Last Updated on April 13, 2021 Toilet stools are a great way to alleviate bowel and digestion issues without the need for medicines or laxatives. You can prop your legs up and let your colon straighten out, which we cover below in our overview. But now that you’re looking, you should know that the world of squat stools is a surprisingly competitive space. There are major name brands, competitive new comers, and everything in between. And not all stools are the same, so how do you find the best toilet stool that fits your personal preferences?
While every single one of these toilet stools are designed for one thing (better poos), they still have their own nuances and features that set them a part. Or at least gives you, the consumer, options to choose from.
What we’ve gone ahead and done was collect a list of the top selling stools as well as provide our own opinion on what to look for in a new toilet stool.
The Best Toilet Stool
Squatty Potty
- Height: 7 inches
- Dimensions: 7 x 13 x 21 inches
- Material: Hard Plastic
- Foot Platform: Single
Much has been said, and will continue to be said, about the Squatty Potty and it’s our pick as the best toilet stool on the market. It’s likely the most well-known stool available, yet many people still don’t use this or any pooping stool. The Squatty Potty revolutionized how you sell a toilet squat stool with their rainbow-pooping unicorn and poop-eating companion (see their hilarious commercial if you’ve not before).
What else can we say? The Squatty Potty is solid–as highlighted in our Squatty Potty review. It has an angled platform, which promotes a better pooping posture and slides easily under the toilet and out of the way. You can also get the Squatty Potty in two different sizes, 7 and 9 inches.
How to choose the best toilet stool
How High Should Your Toilet Stool Be?
The average toilet stool is around 7 inches. The Squatty Potty, Squat-N-Go, and Step and Go all offer a 7 inch base model. The easyGopro comes in at 7.5 inches. The Beyoung Squat Stool offers an 8 inch size only. And the Squatty Potty and Squat-N-Go offer 9 inch versions and their wooden versions can be adjustable.
The average American (as example) male is approximately 5 ft. 9 inches and females approximately 5 ft 4 inches (CDC source). That means that most of the standard sizes will work on the vast majority of user. We’d say anyone taller than 6’2″ might want to consider a 8 or 9-inch model to help them get their knees up high. If the stool is too low, you just can’t achieve the ideal angle.
Users should try to hit the magic number of approximately 35 degrees (as pictured above) between your spine and thighs. This will straighten out your colon and rectum even more and allow an easier bowel movement every time.
And who doesn’t want easier poos?
What is the Weight Capacity?
Stability can be a major factor when choosing a toilet stool. While the wooden toilet squat stools are typically the most stable of stools, some of the plastic stools can hold over 300 pounds! For a piece of plastic, that is impressive. You’ll want to do your research on stability when it comes to the plastic toilet squat stools, as not all of them are made the same.
If stability is any concern, the wooden toilet squat stool will be the safest option.
Is it Convenient or Easy to Use?
Pending your home set up, you’ll need to consider how you want to organize and store your toilet stool when it’s not in use. The most obvious place yours will end up is right where it is used. Out of laziness, most of us will end up doing so unless there is company which even then. That’s why you need to make sure you pick a stool that works best for you.
I wouldn’t put it past anyone to leave it there anyway, we do!
The reason this is a point to consider is because you’re going to be interacting with your toilet more than you will use your toilet squat stool. Men obviously will stand over it and women, while using it if they like, don’t need to either. So it needs to have a level of convenience that you can work around.
Certain toilet stools, like the Squat-N-Go, have this in mind with their offering. You can see in the video provided here that the Squat-N-Go easily tears down and conveniently stows away off to the side. This makes for a tidy toilet area when the toilet squat stool is not in use.
Most all other options are going to be a platform that doesn’t conveniently breakdown. So if you want to always be working around it, I suggest looking at something men can slide their feet under (to get close to the toilet when standing). The Beyoung Stool has a nice design that lets it get underneath the toilet, along with the Squatty Potty.
So that’s the gist. Just bear in mind that you’ll likely be working around a toilet squat stool unless you’re prepared to arrange it accordingly.
