Choosing the best kitchen faucet is an important decision before shopping for your kitchen faucet.
This is because at the end of the day, you need to walk home with a good faucet.
Moen is a lucky brand that has earned world recognition when it comes to designing and delivering beautiful and durable products.
The Moen brand is one of the most reliable kitchen faucet brands to date because it stands behind all its products with a limited lifetime warranty against all leaks and defects in finishes and drips.
Another reason why it is so popular is the fact that it offers almost any faucet design offered in the market. That is not all; the Moen has earned several awards and recognition as the market leader in kitchen faucets
One evening in 1937, Al Moen went to wash his hands in the sink with conventional two handles faucets after a busy day working in a garage. To his surprise, a hot stream of water jetted and almost burnt his hands.
This painful experience inspired him to pursue a single handle kitchen faucet that would mix hot and cold water in the spigot before it exits the faucet.
Below we will be talking about Moen product types, top picks in this category, exclusive features of the brand and how it compares with Delta and Kohler Models. So keep reading.
The Rundown: Moen Product Types
The Moen is known to offer most of the stylish designs you can find on the market. As a result, professionals and homeowners can take advantage of the different designs.
What this means is that every kitchen design can get a good and stylish faucet. The available types of kitchen faucets under various collection are:
Pull Out
The pull out kitchen faucet is specifically designed for kitchens with small sinks.
It comes with a shorter spout to house the spray head.
However, the hose is longer to give you a lot of motion.
- Longer hose for convenience filling of larger pots
- Greater flexibility that reduces splash back
- Inconvenient for filling large pots
- Uncomfortable for those with bigger hands
- Who want greater flexibility?
- Those with bigger hands
- It is perfect for you if you are limited on the overhead space on your countertop.
Our Top Pick — Moen 7294SRS Arbor
Coming in a refreshingly modern design, Moen 72994SRS pullout spray head gives you two spray modes for ultimate convenience.
Besides, a simple switch allows you to toggle between a steady stream and a more powerful rinse for all your everyday cleaning and heavy-duty applications.
- Pull down horse with two spray modes
- Snap-in installation
- Straightforward operation
- Spray head does not fit back to the base easily
Pull Down
Just like its name says, this type of faucet works by pulling the handle down.
When it comes to ergonomics, this one is a great choice so you can easily control the water flow.
Besides, it is high enough so you will have no difficulties cleaning your vessel.
However, keep in mind that pressure may reduce with height.
- Great ergonomics
- A wide range of spray options for convenient operation
- The hose does not flex to different directions so it is less prone to twist
- Height of the spout affects pressure
- Those with deep sinks
- Those who want a flexible hose
Our Top Pick — Moen 7594SRS Arbor
Featuring a Power Clean Spray Technology this faucet will clean your dishes faster while at the same time reducing the amount of residual water in the sink.
Additionally, the pulldown reflex system offers you greatest maneuverability to handle dishes and sinks of all sizes conveniently.
- PowerClean technology for faster cleaning
- Reflex system for maximum maneuverability
- Fast and easy installation
- The handle come loose and may fall after a few days
High Arc
The high arc kitchen faucet also known as gooseneck faucets.
This type of faucet is designed for those who with deep sinks in their homes.
What perhaps this faucet apart is the ability to swivel which gives you maximum convenience. It is therefore the best for cleaning larger vessels.
- Good for washing oversized dishes
- Swivels to increase the circumference of your washing
- Will cause overflow in smaller sinks
- Those with modern design sinks
- Those with small sinks
Our Top Pick — Moen 7185CSL
Coming in a classic design Moen 7185CSL features a LifeShine non-tarnish finish on the surface that offers enhanced resistance to corrosion and chemical attack thus ensuring color stability over its life.
If what matters most to you is design, this comes in a very simplistic design and will help you do your cleaning jobs far quicker.
- One-handle lever design for ease of use
- Hydrolock quick connect system
- Pull down reflex system for easy movement
- Height may affect the water pressure
- It is not leak proof
Low Arc
This type of faucet is specifically designed to be installed on small sinks as it looks great on them.
However, installing them on a larger sink it may look out of place.
If you like something that delivers less spray but cleans quickly, this is the right type for you.
- Less spray
- Great for washing large pots and filling large vessels
- Visually get lost in large sinks
- For with small sinks
- Those with larger sinks as it will visually get lost
Our Top Pick — Moen 7545SRS
This one handle low arc pullout faucet comes with a unique pause button that enables you to conveniently interrupt water flow.
This faucet is one of the best kitchen faucets under 200$
This button not only help you interrupt water flow it also provides greater flexibility from stream to mode seamlessly.
