What brand bathroom fixtures?

Question

I've had one plumber tell me to not buy fixtures from Home Depot because they're no good and that even their Kohler and Moen is made for them and cheaper. I don't know if I trust him since he's affiliated with a plumbing house. However, is there a big difference between brands and what is a good brand that is middle of the road price wise?

Answer 1

Koehler and Moen are good brands. From inexpensive to high end. Also check out Restoration Hardware. They have period pieces.  

Answer 2

The Kohler & Moen & Delta products made for the big box stores are different than the ones at the supply houses. You can take what is seemingly the same product apart & look at the guts & see that it is different.  They can even be manufactured at different plants.  There is more plastic in the valve bodies & they use plastic discs instead of ceramic discs.  They look the same on the outside.  Plumbers usually guarantee their work for a year. They often find thru experience that they have to come out to service Home Depot plumbing products on their own dime far more often than products from a plumbing supply house.  Also, if there is anything wrong with a product, it is easier to deal with a company you have a relationship with than with a box store. Often, plumbing supply houses have trained salespeople who can make sure you are choosing the right products for you project as well.

Kohler is a great middle of the road brand that has a wide-range of prices.  Check out the Devonshire, Fairfax, Forte, and Bancroft lines which are the price-conscious lines in Kohler.  

Good Luck!  

Answer 3

I work for a company that also sells plumbing fixtures. Moen and Kohler are good brands, and they do have a wide range of price points, the ones at Home Depot being more reasonable.

But they are all good quality still. Kohler warranties all their products the same and are well made. If you buy plumbing from a higher-end distributor or designer showroom, you will pay a much higher price. Because the plumbers or designers are putting their markup on it.

In defense of the plumbers, they probably have an accounts at these showrooms, like to buy from one location, and rather install product they buy and can control, than something "retail" from a home store.

Of course, the phrase "you get what you pay for" is always true. But you should fell confident buying a Moen or Kohler at Home Depot. Stay away from the really cheap stuff, or generic or off brands you've never heard of. They may have no warranties or be in business in 5 years when you need a part.