(Model: 3075120.02 Bowl / Matched with Studio Tank)

Product Overview

The American Standard Studio® Elongated “Right Height” Toilet is a premium fixture designed to solve one of the biggest grievances homeowners have with bathrooms: cleaning. Unlike traditional toilets with exposed trapways (that snake-like piping on the side where dust collects), the Studio features a fully skirted, smooth-sided design. It offers a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that hides the mounting hardware and plumbing contours.

Beyond looks, this toilet is built for comfort and efficiency. It features American Standard’s “Right Height” configuration (16.5-inch rim height), making it ADA compliant and easier to sit on and stand up from—similar to a standard chair. It utilizes a water-saving 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF), qualifying it for WaterSense® certification.

Key Specifications:

• Flush Rate: 1.28 GPF (4.8 Lpf) – High Efficiency
• Rim Height: 16-1/2″ (ADA Compliant / Comfort Height)
• Rough-In: Standard 12-inch
• Material: Vitreous China with EverClean® Surface
• Valve Size: 3-inch flush valve (Oversized for power)
• Included: Slow-close, top-mounting seat

Ideal Customer: This toilet is perfect for homeowners renovating a master ensuite or powder room who prioritize a modern look and ease of cleaning over initial budget. It is also an excellent choice for aging-in-place renovations due to the comfortable seating height.

Detailed Analysis

1. Pricing (3.5/5 Stars)

• Current Market Price: ~$550.00 – $650.00 CAD (Price varies by retailer like Home Depot, Lowe’s, or local plumbing suppliers like Boone).
• Value for Money Assessment: Good. You are paying a “style tax” for the skirted design. Functionally, it performs similarly to toilets that cost $200 less, but the aesthetic upgrade and the time saved cleaning over the lifespan of the toilet justify the cost for design-conscious buyers.
• Price Comparison:
  • Lower End: American Standard Cadet 3 (~$350 CAD) – Same flushing engine, standard exposed trapway.
  • Higher End: TOTO Aquia IV (~$800+ CAD) – Similar skirted look, dual-flush options, higher brand prestige.
• Deals/Bundles: Often sold as a “Right Height” complete toilet in box stores, but verify if the seat is included (it usually is for this model).

2. Ease of Installation (2.5/5 Stars)

• Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Professional. This is not recommended for a first-time DIYer.
• Estimated Time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours (compared to 45 mins for a standard toilet).
• Tools Needed: Standard wrench, hacksaw (for bolt trimming), silicone sealant, and patience.
• Installation Challenges:
  • The “Skirted” Trap: Because the sides are flat, you cannot reach the floor bolts to tighten them. You must install a specific plastic trap adapter to the floor flange first, then lower the heavy toilet perfectly onto it. It is a “blind” install.
  • Water Supply Interference: This is a major issue in older Ottawa homes. If your water supply valve is located directly behind the toilet (rather than offset 6+ inches to the left), the wide back of the Studio toilet will hit the valve, making installation impossible without moving the plumbing.
  • Access: Tightening the seat requires a top-fixing method which can be finicky.

3. Durability (4.5/5 Stars)

• Build Quality: The vitreous china is thick, heavy, and well-glazed. The EverClean® surface actually works; it inhibits the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria, keeping the bowl smoother for longer.
• Expected Lifespan: The chinaware will last virtually forever (30+ years). The internal mechanical parts (flapper, fill valve) typically last 5–7 years before needing maintenance.
• Warranty: American Standard offers a Lifetime Warranty on Chinaware and a 5-Year Warranty on Mechanical Parts. This is superior to the industry standard 1-year warranty found on many competitor brands.
• Maintenance: The internal parts are standard Fluidmaster components, meaning you can buy replacement flappers or fill valves at any local hardware store in Ottawa—no special ordering required.

4. Performance (4.5/5 Stars)

• Primary Function: It flushes reliably and powerfully. Despite using low water volume (1.28 GPF), the oversized 3-inch flush valve drops water into the bowl faster than older 2-inch valves, creating a strong siphon.
• Real-World Usage:
  • Clog Resistance: Excellent. It rarely clogs under normal residential use.
  • Bowl Wash: The water circulates well to rinse the sides, though the low water level (common in high-efficiency toilets) means you may need to use a brush occasionally if “skid marks” occur.
• Standout Feature: The slow-close seat is a marriage saver—no loud banging in the middle of the night.
• Limitations: The “PowerWash” rim scrubs the bowl well, but over time, hard water deposits (common in some parts of Ottawa using well water) can clog the rim holes if not cleaned annually.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Hygiene & Cleaning: The completely smooth skirted sides eliminate the dust and grime trap found on standard toilets. A quick wipe is all it takes.
• Design: Instantly modernizes a bathroom; looks much more expensive than it is.
• Comfort: The “Right Height” (16.5″) is significantly easier on the knees than older standard height (14-15″) toilets.
• Warranty: 5-year coverage on mechanical parts provides peace of mind.
• Strong Flush: 3-inch flush valve delivers a consistent, powerful flush.

Cons:

• Installation Difficulty: The blind installation method is frustrating for DIYers and often costs more if hiring a plumber due to the extra time required.
• Water Line Clearance: The wide footprint interferes with baseboards and water valves in tight spaces.
• Seat Stability: Skirted toilet seats rely on rubber well-nuts that can loosen over time, requiring re-tightening.

Overall Rating: [4.2 / 5 Stars]

Verdict: The American Standard Studio® is the “Goldilocks” of modern toilets—it offers the high-end look of a luxury fixture without the $1,000+ price tag. It is best for homeowners who plan to hire a professional for installation and prioritize a bathroom that is easy to keep clean.

Recommendation: Recommended. Note: I highly recommend measuring your water supply line location before buying. If it is less than 8 inches from the center of the toilet drain to the left, this toilet likely won’t fit.

Alternative Recommendations

1. Premium Alternative: TOTO Drake II 1G (Two-Piece)

• Price: ~$650 – $750 CAD
• Why it’s Superior: TOTO’s “Tornado Flush” technology spins water inside the bowl for a superior rinse that is quieter than the American Standard. It is virtually clog-proof.
• Who should consider this: Buyers who want the absolute best performance and don’t mind a standard (non-skirted) look, or are willing to pay significantly more for the skirted version (TOTO Vespin).

2. Budget-Friendly Alternative: American Standard Cadet 3 (FloWise)

• Price: ~$350 – $400 CAD
• Similar Value: It uses the exact same flushing engine, valves, and warranty as the Studio. You get the same performance and “Right Height” comfort.
• Trade-offs: It has the traditional “snake” trapway on the side, making it harder to clean and less modern looking.
• Who should consider this: Landlords, budget renovations, or DIYers who want an easy installation.

MY HONEST OPINION:

The quality is very good. Installation is challenging for DIYers, and the piece is heavy to lift. Overall, I rate it 4.2 stars.