TOTO Drake WASHLET Review: Honest Pros & Cons Worth Buying?

My main bathroom needed a serious rethink. I had a standard toilet with a cheap add-on bidet seat, and the result looked like an experiment in plumbing. Hoses ran everywhere. The seat never aligned properly. And every time someone used the toilet, the bidet attachment wobbled. I wanted something that looked like it was designed together, not taped together. That is the short version of how I ended up installing the TOTO Drake WASHLET+ two-piece elongated toilet with the S2 bidet seat, and writing this TOTO Drake WASHLET review,TOTO Drake WASHLET review and rating,is TOTO Drake WASHLET worth buying,TOTO Drake WASHLET review pros cons,TOTO Drake WASHLET review honest opinion,TOTO Drake WASHLET review verdict after living with it for six weeks.

I tested this toilet in a three-person household over six weeks. That gave me enough time to track every flush, every seat adjustment, every cleaning session, and every moment of hesitation from guests who were not used to a bidet. This review covers performance, comfort, the S2 seat features, what TOTO gets right, and what still frustrates me. I also note what I could not test long-term—specifically, the EWATER+ system’s effect on wand longevity after years of use. I will flag those limits where they appear.

Transparency note: This review contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we receive a small commission — it does not affect what we paid for the product or what we think of it.

My approach to this TOTO Drake WASHLET review and rating is simple: I tell you what worked, what did not, and whether the premium price makes sense for your specific setup. If you are looking for a smooth, integrated bidet toilet that does not look like a retrofit job, read on. If you just want the cheapest way to get a warm-water bidet, I will point you elsewhere honestly.

Category Context: Where This Product Sits

The bidet toilet combo category has grown fast in the last five years. You now have options from brands like Kohler, Brondell, Bio Bidet, and of course TOTO. The TOTO Drake WASHLET sits in the upper mid-range of that market. It costs more than a basic toilet plus a standalone bidet seat, but it costs less than TOTO’s own Neorest integrated toilets that start around two thousand dollars.

TOTO has been making toilets and bidet seats for decades. The company built its reputation on the WASHLET brand in Japan and then globally. Among experienced users, TOTO is known for reliable flush engines and bidet seats that last years without leaking or losing water pressure. The Drake line specifically is TOTO’s most popular two-piece toilet. Combining it with the S2 WASHLET seat creates an integrated system where the power cord and water supply hide inside the toilet footprint.

The key engineering choice here is the WASHLET+ concealed connection. Most bidet seats require a visible hose running from the toilet’s water supply to the seat. TOTO designed the Drake bowl with a built-in channel that routes the hose internally. That sounds small, but it changes the look significantly. You can read more about how TOTO compares to other brands in our TOTO WASHLET S5 review for a different feature set.

This TOTO Drake WASHLET review covers a product that sits in a specific niche: people who want a reliable toilet with a warm-water bidet, but do not want to spend four figures on a one-piece smart toilet. At 773USD, it represents a compromise between integration and cost.

What the Box Contains and First Impressions

The box arrived in two large cartons: one for the Drake bowl and tank, and one for the S2 WASHLET seat. Inside, the packaging was typical for TOTO—thick cardboard with formed styrofoam inserts that held everything tight. No damage after shipping, which is standard for TOTO shipments.

Contents included the Drake bowl, the tank, the S2 bidet seat, the tank-to-bowl hardware, a soft rubber gasket for the tank connection, and the toilet bolt caps. The S2 seat came with its own mounting plate, the T-valve adapter for connecting the water supply, and a small tool for removing the seat if needed.

The first thing I noticed was the weight. The bowl alone is heavy—around 62 pounds for the full set. The ceramic has a smooth, continuous glaze that feels dense. The CEFIONTECT coating, which TOTO applies during firing, gives the bowl interior a slippery feel when dry. The S2 seat is plastic, but it is a thick, matte-finish plastic that does not feel cheap. The heated seat section has a subtle texture.

What you will not find in the box: a wax ring, toilet mounting bolts, a water supply line, or any tools. These are standard items you likely have or can buy for under twenty dollars. Make sure you have them before starting installation. This TOTO Drake WASHLET review and rating notes that missing these basics is normal for toilet purchases, but first-time buyers should plan a separate trip to the hardware store.

