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 2.9. The Rheem Preferred RHS32 leads on certification and warranty. The Rheem Preferred RHS32 costs $20 less ($489 vs $509).
Tier1 Essential 32,000 Grain
A budget metered softener for one to three people on city water, for buyers who want the lowest upfront cost and accept a short valve warranty.
Amazon $509$509
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 certification (certified to NSF/ANSI 44 vs not certified to NSF/ANSI 44) and warranty (3 years on the valve, 10 years on the tanks vs 1 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 | Tier1 Essential 32,000 Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Value 30% | 77 $15.28 per 1,000 grains ($489, 32,000 grains) | 74 $15.91 per 1,000 grains ($509, 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 | 50 service flow not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 25% | 22 3 years on the valve, 10 years on the tanks | 0 1 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 | Tier1 Essential 32,000 Grain | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated capacity | 32,000 grains | 32,000 grains |
| Resin | 0.9 cu ft | 1 cu ft |
| Service flow | 7.9 gpm | - |
| Salt efficiency | 4,940 grains per lb | - |
| Highest hardness | 105 gpg | - |
| Highest iron | 8 ppm | 0.3 ppm |
| Control | ||
| Valve | Rheem demand valve | Tier1 ceramic disc metered valve |
| Regenerates on demand | Yes | Yes |
| App or remote monitoring | No | No |
| Bypass valve included | Yes | Yes |
| Resin tank | - | 9 x 53 in |
| Certification and warranty | ||
| NSF/ANSI 44 | Yes | No |
| Valve warranty | 3 years | 1 year |
| Tank warranty | 10 years | 10 years |