What’s so great about a gooseneck faucet? I Tested the Moen Arbor Kitchen Faucet to Find Out
Sometimes a leak precipitates change; other times it’s simply a matter of style. No matter the reason, it’s likely that every homeowner will eventually need to replace a kitchen faucet. When the time comes, many of us are surprised at the vast array of choices. Dozens of brands tackle the simple matter of moving water from point A to point B with dozens of hose configurations and finish options to match any home interior. From the apparent chaos, a clear trend emerged, replacing the traditional straight faucet with a high arc kitchen faucet. That’s what I recently did in my own kitchen with the Moen Arbor Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet, and I’m glad I made the change.
Choosing a new kitchen faucet often comes down to three American brands: Moen, Delta or Kohler. Plumbers and do-it-yourselfers place their loyalty and trust in these three brands because they each offer a full range of high-quality choices. Delta is often seen as a trusted value brand; Kohler is often seen as a top style brand with more feature upgrades; and Moen takes the middle ground, combining competitive pricing with excellent durability and style. All three are US-based companies with manufacturing facilities and partners here and abroad.
I chose Moen Arbor based on research and product testing for another assignment on the best kitchen faucets. Ahead, find out more about my Moen Arbor installation and why I’m so pleased with the results.
Moen Arbor Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet: At a Glance
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Rating: 9.2/10
BENEFITS
-
High-arc faucet increases convenient workspace in the sink
-
Retractable hose smoothly retracts and nests securely into faucet body
-
Kit includes everything needed for installation on 1 or 3 hole sinks
-
Stain resistant finish looks great and cleans easily with soapy water and a soft cloth
-
Also available in chrome, matte black, oil rubbed bronze and classic stainless steel finishes
THE INCONVENIENTS
-
Premium price may exceed budget for some projects
-
⅜ inch compression fittings require adapters if supply lines have ½ inch fittings
-
The weight of the hose reel should be kept free and clear of any obstructions under the sink
Get the Moen Arbor Kitchen Faucet at:
What is the Moen Arbor Single Handle Kitchen Faucet?
The Moen Arbor is a high arc kitchen faucet with a single handle for on/off and temperature control, and an integrated spray nozzle. The one I tested featured a stain-resistant stainless steel finish, but buyers can also choose from chrome, matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, and classic stainless finishes. Other standout features include a push-button Power Boost sprayer, 68-inch sprayer hose with Reflex retraction system, and a flexible design for installation on single or three-hole sinks. I installed a manual version of the faucet, but the Moen Arbor is also available in a touchless design.
Specifications
-
Type: Single Handle High Arc Faucet
-
Connection size: ⅜ inch
-
Arch height: 15½ inches
-
Bow width: 7⅞ inches
-
Operation: Right Side Single Lever Flow Control
-
Sprayer height (nested): 8¼ inches
-
Sprayer reach (extended extension): 29 inches
-
Spray functions: Aerated jet, boosted jet, rinse (shower), boosted rinse
-
Water consumption : 1.5 gallons per minute (GPM) at 60 pounds per square inch (psi)
Although this faucet costs a little more than some of the other gooseneck kitchen faucets, I was happy with the choice. Installation was quick and easy, and everything about the faucet appears to be well designed and built to a high standard. With its alloy steel construction and premium finish, it looks great, works well, and should last as long as I keep it. The only part that will eventually wear out – the cartridge – is readily available to order when the time comes.
How easy is the Moen Arbor kitchen faucet to install?
Easy. I removed my old straight faucet and installed the Moen Arbor kitchen faucet in about 20 minutes. The kit included a deep socket to install the mounting nut and a deck plate to cover the two extra holes in the three-hole sinks. It can be installed with or without the deck plate on single hole sinks.
The only tools needed were a screwdriver to leverage the socket and a crescent wrench to tighten the power connectors. I hand-tightened the sprayer to the pull-out hose, threaded the hose into the faucet body, and used the quick-connect system to attach the pull-out hose to the cartridge without tools.
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
How well does the Moen Arbor perform in a busy kitchen?
The standard flow rate of 1.5 GPM meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense standard for plumbing fixtures, but it seemed a bit weak and filled slowly compared to the maximum 2.2 GPM allowed in my area. But some state and local codes require a lower flow rate, and the boost flow feature allowed for faster fill and increased flow for on-demand cleaning.
As for the reach of the pullout hose, the manual lists the length as 68 inches, but that’s the total length, measured from the point where it attaches to the under counter water supply. When I fully extended it from the tap end, the reach measured a generous 29 inches. The weighted retraction system worked perfectly but required sufficient free space under the sink to do so. The spray head was equipped with two knobs to control the four flow modes; one adjusted from flow to flush, and the other was the power boost button which temporarily increased the flow.
The ADA-compliant joystick operated effortlessly. According to the operator’s manual, it requires “less than 5 pounds of force” to operate, but in reality, it requires even less effort. I easily operated it with a finger.
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Is the Moen Arbor Kitchen Faucet Worth It?
The price of around $300 was higher than average for a gooseneck kitchen faucet, but the durable steel construction, smooth operation, and limited lifetime warranty make it a fair value. After installation, the Moen Arbor faucet looked great and paired well with my extra-wide double kitchen sink. It left plenty of overhead clearance for filling and cleaning large pots and pans in the sink, and the slide-out made it easy access for filling pitchers and pots on the adjacent counter.
Should You Buy the Moen Arbor Kitchen Faucet?
My kitchen sink needed an update and I wanted to go with a high arc model for the extra sink clearance. A drop-down spray hose also made sense, as it would simplify installation and streamline the counter by eliminating the sprayer on the side. After comparing it with the Delta Leland and the Kohler Simplice, I chose the Moen Arbor for several reasons. I liked the styling, the price was competitive, and Moen has a reputation for making well-built products. In addition, I appreciated the ease of installation and the availability of parts for possible future repairs.
Buyers who need a new kitchen faucet might settle for a less expensive model, like the Leland, which is also made by a reputable brand.
Where to Buy the Moen Arbor Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet
Get the Moen Arbor Kitchen Faucet at:
Meet the tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer with extensive experience in the green industry and an avid do-it-yourselfer who lives in a 50-year-old house. When he’s not writing, he spends his time improving, repairing and replacing anything and everything in his house, yard and garden. He tests and writes reviews on hand tools, lawn care and home repair products, and outdoor items.