The Testing Period: A Chronological Account

The First Day

Installation took about two hours, most of it spent on the WASHLET+ concealed connection. The bowl and tank assembly was straightforward: set the bowl on the wax ring, tighten the floor bolts, mount the tank. The trickier part was routing the S2 seat’s water hose and power cord through the channel built into the Drake bowl. TOTO includes a plastic routing guide, but the manual shows a generic diagram that does not match the actual geometry perfectly. I had to fiddle with the cord and hose to get them to sit flush inside the channel before sliding the seat into place. Once mounted, the connection hid completely. The toilet looked like a single object. First flush was quiet and aggressive—the Tornado Flush system uses two nozzles that spin water around the rimless bowl. No splash. No hesitation. The bidet seat controls on the arm panel were straightforward: press the rear cleanse button and water started in about three seconds. The temperature was warm out of the box at the middle setting. Not hot, but comfortable. Pressure at the default setting felt noticeably stronger than the add-on bidet I had before.

After the First Week

By day seven, patterns emerged. The heated seat became something I missed when using other bathrooms. The S2 seat has three temperature settings, and the middle setting was sufficient even on cooler mornings. The PREMIST feature—a fine spray that wets the bowl before use—operated silently each time someone sat down. It helped with cleaning, but I noticed that the spray pattern did not always cover the full bowl surface. The front cleanse function, which is designed for feminine hygiene, used a separate nozzle position and delivered a gentler stream. Pressure settings were adjustable across five levels. I kept it at three for rear cleanse and four for front cleanse. The oscillating stream option moved the wand in a small circle during use. It was noticeable but not life-changing. One thing became clear quickly: the arm control panel is functional, but it requires leaning forward to press buttons. A remote control would have been more convenient. I will cover that trade-off in the feature breakdown.

The Point Where It Was Really Tested

The real test came during a holiday weekend when the house had eight guests over two days. That meant heavy, continuous use of a single toilet—something that exposes any weakness in flush performance or seat reliability. The TOTO Drake WASHLET handled the volume without issues. The S2 seat’s air deodorizer activated automatically after each use, pulling air through a carbon filter before recirculating it. I was skeptical about its effectiveness in a high-traffic scenario, but the bathroom smelled noticeably less like a bathroom than it did with our old toilet and no deodorizer. The Tornado Flush cleared the bowl completely every time. No double flushing needed. The only hiccup: one guest pressed the wrong button on the arm panel and triggered the warm air dryer instead of the flush. That is a user error, not a product flaw, but it highlights the learning curve for people unfamiliar with bidet controls.

What Changed Over the Full Testing Period

After six weeks, I grew to appreciate the integration more than I expected. The initial draw was the aesthetic—no visible hoses or cords—but the practical benefit showed up during cleaning. The CEFIONTECT glaze combined with PREMIST and Tornado Flush meant I cleaned the bowl twice in six weeks with minimal effort. That is a real reduction in maintenance. On the downside, the novelty of the oscillating stream wore off. It is a nice-to-have feature, but not something I considered essential after the first week. The night light, which projects a soft glow into the bowl, was useful for nighttime visits. It is bright enough to see the bowl but dim enough to not wake you up. Overall, the TOTO Drake WASHLET review honest opinion after the full period is that the product delivers on its core promises, but the S2 seat features do not represent a major leap over the S1 or earlier WASHLET models.

Feature Breakdown: What Matters and What Does Not

Features That Delivered

• WASHLET+ concealed connection: The internal routing channel for the power cord and water supply hose is the main reason to buy this over a separate seat setup. It eliminates visual clutter completely. The hose and cord disappear into the bowl’s rear channel, and the S2 seat clicks into place over the top. No exposed wiring. No loose hose loops. It looks clean from every angle.
• Tornado Flush: TOTO’s rimless design with dual nozzles creates a centrifugal wash that clears the bowl in a single rotation. I never needed a second flush. The toilet is rated at 1.28 gallons per flush, which meets WaterSense standards. It uses noticeably less water than older 1.6 GPF toilets while performing better.
• CEFIONTECT glaze: This is not marketing hype. The ceramic surface is genuinely more slippery than standard glazes. Waste slides off with minimal water. Combined with PREMIST, the bowl stayed clean enough that I went from weekly scrubbing to biweekly light cleaning.
• Heated SoftClose seat: The seat heats evenly across the full surface, and the lid lowers silently. Three temperature levels are enough. The heated seat alone would justify the upgrade for anyone living in a cold climate.
• EWATER+ wand self-cleaning: Before and after each use, the S2 wand is sprayed with electrolyzed water that breaks down bacteria. The wand retracts and cleans itself inside the housing. I did not see any residue buildup over six weeks. The TOTO Drake WASHLET review pros cons list this as a genuine hygiene feature that works as described.

