Brondell Swash 1400 Review: The Best Value Bidet Toilet Seat
If you’ve decided to ditch the toilet paper life and upgrade to a bidet seat, you’ve made the right choice.
However, with endless models, features, and sizes on the market, choosing the right bidet can be difficult.
The Brondell Swash 1400 is among the most popular choices. It’s a high-quality electric bidet seat with tons of comfort features like adjustable wash modes, warm water, and an air dryer.
But is it worth your money?
In this guide, we break down everything to know about the Brondell Swash 1400, including its specs, features, and how it fares against other top contenders.
We’ll make sure to leave no stone unturned, so you can make an informed decision when buying your next bidet seat.
About Brondell: A Brief Overview
Experience the ultimate in bathroom comfort and cleanliness with Brondell. Brondell bidets offer features like warm water cleansing, adjustable pressure and temperature, and a heated seat. Easy to install and use, Brondell is the perfect addition to any modern bathroom.
Brondell is a popular bathroom accessory brand that specializes in producing high-quality bidets, water filtration systems, air purifiers, and shower products. Founded in 2003 and based in San Francisco, California, the company’s mission is to enhance the lives of its customers with innovative bathroom products.
Like the other top brands, Brondell offers a wide range of bidet models to meet the needs of their different customers. You’ll find a range of bidet types, like bidet toilets, seats, attachments, and hand-held sprayers. Models such as the LumaWarm, Swash 1400, and Swash 1000 have received high praise among users for their exceptional quality and tush-cleansing experience.
Brondell is unique from its competitors, especially when it comes to its commitment to customer service. They tend to have a longer warranty offering than some of their competing brands. Customers even have the option to extend warranty durations, giving customers maximum coverage for peace of mind.
As one of the leaders in the bidet market, they’ve had numerous awards and accolades for eco-friendly and innovative products. They’ve been featured in publications like The New York Times, Forbes, and Consumer Reports. Additionally, they’ve also received recognition from pristine organizations like the Water Quality Association and the EPA, making them a trusted brand to purchase from.
Check out our guide on the Best Brondell Bidets
Brondell Swash 1400 Review Highlights:
After testing and using the Swash 1400 ourselves, we’ve compiled a list of things we’ve liked and disliked about the seat.
What We Liked:
- Multiple adjustable settings for water temperature, pressure, and nozzle position
- The built-in warm air dryer and deodorizer for after cleansing
- 330 lb weight limit for larger folks
- Energy mode helps to save electricity when not in use
- Three-year warranty, and five-year with upgrade
- Programmable user settings for convenience
What We Didn’t Like:
- More expensive than most bidets
- Relatively basic design compared to other high-end models
Brondell Swash 1400 Review: Features and Specifications
We’ll cover the features and specifications of the Brondell Swash 1400, so you can have a high-level overview of what it provides.
| Price | $$$ |
| Heating Method | Tankless heating system |
| Shape | Elongated or round |
| Weight capacity | 330 lbs |
| Warranty | Three years, with option to purchase a five-year warranty |
| Extra Features | Rear and front wash, self-cleaning nozzle and sterilization, adjustable water temperature and pressure, nozzle oscillation, adjustable spray widths, endless warm water, warm air dryer, deodorizer, programmable user settings, nightlight, wireless remote, automatic eco mode |
Brondell 1400 Review: Our Insights
Having a list of specifications is great, but to truly know what to expect, you’ll need to have a context of what exactly their features do. Here are the primary insights we’ve found from our experience using the Swash 1400.
Build Quality
Anytime you make a relatively large investment, you want to ensure you get a durable product that lasts for many years. Fortunately, the Brondell 1400 fits the bill.
With the higher price tag, you’re getting better quality products than cheaper options. While the seat itself is made of plastic, it includes elements of ceramic and stainless steel, which are known for their longevity and durability. For example, the stainless steel dual nozzle is resistant to rust and corrosion, meaning it’ll be less likely to degrade over time, which is vital in a wet environment like a bathroom.
These materials are also resistant to wear and tear and have been designed to withstand frequent use. Brondell is so confident in its product that they offer a comprehensive warranty that covers the bidet for three years. Users can even purchase an option to receive a five-year warranty. This provides consumers with peace of mind, knowing they’re investing in a durable and reliable product.
Water Pressure and Temperature Control
Every electric bidet seat should have a water pressure and temperature control. This provides users with a customizable and comfortable cleanse, ensuring they can find the perfect settings for their needs.
The Brondell Swash 1400 has four different pressure levels to choose from. This can be especially beneficial for people with sensitive skin who may prefer a gentler spray. Additionally, this bidet also has four different temperature settings from 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heating Method
When comparing bidet seats, you always want to consider the heating method. This makes the difference between receiving warm water throughout or being left with cold water in the middle of your wash.
