Toto S550E Review – Is It Worth The Price?

If you’re looking for a luxury Japanese bidet, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the Toto S550E.

This washlet is one of the most popular high-end bidets on the market but is it the right choice for you?

In this Toto S550E review we’re going to take an in-depth look at the features, pros and cons and see how it stacks up against other popular bidets to help you decide whether the Toto S550E washlet is the bidet you’ve been searching for.

Washlet or Bidet?

Is the Toto S550E a washlet or a bidet?

First, let’s look at the difference between the two.

Technically speaking, a bidet is a free-standing porcelain bowl installed next to a toilet.

After using the toilet, you move across to the bidet. In contrast, a washlet fits over your toilet, replacing the seat.

However, the two terms – washlet and bidet – are often used interchangeably, so while Toto used the term “washlet” to describe the S550E, the term “bidet” is also appropriate.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Bidet

If you’re in the market for a bidet, it’s likely you have your own list of requirements. However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when you’re trying to determine which bidet is right for you:

Electric vs Non-Electric

In a nutshell, electric bidets are plugged into an electrical outlet while non-electric bidets are powered by water pressure.

You can read more about electric vs non-electric bidets here, but for reference, the Toto S550E is an electric bidet.

Your Budget

Bidets vary wildly in price, from as low as $30 for a basic hand-held sprayer up to several thousand dollars.

Those thousand-dollar bidets aren’t gold-plated, but they do come with a dazzling array of features.

The Toto S550E is considered a high-end bidet.

Toto S550E Sneak Peak

Toto S550E – Feature-Packed Luxury Bidet With All the Bells and Whistles

The Toto S550E is made by Toto, a Japanese company founded in 1917.

Toto is the world’s largest toilet manufacturer and is known for inventing the washlet.

The Toto S550E is one of Toto’s most popular bidets.

While it’s definitely one of the higher-priced bidets on the market, it’s feature-packed, aesthetically pleasing, and comes with quality and dependability you would expect from the Toto brand.

If price isn’t a concern, Toto S550E is an excellent option if you’re after a top-of-the-line, reliable, well-constructed bidet that offers virtually every feature imaginable.

Features of the Toto S550E

The Toto S550E has all of the features you’d expect from a luxury bidet.

Its contemporary, unobtrusive design combined with the peace of mind purchasing a bidet from the trusted Toto brand makes this high-end bidet worth the price.

Automatic Open/Close Lid

If you’re a germaphobe (or just someone who prefers not to touch toilet lids,) you’ll enjoy the automatic open/close lid feature of the Toto S550E.

The lid of this model features a motion sensor that detects when someone approaches and automatically opens.

Lifting and putting down the seat itself is as simple as pressing a button on the remote.

Once you’ve finished and walked away, the lid automatically closes.

Wireless Remote

Like the majority of high-end bidets, the Toto S550E is operated via wireless remote control.

However, a stand-out feature of this model’s remote control is the ability to save your preferred settings.

Up to 2 preferred settings can be saved, allowing you to customize water pressure and water temperature.

In addition, the remote comes with a wall-mount alleviating the need to hold the remote – instead, it can be operated with just the push of a button.

Heated Seat

The Toto S550E features a heated seat, which is standard for bidets in this price range.

Many people enjoy this feature but if you don’t like that “just been sat on” feel of a heated toilet seat, this feature can be switched off.

Warm Air Dryer

If you’re eco-conscious, the warm air dryer with an adjustable temperate setting can allow you to eliminate the need for toilet paper. However, there are certainly other bidets with a dryer on the market so this feature alone doesn’t justify the high cost, in my opinion.

Warm Water

Unlike some lower-priced models which have an often-bulky reservoir that stores hot water, this model features continuous, instantaneous water heating, meaning you’ll never be faced with the prospect of an ice-cold jet of water shocking your behind.

Rear & Front Cleansing Streams

Different people have different cleansing needs, which the Toto S550E caters to with its rear and front cleansing streams.

Pre-mist & E-Water Technology

The pre-mist and “e-water” technology are perhaps some of the most impressive features of this bidet model.

E-water technology generates electrolyzed water, turning it into a safe and powerful compound for cleansing, while the pre-mist feature sprays the toilet bowl with water before and after use, helping keep it clean and free of buildup.

This is an excellent feature for those who may be worried if bidets are sanitary or not.

Toto S550E Options

The Toto S550E comes in a variety of options, including two color choices – Cotton White and Sedona Beige – and two designs – elongated classic and elongated contemporary.

The classic version features a grooved toilet lid while the contemporary has a flat, un-grooved design.

It fits the majority of American toilets – both round and elongated – but may not fit toilets with French curves, which is fairly common with bidets.

Toto S550E Installation

This model of bidet is very easy to install at home and does not require professional assistance.

It comes with all the required installation hardware – all you’ll need is a screwdriver, measuring tape, and wrench.

Because this is an electric bidet, you will need a power outlet near your toilet.

Pros

• Wireless remote with ability to save preferred settings
• Soft glow night light
• Warm air dryer
• Temperature control
• Water pressure control
• Automatic open/close lid
• Instant warm water
• E-Water Technology
• Pre-mist for extra cleanliness
• Rear and front cleansing systems
• Lift/replace seat from remote control
• Two color options

Cons

• High price

How Does It Compare?

Bio Bidet USPA 6800U

The Toto S550U washlet is a top-of-the-range bidet with features that are hard to beat, but it comes at a price.

If you’re after a cheaper bidet that still has a good amount of features, then it’s worth checking out the Bio Bidet USPA 6800U.

Read Bio Bidet USPA 6800U review.

Brondell Swash SE600

If you’d prefer a stainless steel nozzle, then it’s worth checking out the Brondell Swash SE600.

In addition, it has many features similar to the Bio Bidet USPA 6800U and is priced comparably.

Read Brondell Swash SE600 review.

In Summary

The Toto S550E is a luxury, high-end bidet that is packed with features.

The Toto name is highly regarded and trusted in the world of toilets and bidets.

If you are looking for a dependable, stylish bidet that has a huge amount of features and you have a generous budget, then this bidet is a very good option.