Looking to make the switch to a bidet? You’ve come to the right place! Bidets provide a more comfortable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative to dry toilet paper. With so many options available, this comprehensive bidet buyer’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find your perfect match.

Key Takeaways

• Bidets save money on toilet paper and are gentler than wiping
• Choose from standalone bidets or add-ons like attachments and seats
• Consider features like warm water, adjustable pressure, and night lights
• Assess bathroom space, electricity access, and toilet compatibility
• Most bidets are easy to install yourself in less than an hour
• Using a bidet supports sustainability with less waste

Now let’s get into the details on finding your dream bidet!

Types of Bidets Available

The first step is deciding which type of bidet is right for your needs and bathroom setup. There are 5 main options:

Traditional Standalone Bidets

This is the classic bidet style you’ll see in Europe and high-end bathrooms. A traditional standalone bidet is installed beside your toilet and requires its own water lines and plumbing. These bidets are the most expensive option but provide that true luxury experience.

Pros: Premium aesthetic, total separation from the toilet for those wanting more distinction

Cons: Much pricier, uses more floor space, professional installation often required

Bidet Attachments

Bidet attachments affix between your existing toilet seat and bowl, connecting to the fresh water line to divert a stream for personal cleansing. They’re compact, affordable, and simple to install as a toilet add-on.

Pros: Budget-friendly, easy DIY installation, fits any bathroom

Cons: Can shift out of optimal position over time, fewer features than electric bidets

Bidet Toilet Seats

These specialized toilet seats have an integrated bidet with features like a heated seat, warm water, air dryer, remote control, and more. Going electric allows for advanced options but also increases cost.

Pros: Luxurious experience, customized wash settings, intuitive controls

Cons: More expensive, requires nearby GFCI electric outlet for power

Handheld Bidet Sprayers

Also known as bidet hoses, these affordable and minimalist products have a simple spray wand that attaches to your toilet’s water line for targeted cleansing.

*Pros: Compact size*, lowest cost, adjustable spray angle

Cons: Requires some maneuvering to use, basic temperature and pressure

Portable Travel Bidets

Compact handheld personal bidets let you take the fresh cleansing experience anywhere. These bottle-style units simply require filling with water and squeezing to generate a gentle stream.

Pros: Great for travel, camping, or public washrooms, inexpensive

Cons: Small water capacity, finite supply per fill, need space to position

Key Features To Consider

With so many bidet options available, think through what’s most important before choosing the best model for your needs and budget.

Cost

There’s quite a range when it comes to bidet costs:

• Portable Bidets: Under $30
• Bidet Hoses/Sprayers: $40-$60
• Bidet Attachments: $50-$300
• Bidet Toilet Seats: $400-$1,700
• Traditional Standalone Bidets: $1,200+

While more basic handheld personal bidets and attachments only provide core cleansing functionality, splurging on a feature-packed electric bidet toilet seat may be worth it if you’ll use it frequently.

Electric vs Non-Electric

Electric bidet seats require a nearby GFCI outlet to power conveniences like a heated seat, warm air dryer, temperature-controlled water, and remote operation.

Non-electric options utilize your home’s water pressure for cleansing and don’t heat up or adjust temperature. The benefit is quick installation without electrical work.

So consider your bathroom setup and whether certain luxury features are must-haves or not.

Water Temperature

Will you want the soothing comfort of warm water washing? Traditional standalone bidets include both hot and cold knobs to tailor the temp as you like.

Electric bidet seats heat the water internally while most non-electric choices supply an ambient tap water stream. If warm water sounds appealing, get a model with this capacity.

Adjustable Options

Look for models with ways to customize your perfect cleansing experience:

• Water pressure
• Spray nozzle angle
• Oscillating or pulsing stream
• Heated seat and dryer
• User presets

Special Features

While not must-haves, specialty functions available on some models include:

• Built-in night light or glowing lid
• Motion-activated opening
• Deodorizing filters
• Wireless remote controls
• No-touch flushing
• Auto wash and dry cycles

Factors For Choosing The Right Bidet

Narrow down your selection by assessing some compatibility factors around your bathroom space, fixtures, and personal needs.

Bidet Compatibility With Your Toilet

Most bidet attachments and seats are designed as universal fittings for all standard two-piece toilets. But some unusual toilet shapes like corner units or tiny spaces may present challenges.

Carefully check the dimensions before purchase and opt for elongated seats with more coverage whenever possible for maximum comfort.

Available Space in Your Bathroom

While a standalone bidet needs extra room beside your toilet, models like attachments and handheld bidet sprayers only minimally impact the footprint.

