TOTO KS5 vs S5: What's the Difference?

If you're comparing the TOTO KS5 vs S5, you're looking at two of the newest bidet seats in TOTO's Washlet lineup.

Both are electric bidet seats built on the same tankless platform, and both come in elongated and round versions, so seat shape isn't the deciding factor. The real differences come down to a handful of hygiene features and a gap in price.

This TOTO Washlet comparison breaks down exactly what separates the Washlet KS5 and Washlet S5, what they share and which one makes more sense for your bathroom.

Quick View: TOTO KS5 vs TOTO S5

TOTO Washlet S5 vs KS5: What's the Difference?

Based on TOTO's own spec sheets for the KS5 and S5, here's what actually separates the two.

1. PREMIST bowl misting. The S5 automatically mists the bowl with water before each use, which helps keep waste from sticking to the porcelain. The KS5 doesn't include this step.
   

2. Wand sanitizing technology. Both seats have a self-cleaning wand that rinses itself before and after use. The S5 takes it a step further with EWATER+, which uses electrolyzed water to sanitize the wand after every use. The KS5's wand cleans itself but doesn't use EWATER+.
   

3. Automatic air deodorizer. The S5 includes a built in deodorizer that runs automatically. The KS5 doesn't have this feature, so odor control is handled by the room itself rather than the seat.

4. Overall hygiene package. Put together, the S5 is really the KS5 with PREMIST, EWATER+, and the deodorizer layered on top for a small premium. If you're deciding between the two, this is the tradeoff you're actually weighing.
   

5. Color. While the TOTO S5 is available in Sedona Beige, the Washlet KS5 is only offered in cotton white. 
   
6. Price. There's a decent price difference between these two models, with the TOTO KS5 being the more affordable option. 

Key Features Shared by the KS5 and S5

The KS5 and S5 share the same core experience, and it's a long list:

• Available in both elongated bidet seat and round bidet seat versions, so either toilet shape is covered

• Instantaneous, tankless water heating for continuous warm water

• Heated seat with adjustable temperature from 82°F to 97°F

• Warm air dryer with three settings, adjustable from 95°F to 140°F

• Wireless remote with personalized memory for up to 4 users, covering temperature, pressure, and spray position

• Seamless seat design with a SoftClose lid to prevent slamming

• Docking station for easy cleaning and reinstallation

• Night light that illuminates the inside of the bowl

• Auto energy saver mode that lowers seat temperature during inactive periods

• Standard 120V power draw, right around 1,270 watts

• One year limited warranty

If you're weighing this as a TOTO Washlet comparison against older models, both the KS5 and S5 sit in TOTO's newer, slimmer S series category, which trims material and bulk compared to older tank style seats.

Check out our updated TOTO Washlet Comparison Chart for more info about the differences between these and all the other TOTO Washlet bidet seats. 

Where the TOTO S5 Stands Out

The TOTO S5 bidet seat is the more complete hygiene package.

PREMIST keeps the bowl cleaner between uses, EWATER+ sanitizes the wand with electrolyzed water instead of a plain rinse and the automatic deodorizer handles odor without you thinking about it. 

Most buyers find the TOTO S5 the better overall value, which is why it's often recommended as the best TOTO bidet seat in this price range.

Where the TOTO KS5 Stands Out

The TOTO KS5 bidet seat covers all the essentials, warm water cleansing, a heated seat, a warm air dryer, and the same wireless remote with 4 user memory, at a slightly lower price. 

If PREMIST, EWATER+, and automatic deodorizing aren't must haves for you, the KS5 Washlet delivers the same wash, heat, and dry performance without paying for the extras.

Elongated vs Round Options

This is worth stating clearly since it trips a lot of buyers up: both the TOTO Washlet KS5 and the TOTO Washlet S5 are available for round and elongated toilets. Whether you're shopping for a TOTO round Washlet or a TOTO Washlet elongated bidet seat, neither model limits you to one bowl shape. 

If you're not sure which you have, measure from the mounting bolts to the front of the bowl. Round bowls typically measure about 16.5 inches, elongated bowls closer to 18.5 inches.

Do the TOTO KS5 and S5 Need Electricity?

Yes. Both are electric bidet seats that plug into a standard 120V outlet, and both need power to run the tankless water heater, heated seat, warm air dryer, and wireless remote. 

If you don't have an outlet near your toilet, or you'd rather avoid an electric bidet seat altogether, there are non electric bidet seat options that use your home's existing warm water line without a power cord.

Which TOTO Washlet Should You Buy?

If you want the fullest hygiene experience TOTO offers at this tier, go with the Washlet S5. PREMIST, EWATER+, and the automatic deodorizer add real day to day value for about the cost of a fancy dinner.

If you want a TOTO toilet with bidet and heated seat functionality without paying for those extras, the KS5 Washlet gives you the same wash, warm air dryer, heated seat, and remote control experience at a lower price point. 

Either way, you're getting the same reliable tankless experience and 1 year warranty.

Final Thoughts

The TOTO KS5 vs S5 decision comes down to a short list of hygiene extras:

PREMIST, EWATER+ wand sanitizing, and an automatic deodorizer, all bundled into the Washlet S5.

Both deliver the same tankless heating, heated seat, warm air dryer, and 4 user remote memory, so you really can't go wrong.

It really comes down to whether those extra hygiene features matter enough to you to go with the S5, or whether the KS5's core feature set covers what you need.

TOTO KS5 vs S5 FAQs

Is the TOTO KS5 better than the TOTO S5? Neither is strictly better. The S5 adds PREMIST, EWATER+ wand sanitizing, and an automatic deodorizer. The KS5 covers the same core wash, heat, and dry functions at a lower price.

What is the difference between the TOTO Washlet KS5 and S5? The S5 includes PREMIST bowl misting, EWATER+ wand sanitizing, and an automatic air deodorizer. The KS5 doesn't include those three features but shares everything else, including the heated seat, warm air dryer, and 4 user remote.

Does the TOTO Washlet S5 need electricity? Yes. It plugs into a standard 120V outlet to power the tankless water heater, heated seat, warm air dryer, and remote.