Find Out Which Make & Model You Should Buy
If you’re coming across this review post, you know one thing for sure – you have hard water. The only real way to remove hard water is with a water softener. But the question is – which softener is the best and which make and model is the best value for money. This post outlines a balanced and in-depth review of the best water softener 2023, including where you can purchase your softener and how much for.
If you need more information on water softeners in general, such as the best type for you – you can click here to find out in this handy guide!
The Top Water Softeners: Watch out for scams
If you’ve been googling the best water softener 2023, then you may want to watch out for:
1. Electronic Descalers and Water Conditioners.
Eddy descalers and other magnetic water conditioners are NOT water softeners. Many review posts online will link and relate to “water descalers” and “shower head softeners”. These cheap products do not produce soft water and will not protect your home from limescale damage. To put it simply… if you are paying under £500 and you don’t need a plumber… it’s too good to be true.
2. Electric Water Softeners are inefficient.
Watch out for cheap electric water softeners that are availabel to buy online of Amazon. Electric models may seem cheap to buy, but often end up costing way more in the long run. With an electric softener you’ll find: they require a plug socket, they have high running costs, they use excess water and salt, they need to be timed to manually regenerate at the same time, they need servicing by law every 1-2 years. Not only that, but electric systems can cause short circuiting issues and power cuts.
3. Fake and Affiliated Reviews
Most water softener review websites online are US based and tend to review old and dated models. These websites often link to where you can buy water softeners, with an affiliated link. An affiliated link means the website is being paid and the review is likely to be biased.
With these points being said… lets jump into the best water softener 2023 rankings.
Top Rated & The Best Water Softener 2023 Brands & Models:
Click below to jump straight to the review.
- The Harvey Series 4 & Harvey MinMax M3
- The Harvey Arc
- The Kinetico Premier Compact
- The Harvey HV4
- The Infinity
- Monarch
- The Harvey Crown
- The Harvey Homewater
- BWT WS455
- Water2Buy W2B200
1. The Harvey TwinTec S4 Review
Rating: 5/5
Summary: Why Should You Buy?
Good Spec. Good Value For Money. Available Online.
This softener is perfect for family homes with up to 3 bathrooms. It has been around for a few years – but still offers the same specification as the Harvey HV4, Harvey Arc and MiniMax. Therefore, this softener seems to offer the best value for money and is easy to purchase online with plenty of availability in the UK.
Summary: Why Shouldn’t You Buy?
Not The Newest Model.
This is not the latest release from Harvey & therefore doesn’t offer any up-to-date technology such as mobile app connections. So if you’re after thrills and added technology – this isn’t the softener.
The Technical Need to Know Bits:
- Design & Type
A non-electric water softener with a twin/dual tank design. Uses only block salt.
A small and compact design HxWxD: 490 x 205 x 440mm.
- Performance & Efficiency
Salt usage: 300g per regeneration.
Water usage per regeneration: 17L.
Regeneration time: 11minutes.
- Flow Rate & Soft Water Capacity
Max Flow Rate: 56L/min.
Soft Water Capacity: 500L
Max Hardness Level: 635ppm
Min/Max Pressure: 1-10Bar.
- Durability & Certification
WRAS certified.
- Warranty
10 Year Warranty for parts.
Pros & Benefits
- A softener that is actually small enough to fit under your sink.
- A twin tank design – so unlimited soft water.
- As a small softener the S4 has a high flow rate of 56L/min and good capacity.
- High quality resin that can softener very hard water.
- Is able to handle pressure changes and therefore, supports combi boilers and high flow systems.
- Non electric – makes for a much easier install so no need for any plug sockets and you’ll save electricity.
- One of the most efficient softeners on the market in terms of salt and water usage, so is the best option for running costs.
- Made from recycled plastics.
- An automatic and smart metered system – so no timers or controls necessary. The softener measures your water usage and regenerates automatically when required.
- Uses standard block salt – meaning its more efficient and you can source the salt anywhere online.
- 10-year warranty on parts – the softener itself can last anything between 10 – 20 years.
Cons & Negatives
- With all water softeners in general … when the maximum flow rate is reached the home may experience a drop in pressure. This is usually rare in the standard home, however, if you have a larger home and lots of people using water all at the same time – you may need a large water softener.
