When you are looking to replace the kitchen faucet, you will no doubt be looking at thousands of examples. Two brands tend to stick out: Delta and Moen. Although many designs look the same, some features set these two brands apart. And that might make you wonder, “Should I choose Delta or Moen for my next kitchen faucet?”
We’ve done the research and provide a comparison and contrast for both brands. This will help you have a clearer view of the products, so you can choose the best one for your kitchen.
Who will reign supreme in the Delta vs. Moen match? Let’s find out.
**Note** – A quick hello to anyone reading this, I’m Alastair AKA Product Review Lad. I started this site to help people choose the best products to buy, and hopefully what you’re about to read will aid you in your choice. This page includes affiliate links to the likes of Amazon, which if you make a purchase I qualify to earn a (typically small) commission. Don’t worry as this won’t cost you anything, the likes of Amazon pay any commissions. Thank you in advance for your support as this helps Product Review Lad to create the best reviews.
Delta vs. Moen Models
Before getting into the individual styles of both brands, it is important to know where they come from and how they started.
Moen is one of the oldest names in home appliances in the United States. The company was started by Al Moen in 1937 and has been dedicated to elegant faucet designs ever since.
Delta has long been a rival to Moen. The company was founded in 1954, in Indianapolis, Indiana. While Moen has nearly 20 years of experience on Moen, the two have been neck-and-neck recently in both sales and popularity.
But how has that changed their aesthetics?
Delta Models
There are three main lines of faucets available from Delta. The flagship line from the company retains the name “Delta” and generally falls into the moderate-high price range. There are currently 63 styles of Delta kitchen faucets to choose from, and they are categorized as either traditional, transitional, or contemporary. The budget-friendly line is known as Peerless. These faucets are no-frills, but they work extremely well and look sleek. Lastly is Brizo, the luxury line. Brizo features innovations and new technology, making them rather pricey.
What you should keep in mind is that this wide range of products means that parts are coming from several sources. Delta is such a large company that it often outsources manufacturing. So, when you need to get a replacement part, it can be difficult to obtain.
Moen Models
The main difference between Moen and Delta models is that Moen has far less budget-friendly options than Delta. That is why Moen has divided its faucets between the innovations they use, such as MotionSense Touchless faucets, Reflex Pulldown faucets, Power Clean faucets, and so on.
Most people tend to have complaints about the higher end products from Moen. Since the luxury items contain more parts and electronics than simpler models, they tend to malfunction once in a while. Such problems should be covered by a warranty. There are also complaints about the cost of the items, but since the products are usually made with uncompromising quality, the cost is worth it.
Models Head-to-Head
Let’s take a look at two similarly designed models from Delta and Moen: the Delta Leland 9178-AR-DST and the Moen 7594ESRS Arbor. The Moen model is a pull-down kitchen faucet with a high arc design, MotionSense, Spot Resist, and an overall appealing look.
Delta’s Leland 9178-AR-DST has a slightly larger handle but the same technologies included. Another addition is the MagnaTite Docking technology, which features magnets that enable the spout and sprayer to dock more smoothly. You never have to worry about anything getting loose with age. The main difference is the price. Delta’s version is much cheaper than Moen’s, even though you can choose between two sensors or one.
Designs and Finishes
On either side of the line, you get the standard finishes: bronze, chrome, brushed nickel, and matte black. Delta, however, offers 10 altered shades, as well as tarnish, stain, scratch, and odor resistant finishes. A standout finish for Delta is known as Venetian Bronze.
Moen only has basic shades. For the luxury products, you can choose the popular oil-rubbed look, but it only looks good with select kitchen styles/decor.
Delta: Brilliance and SpotShield Finishes
The Brilliance finish is for all colors and shades of Delta products and stops any tarnishing and discoloration. This is confirmed by rigorous testing using over 100 household cleaners, scouring, and more. SpotShield is similar to Spot Resist by Moen (mentioned below).
Moen: Spot Resist Technology
Now, while you cannot get customized colors, you can choose to utilize Moen’s Spot Resist finish (only for Stainless Steel and Brushed Nickel). The finish keeps fingerprints and water spots from showing up on the faucet, keeping it clean. It’s a practical addition.
