5 Best Macerating Toilets: Best Upflush Toilet Reviews With Care Tips, Buying Guide and More

Best Macerating Toilets

 

Have you been planning to give your basement a makeover? Do you live in an old house and want to renovate your bathroom? Or do you want to install a toilet in a different area that does not have access to the sewage system? The most cost-effective solution to deal with plumbing setbacks in all these cases is to install the best macerating toilets (upflush toilets).

 

A macerating or upflush toilet is a technologically advanced toilet that can help you have a lavatory in your preferred spot without having you to rip off your bathroom floor by a contractor and plumber. An upflush toilet sends the waste to a macerator located behind the toilet. The macerating unit comprises a motorized turbine with sharp steel blades that grind the waste into a slurry and then pump it upwards or sideways via thin pipes to reach the main sewage system or septic tank.

 

 

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Though these toilets are more expensive than the standard flushing toilets, the best upflush toilet systems are more convenient to install in an existing drainage system than to drill into the concrete to redo the entire plumbing, let alone the massive cost of such a makeover. Moreover, an upflush toilet can be a lifesaver for households that experience low water pressure supply or have multiple users. Plus, the upflush toilets today come in great designs and styles that can easily blend with different bathroom décors.

 

But how do you check which models are the best macerating toilets in the market? And for that, we are here at your service. We did some groundwork to come up with detailed and unbiased upflush toilet reviews for the top 5 upflush toilets that efficient, easy to install, and are also value for money.  We have also shared some basic maintenance tips for the right upkeep of macerating toilets and have provided a quick buying guide that you can refer to for getting the best upflush toilet systems for your home or workplace. In addition to that, we have also tried to answer some of the common questions that may crop up in your mind as a prospective upflush toilet buyer.

 

So let us begin with our upflush toilet reviews for the best macerating toilets you can choose from.

 

 

Best Macerating Toilets: Our Top Picks

Product Rating Price Buy Now
Liberty Pumps Ascent II

Liberty Pumps Ascent II

4.5

$986.25 Buy Now
Saniflo SaniBest Pro

Saniflo SaniBest Pro

4.3

$1258.85 Buy Now
Saniflo 023 Sanicompact

Saniflo 023 Sanicompact

4.4

$913.75 Buy Now
Jabsco 37010 Electric Marine Toilet

Jabsco 37010 Electric Marine Toilet

4.1

$598.32 – $789.49 Buy Now
Saniflo SaniPLUS

Saniflo SaniPLUS

4.5

$1088.00 Buy Now

1. Liberty Pumps Ascent II

One of the most popular macerating toilets according to the upflush toilet reviews is the Ascent II model by Liberty Pumps. This is one of the best upflush toilet systems that can help you fulfill your dream of having a lavatory in the sections of your home that are not connected to the main drainage. This toilet can be installed 150 feet away from the sewage system or septic tank or 25 feet below the sewage line. The reason we call it one of the best macerating toilets is due to the advanced RazorCut technology that efficiently macerates the waste and pumps it into the sewage pipes, mitigating any changes of clogs and unpleasant odors. Apart from handling the effluent like a PRO, this toilet also helps you conserve water as it uses just 1.28 Gallons Per Flush (GPF) and is therefore WaterSense certified.

 

Another feature that sets it apart from the others is that it has a removable service panel so you need not disconnect the toilet to the plumbing system in order to service the macerating blades. You can simply replace the part that has worn out without the need of replacing the whole unit. Hence, it is easier to maintain this toilet compared to the other best upflush toilets in the market.

 

Other than that, this toilet comes with an elongated bowl that offers extra sitting comfort. Its compact design can easily fit into smaller dimensions and also makes it easy to wipe clean. Besides, it also features an ADA-compliant seat height making it the ideal choice for elders and people with disabilities. The toilet runs on batteries which have an average lifespan of three and a half hours. The first batch of batteries is included in the package.

