Kinetico Water Softener Series Analysis
This write-up contains comprehensive information about the features and applications of Kinetico water softeners, broken down by series. Each series analysis goes over the positive and negative aspects to help you make a wise choice.
If you are new to water softeners, you can check out The Ultimate Water Softener Buyer’s Guide for more insight. The guide covers the different types of water softeners including how they work and who are the ideal users.
Kinetico is one of the first companies to come up with non-electric fully automatic water treatment systems. The company was founded in 1970 and has since grown into an internationally recognized brand for high-quality water softeners.
Kinetico Premier Series
The Premier Series is Kenetico’s best-selling line of water softeners. The water softener systems in this series are all-encompassing water treatment solutions for your home.
These water softeners are particularly good at dealing with challenging municipal water compositions. The water softening systems feature a dual-tank design to ensure a steady supply of soft, clean water 24/7. Every model in the Kinetico Premier series is non-electric. It depends on water pressure which translates to less upkeep and repairs.
There’s also the Premier XP Series with the XP feature. This patent-pending functionality for custom water softening settings to fit the water’s profile at your home.
In addition, the series delivers generous flow rates and each water softener regenerates on demand. You will have plenty of soft water available for the whole house even when you have to deal with a large pile of laundry. For example, the largest model, the 2060S OD, is capable of 23 GPM (gallons per minute) flow rate at a pressure drop of 15psi or less.
As you might expect, the Premier series of softeners have exceptional hardness removal ratings. The Premier 2175s can remove up to 50,371 grains per cycle. Since the system regenerates about three times a day, it has one of the highest capacities in the industry.
Model | Service flow rate at 15 psi (or less) drop gpm | Capacity per cycle, grains | Salt used per cycle, lbs. |
|---|---|---|---|
2030s | 9(34.1 L/min) | 9800 | 3.0 |
2060s | 11.5(43.5L/min) | 15,400 | 4.4 |
2060s OD | 23(87.0L/min) | 15,400 | 4.4 |
2100s | 11.5(43.5 L/min) | 35,200 | 10.0 |
2100s OD | 11.5(43.5 L/min) | 35,200 | 10.0 |
2175s | 12.7(48.0 L/min) | 50,400 | 12.5 |
2050s | 7(26.5 L/min) | 5800 | 1.25 |
2040s OD | 11(41.6 L/min) | 5800 | 1.25 |
4050s | 6(22.7 L/min) | 5800 | 1.25 |
4040s OD | 11(41.6 L/min) | 5800 | 1.25 |
Premier Series XP | |||
S150 XP | 9(34.1 L/min) | 9800 | 3.0 |
S250 XP | 11.5(43.5L/min) | 15,400 | 4.4 |
S250 OD XP | 23(87.0L/min) | 15,400 | 4.4 |
S350 XP | 11.5(43.5 L/min) | 35,200 | 10.0 |
S550 XP | 12.7(48.0 L/min) | 50,400 | 12.5 |
S650 XP | 7(26.5 L/min) | 5800 | 1.25 |
S650 OD XP | 11(41.6 L/min) | 5800 | 1.25 |
Q850 XP | 6(22.7 L/min) | 4400 | 0.8 |
Q850 OD XP | 11(41.6 L/min) | 4400 | 0.8 |
Pros
Cons
Best for: Even though the Kinetico Premier Series of water softeners come at premium prices, they are highly efficient solutions for families who have to deal with challenging water conditions.
Kinetico Signature Series
If you are looking for a water softener that is durable and efficient, the Kinetico Signature Series is an option you should consider. Each water softer in the Signature Series comes with a SmartDisk system which allows you to regulate the filtration based on your water usage.
Besides being highly efficient, these softeners have the ability to treat problematic water that might contain some contaminants. The improved countercurrent regeneration allows you to enjoy soft water throughout the day.
The Kinetico Signature Series also features dual-tank softening technology. This means that one of the tanks is operational at any given time, while the other one is regenerating. In addition, the series is also very good at removing soluble iron, though the actual performance depends on the concentration and type of the iron and other water conditions.
You won’t have to deal with LCD display or timer settings and there are fewer adjustments to the water softeners in this series. They are all non-electric.
For the specifications of each Signature Series model, including flow rate, cycle capacity, and salt usage, look up the table below:
Model | Service flow rate at 15 psi (or less) drop gpm | Capacity per cycle, grains | Salt used per cycle, lbs. |
|---|---|---|---|
735 | 8 (30.3 L/min) | 10,600 | 3.0 |
935 | 9 (34.1 L/min) | 16,000 | 4.4 |
1035 | 10 (37.9 L/min) | 21,200 | 5.9 |
Pros
Cons
Best for: The Signature Series performs really well in homes that don’t require heavy-duty water softeners. Every water softener in this series adjusts regeneration of the ion exchange resin to fit your specific needs. This series also offers optimal value for money.
Kinetico Essential Series
The Essential Series of water softeners is affordable and features a sleek single-tank design that can be easily fitted to your plumbing system. It is a viable option for those who want a simple and compact water softening solution.
