The Wirecutter Show

The Bidet Episode

62 snips
Aug 20, 2025
Doug Mahoney, a seasoned senior staff writer at Wirecutter, shares his journey from bidet skeptic to enthusiastic advocate after testing nearly 30 models. He discusses the differences between cold and warm-water bidets, highlighting installation tips for each. Doug explains why reliable brands matter and how bidets can benefit everyone, particularly those with mobility challenges. He also dives into the funny history of bidets while wrapping up with budget-friendly recommendations, proving that these fixtures are both practical and transformative.
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ANECDOTE

First-Try Conversion In A Hotel

  • Christine first tried a bidet in a Japanese hotel and felt immediately cleaner, comparing it to discovering a shower.
  • That first use convinced her that a bidet was a bathroom upgrade she couldn't live without.
ANECDOTE

Travel Encounter That Converted A Skeptic

  • Kyra encountered a Toto washlet in a Shanghai hotel and described it as life-changing after using squat toilets.
  • That hotel experience shifted her expectations for bathroom comfort on future travels.
ADVICE

How Bidets Connect To Your Toilet

  • Installation uses a T-fitting to divert the toilet's water supply to the bidet; most cold models attach under the seat.
  • Expect retracting nozzles, self-clean cycles, and simple on-off controls depending on model complexity.
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