If you’re renovating your kitchen or building a new home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is which brand of kitchen faucet to install. As a retired plumber with over 30 years of experience, I’ve installed countless kitchen faucets from Moen, Delta, and other brands. Based on my extensive experience, I’d say that Moen and Delta are two of the top faucet manufacturers on the market today. But which one is better – Moen or Delta?
In this blog post, I’ll compare Moen and Delta kitchen faucets to help you decide which is the best choice for your new kitchen. I’ll provide an overview of both brands, compare their key features and technologies, and offer my professional insight on the pros and cons of Moen vs Delta. Whether you’re looking for a basic affordable faucet or a high-end model packed with innovations, you’re sure to find the perfect faucet for your home after reading this helpful guide.
A Brief Overview of Moen and Delta
Before we dive into the details, let’s start with a quick overview of the Moen and Delta brands.
Moen was founded in 1937 by inventor Al Moen, who revolutionized the faucet industry with the single-handled faucet. Moen was the first to introduce the single-handle kitchen faucet, which allowed users to control the water with one hand. Today, Moen offers a wide selection of kitchen, bathroom, and commercial faucets known for quality and innovation. They continue to introduce new technology like touchless and motion-activated faucets.
Delta Faucet Company was also founded in the 1930s. They are known for pioneering the first mass-produced single-handle faucets and the first pull-out spout kitchen faucets. Like Moen, Delta offers a full range of kitchen and bathroom faucets and innovates with hands-free Touch2O® Technology. They also have Brizo as their luxury brand and Peerless as a more affordable line.
So both Moen and Delta helped transform the faucet industry and remain leaders today. Let’s now look more closely at how they compare.
Comparing the Key Features and Technologies
Moen and Delta faucets have more similarities than differences when it comes to features and innovations. But there are some key factors that distinguish the two brands.
Hands-Free Convenience – Both Moen and Delta offer motion-sensing kitchen faucets that allow you to activate water flow without touching the faucet. I’ve installed quite a few of the Moen MotionSense and Delta Touch2O faucets and customers love the convenience, especially when hands are messy from cooking. Delta seems to have a few more hands-free models to choose from, but both brands execute this technology very well.
Superior Spray Options – Moen’s Signature line has the Reflex system, which allows you to easily switch between stream and spray modes on the pull-down/pull-out faucet head. Delta has a similar MagnaTite Docking system on faucets like the Fuse line. I’d say Moen edges out Delta when it comes to the quality and flexibility of the spray head functions.
Easy Installation – Both brands design their faucets for straightforward DIY installation or professional mounting. Moen has their Duralock Quick Connect system that securely attaches the faucet to the sink with one simple turn. Delta’s Diamond Seal Technology also helps prevent leaks under the sink. I can typically install either brand quickly and hassle-free.
Helpful Smart Features – Higher-end Moen and Delta faucets incorporate helpful smart features powered by batteries or AC adaptors. For instance, Moen has faucets that allow you to set a maximum temperature to prevent scalding. Delta faucets with Touch2O Technology let you start/stop the flow of water and control temperature with a touch. The smart features are cool tech additions but not entirely necessary.
Quality Materials – From the stainless steel and brass interiors to the stylish exterior finishes, Moen and Delta faucets are both made from premium, durable materials built to last. I appreciate that both brands offer metal construction rather than plastic.
Design Options – You’ll find plenty of design choices with both Moen and Delta such as widespread, centerset, single-handle, and wall-mount faucets. They have traditional and modern styles with polished chrome, stainless steel, matte black, brushed nickel, and more finish options. Delta offers more colors but Moen has more overall faucet models to browse.
Key Differences Between Moen and Delta Faucets
Now that we’ve compared some of the main features offered by both brands, let’s look at a few of the key differences between Moen and Delta kitchen faucets:
- Price – Delta faucets are typically priced a bit higher than comparable Moen models. However, Delta’s Brizo line is marketed as a luxury offering with premium materials and technology.
- Performance – In my experience, Moen tends to have a performance edge with slightly faster water flow and smoother handle control. But Delta isn’t far behind.
- Warranty – Moen provides a limited lifetime warranty compared to Delta’s more limited warranty policy. So Moen gives you more coverage should anything go wrong.
- Aesthetics – For a more modern, sleek look I’d go with Moen. Delta offers more classic styles focused on elegance and tradition. Of course aesthetics are subjective!