- Adjustable brine valve can be hard to adjust without clear instructions.
- Hard to find online and prices can vary offline due to different dealers.
- Standard water softener problems – softeners can experience issues such as block brine values which can cause softener overflows and regeneration issues.
The Harvey S4 Price, Value for Money & Where to Buy
£1149.99 – £1299.99
We crown the Harvey S4 as the best water softener 2023. Why? Because it has the same specification as newer Harvey models and you can find it online for a great price. We recommend this unit if you are looking for a good and lasting softener, which is made to soften hard to very hard water.
The softener does not include apps and unnecessary extras but it has the exact same specification as other Harvey models available. We saw this softener advertised on a few different websites but only available to purchase online directly from one website. Harvey Water Softener Price: you can buy this softener online, the best price is North East Water Softeners at 1149.99. Love Your Water also sell this unit but at a much higher cost of £1595. Find out more information on where to buy the S4 from TwinTec.
The Harvey MiniMax Review
Rating: 5/5
★★★★★
Summary: Why Should You Buy?
Good Features. Available Online.
Within the Harvey water softener range, the Harvey TwinTec S4, Harvey Mini Max and Harvey Arc/HV4, all have the same specification. They are great models, with the best efficiency, when compared to other domestic water softeners. The MiniMax is therefore also perfect for homes with 3 bathrooms.
Summary: Why Shouldn’t You Buy?
Harvey MiniMax Price. It’s Difficult to Find Online.
Before buying the MiniMax you should compare the price to TwinTec models online. The MiniMax and TwinTec range have the same specification and are manufactured by Harvey. However, they are sold through through different Harvey retailers, meaning they are named differently. These systems can be hard to find online and because of this, the MiniMax can be often overpriced. You should look out for large price differences when searching for the best water softener.
The Technical Need to Know Bits:
- Design & Type
A non-electric water softener with a twin cylinder tank design. Uses block salt.
A small and compact design HxWxD: 487 x 202 x 438mm.
- Performance & Efficiency
Salt usage: 300g per regeneration.
Water usage per regeneration: 17L.
Regeneration time: 11minutes.
- Flow Rate & Soft Water Capacity
Max Flow Rate: 51L/min.
Soft Water Capacity: 3000L
Max Hardness Level: 635ppm
Min/Max Pressure: 1-10Bar.
- Durability & Certification
WRAS certified.
- Warranty
10 Year Warranty.
Pros & Benefits
- A softener that is actually small enough to fit under your sink.
- A twin tank design for continuous soft water.
- A very small softener.
- High-quality resin, suited to last a long time.
- Is able to handle pressure fluctuations for different heating systems.
- Non-electric – saves energy and running costs.
- Similarly to the S4 and Arc, it is one of the most efficient softeners on the market.
- An automatic and smart metered system – so easy to set up.
- 10-year warranty on parts.
Cons & Negatives
- An adjustable brine valve is set to factory settings.
- Hard to find online and prices can vary offline due to different dealers.
- Standard water softener problems – softeners can experience issues such as block brine values which can cause softener overflows and regeneration issues.
The MiniMax Price, Value for Money & Where to Buy
£1400 – £1595
We recommend this unit if you are looking for a Harvey water softener in particular.
The softener has the same specification as other Harvey models. The MiniMax M3 is the same as the TwinTec S4 and the Innova is the same as the Arc. Therefore, if you can get the MiniMax cheaper than the TwinTec models and the Arc, then it is definitely the best model for you. You can find out more about this water softener from MiniMax.co.uk.
2. The Harvey Arc Review
Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: Why Should You Buy?
Eco Friendly & Most Up to Date Model.
This softener is the latest model on the market from Harvey and is one of the best you can buy. But hold on a minute I hear you say… the Harvey Arc spec looks pretty familiar…That’s right, the Arc is almost identical to other models such as the former HV4 and the MiniMax & TwinTec ranges.
However, this softener has an added edge with an eco-friendlier approach. This product is manufactured using 62% recycled plastics and also comes with app technology.
This is an efficient and up to date softener – so if a mobile friendly app and being eco-friendly is important for you – it’s a winner.
Summary: Why Shouldn’t You Buy?
More expensive, 3 Year Warranty & Only Available in London Areas.
