Consensus is that if the model number matches *exactly*, then the faucets are the same.

While we know there are cheaper grades of the big name faucets at the big box stores, I'm personally skeptical that Kohler would bother making a cheaper grade of an identical model.

But I could be wrong, so check that number...

mrs-mjt, I think there may be some confusion about that. I think the if the brand name is the same, the product is the same no matter where you buy it. Buy a Moen, you get a Moen. But for example, if you buy the black composite sink they have from Pegasus, it's actually produced for Home Depot under the Pegasus name by Blanco and in those situations the quality may not be the same as the Blanco Silgranit sink. It's like generic brands having less quality than name brands. So, if you like the Simplic at Lowes, you'd get the same product you'd get if you ordered it somewhere else.

You are wonderful! Thanks! I'll be sure to check model numbers if I get this faucet.

I heard previously that sometimes the faucets produced for the big boxes use more plastic in their construction. When you look at the model numbers, check them carefully. Even an extra letter in there indicates some difference in the faucet.

I have checked this with my friends in the plumbing supply business and they affirm that the products produced for the big box stores not only have cheaper components auch as plastic drain pop ups and plastic components and additionally the retail versions are often missing the all the necessary installation components. My friends send EVERYTHING needed to install their product, ship same day if the order place before 2 pm eastern and offer some free frieght or at least a flat rate plan.
Hope thi helps.
Richard

Here is a link that might be useful: National Builder Supply

"the products produced for the big box stores not only have cheaper components..."

I think that would be true only of things produced especially for the big box stores, so they can be sold at seemingly discounted prices. The Simplice is only about $270-290 no matter where you get it. I'd be very surprised if it's a different faucet at HD than anywhere else. Faucet Depot lists the same model number as Home Depot. (I checked National Builder Supply first, but they apparently don't even offer Kohler products)

pepper07 is correct - if the model number is EXACTLY the same, then it is the same product - an extra letter or two and most likely it's made specifically for the big box store - yes it's the same brand but it might have cheaper parts.

Faucetman has been showing up on both the Kitchens & Bathrooms Forums lately usually touting his "friend's" site.

Need I say more?

yup...funny how his name is related to plumbing too.

I'd agree that if the model number matches exactly you're probably OK.

However, I know that over on the tool side there's a different thing going on. The big boxes have bought out / bought into tool manufacturing companies and are now running the show. The tools being produced are not the same quality they were when the tool label was independent. (No, I don't know which ones or the details. I just remember Hubby talking about it.)

I bought my single hole, Simplice from Lowe's. I don't have the box any more, but I recall that it had a different letter in the model# than I had noticed elsewhere. It seems very substantial and I am enjoying it, I love having running water again, after 10 months!!

I called Moen the other day and asked this question. They said they do not make different faucets for different places. Now, I do think making sure it is the same number is smart.

I know you aren't asking about this brand, but I called Hansgrohe about this exact question and they said that they have the same quality for the big box stores as the independents. For them, the big box stores buy in bulk and so get bigger discounts but also don't have the same level of selection.

I bought the Kohler Simplice from Home Depot, model K-R648. It looks exactly like the K-647 except it includes a matching soap dispenser. The Kohler website uses the same model # as Home Depot but states FOR RETAIL AVAILABILITY ONLY. The price at Home Depot for the Simplice with the soap dispenser is less than buying the K-647 at other online stores without the soap dispenser. Hopefully, my HD model doesn't have plastic parts. It certainly appears well made and I think it will work well in my kitchen.

Thanks for your help!!

I just want to say thanks to mrs-sjt for bringing up the Kohler Simplice subject and everyone else for their valuable information. I, too, will be buying the Simplice w/soap dispenser and hopefully will find it at the HD in Hawaii. Otherwise, when I stop over in CA I will pick it up there.

You are welcome kulagal! Glad it helped you. FYI, Lowe's also carries the Simplice so you can check there, too.