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7 Best Water Softeners 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#2

Monarch Water Ultimate Midi HE WRAS-approved Water Softener Includes 15mm Hoses, Suitable for up to 6 people

The Monarch Water Ultimate Midi HE WRAS-approved Water Softener is designed for households of up to six people, making it a suitable choice for medium-sized families. Its WRAS approval indicates high quality and durability, which is reassuring for long-term use. The product promises to remove existing limescale and prevent new build-up, which can protect appliances and be gentler on skin and hair.

One of its standout features is the sustainable and efficient performance, reportedly saving money over time. The water softener has an impressive maximum flow rate of 78 litres per minute, ensuring that water pressure remains adequate even during peak usage. The inclusion of a Rapid-Fit bypass reduces installation complexity, requiring fewer components, which is a significant convenience.

This model provides a daily capacity of 2,280 litres at 300ppm, supporting a sufficient amount of softened water daily. The programmable feature offers added flexibility and control over its operations. Its relatively compact size at 48.5 x 27 x 55.5 cm ensures it can fit well under-sink or in tight spaces, though installation is custom and may require professional assistance. The 7-year parts and 2-year labor warranty is a substantial benefit, providing peace of mind.

Potential buyers should consider the product's weight of 20 kilograms, which might be cumbersome for some installations. The setup seems user-friendly with provided installation kit and water hardness test kit, which aids users in getting optimal results. This water softener seems well-suited for those prioritizing efficiency, ease of installation, and protective benefits for household water systems.

#3

BWT WS555 Hi Flow Electronic Demand Block/Tablet Water Softener, Blue, 14 Litre

Rating
9.4
Size and Space Requirements
Size and Space Requirements
The softener's compact design is appreciated, fitting neatly under the sink and operating quietly.

The BWT WS555 Hi Flow Luxury Water Softener is a compact solution ideal for households looking to install a water softener without sacrificing kitchen space, as it fits conveniently under a sink. One of its primary strengths is the ease of installation, enhanced by the inclusion of an installation kit and free home commissioning, which is a significant advantage for those looking for a hassle-free setup. The device is compatible with both salt and tablets, providing flexibility in terms of maintenance and use.

The 14-litre size is suitable for smaller households, although those with larger water consumption needs might require a larger capacity model. The product has garnered positive reviews, indicating good performance and reliability, backed by a five-year parts and two-year labor warranty. The product's materials meet BS6920 certification standards, ensuring safety and quality.

Weighing 22.55 kilograms, the unit is sturdy but manageable, though its placement requires measuring available space to ensure it fits as expected. It operates on AC/DC power and withstands pressures up to 5 bars, making it suitable for most domestic setups. This model is well-suited for those prioritizing space efficiency coupled with a straightforward installation process.

Rating
9.4
Size and Space Requirements
Size and Space Requirements
The softener's compact design is appreciated, fitting neatly under the sink and operating quietly.

Buying Guide for the Best Water Softeners

Choosing the right water softener can significantly improve the quality of water in your home, making it safer and more pleasant to use. Water softeners help to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause hardness in water, which can lead to scale buildup in pipes and appliances, dry skin, and dull laundry. When selecting a water softener, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs.
Grain CapacityGrain capacity refers to the amount of hardness minerals a water softener can remove before it needs to regenerate. This is important because it determines how often the system will need to regenerate and how effectively it can handle your household's water usage. Grain capacities typically range from 20,000 to 80,000 grains. For smaller households with low water usage, a lower grain capacity (20,000-30,000) may be sufficient. Larger households or those with higher water usage may require a higher grain capacity (40,000-80,000) to ensure efficient operation and less frequent regeneration.
Regeneration TypeRegeneration type refers to the process by which the water softener cleans and recharges its resin beads. There are two main types: time-initiated and demand-initiated regeneration. Time-initiated systems regenerate at set intervals, regardless of water usage, which can be less efficient. Demand-initiated systems regenerate based on actual water usage, making them more efficient and cost-effective. If your household has varying water usage, a demand-initiated system may be more suitable, while a time-initiated system might be adequate for consistent, predictable usage.
Salt EfficiencySalt efficiency measures how effectively a water softener uses salt during the regeneration process. This is important because higher salt efficiency means lower operating costs and less environmental impact. Salt efficiency is typically measured in grains of hardness removed per pound of salt used. Look for systems with higher salt efficiency ratings if you want to minimize salt usage and reduce maintenance costs. If environmental impact and cost are major concerns for you, prioritize models with higher salt efficiency.
Water Flow RateWater flow rate indicates how much water the softener can process per minute, which affects the water pressure in your home. This is crucial for ensuring that your household has adequate water pressure, especially during peak usage times. Flow rates are usually measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Smaller households may be fine with lower flow rates (5-10 GPM), while larger households or those with high water demands may need higher flow rates (15-20 GPM) to maintain consistent water pressure.
Resin TypeResin type refers to the material used in the water softener to attract and remove hardness minerals. The most common types are standard resin and fine mesh resin. Standard resin is suitable for most households and provides effective softening. Fine mesh resin is better for homes with high iron content in the water, as it can better handle iron removal. If your water has high iron levels, consider a water softener with fine mesh resin to ensure optimal performance.
Size and Space RequirementsSize and space requirements refer to the physical dimensions of the water softener and the space needed for installation. This is important because you need to ensure the unit fits in the designated area in your home. Water softeners come in various sizes, so measure the available space and compare it with the dimensions of the models you're considering. If you have limited space, look for compact models that can fit comfortably without compromising performance.