Choosing between the TOTO Drake 1.28 GPF and 1.6 GPF comes down to your water usage goals and local regulations.
Both models share the same trusted Drake DNA, but the flush volume you choose can make a real difference for your water bill and your peace of mind.
| Feature | TOTO Drake 1.28 GPF | TOTO Drake 1.6 GPF |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 28⅜” x 17³⁄₁₆” x 30⅛” | 28⅜” x 17³⁄₁₆” x 30⅛” |
| Flush Volume | 1.28 GPF | 1.6 GPF |
| Flush Technology | TORNADO FLUSH | TORNADO FLUSH |
| Bowl Coating | CEFIONTECT | CEFIONTECT |
| Bowl Style | Elongated, Universal Height | Elongated, Universal Height |
| WaterSense Certified | Yes | No |
| California Compliant | Yes (CEC & CALGreen) | No |
| Buy Now |  |
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1. TOTO Drake Two-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF Universal Height TORNADO FLUSH Toilet with CEFIONTECT and SoftClose Seat, WASHLET+ Ready
The TOTO Drake 1.28 GPF is the water-efficiency champion of the Drake lineup.
It earns EPA WaterSense certification and meets California’s CEC and CALGreen standards, making it the only version legally available in water-restricted states.
Designed at Universal Height with an elongated bowl, it offers a comfortable seated position for a wide range of users including those with mobility challenges.
Features
- 1.28 GPF TORNADO FLUSH with dual-nozzle centrifugal action
- CEFIONTECT ultra-smooth ceramic glaze to repel waste and bacteria
- Universal Height (16⅛” bowl rim) — ADA compliant
- Rimless, hole-free bowl design for easier cleaning
- WASHLET+ ready for cord and hose concealment
- SoftClose seat included (MS776124CEFG#01 version)
- 12″ rough-in, left-hand chrome trip lever
- WaterSense, CEC, and CALGreen certified
Pros
- Saves approximately 1,825+ gallons of water per year vs. older toilets
- Fully legal in California and other water-regulated states
- ADA compliant Universal Height suits seniors and taller users
- Powerful enough for single-flush waste removal in most households
- WASHLET+ ready for clean bidet seat integration
Cons
- May require a second flush for very heavy solid waste in homes with long drain runs
- Seat not included in the bowl-only (CST776CEFG#01) configuration
If you want a toilet that conserves water without sacrificing a strong flush, the 1.28 GPF Drake is a top-tier choice — and if you live in California, it may be the only Drake you can legally install.
Check its current price on Amazon
2. TOTO Drake Two-Piece Elongated 1.6 GPF Universal Height TORNADO FLUSH Toilet with CEFIONTECT
The TOTO Drake 1.6 GPF is the heavier-duty flusher in the Drake family.
It uses a slightly higher water volume per flush, which gives it extra clearing power for households with large families, long drain runs, or older plumbing systems where every flush needs to count.
The footprint, bowl shape, and CEFIONTECT glaze are identical to the 1.28 version — so you get the same premium TOTO build quality with a bit more flushing muscle.
Features
- 1.6 GPF TORNADO FLUSH with rimless, dual-nozzle bowl rinse
- CEFIONTECT glaze for a cleaner bowl between scrubs
- Universal Height elongated bowl, ADA compliant
- WASHLET+ ready — compatible with TOTO bidet seat cord/hose channel
- Hole-free rimless design reduces bacterial buildup areas
- 12″ rough-in, left-hand chrome trip lever
- Wide 3″ flush valve for reliable single-flush clearance
Pros
- More clearing power per flush — great for large families or frequent heavy use
- Same TOTO Drake quality and TORNADO FLUSH technology
- Ideal for homes with long horizontal drain runs
- WASHLET+ ready for easy bidet seat upgrades
- Available in multiple height options (standard and Universal)
Cons
- Not WaterSense certified — uses more water per flush
- Not legal for sale or installation in California and some other states
- Higher long-term water costs compared to the 1.28 GPF model
If you’ve had trouble with low-flow toilets in the past, or you have a large household that puts heavy demands on the plumbing, the 1.6 GPF Drake gives you that extra confidence with every flush.
Check its current price on Amazon
Flush Performance: Does the 1.6 GPF Really Flush Better?
This is the question most buyers struggle with — and the honest answer is: it depends.
The 1.28 GPF Drake uses TOTO’s TORNADO FLUSH system with dual nozzles that create a powerful centrifugal swirl, and for the vast majority of households, it handles everyday waste in a single flush without any issue.
The 1.6 GPF model moves slightly more water per flush, which gives it an edge in homes with sloped or long horizontal drain lines, older plumbing that relies on volume to carry waste, or households where heavy-duty flushing is a frequent need.
Neither toilet requires a plunger under normal use — that’s a hallmark of the Drake series regardless of flush volume.
If you’re coming from a 3.5 or even a 1.6 GPF toilet built more than a decade ago, either Drake model will feel like a significant upgrade in flush efficiency and bowl cleanliness thanks to CEFIONTECT.
For the majority of buyers in standard modern homes, the 1.28 GPF performs just as well as the 1.6 GPF day-to-day — while saving you money on your water bill every year.
Water Savings: How Much Does the Difference Actually Cost You?
At five flushes per person per day, the gap between 1.28 GPF and 1.6 GPF adds up to 0.32 gallons per flush — or 1.6 gallons per person per day.
