TOTO Drake Two Piece Toilet Review Reliable Tornado Flush and Comfortable Universal Height
Why This Product Is Worth a Look
A reliable toilet should clear waste consistently, feel comfortable, and stay reasonably easy to clean. The TOTO Drake CST776CSFG#01 addresses those needs with a 1.6 gallon flush, a taller elongated bowl, TORNADO FLUSH technology, and a smooth CEFIONTECT finish. It is a practical option for buyers who prefer a conventional two-piece toilet but want a more modern bowl-cleaning system.
Product Overview
The TOTO Drake CST776CSFG#01 is a floor-mounted, two-piece toilet consisting of a separate tank and elongated bowl. It is intended for a standard 12-inch rough-in and uses a gravity-fed flushing system, so the toilet itself does not require electricity.
This version of the Drake consumes 1.6 gallons, or approximately 6 liters, per flush. Water moves from the tank through a wide 3-inch flush valve and into a siphon-jet bowl. TOTO also uses two nozzles to create its circular TORNADO FLUSH rinsing action.
The bowl has a rim height of 16 and one-eighth inches before a seat is installed. TOTO classifies this as Universal Height, and the model can meet ADA height requirements when it is installed with the necessary clearances and other applicable conditions. The elongated shape provides more seating room than a round bowl, although it also requires additional floor space.
This model is best suited to family bathrooms, residential replacement projects, and universal-design spaces where easier sitting and standing are priorities. It may also appeal to buyers who want a toilet that can accept an elongated TOTO SoftClose seat or a compatible WASHLET bidet seat.
Design, Build, and Everyday Feel
The Drake has a transitional appearance that combines a relatively clean, flat-front tank with the familiar shape of a traditional two-piece toilet. Its Cotton White finish is bright and glossy, allowing it to coordinate easily with many white sinks, tubs, and bathroom tiles. A polished chrome trip lever is positioned on the left side of the tank.
The toilet measures approximately 28.38 inches deep, 17.19 inches wide, and 30.13 inches high. At about 94 pounds, it is substantial enough that having another person available during transport and installation would be sensible. Since the tank and bowl are separate, they can be moved individually, but both ceramic components still need careful handling.
The elongated bowl offers a spacious seating area. However, the additional depth may be noticeable in a compact powder room or a bathroom with limited clearance between the toilet and the door. Measuring the room before ordering is important.
Unlike a skirted toilet, this Drake has visible trapway curves along the sides of its base. That gives it a conventional plumbing-fixture appearance rather than a seamless, minimalist look. It also creates recessed areas where dust and hair can collect, so cleaning the outside may take more effort than it would with a smooth-sided model.
Inside the bowl, the rimless, hole-free configuration is much simpler. There is no conventional row of small rinse holes under the rim, reducing the number of hidden areas that need to be scrubbed.
Key Features
The first major feature is the TORNADO FLUSH system. Two nozzles send water around the bowl in a circular pattern, helping rinse a broad portion of the ceramic surface before waste moves through the trapway. This design avoids the numerous small rim holes found on many conventional toilets. It can simplify bowl maintenance, although no flushing system can guarantee that residue will never remain.
The second feature is the 1.6 gallon gravity flush. A 3-inch flush valve releases water quickly into the siphon-jet bowl, while a fully glazed 2 and one-eighth inch trapway supports waste movement. The higher flush volume may offer reassuring clearing performance for a busy bathroom. The tradeoff is that it uses more water than a 1.28 gallon model and may not satisfy water-efficiency regulations in every location.
The third feature is CEFIONTECT. This is TOTO's exceptionally smooth ceramic glaze, designed to reduce the microscopic surface irregularities that allow waste and mineral deposits to stick. It may help residue rinse away more easily and reduce the need for aggressive scrubbing. It is not self-cleaning, however, and gentle maintenance is still necessary, particularly in areas with hard water.
The fourth feature is the Universal Height elongated bowl. Its 16 and one-eighth inch rim height can make sitting down and standing up easier for people who find lower toilets uncomfortable. The final sitting height will be greater after a seat is attached. Shorter users may prefer a lower toilet that allows their feet to remain more naturally supported.
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What It May Be Like to Use
Based on the available product information, the Drake should feel familiar in daily operation. Pressing the mechanical chrome lever releases water from the tank, and the dual-nozzle system directs it around the bowl before the siphon action evacuates the contents. There are no electronic controls, apps, sensors, or powered components built into the toilet.
In typical daily use, the combination of the larger flush valve, 1.6 gallon water volume, and glazed trapway should support dependable waste removal. Actual performance can still be influenced by the amount of toilet paper, the condition of the household drain, installation quality, and available water pressure. TOTO specifies a minimum flowing pressure of 8 psi.
The bowl's water surface measures approximately 9 inches by 6 and seven-eighths inches. This water area helps keep descending waste submerged, which may reduce direct contact with dry ceramic and help contain odors.
Routine bowl cleaning should be relatively straightforward because of the smooth glaze and open rim design. A soft toilet brush or silicone brush and a compatible gentle cleaner would be preferable to abrasive powders, metal brushes, or harsh scouring products that could affect the glazed surface.
Tank servicing is accessible because the top lid can be removed in the usual way. Buyers should still check the specified TOTO replacement part when a canister seal or another internal component eventually needs attention rather than assuming that every universal tank part will fit.
What Works Well
The flushing system combines a quick water release with circular bowl coverage. This is useful in a shared bathroom where both waste clearing and bowl rinsing matter.
