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Hard water is the biggest headache homeowner face. The most affected people are the ones that use private wells as their source of water. Hard water makes it difficult to do your cleaning and your clothes never look clean.
A water softener is a great way to solve this problem. Although there many water softener models in the market, Most are bulky and require lots of space. If you need a small water softener, there are several options you can go with.
A water softener doesn’t need to be bulky, while you can get a small and effective softener. This post will recommend the best small water softener that you can buy today.
Best Small Water Softeners
1. Go Portable Softener
- The Double Standard Softener & Conditioner produces twice the gallons compared to the standard model...
The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT is a portable water softener and is one of the most effective small water softeners in the market today. It comes with 23.4 x 11 x 10.8 inches dimensions, and It weighs 32 pounds.
The unit can regenerate in less than 30 minutes providing you with up to 1600 gallons of water for the next 40 days. The construction design is superb it is made to save space thus you can install it even in the tightest of spaces and corners.
The unit is easy to handle because it comes with a handle on the top, and it is also a lightweight water softener which makes it travel friendly. It has a large mouth which makes it easy to add salt without breaking a sweat.
Manufacture specs
- Dimensions are 23.4 x 11 x 10.8 inches
- Item Weight 32 pounds
- The manufacturer part number is OTG4-DBLSOFT
- High-grade resin
What we liked
- 30 minutes regeneration
- It is easy to set it up
- It works effectively
- Cap and plug option
- Best addition from a rather small in diameter unit\
What we did not like
• May is not ideal for use at-home people
Summary
This product is portable yet effective and thus the best for people who spend time away from home
2. Watts Water Technologies Portable Water Softener
- Built-in drain line flow restrictor provides a more effective regeneration increasing the capacity...
The brand new Watts RV PRO 1000 provides excellent performance and quality water for use in your home. The softener has been crafted using innovative techniques and it available at pocket-friendly rates.
The system comes with a built-in drain line flow restrictor that provides an effective regeneration increasing capacity, up to 55%. The unit also has custom designed flow valves that allow for regeneration without having to disconnect.
This unit guarantees a high flow rate of up to 4GPM and an extremely low-pressure drop. The unit also uses simple and pocket-friendly common salt. It only weighs 24 pounds.
Manufacturer’s specs
- Manufacturer: Watts
- Model number RV PRO-1000 OR M7002
- Weighs 9 pounds
- Product dimensions: 22 x 10 x 10 inches
- Warranty of 10 years
- Grain capacity is 10,000
- Flow rate: 4 Gallons per Minute
What we liked
- It is lightweight and easy to install
- Full cradle base
- Commendable performance and capacity
- Available in a compact size
- Pocket friendly and backed by a warranty
What we didn’t like
- If not corrently installed, it may leak
- Some products may arrive with broken parts
Summary
This is a handy water softener for anyone who travels most of the time I RV because it is portable however, it would help if you would first refer to the Watt RV PRO-1000 before purchasing it.
3. Aquios AQFS220 Water Softener
- SCALE PREVENTION: Prevents and removes lime-scale accumulation by sequestering hard minerals and...
The Aquios is another powerhouse that has consistently manufactured top of the range softeners. The AQFS220 small water softener is great at preventing scale buildup.
The water softener forms a protective coating on the metal pipe providing corrosion protection against alkalinity and acidity. It comes with 5 microns and coconut carbon filtration to get rid of the chlorine from the water supply.
The POE, point of entry gets rid of silt, sand dirt, and any particles and sediments from your water, thus you rest assured that the water circulating throughout your house is rid of any dirt and safe for drinking without any more treatment.
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Manufacturer is AQUIOS
- The manufacturer plate number is AQFS220
- Item weighs 7.5 pounds
- The model number of the product is AQFS220
- Available in the color blue
What we liked
- It is effective, nothing goes to waste
- Easy maintenance
- Installation is straightforward
- Highly portable
- Effective corrosion inhabitation.
- What we did not like
- Water pressure upon installation of the unit is significantly reduced
4. Magnetic Water Technology Softener
- The very latest hydro-magnetic technology for water treatment. No salt needed.
The softener also is made using the latest magnetic technology for water treatment. You need to use electricity or salt to prevent scale from building up and clogging your pipes. It’s super easy to install, and you can install it within minutes, and you don’t need any tools or a plumber.
This softener uses salt-free technology that enables it to reduce minerals in the water, the main culprit that causes hard water spots on your appliances, pipes and utensils.
It only comes in a single bar which makes it super simpler to install. Most customers who have bought it from Amazon can attest to this. Most did not even need an instruction manual.
Manufacturer’s specs
- Manufacturer: Magnetic Water Technology
- Part number L-10406
- Weighs 1.95 pounds
- Item measures 9 x 3 x 6 inches
- Item model number is Large
What we liked
- Cost-effective
- Does not need salt either electricity
- simpler to install
What we did not like
- Might not work if levels of water hardness are very high.
