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TOTO WASHLET S5 vs S7 vs S7A: Which Bidet Seat Should You Choose?

TOTO WASHLET S5 vs S7 vs S7A: What’s the Real Difference?

TOTO’s S series is the heart of the WASHLET lineup, and the S5, S7 and S7A are the three seats customers ask us about most. At first glance they look almost identical. All three give you endless warm water, a heated seat, a warm air dryer, a deodorizer, EWATER+ and a wireless remote. The differences are in the details: how much you can fine-tune your comfort, how slim each seat sits, how much it automates and how long the warranty runs.

At Bliss Bath and Kitchen, we carry the full TOTO collection, from WASHLET bidet seats to fully integrated NEOREST smart toilets. This guide breaks down the three S-series seats so you can pick the right one for your bathroom without paying for features you won’t use.

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Quick Comparison at a Glance

Feature	WASHLET S5	WASHLET S7	WASHLET S7A
Model numbers	SW3446 (elongated), SW3445 (round)	SW4726 (contemporary elongated), SW4724 (classic elongated), SW4725 (round)	SW4736 (contemporary elongated), SW4734 (classic elongated), SW4735 (round)
Warm water	Instantaneous, endless	Instantaneous, endless	Instantaneous, endless
Wide Front Cleanse	No	Yes	Yes
Temperature settings (water, seat, dryer)	3 settings	5 settings	5 settings
EWATER+ and PREMIST	Yes	Yes	Yes
Profile	Slim (taller at the hinge)	Lower-profile design	Lower-profile design
Seat sensor	Weight-activated seat switch	Silent skin-detection sensor	Silent skin-detection sensor
Remote	Wireless, 4-user memory	Multifunction wireless, 4-user memory	Multifunction wireless, 4-user memory
Lid	SoftClose	SoftClose	Automatic open/close
Auto flush	Not compatible	Compatible on select TOTO toilets (kit sold separately)	Compatible on select TOTO toilets (kit sold separately)
WASHLET+ compatible	Yes	Yes	Yes
Warranty	1-year limited	2-year limited (residential)	2-year limited (residential)

What All Three Seats Have in Common

Before getting into the differences, it helps to know how much you get with any S-series WASHLET. These are all premium bidet seats, and even the S5 is a big step up from a basic model.

Endless warm water: an instantaneous heater warms water on demand, so it never runs cold, even with back-to-back use.
Custom cleansing: front, rear and soft rear sprays, with oscillating and pulsating options and adjustable pressure, temperature and wand position.
PREMIST: mists the bowl before each use so waste is less likely to stick.
EWATER+: electrolyzed water cleans the wand automatically, with no harsh chemicals.
Everyday comforts: a heated seat, warm air dryer, automatic deodorizer and built-in night light.
Four user presets: each person in the house can save their preferred settings on the wireless remote.
WASHLET+ compatibility: paired with a WASHLET+ ready TOTO toilet, the power cord and water line tuck out of sight.

TOTO WASHLET S5: The Smart Value Pick

The S5 is TOTO’s most accessible remote-controlled S-series seat, and it covers everything most households want from a WASHLET. Its tankless design is noticeably slimmer than the older C5 it replaces, and its rounded corners and streamlined hinge make it easier to wipe down.

Where the S5 saves money is in the finer details. It offers three temperature settings for the water, seat and dryer instead of five, and it doesn’t include Wide Front Cleanse. The seat uses a weight-activated switch in the hinge instead of a skin sensor, and it sits a bit taller at the back. It isn’t compatible with TOTO’s auto flush kit, and it carries a one-year limited warranty. It’s available in both elongated and round versions.

Best for

Guest bathrooms, powder rooms and anyone who wants TOTO quality without the premium price.

TOTO WASHLET S7: The Sweet Spot for Primary Bathrooms

The S7 is where the S series starts to feel truly high-end. The biggest upgrade is comfort control: five temperature settings for the water, seat and dryer let you dial in exactly what you like, and Wide Front Cleanse adds a broader, gentler front spray. EWATER+ keeps the wand and bowl cleaner between uses.

