The Best Toilet Plungers You Can Buy In 2021

by Trevor Woods | Last Updated: January 1, 2021

So there you are, staring into the toilet bowl and the water keeps rising, rising, and rising. You pray to the porcelain gods, the toilet angels, any deity that will heed your cries of despair and flush your anguish away.

We have all been in this embarrassing situation because plugged toilets are one of the more common plumbing problems most households face. Armed with the best toilet plunger you are fit to defend your pipes and your dignity without having to call a professional plumber for help.

However, purchase the wrong plumber’s helper and you will experience some of the most disgusting buyer’s remorse of your life! Have you ever tried to return a used plunger? I have, oh the shame and humiliation!

Pretending that I bought the plunger to use as a mute for my trombone was not believable. They could tell I wasn’t a jazz musician. I still can’t show my face around that hardware store again.

Music for your ears is that plungers are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. We will quickly provide you with an overview of the plunger, the types and styles, and our professional recommendations on which toilet plunger is right for you.

Once you have selected your porcelain pumper we will give you tips on how to properly use it and clean it when you’re done. If you are in a rush and just need to know what the ultimate plunger is, just click here.

What Is A Plunger?

The old-fashioned plunger’s exact date of conception is unknown. Surrounded by debate amongst plumbers and cloaked in embarrassment for its necessity.

Most likely the “force cup”, “plumber’s friend”, “plumber’s helper”, or my favorite “plumber’s axe” was invented in the mid-1900s and closely resembles the design we have today.

With a straight wooden handle and rubber cup on one end, it’s used to exert force against a drain to loosen or break up a plumbing blockage.

The Three Main Types Of Plungers

1. Common Sink Plunger or Cup Plunger

This is the stereotypical plunger that often comes to mind. The classic straight handle and red rubber cup are ideal for flat-faced drains like sinks or bathtubs but not curved shaped toilet bowls. Used like a suction cup over the plugged drain it creates the vacuum necessary to push-pull the clog loose and clears the obstruction.

2. Accordion Plunger

This revolution in plunger design encompasses a bellows section for more concentrated power over a conventional style plunger. This additional volume is perfect for blasting toilet blockages!

But with great power comes great responsibility. The rigid plastic needed to contain the additional force can make the plunger a little unwieldy to use. Plunging requires laser focus to ensure the outlet is completely sealed otherwise you could blast poop-water into your unsuspecting face, yuk!

Also, the hard one-piece plastic construction could scratch your porcelain bowl if you’re not careful. And it is far less forgiving to operate than it’s rubber cupped predecessor.

Accordion Toilet Plunger

Don't settle for the rest when you can have the best!

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3. Toilet Plunger or Flange Plunger

Don’t let the name fool you. This style of plunger can be used on all types of drains and has the most versatility of all three designs. Instead of buying different plungers for different plumbing scenarios this soft rubber cup with fold-out flaps conforms to all drain shapes and sizes.

That being said, I don’t recommend using it to unclog your commode then immediately clear the kitchen sink, gross!

Important Toilet Plunger Features

This covers the business end of the plunger but the handle is also an important feature that has changed over time. The wooden handle still exists but I would encourage you to consider handles that are easy to clean, less porous and susceptible to holding onto germs and microbes, and more ergonomic to use.

My go-to materials are plastic and metal. Their anti-microbial properties make them a superior choice.

Handle shape is a personal preference, I like a t-shaped grip for brute force but others may find a pommel or ribbed handle more comfortable. The classic straight handle will work but keep in mind you may need more purchase or grip if you are plunging with gloves on.

Last but not least is storage. Where are you going to put this plunger when not in use? You can keep your plunger stashed on the floor, in the tub, or shower but I feel the classier option is a drip tray or plunger holder.

A drip tray is a place where after some hard wet work a plunger can be cleaned and dry out. Not every plunger comes with its own drip tray but rest assured our top picks have this additional option available.

If you are looking for a drip tray for your current plunger, I suggest this model HERE. Just keep in mind that wherever you pick, your plunger is stored somewhere with adequate airflow to circulate and dry the plunger completely.

Universal Plunger Drip Tray

$8.58

Maxiclean universal plunger holder drip tray is designed to fit any plunger on the market to keep in standing upright position promoting quick drying.

