Top Reasons to Choose a Delta Faucet for Your Kitchen
Are you tired of struggling with your kitchen faucet while your hands are covered in food residue? As someone who has remodeled multiple kitchens and tested dozens of fixtures, I’ve discovered that the right Delta faucet can transform your kitchen experience. Today, I’m reviewing the Delta Faucet Essa Touch Kitchen Faucet in Arctic Stainless finish – a game-changing addition that combines style and functionality for the modern kitchen.
The Delta faucet Essa model stands out with its innovative Touch2O technology, allowing you to turn water on and off with a simple tap anywhere on the spout or handle. After using this faucet daily for three months, I’m excited to share why this particular Delta faucet might be the perfect upgrade for your kitchen sink.
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Who Is This Delta Faucet For?
The Delta Faucet Essa Touch Kitchen Faucet is ideal for:
- Busy home cooks who frequently have messy hands while preparing meals
- Tech-savvy homeowners who appreciate smart kitchen innovations
- Design-conscious consumers looking for modern, streamlined fixtures
- Families with children who might struggle with traditional faucet handles
- People undergoing kitchen renovations who want a premium fixture upgrade
- Those with limited mobility or arthritis who benefit from touch activation
This Delta faucet isn’t necessarily for everyone. Budget-conscious shoppers might find the price point high compared to basic models. Additionally, those who prefer ultra-traditional kitchen aesthetics might want to explore other options in the Delta faucet lineup with more classic designs.
Product Overview & Summary Box
| Product Name | Delta Faucet Essa Touch Kitchen Faucet |
|---|---|
| Finish | Arctic Stainless |
| Key Features | Touch2O Technology, Pull-Down Sprayer, LED Temperature Indicator |
| Price Range | $$$$ (Premium) |
| Our Rating | ★★★★½ (4.5/5) |
| Best For | Modern kitchens, busy cooks, tech-oriented households |
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In-Depth Review: Is This Delta Faucet Worth It?
Appearance & Design
The Delta faucet Essa model exudes contemporary elegance with its sleek silhouette and Arctic Stainless finish. The brushed nickel-like appearance provides a sophisticated look that resists fingerprints and water spots better than chrome alternatives. At first glance, this Delta faucet appears deceptively simple, but its clean lines and minimal design make it a versatile addition to virtually any kitchen style – from ultra-modern to transitional.
The curved, high-arc spout provides ample clearance for filling large pots or washing bulky items, while maintaining proportions that don’t overwhelm smaller sinks. The single-handle design keeps the base profile sleek and uncluttered. What particularly impressed me was how the Delta faucet team managed to incorporate advanced technology without compromising the aesthetic appeal – there are no obvious sensors or clunky components to detract from the streamlined appearance.
Performance & Features
The standout performance feature of this Delta faucet is undoubtedly the Touch2O technology. Simply tap anywhere on the spout or handle with your wrist, forearm, or even elbow to start or stop water flow – incredibly useful when your hands are covered in food residue or raw meat. The system works flawlessly, responding to deliberate taps while avoiding accidental activation.
The pull-down sprayer extends smoothly and retracts automatically thanks to Delta’s MagnaTite docking system, which uses a powerful magnet to secure the sprayer head when not in use. The sprayer offers two modes – stream and spray – that you can toggle between with a simple button press. Water pressure remains consistent in both modes, and the button mechanism feels durable even after months of daily use.
Another impressive feature is the TempSense LED indicator, which changes color based on water temperature (blue for cold, magenta for warm, and red for hot). This provides a helpful visual cue, especially when children are using the faucet. The Delta faucet also includes their Diamond Seal Technology, which uses diamond-embedded ceramic discs to prevent leaks and extend the faucet’s lifespan.
User-Friendliness
Installation of this Delta faucet is straightforward for anyone with basic DIY skills. The package includes clear instructions and all necessary components, though you’ll need basic tools. The faucet can be installed in single-hole configurations or with the included deck plate for three-hole sinks, offering flexibility for different kitchen setups.
The learning curve for using the touch functionality is minimal – most family members and guests adapted within minutes. The faucet operates on 6 AA batteries (included) that power the touch sensor and LED indicator. Battery life is impressive, lasting approximately 1-2 years with average use. A low-battery indicator provides ample warning when replacement is needed.
The handle moves smoothly for precise temperature and flow adjustments, and its single-lever design makes one-handed operation simple. For those concerned about accessibility, this Delta faucet model is ADA compliant and can be operated with minimal dexterity or strength.
