TOTO's WASHLET line is the gold standard for bidet seats, but the model names don't explain themselves. The S5, S7 and S7A look similar in photos and share the same core promise — warm water, a heated seat, a cleaner you. The differences are in automation, sanitation tech, and a price gap that can reach several hundred dollars. Here's how to pick the right one for a Canadian bathroom.
What all three share
Every current-generation WASHLET in this trio delivers the features that convert skeptics: instant, continuous warm water (no tank to run cold), a heated seat with adjustable temperature, front and rear oscillating and pulsating wash modes, PREMIST (a pre-spray that keeps the bowl slicker so less sticks), a warm-air dryer, an automatic deodorizer, and a night light. All three fit standard elongated toilets and install on a normal 15-amp GFCI outlet.
WASHLET S5: the value sweet spot
The S5 is the model most buyers land on, and the one that keeps winning "best bidet seat" rankings. You give up two things versus the premium models: the lid doesn't open and close itself, and its EWATER+ sanitation covers the wand only, not the bowl. In exchange you keep every feature that matters day-to-day, with fewer motorized parts to maintain. If this is your first bidet seat, start here.
WASHLET S7: premium wash, manual lid
The S7 steps up to TOTO's newest wand with a wider spray pattern and adds EWATER+ bowl misting — after each use, the unit mists the bowl with electrolyzed water, a mild, chemical-free disinfectant that measurably slows grime buildup. The lid is still manual. Think of the S7 as "S7A minus the theatre" — same cleaning hardware, several hundred dollars less.
WASHLET S7A: the full automatic experience
The S7A adds the auto open/close lid — walk up and it lifts; walk away and it closes. It also supports TOTO's optional auto-flush kit on compatible toilets. If you're building a touch-free bathroom or buying for someone with limited mobility, the automation is genuinely useful rather than gimmicky. Otherwise, it's a comfort upgrade.
Quick comparison
| Feature | S5 | S7 | S7A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm water, heated seat, dryer, night light | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EWATER+ wand sanitation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EWATER+ bowl misting | — | Yes | Yes |
| Auto open/close lid | — | — | Yes |
| Auto-flush compatible | — | — | Yes (kit) |
Fitting it to your toilet
All three come in elongated versions that fit most modern bowls, including TOTO's own Drake, Aquia IV and Nexus lines. If your toilet is a WASHLET+ model (look for "T40" in the model number), the seat's water line and power cord route invisibly through the toilet itself — the cleanest possible install. Read more in our guide to WASHLET+ connections, or browse the seats alongside compatible toilets in our smart toilet collection.
Which should Canadians buy?
- Best value: S5. Every core feature, simplest to own. You can see current Canadian pricing on our WASHLET S5 listing.
- Best hygiene tech: S7. The bowl-misting EWATER+ is the one premium feature with a visible payoff — see the S7 here.
- Best for accessibility or a fully hands-free bathroom: S7A — S7A listing.
One practical note for winter-country buyers: heated seats and warm water stop being luxuries around November in most of Canada. Owners rarely go back.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special outlet?
A standard grounded GFCI outlet within reach of the toilet. Adding one during a renovation costs far less than retrofitting later — plan for it.
Will a WASHLET fit a round toilet?
These three are elongated models. TOTO makes select round versions in other lines, but selection is much thinner — if you're also replacing the toilet, choose elongated.
What is EWATER+ exactly?
Electrolyzed water — ordinary water given a mild disinfecting charge, no chemicals or cartridges. It reverts to plain water after a few minutes.
Is professional installation required?
No — a seat swap and a T-valve on the supply line, typically under an hour with hand tools. WASHLET+ concealed installs are best done when the toilet itself is being installed.