The S7 also looks more refined. Its lower-profile design sits close to the bowl for a nearly integrated appearance, and it comes with TOTO’s multifunction wireless remote. A silent skin-detection sensor replaces the S5’s hinge switch. The S7 can also be paired with TOTO’s optional auto flush kit on select compatible TOTO toilets, and it’s backed by a two-year limited residential warranty. It’s available in contemporary and classic elongated versions, plus a round version. What it doesn’t have is an automatic lid.

Best for

Primary bathrooms and busy family bathrooms, where finer comfort settings, a sleeker look and longer warranty coverage make the biggest difference day to day.

TOTO WASHLET S7A: The Most Automated Option

The S7A takes everything the S7 offers and adds TOTO’s automatic open and close lid. The lid lifts as you approach and closes after you leave, reducing the need to touch it. Pair the S7A with a compatible TOTO toilet and optional auto flush kit to add automatic flushing as well.

Like the S7, the S7A has Wide Front Cleanse, five temperature settings, a lower-profile design and a skin-detection sensor. It uses TOTO’s multifunction wireless remote and carries a two-year limited residential warranty. It’s available with TOTO’s flush-fitting contemporary lid or a classic lid in elongated versions, plus a round version.

Best for

Luxury ensuites, anyone who values touch-free convenience, and households with aging-in-place or mobility needs, where not having to bend down to a lid is a real benefit.

WASHLET+ and Auto Flush: Getting the Cleanest Look

All three seats fit most standard toilets, but pairing them with a WASHLET+ ready TOTO toilet takes the installation up a level. The power cord and water supply hose route through a channel under the seat, so there’s nothing visible hanging off the side of the bowl.

If auto flush is on your wish list, choose the S7 or S7A, pair it with a compatible TOTO toilet, and add the auto flush kit that matches your flush type. The S5 doesn’t support auto flush. If you’d prefer the bidet built right into the toilet, our intelligent and smart toilets collection is worth a look.

Before You Buy: Fit and Installation Tips

Measure your bowl: confirm whether your toilet is round or elongated. The S5, S7 and S7A are available for both bowl shapes, but model numbers differ.
Check the bowl shape: toilets with a pronounced “French curve” or unusual rim may not be compatible, and some one-piece toilets need verification against TOTO’s compatibility list.
Plan for power: every WASHLET needs a grounded GFCI outlet within reach of the cord. If there isn’t one near the toilet, have a licensed electrician add it before installation.
Protect the electronics: TOTO recommends a surge protector to guard against power spikes.
Think about remote placement: all three remotes mount on the wall and communicate by infrared, so keep a clear line to the seat.

Which TOTO WASHLET Should You Choose?

Choose the S5 if you want TOTO’s core WASHLET experience at the most accessible price. It’s a great fit for a guest bathroom or powder room.

Choose the S7 if the seat is going into your main bathroom. Wide Front Cleanse, five temperature settings, the lower-profile design, the option to add auto flush and a two-year warranty make it the best all-round choice for daily use.

Choose the S7A if you want the most automated option. The automatic lid makes it ideal for a luxury ensuite and genuinely helpful for anyone with limited mobility.

Final Thoughts

There’s no wrong choice in TOTO’s S series. It comes down to how much comfort control and automation you want. The S5 delivers outstanding comfort for the money, the S7 is the smartest upgrade for a primary bathroom, and the S7A is the most automated of the three. Whichever you choose, pairing it with a WASHLET+ ready TOTO toilet gives you the cleanest, most integrated look. If you’re not sure which model fits your toilet, our team is happy to help.

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Thermostatic vs Standard Shower Systems: What’s the Difference?

Thermostatic vs. standard shower systems comparison with chrome shower head and temperature controls

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Thermostatic vs Standard Shower Systems: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever had your shower suddenly run scalding hot because someone flushed a toilet elsewhere in the house, you already understand the appeal of a thermostatic shower system. But is the upgrade worth it over a standard shower valve? The answer depends on how much you value consistent temperature control versus a simpler, more budget-friendly setup.

At Bliss Bath and Kitchen, we carry both thermostatic and standard shower systems from brands like Riobel, Grohe, and Tenzo. Here’s how the two types actually differ.

