Water is an essential part of our daily lives, but it’s not always as clean as we’d like it to be. Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can cause problems like soap scum, dry skin, and even damage to your pipes and appliances. That’s where a water softener comes in.
Water softeners are devices that remove the minerals that cause hard water, leaving you with softer, cleaner water. They come in many different types and sizes, from small units that attach to your showerhead to whole-house systems that treat all the water in your home. When choosing a water softener, it’s important to consider factors like the size of your household, the hardness of your water, and the type of system that will work best for your needs.
One critical factor to consider when choosing a water softener is the type of resin used in the system. The resin is responsible for removing the minerals from your water, so it’s essential to choose a high-quality resin that will last a long time and provide reliable performance. Other factors to consider include the size of the system, the level of automation, and the cost of installation and maintenance.
We spent countless hours researching and testing the top water softeners on the market to identify the ones that provide the best performance, reliability, and value. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks for the best water softeners and provide detailed reviews and comparisons to help you make an informed decision.
Best Water Softeners
If you live in an area with hard water, you know the negative effects it can have on your plumbing, appliances, and even your skin and hair. That’s why investing in a high-quality water softener is a smart choice. Our team of experts has researched and tested a variety of water softeners to bring you the best options on the market. Whether you’re looking for a whole-house system or a compact unit for your apartment, our list has you covered. Read on to find the perfect water softener for your needs.
Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Softener
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient water softener for your household, the Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Softener is a great option.
Pros
- This water softener can remove up to 10 ppm of clear water iron, making your water cleaner and brighter.
- The demand initiated regeneration system allows for significant salt and water savings, as the system only regenerates based on your hardness level and water usage.
- The Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Softener comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s parts and labor warranty, and the system can be extended to 2 years with the purchase of 3 bottles of Whirlpool WHEWSC water softener cleanser (sold separately).
Cons
- The system may arrive with some plastic pieces cracked or chipped due to shipping.
- Some customers have reported issues with the installation kit, but customer service is available to help.
- The valve height may vary by up to 1/2″ from an existing water treatment system, which may not affect system performance but could be a concern for some customers.
The Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Softener is a great investment for households of 1-6+ people looking for a reliable way to soften their water. It removes embarrassing mineral stains, uses less detergent in the wash for cleaner and softer fabrics, and helps your water-using appliances last longer by allowing them to run more efficiently. Soft water also helps to keep your hair and skin feeling healthy and soft.
The demand initiated regeneration system is a standout feature of this water softener, as it allows for significant salt and water savings. The system calculates how much salt and water is required to regenerate and only uses what is necessary, resulting in a reduction in salt and water usage. Additionally, the Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Softener comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s parts and labor warranty, which can be extended to 2 years with the purchase of 3 bottles of Whirlpool WHEWSC water softener cleanser (sold separately).
While the system may arrive with some plastic pieces cracked or chipped due to shipping, the Whirlpool customer service team is available to help with any issues that may arise during installation or use. Additionally, some customers may be concerned about the valve height potentially varying by up to 1/2″ from an existing water treatment system, but this should not affect system performance.
Overall, the Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Softener is a reliable and efficient option for households looking to soften their water and improve the efficiency and lifespan of their water-using appliances.
Whirlpool WHESFC Pro Series
The Whirlpool WHESFC Pro Series is an excellent 2-in-1 home water solution. It is perfect for those who want soft, healthy, and safe water free from potentially harmful contaminants.
Pros
- The WHESFC Pro Series is a 2-in-1 system that removes hard water minerals and harmful contaminants for families of 1-to-5 with one single-tank system instead of buying 2 separate systems, saving you money.
- With a 31,000-grain capacity, the WHESFC Pro Series has an above-average hardness removal rating of 120 grains per gallon, which helps reduce reddish-brown stains on drains and water-using appliances.
- The WHESFC Pro Series reduces sediment, chlorine taste, and odor from the water used throughout your entire home, providing you with clean, healthy, and safe water.
Cons
- The WHESFC Pro Series is a bit heavy, weighing at 112 pounds, which may be challenging to install for some people.
- The product color may vary from the photo color, which may be a bit disappointing for some consumers.
- The valve height of the water softener may vary by up to 1/2″ from an existing water treatment system, including existing Whirlpool models, but this potential change in valve height will not affect system performance.