The Arc is a product available from Harvey directly offline and only in London areas. That means you will need an in-person sales pitch and will be offered an installation package. The price of the Arc has been noted by customers to be way more expensive than any softeners you source online. With prices ranging up to £1900 (click here to see what customers said). Not only that, but unlike other Harvey water softeners available, this model only comes with a 3 year warranty within the initial price. It also uses a curved salt – which needs to be purchsed direct from Harvey.
The Technical Need to Know Bits:
- Design & Type
It is a block salt, non-electric and twin tank system.
Made from 62% recycled materials and 38% less plastic than other Harvey models.
Only uses Harvey specific curved block salt.
The Arc is very slightly smaller than other Harvey models 487 mm Width: 202 mm Depth: 438 mm
- Performance & Efficiency
Salt usage: 300g of salt per regen
Water usage/regen: 17L.
Regen: 11mins.
- Flow Rate & Capacity
Max Flow Rate: 56L/min.
Soft Water Capacity: 500L
Max Hardness: 635ppm
Min/Max Pressure: 1-10Bar.
- Durability & Certification
WRAS certified.
- Warranty
3 Years.
Pros & Benefits
- The smallest softener you will find (2mm smaller than other Harvey models).
- More eco-friendly. The Arc cabinet is manufactured using 62% recycled plastic and post-consumer waste, meaning Harvey us 38% less plastic to make this product than other models.
- Option to connect to a mobile app to tell you when your salt is running out.
- System is non-electric with an automatic metering system – meaning the softener regenerates when it needs to. There is no controls or timers.
- A good pressure range of up to 10bar, so can support combi boilers and HF systems.
- Non electric and so is easy to install and no need for plug sockets under the sink.
- Low running costs and good efficiency in terms of salt and water.
- Good customer service often offered by Harvey – they are a reliable UK brand.
- If you don’t want to look for a plumber, Harvey offer an installation service. If costs are not an issue – it is an easier and straight forward option (see “cons”).
Cons & Negatives
- The Warranty on this product is only 3 years – unlike the S4 and other Harvey models, therefore if you run into issues later this could be expensive.
- Prices can range and not every customer is given the same quote.
- The specification of the Arc is identical to 3 other Harvey models. But we’re not sure a eco-friendly design is worth the extra cost.
- Uses specific curved block salt. Harvey created this product to be designed to only use their own branded curved block salt. Consequently, you can only source it from Harvey direct.
- The Arc is only available through Harvey direct. You will likely have to have an in-person pitch and agree to an installation service, which could cost more than a plumber around £300-350.
- With all water softeners at the max flow rate, there is a drop in water pressure. This is likely to be uncommon but if you have a larger family home and lots of family members all showering at the same time, there may be a drop in pressure.
Harvey Arc Price, Value for Money & Where to Buy
£1900
We enquired ourselves for an up-to-date quote and also asked customers. We found prices for the Arc to range between £1600 – £1800. While we think the Arc is a good and reliable water softener model, given it has a very similar specification to all the previous models including the TwinTec and MiniMax… we’re not sure te system is worth the extra cost. Every customer is quoted a different price, to find out more – read what the customers are saying here.
Not only that, but the entire process from research to purchase will take a lot longer due to home surveys and installation bookings. Hence, if you’re ready to buy now online this is not the model for you.
You can Buy This Model From Harvey.
3. The Kinetico Premier Compact Review
Rating: 5/5
Summary: Why Should You Buy?
Reliable & Very High Quality.
For those of you who haven’t heard of Kinetico – they are probably the brand which provides the highest quality, and according to their customers – the most reliable. The Premier Compact is the latest model up from the Kube and a rival of Harvey Arc, S4 and HV4 models.
We rate the Compact as a top system. The specification is only slightly less in terms of efficiency and capacity and the unit has no technology thrills. However, its high quality, 10 year parts and 2 year labour warranty makes up for this. We recommend the Kinetico Premier Compact for homes with 2-3 bathrooms, and it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a reliable and robust machine. With this product, you’ll pay a higher price but are buying the best brand from a world perspective. And a long lasting/ hassle free softener can be worth the extra cost in the long run.
Summary: Why Shouldn’t You Buy?
More Expensive than Harvey models.
