Moen One-Handle High Arc Kitchen Faucet Review: Classic Style Meets Everyday Performance
A kitchen faucet is one of the most frequently used fixtures in any home, making durability, functionality, and design equally important. Whether you're preparing meals, washing dishes, or filling large cookware, the right faucet can make daily kitchen tasks easier while enhancing the overall appearance of your space.
The Moen One-Handle High Arc Kitchen Faucet (Model 87042BRB) combines timeless styling with dependable performance. Finished in an elegant Mediterranean Bronze, this faucet features a high-arc spout, a convenient side sprayer, and an included soap dispenser for a coordinated kitchen setup. Backed by Moen's long-standing reputation for quality, it's designed to provide years of reliable service in busy households.
Here's everything you should know before deciding if this faucet is the right fit for your kitchen.
Elegant Mediterranean Bronze Finish
One of the first things homeowners notice about this faucet is its distinctive Mediterranean Bronze finish.
Unlike traditional chrome or stainless steel fixtures, this finish offers a warm, rich appearance with subtle light and dark accents that create an Old World aesthetic. It pairs beautifully with many kitchen styles, including:
- Traditional kitchens
- Farmhouse designs
- Rustic interiors
- Transitional spaces
- Tuscan-inspired décor
Its darker tone can also help disguise everyday water spots and fingerprints better than highly polished finishes.
High-Arc Spout for Greater Workspace
The faucet's high-arc design provides additional clearance beneath the spout, making everyday kitchen tasks more convenient.
The taller profile allows you to:
- Fill large stockpots
- Wash oversized cookware
- Clean baking sheets
- Rinse tall pitchers and bottles
- Wash bulky kitchen utensils
The extra working space is especially valuable for households that cook frequently or use deep kitchen sinks.
Convenient Side Sprayer
Rather than using a pull-down spray head, this faucet includes a dedicated side sprayer.
A side sprayer offers excellent flexibility for tasks that require targeted water flow, including:
- Rinsing fruits and vegetables
- Cleaning every corner of the sink
- Removing food residue from cookware
- Washing delicate dishes
- Filling containers positioned outside the sink
Because the sprayer operates independently from the main faucet, many homeowners appreciate having a dedicated cleaning tool always within reach.
Included Soap Dispenser
To create a coordinated sink area, the faucet includes a matching soap dispenser.
The dispenser can be used for:
- Liquid hand soap
- Dishwashing soap
- Hand lotion
Keeping soap stored beneath the countertop helps reduce clutter while maintaining a clean, organized appearance around the sink.
One-Handle Operation for Simple Water Control
The faucet features a single-handle control, allowing both water temperature and flow rate to be adjusted with one hand.
This design offers several practical advantages:
- Faster temperature adjustments
- Convenient one-handed operation
- Smooth water flow control
- Easy use while cooking or cleaning
Single-handle faucets have become a popular choice for modern kitchens because they combine simplicity with precise operation.
Designed for Four-Hole Sink Installations
This model is designed for 4-hole kitchen sink configurations, accommodating:
- Main faucet
- Side sprayer
- Soap dispenser
- Handle assembly
If your existing sink already includes four mounting holes, installation can often be completed without modifying the countertop.
Homeowners should verify sink compatibility before purchasing.
Safe for Drinking Water
Moen manufactures its residential faucets to comply with important drinking water safety requirements.
According to the manufacturer, this faucet meets:
- Federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements
- NSF 61 certification standards
These certifications indicate that the materials used are designed for residential potable water applications, providing added confidence for everyday use.
Built for Long-Term Durability
Kitchen faucets endure constant daily use, making construction quality especially important.
The Moen 87042BRB is engineered for long-term reliability with:
- Durable internal components
- Corrosion-resistant finish
- Quality valve construction
- Proven residential performance
Its robust design makes it suitable for households where the kitchen sink sees heavy daily use.
Backed by Moen's Limited Lifetime Warranty
A quality warranty is often a strong indicator of manufacturer confidence.
This kitchen faucet is supported by Moen's Limited Lifetime Warranty, helping protect homeowners against manufacturing defects for residential use under the terms of the warranty.
This long-term coverage adds value and peace of mind when investing in a premium kitchen fixture.
Advantages and Considerations
Every kitchen faucet offers different strengths depending on household needs and installation requirements.
Advantages
- Elegant Mediterranean Bronze finish
- Spacious high-arc spout
- Dedicated side sprayer for flexible cleaning
- Matching soap dispenser included
- Smooth one-handle operation
- Suitable for four-hole sink installations
- NSF 61 compliant for drinking water applications
- Durable construction
- Limited Lifetime Warranty from Moen
Potential Considerations
- Requires a four-hole sink or countertop configuration.
- Homeowners looking specifically for a pull-down spray head may prefer another model.
- The darker bronze finish complements traditional kitchens particularly well but may not match every modern design style.
Best Practices for Maintaining Your Faucet
Proper maintenance helps preserve both performance and appearance.
To keep the faucet looking its best:
- Wipe the finish regularly with a soft cloth.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or steel wool.
- Clean the aerator periodically to maintain steady water flow.
- Check supply line connections during routine maintenance.
- Refill the soap dispenser as needed to keep the countertop organized.
Simple care can help maintain smooth operation for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this faucet include a pull-down sprayer?
No. This model includes a dedicated side sprayer, which provides flexible cleaning while keeping the main spout separate.
Can the soap dispenser hold lotion?
Yes. The included dispenser is suitable for either liquid soap or hand lotion.
What type of sink does this faucet require?
It is designed for four-hole sink installations.
Is it safe for drinking water?
Yes. According to the manufacturer, the faucet complies with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and NSF 61 standards for residential drinking water applications.
Is the finish durable?
The Mediterranean Bronze finish is designed for long-term residential use while providing a distinctive decorative appearance that complements many traditional and transitional kitchens.
Final Thoughts
The Moen One-Handle High Arc Kitchen Faucet 87042BRB combines classic styling with dependable everyday functionality. Its elegant Mediterranean Bronze finish, generous high-arc spout, dedicated side sprayer, matching soap dispenser, and single-handle control create a practical yet refined kitchen centerpiece.
For homeowners seeking a durable faucet that balances timeless design with reliable performance, this Moen model offers an attractive solution that can enhance both the appearance and usability of virtually any traditional or transitional kitchen.