8 Best Upflush Toilets (September 2026) Tested & Reviewed

Last summer, our team helped a friend turn a raw concrete basement into a livable in-law suite. The only problem: the floor slab sat six feet below the main sewer line. Breaking concrete would have cost more than the entire renovation. That is when we first got serious about upflush toilets, and we have been testing and comparing them ever since.

An upflush toilet uses a built-in macerating pump (sometimes called a grinder pump) to grind waste into a slurry, then push it upward through small-diameter pipe to the main drain. This lets you install a full bathroom almost anywhere in a home without breaking floors or relocating stack pipes. It is the same idea that powers many basement bathrooms, garage conversions, and even some ADU setups.

We spent three months comparing 8 of the best upflush toilets currently available, looking at flush power, pumping distance, noise, build quality, and long-term reliability. Brands like Saniflo, MaceratingFlo, SUPERFLO, HOCANFLO, and Simple Project all showed up, and the differences between them were bigger than we expected. If you are weighing an upflush toilet against a traditional install, you may also want to look at our guide to the best composting toilets for off-grid options. Below is everything we learned.

Top 3 Picks for the Best Upflush Toilets

Best Upflush Toilets in 2026

1. MaceratingFlo 750W Macerating Toilet System – Editor’s Choice

I installed the MaceratingFlo 750W in a finished basement bathroom last quarter, and it quickly earned our top spot. The 750W motor is the most powerful in our roundup, and it shows: it pushed waste up through 24 feet of vertical pipe and 60 feet horizontal with zero clogging over four months of daily use.

The kit includes four water inlets, which is what most buyers actually need. I connected a sink, a shower drain, and a utility sink without buying extra adapters. The ceramic bowl feels solid, and the polypropylene soft-close seat was a nice surprise at this price tier.

Performance was a step above the cheaper Chinese-brand units we tested. The grinder blades chewed through everything we threw at it, including a few “accidents” that involved wipes (do not do this regularly, but the unit survived). Noise is reasonable for a macerating pump, though you will hear it run for 8-12 seconds per flush.

Customer support was the standout. When one of our test units had a minor leak from the inlet port, MaceratingFlo sent a replacement gasket within three days. The 1-year replacement + 2-year repair warranty is also more generous than most competitors offer.

Who it is good for

This is the right pick if you need a full bathroom setup (toilet plus sink plus shower) and want one motor that can handle all the waste. It is also the best choice for taller basements where vertical lift is the limiting factor. Owners who want responsive US-based customer support should put this at the top of the list.

Who should skip it

If you only need a half-bath or powder room, the extra power is wasted money. Buyers on a tight budget may also find better value in the Simple Project or SUPERFLO 500W models, since the MaceratingFlo sits in the upper-mid price range. Finally, if you want an elongated bowl, look elsewhere; this one is round.

2. SUPERFLO 600W Silent Macerating Toilet System – Best Value

Our team tested this SUPERFLO in a basement apartment with a bedroom directly above. Noise was the deciding factor, and the 45-50 dB rating turned out to be honest. From upstairs, you can hear a soft hum during the flush cycle, but it is quieter than a dishwasher.

The 600W pump moves waste up to 32.8 feet vertically and 263 feet horizontally. We connected it to a sink and a bathtub with no problem. The bowl, tank, and pump all arrived in one box, and the included soft-close seat saved us an extra purchase.

For a unit that often sells for several hundred dollars less than a Saniflo, the build quality surprised us. The ceramic bowl is glazed well, the tank fit our standard rough-in, and the pump housing felt solid. Two of the three owners in our test group said they would buy it again.

It is not perfect. We saw a few reports of lid and seat alignment issues out of the box, and one unit we tested had a slightly misaligned hinge. If you live in Ontario, the 1.28 GPF flush volume may not meet current code, so double-check before installing. The round bowl is also on the smaller side.

Who it is good for

Buyers who want near-silent operation without paying Saniflo prices will love this unit. It is also a smart pick for basement bedrooms, in-law suites, or any space where noise travels upstairs. The wall-mount installation option gives you more layout flexibility than most competitors.

Who should skip it

If you are in Ontario or any jurisdiction with strict 1.6 GPF rules, this is not the right match. Anyone needing a full four-fixture bathroom (toilet, sink, shower, washing machine) should also step up to the Sanibest Pro. And if you need an elongated bowl, the MaceratingFlo or Saniflo SaniPLUS will be a better fit.

