Spec-by-Spec Comparison
Detailed Comparison
Internal American Standard match: Champion 4 ($380-450) and Cadet 3 FloWise ($175-195). Both are 1.28 GPF, both 1,000g MaP, both two-piece elongated. The differences are trapway size and clog-resistance positioning.
Trapway diameter
The Champion 4 has the industry's largest residential trapway — 2-3/8 inches. The Cadet 3 FloWise has a 2-1/8 inch trapway. The 1/4-inch difference represents 22% more cross-sectional area, meaningfully more clearance for waste passage.
Flush valve size
The Champion 4 uses an oversized 4-inch flapper. The Cadet 3 uses a standard 3-inch flapper. The oversized valve releases water faster, contributing to the Champion 4's industry-leading clog resistance.
Brand tier positioning
Within American Standard, the Champion 4 is the mid-premium tier — designed for households where clog clearance and reliability are the priority. The Cadet 3 is the mainstream value tier — broad availability, reliable basic flush at the lowest price point.
Bowl features
Both have EverClean glaze (anti-bacterial) and similar bowl design. The Champion 4 has slightly more refined bowl geometry from the larger flush valve. Cleaning effort is similar on both in soft-water areas.
Use case alignment
Champion 4 makes sense for: high-fiber-diet households, septic systems with marginal drain lines, rental properties, households with chronic clog history.
Cadet 3 makes sense for: typical residential, single-bath homes, budget-constrained replacements, apartments and condos where flush demand is moderate.
Cost spread analysis
The Champion 4's $185-255 premium over the Cadet 3 FloWise is justified primarily by clog-resistance. If your household has never had clogs, the cost premium is over-engineering. If you've had multiple clogs in recent years, the Champion 4 likely pays back through avoided plumber service calls.
Final Verdict
We recommend the American Standard Champion 4 for primary bathrooms and households prone to clogs — the larger 2-3/8" trapway and 4-inch oversized flush valve clear loads the Cadet 3 doesn't. The Cadet 3 FloWise wins on price and remains the sweet-spot value pick for guest bathrooms and apartments.
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You prefer American Standard's strengths and feature set.
Buy American Standard — Check current priceChoose American Standard if...
You prefer American Standard's strengths and feature set.
Buy American Standard — Check current pricePros & Cons Side-by-Side
- 4-inch flush valve — largest residential flush valve in US market
- MaP 1,000g+ score — among strongest gravity-flush in residential
- Industry-leading 10-year flush engine warranty
- 1.28 GPF WaterSense certified
- EverClean glaze available on -EC variant
- PowerWash rim cleaning during flush
- Comfort Height (16.5") + elongated bowl
- Solves chronic clog problems without pressure-assist noise
- Most-spec'd strong-flush toilet by US plumbers
- Loud flush — 4-inch valve dumps water faster, creating audible "whoosh"
- 4-inch flapper is larger (and more expensive) than standard 2/3-inch flappers
- Standard ceramic glaze on base SKU (EverClean upgrade is +$30-$60)
- SoftClose seat NOT included
- Larger water-supply line connection footprint
- Heavier tank (~38 lbs vs ~32 for Cadet 3)
- 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
- 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