Faucet opinions: Kohler Promaster versus KWC Systema?

15 years ago

It's decision time on a faucet. I've decided to plunk down a lot of moolah for either the Kohler Promaster or the KWC Systema 10.501.144.

I'm down to these 2 because I want a single-lever faucet that has a lever control for the pre-rinse spray, not a button control. And one that has a wider lever rather than the thin round kind that you see on faucets like Danze Parma. If there is such a faucet on the market other than these 2, I am all ears!

Am leaning toward the Kohler for a few reasons:

- The handle is more curvy and seems more ergonomic than the KWC handle (Kohler's handle shape evokes a penguin).

- My SO doesn't really like the exposed spring coil look of the pro faucets, so the Kohler's lack of coil is better.

- It's shorter: only 27" tall versus 31". Blocks less of the window behind the sink.

The KWC does offer a pull-down pre-rinse spray separate from a swivel spout. The Kohler doesn't. Price-wise, I think I can get the KWC for about $150 less than the Kohler. But at these prices, I wouldn't necessarily pick the KWC solely because it's less expensive.

If you're familiar with one or both of these faucets, is there anything else I should consider in terms of ease of use, ease of installation, quality/reliability, etc?

Thanks!

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Comments (10)

goutgrec
15 years ago
KWC is an excellent brand. I would choose it over Kohler. A friend of mine has a KWC faucet that's nearly 20 and looks brand new.

I think the spray on the KWC looks much easier to use than the pull down on the Kohler which looks like it needs to be fitted exactly back in where the other one hooks on.
liverd
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for those observations, goutgrec.

I've played with both at stores and found the sprayers to be agile enough to use. Just a different feel between the two, and I think I could get used to either one.

Anyone else with experiences to share? TIA!
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igloochic
15 years ago
In my mind there is absolutely no comparison between the two. I have the systema and LOVE it almost as much as I love DH (don't tell him) and it's not even installed yet heh heh

the one thing that sold me on systema is the second faucet feature. honestly...you don't want your water coming out as high as it does from a rinse faucet only. that makes for splash central, and you can only aleviate this by installing a second "regular" faucet, which was what i was going to do, before i found the systema (because i really wanted a pro stye rinse faucet as well as a normal one).

cleaning the exponsed wires isn't a big deal...they don't really get dirty (if you splash food that high when doing dishes you have more issues to deal with than the dirty faucet).

without even looking...i'd take a kwc brand over a kohler anyday (the brand is quality!) but for pure function, you don't want a rinse faucet alone...you need both for an efficient kitchen.
liverd
Original Author
15 years ago
LOL. This is why I love these forums!!! Great information. I was thinking the second faucet would be nice to have, though not necessarily such a must-have.

I think I've been swayed toward the Systema. Thanks for the input! Now on to the next decision in the endless parade of decisions for this kitchen renovation (countertop material)...
igloochic
15 years ago
well if i can help on the countertop...i'll just share that it's against the systema code to install corian near your systema faucet :oP

but otherwise your options are endless LOL (actually with a spray rinser, which can splash, i'd do either stone or stainless steel...we're doing ss with a marine edge on that counter) but avoid wood :)

i bought systema after a friend told me i had to stop petting hers. she had previously had a rinse only (by kwc) and loved it as a rinse, but hated the regular stream from the higher faucet. she went to systema because it allowed the switch from the one faucet system without drilling again into her granite.

i open the box and pet mine regularly :oP
liverd
Original Author
15 years ago
For countertops, my choices are down to stainless steel versus Trespa Athlon. Just waiting for the quotes to come in. I've never liked the look nor the maintenance requirements of granite.

I can't believe it - a fellow petter!! My friends always tease me about my tendency to pet things with delicious textures. =)
igloochic
15 years ago
wow trespa is very cool stuff (I had to look it up lol) i'm doing a mix of ss for the "working/sink" countertop with a marine edge so dh can make a mess and keep it off the floor...and the hated granite :oP i didn't want all ss since the kitchen isn't too modern (it's pretty eclectic really) but i did go with a better granite so there is little to no maintenance.

when that big gorgeous kwc box arrives.... i bet you're stroaking that baby in seconds! (LOL in some forums this kind of talk wouldn't be allowed heh heh) :oP
kitchendetective
15 years ago
I have never used the KWC, so I cannot comment on it. I have had a Kohler ProMaster for 2 1/2 years and I love it. You can adjust the strength of the flow. I usually leave it on the lighter adjustment, unless I need the pre rinse function. The plumber had never installed one before and he did a great job. Yes, there is a learning curve for installation. I have a commercial three basin sink which came with two separate faucets; I replaced one with the Kohler. However, the second faucet is unnecessary because the ProMaster reaches everywhere. I do not pat it, however, although I do stroke counter tops and wood. :>)
malhgold
15 years ago
bump...any other commercial looking faucets that anyone would recommend?
dixielogs
15 years ago
another one that adores the Kohler Promaster

it reaches, it sprays, it does everything and feels so substantial. Best faucet I have ever seen!

Faucet opinions: Kohler Promaster versus KWC Systema?

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goutgrec

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Faucet opinions: Kohler Promaster versus KWC Systema?

Comments (10)

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