Electric Bidet: How to Choose the Right Model for Your Bathroom and Household

Choosing an electric bidet is not only about features. The right electric bidet for your home depends on who will use it, how your bathroom is set out, the controls you prefer and how your toilet is built. This Conor guide looks at the electric bidet from a buyer’s point of view, so you can narrow down the model that suits your household before you order.

If you would like to compare models as you read, open the Conor smart bidet seat collection, where each electric bidet has its own product page with details, photos and sizing information.

A Quick Recap: What an Electric Bidet Is

An electric bidet is a bidet that uses power for functions such as water heating, seat heating, drying and electronic controls. For an existing toilet, an electric bidet takes the form of an electric bidet seat that replaces the toilet seat. It is designed to replace an existing toilet seat, subject to the toilet being compatible with the model’s shape, dimensions and mounting requirements.

An electric bidet connects to the cold water supply at the toilet and heats the water as you use it, so it needs no hot water connection. 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.

You may also see an electric bidet called a smart bidet seat, a smart toilet seat or an electric bidet toilet seat. These terms are sometimes used for similar types of electric bidet seats, although the features and functions vary by model.

Start With the People, Not the Features

A useful way to choose an electric bidet is to start with the people who will use it. Ask these questions first:

·         How many people will use the electric bidet? One person, a couple, a family or guests?

·         Do they prefer one control or more settings? Some people like a remote with several settings; others prefer a single knob.

·         Will the electric bidet be in a main bathroom, an ensuite or a guest bathroom?

·         Does anyone want an automatic lid? On selected models, the lid opens automatically.

Once you know the answers, the controls and features to look for become much clearer.

Choosing an Electric Bidet by Control Style

Control style is one of the main differences between electric bidet models, alongside model-specific wash, comfort, automatic and sizing features. There are three main control styles.

Wireless Remote

A wireless remote lets you control the electric bidet without reaching to the side of the seat. You can hold it or keep it beside the toilet.

·         Suits: Shared bathrooms, where each person can adjust the available settings.

·         Consider: Where the remote will be kept, so it is within reach.

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

Side Control Panel

A side control panel puts the buttons on the side of the electric bidet seat, so the controls stay with the seat.

·         Suits: People who prefer controls that stay in the same place.

·         Consider: Which side the panel sits on and whether it suits your bathroom layout.

·         Conor models: The Conor Lyra has a side control panel, while the Nova Side model uses controls on the seat. The Nova Remote model uses a wireless remote.

Side Knob

A side knob gives you one control for choosing the wash.

·         Suits: Guest bathrooms and anyone who prefers a single control.

·         Consider: Whether one control gives you the settings you want.

·         Conor model: The Conor Sylora has a side knob instead of a remote. Turn the knob for rear or feminine wash, and choose Regular, Powerful or Massage mode.

What About an Automatic Lid?

An automatic lid is a feature, not a control style. On selected models, the lid opens automatically. The Conor Ayora has an automatic lid that opens as you approach when auto mode is enabled, and you can switch auto mode on or off from the remote. The automatic feature is the lid; you still use the controls to run the wash and dryer.

Choosing an Electric Bidet by Household

Every household uses the bathroom differently. Here is how to think about an electric bidet for common types of household.

Couples

For two people, compare an electric bidet with a wireless remote or a side control panel, so each person can adjust the available settings. Look at the wash modes and comfort features on each product page, and choose the model whose settings suit you both.

Families

In a family bathroom, an electric bidet is used by several people with different preferences. A wireless remote lets each person adjust the available settings without reaching to the side of the seat. Check the seat sensor and wash features on each product page, and keep the user manual handy so everyone knows how the electric bidet works.

Guests and Visitors

In a guest bathroom, if simple controls are preferred, compare models with a side knob. The Conor Sylora has a side knob for choosing the wash. A short note beside the toilet explaining the control can help guests use the electric bidet.

Ease of Reach

Consider whether the user would prefer controls fixed to the seat or a remote kept nearby. Check the seat height, the position of the controls and the user manual for each model, and choose the electric bidet whose controls suit the person who will use it.

Rented Homes

An electric bidet connects to the water supply and needs a power point. If you rent, check with the property owner or manager before installation. If a fitted electric bidet is not possible, a portable bidet holds its own water and requires no permanent plumbing connection or installation. See the Conor portable bidet collection.