The Technical Need to Know Bits:
- Design & Type
Twin tank, non-electric, block salt fed system.
Small and compact size: 498 x 219mm x 468mm
- Performance & Efficiency
Salt usage: 340g of salt per regen
Water usage/regen: 20.5L
Regen: 11mins
- Flow Rate & Capacity
Max Flow Rate: 51L/min.
Soft Water Capacity: 430L
Max Hardness: 507ppm
Min/Max Pressure: 1-6Bar.
- Durability & Certification
WRAS certified.
- Warranty
10 Years & 2 Years Labour.
Pros & Benefits
- Another small and compact design which can fit neatly underneath your kitchen sink.
- A sleek outer shell which is designed to look high quality, smart and high tech.
- High flow rate of 51L/min
- Efficient in terms of salt and water usage.
- The non-electric design means you won’t need plugs or sockets – saving on running costs.
- The system itself is all automatic – so you don’t need to set regeneration times.
- A quiet water softener – meaning you won’t hear a peep when it is regenerating.
- Uses standard block salt which is more efficient which therefore can be easily sourced online.
- High quality and long-lasting resin suitable for very hard water.
- 10-year warranty and this softener can last! You’ll also get 2 years labour warranty when buying online. Not only that, but online reviews claim the earlier model (the 2020c) was said to last up to 25 years!
Cons & Negatives
- The outer casing looks better – however, you can’t see without removing the lid if the salt needs replacing.
- The price is higher – so not ideal if you’re on a budget.
- The pressure is said to go up to 6bar. This is fine for the standard home, where the pressure is around 3-4bar. However, if your home is pushing on 4 bathrooms – the Premier Compact may not be able to support your home and the flow of water.
- Similar with any water softener, at the max flow rate you will experience a drop in water pressure. Large homes with 4+ bathrooms require a large water softener.
Kinetico Premier Compact Price, Value for Money & Where to Buy
£1395 – £1595
If you have a home with 2-3 bathrooms and you want the best quality machine which is reliable over the years – the Premier Compact is the Model for you.
We found the Premier compact available from a few different companies online but all at the same price of £1695. We enquired direct with the companies below and found the best quote from NE Water Softeners (offering £300 off RRP). Shop this system online from the below resellers:
NE Water Softeners, Love Your Water and Water Ways.
4. The Harvey HV4 Review
Rating: 4/5
Summary: Why Should You Buy?
Good Specification & Efficient
This softener seems identical to the Arc and S4 in terms of performance. This softener is perfect for family homes with 3 bathrooms.
Summary: Why Shouldn’t You Buy?
Higher Price & Only Available I Southern UK Areas.
The reason we rank this product lower than the other Harvey models is that it is hard to find and is not the latest realease. The system can only be bought from Harvey direct and the prices can vary. We found customers reported a range of different price quotes. It also only comes with a 3 year warranty.
The Technical Need to Know Bits:
- Design & Type
A dual tank design, non electric, block salt water softener.
A small and compact design: HxWxD 490 x 205 x 440mm
- Performance & Efficiency – same as the Arc and S4
Salt usage: 300g per regeneration.
Water usage per regeneration: 17L.
Regeneration time: 11minutes.
- Flow Rate & Soft Water Capacity – same as the Arc and S4
Max Flow Rate: 56L/min.
Soft Water Capacity: 500L
Min/Max Pressure: 1-10Bar.
- Durability & Certification
WRAS certified.
- Warranty
3 years.
Pros & Benefits
- Small in size, so ideal for under the sink.
- High flow rate (56L/min) and soft water capacity.
- Operating pressure is designed for combi boilers and high flow systems.
- Non electric, therefore easy to use, automatic and lower running costs.
- One of the most efficient softeners available.
- Regenerates automatically when required.
- Uses standard block salt.
- Harvey can include installation which is great for if you don’t know where to start with finding a plumber.
Cons & Negatives
- At the max flow rate, water pressure in the home will be less – but this is only likely if you have 3-4 family members all showering at the same time.
- Hard to find online – only available from Harvey in Southern UK areas.
- Prices can range and not every customer is given the same quote we found quotes from £1300 – £1800. You may save money sourcing your own plumber for the installation.
- 3 year warranty Vs 10 on Kinetico products.
