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7 Best Water Softeners 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,196
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
10.0
Chosen by1,196
Size and Space Requirements
Size and Space Requirements
The softener's compact design is appreciated, fitting neatly under the sink and operating quietly.
#2

BWT WS355 Standard Electronic Water Softener, Blue, 14 Litre

Rating
10.0
Size and Space Requirements
Salt Efficiency
Size and Space Requirements
Installation is straightforward, but be mindful of space as it takes up under half a double under-counter cupboard.
Salt Efficiency
Silent operation and efficient salt usage make it a worthwhile investment for those moving to hard water areas.

The BWT WS355 Standard Electronic Water Softener is designed with family households in mind, offering a compact size that conveniently fits within a kitchen cupboard. This makes it an ideal choice for those with limited space. Its maximum flow rate of 30 litres per minute ensures a robust water flow, suitable for average household needs. With a 14-litre capacity, this softener uses tablet salt, which can be more efficient and easier to handle than other forms of salt.

Ease of installation is a strong point, with an included installation kit and the option of free home commissioning for extra peace of mind. The product's BS6920 certification ensures that all materials used are safe for drinking water. Users will also appreciate the lengthy 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty, which suggests confidence in the product's durability.

Some potential users might find the lack of specified regeneration type and grain capacity concerning, as these are critical factors for water softening performance and efficiency. The absence of battery requirements indicates it relies on a wired power source, which may limit installation locations to some degree. At 23.2 kg, consider its weight for placement purposes. This water softener is suitable for medium-sized households looking for a straightforward solution, offering ease of use and installation in a compact and efficient package.

Rating
10.0
Size and Space Requirements
Salt Efficiency
Size and Space Requirements
Installation is straightforward, but be mindful of space as it takes up under half a double under-counter cupboard.
Salt Efficiency
Silent operation and efficient salt usage make it a worthwhile investment for those moving to hard water areas.
#3

BWT WS455 Hi Flow Electronic Demand Block/Tablet Water Softener, Blue, 10 Litre

Rating
9.8
Size and Space Requirements
Salt Efficiency
Size and Space Requirements
The BWT WS455 is a great replacement for older models, fitting snugly under a sink even in tight spaces.
Salt Efficiency
The lid may feel flimsy, but it's not a problem since there's no need to frequently access it after adding salt.

The BWT WS455 Hi Flow Electronic Demand Block/Tablet Water Softener is a compact solution designed to fit conveniently in a kitchen cupboard, making it an ideal choice for families looking to save space. Its easy installation process, aided by the included installation kit and a low voltage transformer, ensures a quick setup that doesn’t require professional help. This model is quite user-friendly, with straightforward operation and setup, and it provides the added peace of mind of a 5-year parts warranty and a 2-year labor warranty.

A significant advantage of the WS455 is its special feature for scale and scum reduction, which helps maintain your plumbing and appliances, potentially extending their lifespan. The model’s under-sink installation type is particularly appealing for those with limited space. The product is also BS6920 Certified, ensuring that all materials used are safe for contact with drinking water.

This water softener is well-suited for small to medium-sized households that need an efficient yet compact solution for hard water problems, though potential buyers should consider consulting BWT or a professional for clarity on its performance specifications.

Rating
9.8
Size and Space Requirements
Salt Efficiency
Size and Space Requirements
The BWT WS455 is a great replacement for older models, fitting snugly under a sink even in tight spaces.
Salt Efficiency
The lid may feel flimsy, but it's not a problem since there's no need to frequently access it after adding salt.

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.