Pot filler faucets: are they worth it?

A pot filler is a folding faucet over the range that fills heavy pots right where you cook. For people who make pasta, stock or canning batches, it is one of the most-loved kitchen upgrades. For others it is jewelry. Here is how to decide.

Who gets the most out of one

• Cooks who boil big pots of water often.
• Kitchens where the sink is far from the range, or across an island.
• Anyone who wants to spare their back from carrying a full stockpot.

Wall-mount or deck-mount

Wall-mount is the classic: it folds flat against the backsplash above the range. It needs a cold water line run inside that wall. Deck-mount sits on the counter beside the cooktop, handy on an island where there is no wall behind the range.

Height and reach

Mount the spout about 24" above the cooktop so your tallest stockpot fits underneath, centered on the range or over the back burners. Check the arm reaches the front burners when extended; most reach 20" to 24".

Plumbing

Pot fillers usually use cold water only, from a 1/2" line with its own shutoff. On an outside wall in New Hampshire, the line must stay in the heated side of the insulation so it does not freeze. Adding one during a kitchen remodel is easy while the wall is open; retrofitting means opening the backsplash.

Finish and style

Match the pot filler to the main kitchen faucet, or use it as an accent in brass or matte black. See faucet finishes compared and the kitchen faucet buying guide. Installation is quoted separately.

Common questions

How high should a pot filler be above the stove?

About 24" above the cooktop, so a tall stockpot fits underneath.

Does a pot filler need hot water?

No. Most use cold water only, since you heat the pot on the range anyway.

Can you add a pot filler to an existing kitchen?

Yes, but it means running a water line inside the wall behind the range, which usually disturbs the backsplash.