Aquasana SimplySoft 40K
A certified, salt efficient cabinet softener for a family of up to five on city water. Pick it over cheaper uncertified units if you want verified salt savings.
Amazon $749$749
The Aquasana SimplySoft 40K and the Whirlpool WHES40 are evenly matched, rated 3.5 and 3.4. The Aquasana SimplySoft 40K leads on flow and warranty. The Whirlpool WHES40 wins on value and salt efficiency. The Whirlpool WHES40 costs $169.01 less ($579.99 vs $749).
Whirlpool WHES40
A good value 40,000 grain softener for a family of three to five, with certified salt efficiency and strong iron handling.
Blain's Farm & Fleet $579.99$579.99
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 Aquasana SimplySoft 40K for flow (11 gpm service flow vs 7.6 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).
- Choose the Whirlpool WHES40 for value ($14.50 per 1,000 grains ($579.99, 40,000 grains) vs $18.72 per 1,000 grains ($749, 40,000 grains)) and salt efficiency (5,094 grains per lb of salt vs 4,423 grains per lb of salt).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 32,001 to 48,000 grains water softener; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Aquasana SimplySoft 40K | Whirlpool WHES40 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 43 $18.72 per 1,000 grains ($749, 40,000 grains) | 66 $14.50 per 1,000 grains ($579.99, 40,000 grains) |
| Salt efficiency 20% | 71 4,423 grains per lb of salt | 100 5,094 grains per lb of salt |
| Flow 15% | 50 11 gpm service flow | 0 7.6 gpm service flow |
| Warranty 25% | 44 5 years on the valve, 10 years on the tanks | 22 3 years on the valve, 10 years on the tanks |
| Certification 10% | 100 certified to NSF/ANSI 44 | 100 certified to NSF/ANSI 44 |
Specifications
| Aquasana SimplySoft 40K | Whirlpool WHES40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated capacity | 40,000 grains | 40,000 grains |
| Resin | 1 cu ft | 1.1 cu ft |
| Service flow | 11 gpm | 7.6 gpm |
| Salt efficiency | 4,423 grains per lb | 5,094 grains per lb |
| Highest hardness | 200 gpg | 125 gpg |
| Highest iron | 1 ppm | 10 ppm |
| Control | ||
| Valve | - | Whirlpool demand valve |
| Regenerates on demand | Yes | Yes |
| App or remote monitoring | No | No |
| Bypass valve included | Yes | - |
| Resin tank | 10 x 35 in | - |
| Certification and warranty | ||
| NSF/ANSI 44 | Yes | Yes |
| Valve warranty | 5 years | 3 years |
| Tank warranty | 10 years | 10 years |