Choosing an Electric Bidet by Bathroom

Your bathroom layout matters as much as the features of the electric bidet.

Main Bathroom

In a main bathroom, check the space around the toilet, the position of the power point and the water connection. If several people will use the electric bidet, compare models with a wireless remote or side panel.

Ensuite

Check the available rear and side clearance carefully against the exact model’s fit guide, and check where the power point will sit. Compact models, such as the Conor Nova Remote and Nova Side, are options to compare.

Separate Toilet Room

In a separate toilet room, check the position of the power point and water connection, and the clearance to the walls and door, and choose controls that suit the room.

Guest Bathroom

In a guest bathroom, if simple controls are preferred, compare models with a side knob or other straightforward control layout.

Choosing an Electric Bidet by Features

Once you have narrowed down the controls, compare the features. Features vary by model, so check each product page.

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.

·         Massage mode: A wash with a changing water pressure pattern, on selected models.

Comfort Features

·         Water temperature settings: The electric bidet heats the water as you use it, with settings that vary by model.

·         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.

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

When you compare features, think about which ones matter to your household, rather than looking for the electric bidet with the longest list.

The Conor Electric Bidet Range at a Glance

Each Conor electric bidet has its own product page with details, photos and sizing information. Check the current product page for the complete feature list and specifications.

·         Conor Arista: A wireless remote, warm water wash, heated seat and warm air dryer.

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

·         Conor Lyra: A side control panel built into the seat.

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

·         Conor Nova Side: A compact smart bidet seat with side panel control.

·         Conor Sylora: A heated electric bidet seat with a side knob.

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

Checking Your Toilet Before You Choose an Electric Bidet

Even the right electric bidet for your household must suit your toilet. Check these points before you order.

Toilet Shape and Fit

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

Note the position of the existing water supply and compare it with the connection requirements shown for the exact electric bidet model.

Power Point

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 electric bidet fits, send the Conor team top and side photos of your toilet together with the relevant measurements before ordering.

Comparing Two Electric Bidet Models Side by Side

When you have narrowed your choice to two electric bidet models, compare them point by point. For example, if you are choosing between an electric bidet with a wireless remote and one with a side control panel:

·         Controls: Who will use the electric bidet, and would they prefer a remote they can hold or controls fixed to the seat?

·         Wash modes: Does each model offer the wash modes you want, such as rear, front or oscillating wash?

·         Comfort features: Compare the water temperature settings, heated seat and warm air dryer on each product page.

·         Automatic features: Does either model have an automatic lid or seat sensor, and does that matter to you?

·         Fit: Do both models suit your toilet’s shape, measurements and mounting points?

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

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

Electric Bidet Myths and Facts

·         “An electric bidet needs a hot water pipe.” No. A Conor electric bidet connects to the cold water supply and heats the water as you use it.

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

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

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

·         “An electric bidet needs no installation.” A fitted electric bidet connects to the household water supply and needs power, so it must be installed by a licensed plumber in accordance with applicable Australian plumbing requirements.

Your First Week With an Electric Bidet

Once your electric bidet is installed, a few steps help everyone in the household get used to it:

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

·         Start with lower settings: Try lower water pressure and temperature 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 licensed plumber if you notice one.

·         Follow the care instructions: Clean the seat, lid and nozzle as the user manual describes.

Electric Bidet Installation: Planning Ahead

An electric bidet connects to your water supply and needs power, so plan the installation before your electric bidet arrives.

Any fitted bidet seat or handheld bidet spray connected to the household water supply must be installed by a licensed plumber in accordance with applicable Australian plumbing requirements. The licensed plumber must determine and provide the backflow protection required for the installation in accordance with applicable Australian plumbing requirements and the National Construction Code.

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 few 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 electric bidet product page and installation kit details.

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

Electric Bidet Alternatives to Consider

An electric bidet is one option. Depending on your household and bathroom, you can also compare:

·         Non-electric bidet seat: Bidet seats generally fall into two broad categories: non-electric bidet seats and electric smart bidet seats. A non-electric bidet seat runs on household water pressure and uses water at the temperature supplied by the household water connection and does not heat it. See the Conor non-electric bidet seat collection.

