Kenmore Elite 520
Score: 82/100
Aquasana SimplySoft
Score: 88/100Rankings
The Aquasana SimplySoft® 40,000 Grain Water Softener is a highly efficient, certified whole-house system designed for households up to five people, featuring metered regeneration to save salt and water. Its main limitation is a low iron reduction capacity (1 ppm) and lack of power backup. It is best suited for users with city or well water who prioritize efficiency and certified performance over high iron removal.
The Kenmore Elite 520 is a versatile 2-in-1 hybrid system that combines 31,000-grain softening with carbon filtration, offering NSF certification and self-cleaning capabilities. Its primary trade-off is a lower grain capacity compared to dedicated softeners and higher water usage per regeneration. It is best suited for households seeking a single unit for both softening and filtration without the hassle of filter replacements.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
31,000 grains | 40,000 grainsbest | |
11.8 GPMbest | 11.02 GPM | |
— | 5 personsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 52 inches | 43 inchesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 21 inches | 16 inchesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 22.5 inchesbest | 30 inches |
1 years | 5 yearsbest | |
20 PSIbest | 20 PSIbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Durability(1) | ||
Warranty Length (years) | 1 years | 5 years |
Power & Compliance(1) | ||
Certifications | NSF/ANSI 42, 44 | NSF/ANSI 44, CSA B483.1 |
Performance & Capacity(4) | ||
Grain Capacity (grains) | 31000 grains | 40000 grains |
Service Flow Rate (GPM) | 11.8 GPM | 11.02 GPM |
Resin Volume (gallons) | Hybrid Media gallons | N/A gallons |
Recommended Household Size (persons) | N/A persons | 5 persons |
System & Control(2) | ||
System Type | Hybrid | Single Tank |
Display Type | Digital | LCD |
Physical & Installation(5) | ||
Height (inches) | 52 inches | 43 inches |
Width (inches) | 21 inches | 16 inches |
Depth (inches) | 22.5 inches | 30 inches |
Installation Type | DIY | Professional Recommended |
Weight (lbs) | N/A lbs | 230 lbs |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
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 product is positioned by Aquasana as an efficiency-focused solution, highlighted alongside the 60,000 Grain model as an option for different household sizes.
The search results do not include specific user reviews, common praise, or recurring complaints from everyday consumers. Retailer pages are referenced but do not contain review excerpts.
