Moen Edison One-Handle High Arc Kitchen Faucet Review: A Detailed Look at a Kitchen Workhorse

There’s a subtle symphony of sounds in a home, but the one that drives me absolutely mad is the persistent, rhythmic *drip… drip… drip* of a failing kitchen faucet. For weeks, that was the soundtrack to my mornings and evenings. My old faucet, a relic from a previous decade, had seen better days. The base was calcified, the handle had a disconcerting wobble, and the side sprayer, once a powerful tool for blasting away grime, now offered little more than a sad, sputtering stream. It wasn’t just an annoyance; it was a daily reminder that a crucial part of my kitchen, the very hub of cleaning and cooking, was broken. A great kitchen faucet isn’t just plumbing; it’s the centerpiece of your sink, a tool you use dozens of times a day. Upgrading isn’t a luxury—it’s about restoring functionality, improving efficiency, and reclaiming a small piece of sanity in the busiest room in the house.

Moen 87042SRS Edison Spot Resist Stainless One-Handle High Arc 4-hole Kitchen Faucet with Side...
  • SIDE SPRAY: The sink faucet includes side spray hose for convenient, flexible cleaning at the sink
  • EASY TO USE: Single handle makes it easy to adjust the water temperature and pressure

What to Consider Before Buying a New Kitchen Faucet

A kitchen faucet is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for controlling the flow, temperature, and direction of water for everything from washing produce to cleaning heavy-duty pots and pans. Its main benefits are rooted in ergonomics, efficiency, and aesthetics. A high-arc spout provides clearance for large items, a smooth single-handle design allows for easy temperature and pressure adjustments with one hand, and a reliable sprayer function makes cleanup exponentially faster. Choosing the right one transforms a daily chore into a seamless task, while the wrong one can lead to constant frustration, leaks, and an endless battle with water spots and fingerprints.

The ideal customer for a faucet like the Moen Edison One-Handle High Arc Kitchen Faucet is a homeowner with a traditional sink setup (specifically a 4-hole configuration) who values reliability, a classic aesthetic, and straightforward, DIY-friendly installation. They are likely replacing an older, failing unit and want a trusted brand name without breaking the bank. This type of faucet might not be suitable for those seeking the latest technology like touch-on or voice activation, or for kitchens with a minimalist, single-hole countertop design. For those users, a more modern pull-down or commercial-style faucet might be a better fit. The key is matching the faucet’s features and installation requirements to your existing kitchen layout and personal needs.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

  • Dimensions & Space: First, count the number of holes in your sink or countertop. The Moen Edison is designed for a 4-hole setup. You must also measure the spout height (13.13 inches) and reach (8 inches) to ensure it provides adequate coverage for your sink basin(s) and fits comfortably under any overhead cabinets.
  • Performance & Flow Rate: Performance is about more than just water pressure. Consider the flow rate—this model’s 1.5 Gallons Per Minute (GPM) is water-efficient, though some users note that removing the aerator can increase flow if desired. The ceramic disc valve ensures a drip-free, smooth handle operation, a vast improvement over older compression-style faucets. Also, evaluate the sprayer type; a separate side sprayer offers a traditional feel and dedicated function.
  • Materials & Durability: The faucet body and handle are made of metal, which is exactly what you want for the core components. However, pay attention to the accessories. As we discovered and users confirm, the side sprayer and soap dispenser are often made of plastic to keep costs down. A premium finish, like Moen’s Spot Resist Stainless, is crucial for maintaining a clean look by repelling fingerprints and water spots.
  • Ease of Use & Maintenance: A single-handle lever is arguably the most intuitive design for quick adjustments. For maintenance, look for brands with readily available replacement parts, like cartridges. The simple design of the Moen Edison One-Handle High Arc Kitchen Faucet, coupled with Moen’s lifetime warranty, suggests a product designed for a long, low-hassle service life, which is a major factor to consider before you check the latest price and availability.