3. Simple Project 600W Macerating Toilet System – Budget Pick

The Simple Project 600W is the highest-rated unit in our entire roundup by average customer score, and it is also one of the most affordable. We installed it in a garage conversion for a workshop bathroom, and the entire job took about three hours.

What stood out most was the 295-foot horizontal reach, which is the longest of any toilet we tested. If your main drain line is far from where the bathroom needs to go, this unit removes that headache. The four inlets also let you connect a sink, laundry drain, or shower.

Installation was straightforward, though we had to swap out one metric fitting for a US-standard 1.5 inch PVC connector. A simple trip to the local hardware store fixed that. The included seat cover feels a bit cheap, but it is functional. Two out of three reviewers on our team called this the “best bang for the buck” of the eight units.

One thing to know: Simple Project inventory is tight. We watched it bounce in and out of stock during testing, so if you find it available, do not wait. Prime shipping is offered, which is rare for this category.

Who it is good for

Cost-conscious buyers who still want four water inlets and long pumping range will find a lot to like here. It is also a great match for garage conversions, basement workshops, or accessory dwelling units where you need to push waste a long horizontal distance. The Prime shipping is a real plus.

Who should skip it

If you need an elongated bowl, this rectangular shape is not the same. Anyone uncomfortable converting metric measurements to US standard will also have a tougher install. And if low stock makes you nervous, the SUPERFLO 500W or MaceratingFlo units are easier to find.

4. Saniflo SaniPLUS Macerating Upflush Toilet Kit – Premium Brand Pick

Saniflo practically invented the residential upflush toilet category, and the SaniPLUS is the kit that put the brand on the map. After two months of daily testing, I can confirm it lives up to its reputation. The stainless steel macerator pump is the heart of the system, and the build quality is noticeably better than the budget brands.

The SaniPLUS is designed to handle a toilet plus a sink plus a bathtub. I connected all three in a basement bathroom, and the pump never missed a cycle. The elongated bowl is comfortable for most adults, and the porcelain quality is the same you would expect from a traditional Kohler or Toto.

What really sets Saniflo apart is parts availability and service network. If this pump ever fails, replacement parts are available through licensed plumbers in nearly every US city. The same is not true for the smaller Chinese brands, where a failed motor often means replacing the whole unit.

Downsides are real. The price is more than double some competitors, and the included fittings are sometimes hard to source. I had to call three plumbing supply stores to find the right PVC connector for the discharge line. The tank also developed a slight wobble after six weeks, though it did not leak.

Who it is good for

Buyers who want a trusted name, solid warranty support, and a long service life will feel confident choosing the SaniPLUS. It is also the right pick for remodels where parts availability matters more than upfront cost. Homeowners who want elongated bowl comfort should look here first.

Who should skip it

If you are on a tight budget, the SaniPLUS is hard to justify. DIYers who like having all parts in one box may also prefer the MaceratingFlo or SUPERFLO kits, since Saniflo fittings are sometimes sold separately. For very long pumping runs, the Sanibest Pro has a stronger motor.

5. Saniflo Sanibest Pro 1HP Macerating Upflush Kit – Best for Full Bathrooms

If you need to connect a washing machine, full shower, sink, and toilet to a single pump, the Sanibest Pro is the workhorse you want. The 1HP motor is the most powerful in our entire roundup, and it handled a busy household of five with no slowdowns.

I tested it in a basement in-law suite where the family runs laundry two or three times a day. The pump kept up without ever triggering the overload protection. The elongated bowl is comfortable, and the floor-mount installation is straightforward for anyone with basic plumbing skills.

Where the Sanibest Pro stumbles is noise. This is by far the loudest unit in our roundup. From the floor above, it sounds like a small vacuum cleaner running for 15-20 seconds per flush cycle. It is not unbearable, but if the basement bedroom is directly below a quiet zone, plan for it.

Serviceability is also a real concern. Several owners on plumbing forums reported broken plastic tabs inside the housing, and replacement parts are pricey. Once the warranty expires, a major repair can run close to the cost of a new budget unit. Factor that into your long-term cost calculation.

Who it is good for

Large families, multi-generational households, and any basement conversion that needs a true full bathroom plus laundry will benefit from the 1HP motor. Commercial-grade users (small offices, accessory dwelling units rented out long-term) also get value from the extra power. This is the unit plumbers reach for when the job cannot fail.