- Duralock connect system for quick installation
- Delivers aerated design for everyday needs
- Mounts on sink or countertop
- Multi-function design
- All parts inside are plastic and can break easily
Touchless
The touchless kitchen faucet is a great hands-free option that is activated by a sensor.
This means that you don’t need the handles to control water flow.
Instead you just need to touch any part of the faucet or wave at it and it will automatically respond.
- Hands free operation
- Controlled water flow
- Prevent the spread of bacteria and germs
- Features pull down spray heads for easier cleaning of larger dishes
- No risk of overflowing sink
- Tricky installation
- Not feasible where different temperatures are needed
- Relatively expensive than traditional faucet
- Those who want to conserve large amounts of water
- Those with arthritic hands
- Those on budget, because this faucet is expensive and comes with built in energy cost
Our Top Pick — Moen 7594EC
Tailored to perfection the Moen 7594E features a motion sense design that senses what you are trying to accomplish and respond instantly for utmost convenience and less cleaning which is very important in germs control.
This one is a good buy for any kitchen.
- Handsfree convenience
- Infinite flexibility
- Fast and easy installation
- More power but less splash
- The bottom sensor hardly realize you are there until you move closer
Single-Handle
As its name says, it comes with one handle that controls both temperature and pressure.
Installing this type of faucet is a breeze and it gives you one free hand to do your other jobs while cleaning.
- Quick and easy installation
- Compatible with pullout and pull down sprayers
- Accommodates large pots and vessels in the sink
- Side mounted handles are inconvenient as they cause less clearance between the handle and the backsplash
- Difficult to control water temperature.
- Single-handed individuals
- Those with only one hole on the countertop
- For individuals with more than one hole on the counter top
Our Top Pick — Moen CA87011SRS
This Single Handle Kitchen Faucet from the Kleo collection has well-proportioned characteristics of a classic and modern design.
The one-handle lever handles make it easy to adjust the water.
The faucet pulldown whith 68 inch hose offers flexible water delivery.
- One handle-design for ease of use
- Duralock quick-connect system
- Spot resist stainless finish
- Only right handle mounting
Two-Handle
It has two separate handles on either side of the spout with one being for cold water and the other been for hot water.
- Precise temperature and water flow control
- Allows you to change faucet and the handles independently
- Easy to turn the shut-off valve if one handle springs a leak
- Difficult to adjust two separate handles
- Inconvenient when the hands are full
- Perfect for those who need different water temperatures
Our Top Pick — Moen 87046
This chrome-finished faucet features two handles with color indicators on both handles for ease of use.
The hot water handle turns counterclockwise to open while the cold-water handle turns clockwise.
- Coloured handles for easy use
- Powerful for heavy duty cleaning
- Duralock quick-connect system
- Side spray for convenient cleaning
- Two handle design is difficult to control water temperature
Wall-Mount
The connection to this faucet comes through the wall.
- Saves space
- Very versatile
- Very clean as they catch less dirt and grime
- Difficult to repair leakages
- Does not create aesthetic look
- Those who want to maximize countertop space
- Double sinks
- Cold regions because it can freeze the water
Our Top Pick — Moen 8126
This two-handle wall mount faucet includes vandal-resistant torque screws that deter tampering or theft.
For this reason, it is a good choice for sinks with high traffic.
- Color coded handles for convenience
- Vandal resistant design to deter tampering
- ADA compliant handles
- Gooseneck spout for easy cleaning
- Large and unfinished connectors that looks too big for the sink
Deck-Mount
This faucet is also known as top mounted faucet.
These faucets mounts directly to the countertop.
- Provides a seamless look for contemporary kitchens
- Easy to install
- Easy to manage and repair
- Take space on the countertop
- Dirt and grime easily accumulates between the faucet and the wall
- Those with contemporary kitchens
- Plenty of space
- Double sinks
- Those with limited countertop space
- Who have no time to clean it frequently
Our Top Pick — Moen 7545ORB
This camerist single handle faucet is features the Moens new Duralock Quick Connect System that allows for easy installation without using special tools.
- One handle-design for ease of use
- Pause button that temporarily stop water flow
- Hassle-free installation
- Multi-function pull out faucet
- The arch shape makes it difficult to aim
Moen Colors and Coatings
The men brand debunks in a variety of colors as shown below.
Chrome
The chrome finish is polished, either brushed or matte.
The chrome finish looks like silver in color but lacks the mirror finish.
- Very economical
- Durable
- Enhances many decors
- Easy to clean
- Show water marks thus requires frequent wipe down
Classic stainless
A classic stainless steel finish is shiny but not as reflective as a mirror.