Quick Comparison at a Glance

Feature	Thermostatic Shower System	Standard Shower System
Temperature control	Maintains a set, consistent temperature automatically	Manual — adjusts with a single lever or knob
Protection from pressure changes	Yes, compensates automatically	No, temperature can fluctuate
Number of controls	Separate temperature and volume controls	Single control for both
Safety	Built-in anti-scald protection	Depends on the valve’s pressure-balance rating
Cost	Higher, more complex valve	Lower, simpler mechanism
Best for	Multi-outlet showers, households with kids or elderly users	Simple single-outlet showers, budget renovations

How Thermostatic Shower Systems Work

A thermostatic valve uses an internal element that constantly monitors incoming water temperature and adjusts the mix of hot and cold automatically to hold a steady, pre-set temperature. If someone runs the dishwasher or flushes a toilet elsewhere in the house, a thermostatic system compensates instantly, so the shower temperature doesn’t spike or drop. Most thermostatic systems also separate temperature and volume into two distinct controls, giving you precise control over both.

Riobel makes a strong range of thermostatic shower systems with multi-outlet configurations for rain heads, hand showers, and body sprays.

Tenzo AirBoost: A Different Approach to Water Pressure

Tenzo takes a different angle on the shower experience with its AirBoost technology, an air-injection system built into select luxury shower heads. Rather than relying purely on water volume, AirBoost blends air into the water stream, which noticeably boosts how powerful the spray feels without increasing actual water usage. It’s a smart pairing with a thermostatic valve — you get consistent temperature control from the valve and a stronger-feeling spray from the shower head, all while keeping water consumption efficient.

How Standard Shower Systems Work

A standard shower system typically uses a single-handle pressure-balance valve, which adjusts water pressure to help limit temperature swings but doesn’t actively hold a set temperature the way a thermostatic valve does. It’s simpler mechanically, which keeps the cost down and makes it a reliable choice for single-outlet showers where multiple water sources aren’t competing for pressure.

Grohe offers a strong range of standard pressure-balance shower systems that suit most everyday bathroom setups.

Safety and Household Considerations

Thermostatic systems have a real advantage for households with young children, elderly family members, or anyone more sensitive to sudden temperature changes, since the built-in anti-scald protection prevents dangerous spikes. This is one of the more practical, not just luxury, reasons homeowners upgrade.

Complexity and Multi-Outlet Showers

If your shower design includes multiple outlets — a rain showerhead, a hand shower, and body sprays running together — a thermostatic system is generally the better fit, since it can maintain a consistent temperature even as volume demand changes across outlets. Standard systems can struggle to keep up in these multi-outlet setups.

Cost Considerations

Thermostatic valves cost more upfront due to their more complex internal mechanism, and installation can be slightly more involved. Standard shower systems remain the more budget-friendly option, particularly for simpler, single-outlet showers. Adding a Tenzo AirBoost shower head to either setup is a relatively affordable way to upgrade the feel of your shower without a full valve replacement.

Which Shower System Should You Choose?

Choose a thermostatic system if you want consistent temperature control, added safety for kids or elderly household members, or you’re installing a multi-outlet shower.

Choose a standard system if you have a simple single-outlet shower and want to keep costs down without sacrificing reliable everyday performance.

Add a Tenzo AirBoost shower head to either system if a stronger-feeling spray matters to you, without increasing water use.

Final Thoughts

Both shower system types can deliver a great daily shower experience — the real question is how much you value precise, automatic temperature control versus a simpler, more affordable setup. For multi-outlet showers or households with safety concerns, thermostatic is well worth the investment; for a straightforward single-outlet shower, a standard system does the job reliably. And whichever you choose, a Tenzo AirBoost shower head is worth considering if you want a noticeably stronger spray without using more water.

Shop thermostatic and standard shower systems at Bliss Bath and Kitchen, with shipping across Canada.

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Are LED Bathroom Mirrors Worth It? A Practical Buyer’s Guide

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Are LED Bathroom Mirrors Really Worth It?

