I might be years away from buying a property, but, like most people whose hobbies include scrolling Zillow, I already have a real-estate wish list. I would love one with outdoor space, an in-law unit for friends and family to crash, that drive-thru archway in Father of the Bride — and a pot filler.
If I’m being honest, I spend a lot of time musing about life with a pot filler. There’s something about it that feels like a small luxury: Your home doesn’t need a special faucet above your range to fill a pot with water, but it will certainly make prepping a soup or pasta a lot easier.
But are pot fillers still cool? Truthfully, the design world is torn. “The amount of money you spend to bring the plumbing over there, to hire that plumber, to buy that fancy tap isn’t worth it,” Paulette Sopoci, the creator behind Old Home Charming, said in a recent post. There’s also a handful of frustrated homeowners who have had the water from their pot filler drip all over their cooktop.
After reading such strong opinions online, I was curious about what professional interior designers think of pot fillers — so I decided to reach out to three of them to get their take.
What Do Interior Designers Think of Pot Fillers?
TikTok and Instagram might have you believe that pot fillers are more of a kitchen flop than a fad. However, you shouldn’t write them off so fast. “Honestly, if I were designing my dream kitchen, I’d 100 percent include one [because] they’re both practical and stylish,” says Mina Lisanin, a New York-based designer. “Not having to lug a heavy pot of water from the sink to the stove is such a game-changer.”
Designer Kristen Scharer agrees, and even shares that a pot filler is one of her clients’ most requested features. “Many of their builder-grade homes didn’t come with this feature when initially built,” she explains. “Now, it’s hard to find a Pinterest image without one.”
The enduring appeal of a pot filler lies in its mix of substance and style. “The biggest benefit of the pot filler is not having to transport a large pot of water from the sink to the stove, but I [also] like to think of the hardware and fixtures in a kitchen as the jewelry in the kitchen,” Scharer says. “A pot filler is like a statement necklace over your range: It’s going to elevate the overall look and most likely complete the design.
According to Dorothy Tsui, co-founder and creative director of Bobeche Interiors in Ontario, Canada, pot fillers are particularly useful for budding home chefs. “When the main sink is tied up with meal prep or cleanup, the pot filler ensures that cooking can continue uninterrupted,” she explains.
The Downsides of Pot Fillers
Pot fillers may still be popular — Tsui has noted a “consistent and growing” interest in the stylish spout — but they’re not perfect. Not only is a pot filler expensive to install — Angi says it can cost up to $3,000 if you need new pipes — but Scharer points out that it doesn’t actually solve the problem of getting a full and hot pot of water back from the stove to the sink.
Another thing to note? Pot fillers aren’t compatible with all kitchen layouts — but designers have a few alternatives to consider. For example, if your stovetop is situated on your kitchen island, Scharer recommends a deck-mounted pot filler. “It allows for the pot filler to be mounted on the counter adjacent to or behind your cooking surface,” she says. “This option may also be beneficial to those who don’t want the pot filler to be the focal point of your range, but still want the convenience of the pot filler.”
Meanwhile, Tsui says other homeowners are upgrading their standard sink. “I’ve noticed a trend toward integrating multifunctional faucets or instant hot water taps, which provide similar convenience to pot fillers,” she shares. “These alternatives appeal to homeowners seeking simplicity and reduced visual clutter.”
If you honestly don’t get the appeal (or price tag) of a pot filler, you don’t need to hop on the trend. Remember: Just because this is a dream feature for some (ahem, me) doesn’t mean it’s a non-negotiable for everyone.
