Toilet Advice may earn compensation through affiliate links on this page.
As our Kohler toilet ratings would suggest, we like many of the sanitary ware they produce. Strong flushing performance, and unique exteriors that are aesthetic are just a couple of the things that draw consumers to them.
Today we look at the Adair collection. We want to point out its pros and cons, and help our readers understand if its features and design fit their bathroom needs.
This is a beautiful, one piece toilet that has a seamless exterior that looks modern and is easy to clean. The bowl is elongated for seated comfort, and it's designed to fit standard 12" rough ins.
The K-3946 model we've chosen is finished in Dune, but it's possible to find it in other colors to match different bathroom themes. SIMPLY Add the following numbers on the end: 0 for white, 96 for biscuit, 47 for almond, 95 for ice grey, and g9 for sandbar.
The flushing system included is gravity fed, but single flush. It utilizes AquaPiston technology to push through 1.28 gallons of water each flush. This allows it to meet WaterSense criteria, which is a label only given to models that meet certain water saving standards.
The trapway is 2-1/8 inches, and is fully glazed to help smooth over the surface for waste to pass through easier. From the outside however, the trapway is not concealed, which isn't great from a visual stand point.
Users looking for something that has accessible design features will certainly appreciate the comfort height bowl. Compared to standard bowl heights of around 15 inches, the K-3946 adds a couple of inches, with a measurement of 16-1/2" to the rim. These extra inches may not seem like much, but it can make a significant difference in comfort for the elderly and tall people.
The water surface area measures 11" x 7-3/4", which helps keep bad odors down when in use. The water level is 6-1/16" from the rim too. A safe enough distance to eliminate splashing.
And unlike some products, this comes with a grip tight, cachet Q3 seat which is slow closing and prevents slamming. If you want to get at the rim for cleaning, it has a quick release feature that will allow you to do that.
To give readers an idea of the amount of floor space required to install this, the dimensions are 29.6 x 16.3 x 28.4 inches.
Other product ranges - If you like the K-3946, you will most likely enjoy other ranges from Kohler. We've looked at several ourselves including Memoirs, Cimarron, Tresham, Wellworth, Karing, Corbelle, Veil, Archer, Persuade, San Souci, and Highline. We believe that you can only understand each of your own requirements when you're aware of the alternative options on the market. And each of the ranges listed above bring something unique to the table. Those of you wanting a similar exterior should check out the K-6925 too.
Rough in measurement - Your rough in is simply the distance of your waste outlet from the wall. The easiest way to find out yours is by getting a tape measure and measuring how far from the wall to the middle of the closet bolts it is. The majority of readers who do this will get a measurement slightly higher than either 10, 12, or 14 inches. These are seen as the standard sizes in the industry. After you have the distance noted, you should round it down to the nearest inch. This will give you your rough in size.
If you have a ten inch rough, click here. Alternatively, we have a fourteen inch guide here. Both will help you find a suitable product for your washroom.
One piece or two piece - This is a debate that has been going on a long time. The truth is that there is pros and cons of owning each. A two piece unit will require some extra work putting the bowl and tank together, but they are generally cheaper. Toilets that are one piece are less time consuming to install, and arguably more aesthetic, but they are more expensive. There is no right or wrong answer here as it comes down to consumers personal circumstances and preferences.
Bowl - Three things to consider when looking into the type of bowl to purchase. Shape, height, and glazing. The shape of the toilet bowl has an impact on user comfort, and how well supported you feel when seated. The most popular shape among buyers tends to be elongated. However, if your bathroom is quite small, a round bowl may be better suited to your needs. Usually, the aim of such designs is to limit the amount of space they take up. This is due to the fact they don't extend as far from the wall.
When it comes to height, we're really analyzing the seated height and whether it meets the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To be compliant, bowls must be at least 17 inches tall from the floor to the seat. The extra height ensures that the sitting and standing motion takes less of a toll on the body. You can read more about them here.
The glazing is a type of coating that is put over the top of the ceramic china. This has several advantages. The first is that waste doesn't adhere to the bowls surface, which is a common problem for many modern toilets. The second benefit is the ability to prevent bacteria, mold, and mildew building up due to its anti microbial properties. Finally, it prevents and reduces ugly scratches and staining. All three help increase the products longevity, as well as leaving the bathroom environment more hygienic for the next user.
Consumer reports - Whenever we're consider buying a new toilet, we always take it upon ourselves to see what people are saying on the customer reviews section of online shops and forums. This provides a fresh, unbiased insight into the capabilities of the flush, how comfortable it feels, and any problems they've run into.
After conducting our research into the positives and negative of the Adair toilet, we came to the conclusion that this could be a excellent addition to a family home. The one piece design looks great, it's simple but modern, and it is efficient too, with a 1.28 GPF flush. Before you come to a decision though, make sure you do your due dilligence on the measurements, including rough in, and ensure you understand each of the other considerations listed out above. By doing so, you're more likely to find a product that you're happy with.
