TOTO Drake II vs UltraMax II review and Buying Guide:
The Toto Drake II and the UltraMax II are both top-of-the-line one-piece toilets from Toto. Each with unique features that make them attractive to different types of buyers. While either one will serve you well, which one will serve you best? The question has been asked many times, and we’re here to answer it once and for all.
The Ultramax II and Drake II are both powerful mid-tier toilet models. That will provide your home with years of reliable performance. Neither is perfect; both have their pros and cons. Here, we list every detail about each model and point out where each shines and where each falls short. The goal of our comparison is to help you make an informed decision. So you can choose which Toto toilet will work best for your home. We’ll start by breaking down each model into its core components and explain how they differ from one another.
Then, we’ll look at what customers say about each toilet to reveal any noteworthy shortcomings or unexpected strengths. Finally, we’ll determine a winner based on everything we learned throughout our research process. By the end of our guide, you should be able to decide whether or not either of these toilets would be right for your bathroom. Let’s get started!
Under-mount Vs Top Mount
One of your first considerations in deciding which sink to buy is how it will mount. Under-mount sinks, which look sleek and seamless once installed. Require a perfect countertop that’s flat and level. A good under-mount sink sits about ¼ (6mm) below your countertops for a secure fit. With no gaps or cracks around the perimeter. Top-mount sinks can be a little easier to install because they’re slightly raised above your countertops. Generally speaking, you want them to sit just slightly higher than ½ (13mm). You also want to ensure that they are vented properly. So you don’t trap moisture or odors underneath.
Ease of Installation
In a DIY market that is dominated by Toto, it is easy to wonder. Why you should spend more money on an American Standard product. The most obvious advantage of Toto’s 2-piece design is how easy they are to install. Unlike Totos, where installers often have to make several trips back and forth with multiple pieces of equipment. American Standard units can be installed in one trip (assuming there aren’t any rough-in issues). Once everything is hooked up and working properly, It will take at least twice as long for someone. who has never installed one before to master installing a new Toto compared to an American Standard? In other words, if you have any do-it-yourself ambition in you at all, go with an American Standard!
Space Saving Options
The Toto Drake II has a small footprint compared to other toilets. But if you’re looking for an even smaller-scale toilet, consider opting for its sibling, the Toto Ultramax II. Both are ADA-compliant and have features like dual Flush Technology. But there are some differences in style and design not to mention price. To help you decide which one is right for your home. We’ve put together a comparison of these two space-saving marvels. Read on to learn more about each model and see which one may be best suited for your bathroom.
Energy Efficiency
This is one of Toto’s biggest selling points and a big reason that many in-the-know buyers choose them over other manufacturers. Their Drake series uses a 1.28GPF (gallons per flush) dual flush. Which is far more efficient than most toilets on today’s market. Their Drake can help you save up to 4,500 gallons of water per year. That’s quite impressive and something you probably wouldn’t expect from such an elegant-looking toilet. However, Toto also offers top-of-the-line products with their Ultramax II line.
This series is pretty similar to its Drake counterpart but has some slight differences in design and function. It uses a larger 2.0GPF single flush and comes in two different styles – elongated or round front. While it might not be as energy-efficient as its Drake counterpart. It still helps you save money on your utility bills without sacrificing quality or performance. Which one is better for your bathroom? Well, let’s take a closer look at each model.
Noise Reduction
The Drake II is quieter than any other two-piece toilet on our list (yes, even quieter than our overall winner). The Ultramax does have a slightly lower max flush volume, but it doesn’t make up for that difference in quietness. This is important if you live in an apartment or a house with thin walls. If you do like some noise when you flush and can’t be bothered by your neighbor hearing every time you use your toilet. then we would choose either of these options over an ultra-quiet model.