- Economical
- Easy to clean
- Will not corrode or tarnish
- Enhances modern decor
- Polished texture show water marks and requires frequent wipe down
Matte black
This is a dull black color that is slightly rougned.
- Economical
- Does not tarnish
- Enhances modern decor
- Cleans easily
- May show water marks and may require regular wiping
Oil rubbed bronze
This finish looks rustic and at the same time is neither brown or black.
- Resists scratching
- Complements traditional, Mediterranean or rustic decor
- Dark color not ideal for any decor
Polished nickel
This is silvery in color like chrome but has a slightly warmer tone than chrome.
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Versatile
- Adds elegant upscale note to decor
- Quite expensive
Spot resist stainless
It is shiny and reflective but not like a mirror.
- Resists water marks and fingerprints
- Maintains the brilliance of your faucet
- Breeze cleaning
- May be costly
Wrought iron
This finish is clear but dull in color. It is neither black nor brown.
- Provides a timeless aesthetic
- Durable
- Require little maintenance
- Expensive
Built-In Features That Make the Moen Brand So Popular and Competitive
Amazing design
What will strike your eyes with awe upon unboxing a Moen faucet is the design.
Moen debunks one of the classic and well-thought design.
In fact, I can say that the brand faucets have your in needs centrally positioned. View different designs.
Construction
What I liked most is to see that they are all made from stainless steel that is resistant to abrasion, rusting and chemicals.
That is just a tip of the iceberg, I was impressed to see that the entire body is coated with a Spot Resist stainless for a fingerprint-free and water spots free surface, this results in a cleaner looking kitchen.
Others are even coated with a LifeShine Finish which is not going to tarnish until the end of times. What this means is that you will spend more time enjoying your home.
Super-fast installation
The traditional kitchen faucets had one problem that is their installation was time-consuming. However, the Moen bring ease and convenience right to your kitchen.
Featuring a new Duralock Quick Connect Installation System installing your kitchen faucet is now easy and you do not require any special tools to do the job.
This system allows you to connect the faucet in a quick and straightforward step. Best of all is that the Moen faucets are compatible with either a single mount or 3 hole mount. The single mount offers a beautiful look at the countertop.
Consequently, if you have a 3-point installation on your sink, the faucet comes handy with an escutcheon metal base to allow for a 3-hole mount installation.
Hands-free convenience
One thing that perhaps sets the Moen’s brand apart is the MotionSense feature with two sensors for a touchless activation.
This feature detects an object near it to activate water flow. You can, therefore, your hand to turn the faucet on or off.
The coolest thing is that the MotionSense technology helps you to wave goodbye to dirt and germs on your faucet.
Power Clean technology
There is no doubt some kitchen messes are stubborn to clean unless you use a more powerful water source.
The Moen is engineered with an exclusive Power Clean Technology provides a powerful and concentrated spray for faster clean up.
Notably, the Power Clean technology delivers 50% more spray power than ordinary force to tackle sticky caked-on messes much faster. Even better, the Moen contains splash and minimizes the mess.
Reflex technology
One thing that left me bewildered is the innovative reflex technology both in its pull-down and pullout faucets.
It is amazing to see that both the pull down and pullout kitchen faucets are retractable so once you are through maneuvering the flexible horse around your sink, the hose effortlessly and securely returns to its original docking point.
This system gives you the best washing experience possible.
Warranty
Moen stands behind all their products with a lifetime warranty. Can you imagine how great that feels?
Certainly, a lifetime warranty shows that Moen is very confident about its products. Are this not great news for you?
My guess is right as you can breathe a lot easier while spending your bucks on a Moen faucet. All Moen products are warranted against drips, leaks and finish defects.
However, it does not end there either, I have noted that Moen has a very efficient customer service so can easily claim the warranty in the future. But one thing for sure, you will be using your Moen faucet for quite some time.
Value and performance
What has surprised me most is to see that all of the Moen Kitchen faucet models there is nothing to dispute when it comes to value and performance. They all do a perfect job.
The icing on the cake is that even their prices are comparable to those of other similar brands on the market.
However, their dedication to design and efficient technologies is priceless.
Moen Faucet Replacement Parts
Moen kitchen faucets reliable and high quality. But they have replaceable parts that you need to change from time to time. What are these parts?
Moen replacement hose for pulldown models. Before you buy one, check the model number of your kitchen faucet. Not all hoses are suitable for your model. You must ensure compatibility.
Moen faucet adapter kit. You can find kit for single-handle or two-handle kitchen faucets. Inside there is a handle disassembled. You can change the entire handle or its component if it`s broken. Before installing this make sure the stock cartridge is in the correct position for hot and cold water.
