5 Of The Best Portable Toilets – Types To Consider

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When you hear the words “portable toilet,” you might think of an old bucket with a toilet seat attached. Well, luckily, times have moved on since those days! Sure, you can still buy the toilet seat and bucket combo, but why would you want to when you can have some amazing setups of portable toilets with electric flushes? Portable toilets have come on greatly in terms of technology and style, so we thought we would help you pick the best portable toilet for you. 

Here we are going to discuss the benefits of some of the best portable toilets on the market today, discuss their features and help you choose the right one. There are lots of different styles, designs, and (most importantly) price ranges that you need to consider before you buy. Do you need a simple design for your campervan? Or do you need a portable toilet to replace your existing plumbed toilet? Let’s take a look at portable toilets in more detail so we can decide what’s right for you. 

In this article, we’re going to review the following portable toilets:

Table of Contents

Portable Toilets Explained

What Is A Portable Toilet? 

A portable toilet is a basic toilet unit that can be moved and doesn’t need to be plumbed into the main sewerage system or attached to a water supply. This makes it the ideal solution for spaces where these things aren’t available. For example, tiny house living is becoming increasingly popular; however, because of the mobility of the tiny houses, this can create a problem with traditionally plumbed toilets. Portable toilets are an ideal solution. 

A portable toilet can come in many forms and can look just like a traditional toilet. There are also models available that are more portable than others, which makes them ideal for traveling or camping. Some toilets are even compatible with composting features and can be used as an off-grid option too. 

When Is A Portable Toilet Useful?

There are many different situations where a portable toilet can be useful. As we have already said, tiny house living is one of these useful situations. Similarly, motor homes and RVs can also benefit from portable toilets, especially if you travel long distances. If you are looking to purchase an RV but don’t have the budget for a top-end model then you might be looking at ways you can bring your RV into the 21st Century, a new portable toilet is a great addition. 

Of course, portable toilets were traditionally designed for camping and travel. Still, there are some models that look so realistic that you could easily install them into a pool room or guest house, and no one would know the difference! There are so many different situations where a portable toilet would be useful that the list is endless. 

Different Types of Portable Toilet:

Basic – Bucket and Seat Style

While it might not be the most glamorous style of a portable toilet, the bucket and seat style is the most effective and lightweight. It simply is a special bucket that is compatible with liners and compostable bags for easy waste removal. The seat attachment is comfortable and, in some cases, helps to hold in any smells or odors. These styles are also the most cost-effective portable toilets that will help you spend funds on other important items. 

Portable 

This slightly larger toilet system is more effective for people who want to use the toilet more often or want a proper seat to sit on. The portable style toilets often come with carrying cases and handles so you can move it about easily. They are still very lightweight and are designed for longer camping trips, for families and for people who just want a more comfortable seating position. You can purchase these toilets in composting or traditional waste removal options, and they will easily fit into any small spaces. 

Moveable with Fixed Options

These toilets are still portable, but you have the option to fix them to a base or fix them into position. They will have fixing points on the bottom of the bowl, although when fixing your toilet, you should consider the waste disposal outlet to make sure you don’t block it up or leave it inaccessible. These toilets are bigger than normal portable ones and can be a good replacement for a standard toilet. 

Tech Filled

Times have moved on greatly from a portable toilet, only being a bucket and seat. Nowadays you can buy portable toilets that have almost the same amount of functions as a standard toilet! Including power flushes, water reservoirs, and high tech cleaning capabilities, these toilets will suit any situation. Be warned, they are at the top end of anyone’s budget, but the amount of tech involved, and the level of functions are worth it! 

The Top 5 of the Best Portable Toilets

We have compiled a list of the top 5 portable toilets available to buy right now. We will cover their features, list their pros and cons, and help you to decide which portable toilet is the right fit for your needs. 

Porta Potti Curve Portable Toilet

Looking for a portable toilet that has been specifically designed for small spaces? The Porta Potti Curve is an ideal solution. From its compact design to its great features, this portable toilet will tick all of your boxes. This particular Porta Potti model has a 4-gallon water tank, which helps to flush away any waste from the pan and into the waste tank. The waste tank itself has a 5.5-gallon capacity meaning that it doesn’t need to be emptied as frequently as smaller waste compartments. 

The waste compartment itself has a sealed valve on it to ensure that no odors or germs escape. This also limits the amount of air inside the waste compartment, which helps stop it from decomposing quickly. While this toilet is great for traveling light, you can also buy this model with a “hold down” kit, which will keep it from moving around as you drive. You might want to consider investing in this kit for the future while you might not see the need for it immediately. 