- Innovation – Moen leads in term of coming to market first with new innovations like motion-activated faucets. But Delta eventually matches most innovations while adding their own like Touch2O.
So in summary, while Moen and Delta share premium construction and features, Moen has the upper hand when it comes to price, performance, warranty, and technology. But Delta gives you more style choices.
Which is Better – Moen or Delta Kitchen Faucets?
So when all is said and done, which brand has the edge – Moen or Delta? Based on my extensive installation experience and feedback from customers, I would typically recommend Moen over Delta.
Moen Pros:
- Slightly better water flow and performance
- Lower prices on comparable models
- Lifetime limited warranty provides peace of mind
- More modern styles and finish options
- Faster to introduce innovative features
Delta Pros:
- Brizo lineup offers luxury high-end faucets
- More traditional and transitional style choices
- Touch20 is very reliable hands-free technology
- Excellent but limited warranty
But honestly, you can’t go wrong with either brand. I’ve installed Moen and Delta faucets for decades without major complaints or flaws from either. They are both leaders in the faucet industry, known for quality and technology.
Whichever you choose, make sure to consider the style, finish, features, innovation, and price that matter most for your kitchen. And buy from a trusted retailer that stands behind the products. With proper care and maintenance, a Moen or Delta faucet should provide a lifetime of reliable service in your kitchen.
Key Takeaways – Moen vs Delta Faucets
Here are the main tips to remember when choosing between Moen and Delta kitchen faucets:
- Moen and Delta both make exceptional, durable faucets but Moen has a slight edge in performance and warranty.
- Choose Moen for a more modern look and industry-leading innovations. Go with Delta for more elegant traditional styles and the high-end Brizo line.
- Look for useful features like pull-down spray heads, hands-free technology, and smart controls when choosing your model.
- Moen offers better value overall but Delta faucets allow more finish and style customization.
- Installation of Moen and Delta faucets is straightforward. Both have systems that prevent leaks.
- Proper maintenance is key – follow the manufacturer cleaning guidelines to prevent problems.
I hope this comparison of Moen vs Delta kitchen faucets assists you in picking the perfect faucet to match your sink and style preferences. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Moen vs Delta Faucets – Additional Key Questions From This Old Plumber
As a retired plumber who’s installed countless faucets over my career, folks often ask my opinion on choosing between Moen and Delta. Here’s my take on some common questions about these two excellent faucet brands:
Which brand is better for kitchen faucets, Moen or Delta?
Well, after 30+ years putting in kitchen faucets, I’d say both Moen and Delta make high-quality options. But if sleek, modern designs are your thing, I’d probably go with Moen. Delta has those nice traditional styles though if that’s your taste. I always tell homeowners to think about the look and features they want before deciding.
Are Moen faucets better than Delta faucets?
Now that’s a tough one! In my professional opinion, you really can’t say one brand is flat-out better across the board. Moen is ahead when it comes to new technology like those fancy touchless faucets. But Delta makes some finely crafted beauties. I’ve installed both in hundreds of kitchens over the years and neither brand has given me much trouble.
Do plumbers prefer Delta or Moen faucets?
Can’t speak for all plumbers of course, but I’d say most don’t have a strong preference one way or the other. Delta may have an edge since they offer so many traditional styles and it’s easy to find a model to fit old plumbing setups. I know some plumbers who swear by Moen though. It’s probably a mix based on what folks are used to installing.
Which brand offers more options for bathroom faucets, Delta or Moen?
I’d say Moen has more trendy designs for bathrooms with all those touchless options. But Delta has lots of classic looks to match different decorative styles. Depends if you want that modern high-tech look or vintage elegance. I always tell customers to check out both product lines to see the range of bathroom faucets available.
Are Delta faucets more expensive than Moen faucets?
Now pricing can really vary based on the look and features you choose. But in my experience, Delta faucets are often a bit pricier than Moen models with similar specs. Keep in mind those luxury Brizo Deltas will cost you a pretty penny! I recommend looking at prices from both companies and going with the best value for your budget.
Can I replace my current Moen faucet with a Delta faucet?
More often than not, you sure can switch out a Moen for a Delta or vice versa. Just be sure the new faucet fits with your existing sink and plumbing. May need to make some minor adjustments to get it hooked up properly. I’d suggest having a professional plumber like myself handle the install if you’re changing faucet brands.
Let me know if you have any other faucet questions! This old plumber has seen it all when it comes to Moen vs. Delta.