The Swash 1400 uses a tankless water heating system that heats water directly as it flows through the unit using a ceramic heating element. This is in contrast to the traditional tank-style water heaters, which store warm water in a small reservoir.
Tankless systems offer numerous advantages. Firstly, they’re more energy efficient since they only heat water when needed, resulting in cost savings on energy bills. Additionally, they’re more space-efficient since they don’t require housing a bulky storage tank in the back of the seat.
Lastly, you’ll receive an on-demand, endless warm water supply, ensuring a comfortable experience. Hot water can be much more soothing, and once you’ve gotten used to it, there’s no turning back. Conversely, tank-style heaters tend to provide heated water for about 30 seconds before it gradually turns into cold water. Then you’ll need to wait up to five minutes to reheat.
Comfort Features
The comfort features of the Brondell 1400 will ensure you get up feeling refreshed after every trip to the toilet. For example, the heated seat can be adjusted between 89 to 97 degrees, which helps to keep your tush warm even during chilly mornings or cold, drafty nights.
Of course, you can’t leave the toilet seat without feeling dry. That’s where the warm air dryers come in. It eliminates the need for toilet paper and provides a hands-free dryer. You can even adjust the speed and temperature of the dryer.
Lastly, the deodorizer is a must-have for anyone who shares a bathroom or hates the smell of unclean toilets. Some air fresheners typically contain toxic ingredients which aren’t good for the environment or your health, especially in a confined space. The built-in carbon-activated deodorizer eliminates odors and keeps the bathroom smelling fresh. It works by using a carbon filter to absorb and completely neutralize unpleasant smells.
Nozzle Position and Cleaning
One standout feature of the Swash 1400 is its wide range of nozzle positions. Users can customize the nozzle to seven different positions, ensuring the spray hits the right spot and thoroughly cleans your tush. Since males and females have different needs, the feminine and posterior wash lets you alternate the sprays to clean the most sensitive areas.
Unlike most electric seat bidets, the Swash 1400 even features three adjustable spray widths. It comes in handy to help you either get a targeted stream or a wider spray for thorough cleaning. Furthermore, the nozzle has an oscillating and pulsating function, which gently moves back and forth to provide a massage-like effect. This feature can help to promote better digestive health and relieve constipation.
The last thing to note about the nozzle is its self-cleaning feature. Cleaning your nozzle on your own is a hassle and can be unsanitary. Featuring on-demand nozzle sterilization, it uses silver nanoparticles, which act as an antimicrobial agent to kill bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.
Ease of Use
The Brondell Swash 1400 is designed to be easy to use, offering a range of features that simplifies the bidet experience. Even if you’re new to using bidet seats or have someone in the family who isn’t technically savvy, Brondell manufacturers have made this product simple to understand.
The wireless remote control lets users easily adjust the wash settings, water pressure, and temperature and choose other features with a touch of a button. With the programmable user settings and memory function, you can even program the settings for other family members, so they don’t have to fiddle with the remote to figure out their desired preferences. Then users will activate the one-touch auto mode, so it’ll automatically adjust the wash settings based on their preferences.
There are many other features that enhance its simplicity. For example, the slow-closing seat and lid ensure quiet and gentle operation, making it easy to use without disturbing others in the household.
Weight Capacity
Not all bidet seats include a weight capacity limit. But the Brondell Swash 1400 seat has a weight limit of 330 pounds, while the sittable lid has a limit of 270 pounds. It’s important to note that these weight limits are for static weight, meaning the weight is evenly distributed across the seat or lid.
The weight capacity of a bidet seat is important for several reasons. For one, it ensures that the seat can safely support the user’s weight without breaking or malfunctioning. This is especially important for users who are larger or heavier, as a bidet seat that can’t support their weight could be dangerous and cause injury.
Additionally, the weight capacity of a bidet seat can affect its durability and lifespan. A seat constantly subjected to a weight that exceeds its capacity may wear down faster and require more frequent repairs or replacements.
Value for Money
If you’re on the fence about spending a little extra for a higher-quality bidet, you may be wondering if the Brondell Swash 1400 is worth the money. While it’s a higher price, you’re getting much more value due to its exceptional features and extended warranty than most cheaper bidet seats.
The Swash 1400 offers a wide range of advanced technology not found in many lower-priced bidets. For example, the LED nightlight, endless warm water, and wireless remote control are features reserved for most luxury bidet seats only. Having a ceramic core water heating system is the key difference that separates the Swash 1400 from its more affordable counterparts. This ensures you’re not left with an uncomfortable blast of cold water or have to wait before getting a warm water wash.
Installation and Maintenance
Installing a traditional toilet bidet can be difficult, especially if you don’t have plumbing experience. It may require a professional to get the job done. However, electrical bidets like the Brondell Swash 1400 are much easier to install.
