If you’re in the market for new faucets, you’ve probably come across the names Kingston Brass and Kohler. Both are well-known faucet brands carried by major home improvement stores.
But which one offers the better value and quality for your home? Here’s an in-depth look at how Kingston Brass and Kohler faucets compare.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Kingston Brass | Kohler |
| Pricing | Affordable, $80-300 | Premium, $150-$1,000+ |
| Materials | Solid brass, some plastic parts | Brass or zinc, all metal parts |
| Valve Type | Ceramic disc | Ceramic disc w/ silicone |
| Finishes | Chrome, bronze, nickel | 20+ finishes including matte and PVD |
| Styles | Traditional, transitional, contemporary | More unique and specialty styles |
| Features | Meets standards for flow and pressure | Added features like touchless |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited, original owner | Lifetime limited, all users |
| Installation | Flexible supplies, deck plates | Quick connect system |
Overview Of Kingston Brass And Kohler
Kingston Brass is a company that specializes exclusively in faucets and accessories. They offer a wide range of styles from traditional to contemporary. The majority of their faucets feature solid brass construction and ceramic disc valve cartridges.
Kingston Brass aims to provide stylish faucets at a more budget-friendly price point compared to higher-end brands.
Kohler, on the other hand, is a wider home fixtures company that also manufactures toilets, sinks, bathtubs and other kitchen and bath products in addition to faucets. Like Kingston Brass, the majority of Kohler’s faucets utilize brass construction and ceramic disc valves.
But as a premium brand, Kohler faucets skew towards the high end for pricing. Kohler offers a lifetime limited warranty on their faucets compared to Kingston Brass’ more limited lifetime faucet warranty.
Quality Of Materials
When it comes to faucet quality, the materials used are an important factor. Here’s how Kingston Brass and Kohler compare:
- Brass construction: The majority of both Kingston Brass and Kohler faucets are primarily constructed from brass. Brass is more durable than materials like plastic. Both brands use high-quality brass. Kohler does offer some faucets constructed from zinc die-cast rather than brass, but zinc is also a durable metal material.
- Ceramic disc valves: Kingston Brass and Kohler both rely on ceramic disc valve cartridges in their faucets. Ceramic discs are very durable, long-lasting and drip-free, making them an excellent choice for faucet valves. Ceramic valves outperform compression valve cartridges found in cheaper faucets.
- Finishes: Kohler offers over 20 faucet finishes including polished and brushed metals, vibrant colors like vibrant stainless, and durable finishes like PVD. Kingston Brass finishes are more limited but do include popular finishes like chrome, bronze and nickel. Both brands apply finishes evenly and with quality.
- Plastic components: Kingston Brass does use more plastic internal components than Kohler. However, these plastic parts are durable and common in the faucet industry, even among high-end brands.
Overall, while Kohler utilizes marginally higher-end materials, both Kingston Brass and Kohler utilize quality construction materials appropriate for their respective price points.
Styles And Design Options
Both Kingston Brass and Kohler offer a diverse range of styles from traditional to contemporary. Here’s an overview of the selection from each brand:
Kingston Brass Faucet Styles
- Traditional styles like wideset 4″ centerset faucets and widespread faucets with 8-16″ spreads
- Transitional styles blending traditional and contemporary elements
- Contemporary, minimalist styles including single-handle and vessel faucets
- Variety of specialty faucets including bar/prep, laundry and kitchen sidesprays
- Most styles available in popular finishes like chrome, bronze and nickel
Kohler Faucet Styles
- Traditional styles like widespread and centerset faucets
- Transitional styles like Artifacts with classic design updated with modern details
- Modern styles like Simplice with clean, contemporary lines
- A wide selection of unique finishes from vibrant stainless steel to matte black
- Specialty kitchen faucets like pulldown/pullout and bar/prep faucets
- Features like touchless activation and magnetic docking for handsfree convenience
Kohler’s broader product range gives them a leg up in terms of unique style options and specialty features unavailable from Kingston Brass. But Kingston Brass covers all the essential faucet types and styles for most homes.
Also watch the video about Kingston Brass!
Performance And Features
Both brands incorporate features to optimize faucet performance and functionality:
- Water pressure: Kohler and Kingston Brass faucets are designed to withstand high water pressure. Maximum PSI varies by specific model, but ranges from 60-125 PSI for Kingston Brass and 80-150 for Kohler.
- Water flow rate: To help conserve water, Kohler and Kingston Brass kitchen faucets have flow rates of 1.5 GPM or less. Some Kohler models are under 1 GPM. Bathroom faucets range from 1-2 GPM.
- Valve design: Ceramic disc valves offer smooth handle control and drip-free performance. Kohler adds proprietary touches like silicone valves seats for added leak protection.
