Author: Larry Palmer
Contents
Most standard toilets have seats that are only rated to hold 300 to 400 pounds. In the United States, 41.1% of women and 37.9% of men are considered obese. That means that a percentage of the population is using toilet seats that aren’t large enough for them.
If your toilet seat isn’t large enough, not only will it be less comfortable, but also it could be less stable.
Most people spend approximately 25 hours every week on their toilets. If you are going to spend what amounts to a full day sitting on the toilet, you’ll want to be as comfortable and safe as possible doing it.
We’ve researched the best toilet seats for heavier people. Let’s look at our top 5 choices.
Quick Summary – Best Toilet Seats for Heavy People:
- Editor’s Choice: Big John Closed Front Oversize Toilet Seat
- Best Value: Bemis Oversized Closed Front Toilet Seat Rated for 1000 lbs
- Budget Pick: Elongated Toilet Seat with Slow Close Lid
- Best Hinges: Big John Open Front Oversize Toilet Seat
- Easiest to Install: Bath Royale White Round Seat with Soft Close Lid
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Reviews – Best Toilet Seat for Heavy Person
1. Big John Products – Heavy Duty Toilet Seat with Closed Front
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Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
Width: 19 inches
Capacity: 1200 pounds
Hinges: Stainless Steel unbreakable hinges
Highlights:
- Rated for 1200 pounds
- Stabilizing bumpers
- Ergonomic design
- Easy to install
Big John is one of the toilet brands that is designed to hold a larger weight capacity. This Big John toilet seat is designed to be a heavy duty toilet seat that is ideal for anyone.
This particular model features an oversized toilet seat that is a contoured 19 inches wide. The ergonomic design makes it an ideal seat for a heavy person as well as an older person or someone with physical challenges.
The Big John elevated toilet seat sits approximately two inches higher than a standard toilet seat. It has synthetic rubber bumpers that help to stabilize the seat. The bumpers grip the bowl to help eliminate the shifting that naturally happens when you sit on the toilet seat.
Installing this toilet seat takes a minimum amount of tools and approximately 30 minutes of your time.
Despite the ease of installation, the seat is surprisingly durable. Part of that durability can be attributed to stainless steel hinges holding the seat in place.
The ABS material constructing the toilet seat resists rust and stains. This is an important feature because a heavy person may have difficulty scrubbing stains.
The over sized toilet seat will fit on standard toilets as long as the hinges match your existing layout.
Pros
- Works with an elongated toilet bowl
- Extra large seat
- Resists stains and rust
Cons
- Seat weighs ten pounds
- Can be pricey
Final Say
The Big John closed front toilet seat works with either a round or an elongated toilet bowl. It features solid stainless steel hinges for added durability. The maximum weight capacity for this toilet seat is 1200 pounds.
2. Big John Bariatric Toilet Seat with Open Front
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Material: ABS Plastic
Width: 19 inches
Capacity: 1200 pounds
Hinges: Stainless Steel
Highlights:
- Open front toilet seat
- Stainless steel hinges
- 1200 pound capacity
If you prefer an open front toilet seat, this Big John toilet seat is for you. The seat features stainless steel hinges and works on elongated toilets as well as round toilet bowls.
The oversized toilet seat is 19 inches wide and is raised a little more than two inches above the toilet bowl.
Is this the best toilet seat for heavy person? Perhaps, because it is oversized, durable, rust resistant, and stain resistant.
The seat is wider than the average seat. Even with a wider seat, you should be able to install this seat onto your existing toilet. The larger sitting surface of the Big John toilet seat is made from chemically resistant ABS plastic.
The construction makes it a heavy duty toilet seat that is appropriate for heavier people as well as older and physically challenged people. This oversized toilet seat also features bumpers to keep it from sliding beneath you.
Pros
- Stain and rust resistant
- Bumpers for stability
- Capacity of 1200 lbs
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Seat itself is heavy
Final Say
The oversized seat design of the Big John toilet seat makes it work with both round toilet bowls and elongated ones. This is the best toilet seat for heavy person who likes an open front design. The heavy duty toilet seat is made from abs plastic and hinges made from stainless steel for durability.
3. BEMIS 1000lb Capacity Heavy Duty Toilet Seat
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Material: Plastic
Width: 16.5 inches
Capacity: 1000 pounds
Hinges: Metal
Highlights:
- 1000 lb weight capacity
- For elongated toilet bowls
- Made in the USA
A toilet seat for a heavy person must be large enough to handle both weight and girth. This oversized toilet seat from Bemis does exactly that. With a weight capacity of up to 1000 lbs and its oversized width (16.5 inches), it’s one of the larger toilet seats we found.
What do you expect when looking for a seat for heavy person? If you have width and weight capacity covered, which this Bemis toilet seat does, then you want a seat that will stay put when you sit on it.
The Sta-Tite fastening system helps this elongated toilet seat remain steady. The Sta-Tite system helps to prevent that inevitable wiggling that occurs with consistent use.
