What Is a Pot Filler and Do You Need One? Designers Weigh In on This Kitchen Feature

Renovating your kitchen is the time to consider the little luxuries that are nice to have, but you've probably spent most of your life functioning just fine without. A pot filler fits solidly into that category. You might not think twice about a pot filler if you don't have one, but the minute you no longer have to carry a heavy stockpot across the kitchen, you'll wonder how you ever lived without one.

"A pot filler can be a great addition to your kitchen—if you actually use it. If you regularly cook pasta or large-batch soups, being able to fill a heavy pot right at the stove is incredibly convenient," says Tanya Shively, owner and principal designer at Sesshu Design Associates.

Wondering whether you should invest in a pot filler? Here's what interior designers have to say about the pros, cons, and nuances of a pot filler in the kitchen.

What Is a Pot Filler?

A pot filler is a faucet that is designed specifically to fill pots. It's located right above the stove and typically has a faster water flow than a standard faucet, allowing you to fill a large stockpot quickly. Pot fillers usually have a swing arm that extends when in use and retracts when not in use.

They're not a feature you'll find in most kitchens, but more and more luxury kitchens are incorporating them as a standard element. "Pot fillers are a beautiful blend of form and function that I love incorporating into kitchens where cooking is truly part of the lifestyle," says Brandea Morton, founder of B. Morton Design.

Morton points out that because modern kitchens often utilize the range as a feature, with a dramatic hood and striking backsplash, the pot filler is another opportunity to add a sparkling visual moment to that space. "A pot filler above the range is a great way to introduce a complementary metal finish that ties back to the plumbing and hardware," she says.

Pros of a Pot Filler

If you're an avid cook, a pot filler allows you to fill a pot with water easily and quickly. "A typical stockpot can weigh anywhere from 16 to 33 pounds, and walking a sloshing pot across the kitchen isn’t ideal," says Valerie Ann Helgeson, lead designer and founder of Design Directions, adding that it's most practical if the sink is more than two or three steps away from the range.

A pot filler is also an opportunity to add a little jewelry to the kitchen. Whether you pick an aged brass or a polished nickel as your primary hardware, you can use the pot filler to echo the finish above the range. Plus, the architectural look of a swing arm sconce is a striking element.

Lastly, when people look at luxury kitchens, they'll want to see details like a pot filler. While the pot filler itself may not add to your home's resale value specifically, it does contribute to an overall feeling of high-end quality in your kitchen.

Cons of a Pot Filler

The biggest pain point of a pot filler comes with its installation. To install a pot filler, you need to run a water line behind the range area, says Joseph Patrick, owner of Lamont Bros. Design and Construction. Most kitchens don't have a water line running behind the range, meaning installation can add a pretty penny in plumbing expenses.

If the water line needs to be serviced, access isn't always easy. "No one wants to tear out a backsplash for a repair, so whenever possible, plan for access on the opposite side of the wall," says Helgeson.

Plus, there's an elephant in the room for anyone who thinks that adding a pot filler eliminates the heavy manual labor of carrying a 30-pound stockpot. "Remember that you’ll still need to carry that heavy pot to the sink to drain it—so the benefit is only halfway there," adds Shively.

Installing a Pot Filler

Most pot fillers are installed directly above the range or cooktop. However, because there usually isn't a water line in this area, the first step is calling a plumber to add a water line behind the range. Because it's only a cold water line, it shouldn't be an incredibly invasive project, but it's best done when you're already ripping open walls for other kitchen renovations. An access panel should be added on the other side of the wall, directly behind the line, so that it can be easily serviced in the future.

Types of Pot Fillers

Pot fillers come in various styles that work with a range of kitchens. Often, the choice of pot filler style and finish comes down to the aesthetic more than the function. "To maintain a cohesive look, we typically specify a pot filler that matches the main faucet and overall plumbing fixture suite, ensuring visual continuity throughout the space," says Kristin Kostamo, founder of Anne Rae Design. Here are some common options:

• Single-arm filler: In a small kitchen, a single-arm filler might be the best option. This swings out with just one arm and doesn't have as much reach, says Patrick.
• Double-arm filler: If you have a larger kitchen, a double-arm pot filler is a better option in function and style. "Double arms or articulated fillers tuck neatly into the wall when not in use and have a longer reach across the range," Patrick explains.
• Deck-mount filler: When mounting into the backsplash isn't an option, a deck-mount pot filler will reach up from the countertop like a traditional faucet. The difference is its placement and the presence of an arm that allows it to reach various burners.