Cleaning Ease and Convenience
Drake is as easy to clean as it gets. It has no trap way, so there are no nooks and crannies for crud to get caught in. It also comes with an Ever Clean surface that helps prevent mold and mildew from growing on its interior surfaces. This means you won’t have to use harsh chemicals or scrub for ages when it’s time to clean your toilet. In terms of convenience, Drake wins again thanks to its push-button control panel. which gives you full control over all aspects of your Drake experience without a single trip down into your bathroom cabinet. This makes Drake a great choice if you’re looking for something that doesn’t require any physical effort to operate.
Design Appeal (Style and Color Options)
The Drake II is a beautiful toilet, with seven stylish color options and a sleek, elongated profile. But one design flaw keeps it from achieving our highest rating. The Drake has an easy-to-clean rim around its bowl except for one spot on either side of its center post. This area is difficult to clean because water splashes out of it as you flush. Causing stains and mold growth on your floor’s subfloor (and also within reach of your hands). It’s also awkward to clean because you can’t easily reach those spots with a traditional toilet brush or sponge. So if you’re looking for a bathroom upgrade that looks gorgeous and feels luxurious, consider the Drake II.
Just be sure to keep a cleaning tool handy so you can keep it in tip-top shape. For something truly exceptional, check out our top pick. The TOTO Ultramax II is not only a handsome addition to any room. It comes with a pressure-assisted flushing system that cleans better than other toilets we tested. Plus, TOTO makes it simple to install and maintain.
With fewer moving parts than conventional toilets, there are fewer opportunities for malfunctions down the road. Our runner-up pick offers many of these same benefits at a lower price point. Both models have similar designs but differ slightly in their specifications. If you prefer solid colors over patterns, go with TOTO Drake II. if patterned designs are more your style, choose TOTO Ultramax II instead.
Warranty/Repairability
Both of these toilets are covered by lifetime warranties and be among some of Toto’s most reliable products. The Drake II boasts a Sana Gloss glaze, which helps protect against mildew growth and is resistant to stains. Unfortunately, both models are poorly rated for repair-ability and aren’t nearly as customizable as some other options on our list. You may want to steer clear if you want to do any DIY maintenance down the line. But they should provide years of worry-free use nonetheless. If you don’t mind sacrificing a bit of customization. Either model will serve your needs well while saving you hundreds of dollars in repair costs later on! #2 Features Comparison: Drake II vs UltraMax II – Which Toilet Has More Features?
Drake II Ultramax II Number of Wash Jets 11 Number of Water Jets 22 Colors. White Black Shape Round Oval Flush Technology Sana Gloss TM Sana Gloss TM Design Sleek Modern Round. Color Options White Only Black Only Warranty 10 Years Lifetime Repair Cost Low High Performance. Very Good Price Moderate Expensive Our Overall Rating 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars Check Price Best Value Title. Which One Should I Buy? Drake II or Ultramax II? Let’s break it down. As far as flushing power goes, both Drake and Ultramax offer more than enough oomph to get rid of even large loads with ease.
Pros Toto Drake II :
- The Toto Drake 2 is priced lower than its competitor and includes a tall, ADA-compliant toilet seat
- It’s also easy to install and has been a popular option among homeowners who purchase it for their own homes.
- The Drake II is smaller and lighter than other two-piece toilets, making it a great option for small bathrooms.
- The design also allows it to be more easily placed next to a wall or cabinet due to its smaller size.
Cons Toto Drake II :
- Poor flushing
- Not a good shape
Pros of Ultimax II :
- Decent look
- Elegant design
- Best flushing system
- Uses little water for flushing
Cons UltraMax II :
- Horrible design
- You can’t use a Plunger
Conclusion:
They have their distinct advantages, but overall I think that Toto Drake II is a better bidet seat. While it doesn’t have some of the features that you get with a higher-end model like UltraMax. it has all of them (or most) that you need and then goes above and beyond to provide an enjoyable experience. It’s easy to install, use, and maintain; plus there’s a money-back guarantee should it not meet your expectations. You just can’t beat that.