You might wonder if plastic toilet seats are durable, but this one is. It is designed to be appropriate even for commercial applications. It’s made from a non-corrosive material and fits all toilet brands.
These toilet seats are made in the USA from plastic that resists chipping and staining.
Pros
- 1000 lb weight capacity
- Sta-Tite fastening system
- Resists chips and stains
Cons
- Pricier than some other models
- Customers report cracking
Final Say
If you are looking for a seat for a heavy person, this Bemis toilet seat may be the solution you’ve wanted. It’s rated to hold 1000 lbs of weight. The Sta-Tite mounting system keeps it from slipping and sliding beneath you. The elongated toilet seat fits most, if not all, toilet brands.
4. Bath Royale Elongated Toilet Seat
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Material: Polypropylene
Width: 14 inches
Capacity: 400 pounds
Hinges: Stainless Steel
Highlights:
- Quick release for cleaning
- No slam, soft close lid
- Durable, doesn’t crack
The Bath Royale toilet seat is one of the smaller ones we found. It isn’t oversized; the width of this toilet seat lands right in the middle of standard toilet seat widths.
Made of durable polypropylene, which doesn’t crack or stain easily, but it gives a shiny finish to the toilet seat. Durability is a key feature for a toilet seat for heavy people.
This seat comes in two shapes: one that is appropriate for round toilets and one that is good for elongated toilets.
What makes this a toilet seat for heavy people? It’s been tested up to 400 pounds making it stronger than most standard toilet seats.
The soft close lid prevents the slamming that is common with toilet seats. This toilet seat also has a quick release feature that allows you to detach it for cleaning.
The detachable nature of the seat also helps you clean hard to reach places on the rim of the toilet. The ability to clean those hard-to-reach areas helps reduce the smell associated with a toilet.
Pros
- Soft close
- 2 year warranty
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Scratches easily
- Not compatible with risers
Final Say
A toilet seat for heavy people should be durable, and this one fits that bill. The polypropylene material is stain and crack resistant. The lid to this toilet seat has a soft close feature that helps eliminate the slamming of the seat. Also, this particular toilet seat detaches from the toilet to aid in cleaning.
5. Elongated Toilet Seat Heavy Duty with Open Front
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Material: Plastic
Width: 14.6
Capacity: 400 Pounds
Hinges: Rubber covered with metal screws for bottom mounting and plastic screws for top mounting
Highlights:
- Open front seat
- Soft close design
- Mounts from bottom or top
This elongated toilet seat features an open front for more hygienic use. It’s one of the regular toilet seats we found that can also work for overweight persons.
This seat is rated to hold a weight capacity of 400 lbs. This seat is proof that heavy duty toilet seats don’t have to be oversized to be durable.
One unique feature of this toilet seat is the choice of mounting capabilities. The actual seat can be mounted from either below or from the top.
The mounting hardware for both choices is included with the toilet seat. It’s up to you how you choose to install this standard toilet seat.
If you’ve ever been annoyed by the slamming sound of a toilet lid, you’ll appreciate this next feature. The elongated, open front seat offers a soft close lid. There will be no more annoying slamming sound. All you have to do is tap the top and it will gradually, softly close.
Pros
- Choice of mounting method
- Soft close design
- Open front design
Cons
- Weight capacity only 400 lbs
- Installation can be difficult
Final Say
An elongated, open front toilet seat is a good choice for the hygiene-minded individual. The advertised durability places this choice in the category of heavy duty toilet seats. It has two kinds of mounting hardware, so you can choose the method that seems more durable to you.
What to Consider in a Toilet Seat for Fat People:
Material
When looking for the best toilet seats for heavy persons, you want to choose one made from durable materials. We found three choices for construction materials.
One of the toilets we chose was made from polypropylene. Both Big John toilets were constructed from ABS plastic, and the others simply listed plastic as their construction material.
Regardless of the type of plastic, we attempted to choose toilet seats that would withstand everyday wear easily.
Choosing a heavy duty plastic model helps to facilitate cleaning. The majority of our selections claim to be stain-resistant.
When considering materials, you want something that will resist stains, chips, and cracks. You want a material that will last for a long time without breaking. You also want to choose materials that will stay in place easily.
Width and Shape
There are two shapes of toilet seats: round and elongated. Both shapes are available in larger models.
Before changing your toilet seat, you need to know what shape your toilet bowl is. A round seat will not work well on an elongated toilet and vice versa.
The best toilet seats for heavy people are wider to accommodate larger girth. An oversized toilet seat is both wider and longer.
Luckily, both seat shapes are available in larger sizes. However, it’s typically easier to find round seats that are wider.
Padding/Comfort
Another thing to consider when purchasing a new toilet seat is the comfort of the seat. After all, most people spend what amounts to a day on the toilet every week.
If you are going to spend that much time sitting in one place, you shouldn’t be uncomfortable. Some seats have padding that is supposed to make them feel more cushioned and therefore more comfortable.
