Kohler Highline Toilet vs Cimarron: A Comprehensive Comparison

Choosing the right toilet for your home involves balancing design, efficiency, and comfort. As someone who has navigated the myriad of bathroom fixtures for upgrades and renovations, I’ve found Kohler’s Highline and Cimarron toilet models to be among the top contenders worth considering. Both are admired for their reliability and feature Kohler’s commitment to quality, but they have distinct attributes that cater to different needs and preferences.

Understanding the nuances between the Kohler Highline and Cimarron toilets is key to making an informed decision.

The Highline model is recognized for its pressure-assisted flush, using 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF), which is designed for powerful and efficient waste removal.

On the other hand, the Cimarron boasts a gravity-fed flushing system and is considered more economical, offering a balance between performance and water conservation. Each model presents a design that can complement various bathroom aesthetics, with the Highline sporting a simpler look and the Cimarron offering a slightly more luxurious feel.

Comparing Kohler Highline and Cimarron Toilets

In my professional experience with Kohler toilets, I’ve found that both the Highline and Cimarron models are exceptional in design and performance. Let’s compare the key features.

Design Differences

The Kohler Highline is a two-piece toilet that is widely appreciated for its classic design, while the Cimarron also comes in a two-piece configuration and often features a sleeker look. Both offer elongated bowl options, which provide extra comfort and space.

The main distinction is that Cimarron toilets sometimes are available in one-piece designs, which typically have a more seamless appearance and can be easier to clean due to fewer crevices.

Flushing Technology and Performance

Both the Kohler Highline and Cimarron toilets utilize the brand’s powerful flushing technology. However, they differ in the specifics of their flushing systems. The Highline model is equipped with the AquaPiston canister flush valve, ensuring a rapid and powerful flush.

Some Highline models also feature a dual-flushing mechanism, allowing for water conservation. Similarly, the Cimarron uses an AquaPiston flush valve but is known for its low-flow options down to 1.0 GPF (gallons per flush), optimizing both performance and water efficiency.

Comfort and Height Considerations

Regarding comfort, Kohler’s commitment is apparent in both toilet models meeting the ADA height standard of 17 to 19 inches, making sitting and standing easier for most users.

The Cimarron model specifically offers a floor to bowl rim height of 17.5 inches, when including the seat, which is often branded as the Comfort Height feature, a highlight for residential use. Comfort Height is designed to be accessible to a wide range of individuals, including those with mobility issues.

Installation and Maintenance

Choosing the right toilet involves considering how it fits into your bathroom both functionally and aesthetically. In my professional practice, I’ve found that ease of installation and maintenance are just as critical as the design of the toilet. These factors can influence long-term satisfaction with your bathroom fixture.

Ease of Installation

I’ve installed both Kohler Highline and Cimarron toilets.

The Highline is a two-piece toilet, which I often find simpler to handle during installation because you can move the bowl and tank separately. This can be a relief, especially in compact spaces. Compact spaces benefit from the Highline’s flexibility.

The Cimarron model, although slightly more challenging due to its one-piece design, has a skirted trapway which not only enhances the look but also simplifies cleaning. Luckily, both models share a common benefit: they are quite easy to install. Installation typically includes these steps:

1. Position the toilet bowl over the floor flange.
2. Secure the bowl with bolts.
3. Attach the tank (if a two-piece toilet).
4. Connect the water supply line.
5. Check for leaks and ensure proper function.

A helpful tip: having a second person can make positioning easier and prevent damage to the toilet or your flooring.

Cleaning and Upkeep

Regular maintenance keeps these toilets performing well. With my expertise in bathroom fixtures, I recommend weekly cleaning to prevent buildup and ensure the longevity of the unit. The Cimarron’s skirted trapway not only gives a sleek look but also reduces the need for tedious scrubbing around nooks and crannies.

For the Highline, while it requires more attention to the exposed trapway, both models have surfaces that are designed to minimize adherence of waste and grime. Here’s an efficient cleaning routine:

• Use a gentle disinfectant cleaner on all surfaces.
• Scrub the bowl with a non-abrasive cleaner.
• Wipe down the exterior, paying attention to handles and frequently touched areas.

The Highline and Cimarron toilets are durable and designed for minimal fuss in both setup and maintenance. With basic tools and some care, they can maintain performance and aesthetics for years.

Pricing and Value

When weighing the Kohler Highline against the Cimarron, price plays a significant role. As someone who has evaluated numerous bathroom fixtures professionally, I understand that initial outlay and enduring value are crucial considerations.

Initial Costs and Long-Term Value

The Kohler Highline and Kohler Cimarron toilets are competitively priced, often appealing to budget-conscious buyers. Initial costs can vary, but generally the Highline model is slightly more affordable than the Cimarron. However, price shouldn’t be the sole factor:

Kohler Highline

• Initial Price: $200-$300
• Long-term Value: Uses 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF), saving on water bills over time.

Kohler Cimarron

• Initial Price: $300-$400
• Long-Term Value: Similar water efficiency with added comfort features that may prove more durable over the long haul.

Both models offer a good balance between upfront costs and ongoing savings, thanks to their water-efficient designs, which can lead to reduced utility bills, thus enhancing their long-term value.

Warranty and Durability

Durability is key—I always tell my clients to consider how long their investment will last. Both these toilets come with a one-year limited warranty, which is a standard offering from Kohler.

Kohler Highline

• Durability: Built with durable materials, but as a more basic option, it might experience wear sooner than more premium models.
• Warranty: One-year limited warranty, ensuring repairs or replacements if issues arise early on

Kohler Cimarron

• Durability: Often praised for its robust build and longevity, which might justify the slightly higher price
• Warranty: One-year limited warranty, offering the same protection against initial defects or faults.

In terms of durability, while both toilets are constructed to last, my experience suggests that the slightly higher price of the Cimarron may reflect a more robust build quality, potentially offering better long-term value despite its higher initial cost.

Efficiency and Certifications

In my experience, efficiency and environmental impact are critical when considering toilets. The Kohler Highline and Cimarron models excel in conserving water and meet strict environmental standards.

Water Usage and Conservation

The Kohler Cimarron and Highline toilets are designed to use 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF), which brings them into the category of high-efficiency toilets. This reduced water usage translates to significant water conservation over the lifespan of the toilet. Both models feature a canister flush valve that ensures a powerful and effective flush using less water.

• Kohler Cimarron: 1.28 GPF
• Kohler Highline: 1.28 GPF

In terms of water-saving features, both toilet models are at the forefront, ensuring that every flush maximizes efficiency without compromising performance.

Certifications and Environmental Impact

Both the Kohler Highline and Cimarron toilets are WaterSense certified, confirming they meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines for water efficiency and performance. Additionally, they are both ADA-compliant, making them accessible and comfortable for all users.

• WaterSense Certified: Yes (Both models)
• ADA Compliant: Yes (Both models)

My professional assessment values their commitment to environmental standards highly. Their certifications reflect a dedication to not only saving water but also to providing a product that is conscious of its environmental footprint.