California Faucets vs Kohler: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to selecting the perfect faucets for your home, you want to make sure that you choose a brand that is reliable, stylish, and practical. Two well-known faucet brands in the market today are California Faucets and Kohler.

Both brands offer a wide range of products that cater to different design aesthetics and functional needs. But how do you choose between the two?

In this article, we will compare and contrast California Faucets and Kohler in terms of design, materials, durability, installation, features, pricing, customer service, and reviews.

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of which brand is right for your home. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of faucets!

History of California Faucets and Kohler

Before we dive into the comparison, let’s take a brief look at the history of California Faucets and Kohler.

California Faucets was founded in 1988 by Jeff Silverstein. The company started as a small operation out of Silverstein’s garage and has since grown to become one of the leading faucet manufacturers in California.

California Faucets prides itself on offering a wide range of design options, from traditional to contemporary, and has won numerous awards for its innovative and stylish products.

Kohler, on the other hand, has been around for over 140 years. The company was founded in 1873 by John Michael Kohler, who began producing enameled cast iron bathtubs in a small foundry in Wisconsin.

Today, Kohler is a global leader in the kitchen and bath industry, known for its high-quality products and commitment to sustainability.

Kohler offers a wide range of products, including faucets, sinks, toilets, and showers, all of which are designed with both style and functionality in mind.

 California Faucets vs Kohler: Head-to-Head  Comparison

Quality and Durability

When it comes to faucets, quality and durability are important factors to consider. Let’s take a look at how California Faucets and Kohler compare in terms of the materials used to make their products.

California Faucets uses high-quality materials in its products, including solid brass and stainless steel. The brand also offers a PVD (physical vapor deposition) finish, which creates a durable and scratch-resistant surface.

California Faucets prides itself on its attention to detail and rigorous testing standards to ensure that its products are of the highest quality.

Kohler also uses high-quality materials in its products, including solid brass and stainless steel. The brand is known for its ceramic disc valves, which provide a reliable and long-lasting operation. Kohler products are also tested to ensure that they can withstand the wear and tear of daily use.

When it comes to quality and durability, both California Faucets and Kohler offer products that are built to last.

However, California Faucets may have an edge when it comes to durability, thanks to its PVD finish technology.

Design and Style

California Faucets and Kohler both offer a variety of custom faucets, drains, and accessories for bathrooms and kitchens.

California Faucets allows customers to order pre-designed faucets or to custom design their own. They offer over 25 finishes, and customers can find bathroom and kitchen design inspiration on their website organized by style and finish.

They have over 35 bathroom series to suit any design aesthetic, including traditional, transitional, contemporary, and industrial.

Additionally, they provide complete solutions for bathroom and kitchen design, including sinks, showers, tubs, and accessories.

Kohler, on the other hand, offers a variety of popular faucet finishes such as Polished Chrome, Vibrant Polished Nickel, Vibrant French Gold, Vibrant Rose Gold, Vibrant Moderne Polished Gold, Vibrant Brushed Nickel, Vibrant Brushed Bronze, and Vibrant Moderne Brushed Gold.

They also recently added Vibrant Brushed Moderne Brass to their Purist bathroom collection, which is a contemporary spin on a classic brass color.

Kohler finishes add bold details to any bathroom design, and customers can explore their faucet finishes to find the one that matches their style.

Both California Faucets and Kohler offer a range of finishes to choose from, but California Faucets may have an edge when it comes to design options. T

he brand is known for its customizable options, which allows customers to mix and match finishes, handle styles, and spout shapes to create a truly unique look.

Installation

When it comes to installation, both California Faucets and Kohler provide products that require some level of expertise to install. Let’s compare the ease of installation for California Faucets and Kohler products and see which brand offers more user-friendly installation processes.

California Faucets products are generally known to be easy to install, especially with the help of a professional plumber.

However, some products may require special tools and expertise, such as the installation of the brand’s freestanding tub fillers.

California Faucets provides installation guides and videos on their website to help customers understand the installation process and the tools required.

Kohler also offers installation guides and videos for their products, and they generally require basic plumbing knowledge and tools.

However, some Kohler products may require more advanced tools or expertise, such as their digital shower systems, which require a specialized valve and controller installation.

Kohler provides detailed instructions and support for all of their products to ensure a smooth installation process.

Price

California Faucets products are generally considered to be high-end and luxurious, with prices ranging from around $200 to $2,000 or more for certain custom designs.

Their custom designs can be more expensive due to the use of high-quality materials and the time and effort required for handcrafting.

However, California Faucets also offers more affordable options within their product lines, such as their Economy Series and StyleDrain collection.

Kohler also offers products at varying price points, with prices ranging from around $100 to $1,500 or more for custom designs. Their price range includes both affordable and high-end products, with many options for customers to choose from.

Overall, both California Faucets and Kohler offer products at varying price points, and it depends on the specific product and design. However, in general, Kohler may offer more affordable options within their product lines compared to California Faucets.