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12/18/2023 05:15 am GMT

On to the best toilet plungers you should buy! Based on experience with dozens of different models we have crafted this list based on ergonomics, aesthetics, additional features, durability, and most importantly plunging power!

5 Best Toilet Plungers In 2020:

1. Korky BeeHive Max – BEST OVERALL

Best Overall

Korky Toilet Plunger

$40.71

Proudly designed and made in the United States, the Beehive Max Toilet Plunger is the first plunger designed to fit both old and new high-efficiency toilets.

The best toilet plunger's t-handle and flexible, beehive shape head design, allow for an optimum grip and effective plunge in any toilet.

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12/18/2023 11:00 am GMT

Hands down, this plunger outperformed all others we have used. When you make your living fixing toilets, time is money and I didn’t waste a moment with this powerful tool.

It made quick work of paper clogs as well as organic matter, this plumbers helper is a beast! This plunger gets its capability from it’s bulging beehive business end and t-handle turning it into one powerful piston!

Not only does this plunger outperform the others, but it also conforms to the largest variety of toilet bowl shapes and sizes. The soft supple lower portion of the rubber cup created airtight seals with ease no matter what brand of toilet I was facing.

My favorite feature is T-handle which took the strain off my wrists when working the action of the plunger. Quite handy considering the volume of water you are moving with each stroke. It allowed me to easily control the plunger and ensure I was maintaining a proper seal with the bowl.

The biggest, and in my opinion the only downside with this plunger, is it’s the overall length and bulky design. For me personally, this is not a deal-breaker, I prefer function over form.

But if you are looking at storing this plunger openly in your bathroom, it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing. I prefer to discreetly tuck this plumbers friend inside a tall vanity cabinet or in the garage with the rest of my plumbing tools.

The ribbed design also requires a little more attention to detail when cleaning and disinfecting after use.

The Korky has been a durable, lasting investment for me and I am not the only one singing it’s praises with close to 2,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, Home Depot, and Walmart you will be among many happy plunging purchasers.

Pros

• Powerful plunging power
• Conforms to most bowl shapes
• T-handle for added control and comfort

Cons

• Large in size making storage a challenge 
• The ribbed shape makes cleaning and sanitizing more work

2. simplehuman Plunger With Holder – BEST LOOKING

Best Looking

simplehuman Toilet Plunger

$29.99

The plunger's flange is specially designed with a narrow profile to work more efficiently with modern toilets.

The simplehuman plunger has a unique magnetic collar secures the cover to the plunger so you can carry them together — without a single drip hitting the floor.

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12/18/2023 06:58 pm GMT

My runner up is the simplehuman toilet plunger with caddy. While not as powerful as the Korky it is much more pleasing to the eye. With a stainless steel rod and pommel handle, you can get this stylish toilet tool in white or sleek black finishes to match your bathroom decor and proudly show off your pretty plunger.

The overall design and drip tray convenience set the simplehuman plunger above the rest. No longer is transporting a wet plunger a disgusting chore. Simply click the stainless steel handle into the magnetic collar on the drip tray and carry by that handle, drip-free! The drip tray also functions as a drying station with an open back to allow air circulation around the plunger and prevent it from turning into a Petri dish.

Not only is the design sleek but it’s pommel handle aids in ergonomics and comfort while in use. The quality rubber cup seals to most toilet bowl styles and maintains its shape while plunging instead of collapsing on itself like cheaper models tend to do. The controllable compression of the simplehuman plunger allows for smooth operation.

When the dirty work is done clean up is a breeze with all smooth surfaces and antimicrobial materials.

With modern good looks and backed by a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, the simplehuman plunger and caddy are the most attractive choice that you won’t mind leaving out to show off in your bathroom.

Pros

• Attractive styling
• Comfortable handle
• Easy to clean and carry

Cons

• Average plunging power
• Doesn’t fit all toilet bowl shapes
• Potential for rust if not maintained properly

3. Mr. Clean Turbo Plunger and Bowl Brush Caddy Set – BUDGET BUY

Best Budget

Mr Clean Plunger and Bowl Brush Caddy Set

$16.41

The Mr. Clean toilet bowl cleaning products are made to make your life easier and make one of life's unpleasant tasks a bit more enjoyable.

All handles are ergonomically designed with your comfort in mind.

The nylon bristles of the toilet bowl brushes are designed for repeated use and are hardy enough for the dirtiest of jobs. 

