The electric on-board toilet test - Average noise level of a normal flushing process
1. Test winner
This one gets it all right! Although this marine toilet is the most expensive model in our test series, it is also the quietest of the toilets tested. The test results show that higher price does mean higher quality.
2. Top seller
Highly rated and a best-seller - this toilet really earns its title. Our bestseller is popular among most customers due to its comfort and features. The low noise level of this marine toilet was a particularly strong feature, making it a popular choice.
3. Price / performance winner
Although this marine toilet is somewhat louder than our bestseller and test winner, it still delivers good results at a reasonable price, making it a worthy winner of the "price/performance" title.
Electric on-board toilet test - Our assessment criteria
Choosing an electric marine toilet depends on your individual requirements, your budget and your preferences. We analysed the different noise levels in our boat toilet test.
We took features, technology, noise level and price into account in our assessment, allowing us to present the clear differences of these electric marine toilets and show how loud they are in comparison. In addition to the test criteria mentioned, we also show other informative features such as the type of flush water, the drain diameter and the closing function of the toilet lid.
The quietest on-board toilet - The test video
Which on-board toilet is the right one?
Choosing the right on-board toilet is crucial and should be carefully considered, as it has a significant impact on both comfort and quality of life on board. When purchasing an on-board toilet, various factors should be taken into account before buying, in particular your individual needs and also the specific requirements and space availability on your boat. A fundamental point to consider before purchasing is the size of your boat and the space available for the toilet. Smaller boats require more compact toilet models, while larger boats often have more space for larger and more comfortable toilets. It is therefore important to check a few things before buying. Is there enough space where the toilet is to be installed? Can plumbing work be done easily, so fitting the toilet on your boat can therefore be an easy task? After all, you don't want installation to be too tricky and with unexpected challenges.
The different types of toilets
Depending on your budget and the available space on board, there are different types of on-board toilets to choose from, including manual pump toilets, electric toilets with a seawater pump and freshwater flush toilets. The choice depends on personal preference and the conditions on board. The noise level depends on the type of toilet, which can be important in a quiet environment on board. It's also important to consider the maintenance and cleaning of the toilet when choosing an on-board toilet. Some models are easier to clean and require less maintenance than others. This can extend the service life of the toilet and make it more user-friendly.
The electric on-board toilet: the convenient solution on board
Boat owners basically can choose between manual and electrically operated on-board toilets. Electric marine toilets are a modern, comfortable and convenient solution, great to have when you are on a long voyage. A major advantage of these toilets is how easy the toilets are to use: the automatic flush is triggered at the touch of a button, which significantly increases comfort on board. This is particularly useful on longer cruises or for intensive use, as it makes day-to-day operations on the boat easier and reduces hassle for the user. Furthermore, this form of waste water disposal ensures that the manual labour required by conventional pump systems is completely eliminated. However, there are also some downsides. Electric on-board toilets are associated with higher purchase, maintenance and repair costs. Should a defect occur, the electrical components that then have to be replaced can result in higher costs. Repairing such electrical systems can be time-consuming and costly, especially in remote areas.
Manual vs. electrical: The comparison
In comparison, manual on-board toilets require a certain amount of physical effort, as the waste water is discharged by manual pumping or by operating a lever. Although this means more effort for the user, it also has some advantages. For example, manual toilets are completely power-independent, which not only reduces installation costs, but also keeps ongoing maintenance costs low. As they do not contain any electrical components, manual on-board toilets are much more durable and reliable and less susceptible to technical faults or failures. Another advantage of manual on-board toilets is the price. As a rule, they are not only cheaper to purchase, but installation and subsequent maintenance are also simpler and less expensive. This makes them an attractive choice for boat owners looking for a reliable, cost- effective and uncomplicated solution.
