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Best Plungers

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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
simplehuman Toilet Plunger with Holder
simplehuman
Toilet Plunger with Holder
Most Stylish

A drip-free design and cover earn this our top spot and our cleaning expert's praise.

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Most Stylish
Bottom Line

A drip-free design and cover earn this our top spot and our cleaning expert's praise.

Pros

Features a magnetic collar on the canister that holds the plunger in tight. Flat-top handle lets you get plenty of force. Works well on clogs.

Cons

Does not work well on elongated toilet openings.

Best Bang for the Buck
Supply Guru Heavy Duty Toilet Plunger
Supply Guru
Heavy Duty Toilet Plunger
Simple Yet Solid

This is a no-frills wooden plunger that earns our expert's approval.

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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This is a no-frills wooden plunger that earns our expert's approval.

Pros

This plunger has an 18-inch wooden handle that is attached to a 5.5 inch rubber cup. When used properly, it can generate the high capacity force needed to clear stubborn clogs. It is best for residential use.

Cons

This is a basic, old-fashioned plunger, so the ergonomics aren't the best.

Korky BeehiveMAX Universal Plunger
Korky
BeehiveMAX Universal Plunger
T-Handle Design

A plunger that works well on various toilet bowl shapes, according to our expert.

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T-Handle Design
Bottom Line

A plunger that works well on various toilet bowl shapes, according to our expert.

Pros

Bulb design fits well into most toilets – even ones with odd shaped openings. Handle end gives good grip without hurting your hand. The telescoping shaft allows for easy storage.

Cons

Some users report the bulb getting stuck in the down position and splashing when it releases.

OXO Good Grips Toilet Plunger with Holder
OXO
Good Grips Toilet Plunger with Holder
Compact Design

Our expert notes that the hideaway method lets you keep your bathroom looking sleek.

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Compact Design
Bottom Line

Our expert notes that the hideaway method lets you keep your bathroom looking sleek.

Pros

Can be stored in the bathroom without being an eyesore. Holes in canister bottom let it dry without getting water on the floor. Extra-long handle keeps you well away from toilet water.

Cons

Strong rubber scent that comes from the use of natural rather than synthetic rubber.

MR.SIGA Toilet Plunger & Bowl Brush Combo
MR.SIGA
Toilet Plunger & Bowl Brush Combo
Feature-Packed

This plunger has a flip-out sleeve that allows it to be effective in a wider variety of situations.

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Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

This plunger has a flip-out sleeve that allows it to be effective in a wider variety of situations.

Pros

The included scrub brush features dense nylon bristles that can get into hard-to-reach areas without leaving scratches behind.

Cons

Some individuals felt that the rubber was a little too stiff and required more force to work than other plungers.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
November 19, 2021
30
Models
considered
10
Hours
researched
Category cover

Buying guide for Best plungers

Written by Ade Hennis, and fact-checked by Ketia Daniel
Updated May 2022

A plunger is one of those items you don’t really think about until you need it, and eventually, everyone needs one.

Plungers may be a basic home product, but different types are intended for different applications. Some models come in designs meant to blend in with trendy bathroom décor, while others are unfussy and simply get the job done. If you’re not sure what kind of plunger you need, you’ve come to the right place.

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You might be tempted to buy the cheapest sink plunger, but quality does make a difference. Low-quality rubber cups easily fold inside out, and you won’t be able to apply enough pressure to unclog the drain.

Types of plungers

Finding the right plunger means considering a number of factors, including the kind of clog, the shape of the drain, and the quality of the materials used to make the plunger. There are also different kinds of plungers suited to different jobs.

Sink/standard plunger

Pros:

  • Common plunger with a rubber cup and wooden handle

  • Various models (handle length, cup size)

Cons:

  • Better for flat surfaces like sinks and shower drains, not toilets

Toilet/flange plunger

Pros:

  • Added flange for better suction

  • Works on most drain types

  • Accordion flange to increase suction (some models)

Cons:

  • Flange requires careful cleaning

Accordion plunger

Pros:

  • Unique design for more suction

  • Requires less effort to use

  • Added flange (some models)

Cons:

  • Can be hard to create a tight seal

  • Stiff plastic cup hard to keep over the drain

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Expert Tip
Be sure that you get a plunger that fits your toilet bowl. Choosing one that works on all types of toilets is your best bet.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

Plunger features to consider

Drain shape

Most plungers work on round drains set in a flat surface. Traditionally, all toilet drains were round. Today, many modern toilets have oval or elongated drains, making it difficult to get a good seal with a sink plunger. Accordion plungers with a flange are a little better at getting a good seal on an elongated opening. Toilet plungers work best because the flange fits inside the drain opening, no matter the shape, and the rubber creates a strong seal.

