Head-to-Head Comparison

American Standard Cadet 3 Compact-Elongated 1.28 GPF Toilet vs American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise Two-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF Toilet

Toilets — Side-by-side spec comparison and expert verdict

Our Verdict
We recommend the American Standard Cadet 3 Compact for small bathrooms where every inch of projection matters — powder rooms, apartments, tight master baths. The Cadet 3 FloWise full-elongated is more comfortable for any bathroom with at least 51 inches of fro...

Spec-by-Spec Comparison

Specification
American Standard
American Standard
Price
Check current price
Check current price
Rating
Glaze
Standard ceramic (EverClean optional)
EverClean (optional on -EC variant)
Design
Two-piece compact-elongated, apartment-spec workhorse
Two-piece elongated, 3-inch flush valve
Map Score
800
800
Bowl Shape
Compact Elongated
Elongated
Flush Type
FloWise Gravity (3-inch flush valve)
FloWise Gravity (3-inch flush valve)
Watersense
1
1
Ada Compliant
1
1
Height Inches
16.5
16.5
Warranty Years
1
1
Rough In Inches
12
12
Gallons Per Flush
1.28
1.28
Warranty Porcelain
Lifetime
Lifetime

Detailed Comparison

Both Cadet 3 variants ($175-195) use the same Cadet 3 flush valve and EverClean glaze, identical 1.28 GPF rating, identical 1,000g MaP score. The difference is bowl shape and projection.

Bowl projection

The Cadet 3 Compact-Elongated has a 28.5-inch projection — a hybrid between round-front (28 inches) and full elongated (30-31 inches). It preserves most of the elongated interior comfort in a smaller footprint. The Cadet 3 FloWise has a full 30.5-inch elongated projection.

When bathroom space matters

For bathrooms under 51 inches of depth (50-inch is the typical small powder room), the Compact saves the 2 inches that prevent toilet bowl interference with vanity or wall. For larger bathrooms (master baths, full bathrooms), the FloWise full elongated is more comfortable.

Bowl interior

The Compact has a slightly smaller water surface area inside the bowl. Functionally similar but the larger elongated bowl on the FloWise creates marginally less splashing and feels more substantial.

Specs that match

Same comfort-height seat (16.5 inches), same 12" rough-in, same 1.28 GPF flush valve, same EverClean glaze, same 1,000g MaP, same trapway diameter, same warranty terms. Bowl interior color matches (both ship White as standard).

Pricing

Pricing is essentially identical at $175-195 depending on retailer and promotion. The Compact may be marginally cheaper at some retailers due to slightly lower production volume.

Real-world comfort

The 2-inch projection difference is consequential for adults using the toilet. Most adults find full elongated more comfortable for longer sit times. Children and households with mobility limitations find the difference minimal.

Final Verdict

We recommend the American Standard Cadet 3 Compact for small bathrooms where every inch of projection matters — powder rooms, apartments, tight master baths. The Cadet 3 FloWise full-elongated is more comfortable for any bathroom with at least 51 inches of front clearance. Same flush, different bowl geometry.

Choose American Standard if...

You prefer American Standard's strengths and feature set.

Buy American Standard — Check current price

Choose American Standard if...

You prefer American Standard's strengths and feature set.

Buy American Standard — Check current price

Pros & Cons Side-by-Side

American Standard Cadet 3 Compact-Elongated 1.28 GPF Toilet
Pros
  • Compact-elongated bowl (17.5") fits smaller bathrooms
  • Same FloWise flush mechanism as standard Cadet 3 — MaP 800g
  • AmStd brand confidence at sub-$300
  • WaterSense 1.28 GPF certified
  • Comfort Height (16.5") + compact-elongated bowl
  • Universal aftermarket parts
  • Stocked at most Home Depot and Lowes
  • $20-$30 cheaper than Edgemere with same compact-elongated bowl
Cons
  • Standard ceramic glaze (no EverClean upgrade on base SKU)
  • SoftClose seat NOT included
  • Comfort Height (16.5") vs Edgemere's Right Height (17.25") — 0.75" lower seat
  • Compact-elongated may feel small for taller adult users
  • Less broadly distributed than standard Cadet 3 (full elongated)
American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise Two-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF Toilet
Pros
  • Volume mid-tier AmStd — most-spec'd AmStd in US residential
  • 3-inch flush valve — strong gravity flush at moderate price
  • WaterSense 1.28 GPF certified
  • Universal aftermarket parts (Korky/Fluidmaster fit)
  • EverClean glaze available on -EC variants
  • Comfort Height (16.5") + elongated bowl
  • Stocked at every Home Depot, Lowes, Menards in US
  • AmStd brand confidence at value-mid price
Cons
  • Standard ceramic glaze on base SKU (EverClean upgrade is +$30-$50)
  • SoftClose seat NOT included
  • MaP 800g (below Champion 4 at 1,000g+)
  • 3-inch flapper instead of 2-inch — slightly more expensive replacement
  • No skirted trapway