Electric Bidet Guide: How an Electric Bidet Works and What to Check Before You Choose

An electric bidet adds a warm water wash to the toilet you already have. If you are comparing an electric bidet for your bathroom, it helps to know how an electric bidet works, which features to compare, and what to check on your toilet before you order. This Conor guide covers each of these steps for Australian homes.

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

What Is an Electric Bidet?

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 existing 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 seat keeps your toilet bowl and cistern in place. The nozzle sits under the seat and extends when you start the wash, then returns when the wash ends.

Other Names for an Electric Bidet

You may see an electric bidet described in several ways:

•       Electric bidet seat: A toilet seat with a built-in water wash that uses power.

•       Smart bidet seat: A common product name for an electric bidet 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 seat that replaces the toilet seat.

•       Electric bidet toilet seat: A bidet toilet seat that uses power for its wash, heating and drying functions.

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 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.

Electric Bidet or Smart Toilet?

An electric bidet seat is different from a 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.

If you want to keep your current toilet, an electric bidet seat is the type to compare.

How an Electric Bidet Works

An electric bidet connects to two things: your water supply and a power point near the toilet.

1.    Water: The electric bidet connects to the cold water supply at the toilet through a water inlet on the left or right side of the seat, depending on the model.

2.    Heating: The electric bidet heats the water as you use it, so it does not need a hot water connection. Heating methods vary by model.

3.    Wash: When you start the wash, the nozzle extends from under the seat and sprays water. You adjust the available settings, such as water pressure and water temperature, according to your model.

4.    Drying: On models with a warm air dryer, a fan blows warm air after the wash.

5.    Seat warmth: A heated seat warms the seat surface, with settings that vary by model.

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.

Electric Bidet Controls

Each electric bidet has its own control style. The main control styles are:

•       Wireless remote: A remote you hold or keep in a holder beside the toilet.

•       Side control panel: Buttons built into the side of the seat.

•       Side knob: A knob on the side of the seat that you turn to choose the wash.

The functions available from each control vary by model, so compare the product page and user manual for each electric bidet.

An automatic lid is a feature rather than a control style. On selected models, the lid opens automatically, and on some models it also closes automatically. The automatic feature is the lid; you still use the controls to run the wash and dryer.

Electric Bidet vs Non-Electric Bidet

An electric bidet is one of two main types of bidet seat. The other is a non-electric bidet seat.

Electric Bidet

•       Uses power for water heating, seat heating, drying and electronic controls.

•       Needs a power point near the toilet.

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

Non-Electric Bidet

•       Runs on household water pressure, with no power point needed.

•       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.

Conor offers the Elara non-electric bidet seat in D-Shape and O-Shape. Compare it in the Conor non-electric bidet seat collection.

If you would like warm water, a heated seat or drying, compare an electric bidet. If there is no power point near the toilet and you would rather not add one, compare a non-electric bidet seat.

Electric Bidet Features Explained

Electric bidet features vary by model. Here is what each feature means, so you can compare product pages side by side.

Wash Modes

An electric bidet can include several wash modes, depending on the model:

•       Rear wash: A wash for the rear.

•       Front wash or feminine wash: A wash aimed further forward.

•       Oscillating wash: The nozzle moves back and forth during the wash.

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

Water Temperature

An electric bidet heats the water as you use it. On selected models you can choose a water temperature setting. The settings available vary by model.

Water Pressure

You can adjust the water pressure on an electric bidet from its controls. The number of pressure settings varies by model.

Nozzle Position

Selected electric bidet models let you adjust the nozzle position forward or back. Check each product page for this setting.

Heated Seat

A heated seat warms the seat surface. A heated toilet seat on its own only warms the seat, while an electric bidet seat with a heated seat also adds a water wash.

Warm Air Dryer

A warm air dryer blows warm air after the wash. Dryer settings vary by model.

Night Light

Selected electric bidet models include a night light under the seat.

Automatic Lid

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 Conor Arista Auto includes automatic lid operation.

The Conor Electric Bidet Range

Conor offers several electric bidet seats. Control style is one of the main differences, alongside model-specific wash, comfort, automatic and sizing features. Each electric bidet has its own product page with details, photos and sizing information.