Generally, it takes about thirty minutes to install, and it comes with all the necessary hardware for proper installation. You’ll simply need to remove the existing toilet seat, install the mounting bracket onto the toilet bowl and slide the bidet seat onto the bracket. Then connect the water supply hose and valve. Turn the water supply on and test the wash settings to ensure it works perfectly.
As far as maintenance goes, there’s not a whole lot that needs to be done. The self-cleaning nozzle and sterilization do most of the work for you. However, you can clean the bidet seat like any other toilet seat using mild detergent.
According to Brondell, the deodorizer filter life is six months, meaning you’ll need to replace the filter at least twice a year. Replacing is crucial to prevent a clogged air filter, which would affect how the deodorizer function performs.
Customer Reviews
The Brondell Swash 1400 generally has received a very positive sentiment about their product. Many have praised the ability to customize the settings to fit their liking. A particularly common praise was the heated seat, which turns on automatically and offers adjustable temperature settings.
On the downside, some customers have noticed their electricity bill has gone up, especially if they left their heated seats on. However, there is an automatic eco-saving mode to help mitigate energy usage.
Another complaint has been the built-in deodorizer. Many other brands like the BioBidet and Toto offer high-end bidets which have automatic deodorizers that turn on automatically when you sit on the seat. Additionally, for strong odors, the Swash 1400 will require you to continually press the button since it only runs for a few minutes at a time.
Brondell 1400 Review Alternatives
If you’re still in the research phase of getting a bidet, you may have come across other similar models to the Brondell 1400. If you’re curious as to how they compare, we’ve put together a few comparisons between the Brondell 1400 and other options within a similar price range.
Let’s take a closer look at these top alternatives, so you can make the best decision for your tush!
Brondell Swash 1400 vs TOTO C100
The TOTO C100 is a wildly popular bidet that has gained a lot of attention over the years. However, when comparing the two, the Brondell Swash 1400 is a more luxurious build, despite being at a similar price point. It has a three-year warranty compared to only a one-year for TOTO. Also, the Swash 1400 offers several unique features like adjustable width spray, a built-in nightlight, programmable presets, an eco power saving mode, and more.
Furthermore, the Swash 1400 has a wireless remote control, while the TOTO C100 has an arms control side panel. The C100 does have a unique water pre-mist technology that sprays water to the toilet bowl to prevent waste from sticking. Overall, the Brondell Swash 1400 is a pretty easy pick since you’re getting more features and longer warranty coverage.
Brondell Swash 1400 vs Brondell Swash 1000
The Brondell Swash 1400 and the Brondell Swash 1000 are both popular bidet models from the same manufacturer, but there are some key differences between the two.
The Swash 1000 is a slightly less expensive model with most of the same features. There are only three adjustments for seat temperature, water temperature, and air dryer, compared to 1400, which is four adjustments. Instead of the seven adjustable nozzle positions, the Swash 1000 has five.
Also, it’s missing the LED nightlight, which is convenient if you hate turning on bright fluorescent bulbs in the middle of the night. If you don’t particularly care for the top-end luxury features or the additional adjustments, the Swash 1000 is a great alternative since it offers most of what 1400 has.
Brondell Swash 1400 vs. Bio Bidet BB 2000
The Bio Bidet BB 2000 is a worthy alternative that offers a few additional features you may prefer. For instance, it utilizes a 3-in-1 nozzle feature that offers three cleaning options: feminine wash, posterior wash, and vortex wash. In particular, the vortex wash delivers a powerful stream of water to clean the nozzle itself.
Another unique feature of the BB2000 is its patented enema wash. The enema wash offers a strong jet-like spray to stimulate the colon and rectum for constipation alleviation.
Also, the BB2000 tends to have a more sturdy build. Its total weight limit is 400 pounds which trumps the 330-pound limit from the Swash 1400.
However, where the BB 2000 falls short is its water heating system. It uses a hybrid heater that requires a tank reservoir for warm water. As a result, like any tank system, it runs out of heated water. After about 45 to 90 seconds of use, you’ll need to wait for the water to reheat, whereas an instant heater like the one used in the Swash 1400 offers an endless warm water supply.
While the BB2000 brings something different to the table, it still pales in comparison to 1400. The Brondell Swash 1400 simply offers more adjustable options, and an instant tankless style heater ensures a more comfortable experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your budget, needs, and preferences. The Brondell Swash 1400 is a great option for families and individuals who want the luxury of enjoying a warm cleanse and dry.
Users who want the ability to customize the exact temperature, positions, and wash modes will find the Brondell 1400 to be a saving grace.
While it may come at a higher price tag, you’re getting a top-of-the-line product that delivers a hygienic and refreshing bathroom experience. We hope our comprehensive guide has answered your questions and given you an in-depth perspective of what to expect from the Brondell Swash 1400.
