Kinetico water softener comparison
Compare Six Kinetico Water Softeners
Compare the Supersoft HE, Supersoft HF, Sumo 1, Sumo 2, nuWave 800 and Supersoft Pro by plumbing type, operation, flow demand and installation requirements.
Start with your plumbing
Which Kinetico Water Softener Is Right for You?
Household size alone is not enough to select a softener. Confirm your boiler and plumbing arrangement, incoming water pressure, peak flow, water hardness, available space and preferred operating type.
Supersoft HE
Best suited toVented or gravity-fed plumbing
OperationNon-electric twin tank
Supersoft HF
Best suited toCombi boilers and unvented systems
OperationNon-electric twin tank
Sumo 1
Best suited toModerate demand and harder water
OperationNon-electric single tank
Sumo 2
Best suited toHigher hardness and heavier demand
OperationNon-electric single tank
nuWave 800
Best suited toCustomers who prefer electronic control
OperationElectric single cabinet
Supersoft Pro
Best suited toLarger and higher-flow installations
OperationNon-electric twin tank
Side-by-side comparison
Kinetico Water Softener Comparison Table
Use this table as an initial guide. Final suitability depends on the full installation assessment and the current manufacturer specification.
| Model | Operation | Design | Primary suitability | Key specification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supersoft HE | Non-electric | Twin tank | Vented and gravity-fed plumbing | 25 L/min listed service flow |
| Supersoft HF | Non-electric | Twin tank | Pressurised, combi and unvented systems | 33 L/min listed service flow |
| Sumo 1 | Non-electric | Single tank | Compact installations and moderate demand | Up to 30 L/min at 1 bar pressure drop |
| Sumo 2 | Non-electric | Single tank | Higher hardness and greater demand | Up to 35 L/min at 1 bar pressure drop |
| nuWave 800 | Electric | Single cabinet | Programmable electronic operation | Compact 244 mm cabinet width |
| Supersoft Pro | Non-electric | Twin tank with separate brine tank | High-flow and larger installations | Listed flow range up to 45 L/min |
The most important distinction
Supersoft HE or Supersoft HF?
The cabinets are the same size, but they are intended for different plumbing arrangements. Check the system type before ordering.
Choose Supersoft HE
- Vented or gravity-fed plumbing
- 25 L/min listed service flow
- Non-electric twin-tank operation
- Continuous softened-water supply
Choose Supersoft HF
- Pressurised or unvented plumbing
- Combi-boiler installations
- 33 L/min listed service flow
- Non-electric twin-tank operation
Model details
Compare the Kinetico Range
Review the main differences below, then check the individual product page for dimensions, connection requirements, salt compatibility and current specifications.
Kinetico Supersoft HE
A compact, non-electric twin-tank softener intended for vented and gravity-fed plumbing arrangements.
- Non-electric operation
- Twin-tank design
- Continuous softened water
- 25 L/min listed service flow
- Compact cabinet
Kinetico Supersoft HF
The higher-flow Supersoft option for pressurised plumbing, combi boilers and unvented hot-water systems.
- Non-electric operation
- Twin-tank design
- Continuous softened water
- 33 L/min listed service flow
- Same compact cabinet size as HE
Kinetico Sumo 1
A compact, water-powered softener with demand-led regeneration and no electrical connection or electronic timer.
- Non-electric operation
- Single-tank design
- Demand-led regeneration
- Up to 30 L/min at 1 bar pressure drop
- Maximum stated hardness of 525 mg/L as CaCO₃
Kinetico Sumo 2
The larger Sumo model for harder water, greater softening capacity and heavier household water use.
- Non-electric operation
- Single-tank design
- Demand-led regeneration
- Up to 35 L/min at 1 bar pressure drop
- Maximum stated hardness of 850 mg/L as CaCO₃
Kinetico nuWave 800
An electric, demand-controlled cabinet softener for customers who prefer programmable electronic operation.
