$1.4 million for a toilet

Other than the obvious, what else can you do with a toilet that is worth more than J$1.4 million?

How about enabling Bluetooth wireless technology devices and listening to some music while getting your feet and butt warmed?

These are just a few of the features of the Numi Intelligent toilet that is available in the Kohler Jamaica showroom in Tile City on Constant Spring Road.

According to Tile City Managing Director Victor Handal, there is a steady demand for the product in Jamaica.

“Since the launch of the Kohler Jamaica showroom two years ago, we have sold and serviced eight Numi Intelligent Toilets locally and have seen significant interest from the general public on the product,” Handal said.

Designed and manufactured by the Kohler Company in Kohler, Wisconsin, USA, the toilet bowl is made of vitreous china, and the seat, cover and top housing are made of poly-propylene.

Vitreous China has a smooth, polished surface that won’t stain or fade and resists scratches and abrasions. It is also chemical and burn resistant.

With Christmas less than two weeks away, Handal told THE WEEKEND STAR that more persons are marching into the showroom to learn more about the features of the intelligent toilets and how they can enhance their everyday lives.

Personal comfort

“Typically, the age group for our customers purchasing Kohler intelligent toilets ranges from 35 to 50 years old. The Numi toilet combines unmatched design and technology to bring you the finest in personal comfort and cleansing. Other upgrades include power-save mode for energy efficiency, emergency flush for power outages, and an intuitive touch-screen remote,” he said.

The million-dollar toilet also offers motion-activated, hands-free opening and closing of the seat and cover.

The average price for a toilet bowl in Jamaica ranges between $8,000 and $12,000.

But for sociologist Dr Orville Taylor, spending six figures on a toilet is simply flushing your money down the drain.

“It is inhumane … can you imagine how many poor children that could benefit from even a portion of that money? Hopefully, when these people sit on these bowls it will help them to think a bit clearer,” he said.

He re-emphasised that the purchase of a Numi Intelligent toilet is nothing short of boosting a person’s ego and a total waste of cash.

“It’s amazing that someone would want to invest in something like that. It is an over emphasis on things that is not necessary. I wouldn’t buy it even if I could afford it. Of course, I would buy a toilet that matches my decor but I would barely want to spend $14,000 on purchasing one. It is just as obscene as burying your loved one a motor vehicle,” he said.

“I can’t imagine it will make your stool come out in $1,000 and $5,000 notes. It’s like glorifying the most disgusting thing,” he said.