 

Liberty Pumps Ascent II $986.25

4.5

Buy Now

 

Features

  • Dimensions – 29.75 x 20 x 32.25 inches
  • Pumping – 25 feet vertically and 150 feet horizontally
  • Water Consumption – 1.28 GPF
  • Bowl – Elongated
  • Batteries – 1 9 V batteries
  • Average Battery Life – 3.5 hours
  • Mounting – Floor mounted
  • RazorCut macerating technology
  • ADA compliant seat height
  • WaterSense certified

 

Pros

  • Helps conserve water
  • Toilet seat included
  • Allows connection of a sink
  • Liberty Pumps offers good customer service
  • Easy access to service the panel
  • Easy maintenance

 

Cons

  • California’s proposition 65 warning
  • Some upflush toilet reviews say that the quality of the product is inconsistent
  • A bit noisy

 

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2. Saniflo SaniBest Pro Upflush Toilet

Our second choice for the best macerating toilets is the SaniBest Pro. Manufactured by Saniflo, one of the leading manufacturers of the best upflush toilet systems, this toilet is another excellent option that is worth considering for installing a toilet below or far from the sewage line. The installation can be done 18 feet below the sewer line and 150 feet away from the soil stack.

 

This toilet has a highly powerful macerator motor which functions at 3600 rpm providing optimal performance. Plus, its durable steel blades ensure that the waste is dealt with efficiently and it also requires lesser maintenance. The upflush toilet reviews claim that its macerating motor is powerful enough to handle all kinds of household waste, including dental floss and sanitary napkins. However, we do not recommend disposing of such waste in the toilet to prevent clogging.

 

Talking about water consumption, this toilet uses 1.6 GPF which also makes it one of the best upflush toilet systems that can help you cut down your water bills. You can also connect it to a sink, bath, shower, or washing machine. Another reason why most of the upflush toilet reviews favor this toilet is that its impeller and macerator are incorporated into one unit giving the toilet a sleek and compact look. The SaniBest Pro is also easy to install as you just need to secure four connections. The kit includes everything – the macerator pump, toilet bowl, the tank, plus an extension that allows you to install the macerator in the wall. The elongated bowl is comfortable to use and the toilet also comes with a 2-years warranty.

 

Saniflo SaniBest Pro $1258.85

4.3

Buy Now

 

Features

  • Pumping – 18 feet vertically and 150 feet horizontally
  • Water Consumption – 1.6 GPF
  • Bowl – Elongated
  • Material – Polypropylene, C.R.P., Stainless Steel, and Neoprene
  • Color – White
  • Electrical Supply – 110-115 V
  • Wattage – 920 W
  • Mounting – Floor mounted
  • Warranty – 2-Year full warranty

 

Pros

  • Upflush toilet reviews call it ideal for heavy-duty use
  • Powerful and durable macerator
  • Sleek and compact design
  • Easy to install
  • Can manage greywater from sink, shower, bath, or washing machine

 

Cons

  • Several upflush toilet reviews state that the toilet is noisy
  • Needs regular upkeep
  • Can clog with excess tissue paper usage

 

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3. Saniflo 023 Sanicompact Self-Contained Toilet

Another Saniflo model in our best upflush toilets is the Sanicompact self-contained toilet. What makes it one of the best macerating toilets in the market today is an in-built electric flushing system that doesn’t require any external plumbing fixtures. Its self-contained macerating pump can suck in waste, macerate it, and pump it into the sewage lines. Its tankless design makes it the smallest unit in the best macerating systems. So if you have always wanted a bathroom in your basement or the attic, but the lack of space prevented you from having one, this toilet can provide the best upflush toilet systems even in super tight dimensions. This self-contained toilet can be installed up to 9 feet below the sewer line and up to 120 feet away from a soil stack.

 

The reason why we vouch for the upflush toilet reviews about this toilet is that the Sanicompact is one of the most efficient and perhaps the best macerating toilets that use just 1 GPF. It can also be connected to a sink to reduce your water consumption. The flushing mechanism is also electrically timed which allows water to clean the bowl and refills the bowl with fresh water in approx. 10-15 seconds. Its discharge elbow can also be rotated a full 360° to suit all installation requirements. The no-return valve also keeps the toilet clean and odor-free. This toilet has a tall height of 18.5 inches that makes it comfortable to use for the elders and people with limited mobility. Our verdict – this toilet is more cost-effective compared to the other makes mentioned in the popular upflush toilet reviews.

