Bidet Seat Comparison: Eco NOVA vs. TOTO C5
In this review, we’ll dive into the similarities and differences between the popular Eco NOVA and the TOTO C5. Released in 2020, the C5 is the new and improved replacement for the well-loved C200 WASHLET. Each of these bidet seats has unique strengths, so the real question is, which one meets your needs best?
Eco NOVA | TOTO C5 | |
---|---|---|
Materials | Polypropylene plastic shell, stainless steel 2-in-1 nozzle | Plastic 3-in-1 nozzle |
Design | ||
Nozzle Sterilization | Silver nano coating on internals & a UV sterilizing lamp | Sterile eWATER+ (electrolyzed water) mists bowl & cleans nozzles |
Warm Water | Yes – unlimited (instant heater) | Yes – limited (tank heater) |
Pulse Wash | Yes – quickly alternates temperature | Yes – quickly alternates pressure |
Nozzle Oscillation | Yes | Yes |
Turbo Wash | Yes | No |
Soft Wash | No | Yes |
Deodorizer | No | Yes |
Night Light | Yes | No |
Premist | No | Yes |
Auto Wash | Yes | No |
User Presets | No | Yes |
Sittable Lid | Yes | No |
Weight Limit | Seat: 400 lbs Lid: 400 lbs | Seat: 320 lbs Lid: 0 lbs |
Seat Thickness | Very thin / lowest profile | Average |
Color Options | White | White, Beige |
Remote Option | Radio signal, slim | Infrared signal, slim |
Warranty | 4 year full | 1 year limited |
Risk Free Trial | 180 Days | Not Eligible |
Look & Feel
Profile & Color
The Eco NOVA’s super slim profile is equal parts elegant and functional. While the TOTO C5 also has sleek, clean lines, it is bulkier than the Eco NOVA. This is largely due to the warm water tank housed inside the rear of the seat.
Both the Eco NOVA and the TOTO C5 are designed for elongated toilets only and won’t fit on a toilet with a round bowl. Like most bidet seats, the Eco NOVA only comes in white. The C5, however, is available in both white and beige, so it is able to match a broader range of bathrooms.
Materials
The Eco NOVA features top notch quality of build, with a polypropylene plastic shell and stainless steel nozzles. Polypropylene plastic is hardier and more durable than the cheaper ABS plastic often used in bidet seat construction. Similarly, because it’s strong and non-porous, stainless steel nozzles are easier to keep clean and are less likely to break or crack compared to materials like plastic or aluminum.
The TOTO C5 has plastic nozzles, as do all TOTO units. TOTO does state that their nozzles have a sterile liner that keeps them as hygienic as stainless steel. While we’ve not done independent testing to confirm this, TOTO has a stellar reputation and we take them at their word.
Wash & Dry Features
Wash Settings
The Eco NOVA has all sorts of wash features designed to get you clean while keeping you supremely comfortable. For starters, the instant water heater generates unlimited warm water, so you never have to worry about a cold spray. Front and rear wash modes get you clean, and the adjustable water pressure, temperature and nozzle position let you personalize the wash to your liking.
The Eco NOVA also comes with nozzle oscillation, which moves the wand forwards and backwards in a soothing rhythm to cover more surface area. Additionally, the Eco NOVA offers a “pulse wash” that differs a bit from most other pulse washes. This setting quickly alternates the water temperature between warm and cool for a refreshing, calming spray.
The TOTO C5 offers front, rear and soft rear wash modes plus nozzle oscillation and a pulse wash that varies the wash pressure for a relaxing massage. Unlike the Eco NOVA, the C5 has a tank water heater, which means it produces limited warm water – about 30-60 seconds at a time. As the tank runs out of water, the wash stream slowly turns cold. It takes the tank around 3 to 5 minutes to refill and reheat.
Deodorizer & Night Light
The TOTO C5 has a built-in deodorizer that purifies the air from the bowl without using scents or chemicals. It accomplishes this by using a fan to pull air from the bowl through a carbon filter. While no deodorizer can eliminate odors completely, it does a surprisingly good job of freshening the air in your bathroom so that no unwanted scents linger.