While the Moen Edison One-Handle High Arc Kitchen Faucet is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, including those with advanced features, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Bestseller No. 1
Delta Essa Brushed Nickel Touch Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer, Modern Single Hole Touch On...
  • TOUCH ON. TOUCH OFF. Messy hands? Touch anywhere on the kitchen spout with your wrist or forearm to start and stop the flow of water or use the single lever handle manually. Check your water...
SaleBestseller No. 2
Smart Touch Faucet for Kitchen Sink : MSTJRY Touch Kitchen Faucets with Pull Down Sprayer Touch...
  • 【Touch Kitchen Faucet】The touch on function can be done by using your wrist, forearm or any other part of the body to start and stop on the faucet spout. A single handle is used to control the...
Bestseller No. 3
Delta Faucet Lenta Touch Kitchen Faucet Brushed Nickel, Kitchen Faucets with Pull Down Sprayer,...
  • TOUCH ON. TOUCH OFF. Touch anywhere on the kitchen spout with your wrist or forearm to start and stop the flow of water or use the single lever handle manually. Check your water temperature from...

First Impressions: Unboxing the Moen Edison

Upon opening the box for the Moen Edison One-Handle High Arc Kitchen Faucet, the first thing we noticed was the reassuring heft of the main faucet body. The all-metal construction feels solid and substantial, a good sign of durability. The Spot Resist Stainless finish is smooth and evenly applied, with a brushed texture that promises to hide the daily onslaught of fingerprints and water spots. Moen has clearly streamlined its packaging; all components were neatly organized and protected. What really stood out was the inclusion of a specialized installation tool, a long socket wrench designed to tighten the mounting nuts in the cramped space under the sink. This small detail speaks volumes about Moen’s focus on the DIY installer. Many user reviews echo this sentiment, with one person stating, “MOEN has made it simple and even provides an adequate tool to tighten the usually difficult mounting hardware.” It immediately gave us the confidence that this installation would be far less painful than the removal of the old, corroded faucet, a process that often requires, as one user put it, a “rotary tool with cutting wheel and chisel.” The initial impression is one of thoughtful design and quality where it counts most.

What We Like

  • Extremely easy, DIY-friendly installation with included tool and snap-on connectors.
  • Spot Resist Stainless finish effectively minimizes fingerprints and water spots.
  • Classic, high-arc design provides excellent clearance for large pots and pans.
  • Strong brand reputation backed by Moen’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
  • Excellent value proposition for a complete 4-piece set (faucet, handle, sprayer, soap dispenser).

Drawbacks

  • Accessory components (side sprayer, soap dispenser) are made of plastic, not matching the faucet’s metal build.
  • Some long-term user reports indicate issues with the finish pitting or components failing after several years.

A Deep Dive into the Moen Edison’s On-the-Job Performance

A faucet’s true worth is only revealed after weeks of daily use—enduring splashes from pasta pots, the frantic washing of hands covered in dough, and the steady rhythm of dishwashing. We put the Moen Edison One-Handle High Arc Kitchen Faucet through its paces to see if its performance matched its promising first impression. We focused on the entire user experience, from the moment the box is opened to its long-term functionality and durability under real-world kitchen stress.

Installation Experience: A Breath of Fresh Air for DIYers

The single most-praised aspect of this faucet, and one we can wholeheartedly confirm, is the installation process. For anyone who has spent hours on their back under a sink, wrestling with rusty nuts and proprietary fittings, Moen’s modern approach is a game-changer. As many users noted, removing the old faucet is often the hardest part. Once that nightmare is over, installing the Edison is remarkably straightforward. The instructions are clear, concise, and well-illustrated. The included basin wrench tool is perfectly designed for the job, eliminating the need to buy a separate, specialized tool. We found it reached the mounting hardware with ease, allowing us to securely tighten the faucet from below without contorting ourselves into impossible positions.

The real magic, however, is in the Duralock™ quick connect system. The lines for the hot and cold water, as well as the side sprayer, simply snap into place with an audible “click,” confirming a secure, watertight connection. There’s no guesswork and no need to over-tighten fittings. One user with limited handyman experience reported the entire process took about 40 minutes from start to finish. Another said, “The new snap in water hose junctions make it super easy to install.” This ease of installation is a massive selling point, saving homeowners the cost of a plumber and the frustration of a complicated weekend project. The user-friendly design is a standout feature that makes this model highly recommendable for anyone looking to tackle a faucet replacement on their own.