- Electric metered operation
- Single-cabinet design
- Demand-controlled regeneration
- Compact 244 mm cabinet width
- Alternative to water-powered operation
Kinetico Supersoft Pro
A high-flow, non-electric twin-tank softener with a separate brine tank and greater salt-storage capacity.
- Non-electric twin-tank operation
- Listed flow range up to 45 L/min
- 25 kg tablet-salt capacity
- 1-inch male BSP connections
- Designed for higher-flow installations
Four checks before ordering
How to Choose a Kinetico Water Softener
Confirm the Plumbing Type
Identify whether the home uses gravity-fed, vented, combi-boiler, unvented or another pressurised arrangement. This is essential when choosing between Supersoft HE and HF.
Check Flow and Hardness
Measure incoming flow and confirm the local water hardness. Harder water and greater simultaneous demand can require more capacity.
Measure the Installation Space
Allow room for the cabinet, bypass, connections, drain, overflow and future salt filling. Product dimensions alone do not represent the complete installation.
Choose the Operating Style
Select water-powered non-electric operation or programmable electronic control. Confirm the correct salt type for the chosen model as well.
Water-powered operation
Why Choose a Non-Electric Softener?
- No electrical socket required
- Regeneration controlled by water use
- No electronic timer to programme
- Suitable for a range of installation arrangements
Continuous softened water
Why Choose a Twin-Tank Softener?
- One resin tank can work while the other regenerates
- Continuous supply of softened water
- Useful in busy and higher-demand households
- Available across the Supersoft range
Long-term ownership
Whichever model you choose, correct salt use, routine checks and timely servicing will help maintain reliable performance.
Ready to compare prices?
Shop Kinetico Water Softeners
View all six models together, compare current prices and open the full product specifications.
Helpful answers
Kinetico Water Softener FAQs
Which Kinetico water softener is best?
There is no single best model for every property. Supersoft HE suits vented and gravity-fed systems, Supersoft HF suits pressurised and unvented systems, the Sumo models provide non-electric single-tank options, nuWave 800 provides electric control and Supersoft Pro targets the highest flow demand.
What is the difference between Supersoft HE and HF?
Supersoft HE is intended for vented and gravity-fed plumbing and has a listed 25 L/min service flow. Supersoft HF is intended for pressurised, combi-boiler and unvented systems and has a listed 33 L/min service flow.
What is the difference between Sumo 1 and Sumo 2?
Sumo 2 provides greater stated flow and hardness capacity. Sumo 1 offers up to 30 L/min at a 1 bar pressure drop and a maximum stated hardness of 525 mg/L as CaCO₃. Sumo 2 increases these figures to 35 L/min and 850 mg/L.
Are Kinetico water softeners non-electric?
Many are. Supersoft HE, Supersoft HF, Sumo 1, Sumo 2 and Supersoft Pro operate without electricity. The nuWave 800 is the electric, demand-controlled option in this comparison.
Which Kinetico softener suits a combi boiler?
Supersoft HF is the Supersoft model intended for pressurised plumbing, including combi-boiler and unvented hot-water installations. The complete property and flow requirements should still be checked before ordering.
Does a Kinetico softener need professional installation?
Professional installation is recommended. The installation must account for the incoming main, pressure, bypass, connections, non-return protection, drain, overflow and access for salt filling and servicing.
How much does a Kinetico water softener cost?
The cost depends on the model, required flow rate, plumbing arrangement, installation requirements and any additional connection or bypass components. Compare our current Kinetico water softener prices or contact us for help choosing the appropriate model before ordering.
How long does a Kinetico water softener last?
There is no fixed lifespan for every installation. A correctly sized and professionally installed Kinetico water softener can provide many years of service. Its working life depends on water hardness, household usage, installation quality, salt management and ongoing maintenance. Using the correct salt and addressing servicing requirements promptly will help support reliable long-term operation.
Friendly Expert Support
Need Help Choosing a Kinetico Softener?
Tell us your boiler type, number of bathrooms, incoming flow, water hardness and available installation space. We will help you narrow the suitable models before you order.
