With two major brands dominating the kitchen faucet market, it can be an overwhelming choice. Both companies produce a wide range of well-designed faucets loaded with helpful features. But there are some key differences between these two giants that might make one stand out over the other for your needs.
We break down how the brands vary in terms of reputation, technologies, durability, prices, and styles so you can determine your best option.
Reputation and Brand Value
Moen and Delta are both highly reputable and well-established faucet manufacturers. But Delta edges out its competitor just slightly when it comes to prestige and accolades within the industry.
Delta has won several prestigious international design awards, including:
- The Red Dot Design Award for product design
- The Good Design Award
- The International Design Excellence Award (IDEA)
These honors recognize Delta’s innovative technologies and sleek, modern style. While Moen also produces stylish, high-tech faucets, Delta wins when it comes to racking up design awards.
Types of Faucets Offered
Both brands offer extensive faucet selections for bathrooms and kitchens in a range of configurations:
| Pull-down | Faucet head pulls down into sink |
| Pull-out | Detachable faucet head on a hose |
| Single handle | Controls hot & cold water |
| Widespread | Separate spout and handles |
You’ll also find specialty faucets like bar/prep, laundry, and pot filler models. Both labels tick boxes for variety and options to suit different home setups.
Prices and Budget Options
There’s no clear winner when it comes to price – both Moen and Delta span a wide range depending on the product line and features.
However, Delta tends to take the crown for having more affordable choices in its lower-end collections. Moen faucets often come with slightly higher minimum prices.
For shoppers on tighter budgets, Delta’s lower opening price points offer more opportunity. But those interested in ultra high-end luxury models may gravitate toward Moen’s designer collections instead.
Cost Considerations
Keep in mind that a higher price tag doesn’t always mean higher quality. Focus less on absolute dollar amounts and more on comparing warranties, technologies, and materials used within your desired spending range.
Installation costs may also be a hidden cost to factor. Delta touts slightly easier DIY installation which could save on labor fees down the road.
Features and Technologies
If we’re judging purely based on innovation, Moen and Delta both incorporate plenty of smart features in their faucet lines.
Touchless operation allows you to wave your hand to activate water flow without touch. Voice controls through smart home systems like Amazon Alexa take hands-free even further. Delta’s Touch2O technology triggers water with a tap anywhere on the spout or handle.
Other common features include:
- Soap/lotion dispensers
- LED colored lighting
- Filtered water
- Magnetic docking spray wands
- Pulldown/pullout spray functions
Both brands also integrate technologies to reduce splash and optimize water pressure/temperature.
When it comes to cutting-edge capabilities, Moen and Delta go neck-and-neck covering all the latest innovations.
Innovative Delta Technologies
A few examples of proprietary Delta innovations include:
- ShieldSpray – Combines water with air to create a smooth, even spray.
- MagnaTite Docking – Faucet head snaps precisely back into place with a powerful magnet.
- Diamond Seal Technology – Diamond-embedded valve helps faucets last up to 10x longer.
Delta seems to have an edge when it comes developing new ways to enhance performance.
Materials and Durability
The durability battle tilts toward Delta thanks to its use of solid brass and steel components on most models.
While both meet rigorous standards for everyday wear-and-tear, Delta’s metal faucets often outlast their competitors over years of sustained use.
You’ll also find resilient finishes like PVD, chrome, bronze, and more to prevent scratches, tarnishing, and corrosion.
For lifelong durability though, Delta takes a slight win for its rugged metal builds.
Lifetime Warranties
Fortunately, both Moen and Delta provide outstanding lifetime warranties should anything go wrong. This includes replacement parts and professional support.
Delta’s “Lifetime Limited Warranty” and Moen’s “Limited Lifetime Warranty” cover leaks, drips, finish defects, and more with some reasonable limitations.
Reliable support through warranties ensure that either brand will withstand years of regular use.
Availability and Distribution
In terms of availability, Delta faucets are easier to find with the brand’s expansive global distribution network spanning over 50 countries.
From major home retailers to smaller specialty plumbing outlets, Delta faucets are omnipresent both online and locally.
By contrast, Moen has a smaller dealer network concentrated more so within North America. Global availability is growing but still trails Delta’s near-ubiquitous presence on the world stage.
For the widest range of purchasing options, Delta is the better choice.
Style and Design Aesthetic
Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder when reviewing Moen vs Delta kitchen faucet styles.
Both encompass a spectrum from traditional transitional looks with arched spouts to sharp, contemporary styles with straight clean lines. You’ll also find modern takes on industrial, farmhouse, art deco, and minimalism with matte black the most popular trend now.
Most faucet series allow you to tweak finishes, handles, and configurations to match your desired aesthetic. Expect to choose from chrome, bronze, nickel, stainless steel, black, white, and more.
At the end of the day, personal preference dictates style. Check out models in your price range and decide which brand harmonizes best with your kitchen motif.
Before picking either Moen or Delta faucets for your home, ask yourself these key questions:
- What finish and style fits my kitchen design?
- Which innovations seem most useful?
- Do I prefer a luxury high-end model or budget saver?
- Is specialized support important through warranties?
- Am I prioritizing durability over smart features or vice versa?
Consider Moen for reputable quality and luxury innovations or pick Delta for better value, durability, and distribution. But ultimately choosing between the two heavyweights comes down to aligning specs and pricing with your household needs.
Use this comprehensive comparison as your guide while you shop for the upgrades your kitchen deserves. With some thoughtful evaluation of these two exceptional brands, you can feel confident selecting new faucets you’ll enjoy for years on end.
