When it comes to choosing the right toilet for your bathroom, you have countless options available. However, two popular models that consistently garner attention are the KOHLER Elmbrook and the Highline Arc.
These KOHLER staples are highly favored due to their unique features and exceptional performance. But how do you decide between the two?
Well, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll do a deep dive comparison of KOHLER Elmbrook and Highline Arc toilets to help you make an informed decision.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Features | KOHLER Elmbrook | KOHLER Highline Arc |
| Comfort Height | Yes | Yes |
| Water Efficiency (gpf) | 1.28 | 1.6 |
| Powerful Flush Technology | Standard | Class Five(R) |
| Included Seat | No | Yes (Slow-close) |
| Design | Exposed Trapway | Concealed Trapway |
| Easy to Clean | Standard | Enhanced (CleanCoat Technology) |
| Price | Less Expensive | More Expensive |
Understanding the KOHLER Brand
KOHLER is a well-established brand in the bathroom fixtures industry.
Known for their high-quality, innovative, and aesthetically pleasing products, KOHLER is a brand that homeowners, interior designers, and contractors trust.
With models like the Elmbrook and the Highline Arc, it’s no wonder why this brand has such a stellar reputation.
KOHLER Elmbrook: Pros and Cons
The KOHLER Elmbrook is a stylish, elegant, and versatile toilet that fits seamlessly into any bathroom decor.
Here’s a closer look at its pros and cons.
Pros of KOHLER Elmbrook
- Comfort Height: The Elmbrook toilet comes with a comfort height feature, meaning it’s the same height as a standard chair (17.5-19 inches), making it easy for most adults to sit down and stand up.
- Water Efficiency: With a 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) rating, the Elmbrook is highly efficient and can help you save water and lower your bills.
- Easy Installation: The Elmbrook is designed for DIY installation, with easy-to-follow instructions. This saves you the expense and hassle of hiring a plumber.
- Quiet Flush: The Elmbrook’s quiet flush mechanism keeps bathroom noise to a minimum – perfect for late-night use.
Cons of KOHLER Elmbrook
- Lack of Included Seat: You may need to purchase the seat separately, which is an additional cost.
- Cleaning: The exposed trapway design means there are more nooks and crannies to clean.
KOHLER Highline Arc: Pros and Cons
Next in our KOHLER Elmbrook vs. Highline Arc comparison is the Highline Arc. This toilet boasts a blend of comfort, efficiency, and style. Let’s evaluate its pros and cons.
Pros of KOHLER Highline Arc
- Powerful Flush: The Highline Arc comes with Class Five(R) flushing technology that ensures a powerful, plug-free flush.
- Comfort Height: Like the Elmbrook, the Highline Arc also offers comfort height seating, providing easy use for adults of all ages.
- Included Seat: Unlike the Elmbrook, the Highline Arc comes with a slow-close toilet seat.
- Easy Clean Design: The Highline Arc features a CleanCoat(TM) Technology that repels water and dirt for easy cleaning.
Cons of KOHLER Highline Arc
- Water Usage: The Highline Arc uses 1.6 gpf, slightly more than the Elmbrook. This might be a concern for those who are more environmentally conscious.
- Price: The Highline Arc is generally more expensive than the Elmbrook.
Key Differences Between KOHLER Elmbrook and Highline Arc
While both the KOHLER Elmbrook and Highline Arc are fantastic choices for your bathroom, they do have a few distinct differences that can play a significant role in your decision-making process.
Let’s break down these key differences in more detail.
- Water Efficiency
Perhaps one of the most notable differences between the Elmbrook and Highline Arc lies in their water efficiency. The Elmbrook boasts an impressive 1.28 gpf rating, significantly lower than the Highline Arc’s 1.6 gpf.
This difference means the Elmbrook is the more eco-friendly and cost-effective option in terms of water usage.
- Flush Technology
The Highline Arc stands out with its Class Five(R) flushing technology. This feature delivers a powerful and plug-free flush every time. In contrast, the Elmbrook doesn’t specify this technology, although users do praise its effective flushing mechanism.
- Included Seat
Another significant difference is that the Highline Arc comes with a slow-close seat included, while you’ll need to purchase the Elmbrook’s seat separately. If you’re looking for convenience and cost-effectiveness, the Highline Arc might be more appealing.
- Design and Cleanliness
In terms of design, the Highline Arc has a more streamlined look with a concealed trapway, while the Elmbrook features an exposed trapway. Besides the aesthetics, this difference also impacts cleanliness. The concealed trapway of the Highline Arc makes it easier to clean compared to the Elmbrook.
- Price
The Highline Arc is generally more expensive than the Elmbrook. However, considering it includes a seat and has more sophisticated flush technology, the price difference might be justifiable for some buyers.
By understanding these key differences, you can tailor your decision to your specific needs and priorities.
Whether it’s water efficiency, flush technology, ease of cleaning, or price, both the KOHLER Elmbrook and Highline Arc have their unique advantages.
Which Toilet is Right for You?
In the KOHLER Elmbrook vs. Highline Arc debate, the right choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re more focused on water efficiency and keeping the noise level down, the Elmbrook may be your best choice.
However, if you prioritize a powerful flush, an easy-clean design, and don’t mind spending a bit more, the Highline Arc could be the way to go.
Remember, both toilets offer comfort height seating, ensuring usability and comfort for adults. Plus, both are products of KOHLER, which guarantees excellent performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
The choice between the Elmbrook and Highline Arc is not about finding the ‘better’ model; it’s about finding the one that fits your needs best.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, it’s safe to say that both KOHLER Elmbrook and Highline Arc toilets are winners in their own right.
While they share some similarities, each stands out with its unique features, giving you a wide range of options to tailor your bathroom to your specific requirements. Choose wisely and rest assured that you can’t go wrong with a KOHLER.