We'd like to test drive this in our test lab just like Walt Mossberg at the WSJ has: "We Test a Digital Commode That Warms, Washes, Dries; Sometimes Old Ways Are Best."
Copycatting Toto's Neorest line, the Brondell Swash 800 takes the Johnny Depp pirate approach to the bathroom by swashbuckling in and upgrading the last thing you would have thought needed it: the toilet seat.
Priced at $1000, the Swash 800 retrofits on 98% of all standard toilets and provides you with "a more comfortable and luxurious bathroom experience." How? With a cordless remote control firmly in hand, it allows you to warmly wash and dry your tushie: "two retractable wands to provide a filtered posterior and feminine warm-water wash and features a warm air dryer for a shower-fresh feeling."
Gizmodo has already had fun skewering Walt Mossberg's review over at the Wall Street Journal, but the motive for this invention is clear: Brondell is trying to cash in on the rising trend in bathroom remodels, where Americans are spending more of their money than ever before. (Thanks, Oliver!)
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I've used Japanese-style toilets like these before. I know they sound silly, but butt-spas are pretty darn nice.
You never want to leave home.
S
Yeah - it's a shift in thinking all right. I mean, you wouldn't just wipe your hands dry if they were dirty, would you? No - you'd hit the sink and hopefully use the soap. So why treat your bottom differently?
I was in Japan about 5 years ago and my friend and I kept running to the department store - to use the FABULOUS heated, 'self-cleaning' toilets. It sounded odd at first, but oh so addictive!!!
We have one of this. I can't live without it now.
I fell in love with these in Japan, and put in a Toto Washlet while I was renovating my bathroom. I LOVE that thing.
I don't know the Brondell - is it Japanese? The Japanese are, let's be frank, the world masters of toilet technology, and I'd be slow to try a non-Japanese model.
I bought the Toto on eBay from a company in the Midwest, the name of which is escaping me right now. It was, however, less than $500.
And, after people stay at my house, it is the thing they talk about most.
I fell in love with these in Japan, and put in a Toto Washlet while I was renovating my bathroom. I LOVE that thing.
I don't know the Brondell - is it Japanese? The Japanese are, let's be frank, the world masters of toilet technology; I'd be slow to try a non-Japanese model.
I bought the Toto new on eBay from a company in the Midwest, the name of which is escaping me right now. It was, however, less than $500. They also had great prices on all of the Toto toilets.
Somewhat tragically, after people stay at my house, it is the thing they talk about most.
Never tried an all-in-one unit, but I would definitely install a bidet if I had room in my pitifully small bathroom. Maybe I should check out the Toto, although my gut feeling is that I prefer a more low tech approach.
(Cleanliness is actually better than godliness in my book.)
I remember seeing these when I lived in Tokyo during the late 80's/early 90's. Seriously ridiculous.
'well' there is a slap in the stink.
i guess we are what we consume.
You don't need to spend $1000 on this. We bought one years ago with all the features for about $500. It's by "Cleanlette". It's been a big hit.
I've read about these for some time and I keep coming back to the same thought, do these thoroughly clean the rear areas? I'm concerned they won't get it all off and the splashing from the jets might get everywhere. For those of you lucky to have one of these or a similar model, can you comment on my concerns?
Brian,
I've used the toilet seats in Japan with no problem. If it doesn't get everything clean, then you can always use toilet paper.
As for your other concern, check out
http://tokyoblog.livejournal.com/1798.html
Exactly.
Really, until you've tried one, you can't imagine how great these things are. And once you've owned one, you won't believe how hard it is to be deprived of it!
They have some kind of visual sensor so that it's hard to make them spray if someone isn't ensconced on the throne. Although, if you're clever with timing and have good remote skills, you can surprise your cat.