Anyone who, when designing a bathroom, focuses not only on aesthetics but also on hygiene and easy cleaning will find it hard to ignore rimless toilets these days. Whether for modern new builds or the renovation of older bathrooms, the rimless toilet has established itself as a truly innovative solution. But what exactly is the concept of a "rimless toilet"? What advantages does it offer, and what should you pay particular attention to when buying one?
In this article, we will examine in detail the technology and differences between modern toilets and conventional toilets, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this contemporary toilet variant.
What is a rimless toilet?
A rimless toilet – often also called a rimless toilet – differs from conventional toilets in one crucial aspect: it does without the traditional flushing rim. In normal toilets, the flushing water runs along a surrounding rim, which, while ensuring water flow, unfortunately also traps dirt. Limescale, bacteria, and dirt residue often accumulate there – and these are areas that are difficult to reach and almost impossible to clean.
Rimless toilets solve this problem elegantly. Instead of a hidden rim, they rely on modern technology: The water is precisely directed so that it reaches the entire inner surface of the bowl – thoroughly, cleanly, and without any splashing. Many people wonder: How does a rimless toilet actually work? The answer lies in the sophisticated flushing technology. Depending on the model, a special opening or guide ensures that the flush is powerful and evenly distributed – without any dead spots or residue.
Even renowned brands like Horow have already embraced this technology, and their rimless toilets impress not only with their modern design but also with their everyday practicality. If you're looking for a hygienic toilet that is both easy to clean and stylish, then a rimless model from Horow is definitely a great choice.
What does "rimless toilet" mean?
The terms "rimless toilet", "rimless toilet" or "toilet without an inner flushing edge" essentially refer to the same concept: a toilet without the usual flushing rim inside the bowl. A specially designed pipe allows the water to be introduced in a targeted and efficient manner.
The great thing about it is that the entire inner surface is clearly visible and easy to clean – a real plus for hygiene. This is a great advantage, especially for families with many members, small children, or elderly people.
Differences to a classic toilet with a rim
Compared to conventional rimmed toilets, a rimless toilet offers several functional and hygienic advantages. In traditional toilets, the water is directed under the rim during flushing, guided by a surrounding rim. However, this design has the disadvantage that dirt, limescale, and bacteria can easily accumulate there – making cleaning a real challenge.
Rimless toilets no longer have a rim and instead use a sophisticated flushing technology to distribute water evenly and forcefully across the entire inside of the bowl. This eliminates hard-to-reach areas and significantly improves hygiene.
Cleaning a rimless toilet is also much easier: Since there are no hidden areas, a simple wipe is often enough to keep the entire bowl clean – without any special cleaners or tedious scrubbing.
The flushing method also varies considerably between traditional models and rimless toilet concepts. While conventional models direct the water through hidden openings under the rim, rimless toilets use precise nozzles or open flushing channels that ensure thorough and efficient cleaning.
The rimless version also offers visual advantages; its modern and minimalist design fits perfectly with stylish bathroom furnishings - in contrast to the often outdated appearance of traditional toilets with a rim.
How can I descale a rimless toilet?
Descaling a rimless toilet is generally much easier than descaling a toilet with a rim – and that's precisely one of the practical advantages of this design. Since there are no hidden areas under the rim where limescale can accumulate unnoticed, deposits are easier to spot and remove more effectively.
For regular descaling, simple household remedies are usually sufficient. Vinegar essence or citric acid have proven particularly effective – both are inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and gentle on ceramic surfaces.
Pour vinegar or citric acid liberally into the toilet bowl, especially along the watercourse and where limescale deposits are visible.
Leave to work overnight so the limescale can dissolve completely. If possible, dry the area beforehand to prevent the product from being diluted directly with the water.
The next morning, thoroughly brush the toilet with a toilet brush. Residue is usually easy to remove thanks to the soft, smooth surface of a rimless toilet.
Rinse thoroughly to remove any remaining cleaning agents.
For stubborn limescale deposits, such as in regions with very hard water or after prolonged neglect, a special ceramic toilet descaler can be useful. When choosing a product, be sure to select one that is biodegradable and does not contain aggressive ingredients. These could damage the glaze or, in the long run, the surface.
Tip: Regular descaling – about every 2–4 weeks – not only helps prevent limescale buildup but also extends the toilet's lifespan and ensures a consistently hygienic appearance. Especially in areas with hard water, installing a whole-house water filter is recommended to reduce limescale deposits not only in the toilet but also in the shower, sink, and faucets.
