Choosing between the Brondell Swash CL1700 and the TOTO WASHLET S2 is one of the most common dilemmas in the mid-range bidet seat market — and you deserve a clear answer.
Both seats pack impressive features into a relatively accessible package, but they take very different approaches to hygiene, control, and value, and the right pick depends entirely on what matters most to you.
| Feature | Brondell Swash CL1700 | TOTO WASHLET S2 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
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| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 20.7″ x 15.9″ x 5.7″ | 20.5″ x 15.4″ x 6.3″ |
| Water Heating | Hybrid (continuous warm water) | Instantaneous (unlimited warm water) |
| Control Type | Wireless remote with dock | Side-arm control panel |
| Nozzle Material | Stainless steel | Plastic with CLEAN RESIN coating |
| Self-Cleaning Technology | Auto nozzle rinse | EWATER+ electrolyzed water + PREMIST |
| Deodorizer | Carbon-block filter | Built-in air deodorizer |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Buy Now |  |
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1. Brondell Swash CL1700 Advanced Bidet Seat
The Brondell Swash CL1700 is a feature-packed electric bidet seat that brings premium comfort to your bathroom without requiring a premium price tag.
Originally a Costco exclusive, it’s now available through additional channels — and its wireless remote, stainless steel nozzle, and carbon-block deodorizer make it one of the most well-rounded mid-range seats on the market.
If you’re the kind of person who wants full control over every detail of your wash experience — and prefers to manage that control from a dedicated remote — the CL1700 is built with you in mind.
Features
- Hybrid water heating system for continuous warm water
- Wireless remote control with wall-mount dock
- Stainless steel self-cleaning nozzle
- 5-level warm air dryer
- Carbon-block deodorizing filter
- LED nightlight
- 2 user memory presets
- Nozzle oscillation and adjustable spray position
- Slow-close lid and quick-release seat
- Fits elongated and round toilets
Pros
- Wireless remote is easier to use than a side panel, especially in low light
- Stainless steel nozzle is more durable and hygienic than plastic alternatives
- 5-level dryer offers more drying options than most competitors in this tier
- Carbon-block filter actually traps odors rather than masking them
- Two user presets are perfect for multi-person households
Cons
- Dryer has received mixed reviews — some users find it underpowered
- No advanced wand sanitization technology like EWATER+
- 1-year warranty is short for the price point
The CL1700 is a great pick for households that value customization and remote-based control. Its stainless steel nozzle and carbon-block deodorizer put it ahead of many seats in this price range. If you want to explore other strong contenders in this tier, our guide to the best heated bidet toilet seats covers more options you’ll love.
Check its current price on Amazon
2. TOTO WASHLET S2 Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat (SW3346)
The TOTO WASHLET S2 is the newest entry-level model in TOTO’s redesigned S series — replacing the C2 — and it comes with a significant upgrade: instantaneous water heating that delivers unlimited warm water from the very first second.
With PREMIST, EWATER+, and CLEAN RESIN technology all on board, the S2 is engineered for hygiene in a way that no other seat in this price range can quite match.
If you’ve been looking for the best self-cleaning bidet and want the reassurance of TOTO’s industry-leading sanitation technology, the S2 is where to start.
Features
- Instantaneous water heating for unlimited warm water
- PREMIST automatically mists the bowl before each use
- EWATER+ cleans the wand with electrolyzed water before and after every use
- CLEAN RESIN coating resists bacteria and grime on the wand and seat
- Side-arm control panel with intuitive buttons
- Rear, front, and soft wash modes with nozzle oscillation
- 3-level warm air dryer
- Built-in air deodorizer
- Heated SoftClose seat with 3 temperature settings
- LED nightlight
- 19% slimmer profile than previous-generation TOTO seats
- WASHLET+ compatible (pairs with select TOTO toilets to hide cords)
Pros
- EWATER+ and PREMIST deliver hygiene that most bidet seats simply can’t match
- Unlimited instantaneous warm water — you’ll never run cold mid-wash
- Slimmer, more modern profile looks sharp on any toilet
- CLEAN RESIN coating means less manual cleaning of the seat and wand
- Side panel is always in place — no remote to lose or replace batteries in
Cons
- No wireless remote — side panel can be harder to reach for some users
- Fewer user presets than the CL1700
- Dryer has only 3 levels vs. 5 on the Brondell
The TOTO S2 punches above its weight when it comes to hygiene. EWATER+ and PREMIST together create a cleaning experience that most bidet seats just can’t replicate. If you’re leaning toward TOTO as a brand and want to see how this seat fits into the broader lineup, our bidet toilet seat comparison chart has a detailed side-by-side breakdown.
Check its current price on Amazon
Hygiene and Self-Cleaning Technology
This is where the two seats diverge most sharply — and it matters more than most buyers realize.
The TOTO WASHLET S2 uses EWATER+ to sanitize the wand with electrolyzed water automatically before and after every single use.
It also uses PREMIST to coat the inside of your toilet bowl with water before you sit down, making waste far less likely to stick and dramatically reducing the effort needed to keep your bowl clean.
The Brondell CL1700, by contrast, uses a standard auto-rinse for the nozzle and a stainless steel construction that’s inherently more resistant to bacteria than plastic — but it doesn’t have anything approaching EWATER+ or PREMIST.
For hygiene technology, the TOTO WASHLET S2 wins this category clearly.