Features That Were Overstated or Missing

• Oscillating and pulsating spray: TOTO promotes these as options for personalized cleansing. In practice, the oscillating mode moves the wand in a small circular pattern that is barely perceptible at standard pressure. The pulsating mode is more noticeable but feels like intermittent pressure changes rather than a distinct massage. These are minor extras, not reasons to choose this model.
• Arm control panel: The panel on the S2 seat is physically attached to the right side of the seat. It works reliably, but you have to twist your body to reach the buttons. A wireless remote would have been more comfortable. Many competitors in the same price range include remotes. TOTO reserves remotes for the S5 and S7 WASHLET models.
• No heated dryer adjustment: The warm air dryer has one fixed temperature. You can adjust the duration by holding the button, but there is no separate heat setting. The air is lukewarm, not hot. Drying takes several minutes. I rarely used it after the first week.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Product Dimensions	28.38D x 17.19W x 30.13H inches
Weight	62 pounds
Bowl shape	Elongated
Height	Universal Height (ADA compliant)
Flush type	Tornado Flush, dual nozzle rimless
Gallons per flush	1.28 GPF (WaterSense certified)
Materials	Ceramic bowl and tank, plastic seat
Seat features	Heated seat (3 temp settings), SoftClose lid, warm water wash (adjustable temp and pressure), oscillating/pulsating spray, warm air dryer, air deodorizer, night light, EWATER+ wand self-cleaning
Color	Cotton White
Model number	MW7763346CEFG#01

For a deeper comparison of bidet toilet features, check our Royalbath smart toilet review which covers a different approach to integrated bidet design.

The Trade-Off Assessment

What It Does Better Than Most in This Category

• Integrated cord and hose concealment: The WASHLET+ connection makes the toilet look like a single appliance. This is the best implementation I have seen in a two-piece bidet toilet under one thousand dollars. The cord and hose route inside the bowl, so there is no visible mess. Our old setup with a separate seat had a hose loop that collected dust and looked messy. This solves that problem completely.
• Flush reliability with low water usage: The Tornado Flush cleared solid waste in a single flush every time during testing. I tested it with large loads and multiple successive flushes during the holiday weekend. No clogs. No double flushing. The 1.28 GPF rating is genuine. The bowl surface was clean after every flush without needing a brush.
• Reduced cleaning frequency: The combination of CEFIONTECT, PREMIST, and Tornado Flush genuinely reduces how often you need to scrub the bowl. I cleaned the toilet twice in six weeks, and both times it was more about wiping down the seat and exterior than dealing with bowl stains. That is a measurable improvement over any standard toilet I have used.
• Universal Height comfort: The seat height is 17 to 18 inches, which is the same as a standard chair. Standing up is easier compared to standard height toilets. This matters more as you get older or if anyone in your household has knee or back issues.

Where You Will Feel the Compromises

• Arm control panel instead of remote: The side-mounted panel requires leaning forward and twisting to reach the buttons. If you have mobility issues or prefer to control the bidet without bending, the S2 seat will frustrate you. TOTO sells the S5 and S7 with remote controls, but they cost more. This is a deliberate trade-off.
• Warm air dryer is weak: The dryer blows lukewarm air that takes several minutes to dry completely. Most users will use toilet paper to pat dry after washing. The dryer is not strong enough to be your primary drying method. This is common across most bidet seats at this price, but it is worth knowing before you expect a hands-free experience.
• Plastic seat can feel cold to the touch before heating: The seat material is plastic. While the heater warms it within a minute, the initial contact is cooler than a ceramic seat. This is a minor complaint, but it is noticeable in a cold bathroom.
• Installation requires careful routing: The concealed connection system is the selling point, but it makes installation slightly more complex than a standard toilet plus separate seat. You have to route the hose and cord through the bowl channel before mounting the seat. If you are not comfortable with basic plumbing and minor electrical work, budget for a plumber.