The Whirlpool WHESFC Pro Series is an excellent investment for those who want to have soft, healthy, and safe water in their homes. It is a smart water softener that uses demand-initiated regeneration technology to produce soft water as your home needs it, reducing salt costs over the life of the system. Moreover, it is designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA, ensuring that you get a high-quality and reliable product.
Whirlpool WHES30E Water Softener
The Whirlpool WHES30E Water Softener is a reliable and efficient solution for households of 1-4+ people looking to soften their water.
Pros
- Removes up to 8ppm of clear water (ferrous) iron
- NSF certified to reduce hard water symptoms such as embarrassing stains and build-up on your plumbing and faucets
- Demand initiated regeneration results in significant salt and water savings
Cons
- Valve height may vary by up to 1/2″ from an existing water treatment system
- Some customers have reported broken pieces upon delivery
- The system may require professional installation
This water softener is a great investment for anyone looking to improve the quality of their water. It removes iron and reduces hard water symptoms, resulting in cleaner, brighter clothes and softer feeling fabrics. The demand initiated regeneration feature ensures that the system only regenerates based on your hardness level and water usage, saving you money on salt and water.
The Whirlpool WHES30E Water Softener is easy to program and includes a low salt indicator light. It works on city water or well water and comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s parts and labor warranty, which can be extended to 2 years with the purchase of 3 bottles of Whirlpool WHEWSC water softener cleanser within the first year of ownership.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient water softener for your household, the Whirlpool WHES30E Water Softener is a great choice.
Aquasure Harmony Series Water Softener Bundle
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient water softener for your home, the Aquasure Harmony Series Water Softener Bundle is a great choice.
Pros
- Delivers ultra-softened water to every outlet throughout your entire home.
- Reduces water hardness and eliminates scale buildup while preventing damage to your plumbing and prolonging the lifespan of household appliances.
- Comes with a fully programmable backlit digital display which allows you to easily customize your auto-flush intervals depending on your incoming water quality and water usage.
Cons
- The price may be a bit steep for some buyers.
- The installation process may be a bit complicated for those who are not handy with tools.
- The system may require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
The Aquasure Harmony Series Water Softener Bundle is highly efficient, rated to treat 64,000 grains of hardness by removing skin-damaging hard minerals like calcium and magnesium that clog up the skin pore and cause irritation. The triple purpose sediment/GAC/zinc pre-filters effectively remove 99% of water contaminants such as chlorine, VOCs, pesticides, bad odors, taste, soil, silt, sand, rust, heavy metals, and sediment. This system is perfectly designed for 4-6 bathrooms, making it a great option for larger households.
The automatic digital metered control head allows for easy monitoring and hassle-free maintenance. The system is constructed with a high-strength, corrosion-resistant, stainless steel, durable bypass valve, and prefilled premium-grade resin. Besides the 30-day money-back guarantee, Aquasure stands behind its products by providing a 5-year extended manufacturer warranty and lifetime free US-based tech support when you activate your product online within 60 days.
Overall, the Aquasure Harmony Series Water Softener Bundle is a great investment for those looking for a reliable and efficient water softener for their home.
Aquasure Harmony Series Water Softener
If you’re looking for a professional-grade water softener that delivers ultra-softened water to every outlet throughout your entire home, the Aquasure Harmony Series is the perfect choice.
Pros
- Protects your appliances by reducing water hardness and eliminating scale buildup
- Cleaner home water by removing skin-damaging hard minerals like calcium and magnesium
- Automatic digital metered control head with a fully programmable backlit digital display
Cons
- Installation may be challenging for those with no plumbing experience
- May be too large for some homes
- May require additional plumbing work
The Aquasure Harmony Series Water Softener is a premium quality product that is constructed with a high-strength, corrosion-resistant, fiberglass-lined polyethylene tank, durable bypass valve, and prefilled premium-grade resin. It is rated to treat 64,000 grains of hardness, making it perfect for homes with four or more bathrooms.
This water softener is designed to protect your appliances by reducing water hardness and eliminating scale buildup while preventing damage to your plumbing and prolonging the lifespan of household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, etc. It also provides cleaner home water by removing skin-damaging hard minerals like calcium and magnesium that clog up the skin pore and cause irritation.