 

Saniflo 023 Sanicompact $913.75

4.4

Buy Now

 

Features

  • Dimensions – 18.25 x 14.25 x 19.5 inches
  • Pumping – 9 feet vertically and 120 feet horizontally
  • Water Consumption – 1 GPF
  • Material – Vitreous china
  • Color – White
  • Bowl – Elongated
  • Voltage – 110-115 V
  • Wattage – 960 W
  • Mounting – Floor mounted
  • Seat height – 18.5 inches
  • Warranty – 2-Year limited warranty

 

Pros

  • Small design occupies less space
  • Good for building a half bathroom
  • Easy to clean
  • Helps cut down water usage
  • Can also use wastewater of a sink
  • Easy to install
  • Good seat height

 

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Needs an electrical outlet
  • As per some upflush toilet reviews, the seat rubber gaskets are very fragile
  • Suction not very powerful
  • The seat is a bit small

 

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4. Jabsco 37010 Series Electric Marine Toilet

If you are searching for the best macerating toilets for your boat that are also light on your pocket, then the Jabsco 37010 series marine toilet should be on your radar. This toilet comes in two variants, a compact 12 V unit and one with a household size bowl. This is one of the best upflush toilets that features a permanent magnet motor that will keep the toilet up and running efficiently. The flushing mechanism operates through a push-button.

 

Other reasons for you to invest in this one of the best upflush toilet systems is the flexible impeller flush pump made of high-quality nylon, a durable baked enamel seat and seat cover, and powerful stainless steel macerator blades. So you can rest assured that you will not have to replace your toilet anytime soon. This toilet also comes with a preventer valve that will prevent any backflows and also mitigate bad odors.

 

Moreover, this is one of the best macerating toilets that can help you limit your water consumption. As per the upflush toilet reviews, this toilet uses just half a gallon of water per flush. This model is also one of the lightest units in the best upflush toilet systems which occupies minimal floor space and is therefore suitable for installation in boats. The installation is also easy to follow and does not require any professional assistance. However, the discharge pipe is a tad smaller than the standard pipes which can make it prone to clogging.

 

Jabsco 37010 Electric Marine Toilet $598.32 – $789.49

4.1

Buy Now

 

Features

  • Dimensions – 19 x13 x 13 inches
  • Water Consumption – less than 0.5 GPF
  • Material – Vitreous china, baked enamel cover and seat
  • Color – White
  • Voltage – 12 V
  • Mounting – Floor mounted
  • Built-in backflow preventer
  • Flexible impeller flush

 

Pros

  • Made of sturdy materials
  • Compatible for a variety of boats
  • Easy to install
  • Space-saving design
  • Powerful flushing

 

Cons

  • As per a few upflush toilet reviews, the motors does not work properly
  • Has California’s Proposition 65 warning
  • The seat can be a bit small for a few users
  • Loud operation

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5. Saniflo SaniPLUS Macerating Upflush Toilet Kit

The fifth and the last model that we want to feature in the best macerating toilets is again a Saniflo make. The SaniPLUS kit is the most versatile upflush toilet as it offers several customization options, something that other models lack. Talking about performance, the upflush toilet reviews state that it is a highly efficient model amongst the best upflush toilets as its pump works at 10 PSI. This toilet can be installed 15 feet below the sewage line and 150 feet away from the soil stack. The installation is simple to follow and doesn’t require breaking the concrete of the floor. Plus, it can also be fitted on your own without calling professional help.

