Moen Align Chrome One-Handle Pre-Rinse Spring Pulldown Kitchen Faucet

This is more expensive than the similar Kohler Spring Faucet but it has a cleaner, more modern look and, more important, the spray head extends making it much more versatile than the Kohler competitor which does not extend. It is sleek and not overpowering to the sink and counter nor too heavy for a reasonably sturdy stainless steel sink to support. The faucet hose has a braided cover for durability and the hose, with its own deck opening, operates smoothly; its operation is not interfered with by the water supply lines. The water pressure--especially in the spray--is lower than I would like (the Kohler, installed in the same location, has a much more powerful spray). That aside, this is a superior faucet. I have two questions; not exactly complaints. As plumbed, with the valve control in the normal position (vertical as pictured in the Moen literature) the hot water is on full. To get full cold water, the valve handle must be rotated forward to a horizontal position slightly over the sink. That means, in the normal position (vertical) if the water is accidentally turned on by pushing the control to the right, hot water will flow. I would prefer that cold water flow when the handle is vertical. This seems like an error and I question the reasoning for plumbing the faucet this way. I do understand that in front-back controls with the neutral position vertical. hot is normally back and cold forward. However, with this faucet neutral--50/50 mix--is at 45-degrees towards the sink. The other question involves the same valve control. The handle can be pushed back a few degrees past vertical. I do not understand why this is the case but it is intentional and described in the faucet specifications. I question the reason for this. Since the parts have straight, rather than radius, edges, when pushed to its stop, the handle looks wrong and needs to be pulled forward slightly to line up the edge of the handle with the complementary edge on the faucet. I wonder about the design decision. Both questions are minor but curious. Neither detracts from the overall operation and appearance of the faucet. This is a very good design; attractive and functional.

After updating my kitchen to all-stainless appliances my chrome, low-arc faucet started to look dated. I have ample clearance above my sink and wanted a high-arc faucet to make cleaning larger pots and pans easier. This Align faucet from Moen not only gave me the features I sought but also gave my kitchen a much-needed modern update. I've had the pleasure of using this faucet for 2+ months and couldn't be happier. Installation was seamless and the faucet itself is simple and a joy to use. I was a little worried about it clashing with my overall "transitional " style, yet despite being more modern/industrial the Align makes a statement while feeling right at home.