For a family of four, that’s roughly 2,336 extra gallons of water per year with the 1.6 GPF model.
The 1.28 GPF Drake is EPA WaterSense certified, meaning it meets strict federal water conservation standards — something that matters more and more as utility rates rise across the country.
If water rates in your area are high, the 1.28 GPF model can pay for any small price difference in savings within the first year or two.
You can also pair either Drake with a quality bidet seat to further reduce toilet paper usage and overall bathroom costs — an upgrade the WASHLET+ ready port on both models makes seamless.
Installation and Compatibility: Are They the Same?
Yes — both Drake models share a virtually identical footprint and installation process.
Both fit a standard 12″ rough-in, both use a left-hand chrome trip lever (right-hand versions are also available), and both are WASHLET+ ready for clean bidet seat cord and hose routing.
The only plumbing difference is in the tank and flush valve internals — the bowl dimensions are the same, meaning your choice of seat or bidet seat will fit either model identically.
Both are available in Standard Height (bowl rim at ~14 15/16″) and Universal Height (bowl rim at 16⅛”), with Universal Height being the ADA-compliant option and generally the better choice for taller adults, seniors, and anyone who finds standard-height toilets uncomfortable to stand from.
If you’re planning to add a heated bidet seat like the TOTO WASHLET C5 or S7, either version is fully compatible out of the box.
State Regulations and Legal Restrictions
This is a critical factor that often gets overlooked.
The 1.28 GPF Drake meets California’s CEC and CALGreen requirements, as well as EPA WaterSense standards — making it the only legally available version in California, Colorado, and several other water-restricted states.
The 1.6 GPF model does not meet these standards and cannot be legally sold or installed in California or states that have adopted similar low-flow mandates.
If you’re in California or another restricted state, the decision is made for you — the 1.28 GPF is your Drake.
If you’re in a state with no such restrictions, you have the choice — and unless you have a specific reason to prefer the higher flush volume, the 1.28 GPF is still the smarter long-term investment.
Which One Should You Buy? Our Verdict
Both toilets are excellent — the core Drake experience is essentially the same in terms of build quality, bowl design, CEFIONTECT coating, and TORNADO FLUSH technology.
The difference comes down to three practical factors: water savings, local regulations, and flushing demand.
Buy the TOTO Drake 1.28 GPF if…
- You live in California or another water-restricted state
- You want to lower your water bill and earn WaterSense compliance
- You have a standard modern home with typical plumbing
- You’re pairing the toilet with a bidet seat and want a future-proof, eco-friendly setup
Buy the TOTO Drake 1.6 GPF if…
- You live in a state with no GPF restrictions
- You have a large family or older plumbing with long horizontal drain runs
- You’ve had consistent problems with low-flow toilets in the past
- Maximum clearing power per flush is your top priority
For most households, we recommend the 1.28 GPF Drake — it handles everyday use without issue, saves water, and is legal everywhere. You can read more about saving money in the bathroom with the right setup in our guide on the best bidets under $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the TOTO Drake 1.28 GPF as powerful as the 1.6 GPF version?
A: For most households with standard modern plumbing, yes.
The TORNADO FLUSH system in both models uses dual nozzles and a centrifugal rinse action that handles everyday waste in a single flush.
The 1.6 GPF has an edge in homes with long drain runs or very heavy use, but the 1.28 GPF is sufficient for the vast majority of users.
Q: Can I install the 1.6 GPF Drake in California?
A: No — California law prohibits the sale and installation of toilets that use more than 1.28 GPF.
The 1.6 GPF Drake does not meet CEC or CALGreen standards, so if you’re in California or a similarly regulated state, you must choose the 1.28 GPF model.
Q: Are both models WASHLET+ compatible?
A: Yes — both the 1.28 GPF and 1.6 GPF Drake models are WASHLET+ ready.
This means they have the channel built into the bowl to conceal the power cord and water hose from a TOTO WASHLET bidet seat, giving you a clean, integrated look.
If you’re considering adding a bidet seat, check out our guide to the best bidets for existing toilets and our full bidet toilet seat comparison chart.
Q: Do both Drake models have the same dimensions?
A: Yes — both Universal Height versions measure 28⅜” L × 17³⁄₁₆” W × 30⅛” H with the same 12″ rough-in.
The bowl and tank footprint is identical, so any TOTO bidet seat or SoftClose seat that fits one will fit the other.
Conclusion
The TOTO Drake 1.28 GPF and 1.6 GPF are two versions of one of the most reliable two-piece toilets on the market.
They share the same TORNADO FLUSH power, CEFIONTECT bowl coating, Universal Height comfort, and WASHLET+ compatibility — so you can’t go wrong with either from a quality standpoint.
What separates them is water consumption, legal compliance, and the specific demands of your home’s plumbing.
For most buyers, the 1.28 GPF model is the clear choice: it saves water, it’s legal in every state, and it flushes powerfully enough to handle daily use without a second thought.
If you want to take your bathroom even further, pair your new Drake with one of the best toilet and bidet combos or add a premium TOTO WASHLET seat — you can explore the full lineup of heated bidet toilet seats or check out the most highly regarded options in our highest rated bidet toilet guide.
Either way, you’re getting a toilet that delivers outstanding performance, exceptional hygiene, and TOTO’s legendary build quality for years to come.
