Our Best Pick For This Particular Review:
Kenmore 41,000 Grain Water Softener
Unit/Model #: Ultra High Efficiency Model #38420
Manufacturing Brand: Kenmore
Main Feature: IntelliSoft2 Feature – Enables the device to save on salt usage up to 35% less while consuming 37% less water upon regeneration.
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Summary:
The Kenmore 41,000 Grain Water Softener is an excellent choice if you are looking immediate results in an entry level water softener.
At just $497, you certainly get more than what you paid for since this device is made by one of the reputable companies in the softening industry.
The 41,000 Grain capacity is more than enough to provide the softening needs of a family with 4-6 members.
This product is certified by the National Sanitation Foundation.
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Hi readers! We hope you enjoyed our last report regarding GE water softeners. For today, we are going to tackle another competitive brand in the water softening industry and that is Kenmore. Get to know why their water softener system products matter and learn all the things you need to know before installing a Kenmore device in your dwelling by reading this article.
A Brief History Of Kenmore
The history of the Kenmore brand/company started in 1927 when their wringer washing machine was launched at Sears. At first, this device was actually ignored by the store that it was not even included in their annual product catalog for that year. And as a result, no known photographs of the Kenmore washing machine were ever recorded for that year. Nevertheless, this agitator type device eventually made the brand so famous that Sears was able to sell 1 million units of Kenmore products in just 9 years!
The name of the brand is still a subject of debate until today. Some say it was named after a prominent street in the state of Chicago while others say it was derived from other sources. Today, almost 33% of American homes own a Kenmore appliance. And because of their steady sales, the company has added several products in their big family of appliances like sunlamps, bottle sterilizers, electric blankets, vacuum cleaners, and of course their high quality water softeners. Even though their name is usually tied up with their refrigerator and washing machine appliance, you can be assured that their water softener systems are highly reliable. And that’s why it’s being sought out by many consumers on a regular basis.
Basics Of A Kenmore Water Softener
What makes Kenmore softeners so likable to the public is the affordability of the product and the performance it brings. Not only that because all their units are cleverly designed so you can save more on floor space, which makes it perfect for apartments and condos where you don’t have a luxury of space to work with. Moreover, these water softeners are also DIY friendly so you can easily conduct the installation process as well as the repairs if you’d like to do it on your own.
Kenmore softening units are often purchased at both Kmart and Sears where they have been sold ever since. You can also buy a device directly from the company through actual and online purchases. For any repairs, you can either handle this job or you can conveniently contact an expert technician for maintenance issues. You can consult Sears for more repair options.
So if you are looking for a high quality and budget-friendly device to help you with your hard water problems, then consider any of the devices from the Kenmore series and see what they have to offer. Please keep reading this guide for more reviews about their top water softener devices.
The Best Kenmore Water Softener Systems In The Market Today
Here are top Kenmore products you can choose for water softening:
Kenmore 41,000 Grain Water Softener (Ultra High Efficiency Model #38420) – According to the company’s official website, this type of water softener is a perfect choice for anyone who is looking to get rid of their hard water issues at home. And we could not agree more! We consider this model to be one of the most efficient water softeners out there because reports of 50 verified customers give it a whopping 4.0 rating out 5! And did we mention that you can get this product for $450 to $550 bucks? Here are the other features you can enjoy after purchasing the Kenmore 41,000 Grain Water Softener:
- It has an IntelliSoft2 feature which allows the device to use up to 35 percent less of softening salts and 37 percent less water.
- Ultra-Flow valve which allows the device to produce better flow of soft water by 41% as compared to a high-flow valve.
- Has “Ultra Cleansing” feature which keeps the device from acquiring large sediment particles which can be brought by tap water from the home plumbing system.
- A smart water monitoring system which keeps track of the water usage on a daily basis.
- A large LCD screen display so you can easy read and adjust the settings even in low lighting conditions.
- Automatic salt tank light (LED) which indicates if the tank needs to be replenished with a new supply of softener salt.
- An angled opening for easy loading of salt and to prevent the supply from being wasted into the ground.
- Certified and tested by NSF or National Sanitation Foundation which is a reputable independent body for certifying home appliances and consumer products.
Kenmore 300 Series Water Softener (High Efficiency Model #38300) – Another excellent product which guarantees to remove hardness in water while saving you time and money at the same time, the 300 series is also a popular model for most homeowners with a rating of 4.5 stars from 60 verified customer reviews. The 300 series is perfect for homes of small sized families (4 members and below) having a 35 GPG of hard water. Plus, here are the other features you can get one you opt for this product today:
- It has an IntelliSoft2 feature which allows the device to use up to 20 percent less of softening salts and 32 percent less water.
- A standard high-flow valve
- A large LCD screen display so you can easy read and adjust the settings even in low lighting conditions.
- Automatic salt tank light (LED) which indicates if the tank needs to be replenished with a new supply of softener salt.
