A low cost large capacity Fleck softener for big households or very hard water, for buyers comfortable with an uncertified, seller-built system.
Amazon $895The AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT 64K is the better water softener overall, rated 3.1 to 2.8. The Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain wins on value. The Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain costs $146 less ($749 vs $895).
A cheap large capacity softener for big households on city water, for buyers who want capacity on a budget and accept a short valve warranty.
Amazon $749Prices 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 Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain for value ($11.70 per 1,000 grains ($749, 64,000 grains) vs $13.98 per 1,000 grains ($895, 64,000 grains)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every over 48,000 grains water softener; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT 64K | Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 30% | 51 $13.98 per 1,000 grains ($895, 64,000 grains) | 67 $11.70 per 1,000 grains ($749, 64,000 grains) |
| Salt efficiency 20% | 50 salt efficiency not published (neutral score used) | 50 salt efficiency not published (neutral score used) |
| Flow 15% | 50 service flow not published (neutral score used) | 50 service flow not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 25% | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) | 0 1 years on the valve, 10 years on the tanks |
| Certification 10% | 0 not certified to NSF/ANSI 44 | 0 not certified to NSF/ANSI 44 |
Specifications
| AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT 64K | Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated capacity | 64,000 grains | 64,000 grains |
| Resin | 2 cu ft | 2 cu ft |
| Highest iron | - | 0.3 ppm |
| Control | ||
| Valve | Fleck 5600SXT | Tier1 ceramic disc metered valve |
| Regenerates on demand | Yes | Yes |
| App or remote monitoring | No | No |
| Bypass valve included | Yes | Yes |
| Resin tank | - | 12 x 57 in |
| Certification and warranty | ||
| NSF/ANSI 44 | No | No |
| Valve warranty | - | 1 year |
| Tank warranty | - | 10 years |