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12/18/2023 08:04 am GMT

The Mr. Clean plunger and brush set gets my vote for the best economical plunger on the market. While it will never break up any serious log jams it won’t break the bank either, especially when you consider the toilet brush as an added bonus.

The convenience of this all-in-one package is a huge plus for most people. And it is made of the quality materials you’d expect from a big brand like Mr. Clean.

The kit combines a large round brush for easy cleaning and a matching plunger with rubber grip handle. The storage station has an open area for the plunger to dry, a non-slip base, and compact design allows for easy storage almost anywhere.

This plunger from an iconic cleaning brand is sturdy and comfortable enough to make one of life’s unpleasant tasks a little more enjoyable. It combines quality materials with no unnecessary frills to create an affordable alternative to the old wooden handled models of the past.

This combination set will get the job done but is not a workhorse. Its short stature means you are going to get up close and personal with the clogged toilet before it is cleared. Wear gloves and expect some backsplash so keep your face away from the bowl.

The short handle also means you have to take extra care to maintain your seal against the bowl while stroking or you’ll squirt water all over the floor. That being said, Mr. Clean Turbo Plunger is more than adequate for your basic needs.

Pros

• Affordable
• Plunger and brush combo
• Convenient caddy for storage

Cons

• Short and uncomfortable handle
• Not a lot of plunging power

4. SurePlunge Automatic Toilet Plunger – BEST PRESSURIZED PLUNGER

Best Pressurized

SurePlunge Automatic Toilet Plunger

With the high-tech concept for unclogging toilets - powered by CO2 - now you have a safe, easy and cost-effective way to clear your bathroom toilet clogs.

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This is the wildcard of our picks. Ignoring conventional construction SurePlunge has changed the way we use plungers. Instead of manually dislodging blockages this pressure plunger uses replaceable CO2 cartridges to blast away clogs.

It works with both older and newer style bowls, quickly dislodging blockages with the push of a button. If you are tired of physically plunging toilets or have limited mobility or strength (like the elderly) this might be the plunger of your dreams!

I would recommend stocking up on CO2 cartridges and practicing on a clean toilet first. Learning how to use this tool on a plugged toilet for the first time has the potential for a messy misfire.

SurePlunge CO2 Cylinder - 10 Pack

$19.49

The perfect size and pressure for your pressurized toilet plunger!

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02/17/2024 02:13 pm GMT

Although this plunger is more expensive than all the others on my list it saves time and is still cheaper than calling a plumber in the middle of the night.

Pros

• Quick and convenient
• Works well on a variety of bowl shapes

Cons

• Have to purchase replacement CO2 cartridges
• On the expensive side

5. RIDGID K-6 DH Toilet Auger – BEST PLUNGER ALTERNATIVE

Our Top Pick

RIDGID Toilet Auger

$159.95

Provides fast and safe clearing of toilet obstructions.

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02/17/2024 11:52 am GMT

I’m not going to lie, its rare nowadays that you will find me on the job stooped over a toilet toiling away with a plunger. When a toilet is seriously clogged I reach for a toilet auger, a RIDGID toilet auger more specifically.

Closet augers are my go-to when plungers aren’t up to the task. Snaking down a steel cable with a mean-looking bulb auger head to chew up clogs. No water pressure required, simply push, pull, or bust up that blockage.

As much as I LOVE this toilet auger, it does come with some inherent downsides. It’s a tool that takes a little practice to get the technique down so not make a mess or scratch the porcelain bowl.

Given its size and shape, cleaning and storage are not as convenient as a trusty plunger. This tool is most likely going to get rinsed off in your tub/shower, garden hose, or car wash. Then live in your basement or garage. I have mine wrapped in a garbage bag and hanging on a nail in my garage waiting to go to work.

Lastly, the price is a bit spendy for most. But heed my words, “Buy nice or buy twice”. This is an investment in your home maintenance. While you may be saying “goodbye” to a few extra bucks, you won’t be saying “hello” to a plumber’s expensive bill anytime soon.

Avoid trying to save a few extra dollars on a toilet auger. Lesser models are going to be flimsy, awkward, and made of materials that are likely to ruin the finish of your toilet bowl and rust like you wouldn’t believe!

