DuraWater Fleck 5600SXT
Score: 88/100
Kenmore 350
Score: 72/100Rankings
The DuraWater Fleck 5600 SXT is a whole-house water softener featuring a 48,000-grain capacity resin tank and the industry-standard Fleck 5600 control valve. It utilizes meter-based regeneration to adjust cleaning cycles based on actual water usage, offering improved efficiency over traditional time-based systems. It is best suited for whole-house applications requiring comprehensive hard water treatment with a focus on reliability and efficiency.
The Kenmore 350 is a compact, whole-home water softener designed for households of 1-4 people, featuring IntelliSoft technology to optimize salt and water usage. It offers a high-flow valve and NSF certification, making it suitable for moderate hardness levels. However, its limited grain capacity and iron reduction capabilities make it less ideal for larger families or homes with very hard water.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
48,000 grainsbest | 32,000 grains | |
13 GPMbest | 7.2 GPM | |
1.5 gallonsbest | — | |
4 personsbest | 4 personsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 62 inches | 48 inchesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 28 inches | 15 inchesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 15 inchesbest | 20.5 inches |
10 yearsbest | 10 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Durability(1) | ||
Tank Material | Fiberglass | |
Power & Compliance(2) | ||
Power Source | Electric | Manual/Gravity-fed |
Certifications | None Listed | NSF |
Performance & Capacity(4) | ||
Grain Capacity (grains) | 48000 grains | 32000 grains |
Service Flow Rate (GPM) | 13 GPM | 7.2 GPM |
Resin Volume (gallons) | 1.5 gallons | gallons |
Operating Pressure (PSI) | Unknown PSI | PSI |
System & Control(3) | ||
Regeneration Control Type | Digital Metered | Demand-initiated |
System Type | Single-Tank | Single Tank |
Salt Requirement | Standard Salt | Low |
Physical & Installation(4) | ||
Height (inches) | 62 inches | 48 inches |
Width (inches) | 28 inches | 15 inches |
Depth (inches) | 15 inches | 20.5 inches |
Weight (lbs) | 53 lbs | 80 lbs |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and industry guides widely recognize the Fleck 5600 SXT as a standard in the water softener industry. Experts highlight the valve's market dominance, attributed to its rigid Noryl construction, low power consumption, and efficient meter-based regeneration. The system's engineering simplicity, featuring only one internal moving part in the water stream, is cited as a key advantage for reliability. Documentation and service manuals are noted as comprehensive, supporting straightforward installation and maintenance.
Consumer feedback indicates strong satisfaction with the Fleck 5600 platform, driven by its reputation as the most popular control valve globally. Users commonly praise the system's ability to protect plumbing and appliances from hard water scale. The meter-based regeneration feature is frequently appreciated by cost-conscious consumers for its efficiency in reducing salt and water consumption compared to older time-clock systems.
Professional reviews and editorial coverage are limited in the provided data. While the product is referenced in contemporary content, there is a lack of specific detailed editorial commentary, performance test results, or professional reviewer ratings.
Specific consumer reviews and user testimonials are not available in the provided data. One retailer listing indicates a 4.3-star rating, but individual user feedback details are not documented.