 

The SaniPLUS model comes inclusive of a toilet bowl, a macerating pump, and the toilet seat. The macerating pump operates at 3600 RPM to effectively reduce the waste to sludge and pump it out to the drainage. It is available in both standard and elongated bowls making it ideal for any bathroom dimensions. It has a taller ADA compliant seat which makes it easier to get on and off the toilet seat. This model is also one of the highly-rated models in the popular upflush toilet reviews as it can also be connected to a sink, shower, or bath to reduce water wastage.  Compared to other water-conserving best macerating toilets in our list, this model uses 1.6 GPF which can become a drawback for users residing in water-restricted areas. Just like other best upflush toilet systems by Saniflo, this model too comes with a 2-years warranty which reflects the brand’s trust in its efficient products.

 

Saniflo SaniPLUS $1088.00

4.5

Buy Now

 

Features

  • Pumping – 15 feet vertically and 150 feet horizontally
  • Water Consumption – 1.6 GPF
  • Bowl – Standard/Elongated
  • Color – White
  • Voltage – 110 V
  • Mounting – Floor mounted
  • ADA and CSA certification
  • Macerator blades rotate at 3600 RPM
  • Foam packed shipping directly from the warehouse

 

Pros

  • Different design options available
  • Easy to install
  • Less noisy compared to other toilets
  • Safe packing and delivery
  • Low power consumption
  • No batteries needed

 

Cons

  • Costly in comparison to other best upflush toilet systems
  • May require additional hose clamp for installation
  • Consumes more water than other units
  • As per some upflush toilet reviews, the toilet seat tends to shift

 

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Upflush Toilets

Before you head out to compare the best macerating toilets in the market, let us take a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages of installing an upflush toilet in your home.

 

Advantages of the best upflush toilets:

  • Compact and mobile design
  • Allows flexible use
  • Durable flushing mechanism
  • Energy-efficient operation
  • Most of the macerating toilets are water-efficient
  • Some models can be upgraded and accessorized

 

Disadvantages of upflush toilets

  • Expensive than standard toilets
  • May make more noise than the standard toilets
  • It can turn out to be very messy in case of blockage
  • According to upflush toilet reviews, some parts of the upflush toilets are difficult to repair
  • Can clog frequently if different waste is disposed of in the toilet
  • Requires more frequent upkeep than standard toilets

 

 

Features to Consider When Buying the Best Upflush Toilets

To make the decision easier, you must make a checklist to ensure that your chosen best upflush toilets conform to the following essential features.

 

 

Maximum Depth of Operation

As the name goes, the best upflush toilet systems are meant to dispose of waste upwards or horizontally up to the drain pipes and sewage system. So if you plan to have a toilet in the basement, go for a make that supports maximum support depth.

 

 

Design and Look

Best macerating toilets come in different design options such as one-piece, two-piece, or wall-mounted. The one-piece toilets are more compact and premium-looking. They are also easy to clean and reduce the risk of leakage. Two-piece models are more budget-friendly and it is also easier to replace their worn-out parts. The wall-mounted ones are more suited for tight spaces as they do not occupy floor space. They are also quieter and their height can be adjusted as per your liking.

 

 

Bowl shape

You can go either for a standard bowl or an elongated bowl. The standard bowls occupy lesser space while the elongated ones offer more seating comfort. So choose according to your priority.

 

 

Noise level

You must read a couple of upflush toilet reviews to get an idea about the noise that your chosen toilet produces. Since macerating toilets have an in-built motor and a pump, they tend to be loud. Also, check if your preferred model comes with a soft-closing seat.

 

 

Macerating pump

The efficiency of the toilet will be determined by the power of its macerating pump. Therefore, check for the voltage and horsepower used by the motor. The material of the blades is another point to consider. Stainless steel blades require less overhauling. Also, check for the durability of the macerator seal and the material of the pump that houses the blades.

 

 

Flush Valve Size

Go for larger flush valves as they ensure that the entire waste is cleared in a single flush that too by using lesser water.

 

 

Weight and Dimensions

One-piece toilets can be heavier if you plan to install them on your own. Two-piece toilets are much easier to install as you can deal with the tank and the bowl separately. Also, tally the dimensions of the toilet with the area where you plan to install the unit.

