Bidet Toilet Seat Guide: Types, Features and How to Choose One for Your Home

A bidet toilet seat adds a water wash to the toilet you already have. It replaces your toilet seat while your toilet bowl and cistern stay in place, subject to compatibility and installation requirements. This Conor guide explains the types of bidet toilet seat, how each one works, which features to compare, and what to check on your toilet before you order.

You can follow along in the Conor smart bidet seat collection and the Conor non electric bidet seat collection, where each bidet toilet seat has its own product page with details, photos and sizing information.

What Is a Bidet Toilet Seat?

A bidet toilet seat is a toilet seat with a built-in nozzle that sprays water for washing after using the toilet. It is designed to replace an existing toilet seat, subject to the toilet being compatible with the model’s shape, dimensions and mounting requirements.

The nozzle sits under the seat. When you start the wash, the nozzle extends and sprays water, then returns when the wash ends. A bidet toilet seat connects to the water supply at the toilet, and an electric bidet toilet seat also needs power.

Other Names for a Bidet Toilet Seat

You may see a bidet toilet seat described in several ways:

·         Bidet seat: A shorter name for a bidet toilet seat.

·         Smart bidet seat: An electric bidet toilet seat with features such as a warm water wash, a heated seat and a warm air dryer.

·         Smart toilet seat: Another name for an electric bidet toilet seat.

·         Non electric bidet seat: A bidet toilet seat that runs on household water pressure.

·         Bidet attachment: A separate non electric bidet fitting that may attach to an existing toilet seat or toilet. It is different from a complete replacement bidet seat.

These terms are sometimes used for similar products, although the features of each bidet toilet seat vary by model.

Bidet Toilet Seat or Smart Toilet?

A bidet toilet seat is different from a smart toilet. A bidet toilet seat replaces only the toilet seat. A smart toilet replaces the whole toilet suite, with the bowl, bidet and seat in one integrated unit. If you are renovating or replacing the complete toilet suite, a smart toilet is one option to compare.

The Two Types of Bidet Toilet Seat

Bidet seats generally fall into two broad categories: non electric bidet seats and electric smart bidet seats. Handheld bidet sprays are another non electric bidet option but are not toilet seats.

Electric Bidet Toilet Seat

An electric bidet toilet seat, also called a smart bidet seat, uses power for functions such as water heating, seat heating, drying and electronic controls.

·         Connects to the cold water supply at the toilet and heats the water as you use it.

·         Features vary by model and can include a warm water wash, a heated seat, a warm air dryer and a night light.

·         A smart toilet seat or smart toilet needs a power point near the toilet. If there isn’t one, a licensed electrician can install it.

Non Electric Bidet Toilet Seat

A non electric bidet toilet seat runs on household water pressure and does not use power.

·         Uses water at the temperature supplied by the household water connection and does not heat it.

·         Uses a side lever to open the water flow to the nozzle and set the water pressure.

·         Needs no power point near the toilet.

Which Type Should You Compare?

·         Want warm water, a heated seat or drying? Compare an electric bidet toilet seat.

·         No power point near the toilet, and would rather not add one? Compare a non electric bidet toilet seat.

·         Want to keep your current seat? Compare a handheld bidet spray instead.

How a Bidet Toilet Seat Works

Electric Bidet Toilet Seat

1. The bidet toilet seat connects to the cold water supply at the toilet and to a power point near the toilet.

2. It heats the water as you use it. Heating methods vary by model: the Conor Arista, Lyra and Nova Remote use 3D ceramic heating, and the Ayora and Sylora use instant water heating.

3. When you start the wash, the nozzle extends from under the seat.

4. You adjust the available settings, such as water pressure and water temperature, from the controls.

5. On models with a warm air dryer, you can dry after the wash.

Non Electric Bidet Toilet Seat

1. The bidet toilet seat connects to the household water supply. Check the product page for the water inlet position or available inlet-side versions for the exact model.

2. Turning the side lever opens the water flow to the nozzle and sets the water pressure.

3. Turning the lever off stops the water and the nozzle returns.

Bidet Toilet Seat Features Explained

Features vary by model. Here is what each feature means.

Wash Modes

·         Rear wash: A wash for the rear.

·         Front or feminine wash: A wash aimed further forward, on selected models.

·         Oscillating wash: The nozzle moves back and forth, on selected models.

Comfort Features

·         Warm water wash: On an electric bidet toilet seat, the water is heated as you use it.