LED bathroom mirrors have gone from a niche upgrade to one of the most requested items in modern renovations — and for good reason. They add task lighting exactly where you need it, cut down on morning fog, and give a small or windowless bathroom a much brighter, more finished feel. But they also cost more than a standard mirror, and not every model delivers on its promises.

At Bliss Bath and Kitchen, we carry LED mirrors from trusted brands like Electric Mirror, Fleurco, ICO Canada and Madeli, so we’ve seen firsthand what separates a mirror worth the money from one that isn’t. This guide walks through what LED mirrors actually do, where they shine, where they fall short, and how to decide if one belongs in your bathroom.

LED Mirror vs. Traditional Mirror at a Glance

Feature	LED Mirror	Traditional Mirror
Built-in lighting	Yes — front, back or edge-lit	No — relies on ceiling/vanity lights
Anti-fog defogger	Available on most models	Not available
Dimmable / colour temperature	Often adjustable (warm to cool)	Not applicable
Touch or motion controls	Standard on most models	None
Energy use	Low — LEDs last 25,000+ hours	None (but overhead bulbs draw more)
Installation	Requires a nearby electrical connection	Simple wall mount
Typical price range	$400 – $2,500+	$50 – $400

What Makes an LED Mirror Different

An LED bathroom mirror has a strip of energy-efficient LEDs built directly into the glass or frame. Depending on the design, the light can be front-facing (best for grooming and makeup), backlit (a soft halo effect that feels ambient), or edge-lit (a thin glow around the perimeter). Most models pair the lighting with practical extras: an anti-fog defogger, a dimmer, adjustable colour temperature, and touch or motion controls.

The result is a mirror that doubles as a lighting fixture — which matters more than it sounds. Bathroom lighting is notoriously bad for close-up tasks, and overhead lights cast shadows on your face. An LED mirror puts even, shadow-free light right where you’re actually looking.

The Real Benefits

Better light for grooming and makeup

This is the single biggest reason people upgrade. LED mirrors deliver bright, even light at eye level, which means no more squinting into an under-lit vanity or dragging a lamp into the bathroom. If you wear makeup, shave, or use contact lenses, the difference is immediate.

No more foggy mirrors

Most quality LED mirrors include a built-in defogger — a small heating element behind the glass that keeps the surface clear right after a hot shower. If you’ve ever tried to shave through condensation, this feature alone can justify the upgrade.

A brighter, more open-feeling bathroom

LED mirrors are especially valuable in small bathrooms, powder rooms and windowless ensuites. The extra light bounces around the space and makes it feel noticeably larger and more finished.

Energy-efficient and long-lasting

LEDs use a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs and typically last 25,000 hours or more. Once installed, an LED mirror will likely outlast the rest of your bathroom fixtures.

A modern, high-end look

Whether it’s the sleek round halo of a Fleurco Halo Plus or the frameless Slique styling of a Madeli illuminated mirror, LED designs bring a distinctly modern feel that a standard framed mirror simply can’t match.

The Trade-Offs to Consider

Higher upfront cost

A good LED mirror starts around $400 and premium designs can run past $2,500. That’s a real jump from a standard bathroom mirror, and something to weigh against how often you actually use the space.

Requires an electrical connection

Most LED mirrors are hardwired, so if there’s no existing outlet or wiring in the wall behind the mirror, you’ll need an electrician. It’s not a huge job, but it’s worth budgeting for.

Quality varies a lot

Cheap LED mirrors from unknown sellers can flicker, buzz, dim unevenly, or fail within a year or two. Sticking with established brands like Electric Mirror, Fleurco, ICO Canada and Madeli avoids most of these issues, and gives you a proper warranty behind the product.

Repairs can be more involved

An LED module isn’t something you swap out yourself. If a component fails after the warranty period, service is more complex than replacing a bulb.

Features Worth Paying For

Not every feature is a must-have, but a few genuinely change how the mirror feels day to day:

Anti-fog defogger — hands down the most useful add-on if you shower and then need to use the mirror right away.
Adjustable colour temperature — the ability to shift between warm white (relaxing, evening) and cool white (crisp, daytime task lighting) is a small luxury you’ll notice constantly.
Dimmer — helpful for late-night trips to the bathroom and for setting a softer mood.
Touch or motion sensor controls — cleaner-looking than a wall switch, and easier to use with wet hands.
Memory function — the mirror remembers your last brightness and colour setting, so you’re not adjusting it every morning.

