One of the most appealing features of a high-quality faucet is having the water turn on and off automatically.
Using the handle with grimy hands always seems a bit counterproductive.
I would have already justified the expense of one if not for potential issues related to its complexity.
Moen is a reliable brand, however, and their popular Arbor 7594EC faucet may convince me yet.
Things to Consider before Buying a Touchless Faucet
The benefits of a motion-sensing faucet are obvious: it leaves the handles clean, so it’s safer in the kitchen while preparing raw food. This may not matter if you never get your hands dirty, but most of us could use the convenience.
It also solves the problem of children forgetting to shut the water off.
Quality design and construction matter a lot with this technical device, and customer support including warranty protection are especially important. Consider the features you most want, and then see if some extras might be worthwhile.
Presenting the Moen Arbor 7594EC
Moen is a top faucet maker with a reputation for state-of-the-art esthetics and innovation, and the Moen Arbor Motionsense 7594EC is one of their most popular models.
The exterior has a spot-resistant finish, and its arched swivel spout includes automatic sensor activation, dual stream switching, and a 68-inch pulldown wand.
Moen’s Motionsense technology allows touch-free on/off water flow activation, which reduces the spread of dirt and germs.
The attractive high profile makes it easy to wash with a full sink of pots and pans, and easy switching between the faucet’s 2 flow modes allows intensive cleaning.
Moen’s Arbor family has earlier units without motion sensors. The model’s look and convenience proved so popular that sensor innovation was added to the design.
The company’s experience and support makes the Moen Arbor 7594EC excellent for homeowners seeking an attractive, touch-free solution.
- Motionsense automatic flow
- Pulldown retractable wand
- High arc spout with 100-degree swivel
- Dual pattern flow with Power Clean technology
- Easy installation
- Sensor’s temperature control box is inconveniently located under the sink
- Screened water filters may become clogged
- Cannot easily adjust sensor flow
Features & Benefits
Moen faucets have a well-earned reputation for reliability and performance. Their Arbor line is a family of premier faucets, and the 7594EC has a set of innovative features to make it stand out.
Sanitary Touch-free Operation
The Moen Arbor 7594EC turns the water on and off automatically without contact. The touch-free system allows you to either wash your hands or fill pots easily and without spreading bacteria.
The wave system works well for normal hand movement, though some cookware can reflect the rays and affect detection.
The faucet’s 2 motion sensors are conveniently placed for activation. There is a sensor at the base of the faucet that detects hand movement for washing, and a wave sensor on top of the spout.
The top sensor can be triggered to provide 2 minutes of water flow before shutoff, and either sensor can be shut off by holding your hand in place for 5 seconds.
The flexible operation means you never have to risk spreading germs by touching the handle with dirty hands … and the water is never left running.
Extendable/Retractable Wand
Sleek functional design is a hallmark of Moen’s engineering. In this model, Moen’s tasteful construction harbors a surprise utility: an expandable metal hose that stretches almost 6 feet. That’s long enough to help out with many projects.
Moen’s Reflex system allows the wand to be gently pulled off the spout’s end, revealing its attachment to a flexible braided metal hose.
The weighted hose plays out to 68 inches in length and retracts smoothly; the wand seats securely back in the spout without effort. No one would even know it’s there.
Dual Stream Mode
The faucet has 2 stream patterns: regular flow and spray mode. A conveniently accessible switch alternates between a steady, aerated stream for regular use and a powerful spray for tougher cleaning jobs.
The regular stream returns after the flow is shut off.
Moen 7594EC Arbor With Motionsense One Handle High Arc Pulldown Kitchen Faucet:
Increased Flow
The system offers a strong 2 GPM flow through Moen’s Power Clean technology, giving you more water force when you need it.
The extra lines and mechanisms needed for automatic motion sensing can slow the flow, but the Arbor 7594EC provides up to 50% more water force compared with other Moen models without the Power Clean feature.
High Arc Rotating Spout
The metal spout’s high profile allows for optimum versatility in cleaning. The spout’s tall arch allows room for a sink full of stacked dishes and swivels up to 100 degrees side-to-side to adjust the flow’s direction.
The flow switch in the wand can be turned to face any direction you choose. There’s no tricky maneuvering needed in a Moen Arbor sink.
Replaceable Battery Power
The motion-sensing feature is powered by 6 user-replaceable AA batteries. This is convenient to avoid power outages that disable your faucet, though you can still access manual operation at any time.
Battery life is rated to last about 1 year, though of course the power drains more quickly with heavier usage.
Easy Installation
Moen has taken care to make installation easy for most handy DIY’ers. Their instructions are detailed and simple to follow, and there are videos and 3rd-party guides so you have plenty of references.
Even so, be aware that 2 people will make it even easier: a tricky moment comes when balancing the faucet before tightening its base.
One outstanding feature is the Duralock Quick-Connect Installation System, which allows you to connect the faucet’s water lines by hand.
The system prevents you from accidentally connecting the wrong end, and an audible “click” tells you when the connection is secure.