Despite these advantages, electric on-board toilets are significantly more comfortable, which is particularly important for longer journeys or intensive use. Thanks to additional functions, such as rinsing or automatic emptying, they make everyday life on board much more pleasant. The increased comfort is particularly noticeable for families, frequent users or on long journeys. Well-known and trusted manufacturers of electric on-board toilets include SANIMARIN electric marine toilets, JABSCO electric marine toilets, OCEAN TECHNOLOGIES electric marine toilets and JOHNSON PUMP electric marine toilets.
How an electric on-board toilet works
Electric on-board toilets work in a similar way to conventional toilets, but with the key difference that electricity is used to automate the flushing process and dispose of the waste water efficiently. In addition, unlike your toilet at home, an electric on-board toilet shreds the waste. Both the flushing and the mechanism for shredding the waste are powered by an electric motor that is connected to the boat's electrical system. When the toilet flushes, it uses seawater or, depending on the model, fresh water.
Next, the electric motor is activated so that the shredding system can macerate the waste and it can then be easily fed into the waste water tank in small pieces or as a liquid. This process not only makes it easier to process the waste, but also helps to minimise odours. The macerated waste particles or the liquid are then fed into a collection container or a special collection system. The shape, capacity and design of the tank may vary depending on the type and manufacturer of the electric on-board toilet.
In our toilet shredder test, we investigated how effectively these systems macerate and transfer waste and how loud the toilets are during this process. The test shows that selecting the right model is crucial to ensure long-lasting and reliable performance while offering the highest possible level of comfort. Users have reported mixed experiences when it comes to using toilet shredders.
Overall, the shredder toilet test shows that the use of an electric on- board toilet enables efficient and hygienic waste disposal in various types of vehicles and boats. Thanks to this electric flushing and shredding process, the waste water can be processed in the best possible way without generating unpleasant odours. The noise level generated varies depending on the model. Many users have rated these systems highly for optimum comfort for daily use.
In our toilet shredder test, we have analysed the best results from numerous models to recommend the perfect electric shredder toilet for you. The results are based on practical experience and tests of the most popular on-board toilets so that you can find the right solution for your needs.
How much does an electric on-board toilet cost?
The cost of an electric on-board toilet varies greatly. In general, there is a distinction between:
- High-tech marine toilets with state-of-the-art technology: These electric marine toilets are generally the most expensive, but also the quietest and most comfortable to use. Features such as electric flush with variable intensity and efficient waste processing make them just as convenient to use, clean and operate as the toilet in your own four walls on land. Both the pump and system in these toilets work quietly and effectively, and they are often equipped with additional noise insulation. These models offer a high level of overall user comfort. The price range here is between €400 and €1000.
- Entry-level electric models with pump underneath: These toilets are cheaper to purchase, but are noisier. The pump for flushing and waste disposal is located under the toilet and is noticeably louder during use. Although perhaps not as quiet as the models mentioned above, they still do a decent job and are a good option for when noise levels are not the main criteria. These toilets are priced between €250 and €800.
- Electric marine toilets in classic design: These toilet models are characterised by their similar design to conventional household toilets. They are similar in size and therefore provide more comfort. The pump or processing system is integrated into the porcelain bowl, which provides additional noise reduction. These toilet sare often high in comfort and are popular with those who want the aesthetics and comfort of a home toilet. The purchase costs vary and are between 400 and 1000€.
What are the advantages of electric marine toilets?
Electric marine toilets offer a range of advantages over conventional manual toilets or those without electric functions. The main advantages of an electronic on-board toilet are:
1. Comfortable to use
Electric on-board toilets are particularly appealing due to their easier
2. Efficient flushing and waste processing
Another major advantage is the optimised use of water and efficient waste processing. The built-in shredder chops up the waste into a very fine particle size, which not only aids collection in the waste water tank, but also significantly reduces odour formation. This combination of economical water utilisation and efficient shredding ensures that wastewater can be disposed of in a cleaner and less environmentally harmful way.
3. Eco-friendliness
Electric on-board toilets actively contribute to environmental protection through their more efficient use of resources. Not only is water saved thanks to the lower water consumption, but the waste is also shredded more thoroughly so that it can be disposed of in a more environmentally friendly way. Many modern models also have advanced waste processing systems that further minimise the impact on nature. This makes them an ideal choice for environmentally conscious boat owners who want to minimise their impact on the environment.
