What Is The Best Open Front Toilet Seats [In 2024]

What is an Open Front Toilet Seat?

An open front toilet seat, also sometimes called an elongated open front toilet seat, is a specially designed seat to accommodate individuals who need extra room to access the toilet. Unlike a standard toilet seat that is rounded and closed, an open front toilet seat has an open U-shape at the front rather than being closed off.

This open design makes it much easier for someone who needs assistance going to the bathroom to clean themselves. It also helps individuals who use mobility devices like wheelchairs to get on and off the toilet independently.

Here is an in-depth comparison table for the top 7 open front toilet seats including star ratings:

Benefits of Open Front Toilet Seats

There are several key benefits that open front toilet seats provide compared to regular toilet seats:

• Easier Access: The open front leaves more room for access without obstruction. This makes it easier for caregivers assisting someone or for individuals with mobility issues to clean themselves.
• Increased Independence: For those reliant on mobility devices like wheelchairs, an open front seat promotes independence for getting on and off the toilet.
• Better Hygiene: The increased access an open front toilet seat allows makes personal hygiene and cleaning easier.
• Dignity & Comfort: Open front seats allow people to use the bathroom comfortably and maintain dignity despite mobility challenges.
• Adaptability: Open front toilet seats adapt standard toilets to meet accessibility needs rather than requiring substantial bathroom renovations.

Features to Look for When Buying

There are a few key features to evaluate when selecting an open front toilet seat:

• Toilet Shape: Make sure to select an elongated or round front seat that correctly fits your existing toilet.
• Weight Capacity: Check it can support ample weight, typically at least 300 lbs.
• Width Between Arms: Measure to ensure there is sufficient clearance space on each side.
• Adjustable Height: Some models allow seat height adjustments for comfort and ease of sitting down or standing up.
• Easy Cleaning: Antimicrobial or easy wipe-down surface materials make cleaning and sanitation simpler.
• Secure Installation: Models with included installation hardware and instructions allow for secure DIY installation.

Best Open Front Toilet Seats Reviews

After extensive research comparing features, ratings, and reviews, these top 5 picks stand out as the best open front elongated toilet seats currently available:

1. Kohler Elongated Open-Front Toilet Seat

Kohler is a leader in bathroom fixtures, and their enameled steel open-front toilet seat offers exceptional quality and convenience.

Features

• Elongated open front shape
• Durable enameled steel construction
• Quick-release functionality
• Adjustable height settings
• 300 lb weight capacity
• White color
• Includes cover

Pros

• Very sturdy and durable for security
• Comfortable contoured shape
• Raised height makes sitting down and standing easier
• Quick installation
• Easy cleaning with convenient removable seat
• Blends in visually with standard toilets

Cons

• On the pricier side
• Glossy enamel can show scuffs over time

2. Bemis Elongated Open-Front Toilet Seat

For an affordable but completely functional open-front seat, Bemis delivers with this molded plastic model.

Features

• Molded plastic elongated seat
• Open front bowl shape
• Built-in handles on each side
• 300 lb weight limit
• White color
• Includes cover

Pros

• Very affordable option
• Lightweight but sturdy
• Side handles provide extra stability
• Easy to wipe clean
• Fits most elongated bowl toilets

Cons

• Not the most durable long-term
• Needs occasional screw tightening

3. Bemis Round Open-Front Toilet Seat

If you have a round bowl rather than elongated toilet, Bemis makes a round open-front model perfect for replacing your standard seat.

Features

• Molded plastic round seat
• Open front design
• Side handles for support
• 300 lb weight capacity
• White color tone
• Includes cover

Pros

• Very affordable price
• Lightweight yet strong
• Made to fit round bowl toilets
• Smooth easy-clean surface
• Side handles increase stability

Cons

• Not as durable as metal models
• Screws may need re-tightening over time

4. Essential Medical Supply Open-Front Elongated Toilet Seat

Essential Medical Supply specializes in toilet seats for mobility, with this compact composite seat with easy installation.

Features

• Elongated composite seat
• Open front for access
• 300 lb weight capacity
• Adjustable height clips
• White color tone
• Includes cover

Pros

• Very quick and simple installation
• Seat height adjusts in seconds
• Durable composite construction
• Affordable price
• Smooth molded shape for comfort

Cons

• Fixed elongated size fits limited toilet models
• Not quite as sturdy as metal options

5. Drive Medical Premium Open-Front Elongated Toilet Seat

Drive Medical produces top-quality mobility and personal care products, including this premium steel open-front toilet seat.

Features

• Enameled steel elongated seat
• Open front bowl shape
• 400 lb weight capacity
• Adjustable height settings
• White color tone
• Includes cover

Pros

• Extremely durable steel construction
• Comfortable contoured shape
• Highest weight capacity available
• Height adjusts easily with clips
• Easy wipe-clean surface

Cons

• On the costly end of budget
• Steel shows scuffs over time

6. Vive Open Front Elongated Toilet Seat

Vive specializes in accessible home healthcare products, including this affordable, heavy-duty open front toilet seat.

