Why Are Pot Fillers So Suddenly Popular Now?

June 02, 2023 7 min read

Pot fillers were once considered a fairly luxury feature meant for only high-end kitchens, but now, if you peer into most kitchen design templates, you’ll see them splashed right in there. Their presence should not come as a surprise because features like pot fillers are what most homeowners are now after. These handy fixtures are designed to add a touch of convenience to the ever-improving kitchen design and layout.

Pot fillers have been around for some time and their recent popularity is because of some not too surprising factors. The top reason is the changing kitchen design trends and a focus on kitchen convenience and functionality. We’ll explore what pot fillers are and examine why they’re popular. Want to know what their benefits are that makes them highly favored with the "in the know" home cooks and kitchen designers?

Well, read on!

What is a Pot Filler?

A pot filler is a kitchen faucet installed on the backsplash or wall near the stove. These faucets often have an articulated arm that can be extended and rotated 360 degrees. They also have a shut-off valve which can be used to control the water flow to turn it on or off as needed. It’s also called a pasta arm, kettle faucet, pot-filler faucet, or stove faucet. 

Pot fillers provide a convenient water source for filling pots and pans on the stove. They are an alternative to carrying heavy pots from the sink to the stove. This reduces the inconvenience of carrying heavy pots and the potential hazards of spilling water on the kitchen floor.

What Are the Different Parts of a Pot Filler?

To better understand the function of a pot filler, it's essential to know the different parts that make up this kitchen fixture. The major parts are:

  1.  Spout: The spout is the long, curved arm that extends from the wall or countertop and delivers water to the pot. The spout can be designed in different lengths and has extensions to accommodate even the tallest pot.
  2. Handle The handle, usually situated at the spout's end, regulates water flow. Some pot fillers feature a single handle for both water flow and temperature control, while others have two separate handles for controlling flow and temperature.
  3.  Water Supply Line: The water supply line is the pipe that delivers water to the pot filler. This line is typically connected to the main water supply for the kitchen.
  4. Valve: The valve is the component that controls water flow through the pot filler. When you turn the handle, the valve opens to permit water to flow through the spout.
  5. Mounting Plate: The mounting plate is the part of the pot filler that attaches to the wall or countertop. This plate provides stability and support for the fixture.
  6.  Elbow Joint: The elbow joint is the part of the pot filler that connects the spout to the mounting plate. This joint allows the spout to swivel and pivot, making filling pots of different sizes and shapes easy.
  7. Aerator: faucet aerator is a small device at the end of the spout that mixes air with the water, creating a steady stream and reducing splashing. 

Types of Pot Fillers

Wall-Mounted Pot Filler

Wall-mounted pot fillers are currently among the most sought-after options. As the name suggests, these fixtures are installed on the wall above the stove and usually feature a lengthy, single, or double-jointed faucet arm that provides flexibility to reach various pots on different burners on the stove.

Wall-mounted pot fillers come in a wide array of styles and finishes, ensuring compatibility with various kitchen decors. You can find finishes like brushed nickel, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze, while some models offer unique features such as decorative handles or intricate arm designs.

Deck-mounted Pot Fillers

Deck-mounted pot fillers, in contrast, are directly installed onto the countertop or stove, seamlessly integrating into the kitchen environment. Unlike their wall-mounted counterparts with extended arms from the wall, deck-mounted pot fillers sport shorter, more compact arms that can be placed closer to the stove. This space-saving feature makes them a fitting choice for smaller kitchens.

Pull-down Pot Fillers

Pull-down pot fillers have retractable flexible hoses that can be extended from the faucet, enabling users to fill pots and pans directly on the stove. This design is particularly advantageous in kitchens with tall pots or large cookware, as it allows for easy access to higher spaces compared to traditional pot fillers.

Single-handle Pot Fillers

Single-handle pot fillers are a practical addition to kitchens, especially for home chefs who frequently cook with large pots and require a convenient and efficient way to fill them. They are fitted with a single lever for water flow and temperature control. They are also a popular choice for kitchens with a modern or minimalist design, providing a sleek and streamlined appearance.

Double-handle Pot Fillers

Double-handle pot fillers are equipped with two separate handles, one for hot water and the other for cold water. These dual handles make it easy to precisely adjust the water temperature, a valuable feature for recipes that require specific water temperatures. Certain models offer dual swing joints and a 24-inch extension, significantly enhancing flexibility when filling pots and pans.