- Spout reach: Kingston Brass and Kohler have models meeting the ideal kitchen faucet spout reach of 8-10″ for filling pots or washing large items.
- ADA compliant: Both brands offer faucets meeting ADA requirements for accessible design like lower handle height.
- Motion control: Kohler stands apart with handsfree touchless kitchen faucets utilizing motion sensors to activate water flow.
Overall, both brands deliver well-designed faucets built to last and perform. Kohler pulls ahead in special features like touchless activation. But Kingston Brass still provides reliable operation.
Ease Of Installation
Installing new faucets requires some plumbing skills. Here’s how Kingston Brass and Kohler faucets compare for DIY installation:
Kingston Brass
- Detailed printed installation instructions included
- Flexible supply lines simplify water line connections
- Range of deck plate options for covering previous holes
- 4″ and 8″ widespread configurations allow adjustable spreads
Kohler
- Helpful installation videos available on website
- Color-coded hot/cold supply lines speed installation
- Quick-connect installation lets you snap faucet and adapter in place rather than threading
- Range of deck plates and escutcheons for versatile mounting
Overall, both faucets include design features to make installation more straightforward for DIYers. Kohler’s quick-connect system provides added simplicity. But Kingston Brass includes all the key elements for easier install like flexible supplies and deck plates.
Warranty Comparison
The warranty provides insight into how long each brand expects its faucets to last. Here’s how the warranties compare:
Kingston Brass
- Lifetime limited warranty covers leaks, drips and finish defects
- Applies to original homeowner
- Does not cover normal wear and tear, improper installation or water conditions
Kohler
- Lifetime limited warranty, similar coverage to Kingston Brass
- Extends to all users, not just original homeowner
- Easier to find and submit warranty claims through Kohler website
Kohler offers a small advantage with their lifetime faucet warranty applying to all users rather than just original owner. Overall, both warranties represent industry standard coverage – not the most robust but reasonable for the price point.
Pricing Differences
As a premium brand, it’s no surprise Kohler faucets command higher prices than Kingston Brass. Here’s an overview:
- Kingston Brass – Affordably priced, retail prices range from $80-300 depending on style. Widespread faucets around $200.
- Kohler – Considered high-end, prices range from $150 for simple styles up to $1000+ for specialty faucets with smart features. Expect to pay at least $400+ for widespread Kohler faucets.
The price gap between Kohler and Kingston Brass can be substantial, often more than double for similar faucet configurations. The premium pricing brings added features and reputation, but Kingston Brass delivers attractive styling and quality at a budget-friendly level.
Also Read: Comparison Between Newport Brass And Kohler.
Pros And Cons Of Kingston Brass And Kohler
Kingston Brass
Pros
- Attractive styles at affordable price points
- Durable brass construction
- Reliable ceramic disc cartridges
- Meets industry standards for water pressure
- Flexible connections for easier DIY install
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons
- More plastic internal components than premium brands
- Limited special features like touchless activation
- Warranty applies only to original homeowner
- Can develop mineral buildup without yearly cleaning
Kohler Faucets
Pros
- Range of unique styles and specialty faucets
- Durable all-brass or zinc construction
- Leak-proof ceramic valves enhanced with silicone
- Exceeds standards for water pressure endurance
- Fast and easy Quick-Connect installation
- Lifetime warranty applies to all users
Cons
- Significantly higher pricing, often over $400+
- Fingerprint resistant finishes add cost
- Can also develop mineral buildup without cleaning
- Limited budget-friendly options under $150
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Kingston Brass is a well-established company specializing in faucets since 1988. They have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, indicating they respond appropriately to customer complaints.
Overall, yes – Kingston Brass faucets feature quality materials like brass construction and ceramic disc cartridges that allow their faucets to provide years of reliable performance. Their lifetime warranty provides additional confidence.
Plumbers most often recommend mid-range to premium brands like Moen, Kohler, Delta, American Standard, Grohe and Hansgrohe. Kingston Brass would fall into the mid-range category – not premium but still a good quality choice.
Kingston Brass and Delta faucets utilize standardized faucet connections so you can easily pair Kingston Brass faucets with Delta faucet components. Many homeowners combine Delta hands-free Touch2O technology with Kingston’s affordably priced faucets.
Also Read: Is InSinkErator HOT100 Better Than HOT150?
Conclusion
In summary, Kohler and Kingston Brass both offer quality faucets using durable brass construction and drip-free ceramic valves. Kohler provides more premium materials, lifetime warranty coverage, and innovative features.
But if budget is a main concern, Kingston Brass delivers attractive, reliable faucets at a fraction of the cost of designer faucet brands. Weigh your needs and budget to choose the best option for your bathroom or kitchen.