The prices of the products are affected by the quality of materials used, the manufacturing process, and the level of customization required.

Functionality and Features

California Faucets products are known for their functionality and customization options. Their faucets come with a range of features, such as adjustable flow rates, water-saving options, and temperature control.

They also offer innovative features, such as the ZeroDrain, which eliminates the need for a visible drain in the sink.

Additionally, they offer custom design options, allowing customers to choose the exact features they want for their faucets and accessories.

Kohler also offers a range of features in their products, such as touchless technology, motion sensors, and adjustable flow rates.

They also offer innovative features, such as their Kohler Konnect app, which allows customers to control their bathroom and kitchen appliances through their smartphones.

They also offer customizable design options, allowing customers to choose the specific features they want in their faucets and accessories.

Overall, both California Faucets and Kohler offer innovative and practical features in their products. The level of customization and functionality depends on the specific product and design.

However, in general, Kohler may offer more innovative features, such as their Kohler Konnect app, while California Faucets may offer more customization options for their products.

Customer Service

California Faucets provides customer support through various channels, including a toll-free number and email for technical assistance and locating items. California Faucets has won awards for excellent customer service, and their team is known for their responsiveness, knowledge, and overall excellence.

Kohler also has a customer service team available to help customers identify their products, find warranty information, and read expert advice. They also have a help center on their website with frequently asked questions.

However, there are some common complaints about Kohler’s customer service, including poor follow-up, long wait times for parts, and unhelpful representatives.

Some customers have also reported issues with Kohler’s quality control before products are sent to retailers. Despite these complaints, Kohler is well-known for having good quality products.

Reviews and Ratings

When it comes to customer reviews and ratings, California Faucets generally has positive feedback from customers. Specific products, such as the Traditional Multi-Function Hand Shower, have received high ratings and positive reviews on Amazon.

Some customers have expressed surprise at the high prices, but overall, the company is recognized for its high-quality craftsmanship and customer service.

In an independent review on Starcraft Custom Builders, California Faucets was recognized as a runner-up for Best Value in luxury faucets made or assembled in North America.

The review panel unanimously expressed a high opinion of the company’s customer service and faucets, indicating that they would buy a California Faucets faucet for their own kitchen or bath without hesitation.

On the other hand, Kohler has received mixed reviews from customers. Some customers have praised the reliability and simplicity of Kohler products.

However, the most common complaints about Kohler products are related to poor customer service and uncooperative behavior. Customers have reported long wait times for repairs and a lack of communication from the company.

Kohler has been criticized for its poor customer service and follow-up. Despite these issues, Kohler still maintains a decent score of 3.9/5 stars from 135 pieces of customer feedback on ConsumerAffairs.

Overall, California Faucets appears to have a better reputation among customers for its quality craftsmanship and customer service.

Kohler, on the other hand, has a mixed reputation with some customers praising their products while others complain about their customer service.

How to Choose the Right Faucet Brand for Your Home

When choosing the right faucet brand for your home, there are several factors to consider, including:

1. Design and style: Determine which brand offers the design and style options that match your home decor and personal preferences.
2. Quality and durability: Consider the materials used to make the faucets and their expected lifespan. Check the warranty offered by the brand.
3. Functionality and features: Determine which brand offers the features that suit your needs, such as touchless or high-arc faucets.
4. Installation: Consider the ease of installation and the tools needed for installation.
5. Price range: Determine which brand offers products that fit your budget.

To prioritize these factors, start by identifying which ones are most important to you. If you’re more concerned about design and style, start by comparing the design options available from both brands. If quality and durability are a top priority, start by comparing the materials used and warranties offered.

It’s also important to consider your personal needs and preferences. For example, if you have a busy household, touchless or easy-to-clean faucets may be a priority for you. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to prioritize the price range.

Conclusion

After comparing California Faucets and Kohler on various factors such as design, quality, price, functionality, customer service, and reviews, it is clear that both brands offer high-quality and stylish faucets for bathrooms and kitchens.

However, if we consider all the factors together, Kohler comes out on top as the best faucet brand. Kohler offers a wider range of finishes, a better warranty, and more innovative and practical features than California Faucets.

That being said, the best faucet brand for your home ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

It’s important to consider factors such as design, quality, price, and functionality when choosing a faucet brand.

By prioritizing these factors based on your needs, you can make an informed decision and choose the best faucet brand for your home.

FAQs

Are California Faucets products made in the USA?

Yes, California Faucets products are handcrafted in their factory in Huntington Beach, California.

 Can Kohler faucets be repaired?

Yes, Kohler faucets can be repaired. Kohler offers a limited lifetime warranty on their faucets, which covers any defects or damage to the product.

 How do I clean my California Faucets or Kohler faucet?

To clean your faucet, use a soft, damp cloth with mild soap and water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or pads that could damage the finish of the faucet.