The Aquasure Harmony Series Water Softener comes with an automatic digital metered control head that allows you to easily customize your auto-flush intervals depending on your incoming water quality and water usage. It also allows for easy monitoring and hassle-free maintenance.
Overall, the Aquasure Harmony Series Water Softener is a great investment for those who want to protect their appliances and improve the quality of their home water. However, it may be challenging to install for those with no plumbing experience, and it may be too large for some homes.
YARNA CWD24 Water Descaler System
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and low maintenance solution for hard water problems, the YARNA CWD24 Water Descaler System is worth considering.
Pros
- No salt or chemicals required
- Easy and quick installation
- Reduces limescale buildup
Cons
- May take up to three months to see significant improvements
- Not suitable for pipes larger than 1 inch in diameter
- Some users may prefer a traditional water softener for more immediate results
The YARNA CWD24 Water Descaler System treats water with electric pulses generated by the electronic unit and transmitted via Ultra Flat Impulse Bands that wrap around the pipe. This process changes the crystals in the water, preventing them from building up into limescale that can damage appliances and plumbing fixtures. Unlike traditional water softeners, the YARNA system does not remove beneficial minerals from the water.
Installation is simple and requires no tools or specialized help. All you need is access to a minimum of 10 inches of free pipe space with a maximum pipe diameter of 1 inch. The YARNA system works with any type of piping up to 1 inch thick, including iron, copper, stainless steel, plastic, PVC, PE-x, and compound pipes.
While the YARNA system is effective, it may take up to three months to see significant improvements depending on the condition of your plumbing and the size of existing limescale deposits. Some users may prefer a traditional water softener for more immediate results. However, the YARNA system is an eco-friendly and low maintenance solution that can help reduce the negative effects of hard water and protect appliances.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best water softener, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look at when making your decision:
Water Hardness Level
The first step in choosing the right water softener is to determine the hardness level of your water. This can be done using a simple test kit or by contacting your local water supplier. Knowing the hardness level of your water will help you choose the right size and type of water softener.
Type of Water Softener
There are two main types of water softeners: salt-based and salt-free. Salt-based water softeners use ion exchange to remove minerals from the water, while salt-free water softeners use a process called template-assisted crystallization to change the structure of the minerals so they don’t stick to surfaces. Salt-free systems are generally more eco-friendly, but may not be as effective in areas with very hard water.
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of the water softener you choose will depend on the hardness level of your water and the size of your household. A larger household with very hard water will require a larger water softener with a higher capacity.
Regeneration Cycle
Water softeners need to be recharged periodically to remove the minerals that have been collected. The regeneration cycle can be triggered by a timer, a sensor, or manually. A timer-based system will regenerate on a set schedule, while a sensor-based system will regenerate based on the amount of water used. A manual system requires the user to initiate the regeneration cycle.
Price and Maintenance
The price of a water softener can vary widely depending on the type, size, and features. In addition to the initial cost, consider the ongoing maintenance costs, such as salt or filter replacement. Look for a system with a warranty and good customer support in case you need assistance.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best water softener for your home and enjoy the benefits of soft, clean water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable brand of water softener?
The most reliable brand of water softener depends on the specific needs and preferences of the consumer. However, some of the most popular and reliable brands on the market include Fleck, GE, and Morton.
Which type of water softener is better?
There are two main types of water softeners: salt-based and salt-free. Salt-based water softeners are more effective at removing hard minerals from water, but they require regular maintenance and the use of salt. Salt-free water softeners are easier to maintain and more environmentally friendly, but they are less effective at removing hard minerals.
What is the best American made water softener?
Some of the best American made water softeners include the Fleck 5600SXT, the GE GXSH40V, and the Whirlpool WHES40E.
Are home water softeners worth it?
Home water softeners are worth it for those who live in areas with hard water. Hard water can cause damage to appliances and plumbing, and it can also lead to dry skin and hair. A water softener can help to alleviate these issues and improve the overall quality of the water in the home.
What are the top-rated water softener systems?
Some of the top-rated water softener systems include the Fleck 5600SXT, the GE GXSH40V, the Morton M30, and the Whirlpool WHES40E.
How do Whirlpool and Rheem water softeners compare?
Whirlpool and Rheem are both popular brands of water softeners. Whirlpool water softeners are known for their ease of use and low maintenance, while Rheem water softeners are known for their durability and effectiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two brands will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the consumer.
