Kitchen faucets are one of the most used fixtures in any home, so choosing the right brand and model is an important decision.
Two of the top brands on the market are Moen and Kraus, but they have some key differences. This article will compare Moen and Kraus kitchen faucets to help you determine which is best for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Moen | Kraus |
| Style Options | Variety of traditional, contemporary, and transitional styles | Mainly modern and contemporary styles |
| Finishes | Many finishes including chrome, bronze, matte, and specialty finishes | More limited finish options, mostly chrome and stainless steel |
| Construction | Metal handle, brass/zinc components, some plastic pieces | All metal construction |
| Spray Head | Reflex system for smooth maneuverability | Multifunction spray head |
| Innovations | Spot Resist, MotionSense, PowerBoost | Focus on style and performance |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Price | Higher price points | Very budget-friendly pricing |
| Ease of Install | Easy DIY installation | Designed for very easy, quick DIY install |
| Reliability | Proven reliability and durability | Good reliability but shorter track record than Moen |
Overview of Moen Kitchen Faucets
Moen is one of the most recognized and popular faucet brands. They have been in business since 1937 and are known for making high-quality and innovative kitchen and bathroom faucets and accessories.
Some key things to know about Moen kitchen faucets:
- Variety of styles – Moen offers a wide range of kitchen faucet styles, from pull-down and pull-out to single handle and widespread. They have both modern and traditional design options.
- Spot Resist finish – Many Moen faucets feature the Spot Resist stainless finish, which resists water spots and fingerprints. This helps keep the faucet looking new for longer.
- Reflex system – Moen’s patented Reflex system allows the pull-down spray head to retract smoothly and securely. It moves on a braided hose for easy maneuverability.
- Power Boost technology – Models with Power Boost use a powerful spray pattern to rinse food and clean dishes faster.
- MotionSense – MotionSense faucets turn on with a wave of your hand, so you don’t have to touch the handle with dirty or wet hands.
- Lifetime warranty – Moen offers a lifetime warranty to the original consumer, covering leaks, drips and finish defects.
Overall, Moen faucets are high quality, easy to use, and come in a range of styles. They utilize useful innovations and are backed by excellent customer service and a warranty.
Overview of Kraus Kitchen Faucets
Kraus is a relatively new player in the kitchen and bathroom fixture market. Founded in 2007, the company focuses on modern designs and durable construction.
Here are some key features of Kraus kitchen faucets:
- Modern, minimalist look – Kraus faucets have a contemporary, sleek look. They use clean lines and geometric shapes.
- All-metal construction – Kraus uses durable brass, zinc and stainless steel in their faucet construction. This quality construction prevents leaks.
- Easy installation – Kraus faucets are designed for easy DIY installation. All hardware and accessories are included.
- Multifunction spray heads – Many Kraus pull-out and pull-down kitchen faucets include handy spray heads with stream and spray functions.
- Affordable prices – Kraus faucets are priced lower than many competitors without sacrificing quality. This makes them a budget-friendly option.
- Limited lifetime warranty – Kraus offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship.
Kraus faucets offer modern style and convenient features at a reasonable price point. They are made from quality materials for durability.
Comparison of Key Features of Moen And Kraus Kitchen Faucets
Now let’s directly compare some of the key features between Moen and Kraus kitchen faucets:
- Style – Moen has more traditional and transitional styles, while Kraus focuses on modern and contemporary looks. Kraus has fewer total style options.
- Materials – Both use brass and zinc in construction, but Moen uses plastic components in many models while Kraus uses all metal.
- Finishes – Moen has more finish options, including chrome, bronze, matte and colored finishes. Kraus finishes are more limited.
- Spray Head – Both have pull-down or pull-out faucets with spray heads. Moen’s Reflex system offers smoother maneuverability.
- Innovations – Moen leads in innovations like MotionSense, PowerBoost and Spot Resist. Kraus focuses more on style and construction.
- Warranty – Moen offers a lifetime warranty compared to Kraus’ limited lifetime warranty.
- Price – Kraus faucets are generally more affordable than Moen models of similar quality and features.
- Quality – Both are made by reputable companies and use durable materials in construction. Moen edged out Kraus in recent kitchen faucet reviews.
So in summary, Moen provides more variety and innovations while Kraus offers better prices. Both are quality options, so the right choice comes down to your budget and preferred style.
