If you’re looking to upgrade the fixtures in your home, you’ve probably come across Lee Company and Hiller. These two brands are giants in the plumbing fixture industry, but they have some key differences that may make one a better choice over the other for your next bathroom or kitchen remodel.
In this article, we’ll break down the pros, cons, features, and reputations of Lee Company and Hiller so you can decide which brand best fits your needs and style.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Lee Company | Hiller |
| Founding Year | 1959 | 1969 |
| Headquarters | North Dakota, USA | Texas, USA |
| Manufacturing | USA | Overseas |
| Products | Sinks, faucets, tubs, showers | Faucets, sinks, toilets, valves |
| Materials | Brass, ceramics | Plastics |
| Finishes | PVD, powder coated, plated | Chrome, nickel |
| Lead Time | 1-3 weeks | 1-5 days |
| Price | Mid-high range | Budget range |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | 1-10 years |
| Style | Classic, traditional, contemporary | Trendy, modern |
| Tech Features | Limited | More options |
| Customer Service | Highly rated | Mixed reviews |
| Durability | Very durable | Varies depending on product |
An Overview Of Lee Company
First things first – who is Lee Company? Lee Company has been manufacturing plumbing fixtures since 1959. They are based out of Devils Lake, North Dakota and sell a range of sink, faucets, shower systems, and other bathroom and kitchen fixtures and accessories.
Some quick facts about Lee Company:
- Founder: Burt Lee founded the company in 1959.
- Revenue: Approximately $550 million in annual sales.
- Manufacturing: All Lee Company products are made in the USA. Their main manufacturing facility is in North Dakota.
- Products: Sinks, faucets, showers, tubs, bathroom accessories, kitchen sinks, commercial plumbing products
Lee Company focuses on mid-range to high-end fixtures, targeting home renovators looking for quality and style. They are known for craftsmanship and durability at a moderate price point compared to some ultra-high-end brands.
An Overview Of Hiller Plumbing
Hiller Plumbing was founded in 1969 and is based out of Fort Worth, Texas. Hiller sells plumbing fixtures and accessories for residential and commercial applications.
Some quick facts on Hiller:
- Founder: E.R Hiller founded the company in 1969.
- Revenue: Approximately $150 million in annual sales.
- Manufacturing: Hiller imports products from overseas factories in Asia.
- Products: Faucets, shower systems, sinks, toilets, bathroom accessories, valves and controls.
Hiller’s target customer is primarily residential homeowners and contractors looking for affordable options. They focus less on high-end luxury products and more on everyday use fixtures at a budget-friendly price point.
Also Read: Comparison Between ServiceMaster And ServPro.
Pros And Cons Of Lee Company And Hiller
Lee Company Pros
So why would you choose Lee Company over Hiller for your home? Here are some of the biggest pros for Lee Company:
- Made in America craftsmanship – All Lee Company products are manufactured domestically in their North Dakota facility. This allows for better quality control and craftsmanship.
- Durability and longevity – The Lee Company motto is “We back craftsmanship for life.” Their products are made to last, with durable finishes and quality materials. Many customers report using Lee products for decades without issue.
- Great customer service – Lee Company is known for responsive customer service if any issue arises with one of their products, even years after purchase.
- Stylish designs – Lee Company makes fixtures that are both durable and fashionable, with design styles that range from traditional to contemporary. This makes it easy to coordinate their products with nearly any home decor.
Hiller Pros
Hiller does have some advantages over Lee Company that are worth considering:
- Budget-friendly pricing – Hiller products generally cost less than Lee Company, sometimes significantly so. This can add up to big savings on a whole home remodel.
- Trendy styles – Hiller designs tend to be more trend-focused than Lee Company’s classic styles. If you want modern fixtures with the latest looks, Hiller is likely to have more options in line with current trends.
- Inventory and availability – With overseas manufacturing, Hiller can replenish inventory faster and keep a wider array of products available at all times. With Lee Company’s American-based production, occasionally products sell out for a period of time.
- Smart home tech integration – Hiller offers fixtures with integrated smart home tech like touchless operation and voice control compatibility. Lee Company has fewer tech-focused options.
Lee Company Cons
No brand is perfect though, so here are a few of the downsides to weigh with Lee Company:
- Higher prices – You’ll pay more for Lee Company fixtures compared to less expensive brands like Hiller. The higher price tag reflects their quality, but it can get pricey for whole home renovations.
- Long lead times – Because their products are made to order in America rather than stocked overseas, Lee Company can occasionally have long lead times. This may not work well for projects with tight timelines.
- Limited tech features – Lee Company’s focus is craftsmanship over tech, so you won’t find as many smart home add-ons and tech-focused features as some brands.
- Smaller selection – With American production, Lee Company has a more limited array of product options compared to mass-produced overseas brands.
Hiller Cons
And for fairness, here are a few of the disadvantages to be aware of for Hiller:
- Quality concerns – Some customers report quality and durability issues with Hiller fixtures, especially over time. This likely reflects their lower price points and overseas manufacturing.
- Questionable customer service – While Lee Company is known for great service, Hiller gets mixed reviews when it comes to honoring warranties and addressing issues.
- Cartridge leaks – Many plumbers report a higher frequency of leaks and early failure with Hiller’s cartridges compared to other brands.
- Limited styles – Hiller has a lot of variety in terms of trends and finishes, but fewer classic and timeless design options.
Also Read: Comparison Between Zoom Drain And Roto-Rooter.
Lee Company And Hiller: Key Feature Comparison
To get an apples to apples view, let’s compare some key features and product specs between Lee Company and Hiller:
Installation and hardware – Lee Company uses heavy brass mounting hardware. Hiller uses lighter plastic drain assemblies. This can affect durability.
Finishes – Lee offers premium PVD, plated, and powder coated finishes. Hiller uses more standard chrome and nickel finishes.
Warranties – Lee offers limited lifetime warranties on most products. Hiller has more variable coverage from 1-10 years.
Cartridges – Lee uses ceramic disk cartridges while Hiller uses cheaper plastic cartridges. Disk cartridges tend to last longer.
Lead time – Lee Company quotes 1-3 weeks for specialty orders. Hiller quotes 1-5 days for most products.
Smart tech – Hiller has more tech options like touchless faucets. Lee focuses more on material quality over gadgets.
Price – Hiller fixtures are sometimes half the price or less than comparable Lee Company products.
Performance – In independent tests, Lee Company rates higher in durability while Hiller rates higher for features/tech.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: Hiller’s slogan is “Quality Plumbing Fixtures for Every Budget.” This captures their position as an affordable option.
A: Lee Company generates around $550 million in annual sales revenue. They are one of the larger American-owned plumbing brands.
A: Lee Company manufactures kitchen and bathroom plumbing fixtures including faucets, sinks, showers, tubs, and complementary accessories for residential and commercial use.
A: Hiller was founded in 1969 by E.R. Hiller. It remains a family-owned business more than 50 years later.
Also Read: Is Brondell S101 Better Than S102?
The Bottom Line
When choosing between Lee Company Vs. Hiller plumbing fixtures, consider your budget, design tastes, and priorities between quality and features. Lee Company offers exceptional craftsmanship and customer service at a moderate price point. Hiller provides more affordable options with trendy looks but may sacrifice some longevity.
For best results, check both brand’s offerings to find the right balance of value, style, and performance for your next plumbing project. With smart shopping, you can end up with attractive, durable fixtures that stand the test of time without breaking the bank!