4. User friendliness
Compared to manual on-board toilets, electric models are much more user-friendly. The often tedious manual pumping is completely eliminated, which makes operation considerably easier, especially for less experienced boaters or older users. In bad weather or rough seas, it is also more convenient to operate an electric toilet at the touch of a button rather than having to make a physical effort to flush it manually. Electric toilets offer intuitive operation, making them the preferred choice for sailors who value comfort and ease of use.
Despite all the advantages, however, it should be noted that electric marine toilets are generally more expensive to purchase than conventional manual toilets. Acquisition costs and any maintenance costs should therefore be taken into account when deciding whether to purchase an electric on-board toilet. Nevertheless, installing an electric marine toilet new, or switching from a manual to an electric modelfrom manual is definitely worthwhile. They offer many advantages in terms of comfort, efficiency and hygiene in direct comparison with manual toilets and maximise comfort on board.
How does waste disposal work?
The disposal of waste from ships, especially sewage, is subject to strict international regulations. These are set out in the MARPOL Convention and specifically for the Baltic Sea in the HELCOM Guidelines. These regulations are designed to make the discharge of waste water into the sea virtually impossible, as this can lead to considerable environmental damage. Especially in ecologically sensitive waters such as the Baltic Sea, it is particularly important that waste water does not simply end up in the sea.
All skippers are therefore obliged to collect the sewage and faeces produced on board in special faecal tanks . These tanks make it possible to store the waste until it can be safely disposed of. These tanks may only be emptied in the harbour or with special sewage extraction systems, which are available in many harbours. This ensures environmentally friendly disposal without polluting the sea.
Therefore, every sailor and motorboater should make sure they are fully aware of the applicable laws and regulations before travelling. It is important that all technical equipment on board meets the requirements and that waste water is disposed of properly to avoid environmental pollution.
Useful accessories for electric on-board toilets
There are numerous accessories for boat toilets. Installing a new on- board toilet may require a new hose or new pipes to be connected. The same applies to repair work. In our Waste Water / Sanitation Hoses section, you will find the right hose for every purpose. And even if you already have a toilet on board, SVB has everything you need for your on-board sanitary facilities. For example, special toilet paper . This toilet paper has been specially developed for use at sea, dissolves particularly well and is therefore broken down more easily, preventing the toilet from clogging. Toilet brushes and holders are also particularly handy on board. Our brush holders can be installed in any niche, no matter how small. meaning the brush is not in the way and is still always to hand. Of course, boat toilets also need to be cleaned regularly. Special sanitary care products are particularly suitable for the proper cleaning of your toilet system. These cleaners reliably sanitise and disinfect your waste water and faeces tank, guaranteeing a clean and pleasant-smelling toilet. At the same time, they are gentle and less aggressive and therefore do not pollute the environment. Want to know more about marine toilets and waste pumps? Then take a look at our guide “What you should know about on-board toilets and waste pumps” , where you will find all the important information about installing and converting your marine toilet.
Conclusion: Which electric on-board toilet is the best?
Although all of the toilets we tested did their job safely and reliably, our toilet shredder test revealed significant differences from model to model, particularly with regard to noise level. Testing the toilets for noise level made it clear that although purchase price can generally give a good indication of how noisy or quiet a toilet can be, this is by no means an absolute guarantee. Price is not always the only indication as to how quiet a toilet actually is in operation.
For example, the most expensive model in the SVB toilet macerator test didn’t perform best in terms of noise level and ended up in second place. In contrast, the top spot went to a model that was slightly less cheaper than the most expensive toilet in the test. This surprising result shows that price is not always the sole indicator of performance in terms of loudness. That being said, it can generally be said that the more cost-expensive models achieved better results in terms of low noise levels overall and therefore came out on top in our ranking. Mid-range or low-price marine toilets also did well in terms of noise level, but tended to be at the bottom of the list compared to the higher-quality models.