Kenmore is a well-known brand that has been in the home appliance industry for many years, offering a wide range of products to cater to the needs of its customers. One of its popular products is the Kenmore water softener, designed to treat hard water by removing minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Hard water can cause various problems, including clogging pipes, leaving stains on fixtures and clothing, and reducing the effectiveness of soap and detergents. A water softener like Kenmore can help to prevent these issues and improve the overall quality of water in your home. In this Kenmore water softener review, you’ll find short reviews of Kenmore’s most popular water softening systems and the advantages and setbacks of owning a unit from this brand.
Kenmore water softeners are available in different models, ranging from basic to advanced options, and come with various features such as digital displays, salt-saving technology, and high flow rates. They are also designed to be easy to install and maintain, with simple instructions and user-friendly controls.
In this article, we will provide comprehensive Kenmore Water Softener Reviews, highlighting their features, benefits, and drawbacks, to help you make an informed decision when choosing a water softener for your home.
Table of Contents
Kenmore Water Softener Prices
The price tags of Kenmore’s water softener models are as follows:
- Kenmore 350: $803
- Kenmore 420: $893
- Kenmore 520: $977
Considering that the best water softeners that are currently on the market are in the range of $1,200 – $5,000, these are affordable products.
Kenmore Water Softener Alternatives
Here are 2 high-quality kenmore water softener alternatives you can get instead:
| Whole House Water Filter System | SpringWell SS Salt Based Water Softener System |
 |  |
| Process: TAC | Type: Ion Exchange |
| Max Hardness: 81 GPG | Grain Capacity: 32,000 – 80,000 grains |
| Water For: Up to 6+ People | Flow Rate: 11 – 20 GPM |
| Flow Rate: Up to 20 GPM | Warranty: Lifetime |
| See Price At SpringWell.Com | See Price At SpringWell.Com |
What Is Kenmore?
Kenmore is a brand that has been around for over 100 years and is owned by Sears Holdings Corporation. The brand offers a wide range of home appliances and products, including refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, ovens, and more. Kenmore appliances are known for their reliability, durability, and affordability, making them a popular choice for many households. The brand has a strong reputation for quality, with many of its products receiving positive reviews from customers. Kenmore also offers excellent customer service and support, with a network of authorized repair technicians available to help troubleshoot and fix any issues that may arise with their products.
🚿 Kenmore Water Softeners
Kenmore keeps it simple, offering just three different water softener systems: the Kenmore 350, the Kenmore 420, and the Kenmore 520.
Kenmore® 350 Water Softener
The Kenmore 350 is a 32,000-grain water softener that’s suitable for homes with 1-4 people. The Kenmore® 350 Water Softener is an excellent option for anyone looking to eliminate the negative effects of hard water. This model is designed to remove minerals such as calcium and magnesium from your water, which can cause issues like dry skin, mineral buildup on fixtures and appliances, and damage to your plumbing over time.
The Kenmore® 350 Water Softener has a compact design, making it easy to install in tight spaces. It also features a digital display that shows the remaining salt levels, the water hardness level, and when it’s time to add more salt. This model is also equipped with a demand-initiated regeneration system that allows it to regenerate only when necessary, reducing salt and water consumption.
Overall, the Kenmore® 350 Water Softener is a reliable and efficient option for anyone looking to improve the quality of their water. It is easy to install, user-friendly, and comes with a one-year warranty for added peace of mind. However, some users have reported issues with leaks, so it’s important to ensure that the unit is properly installed and maintained to prevent any problems.
Table Of Key Features
Here is a table of some of the key features of the Kenmore 38350 Extra High-Efficiency Water Softener:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 34,000 grains |
| Flow rate | 11 gallons per minute |
| Efficiency rating | High efficiency |
| Regeneration system | Demand-initiated regeneration |
| Control panel | Digital control panel with backlit display |
| Dimensions | 44.5 x 19.75 x 22 inches |
| Weight | 120 pounds |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Pros And Cons
Pros
- High efficiency rating helps reduce water and salt consumption.