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Durability & Quality
After three months of heavy use, the Delta faucet Essa model shows no signs of wear. The Arctic Stainless finish has maintained its appearance without scratching or discoloration, even with daily cleaning. The mechanical components operate as smoothly as they did on day one, suggesting excellent build quality.
Delta backs this faucet with a limited lifetime warranty on the faucet and finish, plus a 5-year warranty on electronic components. This demonstrates the company’s confidence in their product’s longevity. The internal components feature Delta’s DIAMOND Seal Technology, which uses diamond-embedded ceramic discs – reportedly tested to last up to twice as long as the industry standard.
The weight of the faucet itself (just over 7 pounds) speaks to its solid construction. There’s no plastic-like feel when operating the handle or pull-down sprayer, and connections remain tight without developing the slight looseness that often plagues lesser faucets over time.
Value for Money
At its premium price point (typically $350-450 depending on retailer promotions), this Delta faucet represents a significant investment for many homeowners. However, when considering its advanced features, build quality, and potential longevity, the value proposition becomes clearer. Many cheaper faucets need replacement every 5-7 years, while Delta’s construction suggests a much longer functional life.
The touch technology genuinely improves daily kitchen workflow, making this more than just a cosmetic upgrade. For busy households or serious home cooks, the convenience factor alone may justify the premium price. Additionally, the water-efficiency features can contribute to modest savings on water bills over time.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Touch-activated operation is genuinely useful and responsive
- High-quality Arctic Stainless finish resists fingerprints and spotting
- Pull-down sprayer docks securely with magnetic system
- LED temperature indicator adds safety and convenience
- Solid construction with premium materials throughout
- Water-efficient design meets EPA WaterSense criteria
- Straightforward installation with flexible configuration options
Cons:
- Premium price point may be prohibitive for some budgets
- Requires batteries for touch functionality to work
- Occasional sensitivity adjustments may be needed
- Limited finish options compared to other Delta lines
- Deck plate (for 3-hole installation) is plastic rather than metal
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Alternatives & Comparisons
The main competitor to consider is the Moen Arbor MotionSense Two-Sensor Touchless Kitchen Faucet. While similarly priced, the Moen offers completely touchless operation with two motion sensors instead of Delta’s touch-activation. Some users prefer this fully hands-free approach, though the Moen’s sensors occasionally trigger unintentionally – something I haven’t experienced with the Delta’s more deliberate touch activation.
The Moen features a similar pull-down spray head and contemporary design but lacks the LED temperature indicator found on the Delta model. Both faucets offer comparable warranties and build quality, making this largely a choice between touch (Delta) vs. touchless (Moen) activation technology.
For those who love the Delta design but don’t need touch functionality, the standard Delta Essa Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet offers similar aesthetics at approximately $150-200 less. You’ll sacrifice the touch activation and LED indicator but retain the quality construction and pull-down functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do the batteries last in the Delta Faucet Essa Touch model? A: With average daily use, the 6 AA batteries typically last 1-2 years. The faucet includes a low-battery indicator light that will warn you when replacement is needed.
Q: Can this Delta faucet be operated manually if the batteries die? A: Yes, the faucet functions as a normal manual faucet using the handle even when batteries are depleted or removed. You’ll only lose the touch-activation feature.
Q: Is this Delta faucet difficult to keep clean? A: The Arctic Stainless finish is specifically designed to resist fingerprints and water spots. Regular wiping with a soft cloth is usually sufficient, though occasional cleaning with mild soap may be needed for hard water deposits.
Q: Does this Delta faucet require special plumbing or electrical connections? A: No special plumbing is required beyond standard faucet connections. The touch technology is battery-powered, so no electrical wiring is needed.
Q: Can the touch feature be disabled if needed? A: Yes, there’s a small switch on the control box that allows you to disable the touch functionality if desired, converting it to a standard manual faucet.
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Conclusion: Should You Choose This Delta Faucet?
After extensive testing, the Delta Faucet Essa Touch Kitchen Faucet has earned its place as a top recommendation for modern kitchens. Its combination of thoughtful design, innovative technology, and solid construction addresses the real needs of daily kitchen use while adding a touch of luxury to the space.
The touch-activation feature proves itself useful countless times each day, and the quality construction suggests this Delta faucet will remain a kitchen centerpiece for many years. While the investment is substantial, the daily convenience and potential longevity make it worthwhile for serious home cooks and design-conscious homeowners alike.
For those who value both form and function in their kitchen fixtures, this Delta faucet delivers on its promises without unnecessary complications. The Essa Touch model exemplifies why Delta faucets continue to be a leading choice for kitchen renovations and upgrades nationwide.
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