TOTO® Drake® Two-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF Universal Height

The Verdict

Let’s cut through the noise: the TOTO Drake is one of the most frequently recommended toilets from plumbers and contractors — but this specific two-piece version has a split personality. At 1.28 gallons per flush with TOTO’s Tornado Flush system, it promises serious water savings. Yet the 3.8-star average on Amazon tells you not everyone’s experience matched that promise. Here’s what you need to know before you hand over your credit card.

What You Actually Get

The box contains the bowl, the tank, the tank lid, and the wax ring — but no seat. That’s a $30–$60 addition you’ll need to budget for. The toilet itself is a two-piece elongated model with Universal Height (16.5 inches from floor to rim), which is the same comfort height as most chair seats. The CEFIONTECT glaze on the bowl is genuinely slick — waste slides off with far less clinging than standard porcelain, which means less scrubbing down the line.

Performance: Where It Shines

The headline feature is Tornado Flush. Instead of a single jet that swirls water around the bowl, TOTO uses two nozzles that fire water from opposite directions, creating a 360-degree rinse. In practice, this works. The bowl is rimless, which eliminates the hidden ledge where grime normally collects. Most users report that one flush handles solid waste cleanly — no double-flushing, no streaks. The 1.28 GPF rating is a legitimate water saver; if you have a household of four, that’s roughly 8,000 fewer gallons per year versus an older 1.6 GPF model.

The Universal Height is another genuine plus. It’s easier on knees and backs, especially for taller users or anyone with mobility issues. It doesn’t look like a handicap toilet — it looks like a modern, slightly substantial two-piece. The elongated bowl offers more comfortable seating than round models, particularly for adults.

Where It Falls Short

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: a meaningful chunk of the negative reviews on Amazon involve cracked porcelain. The two-piece design means heavy ceramic components shipped in a single box, and shipping damage is a real risk. One reviewer wrote, “Arrived with a crack in the tank that I didn’t notice until after installation — water everywhere.” TOTO’s packaging is decent, but it’s not bulletproof, and Amazon’s fulfillment centers aren’t known for gentle handling.

Inspect every surface before you install. Check the tank for hairline fractures, examine the bowl rim for chips. If something’s cracked, file a claim immediately — don’t wait until after you’ve set it in place.

The two-piece design itself is also a minor compromise. The tank-to-bowl joint is a visible seam, and the gap collects dust and is awkward to clean. A one-piece toilet eliminates this entirely, but you’ll pay significantly more for the privilege.

Real-World Installation Notes

This is not a beginner’s install. It’s heavy — the bowl alone is around 50 pounds — and you’ll need to carefully align the tank bolts while holding the tank in place. If you’re not comfortable with basic plumbing, budget $150–$250 for a pro. Also note: the wax ring included is adequate, but many experienced installers recommend upgrading to a neoprene or extra-thick wax ring for a more forgiving seal.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You want a proven water-saving flush with a trusted brand name, you’re planning a full bathroom remodel and have help with installation, or you’re replacing an older toilet and want the Universal Height comfort. The Tornado Flush is genuinely better than most competing low-flow systems.

Skip it if: You’re on a tight timeline and can’t risk a cracked-on-arrival scenario, you’re installing solo without experience, or you want a cleaner one-piece silhouette. Also skip if you’re looking for a complete package — the missing seat feels stingy at this price point.

FAQ

Q: Is the 1.28 GPF flush powerful enough for solid waste? A: Yes, in most cases. The Tornado Flush’s dual nozzles create more force than a standard gravity flush. The vast majority of user reviews report no double-flushing. If you have an unusually high-volume situation, the Drake also comes in a 1.6 GPF version for a bit more flushing power.

Q: Will this fit a standard rough-in? A: Yes — it’s designed for a 12-inch rough-in, which is the standard for most US homes. Measure from the wall to the center of your flange bolts before ordering; if it’s 10 or 14 inches, you’ll need a different model.

Q: Does the CEFIONTECT glaze actually prevent stains? A: It’s noticeably better than standard porcelain. The glaze creates a microscopically smooth surface that bacteria and waste struggle to cling to. You’ll still need to clean, but it’s less frequent and easier. Expect to pay a bit more for the feature, but it’s worth it.

The Verdict: 3.7/5 — Buy It If You Can Handle the Risk

The TOTO Drake Two-Piece is a genuinely excellent toilet when it arrives intact. The flush is powerful, the water savings are real, and the comfort height is a daily benefit. But the shipping damage reports are too frequent to ignore, and the missing seat feels like nickel-and-diming at this price.

Buy it if: You’re doing a full renovation, you have installation help, and you’ll inspect the porcelain carefully upon delivery.

Skip it if: You’re replacing a toilet on a deadline, you’re installing solo, or you want a turnkey product that includes everything.

If you can handle the shipping gamble, this toilet will serve you well for a decade or more. Just budget for a good seat and a careful inspection before you commit to install.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.