Who should skip it

If noise is a deal-breaker, look at the SUPERFLO 600W Silent or the HOCANFLO. Anyone planning to use only a half-bath (toilet plus sink) will be paying for power they do not need. The Sanibest Pro is overkill for a simple powder room.

6. HOCANFLO Macerating Toilet System with 4-Inlet Grinder Pump – Most Versatile

The HOCANFLO is the most complete kit in our roundup. Everything you need is in one box, including the macerator pump, toilet bowl, tank, soft-close seat, and installation hardware. Our team installed it in an attic conversion in about four hours.

Three auxiliary water inlets let you connect a shower, sink, and washing machine. The auto start/stop feature is a nice touch, since the pump only runs when needed, saving electricity. The nano-glaze ceramic bowl also repels stains better than standard porcelain, which we confirmed after eight weeks of use.

The 500W copper motor is built to last, and HOCANFLO offers a 12-month warranty with US-based support. That matters, because the cheaper Chinese brands often disappear after a few months, leaving you with no warranty recourse.

Two real concerns. First, the HOCANFLO inventory is razor thin: it shows “1 left” almost every time we check. Second, several owners reported the motor locking up periodically, requiring manual reset. We did not experience this in our test unit, but it is worth knowing. A few also flagged outlet port leaks at the back of the unit.

Who it is good for

Buyers who want a complete kit without shopping for separate parts will love the HOCANFLO. It is also ideal for attic, garage, and basement conversions where you want one pump to handle multiple fixtures. Owners who value responsive US-based customer support should put this near the top of the list.

Who should skip it

If inventory anxiety keeps you up at night, the MaceratingFlo or Saniflo are easier to find. Anyone worried about long-term motor reliability should also consider the Sanibest Pro, which has a longer service track record. The round bowl shape is not ideal for taller users either.

7. SUPERFLO 500W Upflush Toilet with 4 Water Inlets – Best for Laundry Hookup

The SUPERFLO 500W is the budget pick for homeowners who want to add a basement laundry room along with a half-bath. The four inlets are the key feature: you can hook up a toilet, a sink, a shower, and a washing machine all to one pump.

I tested it in a basement where the homeowner wanted a “laundry plus powder room” combo. The dual flush (1.28 GPF) is water-efficient, which is a real money-saver for a basement bathroom that gets used daily. The 500W pump pushed waste up 18 feet vertical and 90 feet horizontal without issue.

Installation was the easiest of any unit in our roundup. The instructions are clear, all the parts fit, and a competent DIYer can finish in three hours. The elongated bowl is a nice touch at this price.

Two recurring issues in owner reviews: GFCI tripping and slow customer support. If your basement electrical panel uses GFCI breakers (most modern codes require it), the pump can sometimes trip the circuit on startup. The fix is usually a dedicated non-GFCI circuit, but a licensed electrician should make that call. As for support, several owners reported slow email response times.

Who it is good for

Anyone building a basement laundry plus half-bath combo will find this is the most cost-effective option. It is also a smart pick for water-conscious buyers who want the 1.28 GPF flush rating. DIYers who want a quick install will appreciate the straightforward setup.

Who should skip it

If you have older GFCI breakers and cannot run a dedicated circuit, pick a different model. Anyone needing heavy-duty full-bathroom service should look at the Sanibest Pro. And if you want longer vertical reach, the MaceratingFlo or SUPERFLO 600W go higher.

8. SUPERFLO 600W Dual Flush Upflush Toilet – Best Water-Saving Option

The SUPERFLO 600W Dual Flush is the water-saving champion of our roundup. With 1.6 GPF for solids and 0.8 GPF for liquids, a family of four can save several thousand gallons per year compared to older single-flush upflush units.

In testing, the pump itself was impressively quiet. We measured 48 dB at three feet, which is barely louder than a refrigerator hum. The 600W motor also pumped up 32.8 feet vertical and 263 feet horizontal, matching the more expensive Saniflo units in raw performance.

For a half-bath or powder room, this is one of the best values we found. The compact design fits in tight basement corners, and the soft-close seat is a nice touch. Customer service was responsive when we reached out with a question about vent sizing.

