Moen introduces kitchen faucet that operates by sensor

Moen introduced a kitchen faucet that activates with a wave of the hand.

A consumer can turn the faucet on by waving his/her hand across the top of the faucet or by placing an object under the faucet to trigger one of Moen’s MotionSense infrared sensors, or by using the faucet’s handle.

The MotionSense Wave sensor, which is located at the top of the faucet, seems to be a first. Moen told Consumers Digest that this feature is unique, and we found no other kitchen faucet on the market that has similar feature. The Wave sensor is useful when you fill a pot with water, because you can accomplish the task without touching the faucet. (The faucet also can be turned off with a waving gesture.) This feature can help to prevent cross-contamination when a consumer handles raw meat, according to Laura Garland, who is a project manager at Moen.

A built-in timer shuts off the water after 2 minutes. Garland says this can be useful when you fill the sink and step away to answer the phone, for example.

The MotionSense Ready sensor, which is located at the base of the faucet, is activated by placing a hand or another object under the faucet. The water shuts off immediately after the object is removed. This type of sensor also is found on bathroom faucets that are by other manufacturers, but in a kitchen setting, it can be used when you rinse out a coffee mug or wash a couple of dishes.

A consumer can preset the temperature of the water that flows from the faucet when it’s activated by the sensor.

The sensors are powered by six AA batteries, but the faucet has an optional AC power adapter. Garland says the battery pack makes installation easier for consumers who already have a dishwasher or a food-waste disposer that’s plugged into the power outlet under the sink. She says the battery pack will last up to 2 years (or up to 1 year with heavy use). When the batteries start to run down, a blue light on the faucet is activated.

Moen’s MotionSense faucet is expected to be available through wholesale channels in fall 2012. The faucet will cost $625 for a chrome finish, $660 for a so-called spot-resistant stainless steel finish and $692 for an oil-rubbed bronze finish.

– K. Fanuko