·         Heated seat: The seat surface warms, with settings that vary by model.

·         Warm air dryer: Warm air after the wash, on selected models.

·         Night light: A light under the seat, on selected models.

Automatic Features

·         Automatic lid: On selected models, the lid opens automatically. The automatic feature is the lid; you still use the controls to run the wash and dryer.

·         Seat sensor: On selected models, the wash runs only when someone is seated.

Seat and Cover

·         Soft-closing seat and cover: The seat and cover close slowly, on selected models.

Bidet Toilet Seat Controls

Control style is one of the main differences between bidet toilet seat models, alongside model-specific wash, comfort, automatic and sizing features.

·         Wireless remote: The Conor Arista, Conor Ayora and Conor Nova Remote come with a wireless remote.

·         Side control panel: The Conor Lyra has side panel controls.

·         Side knob: The Conor Sylora has a side knob for choosing the wash.

·         Side lever: The Conor Elara non electric bidet toilet seat uses a side lever.

An automatic lid is a feature rather than a control style. The Conor Ayora has an automatic lid that opens as you approach when auto mode is enabled.

The Conor Bidet Toilet Seat Range

Each Conor bidet toilet seat has its own product page. Check the current product page for the complete feature list and specifications.

Electric Bidet Toilet Seats

·         Conor Arista: A wireless remote, rear, front and oscillating wash, 3D ceramic heating, a heated seat, a warm air dryer and a night light.

·         Conor Ayora: A wireless remote, instant water heating and an automatic lid that opens as you approach when auto mode is enabled.

·         Conor Lyra: A side control panel and 3D ceramic heating.

·         Conor Nova Remote: A compact smart bidet seat with a wireless remote, a wall-mountable remote holder and 3D ceramic heating.

·         Conor Sylora: A heated smart bidet seat with instant water heating and a side knob.

Non Electric Bidet Toilet Seats

·         Conor Elara D shape: A non electric bidet toilet seat for D shape toilets, in left and right water inlet versions.

·         Conor Elara O shape: A non electric bidet toilet seat for O shape toilets, in left and right water inlet versions.

Conor offers D shape smart and non electric bidet seats, while Elara is also available in O shape.

Choosing a Bidet Toilet Seat for Your Household

·         Shared bathrooms: A bidet toilet seat with a wireless remote lets each person adjust the available settings.

·         Guest bathrooms: If simple controls are preferred, compare models with a side knob or side lever.

·         Controls on the seat: A side control panel keeps the controls with the seat.

·         No power point: A non electric bidet toilet seat needs no electricity.

·         Automatic lid: Compare a model with an automatic lid if that matters to your household.

Choosing a Bidet Toilet Seat for Your Bathroom

·         Main bathroom: Check the space around the toilet, the position of the existing water supply and, for an electric model, the power point.

·         Ensuite: Check the available rear and side clearance carefully and compare it with the exact model’s fit guide. A compact model, such as the Conor Nova Remote, is one option to compare.

·         Separate toilet room: Check the clearance to the walls and door.

·         Holiday home or second bathroom: If there is no power point, a non electric bidet toilet seat is one option to compare.

Checking Your Toilet Before You Order a Bidet Toilet Seat

Toilet Shape

Look at your toilet pan from above. A D shape pan has a straighter back, and an O shape pan is rounder. Conor offers D shape smart and non electric bidet seats, while Elara is also available in O shape. Shape is only one fit factor, so check the other measurements as well.

Fit Guide

Check the toilet shape, pan length and width, mounting-hole spacing, rear and side clearance, and water inlet position against the exact model’s fit guide. Ask Conor to confirm compatibility if unsure.

Size and Clearance

Also compare the exact model’s overall length and width, mounting adjustment range and rear/side clearance with your toilet pan and cistern.

Water Inlet

Check the position of your existing water connection and compare it with the connection requirements shown for the exact bidet toilet seat model. Where left/right inlet versions are offered, select the appropriate version.

Power Point

For an electric bidet toilet seat, a smart toilet seat or smart toilet needs a power point near the toilet. If there isn’t one, a licensed electrician can install it.

Ask Before You Order

If you are unsure which bidet toilet seat fits, send the Conor team top and side photos of your toilet together with the relevant measurements before ordering.