Other Great Toilet Stool Options
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easyGopro
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- Height: 7.5 inches
- Dimensions: 7.5 x 8 x 17 inches
- Material: Hard Plastic and Rubber
- Foot Platform: Single
The easyGopro has a great and simple design. A slightly forward-angled platform that maintains its width across the supporting legs makes the easyGopro and fantastic option for the family. Some of the other options on our list either have a very thing or non-existent connecting bridge. That makes it a challenge for younger or shorter kids to comfortably get their feet on the platform to use it. Hence, the bridge should be usable for those who need it.
The easyGopro is 7.5 inches tall and is a one-size-fits all offering. The stool is made in a polypropylene plastic and comes in a range of different colors like pink, green, purple and, now, gray. It’s a great option on our list of squat stools–read our easyGopro review to learn more.
Squatty Potty Bamboo Stool
- Height: 7 inches to 9 inches
- Dimensions: 10 x 11.1 x 19.5 inches
- Material: Bamboo
- Foot Platform: Single
We go right back to the Squatty Potty but this time, it’s to look at their bamboo squatting stool. While being a pricier option on our list, the Bamboo Squatty Potty does one thing the plastic models cannot do, and that is be adjusted.
The bamboo is also a significant upgrade to the overall look of the potty stool and can gel better with more modern bathroom interior designs. The bamboo is also much stronger around water-based environments, so you won’t need to worry about warping in the future.
This is one fantastic option and should perhaps top our list. But we’ll leave that one to you this time.
Step and Go
- Height: 7 inches
- Dimensions: 7 x 11.5 x 20 inches
- Material: Hard Plastic
- Foot Platform: Single
The Step and Go stool’s competitive advantage comes in a couple of formats. The first is in the angle of the footrest. To us, it seems as though the footrest is angled forward a bit more than the Squatty Potty. Some like this, others find it a little more awkward but that is in the eyes of the user.
The other advantage is in the price. The Step and Go is generally on the lowest, if not the lowest, end of the price scale for a toilet squat stool. So if you need a pooping stool and want to try one with minimal cost, the Step and Go is a great option! Read our Step and Go review here!
Beyoung Foldable Stool
- Height: 3.5 inches closed and 9.8 inches open
- Open Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.9 x 16 inches
- Closed Dimensions: 3.5 x 9.8 x 16 inches
- Material: Hard Plastic
- Foot Platform: Single
A folding toilet stool, such as this one from Beyoung, is a fantastic option for folks who are looking to keep their stools tucked away out of sight. Or, the stool can be folded up to take on the road for long trips or vacations.
The Beyoung Foldable Stool is also great for families due to the large platform space from left to right. No more dangling feet for youngsters, no more dead legs, no more struggling. At 7 inches high, it’s an average height and yet fills an interesting role in the realm of toilet squat stools. It also comes in a nice, white color unlike the original Squatty Potty.
The design is significantly better than the Squatty Potty’s folding version too. The Beyoung Foldable Stool is thicker and built with a faveolated design.
Squat-N-Go
- Height: 7 inches
- Dimensions: 7 x 6.5 x 13.4 inches
- Material: Hard Plastic
- Foot Platform: Dual
The Squat-N-Go Toilet Stool is an interestingly designed option, and certainly a top contender on our list. It’s closer to two connected footrests rather than a “stool” but regardless, there are some benefits to a stool like this.
The beauty of the Squat-N-Go, similarly to the last stool we looked at, is that it can easily be taken on the go—you know, like the name implies. It even comes with a nice bag with which to pack up the stool. It breaks down into three pieces and easily packs away. This easy breakdown also is great for hiding away in the bathroom after use.
This is not really a family stool, however, the Squat-N-Go is an excellent choice for curious shoppers looking for a more easily hidden squatting stool. Check out more in-depth information here!
The Welles Step
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- Height: 21 inches
- Dimensions: 21 x 13 to 17 x 17.5 inches
- Material: Vinyl, Wood and Plastic
- Foot Platform: Dual
The Welles Step is very unique looking out of all the options on our list. Again, it’s not as much a stool as it is a couple of footrests. It’s made from a mix of metal, vinyl and wood, so while it looks flimsy we assure you it’s not.
The two footrests can be widened so you have flexibility in how far you stretch yourself. It also can be placed under the toilet further to keep it out of the way. This stool is much sturdier than it looks, trust us.
Beyoung Toilet Squat Stool
- Height: 8.2 inches
- Dimensions: 8.2 x 12.6 x 18.5 inches
- Material: Hard Plastic
- Foot Platform: Single
The second Beyoung product is the standard offering from Beyoung. It’s easily the strongest of the toilet stools on our list and can hold up to 350 pounds!