 

 

Ease of installation

Most of the best upflush toilet systems are easy to install on your own. They usually require four connections starting from connecting the spigot to the pump, then connecting the tank to the water supply, installing the small diameter discharge pipe, and finally connecting the macerator to the power supply. However, if you are not confident, it is better to call a professional plumber.

 

 

Price and Warranty

Upflush toilets can range from $500-$1000.  Avoid going for the cheaper models as they may lack power and efficiency. Also, check the warranty cover offered by the manufacturer. You should ideally get a 2-to 5-years warranty.

 

 

How To Maintain Macerating Toilets?

Maintaining a macerating toilet the right way ensures its longevity and overall hygiene. Mentioned below are some tips that you can follow for the regular upkeep of the best macerating toilets.

  • Turn off the power to the macerator before you begin your cleaning regime.
  • Avoid using harsh cleaners as they can erode the surface coating.
  • Pour the toilet cleaner in the bowl and let it sit for a few hours. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the bowl. Make sure to cover the nooks and crannies. Switch on the power and run a flush.
  • If you do not like using chemical-based cleaners in your home, you can also prepare a mix of baking soda and vinegar in a 1:1 ratio and use it as a regular cleaner. Use this homemade cleaner at least once every weak to ensure a disinfected and sparkling toilet.
  • Avoid disposing of sanitary waste in the toilets as they can choke the system.
  • Try only using the cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer.
  • In case you plan to replace your old macerator, upgrade with a high-quality toilet listed in the top upflush toilet reviews.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a macerating toilet work?

A macerating toilet transfers the waste to a macerating motor located behind the toilet or installed inside the wall. The macerator with its powerful blades grinds the waste to a slurry and pumps it out horizontally or vertically to be transferred to the main sewage system.

 

 

What are the perks of having an upflush toilet?

Macerating toilets are most apt for installing half bathrooms below the pipeline or in areas where the water pressure is low. They, therefore, give you the flexibility to have a toilet anywhere in your home. They are also easier to install on your own and do not require drilling into the concrete. Since macerating toilets have a durable construction they can last for good 10 to 15 years with minimal servicing.

 

 

Do macerating toilets produce too much noise?

Though some upflush toilet reviews complain that these toilets are louder, as per our survey, they make the same level of noise as any other toilet.

 

 

Does a macerating toilet make the bathroom smell?

As long as you clean the toilet regularly, the chances of any odor are next to none. However, if the toilet has not been installed properly or if it is clogged, it can give off foul smells.

 

 

Can an upflush toilet grind waste such as dental floss, sanitary napkins, and chewing gums?

Though certain upflush toilet reviews claim that the motors of the best upflush toilets can handle sanitary waste, you should never dispose of such waste in the toilet. Since these toilets are made of delicate components, anything other than human waste and toilet paper can clog the toilet.

 

 

Can a macerating toilet be installed anywhere?

The biggest advantage of macerating toilets is that they can be installed in almost any corner of the house, attic, basement, or even in the garage.

 

 

Which one is better – macerating toilet or a regular one?

Upflush toilets are suitable for places that do not run underground drainage pipes. If you do not want to dig out your entire bathroom to fix a toilet, better invest in one of the best macerating toilets.

 

 

Are upflush toilets more affordable than normal toilets?

Even though their prices are higher than the standard toilets, their installation doesn’t require you to drill into your bathroom floors or spill filth around. So you do save majorly on the cost of installation. Plus, they are more durable and require lesser replacement of spare parts which also makes them more affordable in the long run.

 

 

Conclusion

This brings us to the end of our upflush toilet reviews. The functioning of all the listed models is pretty much the same and all are highly efficient in terms of energy and water consumption. Every model is equally dependable for effective waste management. So the final choice comes down to your budget, water consumption, size and seating height, and the design that pleases your eyes.

 

We hope that our upflush toilet reviews will assist you in weighing out the pros and cons of each toilet and the buying guide will help you make an informed choice. See you around with another set of best toilets.