Kenmore Elite 520
Score: 82/100
DuraWater Fleck 5600SXT
Score: 88/100Rankings
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 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 | 48,000 grainsbest | |
11.8 GPM | 13 GPMbest | |
— | 1.5 gallonsbest | |
— | 4 personsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 52 inchesbest | 62 inches |
| ↓ lower better | 21 inchesbest | 28 inches |
| ↓ lower better | 22.5 inches | 15 inchesbest |
1 years | 10 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Durability(2) | ||
Tank Material | N/A | Fiberglass |
Warranty Length (years) | 1 years | 10 years |
Power & Compliance(2) | ||
Power Source | Corded Electric | Electric |
Certifications | NSF/ANSI 42, 44 | None Listed |
Performance & Capacity(5) | ||
Grain Capacity (grains) | 31000 grains | 48000 grains |
Service Flow Rate (GPM) | 11.8 GPM | 13 GPM |
Resin Volume (gallons) | Hybrid Media gallons | 1.5 gallons |
Recommended Household Size (persons) | N/A persons | 4 persons |
Operating Pressure (PSI) | 20-125 PSI | Unknown PSI |
System & Control(3) | ||
Regeneration Control Type | Metered | Digital Metered |
System Type | Hybrid | Single-Tank |
Salt Requirement | High Efficiency | Standard Salt |
Physical & Installation(4) | ||
Height (inches) | 52 inches | 62 inches |
Width (inches) | 21 inches | 28 inches |
Depth (inches) | 22.5 inches | 15 inches |
Weight (lbs) | N/A lbs | 53 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.
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.