Capacity
The best toilet seat for heavy person is one that has a large capacity. In other words, you want one that is rated to hold a higher weight capacity.
A standard toilet seat is typically only rated for up to 300 pounds. A toilet seat for a heavy person should be rated for more than that.
Some of the choices we found were rated for up to 1200 lbs. The Big John toilet seats in particular were oversized toilet seats and able to handle heavier weight capacities.
If the toilet seat is not rated to hold heavier persons, it could crack from everyday use. Make sure that you choose a toilet seat that is large enough to handle the weight capacity of the largest person in your home.
Closing System
Have you ever been rudely awakened by the sound of a slam in the night from someone closing the lid on the toilet seat? If so, you know how annoying that can be.
There’s good news. They make toilet seats that don’t make that slamming noise. Toilets with soft-close hinges are actually quiet when they close.
Toilet Compatibility
When choosing a new toilet seat, it’s important to choose one that is compatible with your toilet bowl. Some seats are appropriate for round bowls, some are appropriate for elongated bowls, and others work with both.
Measuring the distance between the space for hinges and the dimensions from the front of the toilet to the back are the best ways to know if the seat is compatible
Hinge Type
Are hinges made from plastic, chrome, or stainless steel? Stainless steel hinges will be more durable and last longer than plastic ones, typically.
Chrome is shiny and resists rust. Chrome is typically less expensive than stainless steel, and they’re less heavy.
You want to choose the most durable hinges you can afford. It will do you no good to replace your toilet seat if the hinges wear out quickly.
Hinges that aren’t durable will result in either the need to replace the hinges or the need to replace the entire seat again. Choose a heavy duty toilet seat with heavy duty hinges.
Bumpers
If you’ve ever felt the toilet seat slide beneath you, you know the importance of non-slip bumpers between the seat and the bowl.
Bumpers are designed to add stability to your toilet seat. The more stable the seat is, the less likely you will have an accident and fall from the toilet.
Self Wipe vs Bidet
Of course you can always wipe your self, but they do make bidets now that are quite affordable. If you don’t know what a bidet is, it basically uses a stream of clean water to rinse you off before you get up. We have an entire article reviewing the best bidets right here if you want to check those out.
Raised vs Standard Height
All the seats we’ve covered in this article so far are the “standard height” type toilet seats. But they do make a toilet seat riser for obese if you think that may help you sit more comfortably and/or help with getting on and off the toilet.
Larger People Should Look For:
- Stability – bumpers help keep toilet seats stable
- Construction – durable, made from one piece of material
- Comfort – a wider seat with padding
Fat Person Toilet Seat FAQs
What toilet seat is best for a heavy person?
The best toilet seat for a heavy person is wider with bumpers that provide maximum stability. It’s also best to look for sturdy hinges. The best seats are made from one continuous piece of material and have stainless steel hinges.
Do toilet seats have a weight limit?
Most toilet seats have a weight limit of 300-400 pounds.
Is a wood or plastic seat better for a heavy person?
A heavy person should choose a plastic seat over a wood one. The production process weakens wood, and it can crack and break under the strain of a heavier person using it repeatedly.
Do they make bigger toilet seats?
They do make bigger toilet seats. Companies like Big John make seats that are wider and longer.
What’s the largest size toilet seat?
The largest size toilet seat we’ve found is 19x19x3.
What is the widest toilet seat?
The widest toilet seat we’ve found is 19 inches wide.
Do I need a heavy person toilet as well?
If you’re a large person, the toilet seat isn’t the only thing to consider here, you may need to look into getting the best toilet for a heavy person as well.
Can you put a bigger toilet seat on a small toilet?
You can put a bigger toilet seat on a small toilet with a couple of considerations. The hinge distance needs to be the same as on the previous seat. The bumpers need to fit the toilet without overhang so the seat will be stable.
How do I know if a toilet seat will fit my toilet?
To know if a toilet seat will fit your toilet you need to look at the shape and the size. A round seat won’t work well on an elongated toilet, for example. Measure the length of the seat and the distance between the hinges to find the best fit.
Need help wiping?
Wiping can be quite a difficult task for those who are fairly overweight. We have an entire article on wiping techniques for large people here, if you want to give that a read. Or, you may simply want to consider getting a toilet wiping aid for obese people.
Conclusion – Best Toilet Seats for Obese and Heavy People
When you are an overweight person, you may have a hard time finding a toilet seat that comfortably holds your weight. Oversized toilet seats are good choices provided they don’t slip on your toilet.
An oversized toilet seat is larger than your average toilet seat. They typically measure more than 16 inches across.
Hinges are another consideration. A toilet seat with stainless steel hinges tends to be sturdier than one with plastic hinges.
The actual toilet seat should be as comfortable as possible. Replacing your existing toilet seat should be a relatively simple process if you’ve measured the hinges correctly.