Bidet Toilet Seat Installation

Any fitted bidet seat or handheld bidet spray connected to the household water supply must be installed by a plumber who is licensed or otherwise authorised to carry out the required sanitary plumbing work, in accordance with applicable New Zealand plumbing requirements and the New Zealand Building Code. The installer must determine and provide the backflow protection required for the specific installation in accordance with applicable New Zealand plumbing requirements.

For an electric bidet toilet seat, a smart toilet seat or smart toilet needs a power point near the toilet. If there isn’t one, a licensed electrician can install it.

Planning tips:

·         Power point: If a suitable power point is not already available, arrange the required electrical work with a licensed electrician as part of the installation planning.

·         Share the product information: Give your plumber the product page and installation kit details.

·         Keep the user manual: Keep it for reference after installation.

Bidet Toilet Seat New Zealand: What to Know Before You Buy

If you are comparing a bidet toilet seat in New Zealand, keep these local points in mind:

·         Plumbing requirements: A fitted bidet toilet seat connects to the household water supply. The required sanitary plumbing work must be carried out by a plumber who is licensed or otherwise authorised to perform that work, in accordance with applicable New Zealand plumbing requirements and the Building Code, including the required backflow protection.

·         Power point: An electric bidet toilet seat needs a power point near the toilet. If there isn’t one, a licensed electrician can install it.

·         Toilet shapes: Conor offers D shape smart and non electric bidet seats, while Elara is also available in O shape.

·         Heating: On Conor electric bidet toilet seats, heating methods vary by model: the Arista, Lyra and Nova Remote use 3D ceramic heating, and the Ayora and Sylora use instant water heating.

·         Product information: Check each bidet toilet seat product page on conors.co.nz for the sizing information, installation kit and user manual.

Comparing these points for each bidet toilet seat in New Zealand helps you plan the installation and choose the model that suits your bathroom.

Comparing Two Bidet Toilet Seat Models Side by Side

When you have narrowed your choice to two bidet toilet seat models, compare them point by point:

·         Type: Electric or non electric?

·         Controls: Wireless remote, side control panel, side knob or side lever?

·         Wash modes: Rear, front or oscillating wash?

·         Comfort features: Warm water, heated seat, dryer or night light?

·         Automatic features: Automatic lid or seat sensor?

·         Fit: Does each model suit your toilet’s shape, measurements and mounting points?

·         Water inlet: Does the water inlet position suit your toilet?

Write the answers down for each bidet toilet seat, and look more closely at the model that matches more of your household’s needs and fits your toilet.

Your First Week With a Bidet Toilet Seat

·         Read the user manual together: Go through the controls and settings with everyone who will use the bidet toilet seat.

·         Start with lower settings: Try lower water pressure settings first, then adjust to suit each person, according to your model.

·         Show guests the controls: A short note beside the toilet can explain how to start and stop the wash.

·         Check the connections: In the first few days, check the water connection for leaks, and contact a plumber who is licensed or otherwise authorised to carry out the required plumbing work if you notice one.

Caring for a Bidet Toilet Seat

Follow the care instructions in the user manual for your bidet toilet seat. General points:

·         Follow the user manual for cleaning the seat, lid and nozzle.

·         Use the cleaning products and methods the user manual recommends.

·         For an electric model, keep the area around the power point and water connection dry.

·         Follow the user manual before any maintenance, including any steps for switching off power and water.

·         Contact Conor if you have a question about your bidet toilet seat.

Bidet Toilet Seat Myths and Facts

·         “A bidet toilet seat replaces the whole toilet.” No. A bidet toilet seat replaces only the toilet seat. A smart toilet replaces the whole toilet suite.

·         “Any bidet toilet seat fits any toilet.” No. Check the toilet shape, measurements and mounting points against the exact model’s fit guide.

·         “Every bidet toilet seat needs power.” No. A non electric bidet toilet seat runs on household water pressure.

·         “A non electric bidet toilet seat heats the water.” No. It uses water at the temperature supplied by the household water connection and does not heat it.

·         “An automatic lid runs the wash.” No. The automatic feature is the lid; you still use the controls to run the wash and dryer.

Bidet Toilet Seat Terms

·         Nozzle: The part under the seat that extends and sprays water.

·         Water inlet: The connection point on the bidet toilet seat that joins the water supply.

·         Fit guide: The sizing information used to check whether a bidet toilet seat suits your toilet.

·         Japanese-style toilet seat: A Japanese-style toilet seat is a term sometimes used for electric bidet seats with features such as warm water washing, heated seating and electronic controls. The term describes the style of product and does not mean the seat was manufactured in Japan.

