Moentrol vs M-Core Valves: Which One Should You Choose for Your Shower?

If you are looking for a shower system that offers functionality and style choices, you might want to consider the Moen brand. Moen is one of the leading manufacturers of faucets and shower valves in the world. They have been innovating and improving their products for decades, offering different types of valves and cartridges that fit your needs and preferences.

In this blog post, we will compare and contrast two of their most popular valve systems: Moentrol and M-Core.

What are Moentrol and M-Core Valves?

Moentrol and M-Core valves are part of the Moen shower valve systems that use a single handle to control the water temperature and volume. They are both part of the M-Pact system, which means that they have a common valve body that allows you to change the trim without changing the plumbing.

However, there are some significant differences between them. Moentrol is an older valve system that was introduced in the 1970s. It has a push/pull and rotate handle operation that adjusts the water temperature and volume.

It also has a pressure-balancing feature that keeps the shower temperature constant and comfortable. Moentrol valves come with a cartridge that is included with the valve.

M-Core is a newer valve system that was introduced in 2020. It has a lift and rotate handle operation that adjusts the water temperature and volume. It also has a pressure-balancing feature that keeps the shower temperature constant and comfortable.

M-Core valves do not come with a cartridge; instead, the cartridge is included with the trim kit. This means that you can choose the cartridge that suits your shower style and functionality.

The M-Core system includes two series: the 2 Series and the 3 Series. Each series has a different cartridge that provides different features and benefits. The Moen 1212 is a gray cartridge for the 2 Series systems that have no volume control. The Moen 1213 is a blue cartridge for the 3 Series systems that have volume control.

How to Identify Your Moen Valve?

Before you start comparing Moentrol and M-Core valves, you need to identify which type of valve you have. This will help you find the right solution for your problem or preference. To identify your Moen valve, you can check the installation guide provided with the trim kit or compare it to the details below:

• Moentrol
  • Escutcheon: Temperature indicators (styles vary) located at the 9 O’clock and 3 O’clock positions.
  • Escutcheon Screws: Two screws located at 2 O’clock and 7 O’clock positions.
  • Handle Operation: Push/pull and rotate-adjusts water temperature and volume
  • Cartridge Number: 1225 (white)
• M-Core 2 Series
  • Escutcheon: Temperature indicators (styles vary) located at the 3 O’clock position.
  • Escutcheon Screws: No Escutcheon Screws
  • Handle Operation: Rotate only-adjusts water temperature
  • Cartridge Number: 1212 (gray)
• M-Core 3 Series
  • Escutcheon: Temperature indicators (styles vary) located at the 9 O’clock and 3 O’clock positions.
  • Escutcheon Screws: No Escutcheon Screws
  • Handle Operation: Lift and rotate-adjusts water temperature and volume
  • Cartridge Number: 1213 (blue)

What are the Pros and Cons of Moentrol and M-Core Valves?

Now that you know what Moentrol and M-Core valves are and how to identify them, let’s look at some of their pros and cons.

Moentrol Pros

• It has been around for a long time, so it is proven and reliable.
• It has a simple and intuitive handle operation that adjusts both water temperature and volume.
• It has a pressure-balancing feature that keeps the shower temperature constant and comfortable.
• It has a wide range of trim options that are compatible with other Moen valves.
• It has a limited lifetime warranty.

Moentrol Cons

• It is an older valve system that may not have the latest features and benefits.
• It requires a cartridge that is included with the valve, which limits your trim choices and functionality.
• It may be harder to find and replace parts as Moen is phasing out the Moentrol series.

M-Core Pros

• It is a newer valve system that has the latest features and benefits.
• It does not require a cartridge that is included with the valve, which gives you more flexibility and control over your trim choices and functionality.
• It has a lift and rotate handle operation that adjusts both water temperature and volume.
• It has a pressure-balancing feature that keeps the shower temperature constant and comfortable.
• It has a simple and fast installation process that saves time and money.
• It has a smaller profile that fits better in tight spaces.
• It has a precise temperature limit adjustment that prevents scalding or freezing.
• It has a limited lifetime warranty.

M-Core Cons

• It is a newer valve system that may not be compatible with older trim kits and cartridges.
• It may be more expensive than Moentrol valves.

How to Choose Between Moentrol and M-Core Valves?

So, how do you decide which valve system is better for your shower? Well, it depends on your personal preferences and needs. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between Moentrol and M-Core valves:

Budget

If you are looking for a more affordable option, you might want to go with Moentrol valves. They are usually cheaper than M-Core valves and have a proven track record of reliability and performance.

However, if you are willing to invest more in a newer and more advanced system, you might want to go with M-Core valves. They offer more flexibility and control over your shower experience and have a simpler and faster installation process.

Functionality

If you are looking for a simple and intuitive handle operation that adjusts both water temperature and volume, you might want to go with Moentrol valves. They have a push/pull and rotate handle operation that is easy to use and understand.

However, if you are looking for a more sophisticated handle operation that adjusts both water temperature and volume, you might want to go with M-Core valves. They have a lift and rotate handle operation that gives you more precision and customization over your shower experience.

Style

If you are looking for a wide range of trim options that are compatible with other Moen valves, you might want to go with Moentrol valves. They have a variety of trim kits that suit different styles and preferences. However, if you are looking for a more modern and sleek trim option that matches the M-Core valve system, you might want to go with M-Core valves. They have a unique and elegant trim design that complements the M-Core valve system.

Compatibility

If you are looking for a valve system that is compatible with older trim kits and cartridges, you might want to go with Moentrol valves. They can work with most Moen trim kits and cartridges that have been around for decades. However, if you are looking for a valve system that is compatible with newer trim kits and cartridges, you might want to go with M-Core valves. They can work with the latest Moen trim kits and cartridges that offer different features and benefits.

Conclusion

Moen is one of the leading brands of faucets and shower valves in the world. They have been innovating and improving their products for decades, offering different types of valves and cartridges that fit your needs and preferences. In this blog post, we have compared and contrasted two of their most popular valve systems: Moentrol and M-Core.