Whirlpool WHES48 PRO
A strong all-round pick for larger families on hard city or well water: high flow, certified efficiency and a longer parts warranty for the price.
Blain's Farm & Fleet $679.99$679.99
The Whirlpool WHES48 PRO is the better water softener overall, rated 3.8 to 3.4. The Whirlpool WHES48 PRO leads on flow. The Whirlpool WHES40 costs $100 less ($579.99 vs $679.99).
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 Whirlpool WHES48 PRO for flow (11.9 gpm service flow vs 7.6 gpm service flow).
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 | Whirlpool WHES48 PRO | Whirlpool WHES40 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 68 $14.17 per 1,000 grains ($679.99, 48,000 grains) | 66 $14.50 per 1,000 grains ($579.99, 40,000 grains) |
| Salt efficiency 20% | 100 5,090 grains per lb of salt | 100 5,094 grains per lb of salt |
| Flow 15% | 65 11.9 gpm service flow | 0 7.6 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
| Whirlpool WHES48 PRO | Whirlpool WHES40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated capacity | 48,000 grains | 40,000 grains |
| Resin | 1.3 cu ft | 1.1 cu ft |
| Service flow | 11.9 gpm | 7.6 gpm |
| Salt efficiency | 5,090 grains per lb | 5,094 grains per lb |
| Highest hardness | 160 gpg | 125 gpg |
| Highest iron | 12 ppm | 10 ppm |
| Control | ||
| Valve | Whirlpool demand valve | Whirlpool demand valve |
| Regenerates on demand | Yes | Yes |
| App or remote monitoring | No | No |
| Bypass valve included | Yes | - |
| Certification and warranty | ||
| NSF/ANSI 44 | Yes | Yes |
| Valve warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Tank warranty | 10 years | 10 years |