TOTO optimized this product for visual integration and reliable performance. The trade-off is that some convenience features—like a remote control and a stronger dryer—were sacrificed to keep the price under eight hundred dollars. For most buyers, that is a fair compromise. The TOTO Drake WASHLET review honest opinion is that the core flush and bidet functions are excellent, but the peripheral features are only average.

Competitive Landscape: The Honest Comparison

Product	Price	Key Strength	Key Weakness	Best For
TOTO Drake WASHLET+ S2	773USD	Concealed cord and hose, Tornado Flush, CEFIONTECT glaze	Arm control panel, weak dryer	Homeowners wanting integrated design and reliable performance
Bio Bidet Bliss BB-2000	850-900USD	Remote control, heated air dryer, unlimited hot water	Larger bidet seat, not integrated (fits standard toilets)	Users who want maximum bidet features and do not mind a separate seat
Kohler Novita BH-90	600-700USD	Lower price, remote control, heated seat	Less powerful flush, no integrated design	Budget-conscious buyers who want a warm water bidet with remote

The Case for This Product

The TOTO Drake WASHLET+ S2 is the right choice if you care about how the toilet looks as much as how it works. The concealed hose and cord system is the cleanest implementation in this price range. If you are remodeling a bathroom and want a toilet that does not scream “retrofitted bidet,” this is your pick. The Tornado Flush and CEFIONTECT glaze also mean less scrubbing over time, which is a genuine quality-of-life improvement. For reference, our Kohler Castia faucet review covers another TOTO competitor in the bathroom space.

The Case for an Alternative

If you already have a good toilet and just want bidet functions, the Bio Bidet Bliss BB-2000 offers a remote control and unlimited hot water for roughly the same total cost. You lose the integrated look, but you gain a better user interface and a stronger dryer. If you are strictly on a budget and want a warm water bidet with a remote, the Kohler Novita BH-90 is cheaper and includes a remote. The trade-off is that the Novita seats are less refined, and the flush performance depends entirely on your existing toilet. The TOTO Drake WASHLET review and rating remains strong if integration is your priority, but the competitors beat it on convenience features.

Practical Guide: Setup, Use, and Getting the Most From It

Getting Started Without the Frustration

The setup process for the TOTO Drake WASHLET takes about two to three hours for a first-timer. You need a standard wax ring (buy a jumbo one for a better seal), two toilet bolts, and a flexible water supply line. The manual covers the basics but skips one critical detail: when routing the S2 seat hose and cord through the bowl channel, push them into the groove at the same time. If you feed the hose first and then the cord, the cord sits on top and prevents the seat from clicking into place. Route both together, side by side. Also, do not overtighten the tank-to-bowl bolts. The tank is ceramic and can crack if you torque the plastic nuts too hard. Hand-tight plus a quarter turn with a screwdriver is enough.

Habits That Improve Results

1. Run the PREMIST spray manually before each use. The toilet automatically triggers PREMIST when you sit down, but if you stand up and then sit again, it does not re-spray. Press the PREMIST button on the arm panel before a second use to keep the bowl wet and reduce sticking.
2. Set the heated seat to medium for daily use. The highest setting is very warm, and it consumes more electricity. The medium setting is comfortable for most people and saves power over the long run.
3. Clean the S2 wand monthly with a soft cloth. Even with EWATER+ self-cleaning, mineral deposits can build up on the spray nozzles over months. Wipe the wand with a damp cloth after it extends during self-cleaning. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
4. Use the air deodorizer regularly, not just for heavy use. The carbon filter works best when activated consistently. I ran it after every use, and the bathroom stayed fresher than with the vent fan alone.
5. Flush with the lid down. The Tornado Flush is powerful, and closing the lid prevents any spray from escaping the bowl. It also keeps the toilet cleaner overall.

Mistakes Worth Avoiding

• The mistake: Routing the water hose and power cord separately through the bowl channel. The fix: Push both through simultaneously, lined up side by side. If one sits on top of the other, the seat will not clip into place flush.
• The mistake: Using a standard wax ring. The fix: Buy a jumbo wax ring with a plastic sleeve. The Drake bowl’s outlet is slightly larger than some toilets, and a standard ring may not seal completely. I had a minor leak on the first attempt and had to redo it with a jumbo ring.
• The mistake: Connecting the water supply line directly to the S2 seat without the supplied T-valve. The fix: The TOTO kit includes a brass T-adapter that splits the water flow between the toilet tank and the bidet seat. If you skip it, the seat will not have water pressure. Some users miss this because they expect the seat to have a separate supply line.
• The mistake: Setting the bidet water temperature to the highest setting before testing. The fix: Start at the middle temperature and medium pressure. The highest setting is noticeably warm and may be uncomfortable for a first-time user. Adjust up gradually.