- Certified and tested by NSF or National Sanitation Foundation which is a reputable independent body for certifying home appliances and consumer products.
Kenmore 350 Series Water Softener (Extra High Efficiency Model #38350) – This device is a perfect choice for homes with 6 family members and having a hardness level of 45 GPG. The Kenmore 350 Series Water Softener also gets positive reviews from customers with mostly 4.5 ratings from around 80 verified reports. Plus, this device is also very affordable. With only $400-$500 (installation fees excluded), the 350 Series will automatically process soft water for the benefit of the family.
Here are the product specifications of the Kenmore 350 Series Water Softener (Extra High Efficiency Model #38350):
- It has an IntelliSoft2 feature which allows the device to use up to 30 percent less of softening salts and 34 percent less water.
- Ultra-Flow valve which allows the device to produce better flow of soft water by 41% as compared to a high-flow valve.
- Has “Ultra Cleansing” feature which keeps the device from acquiring large sediment particles which can be brought by tap water from the home plumbing system.
- A large LCD screen display so you can easy read and adjust the settings even in low lighting conditions.
- Automatic salt tank light (LED) which indicates if the tank needs to be replenished with a new supply of softener salt.
- Certified and tested by NSF or National Sanitation Foundation which is a reputable independent body for certifying home appliances and consumer products.
Kenmore 31,000 Grain Water Softener (Elite Hybrid Series Model #38520) – The Elite Hybrid Series model is so popular among consumers that it often gets 4.5 star ratings from the many reviews that we have read. This type of device is very easy to install even if you have minimal plumbing skills. Once installed, all you need to do is fill in the tank with up to 200 pounds of regenerant salt and it will automatically process soft water for your own convenience. Aside from that, you don’t have to worry about maintaining the device because the Elite Hybrid Series does not need any filter to produce soft water.Here are the other benefits you can get from the Kenmore 31,000 Grain Water Softener (Elite Hybrid Series Model #38520):
- This water softener not only removes hardness to eliminate scale buildup at homes, but it can also lessen the chlorine taste and smell in water without using any filter.
- No filters required to process soft water
- Automatic salt tank light (LED) which indicates if the tank needs to be replenished with a new supply of softener
- Ergonomic salt. design for easy loading of salt and to prevent the supply from being wasted into the ground.
- >Ultra-Flow valve which allows the device to produce better flow of soft water by 41% as compared to a high-flow valve.
- Plumbing connection of up to 1.25”
- Hardness capacity of up to 31 Grains
- Operating pressure of 120 PSI
- Hardness/Salt-efficiency of 4.230 @ 2.6 lbs.
- Dimensions: 21” x 48” x 1.25”
- Softener Resin: 0.98 Cubic Feet
- Softening Salt Storage Capacity up to 200 lbs.
- Regeneration Process Time: 2 hours, 4 minutes
- Kenmore Ultra High Efficiency Model #38420
- CAPACITY: 9 GPM (Water Flow Rate), 200 lbs. (Salt Storage Capacity)
- KEY FEATURES: Ultra Flow Valve, Water Monitoring System, On Demand Generation, LCD Screen, Low Salt Indicator
- Additional Notes: Has the exclusive IntelliSoft2 feature which reduces salt and water consumption during regeneration; Product is NSF Certified
- PRICE: $-$$
- Kenmore 300 Series High Efficiency Model #38300
- CAPACITY: 7.3 GPM (Water Flow Rate), 200 lbs. (Salt Storage Capacity)
- KEY FEATURES: High Flow Valve, On Demand Generation, LCD Screen
- Additional Notes: Has the exclusive IntelliSoft2 feature which reduces salt and water consumption during regeneration; Product is NSF Certified
- PRICE: $
- Kenmore 350 Series Extra High Efficiency Model #38350
- CAPACITY: 8 GPM (Water Flow Rate), 200 lbs. (Salt Storage Capacity)
- KEY FEATURES: High Flow Valve, On Demand Generation, Ultra Cleansing, LCD Tank Light, Low Salt Indicator
- Additional Notes: Has the exclusive IntelliSoft2 feature which reduces salt and water consumption during regeneration; Product is NSF Certified
- PRICE: $-$$
- Kenmore Elite Hybrid Series Model #38520
- CAPACITY: 9 GPM (Water Flow Rate), 200 lbs. (Salt Storage Capacity)
- KEY FEATURES: No Filter Required, Carbon for removing chlorine taste and odor in water, LCD Screen, Low Salt Indicator
- Additional Notes: Product is NSF Certified
- PRICE: $$$
Is It Good To Invest On A Kenmore Water Softener?
In our opinion, a Kenmore water softener system would be a perfect choice if you are installing a softener device for the first time. With all the standard features, same functionality to most softening units, and the affordability of the price there is no doubt that these devices will deliver the kind of softening service you need. Moreover, if you are looking for a system that is easy to install and maintain, then Kenmore water softeners will prove to be a practical choice to meet your softening requirements.
