Rimless toilets: pros and cons, owner reviews

The requirements that apply to modern plumbing in general and toilets in particular are, first of all, an impeccable appearance and maximum hygiene. And although manufacturers are constantly improving the design and construction of plumbing fixtures, the principle of drainage has remained unchanged for a long time. The situation got off the ground only with the advent of Rimless technology (translated from English “without a rim”), thanks to which we had a choice between traditional and innovative sanitary products. Today we look at the structure and operation of rimless toilets, and also analyze whether they are really good.

Toilets with a bowl without a rim: device and features

Historical reference. Rimless toilets appeared relatively recently - for the first time the novelty was introduced in 2002 by the Japanese company Toto. In Europe, the British became pioneers of a promising direction. The British company Twyford Bathrooms launched the serial production of plumbing fixtures without a rim in 2007, supplying hygiene plumbing fixtures to medical facilities in the country. Further improvements led to the fact that in 2012 Twyford experts patented Rimfree technology, which was first used by the Keramag brand. Bezel-less toilet bowls entered the market of household plumbing in 2014 and today are produced by all the leading manufacturers in the world.

If you put a standard and bezel-less toilet near, even a specialist will not be able to tell by what technology this or that plumbing fixture is made. And this is not surprising, because all the differences are hidden inside and are due to the desire to make plumbing more durable and hygienic.

Differences from traditional plumbing fixtures

A single glance at a classic design toilet bowl is enough to understand how flushing occurs. As soon as the shut-off valve of the drain tank opens, a stream of water washes the back of the bowl and simultaneously rushes along the rim. In this case, the latter is used as a guide along which the liquid reaches the front and side surfaces of the device.

It would seem that the design, perfect from the point of view of engineering and hydraulics, has one significant drawback. The presence of the rim complicates cleaning and cleaning, due to which dirt is deposited on the walls of the inaccessible area and rusty smudges appear. In addition, the zone hidden from the eyes is the haven of numerous colonies of microorganisms, which in no way contribute to the hygiene of the device and are the cause of an unpleasant smell in the bathroom.

Many plumbing companies saw a solution to the problem of applying an additional, smoother coating, as well as the use of dirt-repellent coatings. However, the first option only partially resolved the issue, and the second turned out to be completely inoperative - due to the use of aggressive household chemicals, the protective layer quickly waned. Over time, experts came to understand that it would be much easier to eliminate the source of trouble than to solve the difficulties associated with it. For this reason, it was decided to abandon the rim in favor of a completely smooth bowl.

Since there was no room for a rim in the new, so-called rimless toilet, the first thing the developers had to do was find a flushing method in which water flowing from one point could wash the entire bowl without spraying and spraying. And he was found in the face of a ceramic divider. The design installed at the water supply site is calculated in such a way as to redistribute the fluid flow in three directions - along the two side walls and along the back surface of the bowl. An accurate calculation of the cross sections of the individual parts of the divider allows you to add additional acceleration to the water flows. Thanks to this, they not only reach the front wall of the bowl, but also effectively clean all its surfaces.

An equally important task facing engineers and designers was the need to prevent water from spilling over the edge of the device. In previous models, the rim located on the periphery was a limiter, but how to make the flow not go beyond the bowl in the absence of it? Here, experts from leading companies saw several solutions.

So, the Rimfree technology mentioned above uses a special stream splitter. The effectiveness of such a flushing system can be judged by the fact that dozens of plumbing companies today use Twyford's designs. No less high-quality work is provided by the Tornado Flush technology (Toto trademark), a feature of which is the formation of a vortex fluid flow flowing from three holes at the back of the bowl.

A special feature of the Rimfree and Tornado Flush toilets is a completely smooth bowl. At the same time, plumbing fixtures are also known whose vessels in their upper part have a small edge or special booster channels. With the help of the latter, the initial direction and width of the water flows are set - such models have recesses that come to naught in the upper part of the device.

Despite concerns about the higher cost of new devices, their price has remained at the level of traditional models. This is due to the fact that the need for a divider of remyles-toilet bowls is simply leveled by a more complex configuration of the internal channels of classical devices.

Classification and difference from models of classical design

Like traditional sanitary ware devices, bezel-less toilets allow you to follow the most fashionable trends in the interior of your bathroom or toilet. Today, plumbing manufacturers offer several types of Rimless devices:

• floor;
• hanging (cantilever);
• attached.

In order for the moment of disappointment not to come after the installation of the long-awaited news, it is necessary to take into account the strengths and weaknesses of a particular model at the purchase stage. We discussed the features of the choice of toilet in this article. Now we will talk about whether the lack of a rim affected the convenience and functionality of plumbing fixtures of one type or another.

Floor models

The bezel-less floor-standing toilet is the direct descendant of an ageless classic. As before, belonging to the "compacts" is clearly traced by the drain tank installed on the rear shelf. And although such devices are sold at a more affordable price than the “advanced” add-on and wall-mounted models, there are several things to consider when choosing a rimless-toilet of a traditional design.

