If you’ve moved into a new home or traveled abroad, you may have encountered a toilet with what looks like a small shelf or platform inside the bowl. At first glance, it can seem unusual, but this design has a practical purpose and has been used for decades in certain parts of Europe.
What Is a Toilet Shelf?
A shelf toilet, also called a washout toilet, features a flat ledge inside the bowl. Instead of waste dropping directly into the water, it initially rests on the shelf until the toilet is flushed.
This design differs from the more common washdown toilet, where waste falls directly into a pool of water.
Why Do Some Toilets Have a Shelf?
The shelf was designed with several practical purposes in mind:
1. Easier Health Monitoring
One of the main reasons is to make it easier to inspect stool for signs of health issues.
Doctors may recommend observing stool for:
- Blood
- Unusual color
- Parasites
- Digestive changes
The shelf keeps the stool above the water, making inspection simpler if needed.
2. Reduced Water Splash
Many people appreciate shelf toilets because they can reduce the upward splash that sometimes occurs with standard toilets.
3. Traditional Plumbing Design
Shelf toilets became common in countries such as:
- Germany
- Austria
- The Netherlands (older homes)
- Belgium
- Parts of Switzerland
Although they’re less common in newer construction, they can still be found in older buildings.
Advantages
Some people prefer shelf toilets because they:
- Allow easier stool inspection for health monitoring.
- Reduce water splash during use.
- Can use less standing water in the bowl, depending on the model.
Disadvantages
Shelf toilets also have a few drawbacks:
- They may require brushing more often because waste rests on the shelf before flushing.
- Odors can be more noticeable until the toilet is flushed.
- Many people unfamiliar with the design find it unusual at first.
Are Shelf Toilets Still Popular?
Modern washdown toilets have become the standard in many countries because they generally:
- Flush more efficiently.
- Require less cleaning.
- Help reduce odors by keeping waste submerged in water.
However, shelf toilets remain in use in some homes and are still preferred by some people for their practical features.
Final Thoughts
A toilet with a built-in shelf may seem strange if you’ve never encountered one before, but it’s simply a different style of toilet bowl known as a shelf toilet or washout toilet. The design was originally intended to make health observation easier and reduce water splash. While newer toilet designs are now more common, shelf toilets are still found in many older European homes and continue to serve their intended purpose effectively.