Sterling Vs. Kohler Toilets: Which One Should You Pick for Your Bathroom?

If you think about the most used tool in a bathroom, then we all have the same answer, it is the toilet. To ensure the comfort and elegant look of the bathroom it is important to pick the best toilet. 

There are some renowned brands out there, among them if you are thinking about Sterling vs. Kohler toilets then this write-up is for you.

So, without any further delay, let’s get to know how these two brands differ from each other.

A Quick Comparison Table

There is not much of a difference when it comes to talking about the brand. Sterling is just another brand of Kohler since 1984. 

Everyone knows the company has a reputation of its own, and it is a well-recognized leader when it comes to bath and kitchen design.

Now, let’s get to know about some minor differences between the two toilets.

Specifications	Sterling Toilets	Kohler Toilets
No of the pieces	Most of this has a Two-piece design.	One-piece toilets.
Origin	It is another brand of Kohler since 1984.	It is providing the best quality product before it acquired Sterling.
Design	Most of the toilet model comes with a transitional design.	These toilets come with organic striking designs.
Price	These toilets have a middle-ranged price.	The overall pricing is more compared to Sterling.
Flushing technology	Sterling Toilets come with Pro-Force Flushing Technology.	Single-flush gravity technology is used for Kohler toilets.
Water-saving	It takes twenty percent less water during the toilet flush than the other counterparts.	It requires more water than the sterling toilet while flushing the toilet.

I am sure by now you have got a brief idea about the key differences between Sterling and Kohler toilet brands. If you still want to know more about it, then the following sections will be helpful to you.

Key Differences Between Sterling And Kohler Toilets

After having a brief idea about the difference, let’s get to know about those a bit more. Though the Sterling brand is being acquired by the Kohler brand, you can differentiate the differences by looking into these points.

• Flushing Power

One of the most important considerations when choosing a new toilet is flushing power. You want a toilet that can flush away waste thoroughly and efficiently in one flush.

Sterling toilets are designed with powerful siphon jet flush action. They do a decent job of clearing the bowl, though some users report having to occasionally flush twice for heavier loads. Overall, good but not exceptional flushing capabilities. 3/5 stars for flushing power.

Kohler toilets, on the other hand, are industry leaders when it comes to flushing performance. Their innovative AquaPiston and Class Five flushing technologies produce an extraordinarily strong, vortex-like flush that leaves the bowl immaculately clean. 5/5 stars for flushing power.

Clearly, Kohler beats Sterling when it comes to flush efficacy and strength. Kohler’s flush is virtually unparalleled in both power and effectiveness.

• Water Efficiency

Water conservation is crucial these days, so a toilet’s gallons per flush (GPF) are an important consideration.

Most Sterling toilets use 1.28 GPF, which is pretty standard for modern toilets. A few models can flush with just 1.1 GPF. 4/5 stars for good water efficiency.

Kohler toilets excel in water conservation, offering many ultra-low flow models with 1.0 GPF or less. Their dual-flush toilets let you choose between a full or light flush. 5/5 stars for excellent water efficiency.

If saving water is a top priority, Kohler is the winner here with the most water-efficient toilets on the market. But Sterling models are still pretty good at conserving water compared to old 3-5 GPF toilets.

• Bowl Shape

The shape and size of the toilet bowl directly impacts comfort and functionality. Key factors are whether the bowl is elongated or round-front, the rough-in dimensions, bowl depth, seat height, and more.

Sterling offers both round and elongated bowl options, but the majority are round-front which are less comfortable. Their bowls tend to be more compact in size and shallower in depth. Most have standard seat heights. 2/5 stars for less comfortable bowl shapes.

Kohler specializes in elongated bowl toilets that provide more room and support. Many of their models are available in comfort height, chair height, or right height sizes for improved accessibility. Their bowls are usually wider and deeper as well. 5/5 stars for more comfortable bowl shapes.

Kohler’s roomier, elongated bowls that come in comfort heights provide a big advantage in comfort over Sterling’s compact round-front bowls in standard heights.

• Ease of Installation

Installing a toilet yourself can save on plumber fees, but some toilets are more DIY-friendly than others.

Sterling toilets have a reputation for being moderately difficult to install. The instructions can be confusing, and some parts often don’t line up correctly. 2/5 stars for below average installation.

Kohler makes it a bit easier for DIYers to install their own toilets. Their installation kits have color-coded parts and clear instructions. 4/5 stars for above average ease of installation.

