Rheem Preferred RHS32
A certified demand softener for one to four people that also reduces barium and radium, a plus on some well water.
Home Depot $489$489
The Rheem Preferred RHS32 is the better water softener overall, rated 3.7 to 3.1. The Rheem Preferred RHS32 leads on value and certification. The AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT 32K wins on flow and warranty. The Rheem Preferred RHS32 costs $296 less ($489 vs $785).
AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT 32K
A plain Fleck 5600SXT softener for one to three people on moderately hard water, for buyers who want a valve any local shop can service.
Amazon $785$785
Prices were last checked November 1, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Rheem Preferred RHS32 for value ($15.28 per 1,000 grains ($489, 32,000 grains) vs $24.53 per 1,000 grains ($785, 32,000 grains)) and certification (certified to NSF/ANSI 44 vs not certified to NSF/ANSI 44).
- Choose the AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT 32K for flow (12 gpm service flow vs 7.9 gpm service flow) and warranty (5 years on the valve, 10 years on the tanks vs 3 years on the valve, 10 years on the tanks).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every up to 32,000 grains water softener; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Rheem Preferred RHS32 | AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT 32K |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 77 $15.28 per 1,000 grains ($489, 32,000 grains) | 33 $24.53 per 1,000 grains ($785, 32,000 grains) |
| Salt efficiency 20% | 97 4,940 grains per lb of salt | 50 salt efficiency not published (neutral score used) |
| Flow 15% | 32 7.9 gpm service flow | 100 12 gpm service flow |
| Warranty 25% | 22 3 years on the valve, 10 years on the tanks | 44 5 years on the valve, 10 years on the tanks |
| Certification 10% | 100 certified to NSF/ANSI 44 | 0 not certified to NSF/ANSI 44 |
Specifications
| Rheem Preferred RHS32 | AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT 32K | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated capacity | 32,000 grains | 32,000 grains |
| Resin | 0.9 cu ft | - |
| Service flow | 7.9 gpm | 12 gpm |
| Salt efficiency | 4,940 grains per lb | - |
| Highest hardness | 105 gpg | - |
| Highest iron | 8 ppm | - |
| Control | ||
| Valve | Rheem demand valve | Fleck 5600SXT |
| Regenerates on demand | Yes | Yes |
| App or remote monitoring | No | No |
| Bypass valve included | Yes | Yes |
| Certification and warranty | ||
| NSF/ANSI 44 | Yes | No |
| Valve warranty | 3 years | 5 years |
| Tank warranty | 10 years | 10 years |