In many parts of the world, people sit in a deep squat to rest, pray, cook, share a meal and use the toilet. However, in the UK, we find ourselves constantly sitting in an upright position, with many of us not only considering squatting to be undignified, but uncomfortable too. But did you know that many experts believe that squatting may be beneficial for our health?
With so many of us experiencing issues like constipation, haemorrhoids and IBS, it's time to take a new approach to how we use the loo. That's why we've put together this guide to choosing the best toilet stools, created to get us back into balance via the way we poop. We've ranked our top ten favourite toilet stools on Amazon and eBay, so read on to learn more!
Quick List - Top Toilet Stools
Squatty Potty
A Medically Endorsed Toilet Stool Made From Eco-Friendly Bamboo
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Table of Contents
In this section, we'll go through all the most important information you need to know before buying a toilet stool, including the optimal height, materials and features within your budget. Let's get to it!
Some people can adapt straight away, whereas for others it may take a while for the knees and ankles to relax into this new position. That's why it's important to pick a stool with a suitable height. The height of most toilet stools ranges from just under 7 inches to 9 inches.
If you're already familiar with squatting, or have used a toilet stool before, then a 9-inch stool might be just what the doctor ordered! However, those new to using a toilet stool, those less able physically, and the elderly might want to choose one on the lower end.
Most toilet stools are made from plastic, which is sturdy and cheaper to manufacture and buy than some other materials. Medical grade plastic is versatile and durable with high impact resistance and resistance to chemicals. It doesn't retain dangerous bacteria and it can withstand harsh cleaning agents, making it an ideal material for toilet stools.
PP plastic, or polypropylene, is considered to be one of the safest plastics for human contact. It is BPA-free and you'll find it used in many food containers, such as dairy products. Due to its high heat tolerance, it's often used for food packaging that's suitable to be microwaved.
You'll also find toilet stools made from wood, bamboo and acrylic too. Wood is sturdy and often an affordable option. However, chips and dents are possible over time. Bamboo is a brilliant eco-friendly option and makes an incredibly strong yet lightweight toilet stool. Acrylic also makes a great material as it is 30 times stronger than glass yet twice as light. Unfortunately, it can be expensive.
Most toilet stools are white, plain and rather utilitarian looking. In general, they are to be kept at the foot of your toilet, but some stools can be folded down and stored away too. When it comes to the way toilet stools look many people are simply looking for something that does the job. However, there are other styles and designs available too.
If your bathroom has a very modern or minimalist feel, you might want to choose a cool grey or clear toilet stool with a sleek design. If you want something a little more rustic and homely, you could go for a wooden stool or one made from natural bamboo. Some wooden toilet stools are decoratively carved, making it a feature rather than something to store away.
There are some convenient features you may appreciate in a toilet stool to help make your everyday life easier. Read on to decide which elements are important to you, before committing to a purchase.
Wondering whether a fold-away toilet stool is right for you? If you find toilet stools a little unsightly and would prefer to store them out of sight when not in use, one that folds away would probably suit you best.
Folded down flat, they are compact enough to be put away in a bathroom cupboard or stored next to the toilet, providing you have enough space. Fold-away toilet stools are also an excellent choice for those who travel. This lightweight and portable option allows you to keep up your routine wherever you go in the world, and may even be suitable to carry to work each day!
Most toilet stools have non-slip rubber or silicone feet as standard, particularly on those made from plastic. Although not absolutely necessary for everyone, if you have a mobility issue that makes sitting in a squat position difficult, non-slip feet can provide you with added stability and comfort.
Some toilet stools feature texturised, anti-slip prints on the surface for placing your feet on. These can be useful for total newbies or older people, to make sure you're in the optimal position to receive all of the health benefits of using a toilet stool!
If you have young children in the house, particularly those who are transitioning from the potty to using an adult toilet, a child-friendly stool can save you space and minimise the products you need to buy.
However, it can be hard to find one that's suitable for both small children and adults, as toilet stools can be heavy for children to move around. If you're looking for a dual-purpose product, make sure to choose a toilet stool that specifically states that it is safe for children to use.
Although a less common feature, it is possible to find a toilet stool designed to fit a replaceable air freshener. These are a fantastic choice if you like to keep things smelling sweet!
This will usually be a small compartment on the surface of the stool, in which you can place your favourite air freshener scents, making your bathroom visits even more pleasant.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Squatty Potty Bamboo Flip Toilet Stool | ![]() | A Medically Endorsed Toilet Stool Made From Eco-Friendly Bamboo | |
2 | Hey Nature HOCA Original Toilet Stool | ![]() | The Only Toilet Stool Licensed as a Medical Product in Germany | |
3 | Squatty Potty Ecco Toilet Stool | ![]() | Achieve the Optimal Natural Squatting Position | |
4 | H-risen Toilet Squatting Stool | ![]() | A Premium-Quality Wooden Toilet Stool With a Charming Design | |
5 | Squatty Potty Slim Ghost Acrylic Toilet Stool | ![]() | Sleek, Slim and Understated | |
6 | Squatty Potty Porta Traveller Toilet Stool | ![]() | Perfectly Portable for Travel and Work | |
7 | COPU Foldable Toilet Stool | ![]() | A Replaceable Air Freshener Box for a Pleasant Scent | |
8 | MASS DYNAMIC Squatting Step Toilet Stool | ![]() | Ergonomic, Practical and Affordable | |
9 | Pukkr Folding Toilet Stool | ![]() | A Convenient Fold-Away Stool | |
10 | SquatEasy Toilet Step | ![]() | An Antibacterial Toilet Stool Made in the UK |
Great-looking, effective and reliable, the Bamboo Flip Toilet Stool by Squatty Potty had to take our number one spot! Made from eco-friendly bamboo, it has natural anti-bacterial properties, and with its clean lines and wood finish, we think it's the most stylish option out there.
