The mystery of the 70s miniature toilet bowl
Quick Verdict
I lived in apartments for a very long time. I often had to move over the years. In my very last apartment, one memory still makes me laugh. During the first visit, I didn't inspect the toilet. It's not really a detail you think about. But after moving in, the first test was a total surprise.
I found myself facing a toilet from the 60s or 70s. It was tiny. It was incredibly low compared to modern models. It was sturdy, of course. Porcelain is made to support a lot of weight. But sitting on it was quite a psychological adventure.
I had the feeling of going down, down, down endlessly. I was seriously wondering: "Are we there yet?" It was so low it was comical. We quickly changed it for a standard elongated bowl.
The Move and the Round Bowl Obstacle
In January 2026, we finally moved into our house. The toilet already there was of standard height. But there was a major problem: the bowl was also round. The difference in comfort was immediate and glaring. The 70s style was knocking on the door again! With a round bowl, space is tight. I could no longer pass my hand easily.
Using my hand-held bidet had become an uncomfortable puzzle. We had no choice but to buy a new one. I restarted my intensive web searches. Every time I need equipment tailored to my weight, it's the same story. Hours of research. It was with joy that I discovered that models exist beyond the standards. Manufacturers design toilets specifically higher and oval-shaped.
Deliverance for Osteoarthritis of the Knees
I immediately bought and installed this raised and elongated model. The change is radical. I suffer from osteoarthritis. Before, standing up and sitting down required a painful effort. Today, sitting down has become a pleasant and stress-free moment. Its impressive height of 17 1/2 inches eliminates pressure on my joints.
The oval shape restores all the necessary space for hygiene and the hand-held bidet. It's a total victory for independence at home.
Technical Specifications
Meow... Why did you panic over the round bowl? What difference does it make for your butt?
A round bowl cuts off space in the front, MooMoo. When you weigh 400 lbs, it literally blocks all clearance to reach down or use a handheld bidet. The oval shape gives that space back without having to act like a contortionist.
And what about the height? Isn't it better to be low, closer to the ground for jumping?
For a cat, yes! But for a human with osteoarthritis in the knees, dropping down onto a low 1970s toilet is like doing an extreme squat. Getting back up requires a lot of effort. At 17 and a half inches high, you sit down and stand up without pain, just like on a standard-height chair.
Do we need to buy a special seat, or does the one in the RONA box do the job?
Toilets are sometimes sold without a seat. If that's the case, you have to buy an elongated seat separately. When I bought mine, the toilet came with its seat included, and it suits me just fine.