While many of us have had to replace a faucet or two in our homes, replacing the toilet is a little less commonplace. Since toilets can last decades with proper care and maintenance, they usually fly under the replacement radar.
But after four or five decades, the components might show signs of wear and tear, leading to leaks, cracks, and similar issues.
Key Points:
- Kohler is a plumbing giant founded in 1873 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
- The company specializes in kitchen and bathroom plumbing fixtures, including toilets made in the USA, Mexico, India, China, and Indonesia.
- Kohler also has an Artist Edition product line offering one-of-a-kind sinks made in collaboration with renowned artists.
So, when it comes time to replace your ancient toilet, what brand should you replace it with?
While you could pick one randomly, it doesn’t hurt to do brand research to determine what you’re signing up for. If you’re considering a Kohler toilet, you’re in the right place.
This article outlines the history of Kohler and where its toilets are made, plus a few extras, so continue reading to learn more!
About Kohler
To find Kohler’s origins, we need to rewind the clock to 1873, when the company found its place in the world. John Michael Kohler, the company’s founder, put the ball in motion, founding Kohler in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
In the early days, the company was named Kohler & Silberzahn. It produced a variety of cast iron products, including farming implements, ornamental iron pieces, and castings for furniture factors. Over the years, the company expanded, morphing into the plumbing giant we know today.
The company dropped the latter half of its name along the line and broadened its production horizons to produce various products. While many folks are only familiar with Kohler’s plumbing products, Kohler also produces engine and power systems, furniture, and accessories.
On top of its product line, Kohler developed and currently operates two celebrated resorts. The first of the duo is a picturesque, luxurious resort hotel tucked in Kohler, Wisconsin. The second, a lavish, dreamy resort called the Old Course Hotel, lies overseas in the bosom of Scotland.
Kohler has a whopping 30,000 employees ensuring the colossal brand runs like a well-oiled machine.
Kohler’s Plumbing Lineup
Like many faucet brands, Kohler offers an extensive range of kitchen and bathroom plumbing fixtures beyond basic faucets. Kohler offers sinks, vanities, medicine cabinets, mirrors, bathtubs, toilets, showers, and various accessories in its bath lineup.
In the kitchen, Kohler offers sinks, water filtration systems, garbage disposals, trash cans, cleaners, and various accessories.
In addition to its general offerings, Kohler provides unique pieces in its Artist Edition product lineup. The company collaborates with some of the world’s most renowned artists, producing beautiful, visually dynamic bathroom sinks that create a one-of-a-kind look in any space.
From sharp, deliberate silhouettes to gently sloped, softly textured designs, this lineup has something to add a splash of diversity to any bathroom.
Where Are Kohler Toilets Manufactured?
Like many brands in the plumbing industry, Kohler outsources its manufacturing process to Asian countries, including India, China, and Indonesia. Many companies opt for overseas manufacturing, as it’s far cheaper due to different labor standards.
Some of the Kohler toilets made in the USA are from several locations: Brownwood, Texas; Kohler, Wisconsin; and Spartanburg, South Carolina. Most of its domestically-made toilets are made at one of these locations.
The company also has a plant in Monterey, Mexico, which produces some of Kohler’s toilets. That said, the majority of production, including toilet production, is shifting to the Global South. Kohler has several plants across China, in Jhagadia, India, and a newly established location in Deltamas-Central Cikarang, Indonesia.
Are All Kohler Toilets Made In The USA?
Kohler, a prominent name in the plumbing industry, has diversified its manufacturing bases. While many wonder, “are Kohler toilets made in the USA?”, the answer is multifaceted.
A significant portion of Kohler’s production is outsourced to Asian countries, including China, India, and Indonesia. This overseas manufacturing strategy is common among many brands, primarily due to the cost-effectiveness stemming from varying labor standards.
If you prefer to purchase one of Kohler’s American-made toilets, you’ll likely need to find your nearest showroom. The domestically-made products are rarely available in large-scale hardware stores, so you most likely won’t find one in your local Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Instead, the models you find at these locations are imported from one of Kohler’s overseas manufacturers.
Are Kohler Toilets Good Quality?
Kohler is well known for its high-quality plumbing fixtures, including its toilets. The products feature sleek designs suited to compact spaces, with an elongated bowl and a comfortable height. The overall design of these toilets is elegant and clean, making them a perfect option for seamless aesthetics.
The finish on the toilets is well made, holding up well under regular use and frequent cleaning. The construction is solid and durable, so they often hold up well for many years. In general, the quality of a Kohler toilet is reliable, making them an excellent choice for those in the market.
How Long Is The Warranty On A Kohler Toilet?
For residential customers in the United States, Kohler toilets come with a solid warranty. Kohler warrants all of its toilets manufactured after January 1st, 2020, to be free of defects in material or workmanship under normal residential use. While these basic terms remain the same across the board, the length of the warranty varies based on the model.
Traditional toilets constructed of vitreous china come with a lifetime warranty, but other options have shorter warranties. Models with mechanical components come with a warranty lasting between one and five years, depending on the type of toilet, and tankless toilets come with a one-year warranty.
Are Kohler Toilets Expensive?
Kohler toilets are usually on the more expensive end of the spectrum compared to other brands. The company offers an extensive range of options, from its budget-friendly picks to its extravagantly-priced smart toilet.
However, given these toilets’ durability, longevity, and reliability, many customers aren’t bothered by the price tag.
Kohler toilets are produced in Brownwood, not Brownsville.
Thank you, the post has been corrected.
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