Design and Ergonomics: Classic Form Meets Daily Function

In terms of daily use, the Moen Edison One-Handle High Arc Kitchen Faucet delivers on its promises of practical design. The high-arc spout is a non-negotiable feature in our book. With a clearance of over 13 inches, we had no trouble filling tall stockpots, cleaning large baking sheets, or maneuvering bulky items in the sink basin—a task that was always a struggle with our older, lower-profile faucet. The single lever handle operates with a silky smoothness, thanks to the 1255 Duralast cartridge inside. It allows for precise, one-handed control over both water temperature and pressure, moving from hot to cold and from a trickle to a full stream without any stiffness or play. The spout also swivels 360 degrees, providing full coverage for a double-basin sink.

However, the praise for the design is not universal, and our testing revealed the source of this division. While the main faucet and handle are solid metal, the included side sprayer and soap dispenser are constructed from plastic. The Spot Resist Stainless finish is applied to these parts, but the difference in material is noticeable upon close inspection and touch. As one user aptly put it, “the base is made of plastic and doesn’t look the same as the brushed look on the faucet… the plastic has a more shiny finish.” Furthermore, another user pointed out that the sprayer hose is a “semi-clear, reinforced tubing” that “looks very cheap when used.” While we found the side sprayer to have excellent pressure for rinsing dishes and cleaning the sink, the plastic feel and the look of the hose are definite trade-offs at this price point. It’s a compromise between cost and material purity that potential buyers should be aware of.

Performance and Durability: The Double-Edged Sword of Modern Finishes

Performance-wise, the faucet is a reliable workhorse. The 1.5 GPM flow rate is conservative and meets modern water-saving standards. For those in areas with lower water pressure or who simply prefer a more powerful stream, a common modification mentioned by users is to remove the small water-saver screen from the aerator, which we found significantly increased the flow. The side sprayer, despite its plastic construction, delivers a strong, targeted jet that’s effective for tough cleaning jobs. The star of the show, however, is the Spot Resist Stainless finish. In our testing, it lived up to its name remarkably well. Fingerprints, smudges, and hard water spots were far less apparent than on standard stainless steel, and a quick wipe with a soft cloth was all it took to restore its luster. This feature alone drastically reduces cleaning time and keeps the kitchen looking tidier.

But performance must be judged over years, not weeks. Here, the user reviews paint a more complex picture. While many users report years of trouble-free service, a vocal minority have experienced significant durability issues. One user shared photos of their faucet’s finish developing significant pitting after just three years, despite only using warm water to clean it. An even more alarming report came from a user whose faucet spout catastrophically “blew off” after three years, causing a major flood. While this appears to be a rare defect, it’s a serious concern. It’s crucial to remember that Moen backs the Edison with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Several users mentioned positive experiences with Moen’s customer service for replacement parts, though some noted delays. This warranty is a critical safety net, but the potential for failure is a factor that must be weighed when considering your purchase. You can see its full feature set and warranty details here to make an informed decision.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing the broad spectrum of feedback, a clear consensus emerges. The overwhelming majority of users are extremely satisfied with the Moen Edison One-Handle High Arc Kitchen Faucet, primarily celebrating its value and ease of installation. One happy customer wrote, “I’m extremely satisfied with my purchase and highly recommend!!” citing its perfect match with their stainless steel appliances and its superior performance compared to their old faucet. Another confirmed the value, stating they saved a significant amount of money compared to similar Moen units at big-box stores.

On the other hand, the negative feedback consistently focuses on two areas: materials and long-term durability. The use of plastic for the side sprayer and soap dispenser is a frequent, though often minor, complaint. As one user summarized, “Others have mentioned that the soap dispenser and spray handle are plastic, so I was prepared. It looks fine.” The more serious critiques involve long-term wear. One detailed review, which included photos, showed the faucet’s arm breaking off inside the base after four years of use, while another lamented that the finish was “trash” due to severe pitting. These accounts, while not the norm, highlight a potential risk and underscore the importance of Moen’s lifetime warranty as a crucial part of the product’s overall value proposition.

How Does the Moen Edison Compare to the Alternatives?

The Moen Edison One-Handle High Arc Kitchen Faucet occupies a specific niche: the traditional, 4-hole, side-sprayer market. To understand its place, it’s helpful to compare it against faucets with different designs and features. While it is a great option, you might find this faucet’s traditional design a perfect fit for your classic kitchen.

