Table of Contents
- What are the different types of water softener systems available?
- Best Water Softener solutions for your home
- Best Water Softeners in the UK 2017 Comparison Table
- 1. The Water2Buy W2B200 - #1 Water Softener in the UK
- 2. Harvey’s Crown Non-Electric Block Salt Water Softener
- 3. Eddy Electronic Water Descaler - Best Salt Free Water Softener in the UK
- 4. Eco+ Whole House Water Filter System & Salt-Free Water Softener - #1 Filter and Softener Combination in the UK
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#1 Water Softener in the UK - Water2Buy W2B200 with Free Bypass Valve and 7 Years Warranty (WSE's Top Recommendation)
Water2Buy W2B200 is the BEST water softener in the UK. Period. It's a salt based water softening system which has been proven to be 100% efficient when it comes to removing hard water (limescale) from your home water system. Not only is it efficient, but also durable and very cost friendly. Some of its top features include Meter Control, a Free Bypass Valve and and unbelievable warranty of 7 years. Click on the button below to get the BEST PRICE on Water2Buy W2B200:
If you’ve decided to use a water softener system, then you probably know most of the benefits of doing so already; the real question on your mind is: how do I choose the right solution?
With water in many parts of the UK defined as ‘hard’ or ‘very hard’, because of its high calcium carbonate component, and with much of it coming from springs in limestone and chalk
The lime-scale associated with hard water (calcium and magnesium build up) can damage appliances and affect clothing, and also collects in pipes and damages domestic water systems, reducing the efficiency of heaters and boilers.
A water-softening solution that is connected to the plumbing system and which covers the whole home is therefore a ‘no-brainer’ for many people.
What is more difficult is the choice of unit. The high volume of solutions on the market means it can be confusing for homeowners to select the right one for their needs. This is complicated by several different types of units being available, each with its own set of specific pros and cons.
Here we break down what your choices are – and recommend some of the best water softeners UK available on the market today. You’ll find something to fit most budgets...
What are the different types of water softener systems available?
There are essentially three different categories of whole-house water softener solutions. This excludes filter systems, which often use reverse osmosis, as these are generally designed to purify water, rather than just soften it.
Each type of solution softens hard water in a slightly different way, as explained briefly below:
- Salt-based systems
Water2Buy W2B200 is the best salt best water softener in the UK.
With salt-based systems, sodium ions replace hard water (calcium and magnesium) ions to soften the water.
As well as a tank for resin beads, they require a salt chamber or ‘brine tank’ that needs to be topped up to maintain the effectiveness of the system. A system ‘regeneration’ process refreshes the resin beads that soften the water. Nowadays these are usually timer-based (every 1 or 2 days for instance) or meter-based (depending on your water usage), meaning that they are low-maintenance.
While some homeowners avoid drinking this water because of the additional salt content, it is very effective in softening the water and is often used for very hard water; the resulting water is perfectly safe to drink, but homeowners may reserve the cold tap as a drinking water tap.
Note that these systems are often quite bulky and are required to be installed near a drain, for discharge of the salt tank. Tablet/granular salt or block salt may be used, depending on system design.
- Salt-free systems
Eddy Electronic Water Descaler is the best salt free water softening system in the UK.
Salt-free systems use nano-technology to alter the atomic structure of the water and soften it. They are generally used for water that is moderately hard.
They are effective when lime-scale has built up in the existing plumbing system, helping to remove this from the pipes and ensuring that it no longer contributes to the hardness of the water and worsens the situation.
Because no salt additives are required, running costs are generally lower, maintenance easier, and no nearby drain is required for installation. These are considered more environmentally-friendly than salt-based solution, but are not always quite so effective in removing hardness.
- Electro-magnetic systems
Electro-magnetic systems are the smallest, most compact solutions available, and work using magnetic wires that are placed around the water piping system to alter the structure of the water molecules, softening the water.