Which LED Mirror Should You Choose?

For a designer, high-end statement piece: Electric Mirror is the go-to. Made in North America with premium build quality and a wide range of shapes, sizes and smart features, they’re a favourite in luxury bathrooms.

For the best all-around value: Fleurco‘s Halo Plus and Magna collections offer defoggers, dimming and beautiful backlit designs at a very reasonable price point — a strong pick for most renovations.

For a modern look on a tighter budget: ICO Canada makes clean, contemporary LED mirrors starting under $500, often with defoggers and touch controls included. Great for guest bathrooms and secondary ensuites.

For frameless, gallery-style designs: Madeli‘s illuminated Slique mirrors are known for their thin profile and elegant edge-lit glow — a favourite in spa-style bathrooms.

So — Are LED Bathroom Mirrors Worth It?

For most homeowners, yes. If you use your bathroom daily for grooming, makeup or shaving, an LED mirror delivers a noticeable everyday improvement — better light, no fog, and a more modern feel — that a traditional mirror simply can’t match. The only real caveats are budget and installation: plan for a quality brand and a proper electrical connection, and the mirror will pay you back every morning for years.

If you’re renovating anyway, adding an LED mirror is one of the easiest upgrades to justify. If your existing bathroom lighting is already excellent and the mirror is rarely used, a standard mirror may be all you need.

Final Thoughts

LED bathroom mirrors are more than a design trend — they’re a practical upgrade that solves real problems (bad light, foggy glass, dated bathrooms) with a single fixture. Choose a reputable brand, look for a defogger and adjustable lighting, and make sure the wiring is planned before installation. Do that, and you’ll wonder how you lived with a regular mirror for so long.

Shop LED bathroom mirrors at Bliss Bath and Kitchen, with shipping across Canada.

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Are LED Medicine Cabinets Worth It? Costs, Benefits, and Value

LED Medicine Cabinet Above Bathroom Vanity

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Are LED Medicine Cabinets Worth It? The Short Answer

For most bathrooms, yes — an LED medicine cabinet is worth it. You get bright, shadow-free light exactly where you need it, plus hidden storage, all in a single fixture that replaces both a vanity light and a plain mirror. If your storage is already sorted and you only want lighting, a simple LED mirror may be enough. But if you want better light and a tidier bathroom, the cabinet earns its place.

At Bliss Bath and Kitchen, we carry LED medicine cabinets from Fleurco, ICO Canada, and Madeli — three brands known for quality glass, clean design, and lighting that actually works for grooming and makeup. Here’s an honest look at the costs, the benefits, and whether one makes sense for your bathroom.

What LED Medicine Cabinets Typically Cost

Price is usually the first thing people weigh, so it helps to know what the tiers look like before deciding whether it’s worth it. LED medicine cabinets generally fall into three ranges, and where a model lands depends on size, build quality, and features.

Entry-level

Smaller, single-door cabinets with basic integrated LED lighting sit at the lower end. You get the core benefit — a lit mirror with storage behind it — without extras like a defogger or adjustable colour temperature. These are a solid choice for powder rooms, secondary bathrooms, or a straightforward upgrade on a budget.

Mid-range

This is where most homeowners land. Mid-range cabinets add the features that make daily use noticeably better: an anti-fog defogger, adjustable warm-to-cool lighting, touch controls, and often interior outlets or USB ports. Larger single-door and some double-door models fall here, and the jump in everyday usefulness over entry-level is significant.

Premium

At the top end you’ll find larger double-door and recessed cabinets, higher-grade glass and finishes, and the fullest feature sets. Design-forward models from brands like Madeli sit in this range. For a primary ensuite or a renovation where the mirror is a focal point, the premium tier delivers a genuinely elevated result.

Whatever the tier, remember you’re consolidating a vanity light, a mirror, and a storage cabinet into one fixture — so compare the price against all three, not against a plain mirror alone. Viewed that way, the value holds up across every range.

