You’ve decided you want a bidet. Now comes the part where most people get stuck: which one? The options can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never shopped for one before. But the decision is simpler than it looks once you know what actually matters.
Here are the things worth checking before you buy.
Check Your Toilet Shape
Toilet bowls come in two shapes: round and elongated. Elongated bowls are oval-shaped and slightly longer. Round bowls are more compact and circular. Most bidet seats are available in both sizes, but you need to match the seat to your bowl or it won’t fit properly.
The easiest way to check is to measure from the front of the bowl to the bolt holes where your current seat attaches. Roughly 16.5 inches is round. Roughly 18.5 inches is elongated. It takes 30 seconds with a tape measure.
Check for an Electrical Outlet
This is the one that catches people off guard. If you want an electric bidet seat with warm water, a heated seat, and an air dryer, you need a GFCI electrical outlet within reach of your toilet. Many Canadian bathrooms don’t have one near the toilet.
If you don’t have an outlet, you have two choices: hire an electrician to add one (usually a quick, straightforward job), or go with a non-electric bidet seat that doesn’t need power at all. Either way, it’s worth checking before you order so there are no surprises on install day.
Decide What Features Matter to You
Not everyone needs the same things, and the features you get depend on which tier you go with. Here’s what’s generally available at each level across the market.
Non-Electric (generally $30–$200)
- Front and rear wash nozzles
- Adjustable water pressure
- Self-cleaning nozzle
- Easy DIY installation (15–30 minutes)
- No power or outlet needed
➜ See our Z-Rinse non-electric bidet seat
Mid-Range Electric (generally $250–$600)
- Warm water (adjustable temperature)
- Heated seat
- Warm air dryer
- Self-cleaning nozzle
- Soft close seat and lid
➜ See our ZenWash mid-range electric bidet seat
Premium Electric (generally $700–$2,000)
Everything the mid-range offers, plus:
- Remote control
- Multiple wash modes (oscillating, pulsating)
- Auto open/close lid and seat
- Deodorizer / odour control
- Night light
➜ See our ZenWash PRO premium electric bidet seat
The key is to be honest about what you’ll actually use. A heated seat and warm water are game-changers for most people. A dryer means you can skip the toilet paper. And premium features like a remote control and odour control are the kind of things that feel unnecessary until you live with them. Our breakdown of electric vs. non-electric bidets goes deeper into what each tier offers.
Think About Who’s Using It
If the bidet is for a household with elderly family members or anyone with mobility challenges, look for seats with a remote control and an auto open/close lid and seat. These features make a real difference for someone who has difficulty reaching behind or bending down. If kids will be using it, adjustable water pressure and a simple control layout matter more than premium features.
A bidet that’s right for a single person in a condo is different from one that needs to work for a multigenerational household. That’s not a problem. It just means the “best” bidet is the one that fits your specific situation.
The best way to avoid buyer’s remorse is to answer three questions before you shop: what shape is my toilet, do I have an outlet, and what features will I actually use? Once you know that, the right bidet practically picks itself.
Water Matrix carries non-electric, mid-range, and premium bidet seats, including our H&H Z-Rinse, ZenWash, and ZenWash PRO. All ship across Canada, and our team can help you match the right model to your bathroom in a quick phone call. Over 35 years of helping Canadians make smart water decisions. That experience is yours for free.
Browse our bidet lineup or call us before you buy.
___________________________________________________________________________
Questions People Ask
How do I know if a bidet seat will fit my toilet?
Measure from the front of your bowl to the seat bolt holes. Around 16.5 inches means round, around 18.5 inches means elongated. Most bidet seats come in both sizes.
Do I need a plumber or electrician to install a bidet?
For most installs, no. The only exception is if you need a new GFCI outlet added for an electric seat, which requires a licensed electrician.
0 comments