"The cup of the plunger should be completely submerged to move enough water through the clog to break it up. If there isn’t enough water, add more using a cup or bucket."
STAFF
BestReviews

Handle

  • Straight: Straight handles may be traditional, but they aren’t the easiest to use. To create the pressure you need to remove clogs, you’ll have to press the palm of your hand on the end of the handle. Your hand can quickly get sore if you’ve got a stubborn clog.

  • T-Post: T-post handles, like the name suggests, have an extra piece across the end of the handle to create a T. This design saves your hand and lets you plunge longer.

  • Palm Pad: Palm pads have a broadened end that distributes the pressure as you plunge. Your hand may still get sore, but it won’t happen as quickly as with a straight handle.
"Keep the plunger handle straight in line with the cup. You can’t apply proper force at an angle. You’re also more likely to lose the seal. "
STAFF
BestReviews

Storage canister

Some plungers come with a coordinating storage canister. Spring-loaded canisters automatically pop open when you pull on the plunger handle, while others look like a bowl or small bucket in which the plunger can be placed to drain. Canisters need to be cleaned  regularly to remove dirty water. Canisters come in many designs, so you can find one to fit your bathroom décor. While you can’t completely hide a plunger, at least a canister helps it blend in.

Expert TIp
A toilet plunger with the hideaway option is great for households with pets or kids.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

Materials

  • Plastic: You’ll find plungers with plastic handles, cups, or both. If you buy a plastic plunger, make sure it’s of good quality. Low-quality plastic may crack or discolor, and it may be too stiff to effectively plunge.

  • Wood: Wooden handles are common on sink and toilet plungers. Most don’t have a T-post or palm pad, but they’re durable.

  • Rubber: Rubber cups get the best seal and suction. Some models have ribbed cups to help you get a better grip on the drain. However, these models can trap water inside the cup, especially flange plungers, leading to bacteria and mold growth.
Expert Tip
When the clog is gone, clean your plunger. Grab yourself a bucket, fill it with hot water and ¼ of a cup of bleach, and allow your plunger to sit in it. Stir it around a few times.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

Cleaning ease

Some plungers, especially toilet and accordion plungers, get water trapped within the cup or folds of the accordion. Even with rinsing, some of these models can be hard to keep clean, leading to mold and bacteria growth and unpleasant smells.

Plunger prices

Inexpensive

For less than $5, you can find an inexpensive sink, toilet, or accordion plunger made of plastic or rubber and wood. These plungers are usually small and not meant for difficult clogs.

Mid-Range

In the $5 to $20 range, you’ll find good-quality sink, toilet, and accordion plungers. The materials are better at this price, and some come with a storage canister. Many of these models also have palm pad or T-post handles.

Expensive

You’ll spend $20 and up for plungers in different finishes like oil-rubbed bronze or stainless steel. These often come as part of a plunger/toilet brush set and include a storage canister.

Tips

  • Clean the plunger after use. Storage canisters allow you to keep the plunger in the bathroom, but you’ll need to keep the plunger clean or it can start to smell.

  • Plungers can make some clogs worse. Plungers are designed to break clogs into smaller pieces so the pieces can move down the pipes. Clogs that include toys or large pieces of soap can be made worse by using a plunger because it pushes the clog deeper into the pipe.

  • Establish and maintain a good seal. Plungers both push and pull water through a clog. To be the most effective, you’ll need to be sure the seal is tight.
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Do not use the same plunger in the kitchen sink and the toilet. There’s a high risk of cross-contamination.

FAQ

Q. My toilet has an oval-shaped drain. What kind of plunger should I use?

A. Drains with an irregular shape or with unevenly shaped surroundings make it difficult to get a good seal. Toilet plungers with flanges work best, but you still may run into some difficulties. A toilet plunger with an accordion flange gives you even more suction because each level of the accordion acts as a sealing point. You’ll need to be careful when plunging because water may squirt toward you if the seal isn’t tight.

Q. What kind of plunger should I use on a low-flow toilet?

A. The shape of the drain opening and the surrounding area affect what type of plunger you need, not the low-flow toilet itself. Toilet plungers work best on toilets in general. If the drain opening is small enough for an accordion plunger to cover it, this type of plunger can allow you to apply a lot of pressure to the clog with less effort.

Q. Does the handle length affect a plunger’s effectiveness?

A. Handle length affects your ability to plunge more than it does the effectiveness of the plunger. You might have to hunch over to use a short-handled plunger, possibly straining your back and shoulders. If you’re short, a long handle won’t allow you to apply as much force as the clog requires. Accordion plungers usually have shorter handles than either toilet or sink plungers because they don’t require as much force to create adequate suction. Toilet plungers usually have the longest handles. Look for a plunger that fits your drain so you can get the best seal, a much more important factor than handle length.

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