While neither toilet is as simple as just a few steps, Kohler does take the guesswork and frustration out of installation compared to Sterling. So Kohler gets the nod for DIY toilet projects.

• Warranty

A good toilet warranty provides you with protection in case any defects arise with the toilet. The longer the coverage period the better.

The Sterling toilet warranty lasts just one year for all parts and the toilet. Some exclusions apply. 2/5 stars for a poor toilet warranty.

Kohler offers an exceptional warranty. Their toilets are covered for one year on all parts and defects. The china parts have lifetime coverage for defects and staining. 5/5 stars for an excellent toilet warranty.

Kohler clearly provides much better toilet warranty coverage than Sterling. With lifetime protection on the vitreous china, you’re covered for as long as you own your Kohler toilet.

• Pricing

Budget plays a big role in choosing a new toilet. You’ll want to get the most features and quality for the price.

Sterling toilets are affordably priced, ranging from $200 – $600 for most models. Their focus is basic, entry-level toilets. 4/5 stars for good value.

Kohler offers more variety in pricing. Basic models start at $300 while high-end models run upwards of $700. But you get innovation and quality for the price. 3/5 stars for average value.

Sterling wins when it comes to budget-friendly toilets. But Kohler offers a better range from basic to luxury models packed with leading-edge features and technology.

• Styles Available

Having options to match your bathroom’s decor is key. The more styles and colors to choose from the better.

The Sterling toilet lineup is quite limited. They offer around 10 models focused on standard white porcelain toilets. Very few styles and finishes available. 2/5 stars for limited options.

Kohler, on the other hand, excels in offering a huge range of toilets in different styles, colors, and finishes. From modern to classic to transitional, over 100 Kohler toilet models are available. 5/5 stars for an extensive selection.

If you want a toilet that complements your bathroom’s unique look, Kohler is sure to have lots of choices. Sterling doesn’t offer nearly as much design flexibility.

• Brand Reputation

Both companies have been in the toilet business for decades, but Kohler has developed an edge in reputation and customer opinion.

Sterling is seen as an affordable, basic toilet brand. They don’t have many standout innovations or impressive features. Quality can vary. 3/5 stars for average reputation.

Kohler is renowned for high-quality, innovative toilets packed with leading-edge design and technology. They consistently receive rave reviews for durability, performance, water efficiency, and ease of installation. 5/5 stars for excellent reputation.

Clearly, Kohler is the winner when it comes to brand reputation and customer satisfaction. Their commitment to innovation and quality over decades has paid off.

• No of Pieces

It is a very important specification to notice when you need to purchase a toilet for your bathroom.

Which one you would choose will generally depend on the type of toilet that you would like to keep in your bathroom.

Here the key difference for most of the toilets for these two manufacturers is that for the Sterling toilets most of the toilet models have two-piece design.

It is the most preferred and comfortable toilet for some users.

On the other hand, when it comes to the Kohler toilets most of the toilet models are one-piece. There is some demand for such toilets as well to some users.

According to your comfort level and personal preference, you will eventually pick which one is going to be the best toilet for you.

• Origin of The Brands

Initially, Sterling toilets and Kohler toilets were different brands. They had their distinct identity. Sterling originated in the year 1907 and served with its amazing product lines until in the year 1984 Kohler acquired it. 

So Sterling is now another brand of Kohler. Though Kohler is the parent company now, there is still some basic difference in the product lines that may impact the buying decision for the users. 

• Design Variation

Not all toilet designs are well-suited for your bathroom, especially when there is not plenty of space in the bathroom.

You may have to consider the light, look and a certainly designed toilet would change the overall look of your toilet.

However, for the Sterling toilets, most of the toilet designs are to some extent transitional whereas, Kohler toilets have organic striking designs mostly. 

You may have a certain preference for one design over the other one, and you pick the one for you accordingly.

Which One Will Be the Best Fit For Your House?

By now, you know the key differences between the Sterling and Kohler toilets. Since right now you can not differentiate both of these brands much, then it is normal to be confused about which one to pick!

Then, it is better to pick the one that best matches your preferences. And not to fall for the advertisement and persuasion of the sellers. Ultimately, only you know what is a better pick for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Wrapping Things Up

There is no point in remaining in a fix regarding Sterling vs. Kohler toilets while making the purchase decision. 

Your financial situation, bathroom size, lighting in the bathroom, and other aspects are different, and you know which toilet fits your bathroom the most.

So, you can use your judgment to get the best toilet for your bathroom. Regarding the brand, you will not have to worry as both of these brands have years of reputation among the users.