Water Boss 22
Score: 70/100
Kenmore Elite 520
Score: 82/100Rankings
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 Water Boss 74011 is a compact, residential water softener featuring integrated iron and sediment filtration to eliminate the need for separate pre-filters. It offers automatic operation with a digital display and manual regeneration capabilities, designed for households with limited space. It is best suited for residential users needing a space-saving solution with built-in filtration.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
22,000 grains | 31,000 grainsbest | |
5 GPM | 11.8 GPMbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 19 inchesbest | 52 inches |
| ↓ lower better | 26 inches | 21 inchesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 15 inchesbest | 22.5 inches |
— | 1 yearsbest | |
20 PSIbest | 20 PSIbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 39.92 lbsbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Durability(2) | ||
Tank Material | Plastic | N/A |
Warranty Length (years) | N/A years | 1 years |
Power & Compliance(2) | ||
Power Source | Electric | Corded Electric |
Certifications | N/A | NSF/ANSI 42, 44 |
Performance & Capacity(4) | ||
Grain Capacity (grains) | 22000 grains | 31000 grains |
Service Flow Rate (GPM) | 5 GPM | 11.8 GPM |
Resin Volume (gallons) | N/A gallons | Hybrid Media gallons |
Operating Pressure (PSI) | 20 PSI | 20-125 PSI |
System & Control(3) | ||
Regeneration Control Type | Automatic | Metered |
System Type | Point-of-Entry | Hybrid |
Salt Requirement | Salt | High Efficiency |
Physical & Installation(5) | ||
Height (inches) | 19.0 inches | 52 inches |
Width (inches) | 26.0 inches | 21 inches |
Depth (inches) | 15.0 inches | 22.5 inches |
Installation Type | Permanent | DIY |
Weight (lbs) | 39.92 lbs | N/A lbs |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewer commentary is limited in the available sources. While YouTube reviews suggest the product is worth considering, detailed expert analysis is not extensively documented. The product carries a moderate 3.9-star rating from Home Depot customers, indicating mixed but generally positive satisfaction.
User feedback is insufficient to comprehensively address recurring praise or complaints. The 3.9-star rating suggests moderate overall satisfaction, but specific recurring issues or advantages are not detailed in the provided sources.
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.