- Technical water softening specification is identical to the Arc and S4. Meaning you could be paying a much higher cost for a similar working product.
The Harvey HV4 Price, Value for Money & Where to Buy
£1600-£1800
We found a great customer forum and example of fluctuations in price on Moneysavingexpert.com, specifically for the HV3/4 model. Prices with installation, and basic water filters were around £1850.
Which is pretty high, considering its essentially the same product as other models. However, we did see on the forum reconditioned units being sold at the £1400 mark including installation.
The softener itself is a quality system. But if you have your plumber ready it may not be the one for you. You can find this softener from Harvey direct.
5. The Infinity
Rating: 4/5
★★★★★
Summary: Why Should You Buy?
Good Specification. Based on the Premier Compact.
The Infinity softener is a softener that is currently sold in the Suffolk region. It is a model that, from the specification, has clearly been based on the Kinetico Premier Compact.
We rate the Infinity slightly lower than the Premier Compact because, despite having the same specification, the model is still high in price but without the actual Kinetico label/brand. Not only that, but this model is not available to purchase easily online and appears to be a regional sales product with tied in installation.
Summary: Why Shouldn’t You Buy?
Expensive, Hard to Source.
The Technical Need to Know Bits:
- Design & Type Dual tank, non-electric system. Uses block salt
Small and compact size: 498 x 219mm x 468mm
- Performance & Efficiency
Salt usage: 340g of salt per regen
Water usage/regen: 20.5L
Regen: 11mins
- Flow Rate & Capacity
Max Flow Rate: 51L/min.
Soft Water Capacity: 430L
Max Hardness: 507ppm
Min/Max Pressure: 1- 7 Bar.
- Durability & Certification
WRAS certified.
- Warranty
10 Years.
Pros & Benefits
- Made in the UK.
- Like the Premier Compact, it has a small size, making it easier to fit under the sink.
- Clear lid, so you can see salt levels easily.
- A high flow rate of 51L/min.
- Non-electric and efficient in terms of salt and water usage.
- Uses standard block salt.
- 10-year warranty.
Cons & Negatives
- The price is higher than Harvey’s models – so not ideal if you’re on a budget.
- Regionally available and comes with high installation prices/packages.
Infinity Water Softener Price, Value for Money & Where to Buy
£1400 -£1500
If you have a home with 2-3 bathrooms and live in the Suffolk region – this softener could be a good choice. It has a good specification that is identical to the Kinetico Premier Compact.
However, installation packages are an additional cost, meaning you may end up paying more than an actuall Kinetico product – and it doesn’t actually have the Kinetico brand stamp. You can find out more from Infinity.
6. Monarch Midi FreeFlow Review
Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: Why Should You Buy?
High Flow Rate and Low Price.
We rated this unit a 3.5/5 due to the fact it is an electric softener and has a few limitations. However, if you are on a tight budget and don’t mind an electric water softener, then the Monarch softener is a good unit with a good flow rate, claiming to be suitable for homes with 4-6 people.
Summary: Why Shouldn’t You Buy?
Its electric, not as efficient with higher running costs and large/bulky in size.
Being electric has its disadvantages including a more difficult installation, power trips and running costs.
The Technical Need to Know Bits:
- Design & Type
A single tank design, electric water softener that uses tablet salt.
HxWxD 555mm x 270mm x 485mm
- Performance & Efficiency
Salt usage: 1-1.9 Kg per regeneration.
Water usage per regeneration: 52L.
Regeneration time: between 51-144minutes.
- Flow Rate & Soft Water Capacity
Max Flow Rate: 78L/min ** BUT varies with water hardness!
Soft Water Capacity: NA
Min/Max Pressure: 1-5Bar.
- Durability & Certification
WRAS certified.
- Warranty
7 Year warranty on parts, 2 year labour.
Pros & Benefits
- High flow rate with a minimal pressure drop.
- Lots of online reviews/Trust Pilot reviews.
- Free flow valve technology
- High efficiency system saving on salt.
- 7-year warranty with 2 years of labour.
Cons & Negatives
- Must be serviced every 2 years due to it being electric – and the service is at an extra £120 cost.
- An electric system is generally more difficult to install due to needing a power supply. What’s more, electric softeners can be prone to short circuiting.
- Being electric, means you also have to manually program your regeneration time.