Moen replacement faucet cartridge. If you have very hard water, you will probably need to change the cartridge more often. When choosing, make sure that it fits your Moen model kitchen faucet. Sometimes, old cartridges collect a lot of salt deposits and they are difficult to remove.
To remove it you need to use pliers. In place of the old cartridge, you can find salt deposits. You must to remove it with white vinegar. And then install a new cartridge.
How to replace O-rings for a Moen one handle faucet?
It is possible to replace O-rings of Moen kitchen faucets without any action under the sink. To do this, follow these steps.
- Turn off the water on the supply line valves.
- Remove the tap handle.
- If your model has a screw at the back of the button with a red / blue plug or under the handle cover, remove it.
- Use a 7/64 inch hex wrench to remove the handle screw.
- Remove the handle mechanism with the spout lock nut.
- Turn the spout back and forth, pulling it upwards.
- If you need to remove the handle of your Moen model by loosening the screw on the back of the handle, loosen the screw.
- Use a 3/32 inch hex key.
- Unscrew the spout hub nut by turning it counterclockwise.
- Lift and turn the nozzle.
- Remove existing sealing rings from the valve body.
- Mark the location of each ring.
- Prepare a solution of vinegar and water 50/50.
- Clean the rings, the inside of the nozzle and the outside of the valve body.
- Lubricate the O-rings with the supplied silicone grease.
- Install them on the valve body.
- Lubricate the inside of the spout hub and the outside of the valve body.
- Do not use lubricants and aerosols containing petroleum products.
- Reinstall the spout, handle mechanism, and cover in reverse order.
How to Clean the Lines of Moen Faucets?
If your Moen faucet makes noise when you turn it on and off, there may be debris in it that can be trapped. You can clean it using a simple procedure.
You will need a towel, a bowl, white vinegar, a 1/8-inch hex key and a helper.
Do this for a Moen faucet with one handle:
- Check the aerator. To do this, use the tool in the kit and unscrew the aerator counterclockwise.
- Check the aerator for debris.
- Make a solution of white vinegar and water in a 1: 1 ratio.
- Clean the aerator with a toothbrush and this solution.
- Close the water supply valves under the sink.
- Open the tap handle and drain the remaining water.
- Turn on the water supply again. A sudden jet of water can remove splinters that are stuck inside.
- If there is noise, debris can get inside the faucet itself.
- Turn off the water supply and drain the water.
- Remove the cap from the tap handle.
- Unscrew the locking screw using a universal wrench.
- Remove the handle.
- Turning counterclockwise, unscrew the dome cover.
- Using a adjustable wrench, loosen the nut at the top of the valve.
- Carefully remove the cartridge.
Do this for a Moen faucet with two handles:
- Use an adjustable wrench.
- Remove each handle cap.
- Remove the nuts.
- Remove the handle mechanism. Pull it back and up.
- Remove rods.
- Insert the hex key into the rubber seat and tilt it back slightly to grip the spring.
- Raise the seats and springs.
- Do the same on the other side.
Cleaning lines:
- Place the rolled towel behind the sink.
- Take the bucket and turn the bucket upside down to cover the valve.
- Let the assistant hold the bucket in place.
- Turn on the water supply again.
- Water will flow directly from the empty valve body and be discharged into the sink through a bucket.
- This should clear any remaining litter in the lines.
- Turn off the water.
- Assemble the crane.
- Take care that the debris does not stick to parts of the kitchen faucet.
- Turn on the water again.
- After such cleaning lines, your tap should work smoothly and quietly.
- If the noise remains, contact the service.
How it compares to other brands
Every time I go to purchase a faucet, there are key things I often consider, this is to ensure that every part of my plumbing installation goes straight.
The sheer number of faucet brands can somehow confuse you as you try to get your hands on all information you find about the best possible faucet brands.
Moreover, before you even ponder about it, I introduce the phrase Moen Vs Delta to help you make an informed decision.
Moen Vs Kohler: Brief Comparison
Kohler is another popular and beautiful brand well known for a wide range of plumbing products.
The Kohler like the Moen derived its name from its founder John Michael Kohler – an immigrant to the United States from Austria. What sets this brand apart is how well it combines art, technology and function.
What it offers can only be said to be beautiful.
Utility tech
When it comes to utility technologies, both models share the same MotionSense technology. Therefore, faucets from either brand will respond to your movements automatically. For both models, you will not touch any part of the faucet to operate it.