Caution: Avoid using harsh abrasive cleaners or metal brushes. They leave micro-scratches in the ceramic, allowing dirt and limescale to accumulate more quickly.
With proper care, your rimless toilet will not only remain hygienically clean, but will also look like new even after years.
Advantages of a rimless toilet
Before deciding for or against a rimless toilet, it is worth taking a closer look at the specific advantages that this design offers – both in everyday use and in the long term.
Hygiene: No hidden areas
One of the main advantages of a rimless toilet is that the entire interior surface is visible. The absence of a rim also means there are no hidden areas for bacteria to accumulate and no hard-to-reach limescale deposits can form. This makes cleaning not only more effective but also more environmentally friendly.
Cleaning: Saves time and cleaning products
With an open design and smooth surfaces, it is often sufficient to use a damp cloth with some toilet cleaner to keep the bowl clean and avoid the tedious scrubbing under the rim.
Water flow: Innovative flushing technologies
Modern rimless toilets, such as those with Smart Flush, are very efficient. The water is directed precisely and powerfully – this ensures that the entire bowl is flushed evenly and thoroughly without splashing.
Design: Modern, minimalist look
Rimless toilets are ideal for bathrooms with minimalist or design-oriented furnishings and fit in perfectly. The simple and well-thought-out design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also timeless, making it perfect for those who desire an elegantly designed bathroom.
What are the disadvantages of a rimless toilet?
However convincing the advantages of a rimless toilet may be, there are also some aspects to consider when purchasing and using it. This is not intended to discourage you, but rather to help you make the right decision and to properly assess the quality.
Poor quality: risk of splashing and incomplete rinsing.
A common criticism of low-quality rimless toilets is the potential for splashing. If the flushing mechanism is not optimally designed, the water can spray uncontrollably in various directions during flushing. This not only leads to unwanted water splashes on the seat or floor but also reduces hygiene standards.
Another disadvantage is the poor cleaning performance of inexpensive models – they often fail to thoroughly clean the entire bowl, especially with stubborn dirt or limescale deposits. Instead of saving time when cleaning, the opposite occurs in such cases.
Higher purchase price
Another frequently mentioned disadvantage of rimless toilets is their somewhat higher purchase price compared to conventional toilets with a rim - especially for high-quality models with additional features such as a bidet insert, soft-close seat or an antibacterial coating.
However, in the long run, this price is somewhat offset: The simplified cleaning process saves you not only time but also cleaning products – a benefit that becomes noticeable over the years. Furthermore, many rimless toilets have a longer lifespan because they are made of high-quality ceramic and the technology is less susceptible to wear and tear.
Assembly and compatibility
One point many overlook: not every rimless toilet is compatible with every existing toilet system. Especially with concealed cisterns or older installations, compatibility issues can arise. Installation can also be somewhat more complicated, depending on the model, particularly if special brackets or spacing are required.
Toilet with or without a rim? A direct comparison
The decision to buy a new toilet often depends on many factors – hygiene, cleaning effort, design, and, of course, price. But how does a rimless toilet compare to a classic model with a rim? Here's a direct comparison.
cleaning
Rimless toilets are much easier to clean than conventional models with a rim due to the absence of hard-to-reach areas.
Flushing performance
Modern rimless toilets with innovative technology impress with a consistent, powerful flush.
Price
Standard toilets are cheaper to buy and require more effort for cleaning and maintenance in daily use compared to rimless toilets; the latter are more expensive to buy but pay for themselves over the years through time savings and lower operating costs.
longevity
High-quality rimless toilets are durable, long-lasting, and hygienic – a worthwhile purchase.
What should you look out for when buying a rimless toilet?
A few important criteria should be considered before buying a rimless toilet:
Quality of the ceramic: Look for high-quality, smooth surfaces with a dirt-repellent glaze.
Flushing technology: Models with tested systems such as DirectFlush or Rimfree are efficient and reliable.
Installation type: Should it be a wall-hung or floor-standing toilet? For wall-hung models, the appropriate pre-wall installation frame must be available.
Check dimensions: The new toilet should fit perfectly into your bathroom, both visually and technically.
Brand quality: Reputable manufacturers offer tested quality, spare parts availability and warranty.
Cleanliness meets style
The rimless toilet is far more than just a fleeting bathroom trend – it represents a new generation of modern bathroom design where functionality, hygiene, and aesthetics blend harmoniously. While practicality was paramount in the past, aesthetics are now increasingly taking center stage. And this is precisely where the rimless toilet sets new standards.