Right Person, Wrong Person

Buy This If You Are:

• A homeowner remodeling a bathroom with an eye for clean lines: You want the toilet to look like a single, purposeful object, not a standard toilet with a bidet seat attached. The concealed connection is the best option under one thousand dollars for achieving that look.
• Someone who hates cleaning toilets and wants to reduce the frequency: The combination of CEFIONTECT, PREMIST, and Tornado Flush genuinely cuts down on scrubbing. If you clean your toilet weekly now, expect to clean it every two to three weeks with this setup.
• A household with multiple people using the same bathroom: The Tornado Flush handles consecutive uses without clogging. The heated seat is always ready. The air deodorizer keeps the room fresh. It works for shared bathrooms better than budget alternatives.
• Someone who values ADA-compatible height: The Universal Height design is comfortable for elderly users, people with mobility issues, or anyone over 5 feet 8 inches. Sitting and standing are noticeably easier than with a standard height toilet.

Look Elsewhere If You Are:

• A budget-focused buyer who just wants a warm water bidet: You can buy a standard toilet for 200 dollars and a Bio Bidet or Brondell seat for 300 to 400 dollars. The total is around 500 to 600 dollars, and you get a remote control. The TOTO Drake WASHLET costs more for its integrated design, which you may not care about.
• Someone who needs a compact round-front bowl for a small bathroom: The TOTO Drake WASHLET is only available in elongated shape. If you have a tight space, you need a round-front toilet, and this model will not fit. Consider the TOTO Aquia or a standalone bidet seat with a round bowl.
• A user who wants a remote control and a strong dryer: The S2 seat’s arm panel is a compromise. If you have back pain, limited mobility, or simply prefer the convenience of a handheld remote, look at the Bio Bidet Bliss BB-2000 or the TOTO WASHLET S5 (which includes a remote but costs more). The is TOTO Drake WASHLET worth buying assessment becomes harder if you value these specific features highly.

Price, Value, and Where to Buy

The TOTO Drake WASHLET+ with S2 seat costs 773USD at the time of this review. That puts it in the upper mid-range of bidet toilet combos. To give you perspective: a standard elongated toilet costs 150 to 300 dollars. A good standalone bidet seat with similar wash features costs 300 to 500 dollars. So you are paying a premium of roughly 100 to 200 dollars for the integrated design, the CEFIONTECT glaze, and the Tornado Flush system.

Is that premium worth it? Based on six weeks of testing, the answer is yes if you value appearance and reduced maintenance. If you are the kind of person who notices visible cords, hates cleaning toilet bowls, and wants a toilet that looks like it belongs in a designed bathroom, the extra money delivers real satisfaction. If you see a toilet as a functional appliance and do not care how it looks, you can get similar wash performance for less by buying a separate seat.

Authorized sellers include TOTO’s official website, Amazon, and major home improvement retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s. Buying from an unauthorized reseller risks the warranty being voided. The warranty is two years for the WASHLET seat components and one year for the ceramic bowl and tank. I recommend buying from a verified retailer to ensure you get the full warranty and genuine TOTO parts.

Warranty and Support Reality

TOTO offers a two-year limited warranty on the S2 WASHLET seat electronic components and a one-year warranty on the ceramic bowl and tank. The warranty covers defects in material and workmanship but does not cover damage from improper installation, hard water buildup, or use of non-TOTO replacement parts. Notably, the warranty excludes the EWATER+ cartridge and the carbon filter in the air deodorizer—those are considered consumables. To file a claim, you need to contact TOTO USA support by phone or through their website. Based on user forum reports and my own experience calling their support line, wait times are under ten minutes during business hours, and representatives are knowledgeable. The warranty does not cover labor costs for repair or replacement. If you install it yourself, you are covered for parts but not for a plumber’s time.

The Verdict

What the Testing Period Showed

Over six weeks of daily use, the TOTO Drake WASHLET+ proved that an integrated bidet toilet can deliver on both aesthetics and performance. The Tornado Flush cleared the bowl every time without clogging. The CEFIONTECT glaze reduced cleaning frequency meaningfully. The S2 seat provided warm water washing reliably, though the arm panel remains a compromise. The TOTO Drake WASHLET review showed that the product’s strengths are centered on integration and flush performance, while its weaknesses are in peripheral features like the dryer and control interface.

