Have you been thinking about getting a new Kohler toilet? There is an online debate going on for Kohler Highline Arc vs. Highline Curve. Which one should you choose for your home?
Are they both the same, or are there significant differences?
Firstly, they are both quite similar to each other, especially when it comes to flushing technology, price, water usage, color, material, design, single flush quality, and ADA compliance.
However, you will notice a distinct variance in the design and height of the two toilets. Now, how will you choose? Let me guide you a bit!
A Quick Comparison Table
Before getting into details, here is a quick comparison table to understand the specifications of Kohler Highline Arc and Curve toilets.
| Specifications | Kohler Highline Arc Toilet | Kohler Highline Curve Toilet |
| Water Usage | 1.28 Gallons per Flush | 1.28 Gallons per Flush |
| Material | Vitreous China | Vitreous China |
| Flushing Class | 5 | 5 |
| Dual Flush | No | No |
| Flush Technology | Gravity-feed | Gravity-feed |
| Design | Two-piece | Two-piece |
| Color | White, Biscuit | White |
| Bowl Height | 16.5 inches | 16.5 inches |
| Total Height | 31 inches | 35.25 inches |
| Warranty | 1 year | 5 years limited |
| ADA Compliant | Yes | Yes |
Overview Of Kohler Highline ARC Toilet
The Kohler Highline ARC toilet features Kohler’s signature Class Five flushing technology, providing powerful siphonic flushing action while only using 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF). This exceeds WaterSense criteria for high efficiency.
The elongated bowl shape provides added room and comfort. Inside the tank is the AquaPiston canister, which delivers water into the bowl from all sides for a fast, forceful flush.
With the Highline ARC, the trapway is exposed and fully glazed, adding an eye-catching style element while also being easy to keep clean. This toilet also features Quiet-Close technology on the toilet seat, preventing loud slams.
Some key specs on the Highline ARC include:
- Dimensions: 28.5 x 17.8 x 30.75 inches
- Bowl shape: Elongated
- Rough-in: 12 inches
- Water usage: 1.28 GPF
- Flushing power: 1000 grams
- Toilet height: Standard (approx. 15 inches)
- Weight: 119 pounds
This toilet has a powerful, efficient flush and stylish exposed trapway. The standard height makes it a good option for households with members of different heights and abilities.
Kohler Highline ARC Pros:
- Powerful Class Five flushing
- Excellent bulk waste removal
- Water efficient at 1.28 GPF
- Quiet-Close toilet seat included
- Exposed, fully-glazed trapway for easy cleaning
- Standard height fits most households
Kohler Highline ARC Cons:
- More expensive than Curve model
- Some users report issues with flapper durability
- Standard height may be uncomfortable for some adults
Overview Of Kohler Highline Curve Toilet
The Kohler Highline Curve toilet also utilizes Class Five flushing technology with a 1.28 GPF water usage meeting EPA WaterSense standards. It can likewise remove 1000 grams of bulk waste in a single flush.
The trapway on the Curve is concealed, giving this toilet a sleek, contemporary look. But the tradeoff is that the hidden trapway may be slightly harder to clean.
This toilet comes in a comfort height, meaning it is taller (about 17 inches) than a standard toilet. This chair-height seating makes sitting down and standing up easier for most adults.
Key specs on the Highline Curve include:
- Dimensions: 31 x 20.75 x 29.5 inches
- Bowl shape: Elongated
- Rough-in: 12 inches
- Water usage: 1.28 GPF
- Flushing power: 1000 grams
- Toilet height: Comfort (approx. 17 inches)
- Weight: 105 pounds
With its comfort height and elegant concealed trapway, the Curve is a stylish elongated toilet option. The powerful flush also ensures dependable performance.
Kohler Highline Curve Pros:
- Class Five flushing provides strong bulk removal
- Water-efficient 1.28 GPF flush
- Comfort height seating for most adults
- Concealed trapway for a sleek look
- Less expensive than ARC model
Kohler Highline Curve Cons:
- Some users say flush isn’t as strong as ARC
- Hidden trapway can be harder to clean
- May be too tall for children or shorter adults
Differences Between Kohler Highline Arc And Curve Toilet
Now that you have gone through the quick comparisons between Kohler Highline Arc and Curve toilets, here are the key differences that have been noticed between the two.
- Height Differences
There is not much difference in the heights of Kohler Highline Arc and Curve. The Curve is just a little taller, which may be an issue for short people.
A little bit of height difference does not immediately put the other on the pedestal.
But the elevated toilets are sometimes considered to have the ‘comfort height toilet,’, especially for all the tall people out there.
Nonetheless, the variance between comfort and standard heights is just two inches!
- Different Design
The design of Highline Arc is not too aesthetic like the other toilets in the market. The overall finish is high-class, but the design is not so pleasing to look at. However, the glossy finish will let you keep your toilet clean very easily.
Highline Curve looks much better than Highline Arc (but that is just my opinion) with flat, wider construction. The narrow, sleek build of the Arc was just not doing for me!