Pros
  • 4-gallon water tank
  • 5.5-gallon waste tank
  • Sealed valve to minimize odours
Cons
  • Not as sturdy as some bigger models
  • Cumbersome to empty

Porta Potti 365 Thetford Portable Toilet

The Porta Potti 365 Thetford Portable Toilet is one of the original models in the Porta Potti Range. As you would expect with an original model, it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but it does still provide you with a really effective portable toilet. This model comes as a slightly lighter weight than the others and has a carry handle to help move it around. Measuring only 16 inches high and 15 inches wide, this Porta Potti will easily fit in the back of your car as well as in an RV or camper. 

Again, this model has a 4-gallon water tank which has a pump flush to flush away any waste. The removable seat makes it easier to clean, and the pour spout from the waste compartment means that it’s much easier to empty than the Porta Potti Curve. All in all, if you are looking for the ideal travel porta potti for occasional use, then the Thetford is a good model to look in to. 

Pros
  • 5.5-gallon waste tank
  • Pour spout for easy emptying
  • Small design
Cons
  • No, hold down fixings
  • Seat is uncomfortable

Palm Springs Outdoor Portable Toilet

The Palm Springs Outdoor Portable Toilet is a strong and sturdy unit. If you are looking for something that will withstand heavier weights and is comfortable to sit on, then you won’t go far wrong with the Palm Springs. This unit has a full-sized toilet seat and is made from high-density polyethylene, so it will withstand most weight limitations. It does only have a 3-gallon water tank and a 5-gallon waste tank, but these are easily accessible, so filling the water tank and removing the waste is easy. 

This larger than average portable toilet is useful for not just traveling but for out houses and occasional bathrooms too. You’ll find that a lot of the Palm Springs Outdoor Toilets are situated in pool houses and guest accommodation. They are easy to empty and simple to use, so they make the perfect occasional toilet for guests and friends. 

Pros
  • 3-gallon water tank
  • Easy to empty
  • Full-sized toilet seat
Cons
  • Only available in one color (beige)
  • Flush can be temperamental

Zimmer Portable Toilet

If you are worried about your portable toilet smelling, then the Zimmer will put you at ease. This toilet has a 3-gallon water tank, which helps to flush away any waste. It also has a 5-gallon waste tank, which, depending on usage, doesn’t need to be emptied several times a day. The beauty with the Zimmer is that it has a slide valve that forms a tight deal between the waste tank and the bowl. No chance of any whiffs or odors here! Instead, you get a nice clean bowl (thanks to the 3-gallon water tank) and a cleaner toilet. 

This toilet is completely portable with a side carry handle so you can transport it easily when out and about. The high-density polyethylene material will hold a great deal of weight and is much less likely to crack as it gets older. Finally, the comfortable seat means that both adults and children will fit comfortably onto this toilet, so it’s great for families too! 

Pros
  • 3-gallon water tank
  • 5-gallon waste tank
  • Slide valve seal between tank and bowl
  • Comfortable seat suitable for all the family
Cons
  • Not an alternative for a standard toilet
  • Clips can be stiff to undo between the bowl and the tank

Visa Potty Portable Toilet

The Visa Potty Portable Toilet may be at the top end of your budget, but boy will it be worth the extra investment! Whether you are looking to fit a new toilet into your tiny house, or you want to install a new bathroom into your pool house, the Visa will help you do just that. This deluxe model has all the functions you could want from a toilet but still gives you the flexibility of being able to transport it wherever you like. This toilet needs no plumbing. It’s a 3.7-gallon water tank, which helps to flush the bowl with a two-directional piston flush. 

The waste compartment itself holds up to 6.3 gallons of waste and comes complete with shut off valves, odor seals, and a detachable spout for super simple emptying. The level indicator will help you judge when to empty it, and the air vent on the other side of the spout gives a smoother pouring motion. Believe us, the last thing you want is sloshing liquid waste! Help this waste liquify by using either a composting activator or a chemical activator with an added deodorizer. Combine all of this with a super comfortable seat and a height that mimics a normal toilet, and you have yourself the perfect portable toilet. 

Pros
  • Deluxe design
  • Higher than normal for more comfortable seating
  • Piston style flush
  • 6.3-gallon waste tank
Cons
  • Not ideal for light camping trips

Conclusion

Choosing the right portable toilet for you is all based on your requirements. If you want a toilet that is easy to carry and suitable for the odd camping weekend away, then you will want to look at the Porta Potti Curve. If you want something that is sturdier and takes greater weight, then why not look at the Palm Springs Outdoor Portable Toilet? For us? We think that the Visa Potty Portable Toilet is the best on our list. It can easily replace a standard toilet, and the greater height makes us feel much more comfortable, especially if we are there for a while!!!! If you want to purchase a portable toilet, then we recommend trying to buy the best your money can buy. 

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