It can be adjusted from seven to nine inches in height, making it customisable to the needs of the user and ensuring perfect positioning every time. FDA registered and medically endorsed, Squatty Potty is the best brand to buy when it comes to toilet stools — and the Bamboo Flip looks tasteful in your bathroom too!
Made from safe, BPA-free plastic, the HOCA Original Toilet Stool by Hey Nature is an example of excellent German design, and is the only toilet stool licensed as a medical product in Germany. Enabling the perfect squatting position, the HOCA allows you to use the bathroom in a healthy and efficient way.
It features an elevated heel for ideal foot placement, a stool height to keep you at a 35-degree angle, and rubber feet to keep you in one place. It also has a slender-space saving design and rounded shape, which can be pushed closer to the toilet when not in use.
You may have noticed that this list includes several Squatty Potty toilet stools, and that was no accident! Squatty Potty are the leading brand in this area and continue to create groundbreaking designs, that we feel everyone should know about.
We simply had to include the original design in our list, which at nine inches puts you into a very comfortable and healthy position when nature calls. The Ecco Toilet Stool has an attractive design with rounded edges, and is one of their more affordable models too.
If you're on board with the idea of getting a toilet stool, but aren't keen on how the plastic ones look, you might prefer this Toilet Squatting Stool by H-risen. Made from sturdy wood panels, it has an elegant design with a carved rose motif.
The design may make it look dainty, but it's long-lasting and can take up to 200kg in weight. This stool puts your body at the optimum 35-degree angle, which is the perfect position to keep you in good health, and it can easily be cleaned with a cloth, water and an antibacterial spray.
For bathrooms with a more contemporary or minimal style, you may want to check out the Slim Ghost Acrylic Toilet Stool by Squatty Potty. There seems to be no end to the range of Squatty Potty styles, and this one's an appealing option if you don't want a white, plastic stool ruining your decor!
Crafted from sleek and understated sculpted acrylic glass, its a cool concept whilst being comfortable to use. Doctor recommended and FDA approved, it's clinically proven to prevent issues such as haemorrhoids and diverticulitis. It's a little on the expensive side, but it's an excellent investment.
If you're looking for the perfect fold-away toilet stool, the Porta Traveller by Squatty Potty might be right for you. Featured on both Shark Tank and The Howard Stern Show in the US, this convenient little tool has finally made it over to us in the UK!
Those who are squatting converts might find themselves with the problem of only being able to practice this position in the comfort of their own home. However, the Porta Traveller is small and light enough to be taken with you whilst travelling, or for the dedicated ones, even to work!
If you prefer even your basic products for the home to be, well, a little less basic, why not consider this Foldable Toilet Stool by COPU? At first glance, it may not look that different, but it has several unique features that you're sure to love.
Firstly the stool is designed to be able to fit a replaceable perfume box or air freshener, for a pleasantly fragranced trip to the toilet. It also has anti-slip textured shapes where your feet go, silicone pads to keep it in place, and it even folds down for storage. A great bargain!
A pretty bog-standard option, this Squatting Step Toilet does its job well, without the extra bells and whistles. Plus, the plain, white model blends in with your bathroom, without being too conspicuous. The eight-inch height is ideal for both beginners and veteran squatters, and its practical build keeps your feet in place, ensuring comfort.
Made from high-quality PP plastic, it also has non-slip feet for further safety. It has a sturdy grid structure and is designed to fit a UK standard toilet, so it won't take up too much space.
There are lots of things to like about this Folding Toilet Stool from Pukkr, but we particularly like its ability to fold-away after use. Made from lightweight plastic in a compact design, this stool is super portable and easy to store.
Featuring anti-slip feet, it is safe, sturdy and easy to clean. This stool is also useful for children who are transitioning from using a potty to an adult toilet. Great value at a low price and with great reviews!
This toilet Step from SquatEasy is made from medical grade anti-bacterial plastic with a surface designed to easily wipe clean. It's 8 inches tall with rubberised feet to prevent slippage, and the compact design slots against the toilet neatly when not in use.
It's a reasonably priced UK made option that gets the job done (so to speak), whilst providing the numerous health benefits of optimally eliminating body waste. Our only criticism of this product is the branding stickers on the front, as they don't look great and can take a little bit of effort to remove.
Many doctors, physical therapists and osteopaths believe that being able to sit in a deep squat is an important form of active rest and that we should be able to do it if we want to remain healthy throughout our lives. Sitting in a squat keeps our joints lubricated, which not only makes us more mobile, but helps us to feel more energetic.
Cue the humble toilet stool. It's designed to put you into a squat position whilst using the loo, which can lead to better bowel movements, preventing constipation, haemorrhoids and symptoms related to IBS. As we visit the bathroom several times a day, it works perfectly as our daily squat practice, leading to better health and mobility.
Often when we think about one area of our health, it inspires us to make other small changes to help us to reach our potential, whether that's through a nutritious diet or movement for strength and mobility. If you're searching for more ways to feel fantastic, check out some of our other articles on holistic health!
So there you have it, our guide to the top ten best toilet stools available online in the UK. We hope you have found this guide enlightening and useful in helping you choose the right one to keep you feeling your absolute best!
Author: Melanie McPhail
No. 1: Squatty Potty|Bamboo Flip Toilet Stool
No. 2: Hey Nature|HOCA Original Toilet Stool
No. 3: Squatty Potty|Ecco Toilet Stool
No. 4: H-risen|Toilet Squatting Stool
No. 5: Squatty Potty|Slim Ghost Acrylic Toilet Stool
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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