The Best Kinetico Water Softener Review 2023
Water softeners can seem like an expensive home investment. But if you buy the right system – the initial cost can really pay off. But the question is - which system is the best to buy? Harvey or Kinetico? With so many cheap, low quality systems on the market today, picking the wrong system has never been easier. That’s why it’s important to make sure you do your research on the best water softener brands and pay the best price.
If you’re looking for the best of the best in terms of water softener quality – there are several different brands you can choose to invest in. Harvey and Kinetico water softeners are just two of the the UK's most popular brands. When it comes to the best - it is important to compare models and the specification. This Best Kinetico Water Softener Review can answer most questions, but feel free to contact us direct for more information. Click a link below to jump to the section.
Who is Kinetico?
The Kinetico brand has been around a for sometime. Kinetico originated in the USA and also sell their systems into Europe through a dealership and trade model. However, they are not the market leaders in the UK. Harvey Water Softeners are Kinetico's biggest competitors - originating and dominating in London and the UK.
But is Kinetico the better brand? Both Kinetico and Harvey offer machines with very similar specifications and service plans. That's why, before paying a higher price it is always important to compare different systems and their individual specification.
What are the different types of water softener?
Kinetico don’t sell their products directly to consumers, they do so through a distribution model and exclusive retailers. This sales channel is generally split by region or through online and e-commerce. There are several different models of Kinetico water softener – some systems have now been discontinued and replaced with a newer models.
When choosing a water softener, regardless of model, it is important to make sure you get the right system for your home. And this depends on how large the home is and how many bathrooms you have. Any home with more than 1 bathroom, is likely to require a twin tank system. Twin tank and non-electric softeners are the best to buy under most circumstances.
Why? A twin tank system generally has a higher flow rate, meaning more soft water and less of a risk of pressure drops in the home. A non-electric system is the most efficient you can get. It not only removes the addition of electricity and these added running costs, but it also makes the system easier to install and more manageable in the long run.
When buying a non-electric system you’ll find:
- Automatic systems — they are less expensive to run and maintain. There’s also no risk of electrical components becoming damaged and becoming fused.
- Generally Twin tank systems — Systems with two tanks are able to provide you with continuous soft water.
- High hardness gearings — These softeners have a high hardness rating.
- Metered regeneration — they use a meter to determine when it is ideal to regenerate, preventing water wastage.
Harvey & Kinetico models
Kinetico’s previous range included the Kinetico 2020c and the Kinetico Kube. Their newer and premium range is called the Premier series, which includes: The Kinetico Premier Compact and Kinetico Premier Plus.
Kinetico Premier Compact Alternatives
The Kinetico Premier Compact is a popular Kinetico water softener. It is designed for the family home of up to 3 bathrooms. A cheaper alternative to this system, with a better specification - is the Harvey TwinTec S4. See below a comparison in specification:
|
Specification |
Kinetico Premier Compact |
Harvey TwinTec S4 |
|
Max Flow rate |
51L/min |
56L/min |
|
Pressure min/max |
1 – 6 Bar |
1 – 10 Bar |
|
Salt usage per regen |
340g |
300g |
|
Water usage per regen |
17L |
20.5L |
|
Regeneration time |
11 min |
11 min |
|
Salt Efficiency |
35% |
50% |
|
Max Water Hardness |
500 ppm |
600 ppm |
|
Warranty |
10 years parts, 2 labour |
10 years parts, 2 labour |
| Price | £1695 | £1149.99 |
The Kinetico Premier Plus & Alternatives
The Kinetico Premier Plus is a system designed for homes with 4 bathrooms - previously known as the Premier Maxi. The Premier plus has a max flow rate of 56L/min - which is actually the same as the smaller Harvey TwinTec S4. That's why we recommend purchasing the Harvey XL1 or XL2 system, if your home has 5 or more bathrooms. The flow rate of these larger water softeners is 80L/min (Vs 56L/min), meaning they are better suited to cater for larger homes and families with higher water demands.
|
Specification |
Kinetico Premier Plus |
Harvey XL2 |
Harvey TwinTec S4 |
|
Key Points |
Suitable for 4 bathrooms.
Larger system dimensions.
Flow rate the same as the smaller Harvey TwinTec S4.
Uses more salt than standard Harvey TwinTec S4 and in larger homes, Regeneration occurs more often. |
Suitable for 4 – 10 bathrooms.
Flow rate is 80L/min so suitable for large homes.
Salt usage per regeneration is greater because this system regenerates less often than standard machines & the machine operates over longer periods of time. The XL2 can store up to 6 salt blocks at any one time – so they don’t need to be filled as often.
|
Suitable for 3 or 4 bathrooms.
High domestic flow rate and smallest system available.
Most affordable option for homes with 3-4 bathrooms.
|
|
Price |
£1995 |
£1795 |
£1149.99 |
|
Max Flow rate |
56L/min |
80L/min |
56L/min |
|
Pressure min/max |
1 – 6 Bar |
1-8 Bar |
1 – 10 Bar |
|
Salt usage per regen |
450g |
900g - 1300g |
300g |
|
Water usage per regen |
28L |
37L |
20.5L |
|
Regeneration time |
12 min |
20 min |
11 min |
|
Warranty |
10 years parts, 2 labour |
10 years parts, 2 labour |
10 years parts, 2 labour |
|
Dimensions |
481mm x 400mm x 650mm |
250mm x 440mm x 500mm
|
490mm x 205mm x440mm |
What is the Best Kinetico Water Softener?
The most purchased and searched Kinetico system on the market today, is the Kinetico Premier Compact. This system comes in both a HE and HF model and so you have to make sure tge system you purchasing is right for your plumbing systems. Although the Premier Compact is the most popular Kinetico system - it is not as popular as the Harvey Water Softener - the TwinTec Series 4. This softener, offers a higher flow rate and efficiency, with a pressure range of 1-10 bar - making it suitable for all boiler systems.