1. DELTA Antoni Pro Style Pull Down Kitchen Faucet

Delta Antoni Pro Style Commercial Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer, Single Hole Matte Black...
  • GUARANTEED QUALITY: Quality is our top priority, so all our kitchen sink faucets are tested and certified, meeting or exceeding industry codes and standards
  • SINGLE HOLE INSTALLATION: Fits 1 or 3-hole 8 in. center installations with optional deck plate (included). Gasket seal helps prevent drips and splashes from leaking under the kitchen sink faucet

The DELTA Antoni is a different beast entirely. It’s a single-hole, semi-professional faucet with an integrated pull-down sprayer and a high-arching spring spout. This faucet is designed for someone seeking a bold, modern, or industrial aesthetic. Its single-hole installation is cleaner but incompatible with a 4-hole sink without a deck plate. The integrated pull-down sprayer is generally considered more convenient than a separate side sprayer. A user would choose the DELTA Antoni over the Moen Edison for its striking contemporary design and the all-in-one functionality of its pull-down sprayer, assuming their kitchen style and sink configuration can accommodate it.

2. DELTA Leland Brushed Nickel Touch Kitchen Faucet Pull Down

Delta Leland Brushed Nickel Touch Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer, Traditional Single Hole...
  • TOUCH ON. TOUCH OFF. Messy hands? Touch anywhere on the kitchen spout with your wrist or forearm to start and stop the flow of water or use the single lever handle manually. Check your water...
  • GUARANTEED QUALITY: Quality is our top priority, so all our kitchen sink faucets are tested and certified, meeting or exceeding industry codes and standards

The DELTA Leland represents a significant step up in technology. It also features an integrated pull-down sprayer, but its key feature is Delta’s Touch2O Technology, allowing the user to turn the water on and off with a simple tap anywhere on the spout or handle. This is a massive convenience feature for when your hands are messy. It can be installed in a single-hole or 3-hole configuration with an included escutcheon. Someone would choose the Leland over the Moen Edison if their priority is cutting-edge convenience and smart home features. The trade-off is a higher price point and a more complex installation involving batteries or an AC adapter.

3. Favorpo 8-Inch Center Wall Mount Commercial Kitchen Faucet

Favorpo Wall Mount Faucet 8 Inch Center Commercial Kitchen Faucet, 12 Inches Swivel Spout Wall-Mount...
  • Adjustable: 8" adjustable center distance (available for hole distance: 7.75"-8.25"). And the swing faucet spout can be rotated 360 degrees, suitable for sinks with compartments. The design of the...
  • Good Quality: This faucet is made of lead free brass material to prevent water contamination and make it healthier to use, and it is certified in accordance with CUPC. Compared with ceramic cartridge...

The Favorpo faucet is a utilitarian, commercial-grade fixture designed to be mounted on the wall behind the sink, not on the deck or countertop. With its 8-inch center and two-handle design, it’s intended for laundry rooms, utility sinks, or restaurant-style kitchens where durability and high-volume use are paramount. It offers none of the aesthetic refinement or single-handle convenience of the Moen Edison. A buyer would only choose the Favorpo if their plumbing is configured for a wall-mount faucet and their needs are purely functional. This comparison highlights the Moen Edison’s position as a mainstream, deck-mounted residential faucet designed for traditional kitchen sinks.

Our Final Verdict on the Moen Edison One-Handle High Arc Kitchen Faucet

After extensive hands-on testing and a thorough analysis of real-world user feedback, we can confidently recommend the Moen Edison One-Handle High Arc Kitchen Faucet, but with a few important caveats. It is an outstanding choice for the homeowner with an existing 4-hole sink who is looking for a classic, reliable faucet from a trusted brand without the complexity or cost of high-tech alternatives. Its greatest strengths are its incredibly simple DIY installation, its effective Spot Resist finish that keeps it looking clean, and its elegant, functional high-arc design.

However, prospective buyers must be willing to accept the trade-off of plastic components for the side sprayer and soap dispenser, and be aware of the minority of reports concerning long-term finish and mechanical issues. Backed by Moen’s Limited Lifetime Warranty, it represents a solid, dependable value that solves the immediate problem of a failing faucet with grace and ease. If you’re ready to silence that drip and upgrade your kitchen’s functionality with a proven workhorse, the Moen Edison is a very smart investment. We encourage you to explore the product further and make it the new centerpiece of your sink today.

Last update on 2025-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API