They are often used for water with a low to medium hardness. Again, with no additives, this type of solution is considered low maintenance, cheap to run, and environmentally friendly, with no water run-off. They are also relatively easy to install.
Best Water Softener solutions for your home
The solution that’s right for you will depend on factors such as:
- The hardness of your home’s water
- Your budget
- Space considerations
- Your maintenance preferences
- Environmental considerations
- The importance of running costs
So we have chosen what we consider to be the best Water Softener Systems one in each of the main four categories. These are summarised in the following table and you will find a more comprehensive Water Softener Reviews of each model below it.
Best Water Softeners in the UK 2017 Comparison Table
| Manufacturer | Model | Image | Type | Warranty | Price Guide | Dimensions (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water 2 Buy | W2B200 |  | Salt-based/ Electric | 7 Years | Check Price Now! | D440 x W230 x H640 |
| Harvey’s/Fountain Softeners | Harvey's Crown Softener |  | Salt-based/ Non-electric | 5 Years | Check Price Now! | D460 x W212 x H490 |
| Water Filter Man | Eco+ Whole House Water Filter System & Softener |  | Salt-free/ Non-electric | 3 Years | Check Price Now! | D210 x W480 x H490 |
| Eddy Water Descalers | Eddy Electronic Water Descaler |  | Electronic | Lifetime | Check Price Now! | D35 x W170 x H90 |
1. The Water2Buy W2B200 - #1 Water Softener in the UK
Manufacturer
Water2Buy is an Irish-based manufacturer that has made a name for providing lower cost, high technology equipment across the UK and Europe.
It prides itself not only in the quality of its softeners, but in providing manuals that simplify system installation, with easy-to-follow diagrams as well as YouTube videos, and in providing good after-sales support and service.
Appearance
This is a white and blue plastic-encased unit. At 44cm deep x 23cm wide x 64cm high, and weighing 18kg, it will fit under the kitchen sink. It is very compact, and delivers performance above what you’d expect for a unit of this size.
Installation, operation, and maintenance
The Water2Buy W2B200 is compatible with most UK heating systems and should be installed on a cold water supply, near a power source and drains for the waste and overflow. You can install it without a plumber if you have a little DIY knowledge, connection hoses, and a waste and overflow kit.
It is a salt-based, electric system. Regeneration of its resin is meter-controlled, and takes around 30 minutes. This is generally considered the most efficient way of providing 24-hour water softening, because it is based on the actual amount of water throughput, rather than on arbitrary, time-based system, where water usage may vary.
It can use all types of softener salt for regeneration – block, tablet, or crystal – with easy access provided by its wide, removable lid. Because it uses salt only while cleaning, rather than daily, some customers remark that it uses less salt than other units they have used: generally around 25Kg of salt every 2 months.
Value for money
It is extremely effective at removing lime-scale and is a reliable and robust product according to the reviews. At its price-point around £300, it represents great value for money and frequently comes in as the overall Number 1 water softener on Amazon: it combines economy, efficiency, and a compact build.
Ideal for...
This particular model is recommended for:
- Up to 4 people living in a house or apartment
- A water hardness range up to 400 PPM
- Households with a water usage up to 1250 litres per day
Warranty
These units have a 30-day money back guarantee and the equipment
Other points for buyers to note
- It has a built-in mixer valve to allow you to adjust water hardness
- Users have commented on the quietness of the system as it runs and cleans
- You can set the machine to clean while you sleep
- Some packages come with a free by-pass valve (worth £50), so look out for this as part of the offer
- Other more powerful options are available in this series: these can soften water for larger households up to 10 people, with up to triple the water throughput, and higher calcium/magnesium concentrations. Of course, they also come at a slightly higher price, but still represent great value
- A timer-based model is also available in this series
2. Harvey’s Crown Non-Electric Block Salt Water Softener
Manufacturer
Harvey’s softeners are supplied by Fountain Softeners: a well-established name in the industry, based in West Sussex, in England. It has been making water softeners for 50 years and has built a reputation for high quality softeners and accessories, as well as other kitchen equipment like taps and water filters.
