Moen vs. Delta Kitchen Faucets: Which is Best for Your Budget?

When shopping for a new kitchen faucet, two of the leading brands you'll encounter are Moen and Delta. Both companies make high-quality faucets across a range of price points. But which one offers the best value for your budget?

We'll look at factors like features, technologies, installation, warranties, and pricing options for entry-level to luxury models.

Installation Considerations

The first decision to make is whether your existing sink or countertop can accommodate your preferred faucet choice. This includes verifying the number of mounting holes available.

Mounting Holes

The number of holes in your sink or counter dictates the type of faucet you can install. Moen offers single-hole, three-hole, and widespread faucet configurations to match one, three, or four hole openings. Delta provides similar options across one, two, three, and four opening models.

Available Space

Measure the area where your new faucet will be installed to ensure sufficient room for the handle and spout reach. Both Moen and Delta faucets come in a range of heights and positions to suit tight spaces or large sink basins.

Expert Help

Depending on the complexity of installing your sink or countertop faucet, you may want professional assistance. Many homeowners can follow Moen and Delta's step-by-step instructions for self-installation. But if you're unsure, consider hiring a plumber or handyperson to ensure it's done properly.

Types of Kitchen Faucets

Single-Handle vs. Double-Handle

Both Moen and Delta offer kitchen faucets with single and double handles. The number of handles impacts convenience and temperature control:

• Single-handle faucets allow you to adjust temperature and flow with one hand.
• Double-handle faucets give you separate hot and cold handles for precision temp adjustments.

Single-handle faucets tend to be slightly pricier but easier to operate. Double-handle faucets provide more exact calibration between hot and cold water.

Touchless vs. Manual Operation

Another decision is choosing between touchless or manual faucet operation:

• Touchless: Motion sensors allow water to flow without handle contact. This boosts convenience and hygiene.
• Manual: Manipulating handles gives you more direct flow control. It's generally more affordable but requires regular contact.

Delta and Moen both offer touchless models powered by batteries or electricity. These faucets can run a slightly higher price but deliver hand-free convenience.

Spray Heads

Standard kitchen faucets have fixed spouts, while pull-down and pull-out faucets add flexible spray heads for cleaning and rinsing:

• Pull-down spray heads are attached to a hose that extends from the faucet.
• Pull-out spray heads are separate from the faucet but still attached to an extending hose.

Both Delta and Moen provide pull-down and pull-out functionality across various models. The additional sprayer brings added utility but also boosts costs.

Features and Technologies

When comparing Delta vs. Moen kitchen faucets, the included technologies and features can sway purchasing decisions.

Water Flow

Standard kitchen faucet flow rates range from 1.5 to 2.2 gallons per minute (GPM). Conserving water matters, so low-flow options delivering under 1.5 GPM help curb usage. Restricted flow can impact washing tasks though, so decide if water savings outweigh the trade-offs.

Finish and Materials

Faucet finishes must withstand regular use without corroding, tarnishing or showing wear. Both brushed nickel and stainless steel offer durable protection. However, specialty finishes can cost more depending on the material used:

• Brushed nickel is affordable but still shields against fingerprints.
• Stainless resists corrosion for severe environments like coastal areas.
• Unique finishes like living, oil-rubbed bronze, or matte black add luxury looks at higher price points.

Spray Patterns and Docking

Standard pull-down or pull-out faucets offer stream and spray settings for washing tasks. Additional options like Delta's ShieldSpray boost cleaning power, while Moen's Power Clean intensifies rinse capacity. Magnetic docking also helps retract spray heads firmly into place.

Smart and Touch Capabilities

Today's kitchen faucets integrate connectivity and customization. Delta's Touch20(r) Technology allows flow activation with a tap anywhere on the spout or handle. Moen takes it a step further with MotionSense delivering touchless gestural control for the ultimate in convenience.

Cost Comparison

Now let's drill down on price points to see what both faucet brands offer in good, better, and best selections:

Entry-Level Models

At the lower end, Delta provides more very affordable options compared to Moen. Getting started under $150 is easier with Delta's standard and Peerless collections versus Moen's mid-range offerings.

Mid-Range Offerings

In the moderate price bracket of $200 to $400, both brands provide their bestselling kitchen faucets. This range mixes durable construction with functional technologies like Delta's MagnaTite docking spray head and Moen's Reflex pull-down system. You'll find solid value plus style choices here.

Luxury/Designer Collections

At the high end, Moen's Align and Delta's Perrla lines deliver premium finishes and smooth single-handle control. Delta's Brizo brand focuses solely on luxury kitchen faucets pushing the $500+ mark. So for top-tier looks and performance, these elite collections spare no expense.

Additional Buying Considerations

Beyond comparing product features and prices only, a few other factors come into play when weighing Moen vs. Delta purchases.

Warranties

Both companies provide extensive warranty programs. Moen offers limited lifetime protection against leaks, drips, and finish defects. Delta provides a similar lifetime limited warranty covering parts and finishes to the original purchaser.

Brand Reputation

As leading faucet manufacturers, both Moen and Delta earn high marks from consumers and interior designers. Delta frequently gets credited for style diversity in traditional to contemporary looks. Moen draws recognition for technical innovations in motion-activated and pull-down spray faucets.

Customer Support

Moen and Delta back their faucets with helpful customer service. Response times vary, but contacting assistance for troubleshooting or part replacements is available via phone, email, social media, and online support sites.

When prioritizing price, Delta provides more budget flexibility overall. The Peerless line hits extremely affordable lows while the mid-range offers solid functionality. Yet Moen still outperforms in warranty protection and cutting-edge features.

For contemporary styling and touchless operation, Moen leads in innovation. But Delta counters with breadth across traditional to modern designs. Choosing comes down to the performance, looks, and price matching your kitchen project plans.