Types of Bidets

Last updated September 7, 2023
Looking to reduce your toilet paper usage? Or, replace toilet paper completely? Bidets are great for everyday use. They can be beneficial for those with certain medical issues. They can even aid in recovering from childbirth. In whatever way you use them, it's important to know your options when considering a bidet.
Use this guide to understand the different types of bidets. Know all the features to pick the best bidet to meet your needs.
Table of Contents
Types of Bidets
Bidet Toilets
Bidet Attachments
Bidet Toilet Seat
Bidet Features
Additional Features and Tips
Types of Bidets

There are three main types of bidets:
- Bidet Toilets: Standalone, permanent fixtures. Install them beside the toilet. They take up floor space in a bathroom.
- Bidet Toilet Seats: Seats with bidet components. They attach to your toilet bowl, replacing your current toilet seat. They are also known as washlets.
- Bidet Attachment: An attachment you connect to your plumbing. Some attachments are handheld sprayers. This is similar to that of a kitchen sprayer. It attaches to the toilet and is removable when moving. Some are stationary.
Bidet Toilets

Bidet toilets have knobs, just like those in sinks. They allow water to manually manage water flow and temperature. There is a center handle that manages water direction. Most of these models have hot and cold controls. They offer one vertical stream of water directed side to side using the handle. This type of bidet requires the highest upfront investment.
Bidet Attachments

You can mount your bidet attachment to the side of the toilet, nearby wall or any spot that works for your bathroom. It connects to your toilet for a water source. The benefit of this option is it takes up very little space. It does require use of your hands, so keep that in mind. Many models offer manual control of water pressure. It's incredibly easy to remove. If you're a renter, this is a great option.
Bidet Toilet Seat

Bidet seats attach to the toilet for a water source. Some models allow water temperature control, but not all. Different models offer different water jets. There are varieties of directional and oscillating options. They have a plastic or stainless steel nozzle that extends out to spray water. Different styles offer an attached or hand-held remote. This allows the user to control water flow patterns, strength and temperature. Some models offer heated seats. Depending on your preference, there are manual or electronic models.
Bidet Features

Every type of bidet is available with different features. There are manual or electric versions of bidets. Each come with their own uses and benefits.
Electric vs. manual:
- Manual bidets operate using knobs, levers or handles. If they offer heated water, they pull from an outside water supply.
- Electric seat models can offer heated water and heated seats. Some even offer different water flow patterns.
- Electric bidets have a higher price point than their manual counterparts.
- Nozzle positioning within the bidet indicates its intended purpose.
- Stationary one-nozzle bidets wash only the posterior.
- Two-nozzle bidets wash the anterior and posterior.
- Movable one-nozzle bidets have angling capabilities. They move to wash both the posterior and anterior.
- Electric bidets offer washing modes. They allow you to pick from different water flow patterns. They have options such as pulse, enema, oscillating and more.
- Oscillating spray covers a wider area and provides soothing comfort.
- Pulse spray covers a wider area. But it has a stronger, more direct pulsating spray.
- Enema spray provides a massage-like circular spray.
- This feature is available in many bidet toilets and some bidet seats. It can be an added feature on bidet attachment sprayers.
- They heat the water by attaching the bidet to a hot water line. Many use the water line from the bathroom sink. Or your bidet can have a small water heater tank attached. This can provide instant warm water.
- Electronic seat bidets offer remote controls. They're either attached to the side of the seat or on a separate remote.
- Remote controls are available as wired or wireless.
- You can operate remote controls using only one hand. This is great for any homeowners with accessibility issues.
- They can control water and seat temperature. They control water flow patterns, deodorizer, air dry and more.
- An air drying feature helps dry the user.
- Some bidets even have heated air dry.
Additional Features and Tips

There are bidets that offer extra features. Read the manufacturer labels for tips and tricks.
- Some bidets are available with antimicrobial technology. There are even portable models designed for travel.
- Energy-efficiency is a main reason some opt to install a bidet. To your home's water usage, look for WaterSense labeled bidets. WaterSense bidets meet or exceed water usage regulations.
- Some bidets offer night lights. They shine into the toilet seat, not the bathroom.
- Seat sensors prevent the water stream from firing when no one is sitting. This is extra useful if you have kids.
Tip: Higher-end models offer presets. They can save your preferences to make operation more convenient.
Whatever bidet type you choose, a bidet can be a useful addition. Ready to get all the benefits of a bidet in your home? Find out about our professional bathroom installation services. The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them.