If you’re curious about pot fillers or considering installing one, there are a few main characteristics you should know. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about this practical kitchen fixture. We’ll walk you through the advantages of installing a pot filler and cover the disadvantages, so you’re prepared for your next kitchen refresh.
What Is a Pot Filler?
What differentiates a pot filler from a classic kitchen faucet is not just its location, but also its design. A pot filler is typically mounted on the wall above a stove or range and features an extendable arm that can be pulled out to easily fill pots with water, then folded back towards the wall when no longer in use. This compact fixture doesn’t take up much space but makes a big impact practically and visually. Pot fillers are available at various price points and in different styles, lengths, and finishes.
Advantages of Pot Fillers
One of the main advantages of installing a pot filler is convenience. Instead of having to fill a pot with water in the sink, then having to carry the heavy pot all the way to the stove, you can fill the pot directly on the stove. This eliminates potential spills and messes, as well as the strain of carrying heavy pots every time you boil spaghetti. In the process, you also save time since you don’t need to make trips back and forth to the kitchen faucet. A pot filler also saves you from straining while carrying heavy water-filled pots.
Pot Filler Styles
There is also an aesthetic advantage to installing this fixture—it’s a stunning design statement. Whether your kitchen is traditional or ultra-modern, there’s a pot filler to fit your style. Polished chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, aged brass, and brushed nickel are just some of the available pot filler finishes. “Many of our clients love incorporating pot fillers in their kitchens and we’re big fans of them as well, particularly for those who love to cook,” says Mindy Gayer, principal designer at Mindy Gayer Design Co. “The ease, functionality, and practicality of a pot filler make them an easy addition to any kitchen design.” Like a classic range or a beautiful Dutch oven, a pot filler is one of those elegant kitchen accents that adds a touch of timeless sophistication and luxury. Because it’s an upgrade that’s not standard in most kitchens, it’s also a great way to increase your home’s resale value.
Disadvantages of a Pot Filler
One of the main reasons this fixture is not standard in all homes is the cost. Because they range from several hundred dollars to several thousand, pot fillers can be a significant investment. You might find that it’s an investment that makes sense to you, but if your kitchen is relatively small in size and you’re remodeling on a tight budget, this might be a splurge to skip. Another factor to keep in mind is the frequency with which it will need to be cleaned. Because a pot filler is mounted directly above the stove, you can plan on it being frequently hit with splattering oil and simmering tomato sauce. A pot filler will need regular cleaning to keep it in pristine shape.
Installing a Pot Filler
Before installing a pot filler, make sure you measure the space between your range and hood or upper cabinets to determine the correct placement. The last thing you want is to have drilled through a beautiful backsplash only to realize the pot filler isn’t in the right spot. Take out your cooking pots and place them on the stove, then position the pot filler on the wall to see at what height it needs to be mounted to ensure it can be used for both taller and shorter pots. In addition to determining the correct height, decide whether you want the pot filler to be centered on the stove or off-center, either on the left or right side. If you have experience with plumbing, you might be able to install it yourself with instructions from the manufacturer, but this is typically a job best left to a professional.
