Kenmore Elite 520
Score: 82/100
NU Aqua 4 Stage
Score: 65/100Rankings
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.
The NU Aqua 4-Stage Salt-Free Water Softener is a whole-home water treatment system that conditions water without using salt, electricity, or producing wastewater. It utilizes a four-stage filtration process to remove contaminants while preventing scale buildup. While it offers low maintenance and high flow rates, it lacks independent expert reviews and does not remove hardness ions entirely.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
31,000 grainsbest | — | |
11.8 GPM | 15 GPMbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 52 inches | 31 inchesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 21 inches | 7 inchesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 22.5 inchesbest | 31 inches |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
20 PSI | 40 PSIbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 53 lbsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Durability(1) | ||
Tank Material | N/A | Steel |
Power & Compliance(2) | ||
Power Source | Corded Electric | None |
Certifications | NSF/ANSI 42, 44 | None Listed |
Performance & Capacity(5) | ||
Grain Capacity (grains) | 31000 grains | grains |
Service Flow Rate (GPM) | 11.8 GPM | 15 GPM |
Resin Volume (gallons) | Hybrid Media gallons | gallons |
Recommended Household Size (persons) | N/A persons | persons |
Operating Pressure (PSI) | 20-125 PSI | 40-80 PSI |
System & Control(4) | ||
Regeneration Control Type | Metered | None |
System Type | Hybrid | Salt-Free |
Salt Requirement | High Efficiency | None |
Display Type | Digital | None |
Physical & Installation(5) | ||
Height (inches) | 52 inches | 31 inches |
Width (inches) | 21 inches | 7 inches |
Depth (inches) | 22.5 inches | 31 inches |
Installation Type | DIY | Whole-Home DIY |
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.
The search results do not include professional expert reviews, user feedback, or documented complaints about this system. Available information is limited to product descriptions from the manufacturer and retail listings, which do not provide critical analysis or independent testing data.
The search results do not include professional expert reviews, user feedback, or documented complaints about this system. Available information is limited to product descriptions from the manufacturer and retail listings, which do not provide critical analysis or independent testing data.
