Toilets: even this most basic of bathroom fixtures is getting a revamp as manufacturers strive to make them more comfortable and efficient.(Kitchen, Bath and Laundry: Buy Results, Not Hype)(Buyers guide)

Trends include raising the toilet rim from the usual 14 inches to as much as 17 inches above the floor, which makes getting on and off easier.

Heightened efficiency is another selling point, as major brands attempt to improve upon the 1.6 gallons per flush that has been the legal threshold since 1994. More models with dual-flush technology use a mere 0.8 gallons for liquid-waste removal.

Many of today's toilets work effectively with just one flush, but we found some major performance differences among models, even within the same brand.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Most major brands offer an array of models in different designs and colors. But nearly …