A Beginner’s Guide to Different Types of Bidets

As hygienic awareness and eco-friendliness move to the forefront, bidets are experiencing a rebirth, tempting folks to ditch the quilted roll for a refreshing, high-tech clean. Whether you're looking to upgrade your bathroom experience or simply curious about the different options available, choosing the right bidet can seem overwhelming at first.

Start your bidet journey here! We'll take you on a tour of the different types, from elegant standalone models to cutting-edge seats that will transform your bathroom experience.

What is a Bidet?

A bidet is a bathroom fixture designed to cleanse your private areas with water after using the toilet. Imagine arriving at a refreshed, sparkling cleanliness after using the bathroom - that's what bidets offer, a clear upgrade from toilet paper. Originally a European invention, bidets have evolved significantly, with various styles now available, including standalone fixtures, bidet seats, and even portable options.

Standalone Bidets

Description: Standalone bidets are separate plumbing fixtures installed next to the toilet. After using the toilet, you move to the bidet to clean yourself with water from a faucet or spray nozzle. These bidets are often found in older homes or luxurious bathrooms where space is not a concern.

The good stuff:

• You're in the driver's seat with a cleaning experience that's fully adaptable to your liking.
• Regain control over your water temperature and pressure settings with this advanced system.
• Often considered a luxury bathroom fixture, adding value to the home.

Cons:

• This layout requirement is a bit more demanding - it needs its own dedicated plumbing, which means more space in the bathroom.
• The installation process is often accompanied by a hefty bill and a side of technical trouble, making it a challenge to get everything off the ground.
• Less convenient as users must physically move between the toilet and the bidet.

Bidet Seats

Description: Bidet seats are advanced toilet seats that replace your standard toilet seat, integrating bidet functions directly into the toilet. High-tech seats can include a slew of bells and whistles, such as fine-tuning water temperature, customization of spray patterns, and indulgent heated seats and air dryers to complete the pampering experience.

The benefits speak for themselves:

• Easy to install without needing extensive plumbing modifications.
• Feel the comfort of modern amenities like warm seats, precise temperature control, and a gentle air drying system.
• More affordable than standalone bidets and a good space-saving solution.

Cons:

• Requires an electrical outlet near the toilet for advanced features.
• Can be more expensive than simpler bidet attachments.
• You may need to call in a pro to get some models up and running.

Bidet Attachments

Description: Bidet attachments are mounted directly onto your existing toilet, usually beneath the seat, and feature a spray nozzle that directs water for cleaning. If you're looking for a budget-friendly bidet solution that's a cinch to put in, these attachments are the way to go.

Pros:

• Affordable and widely accessible.
• Easy to install without professional help or major plumbing changes.
• Fits most standard toilets and offers a simple, effective solution.

Cons:

• Fewer features compared to bidet seats, such as no water temperature control or heated seats.
• Basic models have limited pressure adjustments.
• May feel less comfortable compared to higher-end bidet seats.

Handheld Bidet Sprayers

Description: Handheld bidet sprayers consist of a small nozzle connected to the toilet's plumbing, allowing users to manually direct the water spray. Popular in many parts of Asia and the Middle East, handheld sprayers offer a simple and flexible cleaning option.

We're kicking off with the highlights.

• Highly affordable and easy to install.
• Fine-tune your water flow with precision control over direction and pressure.
• Say goodbye to clutter: this slim and streamlined device is a joy to use, requiring minimal real estate to get the job done.

Cons:

• Requires manual operation, which can be less convenient.
• Can cause splashing if not used carefully.
• Missing out on fancy features like adjusting the temperature to your liking.

Portable Bidets

Description: Portable bidets are compact devices, typically squeeze bottles or battery-operated sprayers, designed for travel or temporary use. Planning a trip or just looking for a serious bathroom upgrade? Look no further – these take-the-bidet-with-you wonders will keep you feeling fresh on-the-go.

Pros:

• Ideal for travelers who want to maintain hygiene on the go.
• Lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to use.
• Provides an option for those without access to a permanent bidet.

Cons:

• Limited water capacity, so frequent refilling may be necessary.
• Doesn’t offer advanced features like temperature control or adjustable pressure.
• Less powerful than stationary bidets, making them less effective for regular home use.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Bidet

Budget: When choosing a bidet, the cost will be a major factor. Basic bidet attachments are the most affordable, while bidet seats with advanced features will be pricier. Standalone bidets, due to installation and space requirements, are the most expensive.

Bathroom Space: Consider how much space you have in your bathroom. Standalone bidets require more room, whereas bidet seats and attachments are more space-efficient.

Features: If you’re looking for luxury and convenience, opt for bidet seats with features like adjustable water pressure, heated seats, air dryers, and remote controls. For a basic, no-frills clean, a bidet attachment or handheld sprayer may suffice.

Ease of Installation: Bidet attachments and handheld sprayers are usually DIY-friendly, while standalone bidets and some advanced bidet seats may require professional installation.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to bidets. Your choice will depend on your bathroom space, budget, and the features you desire. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly bidet attachment, a feature-packed bidet seat, or a luxury standalone bidet, there’s an option that can fit your needs and make your hygiene routine cleaner, more comfortable, and more eco-friendly.