Pot Fillers: A Luxury or Necessity for Home Chefs?
This article at a glance:
- A pot filler is a faucet mounted on the wall above your stove that provides a handy water source right where it's most needed.
- Pot fillers reduce cooking time and eliminate the need to leave the stove unattended while filling pots of water at the sink.
- A pot filler typically features two valves for a blend of practicality and safety.
- The addition of a pot filler is a great investment for your home since they are perceived as a way to level up your kitchen, making your home more attractive to potential buyers looking for high-end details.
Do you need a pot filler for your kitchen? If you're a culinary enthusiast eyeing a kitchen upgrade, a pot filler could be exactly what you need to take your cooking workflow to the next level. It's a kitchen fixture that you didn't know you needed - until now.
Pot fillers are all about workflow efficiency and safety. They reduce cooking time, eliminating the need to leave the stove unattended while filling pots of water in the sink. They let you fill pots directly on the stove with just the right amount of water.
Once the preserve of top-tier chefs and kitchen-savvy celebrities, pot fillers are now appearing in the kitchens of more culinary aficionados across Canada. Far from being merely a trend, pot fillers are a practical luxury. They're even being applied to many non-traditional purposes, such as filling pet bowls and watering plants.
But before we delve deeper into why pot fillers are becoming popular for passionate home cooks and seasoned professionals, let's first clarify what exactly a pot filler is.
What Exactly is a Pot Filler?
Essentially, a pot filler is a faucet mounted on the wall above your stove that provides a handy water source right where it's most needed. Imagine a faucet that can swing both to the left or right, extends to over 23” so that you can fill pots on or near your stove, and fills faster thanks to its increased flow rate. The jointed arm allows for 360-degree rotation, ensuring that you can reach every corner of your cooktop or sink effortlessly. It then folds neatly against the wall when not in use.
Pot fillers first saw their use as a time-saver in commercial kitchens. Their adoption was driven by the need to streamline food preparation processes, reduce physical strain on chefs, and increase safety by minimizing the risk of spills.
Over time, the pot filler evolved to become a more stylish and versatile fixture in the kitchen. Manufacturers began to experiment with different materials and finishes, creating pot fillers that could match any kitchen decor. They also introduced a variety of new features, such as adjustable arms, and swivel spouts.
A pot filler typically features two flow control handles for a blend of practicality and safety. To use the pot filler more efficiently and safely, the dual shut-off valve design helps out in various ways:
Prevent Spills: The second flow control handle, typically at the spout's end, allows for easy access and precise control over the water flow right where you need it—at the pot. The second flow control handle also eliminates the need to reach over a hot stove element in order to fine-tune the water flow.
Eliminate Leaks: The primary shut-off valve, usually located at the wall where the pot filler is mounted, acts as the main water control. This valve ensures that, even if the spout's flow control handle is accidentally left open, no water will flow unless the wall shut-off valve is also open. This double-layer of protection significantly reduces the risk of leaks or accidental water flow, which could lead to water damage in the kitchen.
Convenience and Flexibility: With two flow control handles, you have the flexibility to leave the main valve open if you frequently use the pot filler, requiring only the operation of the spout handle to start or stop water flow. This setup is ideal for preventing wrist strain, particularly during intensive cooking sessions where multitasking is key.
Together, these valves enhance the pot filler's functionality, making it a safer, more convenient tool in the kitchen.
Using a Pot Filler
Let us take you through a few practical reasons why your kitchen workflow isn’t complete without a pot filler faucet.
When you fill a pot, you probably don't want to stand around waiting for a water-saving device like a sink faucet to fill it. Even with a high faucet, you are still juggling to get that huge pot into and out from under that faucet. Keep in mind that the weight of a heavy pot is not to be underestimated. A gallon of water weighs 8.5 pounds, and moving those heavy pots can cause a great deal of strain.
Pot fillers are especially useful if you frequently cook pasta, soup, or other dishes that require a large amount of water. If you cook in giant pots for tons of people, a pot filler is amazing.