Conor Arista

The Conor Arista is an electric bidet seat with a wireless remote. It has rear, front and oscillating wash, heats the water as you use it, and has a heated seat, a warm air dryer and a night light.

Conor Arista Auto

The Conor Arista Auto is an electric bidet seat with a sensor-activated automatic open and close lid. Compare its full features on the product page.

Conor Ayora

The Conor Ayora is an electric bidet seat with a lid that opens as you approach when auto mode is on. You can switch auto mode on or off from the remote. It has a warm water wash, a heated seat and a warm air dryer.

Conor Lyra

The Conor Lyra is an electric bidet seat with a side control panel built into the seat. It has rear, front and oscillating wash, a warm water wash, a heated seat, a warm air dryer and a night light.

Conor Nova Remote and Nova Side Panel

The Conor Nova is a compact electric bidet seat in two versions. The Conor Nova Remote has a wireless remote with a wall-mountable holder. The Conor Nova Side Panel has a side control panel. Both have a warm water wash, a heated seat and a warm air dryer.

Conor Sylora

The Conor Sylora is a heated electric bidet seat with a side knob instead of a remote. Turn the knob for rear or feminine wash, and choose Regular, Powerful or Massage mode.

Before You Choose an Electric Bidet

An electric bidet has fit, water and power requirements. Check each one 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.

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

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.

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.

Water Inlet

Find the water connection behind your toilet and note whether it is on the left or the right. Compare this with the water inlet position on the electric bidet product page.

Power Point

An electric bidet 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.

Controls

Compare the control style—wireless remote, side control panel or side knob—along with features such as automatic lid operation, wash modes and other model-specific functions.

Electric Bidet Installation

An electric bidet connects to your water supply and needs power.

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 confirm and provide the backflow protection required for the specific installation.

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.

Before installation, check the fit guide and the installation information on the product page for your electric bidet, and keep the user manual for reference.

Using an Electric Bidet

Each electric bidet has its own controls, so follow the user manual for your model. In general, using an electric bidet follows these steps:

6.    Sit on the seat. Some electric bidet models have a seat sensor, so the wash only starts when you are seated. Check your user manual.

7.    Choose the wash, such as rear or front wash, from the remote, side control panel or side knob.

8.    Adjust the available settings, such as water pressure and water temperature, according to your model.

9.    Stop the wash from the controls.

10.  Use the warm air dryer, if your model has one, or dry with toilet paper.

Caring for an Electric Bidet

Looking after an electric bidet keeps it working as designed. Follow the care instructions in the user manual for your model. General points to keep in mind:

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

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

•       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 electric bidet.

Matching an Electric Bidet to Your Household

Every household uses the bathroom a little differently. Here is how to match an electric bidet to the people using it:

•       Shared bathrooms: An electric bidet with a wireless remote or side control panel lets each person adjust the available settings.

•       Guest bathrooms: An electric bidet with a side knob, such as the Conor Sylora, has a single control for choosing the wash.

•       Remote in a fixed place: The Conor Nova Remote has a wall-mountable remote holder, so the remote can stay beside the toilet.

•       Automatic lid: The Conor Ayora has an automatic lid that opens as you approach when auto mode is enabled, while the Arista Auto includes automatic lid operation.

•       Bathroom renovation: If you are replacing the whole toilet suite, a smart toilet is one option to compare alongside an electric bidet seat.

Electric Bidet Questions to Ask Before You Order

Before you choose an electric bidet, it can help to write down answers to a few questions:

11.  Is my toilet D-Shape or O-Shape, and what are its measurements?

12.  Which side is the water connection on?

13.  Is there a power point near the toilet?

14.  Would I like a wireless remote, a side control panel or a side knob, and would I like an automatic lid?

15.  Which features would I like, such as a warm air dryer, oscillating wash or a night light?

16.  Do I want to keep my toilet, or am I replacing the whole toilet suite?

With these answers, you can compare each electric bidet product page and narrow down the models that suit your bathroom.