These non-electric water softeners are capable of high efficiency. In addition, the regeneration cycles can be adjusted to suit your water consumption needs. The Kinetico AccuDial feature optimizes the overall performance of this series of softeners to the water conditions at your home.
The Essential Series can deal with all sorts of municipal water. These water softeners are designed to treat water without any complications. They are a great option for households that don’t require full-sized water softening systems but rather a reliable and compact solution.
If you go for the Essential Series, you will also have the peace of mind of Kinetico’s 5-year warranty. There are three models in this series: Silver, Silver HE, and Platinum. The specs are summarized in the following table.
Model | Service flow rate at 15 psi (or less) drop gpm | Capacity per cycle, grains | Salt used per cycle, lbs. |
|---|---|---|---|
Silver | 9 (34.1 L/min) | 2200 | 0.55 |
Silver HE | 8 (30.3 L/min) | 2400 | 0.55 |
Platinum | 10 (37.9 L/min) | 5000 | 1.25 |
Pros
Cons
Best for: If you live in a residential area with decent water conditions but want the benefits of soft water, the Essential Series is a good option.
Kinetico Powerline Series
This series of water softeners are small, reliable, and capable of delivering ample amounts of soft water. For a detailed overview of the different models, check the table at the end of this section.
Unlike all other Kinetico series of water softeners, the Powerline Series is electric. Thanks to electric power, these compact water softeners have high capacity per cycle and each of them does an excellent job of preventing scale buildup which may extend the life of your plumbing.
The Powerline Series consists of a single tank system with integrated controls. There is a 12-day timer that puts you in charge of when and how often the unit regenerates. In addition, the timer makes this softener quite energy-efficient since it only engages when needed. Apart from the timer, each of these water softeners come with a reliable valve and a non-corrosive tank.
When it comes to grain reduction, Powerline models can remove up to 100 grains per gallon to reduce water hardness. On top of that, this system can filter iron up to 10 ppm per gallon. You also get a limited Kinetico 5-year warranty.
Model | Service flow rate at 15 psi (or less) drop gpm | Capacity per cycle, grains | Salt used per cycle, lbs. |
|---|---|---|---|
PS 0840 | 7.5 | 15,900 | 6.3 |
PS 0840x | 8.0 | 19,000 | 10.5 |
PS 1040 | 8.7 | 22,700 | 9.0 |
PS 1040x | 9.0 | 27,300 | 15.0 |
PS 1054 | 10.3 | 37,600 | 13.5 |
PS 1054x | 10.3 | 45,600 | 22.5 |
PS 1354x | 13.0 | 75,000 | 37.5 |
Pros
Cons
Best for: Those who can predict their water consumption will benefit the most from this series of water softeners.
How Does Kinetico Compare to Other Brands?
The first difference you’ll notice with Kinetico water softeners is size. At the same capabilities, Kinetico water softeners are much smaller compared to the competition. In addition, as you could see, most Kinetico models are non-electric. This can only make the maintenance easier since there are no digital controls and electric parts that might fail.
On top of that, Kinetico is designed to optimize salt consumption. Kinetico water softeners tend to require less salt to regenerate compared to other brands of similar capacity. This naturally also translates to less waste water compared to other brands of water softener.
FAQs
1. Why is Kinetico more expensive than other brands?
Kinetico water softeners are built to last and the steep price is commensurate with the premium performance and build quality. Some of these water softeners are equipped with two tanks which are both capable of softening your water, so even when one needs regeneration the other one is available. On a long-term basis, Kinetico water softeners are a great investment. They use less salt and generate less waste water than other brands, so you can make up the difference in the initial investment over time.
2. How to purchase a Kinetico water softener?
Purchasing a Kinetico water softener is quite easy. You just have to find your local Kinetico water specialist and request a quote. The specialists will then be able to provide you with useful information about the series and models that fit your specific needs. Should you decide to go ahead, they will also install the system for you and go over the basic usage and maintenance instructions with you.
3. Can you rent a Kinetico water softener?
The simple answer is yes, you can. Renting, rather than owning, a Kinetico water softener has become quite popular nowadays. The rates will differ depending on the supplier and model you, but they often include installation and maintenance. It’s an affordable way to own a top-notch water softener and enjoy the benefits of soft water at home.
4. When to replace a Kinetico filter?
Kinetico water softeners come with a 5-micron washable filter. In most cases, the filters need upkeep once a year (depending on your usage). However, some models require biannual or quarterly filter maintenance. In any event, the company will add you to their mailing list so you will get a maintenance notification.
Conclusion
Kinetico is an industry leader in water softeners and other water purifying systems. The company makes a wide selection of models so it should be easy to find the one that fits your water filtration/softening needs.
Most Kinetico water softeners come at a premium price but they deliver excellent water quality and are built to last. If you are not sure about the purchase or afford the upfront payment, you can look into renting a Kinetico water softener.