Summary
This is one of the best small water softeners to get in 2020; the technology is top-notch and does not demand much. It is a great product that is worth both your time and money.
5. Eddy Electronic Water Descaler
- 12 month 100% "no quibble" Money-Back Guarantee + Lifetime Repair or Replace warranty.
The UK’s Eddy Electronic Water Descaler features in this list because unlike its salt using water softener, it uses electromagnetic waves to reduce hard minerals in the water, and prevent these minerals from sticking on the surface of your pipes and make spots on your utensils and appliances.
The electromagnetic waves that are applied through the two coils that are placed around the incoming water supply line disengage the minerals from the water. This prevents them from sticking to the surfaces of your pipes and also, they are easily flushed away.
It comes with 12 months, 100% no Money-Back Guarantee plus a lifetime repair or replacement of the unit. It’s easy to install unlike many in the market that require a professional to install them. You can install it on either metal or plastic pipes.
Manufacturer’s specs
- Manufactured by Eddy Water Descalers
- The part number is ED6002P-US
- Item weighs 7.8 ounces
- The dimensions are 6.69 x 1.57 x 3.54 inches
- Power consumption is 110 Volts and 5 watts
What we liked
- Highly portable
- Retains the healthy minerals in the water
- Easy to install
- Environmental friendly
- You do not have to add sodium
- Environmentally friendly
- Maintenance-free
What we did not like
- Some units might not work on PEX/PVC water lines
- Might not work for levels of hardness above 20 gpp
Summary
Though it is a nice addition, it might not work for everyone, thus, it may help if you saved for a real water softener
6. Whirlpool WHES30 Water Softener
- Whirlpool WHES30E is ideal for households of 1-4+ people and removes up to 8ppm of clear water...
When purchasing a small water softener, you need to ensure that it serves the purpose. Therefore, you need to look no further than to get the Whirlpool WHES30. This one is ideal for households of up to 4 people. With it, you can rest assured that it will remove up to 8ppm of clear water, that is safe from ferrous ions.
The unit is NSF certified, so you can count on it to reduce hard water symptoms like stains that may build up on your pipes. With this, you rest assured that your appliances and kitchen accessories won’t have spots due to saline water.
This gadget will automatically calculate the amount of salt and water required to regenerate and use the available resources to its optimum. In the end, you get softer water with the least salt used. People who used this unit can attest to its effectiveness. It is backed by a 1-year warranty for parts and labor. In line with that, the system can also be extended to 2 years of parts and labor whenever a customer purchases 3 bottles of Whirlpool WHEWSC water Softener cleanser, which is sold separately.
Another advantage is that the unit is made using hand-picked material, all sourced in the US. Therefore, you rest assured that you are buying a quality product. It also has been designed, engineered, and assembled in the US.
Manufacturer’s specs
- Manufacturer Whirlpool
- Part number WHES30E
- Dimensions 19 x 18 x 43.5 inches
- Weighs 94.8 pounds
- Size 0.75 inches
- Model number WHES30E
- Cutting diameter of 1 Inches
- Warranty description 1-year parts and labor
What we liked
- A great unit for a great price
- Easy to install
- Performs just as described
- What we did not like
- There might be installation issues if not installed by a professional
Summary
This is a great addition that is pocket friendly as well, the only drawback is that you need to have a professional to install for you, or there might be complications thereafter.
8. Dewifier Shower Water Softener-Best For Shower
- 👍 EFFECTIVE & EFFICIENT: Showerhead Filter for HARD water & chlorine treated water. Shower head...
Clean and pure water is good for your health. Softwater is good for the environment. While it may occur naturally, you need an effective water softener. This is where the Dewifier comes in handy. The softener is not only effective but it is also efficient. It is an excellent choice when you are dealing with hot or cold water. The hard water filter includes a test kit that tests the water to ensure that chlorine is absolutely gotten off the water even before it comes through the shower filter.
The ease of installation is another thing that this filter boasts of. The softener for the shower is compatible with any ½ inches shower system, which is a standard. You do not need any tool to fix it because it comes with a manual to aid you in installing it. This, therefore, means that you do not need to cough a buck in hiring a contractor to install it as you can do it yourself.
This is a multistage shower head filter, meaning that it comes with a cartridge for removing chlorine and hard water. In the end, your skin and hair get revitalized thanks to the soft water that oozes from the water softener. This is a bathroom addition that is worth your time and money.