If you are planning to purchase a floor-mounted toilet, you should take into account the area and features of the interior of the bathroom or toilet. The fact is that a bulging shelf with a drain tank installed there one way or another will take from 15 to 30 centimeters of free space, which can be a very sensitive loss for a compact bathroom in a small apartment.

The second thing that needs to be considered by the potential owner of an innovative “compact” is flushing efficiency. Due to the low located drain tank, water has low potential energy - a known problem that forced manufacturers to deal with calculations and modeling of hydrodynamic processes. In new toilets, the situation is further aggravated by the divider, which is an additional obstacle to the flow of water.

As you yourself understand, only brands that value their name and reputation have the opportunity (read, desire) to conduct full-fledged research - it is their products that should be preferred. If you want to save money, then you should pay priority attention to bezelless models with a higher tank - the higher the better. As practice shows, they have much less problems with flushing than their "undersized" counterparts.

Wall hung toilet

The advantages of a toilet “floating” in the air are obvious even to people far from plumbing - just a quick look at this device is enough to understand how such a design can simplify cleaning. More knowledgeable consumers will add a couple more points to the benefits - a visual increase in the volume of the room, and most importantly, a unique opportunity to make the interior stylish, vibrant and memorable. Of course, it will not do without pessimists, who will surely take the opportunity to criticize the expensive installation system, time-consuming installation and difficult access to the drain tank and exhaust system.

As for our "experimental" with a bezel-less bowl, the installation mounted on the wall gives a few more advantages in favor of the console design. Thus, a competent redistribution of water flows reduces the noise emanating from a working device, and the combination of a high tank with a more efficient flushing scheme reduces water costs.

To be honest to the end, rimless-technology has not added a single minus to the existing shortcomings of suspended sanitary ware. As before, the wall-mounted toilets have certain inconveniences in the form of a bowl of insufficient depth, difficult access to communications, as well as a more expensive and difficult to install design.

Plumbing fixtures

Attached rimless toilets were able to incorporate all the best from hanging and floor models and allowed to get rid of several inherent flaws. By choosing such a device, you will appreciate the reliability of the design, ease of installation, efficient and economical operation of the flushing system. By the way, the use of a divider and a decrease in water consumption led to a decrease in noise, which for many years was a real scourge of console plumbing.

Floor-mounted Rimless toilets have a depth sufficient for the full implementation of the anti-splash function, therefore their owners note the maximum usability. This type of flush toilet bowl is hidden in the wall, making it seem almost as light and weightless as hanging models.

Constructed toilets made using the remless technology are practically devoid of drawbacks, therefore, when choosing them, one can be guided by generally accepted requirements for design, quality and reliability.

Video: the benefits of rimless toilets

Pros and cons

Many of our readers are interested in the question of whether rimless toilets are really something new, or is this another ploy of marketers who want to force the consumer to change their usual sanitary fixtures in any way for the sake of fashion and innovation. So, let’s take a look at what the new technology provides in terms of convenience and functionality.

Advantages of rimless toilets:

• the absence of hidden and inaccessible areas makes the device more hygienic, because on the surface of its bowl there is no place where dirt and bacteria could accumulate;
• as expected, the new models have a more aesthetic and stylish design both inside and out;
• when caring for remless devices, household detergents can be used much less frequently. This means one thing - less chemistry will fall into the drains, and more voiced coins will remain in your pocket. All that is needed to maintain the constant cleanliness of a bezel-less toilet bowl is a soft cloth and warm soapy water;
• the new flushing technology requires much less fluid, so the novelty saves up to 30% of water;
• traditionally noisy toilets with wall-mounted installation work much quieter - reduced flow rate and a more efficient flushing system;
• a decrease in the number of cleanings using household chemicals has a positive effect on durability - the device will delight the owner with a pristine shine much longer.

As for the minuses, the rimless toilets practically do not have them. If there are any negative aspects, then most often they are associated not with technology flaws, but with imperfect designs or flaws in individual manufacturers.

What the market offers: manufacturers and models of rimless toilets

Above, we have already touched on the topic of choosing a rimless toilet, considering this process through the prism of design features. Now we offer to take a close look at the current offers of the plumbing market, give them a critical assessment and pay attention to certain models.

The popular VitrA company offers toilets with the innovative Rim-ex system, which uses a flushing circuit with a patented flow divider. In some models, it is removable (for example, VitrA Form Rim-ex S20 or VitrA Form Rim-ex S20), which allows you to keep the plumbing in perfect cleanliness.

More functional appliances include an integrated VitrAFresh detergent container, a micro-lift lid and other additional amenities. Toilets are available in various price niches - from the budget S20 or S50 to the more expensive T4, Shift or Metropole. The latter can be taken without fear - their quality is beyond doubt. As for inexpensive models, users note some flaws, such as: the lack of enamel on the lower outer surface of the bowl, the two-layer design of the divider, an uninteresting design, etc.

The Roca brand uses Clean Rim rimless bowls in its toilets, which feature is the presence of small booster channels at the back wall. In the class of Rimlex devices, the manufacturer offers models of the average price category Inspira (Round and Square), as well as the popular novelty The Gap. Plumbing stands out for its excellent coating, but the design of the devices and the quality of the complete equipment were a little disappointing - there are consumer complaints about the unremarkable appearance, poor-quality plastic and short-lived connections. Nevertheless, it is the products of this brand that are preferred by the owners of hotels, restaurants and other institutions, which allows us to draw conclusions about the reliability of the devices.

