Lokus Flatus

The Verdict

A sturdy Eurobox toilet, at a moderate premium

With dimensions of 30 cm (11.8 in) wide, 40 cm (15.7 in) deep, and 33.5 cm (13.2 in) high, the Lokus Flatus doesn't take up much space and is thus ideal for van setups.

With dimensions of 30 cm (11.8 in) wide, 40 cm (15.7 in) deep, and 33.5 cm (13.2 in) high, the Lokus Flatus doesn't take up much space and is thus ideal for van setups. The seat height is 32.5 cm (12.8 in), somewhat higher than comparable Eurobox toilets. It weighs 3.6 kg (7.9 lb) and has a load capacity of up to 150 kg (330.7 lb).

Assembly

Assembly is limited to a few simple steps: attach the cord handle, insert four retaining elements, that's all that's needed. This can be done quickly and easily, even without any special prior knowledge. As a small extra, an accessory box is also included, in which bedding material or other items can be stored. This is practical, as everything stays in one place without taking up extra storage space in the camper or garden shed. The accessories themselves, however, must be purchased separately.

Material and workmanship

The Eurobox body made from recycled polypropylene is sturdy and chemical-resistant. The urine diverter is made from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). This material offers smooth surfaces and easy cleaning, but on the other hand it comes from fossil raw materials and is considered problematic for recycling, since it is often mixed with various plastics. We consider this a clear drawback in terms of sustainability.

The birch plywood lid gives a natural, high-quality look and can theoretically also be used as a stool. In practice, though, we think that's rather unrealistic. Few people will feel like using a toilet with urine in the canister as a piece of seating furniture, even while camping.

Comfort

Without a proper seat, comfort with the Lokus Flatus is naturally limited, which is generally the case with Eurobox toilets. The seat height of 32.5 cm (12.8 in) is pleasantly chosen and higher than that of some other Eurobox toilets. We did find sitting a bit unfamiliar compared to traditional toilets, but for shorter uses it's quite acceptable and more comfortable than on smaller Euroboxes. The urine canister with membrane seal and anti-splash protection also reliably prevents splashes and unpleasant mishaps. We also found the easy removal of the canisters positive, as it simplifies general use and cleaning.

Odor development

The membrane seal in the urine canister, as well as the extra deep-drawn front section of the urine diverter, reliably prevent urine from missing its target or odors from escaping. In practice, the separation works very cleanly, resulting in barely any unpleasant odors. Interesting is the option suggested by the manufacturer to make the urine canister's fill level visible via a small hole drilled in the housing. We find this DIY idea creative, but rather impractical in everyday use: anyone drilling a hole in the plastic body potentially opens up an additional escape route for odors. Even though it's well intentioned, we would rather recommend emptying the canister regularly instead of relying on this solution.

Value for money

At around 179 €, the Lokus Flatus is priced above the average for Eurobox composting toilets. This means you have to invest a bit more here than with comparable models. The sturdy workmanship and overall solid construction stand out positively. However, a small deduction is due when it comes to sustainability: while the body is robust and largely recyclable, the urine diverter is made from ABS plastic, which can be problematic to recycle. This costs the model some points in a direct sustainability comparison. Overall, the Lokus Flatus offers a sturdy and well-thought-out system that works flawlessly. Whether the somewhat higher price is justified depends strongly on your personal demands regarding materials and design.

Our conclusion

The Lokus Flatus convinces us as a high-quality Eurobox composting toilet that scores points with solid workmanship, sturdy construction, and a well-thought-out urine diverter. Particularly positive are the clean urine separation with membrane seal and the handy build, which can be used flexibly for camping, van life, or garden projects. There are minor compromises in the sustainability of the material: the ABS plastic used in the urine diverter is sturdy but problematic to recycle. The somewhat higher price compared to other Eurobox toilets also has a slightly negative effect on the overall rating.

Other models in Eurobox format that we've tested include the BilaBox from TROBOLO, the Boxio, and the BoxLoo from Kildwick.