The look of the Beyoung Toilet Squat Stool is nice overall. The subtle curves give it an elegant look among your bathroom’s furnishings. It resembles stools like the Squatty Potty, however, provides a practical foot space underneath for stepping close to the toilet. Again, proximity is key. Its stock option is 8 inches, slightly above the normal 7-inch toilet squat stools.
The Faveolate Design again comes in handy to keep the Beyoung the strongest option on our list. If strength if your concern, look no further than the Beyoung Toilet Squat Stool.
Relaxx Folding Toilet Foot Stool
- Height: 7-9 inches
- Dimensions: 11.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches
- Material: Bamboo
- Foot Platform: Dual
Closing out our list is a unique blend of a couple different types of toilet squat stools listed here. Mixed between the Squatty Potty Bamboo Stool and the Squat-N-Go, the Relaxx Folding Foot Stool is the best of both worlds! We also consider this a top model on our list.
The beauty of the Relaxx Toilet Foot Stool is it can be adjusted between 7, 8 and 9 inches. None of the other stools on our list have that much flexibility in their sizes. With that kind of flexibility, you get a squatting device that fits people and toilets of all shapes and sizes.
Next, as you can see in the picture, is the collapsing feature that comes with the Relaxx Foot Stools. These are optimal for quick storage between uses or to bring with you on the road. When folded, they’re only 1 inch thick–2 inches together (for you math folks out there).
How Does A Toilet Stool Work?
It’s no secret that a toilet stool is better for overall bowel movements. But sometimes a breakdown or visual aid is beneficial, given that it’s difficult to understand how that might look from your perspective.
What you will see below is that sitting normally on the toilet, your puborectalis muscle constricts your colon and rectum area. This causes a lot of strain on the area which can lead to issues such as constipation or an incomplete evacuation. You also run an increased risk of hemorrhoids.
A toilet stool can virtually eliminate these problems and more! By simply putting your knees into more of a “squatting” position, your bowel movements will occur the way your body was made to. You also won’t need to strain as hard and men will get relief on their prostates. There really is no better way to use the toilet than to use a squatting stool. The goal is to find the best toilet stool for you.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a digestive disease and is common and most prevalent in the Western world. It is also uncommon in places like Africa and Asia. This again is due to how we Westerners as a culture poo versus our counterparts in the East. Take the average toilet in India for example. Our author in this post covers how to properly use the toilets in India as a visitor. It’s not “just some hole in the ground” like people like to joke.
What you see is a toilet designed to make you to squat in the body’s natural pooing position. You have to stand over and squat, thus giving you the optimal pooing angle. This gives Indians much healthier bowel movements and lowers the strain on the body. While adopting these toilets would be a challenge to Westerners, a toilet squat stool can be the next best option to transform your pooing habits.
How Do You Use A Toilet Stool?
It’s easy! Slot the toilet stool of your choosing in front of your toilet, sit on the toilet as you normally would, and place your feet atop the stool. It might be a little odd-feeling at first, but once you experience the difference, you’ll never want to go back!
Our Opinion
Overall, any of the toilet stools you see here are going to be well worth it. What you need to figure out is what small features make the most sense in choosing the best toilet stool for you and your family.
Does it need to accommodate children?
Does it need to be portable?
Should it be stylish?
If any of these toilet stools were double the price, they’d still be worth it especially given the health benefits. You’ll be able to lower your risk of Diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, and lessen the amount you strain during a bowel movement.
What you have to figure out is how your stool for you will look, act, and function in your toilet space.
I am right at 5’ tall with heavy thighs and bad knees. A 7” toilet stool is impossible to use. Does anyone make a good slightly shorter one?
Yes. Try the EZGO Toilet Stool. 5 1/2″ high – They sell it at Support Plus. https://www.supportplus.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?ACTION=DETAIL&ITEM=FH2532&websource=SPGOOGLE7&source_code=SPGOOGLE7&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=shopping&gclid=CjwKCAiA-f78BRBbEiwATKRRBFRfJb79nHDjs4aUS9o31arZ0LJ7Kb4mVGgC1o_7dv7tgghHenUusBoC-YcQAvD_BwE