The Swiss company Gustavsberg needs no introduction - this manufacturer is in the first tier of high-quality sanitary ware. And although the design of its toilets is not completely “clean” Rimless due to the open rim, we just could not help but mention the hygienic flush WWS, Nautic and Arctic appliances. "Elementary care with maximum hygiene." “Real premium at an affordable price!” - If you are going to buy a suspended model, then forget about these advertising slogans forever.

In fact, the developers themselves “outplayed”. In pursuit of exquisite design, the console devices with Hygienic Flush got such a small and flat bowl that it gives a lot of inconvenience even for men. As for the pseudo-remless design, you can forget about the usual brush - you need a special curved brush. In a word, we will not recommend the suspended “bezelless” Gustavsberg. But floor models - how! Moreover, according to criteria such as flush efficiency and the quality of glazing, they have no equal.

 

No less eminent French brand Jacob Delafon represents in the class of rimless toilets only one device - Jacob Delafon ODEON UP.Like the suspended models of the Gustavsberg brand, its upper edge has a small protrusion that prevents water from splashing. Due to this, the company's specialists managed to increase the flow rate and achieve excellent drainage system operation, however, the console ODEON UP have the same disadvantages as the Gustavsberg criticized above.

The Keramag toilet bowls (the same Rimfree we spoke about at the beginning) have double walls, a rounded bowl of optimal depth and shape. Water drains from the slit-like divider and enters the front wall through small indentations in the bowl. No complaints about the form, convenience and workmanship. Real premium. The only thing is that he will have to pay a tidy sum.

And, finally, a brand that cannot be talked about is the already mentioned TOTO (Japan). Two- and three-stream flushing systems with Tornado Flush technology perfectly cope with any dirt - a real tornado forms in the bowl.

Well, and, of course, the Japanese simply could not help equip the toilets with an ultraviolet bacterial exterminator, systems for remote lifting of the lid and automatic flushing. It goes without saying that all of these options are not free, but when was this “made in Japan" a cheap treat?

Video: Toto rimless toilet seat against German-made sanitary fixture

Owner reviews

So that you could not suspect us of bias, we suggest that you read the reviews of the owners of rimless toilets. Perhaps this will be a decisive argument in favor of a particular model.

Karina. “When I bought the Jacob Delafon toilet, at first I could not get enough. When the passions subsided, I began to notice one drawback - it is not very convenient to wash the top of the bowl. True, it is practically not polluted, therefore, this has to be done infrequently. ”

Vladislav. “For a long time I was looking for a suitable rimless toilet, I settled on the Ifo Rimfree model. Bribed a beautiful appearance and reliable design with a cast flow divider. The toilet has been in use for the second year and during this time has never regretted its choice - it flushes powerfully, consumes little, and requires very minimal care. ”

Auntie. “When I bought a toilet, I chose in appearance and convenience. The fact that we have such ultra-modern plumbing lol :) I found out only two months later, when my husband’s brother showed up and asked: “Have you bought a bezel-less toilet. And only then I began to look closely at how clean it washes off. I clean it once a week, but to wash the bowl inside and the truth has become easier. The toilet is really cool, I advise. It’s called the VitrA S50. ”

Nata. “Bought the vaunted Roca The Gap. Well what can I say? The toilet is like a toilet — periodically, you still need to wash it. ”

Avpopov. “At the moment I am the owner of Keramag Renova v.1 203050000. I am happy as an elephant. Perfect casting, glaze everywhere. The sound is voiced. The surface is slippery. No bezel at all. There is no spray. Washes off powerfully, but of course, the front wall is not completely washed. The seat was delivered from AM-PM with a microlift. ”

Oleg Peskishev. “Cersanit Carina: the bowl is flat, when you are in need, then the spray from the surface bounces to your feet. When you sit on it (on the bowl), the prickles are in it, you want to wash them, press the drain. There is no enamel on the inner surfaces of the pot itself, but only some fragments. But the main drawback is the spray flying to the floor during the discharge.I believe that the production technology of rimless toilets is still imperfect. I recommend taking a toilet with a rim and a deep bowl. ”

Anna “They bought a cercanit bezel-less toilet bowl - they’re not happy with the product, it doesn’t wash off well, water does not cover the necessary area for flushing, the toilet water splashes onto the walls and floor.”

Of course, no one will be able to conduct a full analysis of owner reviews. A small study that we conducted revealed an almost equal number of supporters and opponents of rimless toilets. However, the fact that consumers dissatisfied with the quality of products on the network more often unsubscribe, allows us to declare the success of Rimless technology.

Deprived of the rim of the toilet bowl is rapidly gaining ground from traditional models. And although many new products are not yet devoid of childhood diseases, the time is not far off when Rimless technology completely replaces the outdated classics. Now you can advise only one thing - in order not to be disappointed in your choice, you should not save money - the market is full of reliable, proven solutions from manufacturers of the first tier.

Video: how the toilet works with Rimless technology