The Best Sewing Machine 2022

The Fleck 5600 SXT 25 L softener is a monobloc model, intended for a household of 4 to 6 people. Easy to use, the backlit screen allows you to view the volume remaining before the next regeneration or the cycle in progress and the time remaining. This regeneration, which lasts about 30 minutes, can be programmed (immediate or delayed), but only takes place when the treatment volume is reached, in order to avoid any waste thanks to the volumetric valve. This model is available in different volumes to suit different homes.

Unlike the 25 L model that we present to you in the mid-range, this one is composed of two blocks, the tank on one side and the salt tank (60 kg) on ​​the other, which makes it rather imposing. Equipped with an LCD screen, the control interface is rather simple to use. The cycles are fully programmable. Thanks to the volumetric valve, you can thus choose the moment when the device should enter the regeneration phase (early, immediate or delayed).

This one-piece device is compact. Resin-based, it is compatible with any type of salt (in blocks, crystals or tablets) and has easy access thanks to its large removable cover. Overall, it is an efficient, reliable and robust model. The Water2Buy brand provides, in addition to an installation manual, YouTube videos and decent customer service. On the other hand, make sure you have an adapter for French sockets, because the supplied plug meets English standards. Finally, like the other two models, its volumetric valve allows regeneration without waste.

our selection

Our Pick, Best Mid-Range	Best high end	Mid-range alternative
Fleck 5600 SXT 25 L	Fleck 5600 SXT 75 L	Water2Buy W2B200
We like this model for its 25 L tank, its 60 kg salt load capacity and the presence of a volumetric valve. The whole offers an unbeatable quality / price ratio.	Coming from the same family as our best mid-range, this resin model has a larger capacity, with a 75 L tank suitable for industrial kitchens and communities.	We appreciate the compactness of this resin model (18 L), allowing it to be placed under the kitchen sink. Ideal for 4 people, it can provide an average of 1250 L of water per day.
CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE

Honorable mentions

WinArrow WA550 (€ 24.70 when published): This is not a water softener per se, but rather a filter, intended to remove substances that can irritate the skin. It is attached directly to the shower connection, at the water inlet. Easy to install, if you have a moderate hard water problem this process may do the trick. However, if you live in an area seriously affected by the problem, we recommend that you opt for a slightly more elaborate system which will certainly be more expensive, but more efficient.

Water2Buy W2B800 (€ 499.00 when published): if you want to do away with limestone, you can also consider this model (energy class A +). It can filter up to 3680 L of water per day and is ideal for a large family, up to 10 people. According to users, it is easy to install and program. However, we did not include it in our selection, because it is similar to the Water2Buy W2B200 (which is recommended for less intensive use).

How to choose your water softener?

The function of a water softener is to treat hard water and soften it. Healthier water with low lime content will less damage your household appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers, but will also be less aggressive on your skin and your clothes. However, it is not easy to choose a suitable model for your needs.

Before your purchase, you should take into account the hardness of the water in your area . In France, you can obtain information on water quality on the website of the Ministry of Health. In Belgium, you can consult the SWDE website to find out the hardness of the water and whether a water softener is necessary.

There are also easy-to-use measuring kits available at home.

Of course, if you are not a big handyman at heart, you can always favor a professional installation (this will cost you between 1000 and 2000 €). Do not hesitate to request several quotes in order to benefit from the most advantageous offer.

To help you in your choice and analyze what best suits your needs, we looked at the different types of water softeners:

• Resin water softener : it passes water through two reservoirs, one containing resin beads and the other filled with salt. The sodium ions will replace the ions responsible for the hardness of the water (calcium and magnesium). This is the most common type of water softener, but water softened in this way should not be consumed by babies or people on a low salt diet. This system is efficient but cumbersome. It requires regular maintenance (the resin must be regenerated) and must be recharged with salt regularly.
• Softener with CO² injection : in contact with the gas injected into the water, a chemical reaction is created to transform the limestone into carbonic acid, making it soluble, and thus lowering the pH of the water. Renowned for its efficiency, this process is also totally ecological, compact and easy to install. The yield is very good, since there is no overconsumption of water. The CO² bottle must be replaced every 100 m³ of water.
• Polyphosphate water softener : a cartridge containing polyphosphate salts is added to the water circuit. These salts, in contact with cold water, prevent calcium and magnesium from attaching to pipes. This chemical process is harmless to the body and does not require maintenance.
• Granular softener : by passing through the cartridge, the calcium ions crystallize and cling to the granules, before flowing naturally into the water. This type of device is rather compact, but must be connected to a bypass valve and requires regular maintenance.
• Magnetic water softener : attached to the water inlet pipe, it creates a magnetic field which alters the water molecules. The limestone does not disappear: it crystallizes and remains in suspension in the water, without clinging to the walls of the installations. This type of softener is more compact, does not require a tank, requires virtually no maintenance and is relatively easy to install. However, its actual effectiveness is increasingly controversial. In any case, if you have very hard water, this system is not recommended.