- The system is not twin tank – so the soft water supply is cut off as the system regenerates.
- The flow rate of this system is claimed to be the “highest of any domestic softener”… however, this is dependent on water hardness. In areas such as London where the water is very hard – this rate is reduced.
- The number of people this softener is suited for varied from 4, to 5, to 6, to 7 depending on what website you visit – hence suggesting its very variable depending on the water hardness of the area.
- The system is more expensive to run than other systems. In terms of salt usage and electricity.
- The call out fees and customer service from Monarch appear to be a cause for concern from customers. For instance, customers claimed to pay £120 for a call out, followed by £18/hour next visit.
- People reported issues with the softener after around 3 years and the life span of the machine appears to be 3-7 years. Consequently, at a lower initial cost, you may pay the price in the longevity of the unit.
Price, Value for Money & Where to Buy
£489.99 – £562.99
In terms of value for money we don’t rank Monarch as the best but they are certainly not the worst! In fact, Monarch are a popular and reputable brand, and many customers seem satisfied with their softener. At £563, you’ll get pros and cons and a potentially shorter lifespan of the machine. When you add these up over the years – it may be worth paying extra for a higher quality machine.
You can find this softener on Amazon or cheapest price we found was at City Plumbing.
7. The Harvey Crown Review
Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: Why Should You Buy?
Low Cost. Easy to Buy Online. Lots of Reviews.
The Harvey Crown is one of the first softeners you will find when searching online and a popular choice it seems. The unit is suitable for homes with up to 3 bathrooms. This would be due to the fact: it has been around longer and is lower in price. This softener is also readily available online, whereas other models from Harvey tend to be harder to source.
We give this softener a 3.5/5 because it is a mid-range softener. It does the job and is a good system for moderately hard water (around 300-400ppm). However, the lower price may be at a cost, with a flow rate of around 30L. Therefore, if you live in London areas and have very hard water (450-600ppm) – you may want to reconsider.
Summary: Why Shouldn’t You Buy?
Lower Quality, Doesn’t Last as Long, Not Ideal for Very Hard Water.
The crown has a lower capacity than other Harvey models and to put it frankly – don’t last as long. Therefore, paying £850 for 5 years of service, may not be as beneficial as paying £1300-£1600 for 10-20 years.
The Technical Need to Know Bits:
- Design & Type
A twin tank, non-electric, block salt water softener.
A small design (height slightly smaller than other Harvey models): 400 x 212x 460mm
- Performance & Efficiency
Salt usage: 350g per regeneration.
Water usage per regeneration: 23L.
Regeneration time: 11minutes.
- Flow Rate & Soft Water Capacity
Max Flow Rate: 30L/min.
Soft Water Capacity: 508L.
Min/Max Pressure: 1-8Bar.
- Durability & Certification
WRAS certified.
- Warranty
5 Year Warranty for parts. Labour can vary.
Pros & Benefits
- Small in size – so it is great for small homes.
- Operating pressure is designed for high flow and combi boilers.
- Non electric – no timers or controls, easy to use and lower running costs.
- Regenerates automatically when required.
- Uses standard block salt.
Cons & Negatives
- The soft water capacity is a lot less than other softeners.
- The flow rate of the Crown is only 30-40L. This means the system is not ideal for homes with 3 bathrooms and more than 3 people.
- Not ideal in very hard water areas due to the limited capacity.
- Doesn’t last as long as other Harvey models with half the warranty.
- Less efficient in terms of salt and water usage.
Price, Value for Money & Where to Buy
£850
The Crown is great for small homes with 2 bathrooms that are located in moderately hard water areas. We recommend it for those who are tempted to go for a single tank softener and are on a budget.
But for very hard water areas and family homes with 3 bathrooms, the system has several limitations and the capacity may not be great enough to soften water effectively. The result – a softener that may not last long before the internal resin gives up the ghost.
You can buy the crown online. We found it at several sites including East Midlands Water and Fountain Softeners.
8. The Harvey Homewater Review
Rating: 3/5
★★★
Summary: Why Should You Buy?
Low Cost. Easy to Buy Online. Lots of Reviews.
Great Price, Available Online.
The Harvey Homewater is one of Harvey’s oldest models, which has been around for years. This softener has a low price and is a great alternative to a single tank system for single occupants or very small homes.
