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Kenmore Elite 520 — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Water SoftenersKenmore Elite 520

Kenmore Elite 520 — image 1

Kenmore

Kenmore Elite 520

Expert Review Analysis

The Kenmore Elite 520 is a 2-in-1 hybrid water treatment system that combines a 31,000-grain water softener with carbon filtration in a single unit. It utilizes IntelliSoft® Technology to monitor usage and optimize regeneration, reducing salt, water, and energy consumption while removing hardness, chlorine, iron, barium, and radium. The system is NSF certified and designed to work with both municipal and private well water supplies without requiring separate filter replacements.

✓ Best for: Households with both hard water and chlorine taste/odor issues requiring a single solution. Users seeking reduced maintenance by avoiding separate filter replacements. Homes with municipal or private well water supplies. Families wanting to reduce mineral buildup, scale, and staining on appliances. Users concerned about radium and barium contamination in their water supply✗ Not ideal for: Households with extremely high water hardness requiring capacities above 31,000 grains. Large households that may benefit from the higher capacity of 40,000-grain systems. Users requiring separate, dedicated whole-home filtration systems independent of softening

Pros

✓Integrates water softening and carbon filtration into a single unit to save space
✓

Best Seller Rank History

Now#24Best#16Worst#425 +259

Lower = better sales rank

Rating Trend

Rating4.1/ 5Reviews603+522 reviews +0.19

Specifications

Design

Height52.0 inches mm

Width21.0 inches mm

Depth22.5 inches mm

Features

TechnologyIntelliSoft® Technology

Media TypeHybrid Media (Resin beads for softening, Carbon media for filtration)

Self-CleaningYes

Filter Replacement RequiredNo

Control TypeAdvanced Electronic Controls

General

BrandKenmore

ManufacturerWater Channel Partners

Model NameElite 520

ColorGray

CertificationsNSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 44

Performance

Grain Capacity31,000 grains grains

Hardness ReductionUp to 100 grains per gallon gpg

Iron ReductionUp to 3 ppm ppm

Softening Capacity @ 2.6 lbs Salt11,000 grains grains

Softening Capacity @ 7.8 lbs Salt24,700 grains grains

Regeneration Efficiency

Total Hardness ExchangeAt least 3,350 grains per pound of salt

Research Sources

ecopurehome.com

kenmorewatersolutions.com

cleanwatermill.com

m.media-amazon.com

c.searspartsdirect.com

kenmorewatersolutions.zendesk.com

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User Reviews

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4.1

(603 reviews)

$978.34

520GrayHybrid Softener / Filtration System

Water Softeners

IntelliSoft Technology monitors usage to optimize salt, water, and energy consumption

✓Self-cleans during regeneration, eliminating the need for separate filter replacements

✓NSF International certified for reduction of chlorine, hardness, barium, and radium

✓1-inch ultra flow valve maintains strong water pressure throughout the home

✓Advanced electronic controls allow real-time monitoring of water usage and salt levels

✓Versatile design works effectively with both municipal and private well water supplies

Cons

✗Maximum grain capacity of 31,000 is smaller than larger 40,000-grain system alternatives
✗Requires a minimum water supply flow rate of 3 gallons per minute for operation
✗Operates within a limited water temperature range of 40–100°F
✗Uses 54.7 gallons of water per regeneration at maximum salt dose settings

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Hybrid design combines softening and carbon filtration to reduce chlorine, sediment, and odors
✓31,000-grain capacity serves as a competitive middle option between smaller and larger systems
✓Integrated carbon media provides additional contaminant reduction alongside softening

Criticized by Experts

✗Lower maximum grain capacity compared to larger Kenmore 40,000-grain softener models
✗Lacks the higher capacity needed for very high-hardness situations or large households

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Results in noticeably softer hair and skin after showering
✓Keeps clothing, linens, and dishes cleaner with improved washing performance
✓Reduces mineral stains and prevents calcium buildup on appliances and plumbing
✓Provides better-tasting water due to integrated carbon filtration
✓Generates cost savings on soap and detergent usage due to water softening

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers identify the Kenmore Elite 520 as a competitive hybrid option that effectively combines water softening with carbon filtration. The 31,000-grain capacity is highlighted as a valuable middle-ground feature, offering integrated contaminant reduction for chlorine and sediment without the bulk of larger 40,000-grain systems. It is positioned as a versatile solution for households seeking a single unit for both softening and filtration.

What Users Say

Users report significant improvements in daily living conditions, including softer skin and hair, cleaner laundry, and better-tasting water. Common praise focuses on the prevention of mineral stains and calcium buildup, as well as the financial benefit of reduced soap and detergent usage. The self-cleaning feature and lack of filter replacements are also noted as positive user experiences.

How It Compares

vs. Kenmore 420

Advantages

✓Integrated carbon filtration reduces chlorine and odors alongside softening
✓Eliminates the need for a separate whole-home filtration system

Disadvantages

✗Lower maximum grain capacity (31,000) compared to the 420's 40,000 grains
✗Less suitable for very high-hardness situations or larger households

Choose the 520 for a combined softening and filtration solution, or the 420 if higher capacity is needed for severe hardness.

Chlorine Reduction

Capacity at 1.0 ppm2,280,000 gallons

Regeneration Water Usage

Water per 1,000 grains5.0 gallons at minimum salt dose

Dimensions & Weight

Height52.0 inches

Width21.0 inches

Depth22.5 inches

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