Are Kenmore Water Softeners Being Sold At Sears Really Durable?
All Kenmore softeners are covered with 1 year warranty for the parts including labor and a 10 year warranty for the tank. These warranties are valid if the product is being sold at an authorized dealer like Kmart and Sears. And do bear in mind that these models bear identical features regardless where they are being sold. In other words, these products work the same. So you can also expect them to have identical issues eventually.
And since the warranty coverage is extensive, you can safely assume these products to be durable provided they are treated with proper care. Hence, you can expect Kenmore water softeners being sold at Sears to run smoothly for the next 10 years.
Most reviews we have read regarding Kenmore units are usually average with a fair share of poor reviews coming from a group of unsatisfied customers. Most critics point out on the issue about their single unit construction (singular design of the device) while others question the durability of the softeners as well as issues concerning salt bridging. Other than that, most customers are highly appreciative about the product’s high efficiency performance with a special mention on the price and the ease of installation.
However, we cannot say the same for the reviews found in their official website. If you happen to check it out, you will immediately notice that they have a disclaimer stating something like “Customers may receive prizes like rewards points or a raffle entry IF they will write a review on the product they just bought”. And though it doesn’t matter whether you will write a positive or negative review, we still believe that most people will be swayed in writing good things about them because they assume they can better their chances of getting those rewards just by saying something positive about the company and their products. Of course, this is just our own opinion, but we urge everybody to use your judgment very wisely before trusting what you read.
What Problems Do Kenmore Water Softener Systems Have?
Kenmore water softeners are prone to salt issues since their tanks are combined into a single container. Meaning, the resin tank and the salt tank are stacked up. And if this happens, there is a possibility that your salt storage will absorb all the moisture of both tanks and causing the phenomenon we call as “salt bridging”. If solidified salt is not broken down, then chances are the regeneration process will be impaired and affecting the quality of soft water that is being produced.
For this reason, you will have to check your tank from time to time for any traces of salt formations and remove them immediately to prevent servicing from being messed up.
How Do Kenmore Softening Systems Fare Over
What Do I Do If I Need My Kenmore Water Softener To Be Repaired?
Of course, you can deal with the repairs on your own if you love doing DIY stuff, but you can also contact Kenmore by dialing their hotline number: 1-888-KENMORE (536-6673). This number is also listed in their contact page along with the other numbers you need to call for assistance.
Aside from that, you can also go into the nearest Sears Store and consult this matter to their service office so they can provide you with the best in-home repair options possible. You can also visit their website to help you with this issue.
Where Can I Purchase Parts For My Kenmore Softening System?
You can go directly to the company’s official website and get the water softener parts you need from them. In addition to this, you can also visit Sears and buy the parts you need from any of their retail stores nationwide. You can also check out Amazon.com and eBay as they are also selling several Kenmore water softener parts in their product lists. Just make sure to assess carefully the item you wish to buy in order to get the best deals and to prevent yourself from buying substandard softening parts.
Moreover, be sure to shy away from other Kenmore water softener parts retailers who are not really certified by the company because they might be selling low-grade products or probably just out there to scam customers and waste your money for nothing.
Can I Secure A Replacement Manual For My Kenmore Softener?
Of course you can! Kenmore Company is always ready to provide a copy of their products’ service manual in case you lost or misplaced your previous copy. Simply visit their website and find the specific water softener model you have purchased. It would be best if you know the model number or the serial number of your Kenmore appliance so you can use this information in locating the item you wish to find. Once you find the model of water softener that you own, all you need to do is scroll down and look for that where the downloadable copy of the manual (the name of the file is “Owners manual – English (Warranty)” in .PDF format) is found. Click the file and wait for a couple of seconds until the download is complete. A soft copy of the service manual will be stored in your computer and you can read it as is or print a hard copy of this handbook for your own convenience.
Also, you can contact 1-888-396-5295 and their friendly operators are standing by to help you secure a copy of the service manual according to the model of the water softener product you have purchased.
Where Can I Purchase A Kenmore Water Softener?
According to our research, here are some of the best places to go to for shopping Kenmore water softeners:
Kenmore.com – Their official website has it all from softening units for the budget conscious individuals to their premium water softener devices. Not only that, they also offer different water softener parts and they also display some items which are usually purchased with a particular model. However, you have to expect their selection is only limited to 4 different models which is very narrow unlike other water softening brands.
Sears – This chain of stores is one of their main resellers of Kenmore water softeners in the country. You can either go directly to any of their shops for local pick up or you can also pay online to have the product delivered right at your doorstep.
Kmart – This reputable retailer is the other half of the primary resellers of Kenmore softeners. The last time we checked, all the 4 models of Kenmore water softeners are available and you can go directly to any of their stores or purchase the product online.
Stay tuned for more informative and interesting articles about water softener systems in the next few days.