Pot fillers are kitchen faucets positioned over a burner or range, which are used to fill large pots with water for boiling. They are usually connected to the cold water supply as it is safer and there is a reduced risk of scalding. Connecting to the cold water supply also prevents damage to the pot filler cartridges, which are often not rated for heat.
However, some people opt for a hot and cold pot filler, which has two movable joints and a folding function, allowing the user to choose between hot and cold water.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Water temperature | Cold |
Water source | Cold water pipe |
Number of valves | 2 |
Installation location | Wall or inside the wall |
Installation type | Single-hole or double-hole |
Faucet type | Single-joint, double-jointed, deck-mount, or wall-mount |
Faucet finish | Chrome, brushed nickel, black |
What You'll Learn
- Pot fillers are designed to be connected to the cold water supply, as hot water can leach heavy metals from pipes
- Pot fillers are a sign of luxury and newer construction
- Pot fillers are pretty and can break up a wall of tile
- Pot fillers can be wall-mounted or deck-mounted
- Pot fillers are convenient, but you still have to carry the pot back to the sink to drain it
Pot fillers are designed to be connected to the cold water supply, as hot water can leach heavy metals from pipes
Pot fillers are designed to be connected to the cold water supply for a variety of reasons. Firstly, hot water can leach heavy metals from pipes, which can be harmful to health. This is especially true if pipes contain lead or other nasty contaminants. While newer houses may not have lead pipes, there may still be other harmful substances present.
Secondly, most pot filler cartridges are not rated for heat. Using hot water can degrade the seals and cause them to leak much faster. This can be a costly problem, requiring repairs or replacements.
Thirdly, hot water is generally softer than cold water, which is not ideal for cooking. Soft water is also known to have a negative impact on taste.
Finally, from a practical perspective, it is often not possible to access hot water immediately. Hot water heaters are usually located away from the stove, so it would take a while for the hot water to reach the pot filler. By the time hot water comes through, it would likely be cold again, defeating the purpose.
For these reasons, it is standard practice to connect pot fillers to the cold water supply. While using hot water may save time in heating up water, the potential health risks and other drawbacks outweigh the benefits. It is always recommended to use cold water for cooking and drinking, and to heat it on the stove as needed.
The LS Cast Pan Dry Sump: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
Pot fillers are a sign of luxury and newer construction
Pot fillers are a controversial topic in kitchen design. Some people view them as an unnecessary luxury, while others find them to be a useful and convenient addition to the kitchen. Ultimately, the decision to include a pot filler in a kitchen renovation depends on personal preferences and the specific needs of the household.
Side-Load Washer: Drip Pan Essential?
You may want to see also
Pot fillers are pretty and can break up a wall of tile
Pot fillers are a great way to break up a wall of tile in your kitchen. They are a piece of "jewelry" that can bring some "metallic shine" to your kitchen. Pot fillers can be a "sculptural element" that "articulates out" and "contrasts nicely" with the straight lines of cabinetry and stoves. They can also be a "design element" that adds "elegance" to your kitchen.
Manual Pot & Pan Detergent: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Pot fillers can be wall-mounted or deck-mounted
When choosing a pot filler, you should also consider the number of faucet handles, spout swivel, and whether it includes a built-in water filter. Pot fillers are available in various finishes, such as matte black, champagne bronze, stainless, and brushed nickel, to match your kitchen's style.
The Cast Iron Sauce Pan: A Kitchen Classic
You may want to see also
Pot fillers are convenient, but you still have to carry the pot back to the sink to drain it
Pot fillers are a tap or faucet installed above a stove, designed to make it easier to fill pots with water. They are typically installed in large kitchens, where it can be a hassle to carry a heavy pot of water from the sink to the stove. However, even with a pot filler, you still have to carry the pot back to the sink to drain it.
Pot fillers are not a necessity, but they can be a convenient addition to a kitchen, particularly for those who cook with large pots regularly. They can also be aesthetically pleasing, adding a touch of elegance or luxury to the kitchen. However, they do come with some potential drawbacks, such as the added cost, the need for extra cleaning, and the risk of leaks or other plumbing issues.
While pot fillers can be useful, they may not be worth the investment for everyone. Some people may find that the benefits of having a pot filler do not outweigh the costs and potential drawbacks. Ultimately, the decision to install a pot filler comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the individual.
Disposable Pie Pans: What's the Cost?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A pot filler is a distinct kitchen faucet positioned over a burner or range, sometimes called a pasta arm or kettle faucet.
Pot fillers are usually connected to cold water because hot water can leach more lead and contaminants from the pipes and the solder used to weld them together.
A pot filler can be convenient, prevent physical strain and pain, allow for multitasking, reduce kitchen clean-up, and add a personalized touch to your kitchen.
There are single-joint, double-jointed, deck-mount, and wall-mount pot fillers.
If you have your heart set on installing a pot filler above your stove, be prepared to spend anywhere from $150–$1000 for the faucet alone. The installation of your new kitchen fixture can cost up to $3,000, depending on your kitchen’s design and plumbing layout.