Bio Bidet has 2 non-electric bidet seats to complement their electric bidet seat line – the BB-i3000 and the Stream A5. Let’s take a close look and see how they compare.

The A5 bidet seat is streamlined, taking up no more room than any ordinary toilet seat. Some buyers will prefer that to the much wider BB-i3000, which is somewhat bulky.

Beyond considerations of appearance, those with limited room behind or beside the toilet will need to measure carefully to ensure they can install this model. The A5 measures 19.7″ long x 14.3″ wide x 2.25″ high. The BB-i3000 juts out on either side by an additional couple of inches and measures 19.96″ long x 20.63″ wide x 3.98″ high.

The wand / spray mechanisms are similar. The A5 offers a dual nozzle arrangement that provides for either posterior cleansing or a feminine wash. Each function’s spray is housed in a separate, retractable wand.

Likewise, the BB-i3000 is also a dual nozzle design and has separate wands for each type of spray, though they’re arranged at an angle rather than side-by-side. Functionally, it seems to make no difference.

The selection method for washing is interestingly different on the A5. There’s a small lever on the side that you press forward for feminine wash and to the rear for anal washing. That’s a logical layout. The pressure is adjustable within a limited range but I found it more than adequate even at the low setting.

The BB-i3000 is controlled in a similar fashion. The handle is a bit larger, and therefore easier for those with weak fingers to operate. It’s also a little easier to find in the dark. Those aspects could benefit the elderly or users who have recently had a hand operation.

The control also moves farther than the one on the A5 in order to allow for selecting an additional Enema Wash setting. That option increases the pressure substantially. It’s nowhere near painful, so there’s no worry on that score.

The nozzles on the BB-i3000 are self-cleaning, unlike the nozzles of the A5. The nozzles’ self-cleaning process is started by pushing a button inset in the function selection lever (Posterior or Feminine or Enema).

Because it has a hookup to your home’s hot water supply, out of the nozzles on the BB-i3000 you can get warm water. Since the A5 is cold-water only, the temperature is whatever comes out of your home’s cold-water supply. In winter, in many areas, that can be pretty cold.

The water temperature in the BB-i3000 is adjustable and can be controlled by a second lever on the front, so it’s equally handy. The opposite end of the seat houses a button that lets you dispense soap or douche cleanser – a feature rarely seen on bidet seats.

Since neither model is electrically powered, neither bidet seat houses some of the features that some buyers might regard as standard these days. Neither has a seat warmer or warm air dryer. Neither has a night light. Neither has a deodorizer.

The optional hookup to your home’s hot water supply makes the installation for the BB-i3000 potentially a little more complex. But even at that there’s really no great difficulty. It requires one extra connector, but of the same kind. It’s potentially another leak point if not done properly. But done correctly it only takes an extra 15 minutes or less to install.

The parts themselves are all supplied, and are typically well-manufactured. If any are bad or go bad, Bio Bidet is very responsive to replacing defective ones under warranty (1 year).

The A5 installs even more easily, and the metal inlet on the side offers a very secure connection that minimizes the odds of any leaks.

Bear in mind that both the A5 and the BB-i3000 come only in an elongated model; anyone with a round toilet should investigate other models.

Both bidet seats have a lot of nooks and crannies, and may prove to be a challenge to clean. That’s true of any toilet seat, for sure, but it’s especially true here. Fortunately, the self-cleaning wand of the BB-i3000 helps out where it counts. Still, the A5 requires only a light going over with an old tooth brush from time to time.

So, when it comes time to choose, which model is best? My vote goes to the BB-i3000.

Personally, the absence of a warm air dryer, remote control or side panel, heated seat, and other electrically-powered features means neither one would be my first choice for a bidet.

That said, both models have strong pros and only mild drawbacks for a non-electric model. The self-cleaning wand of the BB-i3000 is a big plus. The larger lever and extra, turbo setting made me lean that way, too.

In the final analysis, those alone weren’t enough to make me whip out my wallet, especially since the BB-i3000 is about 50% more expensive than the A5. The warm water hookup was the decisive factor.

In my part of the country winters can be pretty cold, and the cold water tap gets pretty uncomfortable. A warm water spray is a must feature in my house. I love the streamlined style of the A5 but good function has to be the bottom line.