The company prides itself in custom-made designs, free delivery in mainland UK, with free service monitoring and service back-up from their own team of engineers.
Appearance
Harvey’s Crown Softener is an all-white plastic unit that is 46cm deep x 21cm wide x 49cm high. Weighing in at 20kg, it is a very compact unit that will comfortably fit under most kitchen sinks – yet it has great capacity.
Installation, operation, and maintenance
The unit is a non-electric twin tank model that uses block salt to soften household water.
Like the Water2Buy model described above, its regeneration cycle is based upon actual water consumption rather than a timer, increasing efficiency and reducing the amount of salt required.
Its twin tank design enables it to supply soft water while it is regenerating – a big improvement on older systems out there. It can be set to regenerate at any time of the day or night, which means you have softened water available 24/7 and are not suddenly going to run out if you have guests.
Unlike the Water2Buy model described above, it runs entirely on water pressure, so requires no electricity supply. This reduces running costs and simplifies installation.
This unit has been designed with the UK market in mind and is supplied with a selection of 15mm or 22mm fitting kits, a water hardness tester kit, and starter pack of block salt. With a little DIY know-how, you can install it yourself. It will adapt to the pipework in your property, as the internal unit can be turned so that the inlet/outlet port can be on either side of the unit.
Value for money
While it comes in at a significantly higher price point than the Water2Buy model, it is a high end system in terms of performance. It is one of the most technically-advanced units on the market for UK households. Because it requires no electricity (which reduces running costs), and it includes a 5 year on-site labour warranty, the higher price point can be justified.
Ideal for...
This particular model is recommended for:
- Medium-sized families – up to 6 people or more
- Those who want a technically-advanced water softening system, with low running costs
- Households where water usage fluctuates considerably through the day
Warranty
Fountain Softeners provides a 5-year parts and 5-year labour (on-site) guarantee that provides extra peace of mind for homeowners, should there be any faults or maintenance required.
Other points for buyers to note
- Users comment on how well this unit works with any type of plumbing system
- It will comfortably cope with six or more people in the property
- Make sure you order the correct installation kit
3. Eddy Electronic Water Descaler - Best Salt Free Water Softener in the UK
Manufacturer
Eddy Water Descalers is a Surrey-based company set up 15 years ago to create water softening units manufactured in the UK using British design and technology; the company wanted to design a unit that could be used in any size of property – including small commercial properties like hair salons and restaurants.
It prides itself not only on the reliability of its products, but on providing follow-up service where customers always get to speak to a representative.
Appearance
The Eddy unit is the smallest one you will come across – just 3.5cm deep x 17cm wide x 9cm high. With these dimensions, it’s no surprise that it weighs just 620 grams. It looks vastly different to the other models described because it uses very different technology.
Installation, operation, and maintenance
The Eddy Electronic Water Descaler is a double-power output unit that has been on the market and receiving great reviews, since 2006.
It requires no salt or chemicals, has no regeneration process, and will not flush healthy minerals out of the water. Instead, this unit uses electro-magnetism to soften hard water.
Its super high-power twin coils are placed round your incoming water supply pipe to produce a complex electro-magnetic wave. The household water responds to this ever-changing magnetic field as it passes through the coils, altering the adhesion properties of the calcium and magnesium. These changes mean that the lime-scale cannot deposit itself in your home’s pipework and appliances.
Because this process does not alter the chemical hardness (TDS) of the water, all the beneficial minerals are retained, but the problem of lime-scale build up is eradicated.
The unit is very easy to install yourself, with no plumber required. It works with both metal and plastic piping and comes with the necessary cables for pipes up to 28mm diameter.
Value for money
The model provides exceptional value for money as it is cheap to purchase, comes with a lifetime guarantee, requires no maintenance, and incurs minimal running costs.
Ideal for...