Pros and Cons of Moen Kitchen Faucets
Here is a breakdown of some of the key pros and cons of choosing Moen for your new kitchen faucet:
Pros:
- Variety of styles from modern to traditional
- Spot Resist finish helps resist spots and fingerprints
- Smooth maneuverability with the Reflex system
- Useful innovations like MotionSense and PowerBoost
- Reputable quality and durability
- Offers a lifetime warranty
Cons:
- More expensive than some other brands
- Plastic components used in some models
- Limited color finish options
- Higher repair costs out of warranty
Moen’s biggest advantages are the helpful innovations, wide variety of styles, and lifetime warranty. The main drawback is the higher prices, especially for technology features.
Pros and Cons of Kraus Kitchen Faucets
Here are the key pros and cons for choosing Kraus for your kitchen faucet:
Pros:
- Sleek, modern style fits contemporary kitchens
- Durable all-metal construction
- Smooth single-lever handle operation
- Easy to install, even for DIYers
- Powerful multifunction spray head
- Very affordable pricing
- Meets quality and performance standards
Cons:
- Limited style options
- Fewer finish choices
- Not as many innovative features
- Shorter warranty period than Moen
- Lower longevity than pricier models
Kraus faucets stand out for their modern style, budget-friendly prices, easy installation, and quality performance. The style and finish limitations are the biggest drawbacks.
Key Factors To Consider When Choosing
The major factors to weigh when deciding between Moen vs. Kraus kitchen faucets include:
- Style – Traditional, modern or contemporary? The style should fit your kitchen decor.
- Finish – Do you want chrome, bronze, black or more unique finishes? Coordinate with other fixtures.
- Features – Compare spray heads, innovations like MotionSense, construction materials, etc.
- Budget – Set a budget and get the best quality faucet at that price point. Kraus is more budget-friendly.
- Ease of install – Consider your DIY skills. Kraus offers easier installation.
- Warranty – A lifetime warranty provides peace of mind. Moen excels here.
Prioritize the factors most important for your kitchen. Narrow down the contenders based on these needs.
Recommendations and Best Uses
Based on this comparison of Moen vs. Kraus kitchen faucets, here are some recommendations:
- For a variety of styles and innovative features, Moen is the better choice. Useful technology like MotionSense also makes Moen stand out.
- For a modern or contemporary look, Kraus is a great option. The minimalist styles fit these kitchen designs well.
- For the most affordable prices while still getting very good quality, Kraus is the budget-pick.
- For easy installation, Kraus again excels. Their faucets are designed for quick and simple DIY installation.
- For maximum durability and reliability, Moen is the winner. Their lifetime warranty provides peace of mind.
Both Moen and Kraus make high quality kitchen faucets. Pick Moen for innovation and variety or Kraus for modern style and value. Consider your budget, style needs and preferred features as you choose the best faucet for your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Kraus is considered a good brand for kitchen faucets. They make faucets from durable materials like brass and zinc with leak-free ceramic cartridges. Kraus faucets also have excellent water pressure and smooth operation. They offer quality faucets with modern style at budget-friendly price points.
According to many plumbers, some of the best faucet brands they recommend are Moen, Kohler, Delta, Grohe, and American Standard. Plumbers praise these brands for their ease of installation, durability, and reliability. Of the two compared here, plumbers tend to prefer Moen for the lifetime warranty and proven performance.
Moen and Kohler are consistently ranked among the most reliable faucet manufacturers. They make durable, high-quality faucets backed by excellent warranties. Delta and Grohe also have good reputations for reliable, leak-free faucets. For a balance of quality, features and price, Moen is a very reliable choice.
Kraus kitchen faucets are designed by the Kraus company, founded in 2007. Kraus contracts with various overseas manufacturers to produce their faucet models. They use quality components and materials sourced from China, Taiwan and other locations in faucet construction. Kraus handles faucet design, quality control and distribution from the headquarters in Port Washington, New York.
Final Thoughts
Moen and Kraus both produce quality kitchen faucets that will serve you well for years to come. Moen is the better choice for a wider selection of styles and innovative features, while Kraus excels at modern style faucets at very affordable prices.
For reliability and peace of mind, Moen’s lifetime warranty gives them an edge.
Carefully consider your budget, design needs, preferred features and ease of installation as you choose between reliable faucet brands like Moen and Kraus. With quality faucets from either brand, your kitchen is sure to become more functional and stylish.