Manufacturer’s specs
- ManufacturerDewifier
- It weighs 14.4 ounces
- Dimensions 5.2 x 3.7 x 3.6 inches
- Made of copper
- Color Chrome
What we liked
- Easy to install with no tools required
- It’s worth the penny, better than most of its price
- Ensures consistent soft water that’s good for your skin
- What we did not like
- Might not fit the Waterpik Dual Power Pulse Massage Shower Head
Summary
Using the latest water technology to keep you out of harm is a nice addition to your home
8. Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener
- Fleck 5600sxt Digital on-demand Metered Water Softener with paddle wheel meter (BR5600SMS-SXTPW),...
This water softener comes with a softener tank of capacity 48,000 grains with a float. It also has a 1.5 cubic-foot commercial –standard 10% resin as well as a fleck control system which is easy to navigate. With just the limitation of grain options, this remains to be a great small water softener.
This unit can regenerate following a time cycle that is preset. It however is outstanding because it can rejuvenate based on actual usage. It does not use a complicated mechanism since it only measures the amount of water used in your premises using a meter. It then regenerates when it reaches the maximum capacity or when it reaches the intended preset.
This is a digital water softener that has a small LCD screen. This screen displays the status of the system at any given time. This screen displays error codes when there is a fault. This means that you can cross-reference the manual when troubleshooting. While the process may seem daunting, you will eventually figure out the problem.
Manufacturer’s specs
- Manufacturer is Fleck
- Part number 56M24S-N44H
- Made of fiberglass
- No need for batteries
- Does not come with batteries
What we liked
- It is a complete on-demand system
- NSF certified
- Auto-generation
- Easy to control
- Durable
What we did not like
- It offers one single grain choice
Summary
This is a great small water softener that might need to pay close attention to in 2020
9. Fleck Iron Pro 2 Water Softener – Ideal for well water
- Tank color may vary depending on stock. Water softener, iron filter, all in one! high flow for whole...
Most well waters have lots of iron in them. The Irion in the water is a nuisance to deal with. This, combined with the hardness of the water due to magnesium and calcium deposits makes the water a total turn-off. When you are dealing with such water, the best remedy is to find a Flex Iron Pro 2 water softener. The water softener has a strong capacity. This unit is capable of handling extremes of 85gpg or 1456ppm. So far, this is among the strongest water softeners that you can install at home.
It is designed for iron. This unit can remove iron through ion exchange ferric iron and ferrous iron. With it, you rest assured that the cause of the irritating brown stains on your clothes or floors are completely gotten rid of. Iron removal helps to rid your water of that disgusting metal taste. The unit is designed to handle up to 8 ppm of iron. It comes with a mesh resin that is fine enough to survive in iron-rich environments. Not many water softeners boast of this feature, thus this gives the Fleck Iron Pro 2 a competitive edge.
Auto regeneration is another feature that keeps this water softener ahead of all others. You can set the unit to auto regenerate in two ways. The first way is by auto regenerating after a certain amount of water. You also can auto regenerate after a certain period. It comes with digital touchpad controls that are easy to operate. You can use the touchpad to set things up then you leave it to do its thing.
Manufacturer’s specs
- Manufactured by Fleck
- Part number IRONPRO2
- Size 64,000 Grains
- Power usage 120 Volts
- Color is black
- Water consumption is 45 Gallons
What we liked
- Auto-regeneration
- Large capacity
- Deals with extremely hard water
What we did not like
- It might need to be pre-filtered when the level of iron is too high
Summary
A small water softener is a great unit for water softening, it is pocket friendly and does the job
Read more about Iron Pro
10. iSpring ED2000 Whole House Water Softener
- Solves hard water problems without the need for chemicals, salt, or maintenance, while keeping...
Salt based softeners and certified descalers are the real deal. They prove rove results more effectively. However, did you know that you can get a more budget friendlier and eco-friendly water softener? Yes, the iSpring ED2000 is a perfect solution for hard water that you may need to try. Lately, this unit is gaining popularity because it not only costs less, but it gives the rest water softeners a run for their money as it is so effective.
The unit is not only inexpensive but also it is compact and is easy to install. You do not need to turn on or off the water supply, no need for cutting pipes and there is not soldiering. This also means that you won’t have to hire a professional plumber to install it for you, thus you save some cost. You only need to wrap the coils around the pipe then plug the unit and the descaler starts to operate.
This unit works by employing an electromagnetic force meaning that it produces no noise when operating. Another plus is that you won’t need salt or salt replacement each time as is the norm with standard water softeners.
Manufacturer’s specs
- Manufactured by ISpring Water Systems, LLC
- Part number ED2000
- Weighs 2 pounds
- Measures 7 x 3.5 x 2 inches
- Model number ED2000
- Includes 1 Electronic Descaler Water Conditioner
What we liked
- It is salt and chemical-free
- Easy to install
- Pocket friendly
- Does not need maintenance
What we did not like
- Its effects have been scientifically proven
What To Look For When Buying A Small Water Softener
Water softeners come in an array of types, sizes, brands, colors, and capacities. When choosing a small-sized unit, there are a lot of things to consider. To start with, it pays to know that these units are designed to focus on some issues while there are those that are standard and generalized. Therefore before settling for one small unit, there is a need for you to have some understanding of the technologies that each unit uses.