Finishes
Both Moen and Kohler brands assist you in creating a beautiful kitchen with a variety of finish-matched products. Moen popular finishes are spot resist stainless, chrome, matte black and oil rubbed bronze.
On the other hand, Kohler most popular finishes are vibrant polished titanium, vintage nickel, matte black, vibrant modern brushed gold, vibrant polished nickel and vibrant brushed stainless.
Warranty
While Moen stands behinds all its products with a hassle-free lifetime warranty no matter the country of installation. Kohler, on the other hand, provides a limited drip-free and leak-free warranty only for the normal residential use.
This means that the warranty only covers the original owners.
Price
The most exciting thing about the Kohler brand is that it is much cheaper than the Moen brand. You can easily get a good Kohler model faucet priced for less than $200 and the most expensive in the $400-$500 range.
Priced on the average point it means most homeowners can comfortably afford it, unlike the Moen that sells for many hundreds of dollars.
Ceramic disc valves
To enhance durability and performance of their products, Kohler includes ceramic disc valves in their faucets. These disc valves have the longest lifespan in the industry.
However, for Moen, this feature does not exist given that it is made using the highest quality materials available. No wonder Moen is bold to stand behind their product with a lifetime warranty.
Temperature
Another thing that set the Kohler apart is the temperature memory technology. This allows high-end kitchen faucets to remember the last temperature setting so you can easily turn the faucet on its previous setting next time you want to use it.
This technology is absent in Moen brands.
Swivel and rotating spout
Kohler wants to give your kitchen duties a magical spin. For this reason, the brand comes with a 360 degree rotating and swiveling spout for flexibility.
Verdict
As compared to the Moen, Kohler gives your kitchen duties a magical spin with the swiveling spout. In addition, Kohler is relatively cheaper than Moen something that makes it a good choice for those with little budget.
Moen Vs Delta: Brief Comparison
The Delta brand is designed for those whom a sense of luxury permeates their life, whether in the kitchen or bathroom.
The central idea in Delta design is to transform how a kitchen faucet makes your life easy and full of fun. It’s amazing design is complemented by technological innovations to make life easy.
Finishes
Notably, both Moen and Delta brands have more than one finish option including the three most common ones namely: chrome, bronze and matte.
That is not all, both of them features a signature, scratch resistance coating technology. In contrast, the Delta has more color choices than the Moen so you will be lucky with the Delta if the Moen does not offer a faucet in your favorite color or finish.
Spot resist technology
In addition to the three finishes, Moen prides itself for its exclusive SpotResist Technology. This technology provides a special coating that is resistant to water spots and fingerprints.
This is beneficial as it saves you time that you would otherwise spend wiping them off.
However, this is not the case with the Delta. Instead, Delta has its own technology of keeping its faucet free of elements. Delta uses its Brilliance & SpotShield Technologies to keep it scratch less and free from discoloration and tarnishing.
However, with SpotShield, you get an added advantage of antimicrobial protection on your faucet.
Utility tech
Again, both brands have developed their distinct touchless clean technologies to improve the everyday kitchen life.
The Delta comes with a Touch2o technology so you will only need to touch anywhere on the faucet to turn it on or off. This eliminates the hassle for maneuvering the tap with stuff-coated hands.
On the other hand, the Moen uses a MotionSense technology, which is a perfect alternative since you do not have to touch anywhere to operate it. True to its name, Moen senses your intention and respond immediately.
Additionally, the Delta uses the ShieldSpray Technology to take care of your potential splashing needs with a water shield.
In contrast, the Moen uses the PowerClean Technology instead of a water shield. The PowerClean technology sprays out a spray that is 50% stronger than usual but with less splashing.
Price
When it comes to prices, the Moen models are a lot more expensive as compared to the Delta models.
Verdict
Delta brand is a great choice if you are on budget. Overall, when it comes to features and performance both brands are innovative and great choices.
Bottom line
Moen maintains the lead in as far as design innovation is the subject. Again, if you want a faucet with dramatic height, then Moen is still the perfect choice.
Other great features that make it stand toe-to-toe against other models is the PowerClean technology that makes it the darling of many buyers. The Moen also compares well with other great models like the Delta and the Kohler.
Although, the Moen is priced a little higher than the other models it compares with. The Moen’s innovations, durability, and performance are priceless. To this end, I hope you have found this article useful.
If you are already convinced that the Moen that boasts of over 75 years in the kitchen fixture industry is still the best, I would recommend you try my three top choices in this brand.
I have no doubt any one of them will drastically improve your kitchen life and match well with your décor. What is important for you is to know your kitchen needs and weigh the options reviewed here.
I would appreciate hearing your thoughts so that I can make this post more informative. Best luck!