Product Review: Electric Bidets

What is a bidet, and why are they so popular? A bidet ( pronounced Bee-Day) is similar in design to a toilet, except that is has faucets with running water and it is used to clean yourself up after using the toilet. Bidets are very popular in European Countries like: France, Italy, Spain, Japan, India, England, South Korea and a list of others. They are considered to be more hygienic than cleaning up with paper, comfortable and the standard of cleanliness. The first bidets came out in 1960 with the first "paperless toilet in Japan" introduced in 1980. The modern bidet comes with warm water jets and warm air dryer eliminating the need for toilet paper.The average cost of a bidet is around $400 American.

Can a bidet be considered Eco-friendly? How much water do they use compared to regular flush toilets. Is it really more sanitary and hygienic to use water to clean with rather than paper? These are the questions I ask myself when comparing these products to similar products on the market. Are they better, do they compare in price and water usage? I did a little research on these two units comparing water usage and price compared to two similar products.

Product number 1: The Brondell Swash.
The Swash appears to be an ecologically friendly toilet/bidet. It uses your existing toilet so there is no waste. Comes with the plumbing to attach to standard faucets. Standard installation takes less than an hour. The seat contains the control arm and water sprayers, just remove your old toilet seat and attach. Connect the tubing included to your existing plumbing . You can see a video testimonial at the company website. There is also a locater for finding a retailer in your area. And it is also available for purchase online at Brondell.com

Price: $620.00 (online purchase, may be different if bought through a retailer)
http://www.brondell.com/products/Swash450.php
Swash 450 model

Features of the product:
Contoured, heated seat w/controls (on/off).
Personalized settings.
Comfortable warm air dryer (no need for toilet paper).
Posterior and Feminine warm water washes.

The benefits of the product:
Uses 75% less toilet paper
Uses .05-.07 cents worth of electricity per day for heating the Swash Eco-Seat. (Heating is optional) Comes in handy in cold weather climates.
Can be used by Men, Women, and Children.
Uses pure filtered water in a reservoir in the back.
Water used for cleaning is about 2 cups worth. Cleaning takes about 30 seconds.
Toilet stays cleaner and is a lot more sanitary.
Filter keeps down hard water deposits and lime scale, no scrubbing.

Comparison with The Feel Fresh HI-6000 Electric Bidet W/Remote Control:
http://www.comfortclean.us/feel-fresh-hi-6000-bidet.html
Comfort Clean Customer Service Center- Phone: 310-795-6767

Price $498.00
Other models available ranging in price from $129.99-$388.00

Product features:
Uses existing toilet
Adjustable heated seat
Warm air dryer
Two sprayers for posterior and feminine washing

Easy to install and use with a minimum of maintenance.
Free same day shipping.

Hyundai Electrical Bidet:
http://www.hyundaibidet.com/en_1500r.htm
Several Models to choose from.
Also available in non-electric models.
Price not listed on their website, if interested contact the company

Features of Product:
Fits on existing toilet
Compact design (fits most 1-2 piece toilets)
remote control
Bubble wash
Child settings
Heat sensor
Self-cleaning
Energy saving functions

Comparing all three products, the only difference seems to be in pricing. All three basically have the same features and functions, available in both electric and non-electric models. The Brondell Company also makes The Breeza (a deodorizing toilet) and the Perfect Flush, dual flush toilet system. Uses your existing toilet, flush settings for full or partial flush, saves water. Of the three companies, Brondell is the only manufacturer of Eco-friendly products.