- Large capacity and high flow rate make it suitable for large households with high water usage.
- Demand-initiated regeneration system helps save water and salt costs by only regenerating when necessary.
- Compact design allows it to fit in tight spaces.
- Easy to install and use.
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with leaks and malfunctions.
- Some users have noted that the unit is loud during the regeneration cycle.
- It may require professional assistance to install and maintain properly.
Our verdict: The Kenmore 350 Water Softener is a reliable and efficient option for anyone looking to improve the quality of their water. It features a high efficiency rating and a demand-initiated regeneration system, helping to reduce water and salt consumption. It’s compact design and easy-to-use digital control panel make it a convenient choice for households with tight spaces and high water usage. However, some users have reported issues with leaks and malfunctions, so it’s important to ensure proper installation and maintenance to avoid any potential problems.
Kenmore® 420 Water Softener
The Kenmore Water Softener is a reliable solution for removing hardness minerals from your water supply. It features a compact design that can fit in tight spaces, making it an ideal option for small households. The unit has a high capacity, suitable for households with moderate water usage. It uses demand-initiated regeneration, which helps reduce water and salt consumption. The product comes with a comprehensive installation kit, making it easy to install for most users. However, some users have reported issues with the quality of the components, which may require replacements or repairs.
Table Of Key Features
Here is a table of some of the key features of the Kenmore Water Softener:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 24,000 grains |
| Flow rate | 8 gallons per minute |
| Efficiency rating | Standard efficiency |
| Regeneration system | Demand-initiated regeneration |
| Control panel | LED display with simple controls |
| Dimensions | 18 x 35 x 48 inches |
| Weight | 120 pounds |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Compact design that can fit in tight spaces
- Demand-initiated regeneration system helps reduce water and salt consumption
- Comprehensive installation kit included for easy installation
- Affordable price point compared to other models on the market
- This Kenmore system does more than your average softener system. It can reduce hard water minerals, barium, radium, clear water iron, and chlorine taste.
- This Kenmore softener has an automatic salt tank light that notifies you when the unit is running low on salt.
Cons
- Lower flow rate of 8 gallons per minute may not be sufficient for larger households
- Some users have reported issues with the quality of the components, which may require replacements or repairs
Kenmore Elite® 520 Hybrid Water Softener + Filter
The Kenmore Elite Hybrid Water Softener is a high-end solution for removing hard water minerals from your home’s water supply. It features a hybrid design that combines the benefits of both salt-based and salt-free water softeners. Its advanced technology helps reduce water and salt consumption while providing soft and clean water for your household needs. However, its higher price point may be a drawback for some users.
Table Of Key Features
Here is a table of some of the key features of the Kenmore Elite Hybrid Water Softener:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 31,000 grains |
| Flow rate | Up to 8.5 gallons per minute |
| Efficiency rating | Ultra-high efficiency |
| Regeneration system | Hybrid technology |
| Control panel | Backlit LED display with touch controls |
| Dimensions | 19.75 x 43.5 x 27 inches |
| Weight | 145 pounds |
| Warranty | 1-year full warranty, 10-year limited warranty on tanks |
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Hybrid technology provides the benefits of both salt-based and salt-free water softeners.
- Ultra-high efficiency rating reduces water and salt consumption, saving you money in the long run.
- Large 31,000-grain capacity can handle the needs of most households.
- Backlit LED display with touch controls is user-friendly and easy to operate.
- Comes with a 1-year full warranty and 10-year limited warranty on tanks.
- Reduces hard water minerals, which can improve the lifespan and performance of your household appliances.
Cons
- Higher price point may be a deterrent for some users.
- The larger size and weight of this model may make it difficult to install in some homes.
What We Like About Kenmore Water Softener Units
Let’s take a look at the benefits of the Kenmore water systems on offer today:
Single-Tank Design
All Kenmore water softeners currently available have a space-saving, convenient single-tank design. The brine tank and the resin tank are all maintained within a single free-standing unit.
High efficiency:
Kenmore water softeners are designed to use minimal water and salt, making them an efficient choice for homeowners who want to save on their utility bills.
