Bidets in America: Here To Stay?
Bidets are a bathroom essential in much of the world, but in the United States, they’re still seen as something novel.
That’s changing fast though. American homes are starting to embrace the bidet toilet as a cleaner, more comfortable, and eco-friendly upgrade to the regular toilet and toilet paper.
But why has it taken the U.S. so long to catch on? And how common are bidets in the world compared to here?
Let’s explore where bidets are popular, why they’ve struggled to gain traction in the U.S., and how perspectives are finally shifting.
Why Are Bidets Not Popular in the US?
Although popular in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East for decades, the bidet in America has faced resistance. So why don't Americans use bidets? Here’s why:
1. Bathroom Design & Plumbing Standards
Most U.S. bathrooms were built for a single toilet — with no space or plumbing for a standalone bidet. That made installation expensive and impractical for most households.
2. Cultural Conditioning
Generations of Americans grew up using only toilet paper. Without exposure to bidets, many people assume they’re unnecessary or overly complicated.
3. Stigma and Misunderstanding
Bidets have been wrongly associated with luxury, femininity, or foreignness. John Grant, owner of Premier Bidets puts it like this: “We're conditioned to think of bidets as ‘other’, but once you use one, you realize it’s just better hygiene.”
4. Lack of Awareness
Until recently, there was little education around the benefits of bidets. Now, thanks to modern retailers like Premier Bidets, who make high-quality bidet toilet combos and bidet seats easily accessible, U.S. consumers have more information and better options than ever before.
Is Bathroom Hygiene Changing in America?
In recent years, Americans have begun to shift their views.
As John explains: “My first experience with a high-tech bidet was in Japan. At first, I hesitated, but within seconds, I knew this was the future of hygiene. That moment inspired Premier Bidets.”
So, what’s causing this wave of bidet interest across the United States?
🦠 The Pandemic Shift
Toilet paper shortages during COVID-19 sparked curiosity in alternatives. Suddenly, Americans were exploring bidet toilets for the first time and many never looked back.
✈️ Travel Exposure
More Americans are experiencing bidets while traveling abroad and returning home wanting the same cleanliness and comfort. That firsthand exposure breaks the cultural barrier. Learn what sets high-tech models apart in our Best Japanese Bidets guide.
📱 Social Media Buzz
Platforms like TikTok and YouTube have normalized bidets by showing how easy they are to install and use. Once a taboo topic, bidets now trend among influencers and home designers alike.
🧑🏻 Generational Change
Millennials and Gen Z are prioritizing sustainability and self-care. For them, using a bidet isn’t strange. It’s smart and the new way of personal hygiene.
“Younger buyers see bidets as the next evolution in smart homes — right up there with touchless faucets and filtered water bottles,” says John.
Where are Bidets Common in the World vs the United States?
| 🌍 Region | Bidet Adoption |
|---|---|
| Japan | Over 80% of households feature bidet toilet seats, often with high-tech features. |
| France, Italy, Spain | Traditional ceramic bidets are a standard bathroom fixture. |
| South Korea, Taiwan | High adoption of smart toilets and bidet seats. |
| Middle East & South America | Water-based cleaning is deeply rooted in hygiene practices. |
So, how common are bidets in the world? Extremely common — in many regions, more people use bidets daily than toilet paper alone.
Ever wonder how a Washlet compares to a regular bidet? We break it down in Bidet vs Washlet.
The Eco-Friendly Advantage 🌍
Bidets offer a huge environmental benefit. The U.S. uses over 36 billion rolls of toilet paper every year. Think about that...that’s millions of trees and billions of gallons of water wasted.
Using a bidet slashes that dramatically. As John explains: “With a bidet, you use a small stream of water instead of wiping with paper. It’s cleaner for you and better for the planet.”
📚 Dive deeper in our article: Bidet vs Toilet Paper
Modern Bidets Are Easier Than Ever
Gone are the days when a bidet required major plumbing changes or expensive fixtures. Today’s solutions are compact, affordable, and simple to install.
Options include:
Non-electric bidet seats are budget-friendly, easy to use, and no power required 👉 Try the Bio Bidet Slim Zero for a sleek, simple upgrade.
Electric bidet toilet seats have features like warm water, air drying, heated seats, and remote controls 👉 A customer favorite: TOTO S7A Bidet Seat
Full bidet toilet combos are sleek all-in-one units with advanced features 👉 Go all-in with the TOTO G5A, a true smart toilet.
Confused between a full bidet toilet and a bidet seat? Here's the breakdown.
Premier Bidets makes these modern systems accessible to every American home — offering expert guidance, top-rated brands like TOTO and Bio Bidet, and customer-first support.
It’s Time for the U.S. to Catch Up
So, why aren’t bidets common in the US?
It’s a mix of cultural momentum, outdated bathroom design, and a lack of information but all of that is changing fast.
John believes we’re witnessing a turning point:
“Bidets will become a standard fixture in American homes within the next 5–10 years. People care more about hygiene, comfort, and sustainability than ever before — and bidets check all those boxes.”
Final Thoughts
The rise of the bidet in America is finally getting the attention it deserves. As more people discover how common bidets are in the world, and how practical they are for daily life, the U.S. is beginning to catch up.
From cleaner hygiene to less waste, from comfort to cost savings, bidet toilets offer real advantages. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to upgrade, there’s never been a better time to make the switch.
Still not sure where to start? Whether you're choosing your first bidet or upgrading to a smart toilet, we’ve got the tools (bidet buyer's guide) and recommendations to help you.
Contact us — our team is here to help you choose the best bidet for your bathroom and your lifestyle.
Take our bidet quiz below to find the perfect one for you.
Leave a comment