While the Eco NOVA does not have a deodorizer, it does come with a night light that illuminates the bowl with a soft glow. This makes it easier to navigate a dark bathroom or aim for the toilet in low light. It’s super handy to have if you tend to use the bathroom at night and don’t want to stumble around in the dark or turn on a blinding overhead light.
The C5 doesn’t have a night light although you can purchase an after market model if you wish.
Nozzle Sterilization
The Eco NOVA has three lines of defense against residue and microbes. First, the nozzles self-rinse with clean water before and after each use. Second, Eco NOVA’s nozzles and tubing are lined with a silver-nano solution that defends against microbial growth. Finally, the Eco NOVA is equipped with a UV lamp that sterilizes the nozzles on demand, killing any germs that may have accumulated on the surface.
The TOTO C5 uses sterile, “EWATER+” to rinse the wand and nozzles as you sit down to use the bidet and after you finish. EWATER+ is simply electrolyzed water, which the C5 generates internally, so you’re guaranteed to never run out. EWATER+ is sustainable, all natural and environmentally friendly, so there’s lots to love about it!
Premisting
If you’re tired of fast your toilet bowl gets dirty, the TOTO C5 has a nifty feature designed to help! Premisting automatically sprays down the toilet bowl with sterile, EWATER+ as you’re getting ready to use the bathroom. This thin film of water on the surface of the bowl creates a slippery surface that discourages waste from sticking so that your toilet stays clean longer.
Premisting is exclusive to select TOTO bidet seats, so it does not come on the Eco NOVA.
User Presets & Auto Wash
The TOTO C5 comes with user presets. This premium feature is a handy way to achieve a personalized wash with minimal effort every time you use your bidet. User presets allow up to two people to program their favorite wash pressure, water temperature and nozzle position into the remote. When you’re ready to get clean, simply press your preset button for a perfectly customized wash.
While the Eco Nova doesn’t have user presets, it does come with a similar feature called auto wash. Pressing the auto wash button initiates a 90 second wash followed by a 4 minute dry. Auto washing uses factory presets for the wash/dry settings, but you can manually adjust them using the remote at any point in the cycle. Notably, the Eco NOVA’s auto wash is one of the longest on the market, designed to get you fully clean and dry the first time!
Comfort & Convenience Features
Wireless Remote Control
Both the Eco NOVA and the TOTO C5 are operated via sleek remote controls. The Eco NOVA’s remote has a classy rose gold finish and a satisfying hand feel thanks to the stainless steel craftsmanship. It also uses a radio signal to operate, which is harder to disrupt than the more common infrared signal often used by bidet remotes. This makes the remote’s performance more reliable, particularly in bathrooms that are small or have dark walls.
The TOTO C5 remote is made from plastic in a faux brushed stainless finish. It’s dual sided with icons that depict the functions instead of words. When you press one of the flat buttons, a beep indicates that the bidet seat received the signal. The C5’s remote does use an infrared signal, which is more likely to get disrupted than a radio signal like the Eco NOVA’s remote uses.
Lid
The Eco NOVA is one of the few bidet seats that has a weight-bearing lid, and it’s one of the only bidet seats with a sittable lid capable of supporting up to 400 pounds! In comparison, the TOTO C5’s lid cannot support any weight, and sitting it can damage the bidet or cause the lid to crack.
Risk-Free Trial
Your satisfaction is our number-one priority, and that’s why we offer a risk free trial on some of our most popular bidet seats, including the Eco NOVA! The risk-free trial lets you install and test out the Eco NOVA for 180 days and return it at any time within the 180-day trial window for a full refund. The TOTO C5 is currently not eligible for a risk free trial, so once you unpack it from the box, it’s yours to keep!
Final Thoughts
If you have additional questions or just need help deciding which of these bidets will fit your needs best, don’t hesitate to reach out! Our team of bidet experts is happy to help! Here are a few of the easiest ways to get in touch:
Live Chat on our website
Phone: 248-974-4030
Email: [email protected]
Or via WhatsApp and Marco Polo
Hannah Ramsey
Hannah Ramsey is a former writer at Many Bidets, where she spent seven years crafting and managing website content. With a background in psychotherapy and a lifelong passion for writing, Hannah enjoyed combining these interests to make a meaningful impact. Now retired from the bidet business, Hannah still enjoys sharing her knowledge about bidets with friends and family, proving that once a bidet enthusiast, always a bidet enthusiast!