By eliminating the traditional rim, the toilet bowl appears clean, minimalist, and elegant – perfect for anyone wanting to create a purist, stylish bathroom. At the same time, it impresses in everyday use with its easy cleaning, improved hygiene, and innovative flushing technology, which unfolds its full effect even while remaining visually unobtrusive.
For those seeking to combine comfort, modern design, and maximum cleanliness, a rimless toilet is practically indispensable. Whether in new construction, during a bathroom renovation, or simply as an everyday upgrade – choosing a rimless toilet makes a clear statement in favor of contemporary living comfort.
FAQ:
Is a toilet with a rim better than a toilet without a rim?
A toilet bowl with a rim was long considered standard in German households. The rim ensures an even distribution of water in the bowl. However, this rim also harbors a significant disadvantage: limescale, urine scale, and bacteria accumulate under the rim and are difficult to reach and laborious to clean.
In contrast, a rimless toilet offers clear advantages: Because the design is open and the entire inner surface of the bowl is visible, cleaning is significantly easier. Thanks to the special flushing technology, the water is directed precisely and powerfully along the ceramic surface without splashing. In terms of hygiene, ease of cleaning, and modern design, a rimless toilet is therefore clearly superior – especially for households that value cleanliness and easy maintenance.
How does a rimless toilet work?
A rimless toilet differs from conventional toilets with a classic flushing rim in that it does not have such a rim and the flushing water is instead directed powerfully and precisely into the toilet bowl through a special opening or a surrounding flushing edge.
This modern flushing technology, often referred to as "rimless technology," ensures efficient and splash-free cleaning of the entire interior surface using high-precision water jets through techniques such as "Direct Flush" or "TurboFlush." This results not only in a uniform flushing effect but also in a more hygienic environment without hidden germ zones.
How can I descale a rimless toilet?
Cleaning a rimless toilet is much simpler compared to a conventional toilet with a rim, as there are no hidden areas and you can easily see and clean all interior surfaces.
Here's how to proceed:
Using home remedies: Pour approximately 250 ml of vinegar essence or citric acid directly into the toilet bowl and ensure that the liquid adheres evenly to the inner surfaces.
To remove stubborn limescale, you can use a toilet block or special toilet cleaner if necessary - however, make sure that the product is suitable for ceramic surfaces.
Regular cleaning with gentle cleaning agents can help prevent the formation of stubborn limescale deposits in the first place.
What are the advantages of a rimless toilet in everyday life?
A rimless toilet offers many advantages for daily use:
From a hygiene perspective, the absence of the rim eliminates hidden germ nests – dirt and bacteria have virtually no opportunity to settle.
Water conservation is an important aspect, as many appliances operate more efficiently and use less water per wash cycle.
Contemporary styling - Rimless toilets give your bathroom a minimalist flair and fit perfectly into a modernly furnished bathroom.
Rimless toilet models are particularly family-friendly due to easier cleaning and improved hygiene, making them ideal for families and older people.
This combination of practical utility and stylish design has made the rimless toilet a sought-after option for new construction and renovation projects.
Are there any disadvantages to a rimless toilet?
Although wall-hung toilets can have numerous advantages, there are a few important factors to consider.
Flushing performance varies greatly depending on the model: Not all rimless toilets flush equally effectively. The flushing power of cheaper options may be insufficient or lead to splashing. Therefore, it is advisable to pay close attention to the quality and the flushing technology (such as vortex or direct flush systems).
When renovating, it's important to check whether the connection parts of the new toilet are compatible with the old one before replacing it. Most rimless toilets are compatible with standard connections. However, it's advisable to take measurements beforehand.
How is a rimless toilet installed?
The installation of a wall-mounted toilet is hardly different from that of a conventional toilet - regardless of whether it is a wall-mounted or floor-standing model.
Instructions for preparing the bathroom renovation area:
1) Step one is to close the tap.
2) Next, the existing toilet should be removed and the area thoroughly cleaned.
Checking for fit is required: Ensure that the connection taps for the water inlet and outlet are properly installed; if it is a wall-hung toilet, a suitable concealed tank is required.
Ensure that the connection parts for the fresh water and drain pipes are correctly connected and checked for leaks.
Anyone who doesn't feel confident should hire a professional – especially for wall mountings that require precise alignment.
