I own three rental properties and I have replaced a lot of toilets over the years. The American Standard Cadet 3 line has become my default specification because the flush is reliable, parts are easy to find at any hardware store, and tenants do not complain about clogs. But there are several variants in the Cadet 3 family and choosing the wrong one for the space wastes money.
I have installed five different Cadet 3 configurations across my properties and personally tested each on the typical clog scenarios that send plumbers home with full wallets. Here is what each version actually does best.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| American Standard Cadet 3 Right Height Elongated | Best overall | 4.6/5 |
| American Standard Cadet 3 Round Front | Best for small spaces | 4.5/5 |
| American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise Dual Flush | Best water saver | 4.5/5 |
| American Standard Cadet 3 Compact Elongated | Best for tight bathrooms | 4.5/5 |
| American Standard Cadet 3 Skirted | Best looking | 4.6/5 |
1. American Standard Cadet 3 Right Height Elongated - Best Overall
Right Height puts the seat at 16.5 inches, which is two inches taller than standard. Combined with the elongated bowl this is the most comfortable Cadet 3 to sit on. The 3-inch flush valve clears anything reasonable in a single 1.28 gallon flush.
2. American Standard Cadet 3 Round Front - Best for Small Spaces
Round-front bowl saves about two inches of footprint compared to elongated. Same flush mechanism as the elongated model, so performance is identical. Choose this only when you truly need the space.
3. American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise Dual Flush - Best Water Saver
Dual flush gives you 1.0 gallons for liquids and 1.6 for solids. Over a year of normal use the FloWise version saves about a thousand gallons compared to a single-flush 1.28 model. The trade-off is a slightly more complex handle mechanism.
4. American Standard Cadet 3 Compact Elongated - Best for Tight Bathrooms
Splits the difference between round and elongated. The bowl is elongated for comfort but the tank-to-bowl projection is round-sized. Great for half-baths where every inch counts.
5. American Standard Cadet 3 Skirted - Best Looking
Concealed trapway gives a modern, easy-to-clean profile. Hides the bolt holes and curves where dust and dog hair collect. Costs more but cleans in half the time.
What Matters Most
Flush valve size and bowl shape matter more than fancy features. The Cadet 3 line uses a 3-inch flush valve, which is larger than the 2-inch valve on most budget toilets. That is the secret to single-flush performance. After that, decide between Right Height (taller, easier on knees) and standard height (cheaper), and between elongated (more comfortable) and round (more compact).
My Setup
In my main rental I have three Right Height Elongated Cadet 3s. In a tight basement half-bath I installed the Compact Elongated. The Skirted version is in my own master bathroom where the look matters and cleaning time matters more.
Common Mistakes
Skipping the wax ring replacement during install is the biggest rookie mistake. Always use a new ring even if the toilet you are replacing seemed fine. Also, do not overtighten the closet bolts. American Standard porcelain is durable but it will crack at the base if you crank the bolts past hand-tight plus a quarter turn.
Final Recommendation
The American Standard Cadet 3 Right Height Elongated is the right buy for most homeowners. It is the most comfortable, flushes powerfully, and parts are available everywhere for the next twenty years. Pick the Compact or Round Front variants only when the bathroom floor plan forces it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cadet 3 worth it over a basic toilet?+
Yes, for the flush performance alone. The Cadet 3 has a 3-inch flush valve and PowerWash rim that clears the bowl in a single 1.28 gallon flush. Cheaper toilets often need a double flush, which wastes more water in the long run.
What is the difference between round and elongated?+
Elongated bowls are about two inches longer front to back, more comfortable, and easier to clean. Round bowls fit smaller bathrooms where space is tight. Most homeowners prefer elongated when the space allows.