Top Pick: The Korky 99-4A Max Performance Plunger ($15) is the best toilet plunger for most homes. The beehive design seals modern toilet bowls better than traditional flange plungers, and the T-handle gives you serious leverage. For sinks and tubs, grab a basic cup plunger ($8).
Plunger Types Explained
Flange Plunger (Toilet Plunger)
Has an extended rubber flap (flange) that folds out from the cup. This flap fits into the toilet drain opening for a better seal. Use for toilets only.
Cup Plunger (Sink Plunger)
Simple rubber cup on a stick. Designed for flat drain surfaces like sinks, tubs, and showers. Won’t seal well in toilets because the drain hole is at an angle.
Beehive Plunger
Modern design with a tapered, beehive-shaped head that fits multiple toilet bowl shapes. Works better than traditional flange plungers on newer low-flow toilets with different drain geometries.
Accordion (Bellows) Plunger
All-plastic design with accordion-style bellows. Creates massive pressure but can be harder to get a good seal. Powerful but aggressive—save it for stubborn clogs.
Our Top 5 Picks
Korky 99-4A Max Performance Beehive $15
The Korky 99-4A uses a beehive-shaped head that seals nearly every toilet bowl shape—including modern elongated low-flow toilets that defeat traditional plungers. The T-handle lets you push straight down with both hands for maximum force. This is what professional plumbers recommend.
✓ Pros
- Seals all bowl shapes
- T-handle for maximum power
- High-quality rubber
✗ Cons
- Bulky storage
- No caddy included
Best for: Primary toilet plunger, any toilet style
Simplehuman Toilet Plunger $35
Look, plungers are gross. The Simplehuman is as close to elegant as a plunger gets—stainless steel handle, magnetic collar that locks into the caddy, and a narrow profile that hides it discreetly. Performance is solid, but you’re paying for aesthetics.
✓ Pros
- Sleek design
- Magnetic caddy included
- High-quality construction
✗ Cons
- Very expensive
- Standard flange performance
Best for: Visible bathroom storage, design-conscious homes
Supply Guru Cup Plunger $8
For flat drains—sinks, tubs, showers, floor drains—you need a simple cup plunger. The Supply Guru Heavy Duty has a thick rubber cup and wooden handle that won’t snap. Nothing fancy, just effective. Don’t use it on toilets.
✓ Pros
- Affordable
- Sturdy construction
- Works on all flat drains
✗ Cons
- Does not seal toilet bowls
Best for: Bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, tub drains
NEIKO 60166A Accordion Plunger $12
When a standard plunger won’t cut it, the NEIKO 60166A brings serious pressure. The bellows design creates powerful suction and push force. Takes more effort to get a good seal, but once you do, it moves water effectively.
✓ Pros
- Maximum pressure
- Durable plastic
- Affordable
✗ Cons
- Harder to get a seal
- Can splash if not careful
Best for: Stubborn clogs, backup plunger
MR.SIGA Toilet Plunger + Brush Set $20
Need both a plunger and toilet brush? The MR.SIGA combo bundles a decent flange plunger with a brush in a matching caddy. Not as powerful as the Korky, but adequate for most clogs, and the set looks clean.
✓ Pros
- Matching set
- Includes storage caddy
- Good value
✗ Cons
- Basic plunger design
- Less powerful than dedicated options
Best for: New bathroom setup, apartment dwellers
Proper Plunging Technique
- Use the right plunger — Flange or beehive for toilets, cup for sinks
- Get a seal first — Submerge the plunger to fill it with water, not air
- Angle for toilets — Insert at an angle to push air out, then seal over the drain
- Push AND pull — Both directions create pressure. Don’t just push.
- Start slow — Aggressive first plunge = water everywhere
- Build pressure — 15-20 moderate plunges beats 3 violent ones
FAQ
Why won’t my plunger work on my toilet? Probably wrong plunger type (cup instead of flange) or bad seal. Modern elongated toilets often need a beehive plunger—traditional flange designs don’t seal well. Also make sure there’s enough water in the bowl to submerge the plunger.
Can I use a toilet plunger on a sink? Technically yes, but it’s gross and the flange gets in the way. Keep a separate cup plunger for sinks.
How do I store a plunger hygienically? Shake off excess water, let it dry in a caddy or bucket. Some people spray it with disinfectant. Never store a wet plunger in a closed container—mold city.
When should I give up and call a plumber? If 20+ plunges don’t move the clog at all, you likely have a deeper blockage that needs a toilet auger or professional snake. Also call if water backs up into other drains—that’s a main line issue.