Regarding the resin softener, there are two types of valves:

• The chronometric valve : it performs a regeneration of the resin at fixed intervals, regardless of the amount of water used in the fireplace. These are the first models that were put on the market.
• The volumetric valve : it allows regeneration once all the water that can be softened has been consumed. This system constantly estimates the volume of water that remains to be softened thanks to the mechanical meter. Note, however, that during the regeneration phase, the softener no longer produces softened water.

In addition to the features we just mentioned, here are the ones we took into account to make our choice:

• Dimensions : the actual size of the device is only a problem if you are limited in space. But what matters above all is the unit’s ability to make the water less calcareous without having to go through frequent regenerations. In the case of a resin water softener, it is better to opt for a device large enough to be able to operate at least 3 days before being recharged.
• Controls and functions : most water softeners have automatic controls that regulate basic functions such as regeneration cycles or the quantity of water to be treated. However, there are a few models on the market with user-adjustable controls, such as a timer.

NB: if you have a limited budget and you only need to soften your shower water (for skin problems, for example), be aware that there are some shower heads that directly integrate anti-lime functions. .

Our Pick: Fleck 5600 SXT 25 L

The Fleck 5600 SXT softener is manufactured by Pentair, a world leader in this field. It is a monobloc resin model, equipped with a volumetric valve. Purolite resin, of European manufacture, benefits from the ACS sanitary conformity certificate which allows you to consume water without additional treatment equipment.

You can view the volume remaining before the next regeneration or the cycle and time remaining on the backlit display. This regeneration can be immediate or delayed, but it will only take place when the treatment volume is reached in order to avoid any waste.

In this process, the water softener passes several tens of liters of water through the tank to rid the resin of the fixed particles. The limestone overflow is evacuated and the resin is recharged with sodium. This process lasts more or less 30 minutes, after which the device is operational again.

On this model, the capacity of the brine tank is 60 kg and the tank is 25 L. This corresponds to the needs of a household of 4 to 6 people. In the event of a power failure, the parameters are saved for 48 hours.

This model is supplied with everything needed for installation, as well as a water analysis kit. Just note that the quick couplings are intended for a pipe of 18 mm in diameter. Check your piping carefully so as not to have any unpleasant surprises during installation! If necessary, they are also available in 16 or 22 mm.

It is a rather compact device that is easy to set up and runs quietly. According to users, the installation instructions are clear. According to the brand, its lifespan is around 15 years, if you maintain it properly.

In the end, it is an ideal model for sustained and long-lasting use on hard water. You can find this water softener in a 20 L or 35 L version. It is a reliable model supplied by a company that offers good after-sales service.

The best high-end water softener: Fleck 5600 SXT 75 L

As we said earlier, Pentair Ltd., the owner of Fleck is one of the best known companies in the water softener industry. This is why we are offering you the Fleck 5600 SXT again with a volumetric valve, this time with a capacity of 75 L.

Unlike the 25 L model that we present to you in the mid-range, this one is composed of two blocks, the tank on one side and the salt tank on the other, which makes it rather imposing compared to other water softeners. market water (114 x 32 x 50 cm).

The brine tank can hold up to 60 kg of Purolite resin. The tank is made from high durability Polyglass. These characteristics make it the ideal solution for industrial kitchens or communities.

Equipped with an LCD screen, the control interface is, once again, rather easy to use. The cycles are fully programmable. You can thus choose when the device should enter the regeneration phase (early, immediate or delayed).

To stand out from other softeners, it has a safety float designed to prevent overflows. The device is therefore not likely to cause flooding in your home despite the amount of water circulating throughout the system.

The bypass valve included in the system also ensures that you don’t run out of water whenever it regenerates. Better, if you already have a diverter valve installed in your home, you no longer need to buy a second one.

We recommend, on the other hand, to protect the tank from direct light as this predisposes it to the formation of algae over time and then slows down the operation of the water softener.

Ultimately, it is one of the most efficient and recommended systems on the market to overcome hard water problems. Its availability in several formats allows you to choose the device with the capacity that best suits your family and the condition of your water.

A mid-range alternative: Water2Buy W2B200

The W2B200 water softener is a monobloc appliance, designed to fit under the kitchen sink while being very compact and not cumbersome. Resin-based, it is compatible with any type of water softener salt (in blocks, crystals or tablets) and has easy access thanks to its large removable cover.

The device works with a volumetric valve. It is based on the actual flow of water and not on a time-based system, where water consumption may vary. Regeneration can also be scheduled, if you prefer to maintain control over the process. This only takes 30 minutes.

With its volume of 18 L, it is suitable for a household of 4 people and can produce an average of 1250 L of fresh, clean water per day. Some users have found that it consumes less salt than other devices. As a reference, know that it uses about 25 kg of salt in 2 months.

Unfortunately, its instruction manual does not seem to provide enough information for many users. However, demonstration videos and other resources are available on the Internet.

In addition, remember to provide an adapter for French sockets, because the plug supplied with the water softener meets English standards.

All in all, it is an efficient, reliable and robust water softener. The Water2Buy brand can pride itself on ensuring the trust of its customers by providing in addition to an installation manual, YouTube videos and correct customer service.

Sources

1. Renowizz, CO² water softener: what is it ?, November 30, 2020
2. Test Purchases, Effective alternatives to salt water softeners, November 30, 2020