Compliance and warranty
Moen Arbor Motionsense 7594 complies with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications. This means that such a kitchen faucet is suitable for home and for social institutions.
People with special needs will feel comfortable with this device. This concern of the company about its users causes even more confidence in its product.
Regarding the warranty, you will receive digital parts service for 5 years and a limited warranty on the rest.
Social Proof
As I looked further into the Arbor 7594EC, my internet research came up with a lot of favorable feedback from customers.
The testimonials show that quality issues can happen, but that they are not as frequent as other popular faucets, and also that Moen’s customer support most often comes through. Here are a few examples.
Alternatives
Kohler K-72218-VS Sensate Touchless Faucet
This Kohler K-72218-VS faucet is another take on futuristic design.
The sensor window is located under the spout arch, which requires a specific hand motion to activate.
It has an extendable, magnetic wand almost as long as Moen’s.
Unfortunately, this faucet lacks the generous flow of Moen and has reported quality issues. The unit is best for those who like the Kohler look, or prefer to connect using home electrical power rather than a battery or adapter.
Benefits
The contactless on / off water sensor is very fast and responds within 20 milliseconds after activation. Ceramic disc valves provide durable performance.
MasterClean ™ patented technology is resistant to mineral accumulation. This makes it easy to remove water stains.
The temperature memory remembers the temperature of the previous use, and when you turn it on again, you get water with the same temperature. On the readiness of the kitchen faucet to work notifies the LED.
Maximum flow rate 1.5 gallons / min (5.7 l / min)
Warranty
Kohler company offers a one year warranty on all products and a lifetime limited warranty on kitchen faucets. It operates in the United States, Canada or Mexico.
But if you use cleaning products that contain abrasive cleaning products such as ammonia, bleach, acids, waxes, alcohol, solvents, or other products that are not recommended for chrome plating, this will void the warranty.
Flows
- High arched spout similar to the Moen Arbor
- Sensor under spout rather than Moen’s positioning at the base and top
- Installation more difficult than Moen
- Uses home electricity rather than battery/adapter
- More expensive than Moen
Delta Essa 9113T-AR-DST Faucet
This faucet shares the Moen profile, but the activation is different: you touch the Delta Essa 9113T-AR-DST spout to start/stop the water flow.
Diamond Seal Technology reduces leak points, and the wand extends and docks magnetically.
There are some nice extras, like an LED temperature light and 4 distinct finishes.
There are reports of quality issues though, and support isn’t praised as highly as Moen’s. It’s an alternative if you want their design selection or touch activation.
Benefits
The design of this kitchen faucet reduces leakage points, is easy to install and runs twice as long as the industry standard. By the way, the industry standard is based on ASME A112.18.1 out of 500,000 cycles.
Soft rubberized spray nozzles with Touch-Clean® technology make it easy to wipe calcium and lime deposits with just one touch of a finger.
The entire installation kit comes in one box, including the built-in InnoFlex PEX supply lines. All Delta faucets are covered by a lifetime limited warranty. Compliant with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act specifications).
Flaws
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- High arched spout like the Moen
- Uses touch instead of hand motion
- Wand extends 20 inches instead of 68 inches for Moen
- Battery operated
- Moen’s customers report better support
- Don’t has a temperature indicator.
- Not all parts of the kitchen faucet are replaceable. For example, if the aerator in the sprayer breaks down, then you need to buy a new sprayer.
BadiJum Touchfree Faucet
An economical alternative to the Moen 7594EC, the BadiJum Touchfree Faucet shares the clean arched spout design and touchless activation.
Its pulldown sprayer extends 63 inches.
Boasting many of the same features as the Moen, the BadiJum is a contender if you want these high-tech features without the high price.
Benefits
Contactless to turn on the water in two ways. You can wave your hand at a distance of 2.5 inches from the infrared sensor, or simply pull the sprayer head out.
This kitchen faucet runs on 4 AA batteries. His body is made of brass with a chrome finish.
For ease of installation, this model has an improved mounting nut. With its help, all hoses and cables you easily install and fix.
The box with magnetic valve system and battery is waterproof and anti-fouling with a snap connection. If the battery system is out of order, you can always disconnect it and use the kitchen faucet as usual.
The Swiss Neoperl aerator allows you to use half the water at a high feed rate. At the same time, you get more spray, low noise and no splash.
Using a European ceramic cartridge allows you to turn the tap on and off more than half a million times. At the same time, it works stably and does not leak. Water flow 2.2 gal / min.
Flows
- Arched spout similar to the Moen 7594ES
- Wand extends 20 inches vs. 68 inches for Moen
- NSF certified lead-free brass interior
- Touch-free activation
- Easy installation
Conclusion
Touch-free faucets announce that the future has arrived. Cost and reliability are important consumer issues, but the technology has advanced to the point that home use of these beneficial features is becoming more common.
The Moen Arbor 7594EC delivers an attractive design that comes with solid customer support and a long-standing reputation for quality.
Check the Moen 7594EC out for yourself!
