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 and the Whirlpool WHES30 are evenly matched, rated 3.7 and 3.6. The Rheem Preferred RHS32 leads on flow. The Whirlpool WHES30 costs $19.01 less ($469.99 vs $489).
Whirlpool WHES30
A low-cost, NSF certified demand softener for a small household on city water, with excellent salt efficiency.
Blain's Farm & Fleet $469.99$469.99
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 Rheem Preferred RHS32 for flow (7.9 gpm service flow vs 7.3 gpm service flow).
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 | Whirlpool WHES30 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value 30% | 77 $15.28 per 1,000 grains ($489, 32,000 grains) | 75 $15.67 per 1,000 grains ($469.99, 30,000 grains) |
| Salt efficiency 20% | 97 4,940 grains per lb of salt | 100 5,094 grains per lb of salt |
| Flow 15% | 32 7.9 gpm service flow | 22 7.3 gpm service flow |
| Warranty 25% | 22 3 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
| Rheem Preferred RHS32 | Whirlpool WHES30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated capacity | 32,000 grains | 30,000 grains |
| Resin | 0.9 cu ft | 0.8 cu ft |
| Service flow | 7.9 gpm | 7.3 gpm |
| Salt efficiency | 4,940 grains per lb | 5,094 grains per lb |
| Highest hardness | 105 gpg | 95 gpg |
| Highest iron | 8 ppm | 8 ppm |
| Control | ||
| Valve | Rheem demand valve | Whirlpool demand valve |
| Regenerates on demand | Yes | Yes |
| App or remote monitoring | No | No |
| Bypass valve included | Yes | Yes |
| Certification and warranty | ||
| NSF/ANSI 44 | Yes | Yes |
| Valve warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Tank warranty | 10 years | 10 years |