TOTO Washlet C5 Review (2026)

TOTO has been making washlets since 1980. They didn't just enter the bidet market — they created it. Every washlet on the market today is iterating on something TOTO invented. We tested the C5 head-to-head against the Brondell 1400 and Bio Bidet BB-2000. Here's what we found.

The C5's signature feature is ewater+. Before each use, TOTO's system electrolyzes ordinary tap water into a mild electrolyzed water solution and pre-mists the bowl — reducing waste adhesion and the need for chemical cleaners. After use, the nozzle is rinsed with the same solution. This isn't marketing language; it's a patented electrochemical process that genuinely reduces bacteria on contact surfaces.

In testing, the wash experience is characteristically TOTO: precise, consistent, and refined. Water temperature is adjustable across five settings, pressure across five levels. The auto-open and soft-close lid responds to your approach — a small detail that feels surprisingly premium in daily use. Rear and feminine wash positions are distinct and accurate.

The warm air dryer is effective, though on the slower side compared to Brondell's — you'll need 60–90 seconds for a complete dry. The heated seat maintains consistent temperature across the range we tested (room temp to roughly 104°F). Remote is standard TOTO — clear, backlit, wall-mountable.

Installation is the same as any electric seat: 20–30 minutes with a nearby outlet. TOTO's quick-release mechanism is among the cleanest we've used — the seat clicks in and out without tools for cleaning underneath. The C5 fits elongated and round bowls; measure before buying.

At $449, the C5 is priced slightly below the Brondell 1400 with a comparable feature set. TOTO's one-year warranty is shorter than Brondell's three — worth knowing. But for buyers who specifically want the engineering pedigree of the company that defined this category, there's no substitute.