Bidets have become a staple in many households around the world, offering a cleaner, more environmentally friendly alternative to toilet paper. With models to fit every bathroom, budget and bum, the options are nearly endless – and, frankly, can be a little overwhelming. Before diving into the long list of available features, there’s one big question to ask: can you handle a chilly stream, or do you crave the comfort of a warm water wash? Cold and warm water bidets each have unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to understand the differences before you buy. Let’s explore everything you need to know to choose the right wash for you.

In this article:
Cold Water Bidets: Basics, Pros and Cons
Warm Water Bidets: Fundamentals, Pros and Cons
Cold vs Warm Bidets: The Bottom Line

Cold Water Bidet Basics

As the name suggests, cold water bidets are, well…cold! They get the wash water directly from your toilet’s water supply line with no stops for heating along the way. This means the water can feel especially frigid in colder climates or during winter months. Cold water bidets generally fall into one of three categories:

• Hand-held sprayers, also known as shattafs or shower bidets, look a lot like the sprayer you might have next to your kitchen sink faucet. Operation is fully manual: pick up the sprayer, point it at the target and squeeze the trigger.
• Bidet attachments like the GoBidet offer a less hands-on experience than sprayers with a wand that sprays you from inside the toilet bowl. They typically attach to the toilet’s bolt holes underneath your existing toilet seat.
• Non-electric bidet seats work similarly to attachments, but they completely replace your current toilet seat. Some non-electric seats, like the Saniwise, feature slim designs that look much like a regular toilet seat.

Cold water bidets score popularity points for their economical price tag and simple installation. They’re straightforward to use and get you cleaner than toilet paper, but they have some limitations that might be dealbreakers.

Pros of Cold Water Bidets

• Affordability: Cold water bidets are typically the least expensive bidet option. They’re a great way to test the bidet waters without breaking the bank. 
• Easy installation: With just a single plumbing connection and no need for electricity, you can have a cold water bidet up and running in minutes.
• Energy efficiency: Since cold water bidets don’t use power or hot water, there are no energy costs associated with running them.
• Invigorating wash: The cold water wash can feel refreshing if you’re in a warmer climate or have sore, inflamed areas. Plus, since they use your home’s water supply, cold water bidets may deliver a super-powerful wash stream.
• Uninterrupted operation: You can use a cold water bidet even if the power goes out.

Cons of Cold Water Bidets

• Reduced comfort: Are cold water bidets uncomfortable? Maybe. If you’re in a colder climate or have sensitivity, that powerful cold water wash can feel less refreshing and more icy and unpleasant.
• Less effective cleanse: Getting hit with a stream of cold water can make you clench, so the water has a harder time getting you completely clean.
• Limited control: Most cold water bidets only let you adjust the water pressure and maybe a couple of nozzle positions. Plus, fine-tuning the pressure can be tough since the adjustment typically uses an imprecise, side-mounted dial or lever.
• Poor accessibility: Those side-mounted controls mean you have to bend, twist and turn your head to see and operate the bidet, which can be difficult – or even painful – if you have mobility challenges.
• Lack of features: Cold water bidets generally don’t come with the luxury features that many warm water models do, such as heated seats, adjustable temperature controls, warm air dryers, special washes and sterilization systems.

Another thing to consider: some bidet attachments connect to your toilet using a thick plastic bar that sits under the toilet seat. This can put pressure on your toilet seat and bolts and cause cracking. The same goes for warm water attachments, so keep that in mind as you read on!

Warm Water Bidet Fundamentals

Warm water bidets offer a more comfortable experience than their cold water counterparts. Some connect to your home’s cold and hot water lines, while others use electricity to heat the water. All of them offer relaxing warm-water washing, but the operation, installation and available features vary greatly depending on the type you choose:

• Non-electric warm water bidets use two separate plumbing connections – one to the cold water supply and one to the hot water supply – to provide warm washes. Like the cold water versions, they come in both attachment and seat styles and offer a barebones wash without much in the way of customization or features.
• Electric bidets with tank heaters maintain a tank of heated water in the back of the bidet at all times. When you use the bidet and the tank empties, a heating coil warms more water to replenish the tank. Bidets with warm water tanks are less expensive than those with instant heaters, but they come with two big compromises: many can only provide a minute or two of warm water at a time, and the seating area can feel cramped since it has to accommodate the tank.
• Electric bidets with instant heaters use a slim, powerful heating coil to warm wash water on demand. Because they heat water in real time, they offer endless warm washing – so you’ll get a relaxing, complete clean no matter how long it takes. Bidets with instant water heaters tend to be more comfortable and less bulky than any others on the market, but they’re also the most expensive option.

Electric bidet seats are the most popular electric option since they easily attach to your existing toilet. If you’re renovating your bathroom or want to upgrade your toilet, electric models are also available as integrated bidet toilets. These luxurious all-in-one units completely replace your existing toilet with a one-piece setup with bidet functionality built right in.

Pros of Warm Water Bidets

• Increased comfort: Warm water bidets let you tailor the water temperature for a relaxing wash no matter the weather. The warm wash can also increase blood flow and circulation to ease discomfort and promote healing.
• Better hygiene: Many users report feeling cleaner after using warm water bidets, as the warm water can be more soothing and effective. The comfort of warm water might also encourage longer use and more thorough cleansing.
• Enhanced sanitation: Electric bidet seats automatically self-rinse their nozzles to keep them free of any debris or buildup. Many also have built-in water sterilization systems to ensure the wash water stays microbe-free.
• Upgraded features: Warm water bidets often come with additional comfort and convenience features. Some even have special wash settings, like enema and massage functions.
• Accessible operation: Many electric bidets have wireless remote controls for easy use with no bending or twisting. And the adjustable nozzle positioning means you get clean without any shifting around.

Keep in mind that while all warm water bidets boost comfort and hygiene, you’ll need an electric model to take advantage of perks like sterilizing systems, premium features and accessibility benefits.

Cons of Warm Water Bidets

• Higher price tag: Warm water bidets are generally more expensive than those that only offer cold water. Non-electric warm water bidets tend to cost just a bit more, while electric versions have a higher cost that reflects their long list of features.
• Increased energy use: Whether you’re tapping into your home’s hot water line or using electricity, warm water bidets come with an associated energy cost. (The good news:  many electric bidets have “eco” modes that conserve energy when not in use.)
• Reliance on power: If you have an electric warm water bidet, you’ll have to resort to toilet paper in the event of a power outage. Even non-electric versions won’t bring the warmth during a blackout since most home water heaters require electricity to operate.
• More complex installation: Installing a warm water bidet can be more complicated since it requires either connecting both cold and hot water lines or getting set up for electricity.

Cold vs Warm Bidets: The Bottom Line

We typically recommend (and our customers overwhelmingly prefer) an electric warm water bidet, but we understand that they’re not a perfect fit for every person or bathroom. But not to worry – no matter your preferences, budget or bathroom setup, there’s a bidet to suit your needs. Here’s a quick guide to help you narrow down your options:

Still not sure which to choose? Or set on a certain type but don’t know which features you need? Connect with one of our bidet experts via live chat, email [email protected] or call or text 248-974-4030 for a personalized recommendation.