Using dry paper in 2026 feels archaic. Smart bidet seats have moved from being a "luxury hotel" novelty to a standard bathroom upgrade.
If you are looking to retrofit your existing toilet, two models dominate the conversation: The legendary Japanese Toto Washlet C5 and the sleek, feature-packed American BioBidet Discovery DLS. Toto offers unrivaled build quality and bowl cleanliness, while BioBidet offers premium features like "Auto Open/Close" for half the price of a top-tier Toto. Which one deserves a spot in your bathroom? Let's discuss hygiene.
The Heater: Tank vs. Unlimited (Tankless)
This is the most critical technical difference.
Toto Washlet C5 (Reservoir Tank)
The C5 stores warm water in a small tank inside the seat.
The Limit: You get about 40-60 seconds of warm water. Once it runs out, the water turns cold, and you have to wait for it to reheat.
Pros: The water stream is instantaneous and consistent in pressure.
BioBidet Discovery DLS (Tankless)
The DLS heats water on demand as it flows.
The Benefit: Unlimited warm water. You can sit there for 10 minutes, and it will never get cold. This "Tankless" design also makes the seat profile much slimmer and better looking.
The "Wow" Factor: Automation & Cleanliness
Toto's Secret Weapon: "Premist"
As soon as you sit down, the Toto C5 sprays a fine mist of water onto the ceramic bowl.
Why? Waste doesn't stick to wet ceramic. This simple feature keeps your toilet bowl drastically cleaner and reduces the need for manual scrubbing by 80%. It is Toto’s signature technology.
BioBidet's Secret Weapon: "Auto Open/Close"
As you walk up to the toilet, the lid lifts automatically. When you leave, it closes.
Why? It’s a touchless experience. This feature is usually found only on $2,000+ integrated toilets, but BioBidet includes it in the DLS seat. It feels incredibly futuristic.
The Nozzle: Plastic vs. Steel
- BioBidet DLS: Uses a single Stainless Steel nozzle. It is durable, easy to clean, and resists bacteria better than plastic.
- Toto C5: Uses a Plastic wand with self-cleaning "Ewater+" (electrolyzed water). While plastic sounds cheaper, Toto’s "Ewater+" technology sanitizes the wand so effectively that it is arguably more hygienic than steel alone.
Comparison Table: 2026 Specs
| Feature | Toto Washlet C5 | BioBidet Discovery DLS |
|---|---|---|
| Heating System | Tank (Limited Warm Water) | Tankless (Unlimited) |
| Auto Lid | No (Soft close only) | Yes (Auto Open/Close) |
| Bowl Cleaning | Premist (Excellent) | None (Standard flush) |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 5 Years (Industry Best) |
FAQ: Will it fit my toilet?
Round vs. Elongated?
Most modern toilets are "Elongated" (oval). Older toilets are "Round" (circle). You must measure your toilet before buying. Both Toto and BioBidet sell versions for both shapes, but they are not interchangeable.
Is the dryer actually useful?
Honestly? Not really. Both units have "Warm Air Dryers," but they take 3-5 minutes to dry you completely. Most users just dab with a small amount of paper to speed up the process. Don't buy it just for the dryer.
Buy Toto Washlet C5 if: You prioritize reliability and bowl cleanliness. The "Premist" feature keeps your toilet cleaner than any other brand, and Toto seats last for 10+ years.
Buy BioBidet Discovery DLS if: You want luxury features (Auto Lid + Unlimited Warm Water) without paying $1,000+. The 5-year warranty makes it the smarter financial choice.