Kohler Highline Toilet Review 2023 – Pros, Cons & Verdict

We give the Kohler Highline Toilet a rating of 2.6 out of 5 stars. 

Kohler is a well-known manufacturer of bathroom fixtures that produces mid-range to high-end products. The Highline is one of their premier toilet models, and it’s available in several sizes to fit the needs of consumers.

Overall, the Highline is an adequate toilet, though it is a bit overpriced considering what you get. It’s only available in a two-piece design, which means that gaskets will eventually need replacing, and there are plenty of areas for dirt, grime, and general nastiness to accumulate. The trapways are visible, which means even more areas to trap dirt and bacteria.

The appearance of this toilet is nice, but it doesn’t stand out in any way. It features a clean design but doesn’t do anything elegant to stand apart from the many other toilets on the market. One thing that does set the Highline apart is its flush. It uses a liberal amount of water, but because of the class-five flush, it removes waste and keeps the bowl clean. However, unlike many modern toilets offering dual-flush mechanisms, you only get a single flush.

Kohler Highline – A Quick Look

Class 5 Economical Flush

No one wants a messy toilet bowl covered in disgusting streaks and stains. But we’re always hyper-aware of our water usage these days, so many consumers are also looking for an economical flush.

This is where the Highline stands out. It provides a very efficient flush that uses just 1.28 gallons of water. The flush is rated class five, which means it offers maximal flushing performance, even though it doesn’t use much water.

We also found the flush to be very thorough, hitting every area of the bowl. Fortunately, the bowl remains clean and doesn’t require constant attention.

No Awards for Appearance

Though appearances might take a back seat to performance, most people are still looking for an attractive toilet that will add to the overall design of their bathroom. While the Highline isn’t ugly by any means, it won’t win any awards for attractiveness.

It’s a standard toilet without any design cues that stand out. Many toilets provide elegant designs by hiding the trapways with slick lines. You’ll get none of that with the Highline.  If you just want a standard-looking toilet, the Highline certainly fits the bill.

Can You Keep It Clean?

One of the most crucial considerations of any toilet is how easy it is to keep clean. Luckily, the bowl of the Highline remains clean, thanks to the powerful class-five flush. The toilet is made of china with a glossy finish that’s easy to wipe down. However, a few factors make the toilet less hygienic than others.

First, it’s a two-piece design only. It has a large opening between the tank and the bowl, where dirt, bacteria, and odors can accumulate. Since it’s hard to clean the area, it’s a problem you’ll be stuck with.

We also aren’t so thrilled with the exposed trapways. This is a standard design, but many manufacturers have moved away from this to offer skirted trapways instead. With visible trap-ways, there are loads of little nooks and crannies where bacteria, dirt, and more can start to build up. No one likes reaching around the toilet bowl to clean those areas.

A Comfy Place to Park Your Can

If you spend a lot of time on the toilet, or even if you don’t, you probably want it to be as comfortable as possible. You can always find a seat that works better with your backside, but you won’t be able to change the height of the toilet.

Thankfully, the Highline is available in several sizes, including a comfort height model, which is 16.5 inches high to the top of the rim. Once you add a seat, it has a total height of about 17-18 inches. That is taller than several models and ideal for anyone with issues bending to get lower or getting off of a toilet that’s too low.

FAQ

Is There Enough Water in the Bowl to Avoid Leaving Streaks?

There is plenty of water in the bowl to avoid leaving streaks. The water is also well placed so that when seated properly, all of the waste will land in the water and not on the sides of the bowl.

Does the Flush Cover the Entire Bowl?

Yes. The flush does a great job of hitting every part of the bowl, so no waste is left behind.

Do You Have to Hold the Handle to Flush?

No. This toilet is designed to flush with a simple push of the lever. You do not need to hold the lever down.

Is It ADA Compliant?

Yes, this toilet is ADA-compliant.

What the Users Say 

We’re happy to share our opinions with you, but we know that our opinions aren’t the only ones. So, we searched through reviews and forums online to get the sentiments of other users so we can share them with you as well.

Many users seem pleased at how well the flush removes waste and conserves water. Some customers were disappointed at the lack of a dual-flush option, but most people were content with how well the Highline flushes and how little water it uses.

One of the main selling points of this model for many people is the comfort height option. Several customers mentioned that standard-height toilets are too difficult to get on and off or painful in some cases.

We noticed that a few people who installed the toilet seemed unhappy with the instructions. They seemed to believe the instructions lacked clarity and needed to be more concise to be truly helpful.

Conclusion

With a basic design and standard appearance, the Highline isn’t a toilet that particularly sticks out. That might be a good thing, depending on your design preferences. It’s a very average toilet in most respects, though the class-five flush makes excellent use of the small amount of water. We had no trouble keeping the bowl clean, but because of the two-piece design and exposed trapways, keeping the exterior clean wasn’t as easy. We wish the Highline provided more for the price, but it’s still a reliable toilet without any significant flaws.

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