Pots aren't the only thing they fill. Many everyday operations can be made easier and faster with a pot filler.
A pot filler can be a game-changer for pet owners, especially when it's installed near to where your furry friends eat and drink. Imagine not having to lug heavy water bowls back and forth from the sink. Just swing that pot filler over, and you can easily top up their water bowls without any hassle. Plus, it's a neat trick for filling up those large water containers if you're using one of those automatic water dispensers for pets.
A pot filler can become a dog bowl filler, like this Riobel Modern pot filler
A pot filler isn't just for the kitchen. When you install one above your laundry or mud room, you get all the benefits of pot fillers for household maintenance and cleaning tasks. With a pot filler faucet, tasks like rinsing items in a laundry sink become easier, watering houseplants is less awkward, and topping up large vases with water is a snap.
Which Pot Filler is For You?
There are different types of pot fillers available in the market, including deck-mounted and wall-mounted options.
Deck-mounted pot fillers are installed on the countertop, near the stove, while wall-mounted pot fillers are affixed to the wall above the cooking area. Both options offer convenience, but the choice depends on the layout and design of your kitchen.
Delta Traditional Pot Filler
An affordably priced pot filler, this traditional wall mount design from Delta features dual swing joints for easy folding, a 2 foot maximum reach, dual shut-off valves for precise water control, and a rapid 4 gpm flow rate.
The Delta is available in stainless, champagne bronze, venetian bronze, arctic stainless and chrome.
Kohler Contemporary Pot Filler
Available in matte black, the Kohler Contemporary Pot Filler boasts a hefty 5.2 gpm flow rate to get your pots filled in a flash. Its sleek, modern look fits right into your kitchen without stealing the spotlight.
This Kohler pot filler features a 23-1/4" swing spout and 360° rotation for easy access to every burner. Plus, with its single lever handle, durable ceramic disc valves, and a design that matches contemporary kitchen vibes, it's built to last while keeping things stylish and practical.
Brizo Litze Pot Filler
With twice the flow rate of standard kitchen faucets,Litze Pot Filler faucets by Brizo make it easy to fill large cooking vessels quickly, without the walk from sink to stove.
The Brize Litze pot filler is available in luxe gold with knurled handles, or in chrome, nickel, stainless and matte black.
Kohler Artifacts Deck Mount Pot Filler
The Artifacts pot filler faucet, with its deck-mount articulating swing spout, extends up to 22 inches to facilitate easy filling of large pots on or near the stovetop, tucking away neatly when not in use.
It boasts a 3.2 gpm flow rate, 360° rotating spout for unparalleled access, seamlessly integrating with other Artifacts kitchen accessories for a cohesive look.
DXV Contemporary Pot Filler
The DXV Contemporary pot filler faucet features a modern, straightforward culinary design enhanced by ceramic disc valves for durability.
Its two-piece adjustable arm efficiently folds out of the way when idle, and the spout extends 22 inches, specifically designed for cold water use. With a single-hole wall mount and control actuator, it delivers a flow rate of 3.0 gpm.
Kohler Graze Pot Filler
The Kohler Graze pot filler evokes the robust spirit of railroads and the forging of steel, presenting a bold statement piece for your kitchen.
With its distinctive square base and strong silhouette, the Kohler Graze diverges from traditional designs and complements a wide array of home styles. It features an articulating spout with 360° rotation for easy pot filling on cooktops, a convenient single lever handle, and a 3.2 gpm flow rate.
Final Thoughts
Pot fillers are one of those items that provide an immediate wow factor in a kitchen.
Installing a pot filler can significantly enhance the appeal of your kitchen to potential buyers, adding a touch of luxury and practicality that sets your home apart. This modern convenience not only elevates the kitchen's functionality but also serves as a stylish focal point, potentially increasing your home's resale value.
A pot filler completes the picture of a busy, efficient kitchen. On top of it all, it’s hard to deny that they’re also wonderful conversation starters.