When you buy or rent a place, toilets are generally included as part of the deal. However, if one of those toilets malfunctions or you decide to remodel your bathroom, you quickly learn how challenging shopping for a toilet can be. You’ll first need to measure your space and make sure you pick a toilet that fits, but you’ll also see that there are many features to consider before you spend money.

One of those features is flush power. Today’s toilets use a variety of technologies to provide powerful flushes while still maintaining water efficiency. This means instead of having to flush multiple times to clear the bowl, one flush should do it. For environmentally-conscious consumers, this is a huge plus, but it also means lower water bills, which is a bonus for your bank account.

If you’re installing the toilet yourself, read the installation instructions carefully to make sure you can set it up without professional assistance. You may also find that you’ll need special tools to install, so reading ahead will help you make sure you have everything you need. Some toilets don’t even come with a toilet seat — something you definitely want to have on hand ahead of time if you need it.

Another feature to consider is clog resistance. If you’ve ever dealt with a toilet that clogs easily, you know how frustrating it can be. Some toilets have features that provide mostly clog-free flushes. You may still need to keep a plunger around, but you should find you only have to use it on occasion.

Of course, one of the most personal decisions you can make is based on sheer aesthetics. The way a toilet looks is important since it becomes an integral part of your bathroom décor. This is a matter of taste, but you may find that one of the biggest changes in toilets in recent years has been the elimination of the tank in some models. These can save space by making more room for behind-the-toilet shelving if you choose.