When shopping for a new toilet, two of the top choices are the American Standard Cadet 3 vs Champion 4 toilets. Both models are high-quality, affordable toilets from a leading brand. However, there are some key differences between the Cadet 3 and Champion 4 that buyers should consider before making a purchase.
Overview of the American Standard Cadet 3 Toilet
The American Standard Cadet 3 is a single flush, two-piece toilet with a compact, space-saving design. Here are some of the key features and specifications of the Cadet 3:
- Flushing System: PowerWash rim scrubs the bowl with each flush. Siphon jet flushing action provides a strong, reliable flush.
- Water Usage: 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf). Meets EPA WaterSense standards for water efficiency and high performance.
- Bowl Shape: Compact, elongated bowl.
- Seat Height: Standard height of 15 inches. Comfortable for most adults.
- Colors: Available in white, linen, and bone colored porcelain.
- Dimensions: Rough-in of 12 inches. 30 x 18 x 30 inches overall. Fits in small bathrooms or powder rooms.
- Warranty: Limited 5-year warranty on chinaware, limited 10-year warranty on mechanical parts.
The Cadet 3 has a standard height, so it is ADA compliant. The compact size makes it suitable for smaller bathrooms. It is more affordable than some other American Standard models but still provides a strong flush and water savings.
Overview of the American Standard Champion 4 Toilet
The Champion 4 is American Standard’s flagship toilet and has more robust features and capabilities. Here are the key details on the Champion 4:
- Flushing System: 4-inch piston action Accelerator flush valve provides a powerful, fast flush. Jets scrub the rim and bowl with each flush.
- Water Usage: 1.6 gpf. Exceeds ADA guidelines and is WaterSense certified.
- Bowl Shape: Elongated bowl and tank set. Wide 2-3/8 inch trapway.
- Seat Height: Chair height of 16-1/2 inches. ADA compliant and easier to sit on or stand up from.
- Colors: Available in white, linen, and bone colored porcelain.
- Dimensions: 12-inch rough-in. 31 x 28 x 19 inches overall.
- Warranty: Limited 10-year warranty on all mechanical parts.
The Champion 4 has a higher flush performance than the Cadet 3 and is capable of handling bulkier waste and more demanding flushing needs.
The chair height makes it ADA compliant and more accessible. It comes with a longer warranty and has a larger trapway. The Champion 4 is among American Standard’s highest rated toilets.
Flushing Performance Comparison
One of the biggest differences between american standard cadet 3 vs champion 4 is the flushing performance:
- The Cadet 3 has a pressure-assisted siphon jet flush that provides a strong rinse of the bowl. However, some users report having to occasionally flush twice for bulkier waste.
- The Champion 4 has a faster, more powerful 4-inch flush valve and accelerated flush action. The wider 2-3/8 inch trapway helps reduce clogging. Most users find it evacuates waste in one flush.
The Champion 4’s increased flush power means fewer double flushes or clogs. It more effectively clears the bowl and performs well even with larger volumes of waste. The Cadet 3 does have decent flush power, but it cannot match the performance of the Champion 4.
Water Efficiency
Both the Cadet 3 and Champion 4 have good water efficiency:
The Cadet 3 uses 1.28 gpf, meeting EPA WaterSense criteria for high performance and water savings.
The Champion 4 uses 1.6 gpf, which exceeds the ADA’s 1.6 gpf standard for flush performance. The Champion 4 is still WaterSense certified as water-efficient.
The Cadet 3 has 20% greater water efficiency compared to the Champion 4. However, the Champion 4 still provides significant water savings compared to older 3.5 gpf toilets. Both are good choices for households concerned about conserving water.
Toilet Height and ADA Compliance
The height of the toilet seat is another significant difference between these two models:
- The Cadet 3 has a standard 15-inch seat height. This is suitable for most bathrooms but does not meet ADA guidelines.
- The Champion 4 has an ADA compliant chair height seat of 16-1/2 inches. The increased height makes it easier to sit down or stand up from.
The higher seat and faster flush action makes the Champion 4 a better choice for households with elderly, disabled, or mobility impaired residents. The standard height Cadet 3 can be more difficult to get on or off of.