CEFIONTECT can make regular maintenance less demanding by limiting how readily residue adheres to the ceramic. It works especially well as a complement to the rimless TORNADO FLUSH design.
The Universal Height bowl offers a more comfortable transition for many adults, particularly people with knee stiffness, back discomfort, or limited mobility.
The elongated shape provides more seating room than a round-front bowl. It also supports broad compatibility with elongated toilet seats and many aftermarket bidet options.
The traditional two-piece construction keeps the design mechanically straightforward. The toilet does not depend on electricity and does not include complicated electronic controls.
The Cotton White finish and simple tank profile are versatile enough for many bathroom styles. The look is updated without being unusually bold or difficult to coordinate.
Things to Consider
The toilet seat is not included. A compatible elongated seat must be purchased separately, and the chosen seat will affect the final height and comfort.
Other installation supplies are also excluded. Buyers will need a wax ring or another compatible floor seal, closet flange bolts, and a water supply line. TOTO includes the tank-to-bowl gasket, tank mounting hardware, and color-matched bolt caps, but those parts do not replace the floor-mounting hardware.
At 1.6 gallons per flush, this Drake uses more water than a 1.28 gallon high-efficiency toilet. Local plumbing and water-conservation requirements should be checked before purchase because 1.6 gallon models may not be permitted in some jurisdictions.
The exposed trapway and recessed areas around the base can collect dust. Buyers who want the easiest possible exterior cleaning may prefer a fully skirted toilet.
Installation requires careful tank alignment. The tank-to-bowl hardware should be tightened gradually and evenly according to TOTO's instructions. Overtightening one side in an attempt to remove movement could place unnecessary stress on the ceramic.
Although the toilet can accept compatible electronic bidet seats, this standard Drake is not a dedicated WASHLET+ model with concealed connection channels. Hoses and electrical cords may remain visible when a powered seat is installed.
Who Is This Product For?
The TOTO Drake CST776CSFG#01 is worth considering for households that prioritize strong conventional flushing, a comfortable elongated bowl, and easier interior cleaning. Its higher rim can be helpful for many adults, older users, and people who find it difficult to rise from a lower seat.
It can also be a sensible replacement for an older, higher-consumption toilet when the bathroom has a standard 12-inch rough-in. Buyers interested in adding a SoftClose seat or a compatible bidet seat have several possible configurations.
This model may not be ideal for a very small bathroom where every inch of floor space matters. It is also less suitable for anyone who wants a skirted base, a seat included in the package, or a 1.28 gallon flush. Shorter users should consider whether the completed seat height will feel comfortable.
Helpful Tips Before You Buy
Measure the rough-in from the finished wall, not from the baseboard, to the center of the floor drain or closet bolts. This model is designed for a 12-inch rough-in.
Confirm front and side clearances. The toilet extends about 28 and three-eighths inches from front to back, so check that it will not interfere with the bathroom door, vanity, or shower enclosure.
Review local water-efficiency rules before ordering. The exact model number matters because other Drake versions may use a different amount of water per flush.
Purchase all missing installation items in advance. These include an elongated toilet seat, a floor seal or wax ring, closet bolts, and a suitable water supply line.
If installing an electronic bidet seat, verify physical compatibility and electrical requirements. A powered WASHLET generally needs an appropriately located electrical outlet, while the toilet itself does not.
Use help when lifting the ceramic components, and follow the installation instructions when joining the tank and bowl. Tighten mounting hardware evenly and avoid excessive force.
After installation, use nonabrasive cleaning tools and a cleaner compatible with CEFIONTECT. Avoid metal-wire brushes, abrasive powders, and aggressive scouring products.
Common Questions
Does this toilet include a seat?
No. A compatible elongated toilet seat must be purchased separately.
What installation parts are included?
The package includes the bowl, tank, tank-to-bowl gasket, tank-to-bowl hardware, and matching bolt caps. The wax ring, floor-mounting bolts, water supply line, and seat are not included.
How much water does it use?
This specific model uses 1.6 gallons, or approximately 6 liters, per flush. Buyers should confirm that this flush volume complies with local requirements.
Is it ADA compliant?
The toilet uses TOTO's Universal Height design and is identified as ADA compliant. A complete accessible installation still depends on the seat height, approach space, placement, and other applicable requirements.
Can it be used with a bidet seat?
The elongated bowl can work with compatible bidet seats, including certain TOTO WASHLET models. This is not a WASHLET+ toilet, so connection hoses and cords may remain visible.
Is CEFIONTECT self-cleaning?
No. The smooth glaze is intended to reduce waste adhesion and make cleaning easier, but the bowl still requires regular maintenance.
Final Thoughts
The TOTO Drake CST776CSFG#01 offers a balanced combination of conventional operation and useful cleaning-focused features. Its 1.6 gallon TORNADO FLUSH system, wide flush valve, glazed trapway, and CEFIONTECT surface are designed to support dependable clearing while making the inside of the bowl easier to maintain.
Its elongated Universal Height bowl should be comfortable for many adults, and the straightforward two-piece design makes sense for a family bathroom or residential replacement project. The main compromises are its exposed base curves, higher water use compared with 1.28 gallon models, and the need to purchase a seat and several installation components separately.
For buyers with a compatible 12-inch rough-in who value flushing capability, a taller bowl, and simpler interior cleaning, this Drake is a strong option to keep on the shortlist. Those with limited space, strict water-efficiency requirements, or a preference for a smooth skirted exterior may want to compare it with other configurations before making a decision.
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