·         WASHLET: WASHLET is TOTO’s trademark for its bidet products. Conor offers smart electric bidet seats with features such as warm water washing, heated seating and drying; features vary by model.

Other Options to Compare

·         Handheld bidet spray: A bidet spray on a holder beside the toilet, so you keep your current seat. Hold and aim the sprayer, and press the lever to wash. See the Conor bidet spray collection.

·         Portable bidet: A portable bidet holds its own water and needs no plumbing installation. See the Conor portable bidet collection.

Choosing a Bidet Toilet Seat Brand

When comparing bidet brands, consider product compatibility, features, warranty, support and the information provided for each model.

For each bidet toilet seat brand you compare, check that it provides a fit guide, clear feature information, installation details, a user manual and a way to ask questions before you order. Conor is a bidet brand with toilet & bidet seats for New Zealand homes. Check warranty and delivery information on conors.co.nz.

Bidet Toilet Seat Checklist

1. Do you want an electric or a non electric bidet toilet seat?

2. Who will use it, and in which bathroom?

3. Which controls suit them?

4. Does the exact model’s fit guide match your toilet?

5. Where is your existing water connection, and does it suit the connection requirements of the exact model?

6. For an electric model, is there a power point near the toilet?

7. Have you arranged a plumber who is licensed or otherwise authorised to carry out the required plumbing work, and an electrician if needed?

With these answers, open the Conor smart bidet seat collection or the Conor non electric bidet seat collection and compare each bidet toilet seat.

Bidet Toilet Seat: Summary

A bidet toilet seat adds a water wash to the toilet you already have. Choose between an electric and a non electric bidet toilet seat, pick the controls and features that suit your household, then check fit, power and plumbing before you order. If you are unsure, send the Conor team top and side photos of your toilet together with the relevant measurements before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bidet toilet seat?

A bidet toilet seat is a toilet seat with a built-in nozzle that sprays water for washing. It replaces your existing toilet seat, subject to compatibility.

Is a bidet toilet seat the same as a bidet seat?

Yes. Both names describe a toilet seat with a built-in water wash that replaces your current seat.

What types of bidet toilet seat are there?

Bidet seats generally fall into two broad categories: non electric bidet seats and electric smart bidet seats. Handheld bidet sprays are another non electric bidet option but are not toilet seats.

Does a bidet toilet seat need power?

An electric bidet toilet seat needs power. A smart toilet seat or smart toilet needs a power point near the toilet. If there isn’t one, a licensed electrician can install it. A non electric bidet toilet seat needs no power.

Does a non electric bidet toilet seat heat the water?

No. A non electric bidet toilet seat uses water at the temperature supplied by the household water connection and does not heat it.

Does an electric bidet toilet seat need a hot water connection?

No. A Conor electric bidet toilet seat connects to the cold water supply and heats the water as you use it.

Will a bidet toilet seat fit my toilet?

Check the toilet shape, pan length and width, mounting-hole spacing, rear and side clearance, and water inlet position against the exact model’s fit guide. Ask Conor to confirm compatibility if unsure.

What shapes does a Conor bidet toilet seat come in?

Conor offers D shape smart and non electric bidet seats, while Elara is also available in O shape.

Which Conor bidet toilet seats have a remote?

The Conor Arista, Conor Ayora and Conor Nova Remote come with a wireless remote. The Lyra has side panel controls, and the Sylora has a side knob.

Does the automatic lid run the wash?

No. The automatic feature is the lid. You still use the controls to run the wash and dryer.

Who installs a bidet toilet seat?

The required sanitary plumbing work must be carried out by a plumber who is licensed or otherwise authorised to perform that work. Installation must comply with applicable New Zealand plumbing requirements and the Building Code, including the required backflow protection.

Can I keep my toilet with a bidet toilet seat?

Yes. A bidet toilet seat replaces only the toilet seat, so you keep your toilet bowl and cistern, subject to compatibility and installation requirements.

What is the difference between a bidet toilet seat and a smart toilet?

A bidet toilet seat replaces only the toilet seat. A smart toilet replaces the whole toilet suite, with the bowl, bidet and seat in one integrated unit.

What should I look for in a bidet toilet seat brand?

When comparing bidet brands, consider product compatibility, features, warranty, support and the information provided for each model.

Where can I buy a bidet toilet seat in New Zealand?

You can order a Conor bidet toilet seat online from conors.co.nz, with details and photos on each product page.