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Incinerating Toilet vs Dry Flush Toilet: Which is Right for You?
If you go the waterless toilet route when choosing the best toilet for your off-grid lifestyle or tiny home, you might find yourself deciding between an incinerator toilet and a dry flush toilet. Each type of toilet has its unique benefits but generally, both incinerator toilets and dry flush toilets are huge upgrades over traditional setups. We’ll compare the incinerating toilet vs dry flush toilet to help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
At a Glance
When choosing a waterless toilet for off-grid living or tiny homes, you might consider either an incinerating toilet or a dry flush toilet. Incinerating toilets burn waste into ash using high heat, making them environmentally friendly, odor-free, and low-maintenance but requiring power and longer cycle times. Dry flush toilets, on the other hand, use a bag or liner system to encapsulate waste, offering portability, easy disposal, and odor control but needing regular liner replacements and managing liquid waste. Your choice should depend on your specific needs, space, and lifestyle.
What is an Incinerating Toilet?
An incinerator toilet is a waterless toilet that uses high heat to burn human waste into a small amount of sterile ash. The burning typically occurs in an incineration chamber and can be powered by electricity, natural gas, or propane. An essential component of these toilets is the exhaust vent, which manages smoke and stinky smells produced during the waste incineration process. Incinerator toilets are popular in areas where plumbing isn't readily available or where managing waste can be challenging in general, like in a remote mountainous environment.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly: Since incinerating toilets reduce waste to ash, there’s no need for a black tank or complex plumbing systems.
- Odor control: The incineration process eliminates odors, making it ideal for tiny homes and spaces where smell could be an issue.
- Low maintenance: With no need for water or compost materials like coconut coir, these toilets are easier to maintain compared to composting toilets.
- Compact design: Perfect for tiny houses, cabins, and remote locations where space is limited.
Cons
- Power requirements: Just like every other waterless toilet, an incinerator toilet requires electric power or gas to incinerate, which may not be ideal for every situation.
- Cycle times: The incineration process can take up to two hours to complete, meaning the toilet may not be immediately available for use again during that time. Some toilets like the ECOJOHN TinyJohn take only 30 to 60 minutes a cycle.
- Cost: The initial investment can be higher than other types of toilets.
- Ash disposal: Although minimal, the ash needs to be periodically emptied and disposed of. In comparison, compost toilets, while not requiring power, can be expensive and require more maintenance than traditional toilets.
What is a Dry Flush Toilet?
A dry flush toilet collects your waste similarly to a composting toilet but without the compost. A basic component of dry flush toilets is the toilet seat, which provides the necessary functionality and convenience. The toilet works by using a bag or liner system under the bowl to encapsulate and seal waste, which can then be easily disposed of. There’s no need for water, making these dry flush toilets a popular choice in mobile homes, portable toilets, and tiny houses.
Pros
- Waterless: Like incinerator toilets, dry flush toilets don’t require water, making them ideal for off-grid living.
- Portability: They are lightweight and easy to move, making them perfect for camping trips, tiny homes, and mobile setups. Compared to a portable toilet, dry flush toilets offer a more convenient and cleaner solution without the need for traditional plumbing.
- Simple disposal: Waste is encapsulated in a liner, which is easy to remove and dispose of in a regular garbage bin.
- Odor control: The sealing mechanism ensures no odors escape, keeping your bathroom fresh.
Cons
- Liner replacements: The liners or bags need to be replaced regularly, which can add to the ongoing cost.
- Waste disposal: The management of liquid waste in dry flush toilets can be challenging unless it has a urine diverter, as they often lack a mechanism to divert liquid waste into a separate holding tank.
- Limited capacity: They are suitable for short-term use but may require frequent emptying in high-usage situations.
How Do They Compare?
When considering an incinerating toilet vs dry flush toilet, it’s essential to think about your specific needs and lifestyle. Incinerating toilets are more suited for permanent installations in remote or off-grid locations, where managing waste efficiently is crucial. They offer a high level of odor control, are environmentally friendly, and require minimal maintenance.
On the other hand, dry flush toilets are ideal for situations where portability is key, such as RVs, boats, or tents that are frequently on the move. These toilets use no water, are easy to use, and are perfect for temporary setups or areas where plumbing isn’t available.
| Incinerating Toilet | Dry Flush Toilet | |
| How It Works | Burns waste into ash using high heat. | Seals waste in a liner or bag for easy disposal. |
| Power Requirements | Requires electricity, natural gas, or propane. | Battery-operated or manual, with optional AC and DC car adapters. |
| Water Usage | None | None |
| Odor Control | High—incineration eliminates odors. | High—sealed liners prevent odors from escaping. |
| Maintenance | Low—periodic ash disposal required. | Moderate—liners or bags need regular replacement. |
| Portability | Generally fixed installation, but can be installed in RVs. | Highly portable, ideal for mobile setups. |
| Cycle Time | Can last from 30 minutes to 2 hours for the incineration process. | Immediate availability after each use. |
| Capacity | Suitable for regular use in off-grid homes. | Limited capacity, more suitable for short-term use. |
| Cost | Higher initial cost, but low ongoing maintenance. | Lower initial cost, but ongoing cost for liner replacement. |
| Space Requirements | Compact but requires space for venting and fuel source. | Very compact, fits in small spaces easily. |
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose an incinerating toilet or a dry flush toilet, both options offer innovative solutions to manage human waste in off-grid or eco-friendly environments. Consider the cost, maintenance, and specific requirements of your space before making your decision.
By understanding the differences between these types of toilets, you can select the one that best meets your needs and enhances your living situation, whether in a cozy tiny home, a remote cabin, or a mobile setup.
Have any questions or would like to place an order? We'd love to help! Chat with our friendly customer service team by calling 1-844-945-3625, chatting in on our website or email us at customersupport@wildoaktrail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
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