If you use the bidet toilet seat as it's designed to be used, you shouldn't have to wipe yourself clean. However, it's always a good idea to use a small amount of toilet paper to dry your bottom thoroughly.

Are bidet toilet seats sanitary?

It's believed that using water to cleanse yourself after going to the bathroom is more sanitary than using toilet paper. Instead of wiping yourself to remove feces, the water from the bidet toilet seat will wash it into the toilet. This keeps you from touching the feces and possibly spreading germs.

Many bidet toilet seats are also self-cleaning. The nozzle is washed over with water each time you use it.

Plus, bidet toilet seatsuse a wand that's angled and targeted toward your anus or vagina, so you won't get splashed with contents from the toilet bowl.

Do I still need toilet paper with bidet toilet seats?

The air-dry features in most bidet toilet seats won't get you completely dry. So, you should use a small amount of toilet paper to ensure that your bottom is thoroughly dry to prevent moisture-causing bacteria from forming.

How does a traditional bidet toilet differ from a bidet toilet seat or a bidet attachment?

A bidet is a separate bathroom fixture from your toilet. You don't use it to relieve yourself and rid yourself of waste. Instead, you use it afterward for washing your bottom. Think of it as a sink for your underside.

A bidet toilet seat or bidet attachment is used with your toilet. They are more cost-effective and an easy way to clean yourself after using the toilet. You don't need a separate fixture with its own plumbing system alongside your toilet.

Dr. Courtney Schmidt is a clinical consultant pharmacist and geriatric care expert. Since completing her Pharm.D. at the University of Florida, Dr. Schmidt has worked in multiple clinical settings and has served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Central Florida.