Different Types of Bidets

25 June 2025

Bidet Toilets

If you’re considering adding a bidet to your bathroom, you’re in good company. More Australians are making the switch—not just for hygiene, but for comfort, convenience, and eco-consciousness. With a growing range of styles available, there’s a bidet solution to suit every lifestyle and budget.

Bidets are no longer seen as luxury items reserved for five-star hotels or European holidays. Today’s market offers options from basic attachments to high-tech systems that transform your bathroom routine. So whether you’re upgrading your family home or looking for a smarter, cleaner solution, understanding the different types of bidets is the first step.

What exactly is a bidet?

At its simplest, a bidet is a device that uses water to clean you after using the toilet, offering a fresher and more hygienic experience than toilet paper alone. They’re standard in many parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and are now gaining serious traction here in Australia.

Modern bidets come in various forms, many of which integrate easily with your current toilet setup. Whether you’re after something hands-free with temperature control or just want a simple rinse, there’s an option that can work for you.

The main different types of bidets (and what sets them apart)

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types you’ll come across:

Standalone Bidets

This is the original style, a separate porcelain fixture, usually placed next to the toilet, that looks a bit like a low sink. After using the toilet, you move over to the bidet for cleaning.

Pros:

  • Offers full water control and a thorough clean
  • Classic and durable design

Things to consider:

Requires extra bathroom space

  • More complex plumbing and installation
  • Typically found in older or larger bathrooms
  • Requires more movement since you have to transfer to the other basin

Bidet toilet seats

A versatile Bidet Toilet Seat is one of the most popular bidet options. These replace your existing toilet seat with a bidet attachment that includes a built-in spray nozzle. Many are electric and come with features like warm water, adjustable water pressure, and even drying functions.

Pros:

  • Great for upgrading your current toilet without major renovations
  • Models range from basic to fully-loaded
  • Sleek design that integrates well into most bathrooms

Things to consider:

  • Electric versions require a nearby power source
  • Installation is fairly simple, but you may benefit from a plumber’s help to get it right

Integrated bidet toilets

These all-in-one units combine a toilet and bidet in one sleek fixture. They often include smart features like adjustable warm water temperature, heated seats, automatic lid sensors, and even air dryers, offering the full spa experience.

Pros:

  • High-end look and functionality
  • Extremely user-friendly with side panels or remote controls
  • Self-cleaning and hygienic features are built in

Things to consider:

  • More expensive upfront
  • Best suited for new builds or full bathroom remodels
  • Professional installation is highly recommended

Handheld bidet sprayers

Also known as bidet showers or shattafs, these products are small spray nozzles connected to your toilet’s water supply, similar in look to a kitchen sink sprayer. You control the spray direction and pressure manually.

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly and easy to install
  • Doesn’t take up much space
  • Great for households with young kids, cloth nappies, or postpartum care

Things to consider:

  • Requires a bit of coordination to use comfortably; otherwise, it could create a bit of a mess
  • Water pressure can vary depending on the setup
  • Installation should be secure to avoid leaks or pressure issues

How to choose the right bidet for you

With so many types to choose from, it helps to think about how each one fits into your day-to-day life, not just your bathroom. Here are a few key things to consider:

Space & layout

  • If you’ve got a compact bathroom, a handheld sprayer or a bidet seat is likely the most practical.
  • Larger spaces may be able to accommodate a standalone bidet or even a full integrated bidet toilet.

Budget

  • Handheld sprayers and non-electric seats are usually the cheaper option.
  • Electric bidet seats fall somewhere in the middle, offering great value for comfort features.
  • Integrated bidet toilets are the premium option, ideal for long-term upgrades or new builds.

Lifestyle

  • For busy households, parents with young kids, or those with limited mobility, ease of use and hygiene are key. A seat with features like adjustable pressure, warm water, and a drying function can make a big difference.
  • Renters or those looking for flexibility might prefer something that’s easy to install and remove later, like a sprayer or bidet seat.

Installation needs

  • Some bidets (like sprayers and basic seats) can be DIY-friendly, but electric seats or integrated systems will require help from a plumber.
  • It’s essential to know that DIY installations are not covered by home insurance if a leak occurs and causes water damage. To protect your home and your finances, if the installation requires any plumbing work, it should be done by a licensed plumber, who can provide proof of service. This proof is crucial for any future insurance claims to be valid.

Installation tips (and why an experienced bidet plumber can make life easier)

DIY-friendly options

Handheld sprayers and basic, non-electric bidet seats are often marketed as DIY-friendly. If you’re comfortable shutting off your water supply and working with simple tools, you might be able to get these up and running yourself.

But here’s the thing: even “easy” installs can lead to confusion. Many first-time installers either struggle with weak water flow—or worse, blast themselves with excessive pressure because the settings weren’t properly adjusted. A correct setup makes all the difference.

When to call a pro

Electric bidet seats and integrated bidet toilets often need more than just a quick swap; they can involve water line adjustments, power access, or even floor and wall sealing. A licensed plumber will ensure your installation is safe, leak-free, and meets Australian standards.

Why work With a bidet-savvy plumber

Bidets aren’t all built the same, and neither are bathrooms. Working with a plumber who has actual bidet experience can save you from common mistakes and help your bidet work exactly the way it should.

At Bidet Specialists Perth, we can help:

  • Recommend the right type for your space
  • Adjust water pressure to be effective (but not aggressive)
  • Ensure leak-free, backflow-safe installation
  • Provide the licensed service documentation your home insurance requires for protection in the event of water damage

Which is the best type of bidet for you?

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to bidets—and that’s a good thing. Whether you’re after a warm seat with warm water or a model that prioritises personal hygiene with self-cleaning features, there’s something out there that fits your needs and your bathroom.If you’re not sure where to start, check out our bidet range online and get in contact today to discuss which bidet is best for your lifestyle.

bathroom assistive technology

Why Bidets Are Gaining Attention as Bathroom Assistive Technology for OTs and Carers

23 January 2026

Bidet Toilets

Falls and overreach injuries are a serious risk during everyday toileting, especially for people with limited lower-body strength or flexibility. For occupational therapists, carers and family members, helping someone in the bathroom can be physically demanding and sometimes highly stressful. Bidets are a simple way to bring bathroom assistive technology to life. By reducing awkward […]

Bidet installation specialists

How Do Bidets Help Caregivers?

19 December 2025

Bidet Toilets

Stepping into a bathroom to help someone with limited mobility can feel like gearing up for a workout. For family members, support workers or in-home care providers, managing daily hygiene routines can be stressful, time-consuming and emotionally challenging. Bidets offer a way to make those moments easier for both of you. They take the pressure […]

How to design a bathroom for a disabled person

How to design a bathroom for a disabled person?

12 December 2025

Bidet Toilets

Stepping into a bathroom shouldn’t feel like navigating an obstacle course, but for someone with limited mobility, sadly it often does. Tight corners, slippery tiles and unreachable taps can turn everyday routines into stressful, even unsafe challenges.  But thankfully it doesn’t have to be this way. With a few thoughtful changes and smart planning, a […]