This particular model is recommended for:
- Households looking for an economical solution to water hardness
- Those looking for an eco-friendly solution
- Households where the water is light to moderately hard
Warranty
Eddy Water Descalers provide a lifetime guarantee against unit failure. It also provides a 12-month money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with the performance of the unit in any way.
Other points for buyers to note
- It has achieved 99% customer satisfaction over 14 years – with only 1% of units returned according to the warranty
- Customers regularly comment about the low running costs per year (minimal impact on the electricity bill)
- It may need to be given a period of 2-3 months to really start clearing pipes of lime-scale – give it time to work!
- In areas where the water is excessively hard, some users have commented that the unit is less effective
4. Eco+ Whole House Water Filter System & Salt-Free Water Softener - #1 Filter and Softener Combination in the UK
Manufacturer
Water Filter Man is a well-established West Midlands-based company specialising in water filtration systems and water purification.
It is known not only for de-scaling and softening products, but for products that filter and purify water in an environmentally friendly, convenient, and cost-effective way.
Appearance
The Eco+ system is a blue plastic dual-filter unit. It is 21cm deep x 48cm wide x 49cm high, and is very lightweight, at just 10Kg.
Installation, operation, and maintenance
This unit is different in three key respects to those already described.
Firstly, it is salt-free. It requires no blocks, crystals or tablets, and there is no ‘regeneration’ process. Secondly, it not only softens the household water, but purifies it too, using its dual-tank water filtration system. Thirdly, it requires no power supply (unlike the W2B200).
The first filter acts to filter levels of compounds such as chlorine and heavy metals, thereby making the water free of impurities, tastes, and odours. It also has an antibacterial filter media to help inhibit bacterial growth within the filter and to extend its life.
The second filter provides a chemical and salt-free water softener that the manufacturer states is 99.6% effective at de-scaling and preventing future scale build up. A process called Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) conditions the water, converting the calcium and magnesium into inactive microscopic crystals.
The filters need replacing periodically: every year (or 200,000 litres usage) is recommended for the first filter and every three years (or 750,000 litres usage) for the scale prevention cartridge.
Installation is generally by a plumber. It can be wall-mounted and should be connected in-line with the cold mains water pipe. It is supplied with ¾-inch BSP threaded fittings for installation.
Value for money
The model provides great value for money as it does two jobs at once and generates minimal running costs for the homeowner. It's the best choice if you are looking to purchase a combo of whole house water filtration system and an efficient water softener.
Ideal for...
This particular model is recommended for:
- Small families up to 3 or 4 people
- Those looking for water purification as well as softening
- Households keen to keep running costs down
- Those who want a an eco-friendly solution
Warranty
Water Filter Man provides a 3-year guarantee on system parts and fixings. This excludes the filter cartridge, which should be replaced as required.
Other points for buyers to note
- If you want a water softener without the extra filter, the same company manufactures a smaller, softening-only unit at a lower price, using the same softening technology.
- Users comment that a high flow rate is maintained and that the system has minimal impact on water pressure
- It works in homes with appliances sensitive to pressure including cold feed electric showers and Combi boilers
Summary
The four units outlined above should cover most of the options for any UK homeowner looking for an effective water softening unit.
While personal preferences will be different, and none of the units are 100 percent perfect, each has received excellent feedback and reviews from users. The manufacturers are all well-established and provide good (in some cases, excellent) warranties and service to back up their products.
The stand-out solution that has consistently received the best Amazon reviews is the Water2Buy model, which combines very efficient performance with an attractive price-point, manageable running costs, and a 7-year warranty. When you add its easy installation process and compatibility with UK heating and plumbing systems, it leads the pack.
If you are looking for a similarly-priced solution that filters and purifies the water, as well as softening it, consider the Eco+ Whole House Water Filter System & Softener.
For those who want to spend a little less, or would prefer a salt-free softener, then the Eddy Electronic Water Descaler is a good choice in areas where the water is not excessively hard.
Also, if you a resident of the US, we recommend you to check these reviews instead, when shopping for a water softener.
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