If you are a serious DIY’er or find yourself facing problematic plumbing (I’m talking to you parents of small children) the RIDGID auger is the choice for you!

Pros

• Works better than traditional plungers
• Lifetime manufacturer warranty
• Professional choice

Cons

• Steep learning curve for first-time users
• Cleaning and storage can be problematic
• More expensive than conventional plungers

BONUS: WORST PLUNGER – Supply Guru Heavy Duty Force Cup

Wooden Handle Plunger

$7.56

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12/18/2023 08:20 am GMT

This plunger is what my nightmares are all about. I shudder to think that people are actually buying this! This generic model is less than $10 and boasts a wooden handle (disgusting) and is great for residential or commercial use. What a joke!

This thing is a one-time-use disposable plunger. The one I bought had a rubber cup so flimsy it would flip inside out with every stroke. Not to mention the handle I got was cracked and ready to snap if I used serious force to plunge it. Please, even in your most desperate hour do not buy this sorry excuse of a plunger.

Pros

• Excellent trombone mute
• Stereotypical look makes for a great Super Mario costume prop

Cons

• Flimsy construction
• Unsanitary wooden handle harbors bacteria
• Did I mention it doesn’t work?

How To Use A Plunger

Now that you have chosen the best toilet plunger for you, here is some advice from a seasoned drain surgeon on how to wield your plumber’s friend more effectively.

Before you start vigorously pumping you plunger up and down, fill the rubber cup up with water by angeling the handle side to side to let the air out. Water is less compressible than air thereby transferring your plunging power more efficiently. Not to mention a trapped air bubble in the plunger cup could result in a disgusting blast of potty water. 

To ensure you have got the majority of the air out, seal the plunger cup it to the bottom of the bowl and do some gentle test pumps. This will ensure the last few burps of air are gone.

Maintain the angle of the plunger handle that ensures an airtight seal to the bowl and slowly pump the plunger with increasing force back and forth. Avoid forcing the plunger too hard which will result in the unpleasant splashing of the toilet bowl contents.

The force from the plunger should push the clog through the toilet trap-way and into a larger diameter plumbing pipe. The toilet will gurgle, bubble, and drop in water level once the blockage is sent further down the drain and sailing out of your life, hurray!

Cleaning And Maintaining Your Plunger

Often overlooked is taking care of your plunger and making sure it doesn’t turn into a Petri dish for nasty things to grow. After each use, the plunger should be cleaned before letting it dry out. This can be accomplished in one of a few ways.

You can do an initial “cleaning” flush after the bowl is clear of the blockage. This may take a few rinsing flushes with the plunger cup still submerged in the toilet.

Next, is disinfecting the plunger. You could add some bleach to the bowl and soak the plunger cup in the solution. This will ensure that all surfaces get coated. If you can’t rinse off the plunger no sweat! Simply use a spray disinfectant and let the plunger dry out in it’s it’s holder, drip tray, or caddy.

If you are using cleaning wipes, let the plunger dry completely before you give it a rub-down. Whatever you do, please don’t rinse your plunger off in the shower, tub, or sink, gross!

Maintaining a plunger is quite simple. Keep the plunger clean and dry and inspect the rubber force cup for cracks or tears before using it again. Plungers with blemished bells or force cups will result in lost plunging pressure and bowl sealing ability.

Avoid caustic cleaning agents or drain opening chemicals. These products can cause premature wear on your plunger and drastically shorten its lifespan. 

PRO TIP: Avoid using harsh drain cleaning chemicals in toilets whenever possible. If the clog isn’t dissolved by the plumbing product you used, plunging could make things worse. Plunging while there are chemicals in the bowl could result in unwanted spraying and splashing the solution onto your skin, eyes, or bathroom surfaces. Resulting in potential damages and harm to your body and bathroom.

Conclusion

Let’s face it if you are looking at buying a new plumber’s helper you’re not having a good day. But picking the best toilet plunger that’s right for you can mean fewer visits from your local plumber.

I’ve always said the best plumber is the plumber you don’t need, so invest in a quality tool now to save yourself embarrassment and money in the long run.

Happy Plumbing!

Trevor Woods is the founder of Plumb University® and he started in the plumbing and construction industry in 1997. Since then, his mission is to make plumbing repair and maintenance easy for everyone. And each year, he continues to help more people with their plumbing installation, care, and troubleshooting.