Remote controls have brought a lot of convenience to our lives. We use them everyday to open our garages, turn on our home stereos, and to record that can't-miss show on our DVRs. Can you imagine actually having to get up from the couch to change the TV channel? The remote control made channel-surfing possible for all of us and for that, we are grateful.
What other devices could we operate with a remote? How about curtains? You could roll over while still in bed, reach over to the remote on the night stand and let the sun in your room. Home automation will continue to become a bigger trend in the future as well. In some dwellings, you can even control a home's entire lighting system with a remote. No more walking around the house to make sure all the lights are off. And if this trend continues, we might even have remote-operated toilets one day.
Wait a minute… remote-controlled toilet seats are already here! Yes, you read that right. Most modern electronic bidet manufacturers make two type of bidets by default – one that's operated with a remote control, and another that's operated with an attached control panel.
But do you really need a remote control to go to the toilet? When people are shopping for an electronic bidet, the question comes up frequently, "To remote, or not to remote?" And when considering that remote-controlled bidets cost about 10% to 20% more, it's important to understand what you're paying for. So let's try to explain the differences.
First, assuming you're looking at two models from the same manufacturer, there is generally no functional difference whether you get the one with a remote control or the one without. That is to say, both bidets will have the same functions and features – it's just a question of HOW you operate those features.
Bidets with attached control panels (no remote) almost always come with the control panel on the right side. This is not because control panels work better if they're on the right – it's simply because most people are right-handed. To operate the bidet, you would just look over to your right and press the button of your choice.
Controls for remote-operated bidets however, are typically mounted on the wall (often where the toilet paper used to be). These remote controls come with a mounting bracket which can be affixed to the wall. The remote control slides out of its mounting bracket so you can take the remote out and control the bidet from your lap. Or, leave the remote on the wall and control it from there. It's up to you.
So one advantage of the remote control, is its accessibility. You can choose from where you want to control the bidet. This is especially useful for folks who are disabled or elderly, as the remote provides an ease-of-use factor. Anyone could appreciate this flexibility though, even if they didn't have any physical limitations.
Another advantage of the remote-controlled bidet is form and aesthetics. Since the bidet no longer needs an attached control panel on its side, the bidet looks much sleeker. Most remote-operated bidets don't even look like a bidet, as it can be hard to tell the difference from a regular toilet seat. Not having an attached control panel also takes up less space. It saves about two inches in the bidet's width, which helps if your toilet doesn't have a whole lot of space on either side.
It's also worth pointing out that remote-controlled bidets can be operated without the remote as well. Basic bidet functions can be operated through the use of a mini-panel on the bidet's side. While not all functions can be used this way, you'll still be able to start and stop simple wash functions.
So are remote-operated bidets worth the extra money? We think so. When buying a bidet, it's important to consider other people who might use it too. Other members of your family, friends, or house guests may prefer the flexibility the remote control provides. The bidet will look better, and it has a cool-factor too. After all, who doesn't like remote-operated gadgets?