Folding Pot Fillers

Folding pot fillers provide a space-saving solution for kitchens with limited space. They can be folded against the wall when not in use, offering the convenience of a pot filler without consuming counter or wall space. A primary advantage of folding pot fillers lies in their compact design. When not in use, the arm folds against the wall, freeing valuable counter and wall space. Some models even incorporate unique details such as decorative handles or touchless technology for enhanced convenience and hygiene.

Why are Pot Fillers Now Popular?

1. The Convenience Factor

Pot fillers have become increasingly popular in modern kitchens due to the convenience benefits they offer. Installing a pot filler makes cooking and food preparation much more accessible, efficient, and less physically demanding.

Carrying large pots of water from the sink to the stove can be physically demanding, particularly if you have a bad back or weak arms. Also, double-handle pot fillers eliminate the need to reach over the burners to turn the hot water on and off or use a second cut-off at cold water faucets.

Another convenient benefit of a pot filler is that it can help you save time and make cooking more efficient. By eliminating the need to move between the sink and the stove, you can stay focused on your cooking and avoid distractions. 

2. The Aesthetic Appeal

Pot fillers enhance both kitchen convenience and aesthetic appeal. They offer a range of designs and finishes, allowing users to select one that harmonizes with the kitchen's style and color scheme. High-end pot fillers are crafted from premium materials and are available in finishes like stainless steel chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze. These finishes are durable and elevate the kitchen's appearance, infusing an element of elegance and luxury.

Pot fillers can be efficiently designed to complement kitchen fixtures such as sink faucets or cabinet hardware. Matching finishes and styles can create a cohesive look that ties the kitchen's design elements together.

Many modern kitchen designs focus on creating a focal point or feature that draws the eye, and pot fillers can efficiently serve as this statement piece in the kitchen. They can be integrated into this design trend by choosing a bold, eye-catching design or finish.

3. The Practicality of Pot Fillers

Pot fillers have gained popularity in modern kitchens for their practicality and versatility. Their primary function is to fill pots and containers with water directly at the stove, saving users time and effort when dealing with large pots and containers. This also reduces spills and splatters that often occur when transporting pots between the sink and stove.

Beyond their primary purpose, pot fillers offer versatility and can be employed for various tasks, such as rinsing vegetables, filling cleaning buckets, or watering plants. This multifunctionality makes them a valuable addition to any kitchen, freeing up the sink for tasks like thawing frozen ingredients, washing vegetables, or draining pasta.

The installation of a pot filler optimizes kitchen space, enabling efficient multitasking. With two faucets in the kitchen, users can simultaneously fill two pots, one at the kitchen sink and the other using the pot filler faucet. 

4. The Safety Factor

Pot fillers offer not only convenience and aesthetic appeal but also contribute significantly to enhanced kitchen safety.

One of their primary safety advantages lies in the significant reduction in cases of burn and scald from hot water. By eliminating the need to move heavy pots filled with boiling water across the kitchen, the potential for accidental spills or splashes of scalding water on oneself is significantly reduced.

Another safety feature that comes with using pot fillers is the greater control over water flow. Most pot fillers come equipped with a handle that allows users to adjust water pressure and temperature easily, which makes filling pots and containers a lot easier without the concern of water splattering. Also, certain pot fillers incorporate a shut-off valve, enabling a quick halt to water flow when needed, further diminishing accident risks.

For families with young children, pot fillers enhance water accessibility. Children can utilize them to fill their cups or water bottles without the need to reach the sink, reducing the risk of spills that could occur when handling a heavy pitcher.

 5. The Growing Availability of Pot Fillers

With the growing demand for pot fillers, manufacturers have expanded their offerings, resulting in a wide array of designs and styles in the market. Numerous brands and models now exist, each boasting unique features and advantages. This extensive selection allows consumers to select the pot filler that aligns best with their needs and preferences, whether opting for straightforward and budget-friendly options or indulging in high-end designs with advanced capabilities. Advancements in manufacturing have streamlined the production process for pot fillers, reducing costs and making these fixtures more affordable and accessible to a broader consumer base.

Conclusion

Pot fillers are excellent additions to any kitchen, aiding in tasks such as filling large pots, watering plants, and enhancing cooking efficiency and enjoyment. They can also be particularly valuable for individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges, minimizing the need to transport heavy pots and reducing the risk of spills and burns.

We encourage readers, where practical and feasible, to consider the installation of a pot filler in their kitchens. It is crucial to evaluate the benefits in comparison to the costs and installation requirements. However, for many homeowners who own one, the investment in a pot filler has proven to be well worth the hassle.