How to Compare Electric Bidet Product Pages

Each electric bidet product page includes details you can compare side by side. When you open two or more electric bidet pages, work through the same points on each one:

•       Controls: Check whether the electric bidet has a wireless remote, a side control panel or a side knob.

•       Automatic lid: Check whether the model has automatic lid operation and how it works.

•       Wash modes: Note the wash modes listed, such as rear, front, oscillating or massage.

•       Settings: Check which settings you can adjust, such as water temperature, water pressure, seat temperature and dryer.

•       Extra features: Look for features such as a night light or a wall-mountable remote holder, on selected models.

•       Sizing information: Compare the sizing chart or fit guide with your toilet measurements.

•       Water inlet: Check the water inlet position against the water connection on your toilet.

•       What is in the box: Check the installation kit and parts listed for the model.

•       User manual: Read the user manual, where available, for operating and care instructions.

Writing these points down for each electric bidet makes it clearer which models suit your bathroom and which features matter to you.

Electric Bidet Terms at a Glance

Electric bidet product pages use a few terms that are useful to know:

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

•       Water inlet: The connection point on the electric bidet that joins the water supply.

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

•       Oscillating wash: A wash where the nozzle moves back and forth.

•       Warm air dryer: A fan that blows warm air after the wash.

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

•       Fit guide: The sizing information used to check whether an electric bidet suits your toilet.

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 you compare, look for:

•       Product information: Clear details on features, controls and settings.

•       Fit information: A fit guide or sizing information you can check against your toilet.

•       Installation information: Details on the water connection and power requirements.

•       Warranty and support: The warranty terms and how to contact the brand with questions.

Conor is a bidet brand with toilet & bidet seats for Australian homes, including electric bidet seats, non-electric bidet seats, a handheld bidet spray, portable bidets and smart toilets. Browse the full range of toilet & bidet seats.

Other Bidet Options to Compare

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

•       Non-electric bidet seat: A bidet seat that runs on household water pressure, with no power point needed.

•       Handheld bidet spray: A bidet spray on a holder on the wall beside the toilet. Hold and aim the sprayer, and press the lever to wash.

•       Portable bidet: A portable bidet that holds its own water and requires no permanent plumbing connection or installation.

•       Smart toilet: A toilet suite with the bowl, bidet and seat in one integrated unit.

Electric Bidet: Where to Start

If you are new to the electric bidet, start with your toilet rather than the features. Measure your toilet, note its shape and find the water connection side. Then check whether there is a power point near the toilet. With those details in hand, open the Conor smart bidet seat collection and compare the electric bidet models whose fit guide suits your toilet. From there, choose the controls and features you would like, and send the Conor team top and side photos of your toilet together with the relevant measurements before ordering if you are unsure about fit.

Electric Bidet: Summary

An electric bidet adds a warm water wash to your toilet, with features such as a heated seat and a warm air dryer that vary by model. Before you choose an electric bidet:

•       Check your toilet shape, size, clearance and water inlet against the exact model’s fit guide.

•       Check that there is a power point near the toilet.

•       Compare the control style (a wireless remote, a side control panel or a side knob) and features such as automatic lid operation and wash modes.

•       Arrange a licensed plumber for installation.

Compare each electric bidet in the Conor smart bidet seat collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an electric bidet?

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, it takes the form of an electric bidet seat that replaces the existing toilet seat.

How does an electric bidet work?

An electric bidet connects to the cold water supply and a power point near the toilet. It heats the water as you use it, and a nozzle extends from under the seat for the wash.

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.

Is an electric bidet the same as a smart toilet seat?

These terms are sometimes used for similar types of electric bidet seats, although the features and functions vary by model.

Is an electric bidet the same as a smart toilet?

No. An electric bidet 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 is the difference between an electric bidet and a non-electric bidet?

An electric bidet uses power for water heating, seat heating, drying and electronic controls. A non-electric bidet runs on household water pressure and uses water at the temperature supplied by the household water connection and does not heat 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 confirm and provide the backflow protection required for the specific installation.

Which Conor electric bidet seats have a remote?

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

Does the automatic lid run the electric bidet wash?

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

Is a Japanese-style toilet seat an electric bidet?

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.

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.