- Flush
The Highline Arc is admired for its flushing ability. Even though it is economical in using water, the class five flush allows a strong flush to keep the bowl clean and tidy.
If you are alright with a single flush, this is the one for you.
To talk about Highline Curve, it can flush at the same rate as the Highline Arc but quietly. Its flush is also very powerful and cleans everything at the front and sides of the bowl.
Although it has no resistance to drain line clog, it can prevent soil and odor.
- Price
While Kohler Highline Arc is priced around $179, Highline Curve is also priced in the same range. It is a fierce battle between the two where money hardly matters!
Other qualities of the toilets will decide who wins at the end.
- Warranty
When you observe the warranty condition, Highline Curve offers a better deal than the Highline Arc.
Which One Should You Get?
So when deciding between the Kohler Highline ARC vs Curve, which one is right for your needs? Here are a few key points to consider:
Go with the Highline ARC if:
- You want the most powerful Kohler flush
- An exposed, easy-to-clean trapway appeals to you
- You like the Quiet-Close seat feature
- Standard height fits your household best
- You don’t mind spending more for extra features
Go with the Highline Curve if:
- You want a comfort height toilet
- A sleek, concealed trapway matches your bathroom style
- You want to save $50-100 vs. the ARC
- You don’t need the Quiet-Close seat
- You prioritize value over extra features
Both Highline models offer the same excellent Class Five flushing system and efficient 1.28 GPF water usage. Performance will satisfy even demanding households.
TheCurve gives you classic Kohler quality and power at a mid-range price point. It’s a great choice for guest bathrooms, kids’ bathrooms, or powder rooms.
But for your main bathroom, it may be worth investing in the ARC’s added convenience. The easy-clean trapway, Quiet-Close seat, and AquaPiston canister give this toilet an edge in features. And the standard height fits a wider range of users.
No matter which you choose, Kohler is known for durable, long-lasting products that look beautiful. Rest assured that either Highline toilet will serve your home well for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Kohler toilets are one of the best toilets out there. So, do not expect to get one of these at your home without spending some bucks!
The brand supports a long warranty, including quality assurance through years of experience in the field.
But is that all you need to decide how to choose a suitable toilet? Nope. You need more answers, so here they are!
Kohler toilets are extremely versatile. After purchasing one toilet, you may expect it to last for the next 10 to 15 years if no severe damage has been done to it.
The removal and installation may cost between $120 to $230, and labor cost is included here. When it comes to buying a new toilet, it may vary between $100 to $200. Overall, be prepared to spend $220 to $430 for a new toilet installation and removal of the old one.
For your information, 1.28 GPF toilets are known to use ⅓ of a gallon less water than regular 1.6 GPF toilets. In other words, in a family of five, you save 10 gallons of water every day with the 1.28 GPF toilet. The annual estimation for that is 3650 gallons of water per year.
One-piece or two-piece toilet: what a difficult decision to make. Let me make it easier!
One-piece toilets are heavier than two-piece toilets, but not like you will be carrying them around. The one-piece option does not leave room for bacteria to grow, unlike the two-piece ones.
On the other hand, the two-piece toilets are customizable due to the presence of a detachable tank. Those are the few reasons to choose between the two toilet types. Despite the minor difference, they are both capable of low-flow energy-saving and include bells and whistles.
The Kohler Highline ARC toilet is ADA compliant in terms of both seat height and flush performance. At a standard 15-inch height, the ARC meets ADA requirements for accessible seat height (between 17-19 inches high).
The ARC’s Class Five flushing technology provides effective and reliable bulk removal, surpassing ADA’s minimum MaP score of 350 grams. So yes, the Highline ARC qualifies as an ADA toilet option.
The tallest toilet Kohler manufactures is the Highline Comfort Height toilet, which stands at approximately 17 inches high – a “comfort height” design. This tall toilet makes sitting down and standing up easier for most adults. Other tall toilets from Kohler include the Cimarron Comfort Height (17 in) and the Wellworth Round-Front Dual Flush Toilet (17 in).
Final Words
Kohler Highline Arc vs. Highline Curve: is it even worth the hype? From what I have noticed so far, they are both insanely similar to each other, almost like siblings!
However, Highline Curve tops Highline Arc in terms of exterior design, height, and warranty.
That does not mean the Highline Arc is less of a toilet. Its flush quality, construction, and ability to provide long service are on par with Curve.
Having the same price range, now it is up to you whether you want a shorter or taller toilet.
Thanks for the review. I’m considering these two toilets, one is sold at Lowe’s, and the other at Home Depot. But without putting them next to each other, I cannot see the design differences you cite (and to make matters worse, the dimensions listed for the highline curve at my local store differ from what you reported – Arc and Curve advertise the same total height near me). When you say “Highline Curve looks much better than Highline Arc […] with flat, wider construction. The narrow, sleek build of the Arc was just not doing for me!” are you referring to the tank, the bowl shape, or all of the above? Thanks!