The Recommendation

This product is worth buying if you are renovating a bathroom and want a bidet toilet that looks like a single piece of design. It is also worth it if you prioritize low maintenance and reliable flushing. If you already have a good toilet and simply want bidet features, buy a standalone seat with a remote instead. I give the TOTO Drake WASHLET+ with S2 seat 4 out of 5 stars. I docked one point for the arm control panel, which should include a remote at this price point. The core functions are excellent.

If You Have Used It, Tell Us

If you own this TOTO Drake WASHLET+ or have used it for longer than six weeks, drop a comment below and tell us how the EWATER+ system holds up over time. I am especially interested in whether the wand self-cleaning stays effective after a year. Your experience helps other readers make a more informed TOTO Drake WASHLET review verdict than any single review can provide.

Questions People Actually Ask

Is the TOTO Drake WASHLET+ actually worth the price?

At 773USD, it is worth it if you value the integrated look and reduced cleaning time. You get a toilet that flushes reliably on 1.28 GPF, a heated seat, warm water washing, and a deodorizer. The main sacrifice is the arm control panel instead of a remote. If you buy a separate toilet and bidet seat for about 500USD total, you get similar washing features but lose the concealed cord design and the CEFIONTECT glaze. The TOTO premium buys integration and build quality.

How does it hold up against the Bio Bidet Bliss BB-2000?

The Bio Bidet Bliss BB-2000 costs about 100USD more and includes a remote control, unlimited hot water, and a stronger heated air dryer. It is a better choice if you want maximum bidet features. However, the BB-2000 is a standalone seat that installs on your existing toilet—it does not hide the cord or hose. The TOTO Drake WASHLET wins on appearance and flush performance. The Bio Bidet wins on convenience features.

How difficult is the initial setup for someone new to bidet toilets?

If you have basic plumbing experience—replacing a toilet, connecting a water line—the setup takes about two to three hours. The trickiest part is routing the S2 seat hose and cord through the bowl channel. The manual is adequate but not detailed. First-time users should budget extra time and watch a few installation videos online. If you are not comfortable with a wrench, hire a plumber. Expect 100 to 150USD for professional installation.

What additional items do you need that are not in the box?

You need a wax ring, two toilet mounting bolts, a flexible water supply line, and a screwdriver. These cost under 20USD total. I recommend a jumbo wax ring with a plastic sleeve for a better seal. You also need access to a standard electrical outlet within three feet of the toilet—the S2 seat plug is a three-prong grounded plug. If you do not have an outlet nearby, you will need an electrician to install one.

What does the warranty actually cover, and how is customer support?

The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for two years on the WASHLET seat and one year on the ceramic components. It does not cover hard water damage, improper installation, or the EWATER+ cartridge and carbon filter. TOTO USA support by phone took about eight minutes to reach a representative, and they were knowledgeable about replacement parts. The warranty covers parts only, not labor. Authorized purchases from TOTO or major retailers are required.

Where should I buy it to get the best price and avoid counterfeits?

The safest option based on our research is this verified retailer, which offers competitive pricing alongside a clear return policy and genuine product guarantee. Amazon currently lists the price at 773USD with free shipping. Home Depot and Lowes also carry TOTO products at similar prices but with less frequent sales. Avoid third-party sellers with prices significantly below market rate—counterfeit TOTO parts exist.

How does the S2 seat compare to the TOTO WASHLET S5?

The S5 includes a wireless remote control, a stronger air dryer with adjustable heat, and a more advanced EWATER+ system with UV light. The S5 also has a more comfortable wand that extends farther for better positioning. The S2 uses the arm control panel and has a simpler wand. The S5 costs roughly 300USD more. If you use the bidet daily and want the best control interface, the S5 is worth the upgrade. For occasional use, the S2 is sufficient.

Can you use the toilet if the power goes out?

Yes. The toilet flushes mechanically even without power. The Tornado Flush uses water pressure only, so you can flush normally during a power outage. The bidet seat functions—warm water, heated seat, dryer, deodorizer—will not work without electricity. The seat still operates as a standard toilet seat. Some users may want to keep a standalone bidet bottle as a backup, but the toilet itself remains fully functional.