Summary: Why Shouldn’t You Buy The Harvey Homewater?
Lower Quality, Pressure Drops. Not Designed for Very Hard Water.
This Harvey model may do the for small homes in areas with moderately hard water of 250ppm. However, in UK areas such as London (where the water hardness is 300-400ppm++) – this system will have a lower capacity and efficiency. Water hardness is linked to flow rate and the lifetime of a water softener. Therefore, in very hard water areas, you may notice a pressure drop in the home and you may find yourself having to buy a new system after the 5-year warranty period is up.
Not only that, but the Homewater has a much lower flow rate and efficiency. This twin tank system is suggested to be suitable for the family home, but with a maximum flow rate of only 30-40L/min and 1-2bar pressure drops at this rate – the system is not suitable for family life. In homes with 2+ people you are likely to see noticeable drops in your water pressure in the home.
The Technical Need to Know Bits:
- Design & Type
Twin tank, non-electric.
Size: 440 x 250x 485mm
- Performance & Efficiency
Salt usage: 350g per regeneration.
Salt Efficiency: 65%
- Flow Rate & Soft Water Capacity
Max Flow Rate: 40L/min (but results in a 2-bar pressure drop)
30L (with a 1 bar pressure drop).
Soft Water Capacity: 508L but at a maximum water hardness of 250ppm.
Min/Max Pressure: 1-8Bar.
- Durability & Certification
WRAS certified.
- Warranty
5 Year Warranty for parts.
Pros & Benefits
- Good Price
- Operating pressure is designed for high flow and combi boilers.
- Non electric – no timers or controls, easy to use and lower running costs.
- Regenerates automatically when required.
Cons & Negatives
- The soft water capacity is quoted at 250ppm and the system may struggle in very hard water areas.
- The flow rate is only 30-40L with noted 1-2bar pressure drops at this flow rate.
- Doesn’t last as long as other Harvey models with half the warranty.
- Less efficient in terms of salt and water usage.
- Look
Price, Value for Money & Where to Buy
£784
The Harvey Homewater is a good cost-effective option for small homes with 1 – 2 bathrooms and a better alternative to a single tank system.
However, it doesn’t have the capacity to serve homes with more than 2 occupants and you may end up seeing reductions in your home water pressure. With a lower efficiency and shorter warranty – in very hard water areas, you may end up paying more than a more to run or replace the system after 5 years.
You can buy the Homewater online. We found it at East Midlands Water.
9.BWT WS455 Hi Flow Electronic Demand Review
Rating: 2.5/5
Summary: Why Should You Buy?
Reputable Brand, Low Cost.
Bwt is a renowned brand in the UK and Europe and therefore you can find plenty of reviews online. Priced at around £489, this system is a good option for if you are on a budget and there is a 2 year labour warranty.
Summary: Why Shouldn’t You Buy?
Electric, Poor Efficiency & Poor Flow Rate.
Low flow rate, high water usage and lack of efficiency in general, make this system a low grade product. As a result, you may find yourself spending less on the softener itself, but more to run or replace it.
The Technical Need to Know Bits:
- Design & Type
A single tank design, electric water softener.
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- Performance & Efficiency
Salt usage: 0.3- 1.2 Kg per regeneration.
Water usage per regeneration: 75L.
Regeneration time: NA
- Flow Rate & Soft Water Capacity
Max Flow Rate: 10-25L/min with a 1 bar pressure drop
Soft Water Capacity: NA
Min/Max Pressure: 1-5Bar.
- Durability & Certification
WRAS certified.
- Warranty
5 years Warranty for parts, 2 years labour.
Pros & Benefits
- Low cost and easy to buy online.
- Lots of online reviews/Trust Pilot reviews.
- Reputable company in the UK and Europe.
- 5 year warranty and 2 years of labour included.
Cons & Negatives
- The effectiveness and flow rate of the system is reduced as hardness increases. Therefore, in hard water areas such as London, the flow rate of this system will be less than 25L/min.
- An electric system – generally less efficient that non electric.
- The system is not twin tank – so the soft water supply is cut off as the system regenerates.
- The flow rate of this system is low at 25L/min. So you may experience pressure loss if more than one person is using the water at the same time.
