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
3.6/5
A low-cost, NSF certified demand softener for a small household on city water, with excellent salt efficiency.
- 30,000 grainsCapacity
- 7.3 gpmService flow
- 5,094 gr/lbSalt efficiency
- YesNSF/ANSI 44
Check price at Blain's Farm & Fleet$469.99
Price checked November 1, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pros
- Uses very little salt per regeneration, rated over 5,000 grains per pound at its low setting
- Certified by NSF for capacity and salt efficiency
- Bypass valve comes in the box
Cons
- Low 7.3 gpm service flow suits one or two bathrooms, not a big house
- Only one year of full parts coverage unless you keep buying the cleanser
The Whirlpool WHES family
Every Whirlpool WHES model we rank, smallest first. Ratings compare each against its own size.
| Model | Capacity | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whirlpool WHES30 (this one) | 30,000 grains | 3.6/5 | $469.99 |
| Whirlpool WHES40 | 40,000 grains | 3.4/5 | $579.99 |
| Whirlpool WHES48 PRO | 48,000 grains | 3.8/5 | $679.99 |
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 | WHES30 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | |
| Rated capacity | 30,000 grains |
| Resin | 0.8 cu ft |
| Service flow | 7.3 gpm |
| Salt efficiency | 5,094 grains per lb |
| Highest hardness | 95 gpg |
| Highest iron | 8 ppm |
| Control | |
| Valve | Whirlpool 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
Aquasure Harmony 32K
A low cost metered softener for a small household on city or well water that wants the basics done cheaply. Buyers who want verified salt efficiency should look at a certified model.
Amazon $523.29$523.29
SoftPro Elite 32,000 Grain
A premium small softener for buyers who want long warranty cover and lower salt use and will pay well above budget brands for it.
Amazon $1,159$1,159
Compare
Compare the Whirlpool WHES30 with any other water softener →
More from Whirlpool: every Whirlpool product ranked.