Size and Design
In terms of size and bowl design, the Cadet 3 and Champion 4 have some similarities and differences:
- The Cadet 3 has a compact, elongated bowl suitable for smaller bathrooms. It has a 2-1/8 inch trapway.
- The Champion 4 also has an elongated bowl but with a wider 2-3/8 trapway that reduces clogging. It takes up slightly more space.
Both models have elongated bowl shapes that provide more comfortable usage compared to round front toilets. The Cadet 3 can fit in more cramped bathrooms while the Champion 4 works better for standard-sized bathrooms.
Durability and Warranty of American Standard Cadet 3 vs Champion 4
As two models from the same manufacturer, both toilets have very durable constructions. However, the Champion 4 comes with a longer warranty:
- The Cadet 3 has a 5-year limited warranty on porcelain parts and a 10-year limited warranty on mechanical parts.
- The Champion 4 has a 10-year limited warranty that covers the entire toilet.
The Champion 4’s longer and more comprehensive warranty provides better long-term protection and indicates it is the more heavy-duty toilet. Both models should provide years of reliable performance, however.
Price and Value Comparison
The Champion 4 is more expensive than the Cadet 3, but both models provide solid value:
- The Cadet 3 costs $300 to $450, a moderately priced but affordable toilet.
- The Champion 4 ranges from $500 to $600, nearly double the Cadet 3 but still reasonably priced for its class.
The Champion 4 commands a higher price due to its increased flush power, comfort height, larger trapway, and longer warranty.
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The Cadet 3 provides the best value for basic water and budget conscious households. The Champion 4 is worth the extra cost for its superior performance and comfort.
Key Differences Summary
To recap the major differences:
- Flushing Power: The Champion 4 has greater flushing capability and is less likely to clog.
- Water Usage: The Cadet 3 is more water efficient at 1.28 gpf vs 1.6 gpf for the Champion 4.
- Toilet Height: The Cadet 3 has a standard 15-inch height while the Champion 4 has an ADA chair height of 16-1/2 inches.
- Size: The Cadet 3 is more compact while the Champion 4 has a wider trapway but takes up more space.
- Warranty: The Champion 4 has a longer and more inclusive 10-year limited warranty.
- Price: The Cadet 3 is priced around $300 while the Champion 4 costs $500 to $600.
Which Toilet Is Better?
For most households, the Champion 4 is the superior toilet and justifies the extra cost with its increased power, comfort height seat, and fewer clogs. The only exceptions are for:
- Smaller bathrooms where the Cadet 3 is needed to save space.
- Budget conscious buyers where the Cadet 3 provides excellent value.
- Households that prioritize water savings above all else.
Overall, the American Standard Champion 4 stands out as the higher performing and more fully featured toilet between these two models.
Its comfort height, increased power, and wider trapway make it the better choice for most bathrooms and buyers. However, the affordable Cadet 3 still provides capable performance for a variety of needs.
FAQs
Q 1: Which toilet is quieter when flushing?
The Champion 4 is the quieter of the two when flushing. The Cadet 3 has a pressure-assisted flush that can be louder and more startling. The Champion 4 has a gravity flush that is more gentle and quiet.
Q 2: Which toilet is easier to clean?
Both toilets have glazed trapways and antimicrobial surfaces that help reduce staining and odor-causing bacteria buildup. The Champion 4’s wider trapway provides slightly better access for cleaning. Overall, both are relatively easy to keep clean.
Q 3: Do these toilets come with toilet seats?
These toilets typically do not come with seats included. The toilet seat must be purchased separately for both models. American Standard does sell matching slow-close toilet seats that complement these toilets.
Q 4: How difficult is it to install these toilets?
Both the Cadet 3 and Champion 4 have standard 12-inch rough-ins and simple connections. As two-piece toilets, installation is straightforward. Basic DIY skills are needed, but no special plumbing alterations are required.
Q 5: Can a bidet seat be added to these toilets?
Yes, aftermarket bidet seats can be added to either of these American Standard models. Make sure to get a universal fit elongated bidet seat for the correct fit and a tight seal. The toilets’ supply lines can attach to the bidet.
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