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
3.7/5
A well rounded certified softener for a family of up to six on hard city or well water.
- 42,000 grainsCapacity
- 9.9 gpmService flow
- 5,010 gr/lbSalt efficiency
- YesNSF/ANSI 44
Check price at Home Depot$549
Price checked November 1, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pros
- Near 10 gpm service flow for a family house
- Handles hard water to 140 gpg and iron to 11 ppm
- Built-in self-cleaning sediment filter
Cons
- Sold only at Home Depot
- No app or remote alerts (that is the RHW42)
The Rheem Preferred RHS family
Every Rheem Preferred RHS model we rank, smallest first. Ratings compare each against its own size.
| Model | Capacity | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rheem Preferred RHS32 | 32,000 grains | 3.7/5 | $489 |
| Rheem Preferred Plus RHS42 (this one) | 42,000 grains | 3.7/5 | $549 |
How it scores
The rating comes from 5 measured or published factors, each scored 0-100 against fixed reference points for its size. How we rank explains each one.
Specifications
| Model number | RHS42 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | |
| Rated capacity | 42,000 grains |
| Resin | 1.2 cu ft |
| Service flow | 9.9 gpm |
| Salt efficiency | 5,010 grains per lb |
| Highest hardness | 140 gpg |
| Highest iron | 11 ppm |
| Control | |
| Valve | Rheem demand valve |
| Regenerates on demand | Yes |
| App or remote monitoring | No |
| Bypass valve included | Yes |
| Certification and warranty | |
| NSF/ANSI 44 | Yes |
| Valve warranty | 3 years |
| Tank warranty | 10 years |
Alternatives in this size
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
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
Compare
Compare the Rheem Preferred Plus RHS42 with any other water softener →
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