Comparison Thetford Porta Potti Qube 345 vs Thetford Porta Potti Qube 165

The volume of the lower tank provided in the toilet.

The lower tank is intended for direct collection of waste. The larger it is, the less often you will have to clean the toilet from the accumulated contents. On the other hand, a large volume has a corresponding effect on the dimensions and weight of the entire structure. Therefore, manufacturers select the capacity of the lower tank in accordance with the type (see the relevant paragraph) and the intended features of the use of the dry closet. So, in mobile models, this figure rarely exceeds 20 liters, and in stationary models, tanks of 70, 120 and even 200 liters can be installed.

Flushing systems are equipped with chemical and electrical models (see "Operating principle"). The mechanisms responsible for this function differ in structure and principle of operation:

— Piston. Water supply by pressing the piston. The simplest and most inexpensive type of mechanism, which, nevertheless, allows you to dose the supplied water. In addition, the advantages of this option include the possibility of self-replacement and repair. The disadvantage of piston mechanisms is the need to apply quite significant effort when pressed.

— Pump. Water supply with a mechanical pump. The outer part of such a mechanism looks like a characteristic corrugated “column”, when pressed, water is supplied. Pump mechanisms provide a metered supply of water; they are more complicated and more expensive than piston ones (see the relevant paragraph), but they do not require much effort from the user.

— Electric. Water supply with an electric pump. The most expensive, but also the most user-friendly option: no need to pump water manually, just press the power button. Among the disadvantages of such mechanisms, in addition to the cost, one can mention the need to either connect to the network or periodically replace the batteries, depending on the type of power supply.

— Fill indicator. A pointer showing the degree of filling of the toilet with waste. The specific design and operation of such a pointer may vary: in some models it shows the actual fill level, in others it only fires when the amount of content approaches the maximum allowable. However, anyway, this function makes it easier to monitor the state of the toilet and reduces the risk of critical overflow.

— Flush water indicator. A pointer showing the amount of remaining water to flush. Allows you to easily monitor the rest of the water and reduces the likelihood of a situation where the flush system is empty “at the most crucial moment”.

— Pressure relief valve. A valve that allows you to safely relieve pressure from the lower tank. This feature is found mainly in chemical toilets. Its necessity is due to the fact that the lower tank is usually tightly closed during unused time, and the reaction between waste products and chemicals occurs with the release of gases. This is not critical during use; however, if the lower cleaning tank is removed and opened without relieving pressure, accumulated gases may violently escape from the drain opening along with the contents splashing. To avoid this, a special valve is provided that releases only excess gases and does not allow the contents to get out.

— Separate waste collection.... Separation of waste entering the toilet into liquid and solid. To do this, the bowl is specially divided into two parts, so that the urine is immediately diverted to the drain, and only solid waste enters the tank. Thanks to this design, the filling of the tank slows down, and it has to be emptied less often. In addition, due to the fact that urine and feces do not mix, there are significantly fewer unpleasant odours when using the toilet.

— Toilet paper holder. Toilet paper roll holder. Often made in the form of a compartment in the body of the device, which opens at the time when paper is needed. This feature is found mainly among mobile toilets (see "Type") — it is assumed that stationary ones are installed in such places where there is already a place for paper.

— Fan. The presence in the design of its own fan with a pipe for connection to the exhaust pipe. Such a fan "blows" the smells that occur when using the toilet outside the bathroom, providing a comfortable atmosphere inside.

— Wheels for transportation. The presence of wheels for transportation in the design of the toilet. Typically, this is just one pair of wheels, and to use it, the structure must be slightly tilted and rolled in this position, like a handcart. Such equipment greatly simplifies the transportation of the structure, especially when the tank is full. Note that this feature is provided only in stationary toilets (see "Type") — mobile models are light enough to do without wheels.

The height of the toilet seat relative to ground level. With a low seat height ( less than 40 cm), an additional stand may be required for comfortable use; on the other hand, such models are as compact as possible.