More so, you need t take into consideration, the generation frequency of a unit. Try to first understand how often a cycle happens and also, how much water and salt are required during a single cycle. It is not a good idea to jump on the cheapest, rather, go for one with less generation but high efficiency. Such a unit requires less salt and less water.
You may also need to determine the water softener needs, and on this aspect, you may need to work with a professional who will recommend the best brand for your region.
Where To Buy Best Small Water Softener?
Today, many manufacturers are out there touting their water softeners as the best in the market. That said, there are equally many outlets online where you can buy these units. It pays to know that you are buying it straight from a reputable manufacturer or a seller with a good standing when buying it online. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers or sellers can be trusted, therefore embarking on due diligence always is beneficial.
Get recommendations from your family and friends who might have bought their units from a reputable supplier. If you are buying it online, then ensure you get it from a reputable marketer like Amazon. It would also be helpful if you first of all read customer testimonials before buying the unit blindly. This will enable you to make the right choice on your purchase.
Mini Softener Price
Mini water softeners may come at various prices depending on the features that they have. The general price tag of mini water softeners is anything around $300 to $3000. The prices are dictated by the type of softening system, tech advanced functions, materials used in their production, the brand type, and a couple f other factors.
The Water Softening System Type
Its important to first decide which type of water softener you need. There are three types of water softeners to buy and these include the following:
Salt-based systems
These units are the most common type of household water softeners. The system works by cycling water through two water tanks. One of the tanks has beads while the next one contains saltwater, also known as brine. The ions are swapped out from the hard minerals of magnesium, calcium, and irons for ions from sodium that softens the hard water.
Salt-free systems
If you are worried about sodium intake, then this type of water softener is ideal for you. The unit however works somehow differently as it does not get rid of the hard minerals from your water, but rather prevents the minerals from creating deposits that end up damaging your pipes. Therefore, it is kind of a descaler and is thus not considered to be as effective when they are compared to the conventional water softener systems.
Magnetic or electronic units
The magnetic or plugin an electronic water softener is a slightly controversial choice. These units are clipped t an incoming pipe and are designed to emit an electromagnetic field that changes the mineral properties in the water. The minerals are repelled in the pipe, thus preventing buildup. In the end, it can be concluded that they do not soften water, rather, they act as a water conditioning device.
User-friendly functions
These days, these softeners are equipped with a lot of user-friendly functions and thus it would be helpful if you found one with a lot of these functions. The filtration system for instance makes your water soft and safe for drinking. Most salt-free units on the other hand come with an energy-saving system. The latest salt based unit, on the other hand, come with a highly informative LCD interface.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are more than just these listed units in the market that you can buy in 2020. It is always advisable to do your homework on the best brand to buy from, the available features that your unit of choice comes with as well as the right size for your homestead and pocket-friendly pricing. With that notwithstanding, these ten units remain to be among the best to purchase in 2020.
FAQs
a. How do I know what size water softener I need?
A lot of factors should be considered when choosing a water softener whose size is appropriate for your house. To start with, you should consider the number of people living in the home. The second is to know the level of water hardness in your locality. You will get this information in city water reports. In case you are using a private well, then you will need to collect the water and take it for testing. Also, you need to know what items you have in your home that uses high water volumes. These could be eg a hot tub, whirlpool tub, and much more. After you acquire this information, feed it in this equation. (the number of people x 75 gallons per day x 7 days per week x GPG water hardness)
b. What is the smallest water softener?
A small water softener is one that can produce up to 16,000 grains and a great choice for an RV, moving domestic home on wheels, or for a caravan. Most of them do not need tools or electricity to power them and can measure anything from 22 inches high by 9.50 in diameter.
c. Do no salt water softeners work?
Most consumers suggest that the n salt water softeners actually do not work as far as water softening is concerned. The best term for these softeners is a descaler because they reduce build-up in most plumbing equipment.
d. Can you buy too big of a water softener?
The bigger the water softener you have at home the better. Having a too-small water softener will most of the time run out of water. A smaller unit also reduces water pressure and will require more service. While a bigger water softener may also suffer its equal measure of problems, it is better off than a smaller unit. However, it is important to factor in many things in determining the right size of a water softener to have at home.
e. How much does a salt-free water softener cost?
There are equally many things that determine the cost of a salt-free water softener. Today, there are many manufacturers for these units meaning that each one of them has a set price for their units. The size of the unit as well is another determinant of the asking price of the unit. Therefore, the price factor is not a one size fits all scenario.