If you are here, it is because you are thinking about buying a bidet, but you don't know which one is right for you. Electric vs non-electric bidets... It's an important decision that depends on different factors, both your needs and your budget.
Whatever you decide to do will make your life much more comfortable when you go to the bathroom. You will feel fresh and clean after using it.
It's a win-win no matter what.
After reading this article it will be easy to see the advantages and disadvantages of both electric bidets as well as non-electric bidets.
Electric bidets
An electric bidet is a great investment for any person who is looking to upgrade their bathroom while adding a little luxury. It will be a great addition to any home. You can use it to freshen up after you wipe or substitute it instead of toilet paper altogether. The many incredible features, such as the adjustable water jet and warm air dryer make this an easy choice.
First of all, before purchasing an electric bidet you should make sure your bathroom has a GFCI electrical outlet nearby the toilet as this is necessary for the bidet to work properly and make sure the electricity is safely grounded.
If an outlet isn't inconveniently placed away from your toilet, it is possible to use an extension cord to reach it.
Next, you have to think about how much money you’re going to spend on a new bidet. Once you know your budget you can look at all the different options that are available in the market. Barumi bidets are packed with technology and features designed to make your life in the restroom an enjoyable and sanitary experience.
The cost of electric bidets
The initial purchase price of an electric bidet will vary depending upon the type you are looking for. Generally, electrical bidets are more expensive than their non-electric counterparts. Electric bidets are more expensive, but they have more features and are well worth the extra cost over the long run.
Speaking on general terms, the cost of an electric bidet can cost anywhere between $200 to $600, with some higher end models costing more. When you take a look at all the models out there in the market, the average price of an electric bidet is figured to be somewhere around $340. This would be for a model that’s somewhere “in the middle” in terms of quality and features.
The advantages of electric bidets
Electric bidets have several advantages to provide the best toileting experience and comfort for both men and women. Some of the advantages of electric bidets may include:
1- They have multiple features and settings for adjusting the water pressure and temperature, seat temperature, air dryer temperature, and much more. Many settings can be adjusted to fit virtually anyone, including children and handicapped patients.
2- They will fit most toilet types and usually come in either an elongated or round shape. We recommend measuring the size of your toilet and referring to the Barumi compatibility guide to make sure before purchasing a bidet.
3- They come with a side panel or remote control to customize your experience and settings at the touch of a button.
4- They tend to be easily removable with the touch of a release button or lever. This allows for worry-free maintenance and cleaning of the bidet.
5- They are usually eco-friendly. They obviously reduces the use of toilet paper and manages proper water usage. For many people, this is usually the main reason for purchasing a bidet. Having a positive influence on the planet for the future generations is a powerful thing.
The disadvantages of electric bidets
Here are some of the disadvantages of electric bidets:
1- They can be relatively expensive compared to non-electric models. For obvious reasons, electric bidets are more expensive than non-electric models because they cost more to produce and have many more functions and features.
2- They need a GFCI outlet in or near the bathroom, which might mean installing new circuits or using an extension cord if the outlet is far away. Although this can seem like a big hurdle, many people use bidets with extension cords with no problems whatsoever.
The installation of electric bidets
This exact topic was covered in one of our articles "How to Install a Bidet Toilet Seat" and installing an electric bidet does not require professional help. It is a fairly easy DIY job that pretty much anyone can handle. All you’ll need are a couple of tools and about 10-30 minutes of your time. Instructions are easy to understand and we’re always here to help should the need arise to contact us for additional support.
Non-electric bidets
Non-electric bidets give you the same basic cleaning function without all of the extra features that tend to drive up the price of electric models.
If the ability to adjust most of your settings is not important and all you’re looking for is a simple cold-spray wash, a non-electric bidet might be perfect for you. Non-electric bidets don’t have the ability to provide warm water or a warm toilet seat, since these types of features require electricity.
Other than the price, one of the main draws to non-electric bidets is that they do not require an electrical outlet nearby.
The cost of non-electric bidets
Non-electric bidets are cheaper than electric bidets, also for obvious reasons. You can purchase a travel bidet for as little as $25, without any features other than a nozzle and a squeeze trigger.
On the other end of the non-electric spectrum, standard bidet attachments that are elongated can cost as much as $100 for a basic unit with only the most basic features – the main one being able to adjust the pressure of the cold water spray.
In general, non-electric bidets have less features and benefits than their electric cousins and the price is reflected in that. You can expect the cost of a non-electric bidet to fall somewhere in between these two price points mentioned above.
The advantages of non-electric bidets
Some of the advantages to non-electric bidets may include:
1- Low initial cost. For about $25 to $100 you can have a working bidet installed to your existing toilet seat within a few minutes depending on what type of model you select. This makes it very budget-friendly for most people.
2- Low maintenance and generally easy to use. There are no extra features, buttons to push or knobs to adjust. Everything is manual with zero electricity involved.
3- Eco-friendly since you will be saving money and resources by reducing the amount of toilet paper and water consumed.
The disadvantages of non-electric bidets:
Some of the disadvantages of non-electric bidets are:
1- Cannot adjust the water temperature. The water used will be unheated, cold tap. Also, no options to adjust the seat or air dryer temperature because these features do not exist.
2- After installation, not easily removable for maintenance and cleaning.
3- Can be less sanitary than electric bidets because of the exposed spray nozzles.
4- No self-cleaning functions that electric models have.
The installation of non-electric bidets
Installing a non-electric bidet is as easy as 1, 2, 3! However, you will need to follow instructions carefully.
Typically, you would need to remove your existing toilet seat, place the bidet attachment onto the bowl and installing the seat. After that, simply connect the attachment hose to the toilet water supply with a t-valve. That’s it, the non-electric bidet is installed!
Which one is right for you?
By now, we hope the differences between electric and non-electric bidets have been made clear, as well as advantages and disadvantages. As you can see, the electric versions have many more features and benefits compared the non-electric models.
The main factors to consider when purchasing a bidet are budget and product features. If all you need is simple, no-frills cleaning, then a non-electric bidet is for you. If you prefer all the features and benefits an electric model can provide, then you should spend the extra money. It basically all boils down to what you’re looking for. Hopefully, we were able to help you when that time comes to buy your first bidet.
Head over to www.barumiusa.com/products where you can find great deals on bidets as well as other articles that might be of help.