Control and Ease of Use
The Brondell CL1700 uses a wireless remote with a wall-mount dock — a setup most people find more intuitive, especially when sharing the bathroom with family members who can each program their own user preset.
The TOTO S2 uses a side-arm panel attached directly to the seat.
The upside is that there’s no remote to lose, no batteries to swap, and the panel is always right where you expect it. The downside is that it can be harder to reach for some users, particularly those with limited mobility.
If you’re shopping for a bidet for accessibility needs, our guide to bidets for handicapped seniors goes into more detail on which control styles work best.
For most households, the Brondell CL1700 wins on ease of control — the remote is simply more convenient.
Water Heating
Both seats offer continuous warm water, but through different mechanisms.
The Brondell CL1700 uses a hybrid heating system — it stores a small reservoir of heated water and then continues heating on demand. It’s reliable and consistent, though a very long session could see a minor temperature dip in some edge cases.
The TOTO S2 uses a fully instantaneous heating system with zero tank — there’s no stored water at all. The moment you activate the wash, you get warm water, and it stays warm as long as you need it, no exceptions.
Both perform well in practice, but if you’re a stickler for consistent temperature every single time, the TOTO S2’s instantaneous heating wins this round.
Nozzle Quality and Dryer
The Brondell CL1700 wins on nozzle material — its stainless steel wand is genuinely more durable and more hygienic than plastic, as it’s less porous and less prone to biofilm buildup.
On the dryer, the CL1700 has a 5-level warm air dryer vs. only 3 levels on the TOTO S2. However, multiple user reviews of the CL1700 note that even on the highest setting, the dryer can feel underpowered.
If you want the absolute best bidet dryer experience, check our roundup of the best bidets with warm water and dryer for seats where drying power was specifically tested.
For nozzle material, the Brondell CL1700 wins. For the dryer, it’s close — but the TOTO S2’s EWATER+ wand sanitization somewhat compensates for having fewer dryer levels by ensuring the wand itself is always hygienically clean.
Value and Brand Trust
TOTO is the global leader in bidet technology — the brand that essentially invented the modern electronic bidet seat with the original WASHLET in 1980.
Brondell is a highly respected North American brand with a proven track record and a devoted customer base. If you want to explore both brands further, our guide to the best bidet brands covers what each stands for in depth.
Both seats carry a 1-year limited warranty. In terms of resale value, brand longevity, and long-term software/parts availability, TOTO has a slight edge simply because of its size and industry stature.
For value, this category is roughly a tie — Brondell offers more feature count per dollar, while TOTO offers more sanitation engineering per dollar. It depends entirely on what you value.
Verdict — Which One Should You Buy?
These are two genuinely excellent seats, and the right one really does come down to your specific priorities.
Buy the Brondell Swash CL1700 if…
- You prefer a wireless remote over a side panel
- You want a durable stainless steel nozzle
- You share your bathroom with others and want 2 user presets
- You want a slightly more compact profile with excellent feature coverage
Buy the TOTO WASHLET S2 if…
- Hygiene and nozzle sanitation are your top priority
- You want PREMIST and EWATER+ keeping your bowl and wand cleaner automatically
- You prefer a guaranteed unlimited supply of instantaneous warm water
- You value TOTO’s brand reputation and long-term reliability
If you’re still weighing all your options at this price point, our best bidets for home use guide covers a wider field. And if you’re on a tighter budget, check our best bidets under $300 and best bidets under $500 guides.
FAQ
Does the Brondell Swash CL1700 work with round toilets?
Yes. The CL1700 is available in both elongated and round versions. If you’re shopping for a round toilet, our guide to the best bidets for round toilets can help you compare more options at a glance.
Does the TOTO WASHLET S2 have a remote control?
No. The S2 uses a side-arm control panel attached to the seat. If you want TOTO quality with a wireless remote, you’d need to step up to the TOTO S5. The S5 (SW3446) is TOTO’s current remote-equipped flagship and is Wirecutter’s top pick for electric bidet seats.
Can I install either seat myself without a plumber?
Yes, both seats are DIY-friendly. You’ll need to attach the mounting plate, connect a T-valve to your toilet’s existing water supply line, and plug the seat into a nearby GFCI outlet. Most people complete the installation in under 30 minutes. Both seats come with illustrated installation guides.
Which bidet seat is better for users with limited mobility?
The Brondell CL1700 has a slight edge here because the wireless remote allows you to operate every function without needing to reach toward the side of the seat. The TOTO S2’s side panel, while intuitive, does require a reaching motion that can be difficult for some users. See our full bidets for seniors and handicapped users guide for more tailored recommendations.
Conclusion
The Brondell Swash CL1700 and the TOTO WASHLET S2 are both excellent mid-range bidet seats — but they win in different categories.
The CL1700 is the better choice if you prioritize convenience, wireless control, and a stainless steel nozzle. The TOTO S2 is the better choice if you want best-in-class hygiene technology, unlimited instantaneous warm water, and the confidence that comes with buying from the world’s most trusted bidet brand.
Either way, you’re making a genuinely smart upgrade to your bathroom routine. The bidet seat comparison chart on this site can help you continue exploring if you’re still deciding.
And if you’re looking at other top-rated models from Brondell’s lineup or comparing across brands, don’t miss our guide to the best bidets for existing toilets — it’s the perfect next read.