Features

• Molded plastic elongated seat
• Ergonomic open front design
• 300 lb weight capacity
• Height adjustment clips
• White color
• Includes cover

Pros

• Very sturdy and stable plastic
• Snugly fits most elongated toilets
• Raised clip height settings
• Textured seat prevents slipping

Cons

• Requires some assembly
• Not as strong as metal models

7. Platinum Health Elongated Open Front Toilet Seat

Platinum Health producesprofessional-grade accessible bathroom equipment like this

Features

• Heavy-duty stainless steel
• Elongated open front shape
• Foam padded seat and back
• 400 lb weight capacity
• Height adjustment clips
• Flip-up arms for transfers

Pros

• Extremely durable construction
• Flip arms add helpfulness
• Comfy padded seat and back
• Easy & secure height settings

Cons

• Much bulkier than standard seats
• Premium price point

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Open Front Toilet Seat

There are several important factors to weigh when selecting the right open front elongated toilet seat for your bathroom and accessibility needs.

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Toilet Shape and Size

First, you’ll need to determine the shape and dimensions of your existing toilet to select a properly fitting open front seat. Standard options are:

• Elongated bowl: Oval-shaped, about 18.5 inches from the rear bolts to the front rim
• Round bowl: Perfectly circular, about 16.5 inches diameter

Measure your toilet or check the specification sticker on the back before ordering. Elongated open front seats won’t fit round bowl toilets and vice versa.

Width Between Arms

The most important sizing factor is the width between the two arms in the open front of the seat. This determines how much clearance room there is for accessing the toilet.

Common widths range from about 8 inches up to over 20 inches on extra wide specialty seats. Make sure there is ample width for your or your user’s needs.

You’ll also want the arms themselves to be comfortably contoured without sharp edges. Padded arms that provide secure support are ideal.

Weight Capacity

Consider how much weight needs to be supported by checking the seat’s weight limit, typically from 300 up to 500+ lbs. Sturdy steel construction generally allows for the highest capacities.

Weight limits shouldn’t be an issue for the average adult user but are important for bariatric cases. Go with higher ratings to be safe if you anticipate a lot of weight on the seat.

Ease of Cleaning

Check that the seat material can be easily sanitized – enameled steel and molded composites clean up best. Smooth non-porous surfaces prevent grime buildup and infections.

Removable toilet seats without cumbersome uninstalling also vastly simplify deep cleaning when required.

Price

Open front toilet seat prices typically range from about $50 up to $250. The most expensive steel models offer exceptional durability and quality of construction. Value-priced basic plastic models still improve accessibility even on tight budgets.

Evaluate options that combine adequate features and dimensions for your needs at reasonable cost. Extended longevity of pricier options also offsets costs long-term.

Prioritizing these key considerations when comparing different models makes it easy to select a well-fitting open front toilet seat for boosting bathroom accessibility. Getting accurate measurements of your existing toilet is vital to ensure proper sizing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have about open front toilet seats:

What is the best height for an open front toilet seat?

The best seat height for an open front toilet seat is between 17-19 inches from the floor. This is the typical chair seat height that allows most users to comfortably sit down and stand up.

Some open front seat models allow easy height adjustments to dial in the optimum setting. Make sure your toilet can accommodate a seat in this height range.

How do I install an open front toilet seat?

Most open front seats come with comprehensive installation instructions and all necessary hardware included. Here are the basic steps:

1. Remove your existing toilet seat and clean the bowl rim area.
2. Position the open front seat centered aligned on the toilet bowl.
3. Insert bolts through the seat holes to anchor it securely in place.
4. Tighten bolts evenly with included wrench tool. Don’t overtighten.
5. Check seat stability before use and retighten if needed.

The process is very similar to installing a standard toilet seat. Always refer to the specific directions.

Can you put an open front seat on any toilet?

You can install an open front elongated seat on most standard floor mount elongated bowl toilets. The key factor is that the seat shape and dimensions match the rim contours.

Round bowl toilets need to be paired with round open front seats. You also need to have the correct lateral width between toilet mounting bolt holes.

Wall mount, corner mount, and unusual shape toilets likely won’t accommodate open front replacements. Carefully check toilet and seat measurements for compatibility.

Are open front toilet seats ADA compliant?

Yes, open front toilet seats are designed specifically to meet ADA bathroom compliance codes for accessibility. The open front shape makes it easier for disabled individuals to transfer on and off the toilet from mobility devices.

Elongated open front seats with side grab bars also align with ADA guidelines for accessible toilet design requirements. Just make sure the seat height is also ADA approved between 17-19 inches.

How much weight can an open front toilet seat hold?

Most standard open front toilet seats support 300-400 lbs weight capacity which accommodates the vast majority of users. Some extra strength heavy duty models designed for bariatric cases can handle 500+ lbs.

Conclusion

An open front toilet seat can make all the difference in providing needed accessibility and comfort when using the toilet. They make bathroom transfers much simpler for disabled individuals or seniors while still offering security and support.

The top options from KOHLER, Bemis, Essential Medical Supply, and Drive Medical deliver durable quality combined with toilet-accessible designs. Just match your existing toilet shape and dimensions while prioritizing width between arms and weight capacity that meets your requirements.