Moen vs. Delta on Latest Technology
As you have seen in previous sections, both brands have a wide selection of models that feature all kinds of utilities. There are further technologies that are distinctive to both brands.
Touchless Faucets
One of the problems homeowners constantly run into is trying to turn the faucet on and off when you have something on your hands. Not only that but cleaning those handles can be a nuisance.
Delta offers a technology called Touch2o® that allows you to touch anywhere on the faucet with a hand, arm, or some other part of your body to control the flow of water. Some models even allow you to go completely hands-free, thanks to motion sensors installed around the base of the faucet. Paired with that Touch2o® technology is the TempSense® LED indicator light. The light will change color to show how cold or hot the water will be.
Moen has developed similar technology—MotionSense. With MotionSense, all you need is a single gesture to turn the faucet on or off. Recently, Moen rolled out the Wave Sensor, which allows you to activate the faucet with just a pass of the hand.
Sprayers
Do you hate it when you go to rinse off a plate and get splattered with whatever was sticking to the surface? Well, you don’t have to worry about that anymore. Delta has launched something called “ShieldSpray,” which is a specialized stream of water that reduces splattering and spray.
Similarly, Moen has “Power Clean.” However, instead of creating a shield out of the water to contain splatter, Power Clean merely releases a highly concentrated stream of water—up to 50 percent more spray power than standard faucets.
Price Comparison
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a less pricey faucet is going to give you less quality. Both brands provide their customers with quality assurance, regardless of what level of faucet you choose. Both Moen and Delta enable you to purchase their products for stores or directly from their websites.
Typically, Moen faucets range from $80 to $700. The lower end comes with far less technology.
Delta kitchen faucets are priced lower than Moen. Their faucets range from $75 to $585.
Prices may have changed throughout the year, so consider these a general estimate. That said, the price difference between Delta and Moen could be a deciding factor for many.
Delta vs. Moen: Warranties
One of the things you should never overlook when searching for a new kitchen faucet is the warranty. Even if you have to pay a few extra bucks to get the warranty, do it. You never know when a plumbing disaster could strike.
That said, Moen and Delta are two brands that offer some truly satisfying warranties on their products. This includes kitchen sink accessories, like garbage disposals.
Delta Warranties
There are a couple of warranties that cover kitchen appliances and fixtures. First is the Non-Electric Lifetime Warranty that covers wear and tear and defects on units that do not contain any technologies. There is also a separate 5-year limited warranty for any electric faucets that vary depending on the faucet type.
Moen Warranties
Unlike Delta, Moen gives its customers a lifetime limited warranty that covers virtually anything that could go wrong with your faucet. The one thing that is not covered is any damages sustained from improper installation or neglect.
The warranty is good for original parts, and you will need to keep the receipt handy if you plan on claiming the future. There is also a warranty for electrical parts that depend on the faucet model.
Customer Support
Although there have been no major complaints or cases against both companies, Delta has received more positive reviews regarding customer service than Moen. That is not to say that Moen has issues with customer support, but there has been a decline in people evening mentioning it. Conversely, Delta seems to have been getting raving reviews recently.
Therefore, before you go purchase a Moen or Delta faucet, check out online reviews regarding issues with kitchen faucets from both brands. See if people write anything about customer support and gauge it from there.
Final Thoughts on Moen vs. Delta
The top contenders in the kitchen faucet battle are Delta and Moen. Both are very good brands with loads of options for every budget, aesthetic, and sink type. Each company designs high-end faucets with incredible technology, though Delta has simpler, more utilitarian designs. Moen, on the other hand, specializes in more high-cost designer faucets.
Although both brands offer great quality, Delta outdoes Moen in several areas, including the diversity of their designs and colors, economical price tag, and customer service. Moen trumps Delta in terms of technology, though.
In the end, the best kitchen faucet for you depends on what features, colors, and technology you are looking for. But whichever Delta or Moen faucet you choose, it is bound to be exceptional.
