The Pros and Cons Of Adding A Pot Filler When Remodeling

When it comes time to remodel your kitchen one of the most enjoyable tasks you'll undertake is customizing your space to meet your aesthetic and functional needs. From choosing the perfect appliances and fixtures to adding special drawers and inserts, customizing your kitchen is a personal process that can help you to end up with your dream kitchen.

One common request we often hear from our customers is including a pot filler faucet. A pot filler is located on the backsplash over your range or cooktop,. They have an articulated arm that allows the tap to swing out and over the burners so you can fill large stock pots right where they will be heated.

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For many homeowners who have one, their pot filler is indispensable and the greatest accessory they added to their project. Proponents say that having one can reduce strain on the arms back and hands from lugging heavy, water-filled pots from the sink to the stove. This is especially true for older homeowners looking to age-in-place. Others who splurged on one, feel that they're more of a hassle than they're worth.

Let's look at the pros and cons of adding a pot filler faucet to your kitchen remodeling project so you can decide if it's right for you.

The Pros of An Over The Stove Pot Filler

For many homeowners, their pot filler faucet is the greatest accessory in the kitchen. It saves time, makes cooking anything that requires water fast, easy and convenient. Here are a few of the many benefits you'll enjoy with a pot filler faucet.

• Simplicity - One of the biggest benefits of including a pot filler in your remodel is that it can simplify your life. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and any accessories that can make you more efficient are the key to a functional kitchen. You might have a beautiful deep farmhouse sink to fill your pots, but you need to physically lift them and carry them to the cooktop. Wouldn't it be easier, and save time and effort if you could fill them while they sit on the stove? Think about how many dishes you prepare – pasta, soups, vegetables, grains, stews and more – that require water to cook. Consider the holidays' events and parties that revolve around food. Imagine how much easier prep would be if you didn't have to fill and carry multiple heavy pots across the kitchen!

• It's an Elegant Touch - It's not only elegant, it's functional. Some homeowners don't see the need for a second water source in the kitchen. But if you think about it, many kitchens will include a bar or pantry near the kitchen, and many of those have a sink. If you're worried about construction, plumbers, remodelers, and designers are accustomed to the needs of installing a pot filler, and any pro will have done many of these types of installations.

• It's A Luxury You'll Use Almost Every Day – If cooking is part of your daily routine, whether it's just for you, or for your family, a pot filler is a luxury that you'll use every day. It can bring a ton of value to your everyday kitchen use. If you're planning a kitchen remodeling, and you're not entirely sold, consider having the infrastructure put in place to add one later. It'll make it easier, and it's worth the slightly added expense~

• It's A Personalized Touch That Makes Your Kitchen Extra Special – A pot filler does so much more than add to the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen. It makes your kitchen a personal space, sets it apart from the crowd, and wows guests. Today, you have a wide variety of choices when it comes to the actual fixture and finish so your pot filler can be a focal point in your overall kitchen design. Pick a color and finish that matches your other fixtures, or get in on the trend and mix your metals.

These are some of the key benefits adding a pot filler faucet can bring to your kitchen. Now, let's look at the other side of the equation.

The Cons of Adding A Pot Filler Faucet During a Renovation

While there are many benefits to adding a pot filler to your kitchen remodel. To be fair, there are some drawbacks, and some homeowners have concerns. Here are some to consider.

• The Added Cost – This is probably the biggest concern for most homeowners. Adding a double jointed pot filler with dual shut off valves isn't cheap. It means added materials and installation costs for your project. If you're a casual cook and might only use it a few times a year, it might not make sense. Your budget might be better spent on a countertop upgrade or additional storage.

• Potential Leaking – Any water source, whether it's your dishwasher, your shower, or a pot filler has the potential to leak. While water damage is never good, a leaking pot filler over your cooktop or stove can pose a serious problem, especially if you're not at home at the time. In their defense, most manufacturers realize this and most pot fillers will have a dual shut off valve system to build redundancy into the system. That doesn't mean it can't happen, but the risk is reasonably low.

• Another Fixture To Keep Clean – Many homeowners choose to remodel their kitchen to improve its functionality and choose finishes and fixtures that can reduce maintenance and cleaning needs. An added fixture near the stove is sure to collect grease, grime and dirt. Making sure that the arm, the tap, and the pipe joints are clean can sometimes be challenging, and may require a little extra scrubbing a little more often.

• Trend vs Function – If you don’t actually do a lot of cooking that requires boiling large quantities of water, as yourself whether this is only a trend you are wishing for, instead of a functional benefit you actually need.

The bottom line, like any kitchen amenity it really comes down to your wants, needs, and budget. Many homeowners feel that adding a pot filler at the stove was the smartest choice they made for their new kitchen. Some feel it's a luxury that sounded good at the time, but they really don't use it enough to make it worth the expense. You need to really think about how you use your kitchen and speak with your designer and contractor about the costs, functionality, and aesthetics of adding a pot filler to your kitchen design.

If you're planning a kitchen remodeling and you live in the Madison Wisconsin area, give the experts at Degnan Design Build Remodel a call. Let our team help you to design the perfect kitchen to meet your needs. We can give you all of your options on pot fillers, and every other element of your new kitchen!

Curious about other functional upgrades for your kitchen? Learn about Water Treatment Options For A Kitchen.

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 2/4/2019.