Overview
The American Standard 288DA114.020 Cadet 3 Right Height Elongated Toilet is one of the brand's most enduring bathroom fixtures, and for good reason. Designed as a complete two-piece toilet system with a chair-height bowl, it sits approximately 16.5 inches from floor to seat — roughly two inches taller than a standard toilet — making it a comfortable choice for taller adults, seniors, and anyone recovering from surgery or managing mobility challenges. When paired with a standard toilet seat, it meets ADA accessibility guidelines (17–19 inches to the seated surface), making it a meaningful choice for multi-generational households.
The Cadet 3 line has been around long enough to earn a reputation for dependability in both residential and light commercial settings. This particular configuration ships in cotton white (020) and pairs American Standard's proven EverClean surface technology with its high-efficiency 1.28-gallon-per-flush (GPF) PowerWash rim scrubbing action. If you've been frustrated by low-flow toilets that require two flushes to do the job of one, the Cadet 3's siphon-action flushing mechanism is likely to change your expectations.
This toilet is best suited to homeowners undertaking a bathroom remodel or replacement who want a set-it-and-forget-it fixture. It's not the flashiest option on the market — there's no integrated bidet, no heated seat, and no nightlight — but it excels at the fundamentals: clean, quiet, powerful flushing and a durable vitreous china construction that resists staining and odor-causing bacteria over the long term.
Key Features
American Standard's proprietary antimicrobial glaze inhibits the growth of stain- and odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew on the bowl surface, keeping the toilet cleaner between scrubs.
At approximately 16.5 inches to the rim, the chair-height design reduces knee and hip strain during sit-down and stand-up motions, meeting ADA comfort-height standards.
Pressurized water jets scrub the entire bowl with each flush, dramatically reducing the buildup of mineral deposits and organic matter under the rim where most cleaning is neglected.
WaterSense certified at just 1.28 gallons per flush, saving up to 16,500 gallons of water per year compared to older 3.5 GPF models (based on EPA WaterSense estimates for an average four-person household) — without sacrificing flushing power.
A wide 2⅛-inch fully glazed trapway creates a strong siphon that pulls waste cleanly through the drain, minimizing the risk of clogs even with robust use.
Both the tank and bowl are crafted from heavy-duty vitreous china, offering a non-porous, easy-to-clean surface that resists chipping, crazing, and discoloration for decades of use.
Pro Tip: The Cadet 3 ships with the tank and bowl as separate pieces but is designed for straightforward DIY installation. Most homeowners report completing the full installation in under two hours with basic plumbing tools.
Full Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 288DA114.020 |
| Collection | Cadet 3 |
| Configuration | Two-piece |
| Bowl Shape | Elongated |
| Seat Height | 16.5 inches (Right Height / ADA compliant) |
| Flush Volume | 1.28 GPF |
| Flush Type | Siphon-action, PowerWash rim |
| Trapway Size | 2⅛ inches (fully glazed) |
| Rough-In | 12 inches |
| Overall Dimensions | 29.5" D × 14.5" W × 28.5" H |
| Color / Finish | Cotton White (020) |
| Material | Vitreous China |
| Surface Treatment | EverClean antimicrobial glaze |
| Certification | WaterSense, ADA compliant |
| Seat Included | No (sold separately) |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime on china; 5-year on trim |
Note: The Cadet 3 Right Height does not include a toilet seat. American Standard's own slow-close seat (model 5321.010) is a popular pairing and is widely available for around $30–$50.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ADA-compliant chair height is noticeably more comfortable for most adults
- EverClean surface genuinely reduces how often you need to scrub the bowl
- PowerWash rim flushing is powerful and consistent — rarely requires a second flush
- WaterSense certified for meaningful long-term water savings
- Elongated bowl offers more seating comfort than round alternatives
- Lifetime limited warranty on the china provides lasting peace of mind
- Widely available replacement parts through American Standard and third parties
- Straightforward installation — suitable for confident DIYers
Cons
- Toilet seat sold separately — adds to the total cost
- Only available with a 12-inch rough-in; not suitable for 10" or 14" rough-in bathrooms without an adapter
- Two-piece design means slightly more cleaning effort around the tank-to-bowl joint
- No smart or heated seat features for the price
- Cotton white color may not match stark bright-white fixtures in some bathrooms
- Tank lid can rattle slightly if not seated perfectly — easy to fix but worth noting
Performance
In real-world use, the Cadet 3 Right Height consistently delivers what American Standard promises. The siphon-action flush creates an audible but not alarming whoosh that efficiently clears the bowl in a single cycle the overwhelming majority of the time. Compared to many budget toilets that hover around 1.6 GPF yet still struggle with solids, the Cadet 3's hydraulic engineering at 1.28 GPF feels genuinely overbuilt in the best possible way.
