Using a bidet may seem a little intimidating to some, but to others it's a way of life. 

In this episode, senior staff writer and bidet-convert Doug Mahoney explains why these modern fixtures that wash your bum are a game-changer for hygiene. He shares how they work, what to look for when buying one, and his top recommendations for every budget. 

This episode covers:

How to choose between cold and  warm-water bidets: They each have their pros and cons. Cold ones are the cheapest and easiest to install, while warm ones are more expensive and offer a luxury experience. 

What to know about installation: If you can install a regular toilet seat, you can install a cold-water bidet. Warm water bidets are a little trickier, and require access to an outlet. You’ll also want to make sure your toilet has an accessible water shutoff valve.

Why it’s worth paying for a reliable brand: Given a bidet is a plumbing fixture, you should buy from a trusted brand, like Toto or Brondell. These companies tend to have reliable products that will last–and that will be less likely to cause leaks and other issues. 

Why bidets are great for everyone (including those with accessibility issues): A good bidet can make anyone feel cleaner, and they’re particularly helpful for people who have mobility issues – whether that’s a potty training kid, someone recovering from surgery, or an older adult who wants to live longer independently.

Products We Recommend: 

• The best bidet: Toto Washlet C5
• A cheaper Toto with slightly less style: Toto Washlet C2
• Our new favorite bidet: Toto S5 Washlet
• A cheaper version of our new favorite: Toto S2
• A great cold water model that replaces your toilet seat: Brondell EcoSeat S101 Non-Electric Bidet Seat
• A great cold water model to use with an existing toilet seat: Bio Bidet SlimEdge Attachment

Additional reading:

• The 6 Best Bidet Toilet Seats or Washlets of 2025
• How to Clean A Bidet
• I’ve Installed 25+ Bidets in My Home. Here Are My Tips for Doing It Right.

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast