The Carlyle II is yet another toilet by TOTO that is well worth considering for your bathroom. TOTO have a wide variety of models to choose from and they are all highly rated. So how does the Carlyle II compare to all of their other models. In this TOTO Carlyle Toilet Review, I will look at the design, flushing performance, installation and also compare it to a leading competitor.
Hopefully, with this information you will be able to make a more informed decision on whether this toilet will be a good match for your bathroom.
This page contains affiliate links. We hope you love the products we recommend but just so you know, if you purchase a product from one of our links below, we may receive a small commission. Details here.
Design
With so many different toilets to choose from, it is hard to compare and decide which one will suit your bathroom. Well, if you would like to see the best toilets TOTO has to offer, all in one place, then check out these mini reviews on TOTO’s Top Models.
Concentrating on the Carlyle II, my first impression is how similar looking it is to the Ultramax II. Now the Ultramax II is one of TOTO’s most popular toilets and has got some great reviews. They are both one-piece toilets and are sleek and compact. However, there is one main difference between the two, and for me it is a big one. The Carlyle II has a smooth skirted design, where as the Ultramax II, like so many other models, has the trapway design on the side.
Now, some people may like this pipe design, however it will need extra cleaning to maintain its white ‘as good as new’ look. Compare this to the smooth skirted design on the Carlyle II, which will only need a wipe with a damp cloth. I know which one I would prefer to clean.
The Carlyle II is a Universal Height toilet. Universal Height toilets measure over 17″ from floor to seat, making them a lot more comfortable for some users. Universal Height toilets are ADA compliant and are suitable for the disabled and the elderly. Basically, anyone that finds it difficult using a standard toilet which measures between 14″ and 15″, will benefit from a Universal Height toilet. If you have never experienced a tall toilet, then it measures very similarly to a regular kitchen chair.
As stated earlier, this model is a one-piece toilet. One-piece toilets will be easier to maintain and keep clean. A two-piece will have a crevice between the tank and bowl and easily accumulates dirt and mold. With a one-piece toilet, you will not have this issue.
Also, the Carlyle II is an elongated shaped toilet and will be more comfortable for a wide range of users. An elongated bowl will measure roughly 2″ longer than a standard bowl. This extra length will provide a larger seating space, however it will also take up a little more space in your bathroom.
Finally, it may not be visible on the image but the top of the tank slants downwards. It may not be an issue for most, however if you like to place items on the top of your tank, such as toilet rolls, then you won’t be able to on this model.
- Colors: Bone, Colonial White, Cotton, Sedona Beige
- Dimensions: 28-1/4 x 16-1/2 x 28-3/4 inches
- Seat Height: 17-1/4 inches
- Shape: Elongated
- Weight: 110 lbs
- Flush: 1.28 GPF
- Handle: Left-side
- Rough-in: 12″
- Certification: WaterSense & ADA Compliant
Flushing System
So we now know how the Carlyle II looks, but how does it perform? Well, TOTO are renowned for manufacturing powerful and efficient toilets and the Carlyle II doesn’t disappoint.
Using TOTO’s Tornado Flushing System, each flush releases a swirling type flush that reaches every inch of the bowl. What I really like about this flushing system is the rimless bowl. The water comes out of two holes and creates a powerful centrifugal flush that thoroughly rinses and cleans the whole of the bowl. Regular toilets have a rim that drops water down into the bowl. The rim easily collects dirt and grime over time and doesn’t look good. However, this smooth rim design not only looks great but will also be a lot easier to clean and maintain.
Speaking of easier to clean, I shouldn’t forget TOTO’s CEFIONTECT glaze finish. CEFIONTECT prevents dirt and particles from clinging to the bowl, helping to keep it sparkling and clean for longer. Having this glaze finish on your toilet will also eliminate the need to use harsh chemicals to keep the bowl clean.
The Carlyle II is a WaterSense Certified toilet, only using 1.28 gallons of water per flush. To have WaterSense Certification, a toilet needs to use less than 1.6 GPF. The Carlyle II is a highly efficient toilet and uses 20% less water per flush, compared to a 1.6 GPF model.
Comparing its efficiency to an older 3.5 GPF model, you will save 16,500 of water per year. Not only is this model eco-friendly, but it should also save you a lot of money on water bills and may even qualify you for a WaterSense rebate, depending on which state you live in.
Installation
Plumbers are expensive, so if you would like to install this model yourself then it shouldn’t be a problem. It is worth knowing that this model is a one-piece toilet and will weigh around 100 lbs. Lifting this model into place will need some strength, so make sure you don’t hurt your back.
However, installing the toilet yourself will save you on plumbers’s fees. It is not that difficult to install, even for someone with limited DIY experience. However, it is still worth looking at a demonstration video to see if you think you can handle it yourself.
Here is a short demonstration video on how to install a TOTO one-piece toilet:
How Does The TOTO Carlyle II Toilet Compare To a Leading Competitor?
As stated earlier, I think the Carlyle II and Ultramax II look very similar. However, how does the Carlyle II compare to a leading competitor? The leading brand competitor I have chosen, is the Kohler Santa Rosa Toilet.
Design
The main reason I chose the Santa Rosa is because they look very similar. They are both a one-piece model with an elongated shape. The Santa Rosa is a Comfort Height toilet and the Carlyle II is a Universal Height toilet. This is basically the same thing as they both measure over 17″ in height and are ADA Compliant. If you are looking for a tall toilet, then either one will be fine.
Similar to the Ultramax II comparison, the Santa Rosa does have a trapway design on the side, where as the Carlyle II has a smooth skirted design. Which design you like is a personal choice, however the smooth skirted design will be easier to clean and maintain.
Flushing System
The TOTO Tornado Flushing System uses a centrifugal flush to thoroughly clean and rinse the whole toilet bowl. It is powerful and effective. The Santa Rosa uses AquaPiston flush technology to flush water into 360° of the bowl.
Now, Kohler and TOTO are both highly rated brands, so their flushing performance will be great. Both of these toilets use only 1.28 GPF, so they are both very efficient with their use of water. Either toilet is a good water saver and also good for the environment.
Price
At the time of writing, the Carlyle II was more expensive than the Santa Rosa. Both toilets have a toilet seat included, however it appears the Santa Rosa’s toilet seat is not very high quality. Where as the the seat provided for the Carlyle II is a soft close seat.
And The Winner Is….
Both toilets are powerful and efficient. They are WaterSense Certified, ADA Compliant and are Comfort Height toilets. They also look very similar and are high quality.
The main difference between the two is the skirted design. The Carlyle II has a smooth skirted design and is easier to clean. It also comes with a slow close lid, compared to the regular lid on the Santa Rosa.
However, the Santa Rosa is a more highly rated toilet on Amazon and is that little bit cheaper. Either toilet will be a great addition to your bathroom, I’m sure.
Why not have a look at the Santa Rosa review here to see how it looks and get some more details.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the TOTO Carlyle II is a powerful, water efficient toilet that will complement any contemporary bathroom. Its one-piece, elongated design is easy to clean and maintain.
I also love the smooth skirted appearance, which makes cleaning a lot easier. It’s a WaterSense Certified toilet that uses only 1.28 GPF and is ADA compliant with Universal Height Seating.
The TOTO Carlyle II is a toilet that is well worth considering for your bathroom.
I hope you found this TOTO Carlyle II Toilet Review helpful and can make a more informed decision on whether this toilet is the right model for your bathroom.