The PowerWash rim flushing is a practical differentiator. Water jets rinse the entire bowl perimeter rather than just dripping from a single point, which keeps the under-rim area from becoming a grimy no-man's land. After several months of use, most reviewers note that the bowl requires noticeably less elbow grease than their previous toilet, and this tracks with the EverClean surface's documented antimicrobial properties. It's not magic — you'll still need to clean — but the intervals between deep cleans stretch out meaningfully.
Fill noise after flushing is moderate and settles within about 30 seconds, which is on par with most residential two-piece toilets in this price range. The tank internals are standard and serviceable; the fill valve and flapper are compatible with widely available replacement parts, which matters if you're thinking about the five- or ten-year maintenance picture. The chair-height seating position draws consistent praise from users over 5'9", those with knee or hip replacements, and older adults who find standard-height toilets awkward. Families with young children may want to consider a step stool for smaller members.
Value for Money
The American Standard Cadet 3 Right Height typically retails between $250 and $350 for the toilet alone (excluding seat), positioning it squarely in the mid-range of the residential toilet market. At that price, you're paying for a trusted brand, a proven flush system, an antimicrobial surface treatment, and a lifetime china warranty — all of which hold up well against the competition.
Compare it to budget one-piece units in the $150–$200 range, and the Cadet 3's superior flushing consistency and EverClean surface justify the premium. Stack it against luxury smart toilets at $800 and above, and you're clearly trading features for fundamentals — but if all-day comfort, clean flushing, and durability are the brief, the Cadet 3 delivers without asking you to spend more than necessary.
Factor in the WaterSense water savings — potentially $50–$100 per year off your water bill depending on household usage — and the toilet effectively pays its own premium back over time. For a bathroom renovation or replacement project where reliability and accessibility matter most, the value equation is compelling.
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Final Verdict
The American Standard 288DA114.020 Cadet 3 Right Height Elongated Toilet earns its 8.5 out of 10 by doing everything a residential toilet should do — and doing it consistently, efficiently, and with minimal maintenance demands. The EverClean surface and PowerWash rim flushing are genuine quality-of-life improvements over standard fixtures, the ADA-compliant height makes it accessible to a wide range of users, and American Standard's lifetime china warranty provides the kind of long-term confidence that's rare at this price point.
The main caveats are worth acknowledging: the missing seat is a mild annoyance when budgeting, the 12-inch rough-in limits compatibility, and shoppers wanting cutting-edge features like a bidet or heated seat will need to look elsewhere or budget for a separate seat upgrade. But if your priorities are rock-solid performance, water savings, and long-term durability in a classic, accessible package, the Cadet 3 Right Height belongs near the top of your shortlist.
American Standard Cadet 3 Right Height — 8.5 / 10
A dependable, water-efficient, ADA-compliant toilet with best-in-class antimicrobial surface technology and powerful flushing performance. An excellent choice for remodels, replacements, and accessibility-focused bathrooms.
Check price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Does the Cadet 3 Right Height come with a toilet seat?
No — the 288DA114.020 does not include a toilet seat. American Standard sells compatible seats separately, including slow-close options. Plan to budget an additional $30–$60 for a quality matching seat when calculating total project cost.
What rough-in size does this toilet require?
The Cadet 3 Right Height is designed for a standard 12-inch rough-in, which is the most common size in North American homes. If your bathroom has a 10-inch or 14-inch rough-in, you'll need an offset flange adapter or should look for a Cadet 3 variant specifically made for that dimension.
Is the Cadet 3 genuinely ADA compliant?
Yes. The Right Height bowl rim sits at approximately 16.5 inches from the floor. ADA guidelines require the seat surface to fall between 17 and 19 inches, so once a standard toilet seat (typically 0.5–1 inch thick) is added, the assembled toilet meets that threshold. It is a popular choice for accessible bathroom renovations and aging-in-place projects.
How effective is the EverClean surface in practice?
EverClean is an EPA-registered antimicrobial glaze baked into the china surface that inhibits bacterial and fungal growth. Users consistently report that the bowl stays cleaner between scrubs and is less prone to developing the brown ring stains common with standard vitreous china. It doesn't eliminate the need for cleaning, but it meaningfully extends the intervals between deep cleans.
Can I install the Cadet 3 Right Height myself, or do I need a plumber?
A confident DIYer with basic plumbing knowledge can typically install the Cadet 3 in 1.5 to 2 hours. The toilet ships in two pieces (tank and bowl), both of which need to be joined and set on the existing flange. If you're replacing a toilet on a standard 12-inch rough-in with an existing flange in good condition, professional help is not required — though it's always worthwhile consulting a plumber if you're unsure about your bathroom's plumbing configuration.