Smart (Japanese) Shower Toilets

Upgrade your bathroom with a smart toilet: cleaner, comfier, modern.

Smart toilets, Japanese toilets, shower toilets: what’s the difference?

They’re all names for the same idea: a toilet that cleans you with warm water (like a built-in bidet), usually with extras like drying, heated seats, deodorising, and simple remote control. In the UK you’ll most commonly hear “shower toilet” (Geberit uses this term for AquaClean), while “Japanese toilet” has become the popular nickname because this style took off in Japan years ago.

What a smart toilet actually does

Most shower toilets combine a normal WC with a discreet washing arm/nozzle that provides:

Warm water cleansing with adjustable temperature and spray position
Gentle drying on many models
Heated seat options on some ranges
Hygiene features like retractable, self-cleaning nozzles, and in some cases additional sanitising tech
Better bowl hygiene through rimless designs and improved flushing on certain models
Easy control via remote, and sometimes app control depending on the model

Why smart toilets have got so popular recently

A few reasons, and it’s not just “because they’re fancy”:

Hygiene you can actually feel
Water cleansing feels cleaner than paper alone, and features like retractable self-cleaning nozzles are designed to keep things hygienic between uses.
Comfort and everyday wellbeing
Once you’ve tried warm water washing, it’s hard to go back. Add optional heated seats, night lighting, and other comfort features and it becomes a small daily upgrade that people genuinely notice.
Great for mobility and accessibility
For anyone with reduced mobility, injuries, pregnancy, arthritis, or simply wanting an easier routine, shower toilets can make day-to-day life simpler (and more independent).
The “hotel effect” at home
More people are bringing spa-style upgrades into the main bathroom or en suite, and a shower toilet is one of the biggest “wow” features you can add.

Key features to look for (without the sales waffle)

Different brands do it slightly differently, but these are the big decision points:

Wash performance and comfort

Geberit, for example, highlights its WhirlSpray shower technology, designed to feel gentle while still effective.

Flush performance and cleaning

Look for rimless bowls and strong flushing tech. Geberit references TurboFlush, and Duravit references Duravit Rimless flushing design on certain models.

Controls: remote, app, or side panel

Duravit’s SensoWash range includes remote control options, and app control is available on some models.
Roca notes remote control operation on certain models too, depending on range.

Nozzle hygiene

Roca describes a retractable nozzle with a self-cleaning routine before and after use, and some In-Wash models include UV sanitising for the nozzle.

The “extras” you’ll either love or ignore

Night lights, auto lid open/close, energy-saving modes, heated seats, drying, user profiles, the lot. Duravit highlights features like night lighting and (on some models) automatic opening/closing.

What about “touch-free” flushing and smart frames?

Not every upgrade has to be a full shower toilet. If you want a cleaner, modern setup for a wall-hung WC, there are smart concealed cistern frames too.

The IMEX Senso frame, for instance, is designed for touch-free wave flushing, includes a dual flush cistern, and has a manual button for power-off situations.

How we help you choose the right one

Smart toilets are brilliant, but choosing the wrong one is an expensive way to learn a lesson.

We help you get it right first time by guiding you through:

Wall-hung vs close-coupled vs back-to-wall options (what fits your space and style)
Power supply requirements (most smart toilets need electricity)
Cistern and installation compatibility (especially if you’re going concealed)
Water quality and limescale considerations (important in many UK areas)
Which features you’ll actually use (so you don’t overpay for gimmicks)

Brands we can supply and support

We work with leading manufacturers and can advise across options including:

Geberit AquaClean shower toilets
Duravit SensoWash shower toilets
Roca smart toilets (In-Wash and ranges like Ona/Inspira)
IMEX smart cistern frames with touch-free wave flush

FAQ

Do smart toilets replace toilet paper?

Many people use far less paper, and some use almost none, but it’s a personal preference. Roca directly addresses this question as a common consideration for buyers.

Are they hygienic?

They’re designed with hygiene in mind, particularly around nozzle cleaning and retracting systems.

Can I fit one in a normal bathroom?

Often yes, but the big check is power and the type of install (wall-hung, close-coupled, concealed cistern). We’ll help you confirm compatibility before you order.

Ready to upgrade?

If you’re curious about a shower toilet, we can talk you through the best options for your bathroom layout, budget, and the features you’ll genuinely enjoy using. Get in touch to arrange a chat, request a quote, or book a design appointment, we’ll help you choose with confidence.