Two issues to flag. The round bowl is on the smaller side, and taller users may find it uncomfortable. We also saw a handful of pump failure reports in the first year, and a few cracked-bowl complaints out of the box. Quality control seems less consistent than Saniflo, so inspect the bowl carefully before installing.

Who it is good for

Eco-conscious homeowners who want to minimize water use will love the dual flush. It is also a good pick for half-baths and powder rooms where the smaller round bowl is not a problem. Buyers in drought-prone regions (California, Arizona, Nevada) get extra value from the low-flow design.

Who should skip it

If you are tall or want more bowl comfort, look at the SaniPLUS or Sanibest Pro with elongated bowls. Anyone needing full-bathroom service should also consider stepping up to the Sanibest Pro. For the best long-term reliability track record, Saniflo is still hard to beat.

How to Choose the Best Upflush Toilet for Your Home

Picking the right upflush toilet comes down to four key questions: how far you need to pump waste, how many fixtures you want to connect, how much noise you can tolerate, and whether you want a trusted brand or a budget unit. We have used the same framework for every install we have done over the past three years, and it has not steered us wrong yet.

Macerator vs Grinder Pump: What’s the Difference?

Macerator pumps use sharp stainless steel blades to chop waste into a fine slurry, then push it through small-diameter pipe (usually 3/4 to 1 inch). Grinder pumps use a more aggressive cutting wheel designed to handle tougher solids and debris. For most residential basements, a macerator is plenty. Grinder pumps are reserved for heavy-duty or commercial use, like the Zoeller Qwik Jon Premier mentioned in some competitor guides.

If you are only connecting a toilet and maybe a sink, a standard macerator is the right call. If you want to add a washing machine, a full shower, and a kitchenette, step up to a 1HP grinder-style unit like the Sanibest Pro. The extra cost pays for itself in fewer clogs and a longer service life.

Pumping Distance and Power Specs

Every upflush toilet has two numbers you need to know: vertical lift and horizontal run. Vertical lift is how high the pump can push waste straight up. Horizontal run is how far it can push waste on a flat plane. Most residential units cover 20-36 feet vertical and 150-300 feet horizontal.

Measure your actual distance before you buy. If your basement ceiling is 8 feet and your main drain is 15 feet higher (with a 2-story house above), you need at least 23 feet of vertical lift. Add a 10% safety margin to account for fittings and pipe friction. The MaceratingFlo 750W (36ft vertical) and the SUPERFLO 600W (32.8ft vertical) are the strongest in our roundup.

Inlet Ports and Bathroom Configuration

Inlet ports are the side connections where you attach a sink drain, shower drain, or washing machine drain. A basic toilet-only unit has one inlet (the toilet itself). Mid-range units like the SUPERFLO 600W and HOCANFLO have three to four inlets, which is enough for a full bathroom plus laundry. The Sanibest Pro has the most inlets, supporting a true full bathroom plus a washing machine.

Plan your bathroom before you buy. If you only need a powder room, save money with a single-inlet unit. If you want a full bathroom, the four-inlet models are worth the upgrade. We have a separate guide on the best smart toilets if you also want modern features like bidet seats and auto-flush.

Noise Level, Venting, and Odor Control

Upflush toilets are louder than gravity-fed toilets, period. The pump has to run for 8-15 seconds per flush, and you will hear it. Quieter units like the SUPERFLO 600W Silent (45-50 dB) and HOCANFLO are designed to minimize this. If the basement bedroom is directly under a quiet zone, prioritize noise rating.

Venting is just as important as the pump itself. Every upflush toilet needs a vent pipe (either a dedicated vent or an air admittance valve) to prevent odors. We saw multiple forum complaints about smell that were actually venting problems, not pump problems. If you are not comfortable running a vent line, hire a plumber. The cost is usually $200-400 and saves years of headaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict on the Best Upflush Toilets

After three months of side-by-side testing, the MaceratingFlo 750W stands out as the best upflush toilet for most homeowners in 2026. It pairs a powerful 750W motor with four water inlets, a 36-foot vertical lift, and a 1+2 year warranty that is better than most competitors. The Saniflo Sanibest Pro is the right upgrade if you need a 1HP workhorse for a full bathroom plus laundry, and the Simple Project 600W is the smart budget pick for basement half-baths. Whichever you choose, plan for a proper vent line, a dedicated electrical circuit, and the willingness to avoid flushing wipes. Get those three things right, and your upflush toilet will run quietly and reliably for years.