Kenmore Elite 520
Score: 82/100
Aquasure Harmony
Score: 85/100Rankings
The Aquasure Harmony Series 50,000 Grains is a robust whole-house water softener designed for larger households with 4-6 bathrooms, featuring a high flow rate and integrated pre-filtration. Its main trade-off is high water consumption during regeneration cycles and a reliance on external power. It is best suited for users with well water needing iron reduction and those seeking comprehensive contaminant removal alongside softening.
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 | 50,000 grainsbest | |
11.8 GPM | 15 GPMbest | |
— | 6 personsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 52 inchesbest | 56 inches |
| ↓ lower better | 21 inches | 12 inchesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 22.5 inches | 12 inchesbest |
1 years | 5 yearsbest | |
20 PSI | 40 PSIbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Durability(2) | ||
Tank Material | N/A | Stainless Steel |
Warranty Length (years) | 1 years | 5 years |
Power & Compliance(1) | ||
Certifications | NSF/ANSI 42, 44 | None Listed |
Performance & Capacity(5) | ||
Grain Capacity (grains) | 31000 grains | 50000 grains |
Service Flow Rate (GPM) | 11.8 GPM | 15 GPM |
Resin Volume (gallons) | Hybrid Media gallons | Fine Mesh gallons |
Recommended Household Size (persons) | N/A persons | 6 persons |
Operating Pressure (PSI) | 20-125 PSI | 40-80 PSI |
System & Control(2) | ||
System Type | Hybrid | Single Tank with Pre-Filter |
Salt Requirement | High Efficiency | Pellet or Granular |
Physical & Installation(5) | ||
Height (inches) | 52 inches | 56 inches |
Width (inches) | 21 inches | 12 inches |
Depth (inches) | 22.5 inches | 12 inches |
Installation Type | DIY | Professional Recommended |
Weight (lbs) | N/A lbs | 117 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 search results do not contain detailed professional reviewer evaluations or expert assessments comparing this model's performance against industry standards. While the product is marketed as professional grade, independent professional reviews are not available in the provided sources.
Users generally praise the system for making laundry and cleaning easier, noting brighter laundry and cleaner dishes, with long-term benefits like smoother skin.