- The system is more expensive to run than other systems. In terms of salt usage, and uses around 75L of water per regeneration (a lot of water per regen).
Price, Value for Money & Where to Buy
£483
Being a single tank system, we recommend this system for smaller homes and flats. BWT is a reputable brand so on a budget this softener could be for you. However, the low flow rates and high running costs are not ideal and if you live in a very hard water area this system is not for you.
You can find this softener on Amazon.
10. Water2Buy W2B200 Review
Rating: 2/5
Summary: Why Should You Buy?
Low Price. Decent Warranty. Available on Amazon.
Water2Buy is a company which has been selling its softeners online for some time. For that reason, there are plenty of reviews online – which is always a positive. None the less, at a price of £399.99, means you won’t be breaking the bank! However, the quality and specification of this model is by no means the best – especially in terms of lifetime and value for money.
Summary: Why Shouldn’t You Buy?
Large in Size, Electric, Single Tank.
Firstly, this system is a single tank design – so you already know your soft water capacity and flow rates are limited. When the system is regenerating you will also lose your supply of soft water. Moreover, as a single tank – this softener appears to be a lot larger than others on the market. Which may make it difficult to fit under your kitchen sink. What’s more, the system is electric – therefore is generally less efficient.
The Technical Need to Know Bits:
- Design & Type
A single tank design, electric water softener which uses tablet salt only.
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- Performance & Efficiency
Salt usage: specific amount NA with some customers claiming around 25kg/ 3 months.
Water usage per regeneration: 24L.
Regeneration time: NA
- Flow Rate & Soft Water Capacity
Max Flow Rate: Appears to vary with water hardness.
Soft Water Capacity: 1250L/day
Min/Max Pressure: 1-6Bar.
- Durability & Certification
WRAS certified.
- Warranty
7 years Warranty.
Pros & Benefits
- Pre set regeneration at 3am
- Low cost and easy to buy online.
- Lots of online reviews/Trust Pilot reviews.
- Reputable company in the UK and Europe.
- The water hardness level can be adjusted using a valve.
- Pre fitted Bypass valves and connectors are included.
- Automatic digital meter control for better water and salt usage.
Cons & Negatives
- This softener claims to fit underneath your kitchen sink, however it is much larger than other twin tank water softeners.
- There is little information on the specifics of this water softener online – that means little info on the max flow rate and salt usage etc. Water2Buy claim this softener uses a low level of salt and is efficient – but has no salt usage per regeneration quoted.
- As a single tank and electric system this softener is not the most efficient on the market. Electric softeners are also prone to cause power trips – not ideal at 3am in the morning when the system regenerates.
- The softener claims to have a handy app to help with the install – however customers claim this app is a computer only app. Less handy for the actual installation.
- The W2B200 is a unit that is meant to be suited for a family of 6. However, this varies across different websites and doesn’t apply to very hard water levels.
- The single tank size means the softener is only suitable for small homes. Homes with 3 bathrooms will likely see drops in pressure.
- A single tank also means the soft water supply is cut off as the system regenerates.
Price, Value for Money & Where to Buy
£339.99
Water2Buy are one of the most reviewed softeners available. They have been around for a while and are easy to buy online. This system, is cheap and basic for but very large in size so although suited for a small home – may not fit.
It’s larger size can make it difficult to install under the kitchen sink and being electric means you may face higher running costs and power trips. For homes with 3 bathrooms a single tank is not ideal and with families of 4-6 you may see pressure drops in the home.
But, if you aren’t fussy about running costs and have a small home this could be ideal for you and with a 7 year warranty, you may get your money’s worth for £399.99.
You can find this softener on Amazon and Water2Buy Direct.
Conclusion: The Best Water Softener 2023 to Buy in 2021
And there you have it! The best water softener 2023 for the standard/ average family home. The main points to take home here are:
- Always compare the technical specs. For example, many brands release new models which have the same specification.
- Always check the efficiency. You may end up paying more for the running costs for a cheaper softener.
- Check the warranty. It matters if you have issues and seems to be a problem for customers who purchased cheaper softeners.
- See the softener as a home investment. Although it is expensive, if you manage to get 10 years out of the benefits – it is worth it.
If you have your own feedback on a softener you have and want to submit your feedback or experience feel free to leave us a message HERE.