·         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.

·         Smart toilet: 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. See the Conor smart toilet collection.

Electric Bidet Terms You May See

·         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.

·         Smart bidet seat: A common name for an electric bidet seat.

·         Seat sensor: A sensor on selected models that detects when someone is seated.

·         Installation kit: The parts supplied to connect and mount the electric bidet, which vary by model.

Common Mistakes When Choosing an Electric Bidet

·         Choosing by features alone: Start with the people and the bathroom, then compare features.

·         Skipping the fit check: Check the toilet shape, measurements and mounting points against the exact model’s fit guide.

·         Forgetting the power point: Check for a power point near the toilet before you order.

·         Not checking the water connection: Check the location of your existing water supply against the connection requirements for the exact electric bidet model.

·         Treating the automatic lid as hands-free operation: The automatic feature is the lid; you still use the controls to run the wash and dryer.

·         Skipping the licensed plumber: A fitted electric bidet connects to the household water supply and must be installed by a licensed plumber.

What to Ask Conor Before You Order an Electric Bidet

If you are unsure about any part of your electric bidet choice, ask before you order. Useful questions include:

·         Fit: Will this electric bidet suit my toilet’s shape, measurements and mounting points?

·         Water inlet: Where is the water inlet on this model, and will the existing water connection suit the installation requirements?

·         Controls: How do the controls on this electric bidet work for the wash, dryer and other settings?

·         Installation: What is included in the installation kit for this model?

To help the team answer, send the Conor team top and side photos of your toilet together with the relevant measurements before ordering. You can also check the product page and user manual for each electric bidet.

Choosing an Electric Bidet Brand

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

For each electric bidet 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 Australian homes. Check warranty, delivery and returns information on conors.com.au.

Electric Bidet Decision Checklist

Work through this checklist before you order your electric bidet:

1. Who will use the electric bidet, and in which bathroom?

2. Which control style suits them: a wireless remote, a side control panel or a side knob?

3. Would an automatic lid suit your household?

4. Which wash and comfort features matter to you?

5. Does the exact model’s fit guide match your toilet shape, measurements and mounting points?

6. Which side is the water inlet?

7. Is there a power point near the toilet?

8. Have you arranged a licensed plumber, and an electrician if needed?

With these answers, open the Conor smart bidet seat collection and compare the models that suit your household.

Electric Bidet: Summary

The right electric bidet depends on the people who will use it, the bathroom it goes in, the controls they prefer and how your toilet is built. Start with your household, choose a control style, compare the features that matter, 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

How do I choose the right electric bidet?

Start with the people who will use the electric bidet and the bathroom it will go in. Then choose a control style, compare the features that matter to you, and check fit, power and plumbing before you order.

Which electric bidet control style is right for me?

A wireless remote lets each person adjust the available settings, a side control panel keeps the controls on the seat, and a side knob gives one control for choosing the wash.

Which Conor electric bidets have a wireless remote?

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

Which Conor electric bidets have controls on the seat?

The Conor Lyra has a side control panel, the Nova Side model uses controls on the seat, and the Conor Sylora has a side knob.

Is an automatic lid a control style?

No. An automatic lid is a feature. The automatic feature is the lid; you still use the controls to run the wash and dryer.

Which electric bidet suits a guest bathroom?

If simple controls are preferred, compare models with a side knob. The Conor Sylora has a side knob for choosing the wash.

Which electric bidet suits an ensuite?

Check the available rear and side clearance carefully against the exact model’s fit guide. Compact models, such as the Conor Nova Remote and Nova Side, are options to compare.

Does an electric bidet need a power point?

Yes. 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.

Does an electric bidet need a hot water connection?

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

Will an electric bidet 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 electric bidet come in?

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

Who installs an electric bidet?

Any fitted bidet seat or handheld bidet spray connected to the household water supply must be installed by a licensed plumber in accordance with applicable Australian plumbing requirements. The plumber must determine and provide the backflow protection required for the installation.

Can I install an electric bidet in a rented home?

Check with the property owner or manager before installation, because an electric bidet connects to the water supply and needs a power point.

What should I look for in an electric bidet brand?

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

Where can I buy an electric bidet in Australia?

You can order a Conor electric bidet online from conors.com.au, with details and photos on each product page.