If working with a smaller floor plan, elongated seats may overlap with doors or storage depending on the layout. Carefully measure before choosing an option requiring more clearance.

User Mobility and Accessibility

Do you or other household members face any mobility limitations or conditions needing special accommodation? Those recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, or needing assistance may benefit most from:

• Wireless or wall-mounted remote controls
• Adjustable temperature and spray settings
• Built-in night lights
• Motion-activated opening and closing

So prioritize key convenience and safety features based on your needs.

Bidet Installation Process

Installing your bidet on your own or calling in a pro? Here’s what you need to know.

Professional or DIY Install?

For standalone units, specialized plumbing skills mean professional installation is strongly advised. The good news is bidet attachments and seats swiftly connect using your existing toilet’s water supply line and don’t require electrical know-how.

Carefully follow all enclosed directions and video tutorials from the manufacturer. Have a bucket ready to catch any water drips. Allow 30-60 minutes for the process, working slowly and gently to get parts securely fitted.

Warranties and Customer Support

Reputable companies stand behind their products if questions or issues later arise. Comprehensive 5+ year warranties often cover replacement parts.

Check what support channels like chat, email, phone assistance are available before buying. Video tutorials online can also provide troubleshooting help.

Thousands get months of flawless operation from quality seats and attachments installed DIY-style. But it’s reassuring to know stellar support teams have your back.

Using and Maintaining Your Bidet

Learn tips for enjoying and caring for your bidet once installed.

Adjusting Water Pressure and Angles

When first testing out your bidet, a too-forceful spray can surprise! Gradually turn up the pressure while shifting your seating angle until the water stream hits just the right spot.

Consider saving favorite settings like water temperature so each household member can easily access their predetermined preference.

Cleaning Your Bidet

Today’s nozzles stay protected when not in use, and quality models are self-cleaning before and after each wash. But give all exterior surfaces a quick wipe with a soft damp cloth to keep your bidet fresh between deep scrubs.

For standalone bidets or rare clogged nozzles, refer to manufacturer cleaning recommendations using mild solutions like diluted vinegar or soap to prevent buildup and residue.

Bidet Hygiene and Safety

Maintaining good hygienic habits will keep your bidet operating at peak sanitary conditions:

• Stick to water only instead of soaps or harsh chemicals inside the basin
• Pat dry with a fresh soft towel after each use
• Avoid spraying at maximum pressure for prolonged periods
• Have children use gentle settings supervised

Following basic directions and precautions will let your whole household safely enjoy bum-blasting bliss!

FAQs About Bidets

Still have some lingering questions? Our FAQ tackles the most common queries about buying and using bidets:

Do bidets really save money compared to toilet paper?

Yes! A basic bidet attachment often pays for itself within 6 months from cutting toilet paper usage so drastically. And better models continue saving you serious cash year after year.

Is it difficult adjusting to using a bidet after a lifetime of just wiping?

Adapting to a bidet might feel foreign at first. But within a week of regular use, you’ll quickly make the mental and physical adjustments needed to utilize good positioning and water angles. Soon that fresh clean feeling becomes truly addictive!

Do bidets require a lot of bathroom space?

It depends on the type chosen, but generally no. Handheld units, attachments, bidet hoses work with nearly any toilet and room configuration. Even higher-end electric seats don’t protrude much further. Only standalone luxury bidets need extra clearance.

Can you install a bidet yourself?

For most non-electric bidet attachments and seats, absolutely! Handy do-it-yourselfers can handle the job in 30-60 minutes depending on model. Just work slowly, follow instructions, and don’t force connections. Standalone bidets do require professional skills.

How do bidets stay hygienic and clean?

Through antimicrobial materials and keeping key parts hidden when not in use. Many include self-sanitizing cycles between washes. Simple manual cleaning wipes or using the water’s cleansing motion prevents grime buildup. Letting all surfaces fully air dry after use optimizes hygiene.

Do bidets work for users with mobility issues?

Yes. Carefully select options with remotes, grab bars, adjustable pressure/positioning, and convenience extras to best suit limited strength or range of motion. Features like glowing night lights and motion-activated opening lids also provide key assistance.

Ready to Experience Bidet Bliss?

The days of endless wiping and toilet paper purchases are behind you! Hopefully this bidet buyer’s guide provided the must-know details to select your perfect model.

Key factors like dimensions, controls, settings, and bonuses help match unique needs to the ideal fixture. And understanding the variation between types like standalone vs electric vs portable lets you dial in the best solution.

Soon that fresh clean feeling exclusive to water washing will have you wondering how you ever settled for mere dry wiping again! Join believers worldwide in upgrading your bathroom time. Your bottom will thank you!