Large capacity:
Many Kenmore water softeners come with large resin tanks that can handle the needs of large households with multiple residents and appliances.
Easy installation:
Kenmore water softeners are designed for easy installation and come with clear instructions and user manuals, making it simple for homeowners to set up and operate their softener units.
Multiple settings:
Kenmore water softeners typically come with a variety of settings and modes that allow users to customize their softening experience to fit their specific needs and water conditions.
Durability:
Kenmore water softeners are made with high-quality materials and built to last, with many models coming with lengthy warranties that protect against defects and malfunctions.
Warranty
When you buy from Kenmore, your system will be protected by a 10-year warranty on the tanks, and shorter warranties on the parts and electronics.
Potential Setbacks of Kenmore Water Softener Systems
High cost:
Kenmore water softeners are generally more expensive than some other brands on the market, which could be a drawback for homeowners on a budget.
Regular maintenance required:
Like all water softeners, Kenmore units require regular maintenance to function properly, including cleaning and replacing the resin tank, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Bulky design:
Some Kenmore water softeners can be quite large and bulky, which may be an issue for homeowners with limited space in their homes or garages.
Noise:
Some Kenmore water softeners may make noise during the softening process, which could be a problem for homeowners who are sensitive to sound or have sleeping quarters close to the unit.
Limited availability:
Kenmore water softeners are primarily sold through Sears, which has a limited number of retail stores and may not be accessible for all consumers, especially those in remote areas.
Are Kenmore water softeners still available?
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Kenmore water softeners were still available for purchase through third-party retailers such as Amazon and Sears. However, it’s worth noting that Kenmore is a brand owned by Sears, and in recent years, Sears has faced financial difficulties and store closures. This may impact the availability of Kenmore products in the future. Additionally, manufacturers may discontinue certain models or product lines for various reasons, so it’s best to check with the retailer or manufacturer directly for the most up-to-date information on product availability.
Kenmore Water Softener Alternatives
Our advice is to avoid the Kenmore company until or unless these issues are resolved. There are other water softening systems that provide the same high-efficiency softening results without the long-term damage. We’re not sure how many years the Kenmore systems can realistically last, and how many replacements of various parts you’d have to make within that time.
Wondering what we do recommend?
SpringWell SS Salt Based Water Softener System combo
- Process: Ion Exchange
- Grain Capacity: 32K, 48K, or 80K
- Water For: Up to 6+ People
- Flow Rate: Up to 20 GP
- Regen Method: Metered
- Discount: Get 5% off – Click here for code
SpringWell Futuresoft Salt-free Water Softener
- Process: TAC
- Max Hardness: 81 GPG
- Water For: Up to 6+ People
- Flow Rate: Up to 20 GPM
- Regen Method: n/a
- Discount: Get 5% off – Click here for code
We’ve shared more information about the SpringWell softeners, and reviewed our other favorite water softeners, in this 2023 guide.
Kenmore water softener reviews FAQ
How often do I need to regenerate the resin in a Kenmore water softener?
The frequency of resin regeneration depends on the hardness of your water and the size of the unit. Typically, Kenmore water softeners are set to regenerate every few days, but this can be adjusted based on your specific needs.
How much salt does a Kenmore water softener use?
The amount of salt used by a Kenmore water softener varies depending on the model and the hardness of your water. Generally, you can expect to use anywhere from 1-3 bags of salt per month.
Can I install a Kenmore water softener myself?
Kenmore water softeners can be installed by homeowners with some plumbing knowledge and experience. However, it is recommended that you hire a professional plumber to ensure proper installation and avoid any potential issues.
How long does a Kenmore water softener last?
The lifespan of a Kenmore water softener can vary based on usage, maintenance, and other factors. However, with proper care and regular maintenance, a Kenmore water softener can last anywhere from 10-15 years.
Can a Kenmore water softener remove iron from my water?
Some Kenmore water softeners are designed to remove iron from your water, but not all models have this capability. If removing iron is a concern, be sure to choose a Kenmore water softener model that is specifically designed for iron removal.