Kinetico Water Softener Dimensions
The Harvey TwinTex S4 and Kinetico Premier Compact are both compact and small models - these systems generally fit under the sink and as close to the stop tap.
The Harvey TwinTec S4 dimensions are: 49 cm by 20.5 cm x 44 cm
The Kinetico Premier Compact dimensions are: 49.8cm by 21.9cm x 46.8cm
Kinetico Water Softener Specification & Features
When comparing Harvey & Kinetico products, it is important to look at the technical specifications of the different models. When looking at different softener specifications, the most important features to look out for are:
- The type of system
- The maximum flow rate
- The min and max pressure
- The efficiency
- The warranty
For example, this includes features such as:
- The type of system: the Harvey S4 & Kinetico Compact are both twin tank, non-electric, block salt softeners.
- Flow Rate: The TwinTec S4 has a flow rate of of 56L/min and Premier compact 51L/min.
- Pressure Range: the Series 4 model has a high range of 1-10 ar - making it suitable for combi and high flow boilers. The Premier Compact has a pressure range of 1- 6 bar.
- Efficiency: the Harvey S4 has a 50% salt efficiency, using only 17L of water and 300g of salt. The Kinetico Premier Compact offers a 35% efficiency, using 20.5L of water and 340g of salt.
- Warranty: Both systems have 2 year labour and 10 year warranty on parts.
- Certification for Quality: both systems are WRAS accredited - 3rd party certified and externally accredited.
The Best Softener for my Water Hardness
Generally, all Harvey & Kinetico water softeners are geared to tackle very hard water – including London’s hard water.
Harvey & Kinetico Water Softener Price
Now you’ve got all the technical details, you can compare price for effectively.
Full installation packages can vary in price depending on your installer. The cheapest option may be to source a local plumber for the install itself at their standard rate.
The Harvey TwinTec S4 retails online for £1149.99 - excluding installation.
The Kinetico Premier Compact retails for £1695 - excluding installation.
Click here to shop online.
Kinetico Vs Harvey
Who are Kinetico’s biggest rivals? In the UK Harvey water softeners are Kineticos biggest competitors. In fact, Harvey Bowden who created the company actually came from Kinetico originally. He then went on to invent the twin cylinder water softener design. But which brand is best – Kinetico or Harvey? Both brands are top quality, but Harvey are the most popular in the UK with a distribution network across the whole of the UK.
If you're looking for a high quality and cheaper alternative - you can get the Harvey TwinTec S4 for £1099.99 with the discount code HARVEY.
Water Softener Installation
The installation is actually relatively simple process for any trained plumber. It is similar to fitting a washing machine and is easier than a boiler replacement. Any plumber should be able to install the system in 2-3 hours. The time taken will depend on where you are having the softener fitted and your pipe work.
If you don’t have a plumber, you could try an online search, ask neighbours, family or friends and even websites such as Checkatrade.
How Much Does it Cost to Maintain a Water Softener?
Non -electric water softeners only need salt to run. That means they do not require electricity and so automatically save money on running costs. The only maintenance cost is to replace the block salt, in order for the system to work.
When researching into maintenance costs, it is important to compare: salt efficiency, water usage, energy usage, salt usage and regeneration time. The Harvey TwinTec S4 has the highest flow rate, lowest salt usage and water usage of any standard family home twin tank water softener.
Kinetico Water Softener Block Salt
Block salt is required at all times for a water softener to work. If you are looking for a “salt free” system – the truth is, these products are not water softeners. They are water conditioners and they are not able to remove hard minerals from water.
Salt is needed to remove the hard water minerals from your water, through a brine solution. It is required at all times for the system to work.
The average usage of salt in a standard family home is 1 block per person per month. The blocks of salt can cost £6.50 - £8 per pack of 2 blocks.
Harvey & Kinetico machines use standard block salt which is usually sourced sourced from Harvey Water Softener themselves.
Kinetico Water Softener Warranty
Generally any single tank system will only come with a 12-24 month warranty. However, products such as the Harvey TwinTec S4 and Premier Compact, come with a 10 year warranty.
Is a Kinetico Water Softener Worth the Cost?
Kinetico water softeners are a popular choice in the UK, but when considering the price of a water softener it is important to compare:
- The specification
- How long the system will last (look for a good warranty)
- The costs of Hard water damages
- The benefits of soft water
Kinetico offer a long warranty, but this is the same as the Harvey TwinTec S4 - which on comparison tables shows the best specification and a cheaper price tag.
The Benefits of Soft Water
A water softener provides many benefits for your home including:
- Saving money on household bills of up to £400 a year.
- A more efficient heating system.
- No more blocked shower heads and taps.
- Protecting your home, fixtures and fittings from permanent limescale damage.
- Less time cleaning and lower cleaning bills.
- Appliances last up to 50% longer.
- More lather with less shampoo and shower gel.
- A natural cure and relief from eczema and dry skin and hair.
The Best Kinetico Water Softener Review
The choice between the Kinetico Premier Compact and the Harvey TwinTec S4 is yours - both systems are premium twin tank non-electric systems. We found 75-80% of our customers preferred Harvey Water Softener over Kinetico and the TwinTec S4. Customers specifically liked:
Kinetico Water Softener Alternatives
If you are looking for an alternative and another brand with high quality Harvey Water Softeners is the best substitute.
Where Can I Buy A Kinetico Water Softener?
Contact North East Water Softeners online, for more advice and dicounts.
Do you have any questions?
Enquire below for more information & exclusive discount codes for our Harvey Water Softeners.