What You’re Actually Paying For

Beyond the cabinet itself, the price reflects the integrated LED lighting built into the mirror, the electrical work to power it, and the extras — defogger, adjustable colour temperature, touch controls, and interior outlets. One fixture is doing the job of three, which is the core reason the numbers work out in its favour.

The Benefits: Where LED Medicine Cabinets Earn Their Keep

Hidden storage in the same footprint

You reclaim your countertop by tucking medications, toiletries, and daily essentials behind the mirror — no extra wall space required. In smaller Canadian bathrooms and condos, that dual-purpose design is the whole point.

Better, more flattering light

Because the light comes from the mirror rather than a fixture over your head, it lights your face evenly and kills the harsh shadows overhead lighting creates. That’s a real, daily improvement for shaving, skincare, and applying makeup.

Features that make everyday use easier

Many models add a defogger that keeps the mirror clear after a hot shower, adjustable warm-to-cool light, touch or motion controls, and interior outlets for a toothbrush or shaver. None of these are essential, but together they’re what makes the upgrade feel worth it.

Energy-efficient and long-lasting

LED lighting uses far less energy than older bulbs and lasts for years, so you rarely think about replacing anything — you just get consistent light every day.

The Downsides to Consider

To keep this honest, an LED medicine cabinet isn’t the right call for every situation. Here are the trade-offs worth weighing before you buy.

Higher upfront cost

You’ll pay more than for a plain mirror or a basic mirror-and-cabinet combo. The value is real over time, but the initial outlay is higher, and that matters if you’re furnishing on a tight budget.

Installation usually needs an electrician

Most LED medicine cabinets are hardwired into your bathroom’s electrical, so unless there’s already a suitable connection in place, you’ll want a licensed electrician to install it. That’s an added cost and a bit of planning on top of the cabinet price.

Recessed models require cutting into the wall

If you want the flush, built-in look of a recessed cabinet, your installer has to open the wall between the studs, and the cavity has to be clear of plumbing and major wiring. That isn’t practical on every wall — particularly exterior walls — and it adds labour. Surface-mount models avoid this, but they project outward a few inches.

How Long Do LED Medicine Cabinets Last?

A quality LED medicine cabinet is built to last many years. The LED lighting itself is rated for tens of thousands of hours, and the cabinet body and glass from established brands like Fleurco, ICO Canada, and Madeli are made to hold up to daily bathroom humidity. Spread over that lifespan, the higher upfront cost works out to very little per year of use.

Is It Worth It in a Rental or Older Home?

In a rental, a hardwired, wall-cut fixture usually isn’t the right investment — you likely can’t make permanent changes, and you can’t take a recessed cabinet with you. A freestanding or over-the-door option makes more sense there.

In an older home you own, it’s often very much worth it, with one caveat: older wiring and wall construction can make installation more involved, so it’s worth having an electrician confirm what’s behind the wall before you order. A surface-mount model is frequently the easier path in an older bathroom.

LED Medicine Cabinet vs. a Regular Mirror and Cabinet

You could buy a plain mirror and a separate cabinet for less. But you’d still need a good vanity light on top, the light would come from overhead rather than the mirror, and you’d have two or three separate pieces to mount instead of one. The LED cabinet consolidates all of that and lights your face better. For most renovations, the small premium buys a noticeably nicer result.

Worth It If… / Skip It If…

It’s worth it if you want better mirror lighting for grooming or makeup, your bathroom is short on storage, your mirror fogs up after showers, or you’re already renovating and can factor in the electrical.

You can probably skip it if you’re renting, you already have plenty of storage and just want a lit mirror, or you’re working with the tightest possible budget. In those cases, a standalone LED mirror may be the smarter buy.

Final Thoughts

For the vast majority of bathrooms, an LED medicine cabinet is absolutely worth it — it improves your lighting and your storage every single day, and quality models last for years. Decide based on your wall, your budget, and your storage needs, then pick the features that matter most to you, whether that’s a defogger, adjustable light, or built-in charging.

Shop LED medicine cabinets from Fleurco, ICO Canada, and Madeli at Bliss Bath and Kitchen, with shipping across Canada.

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