3 Best GE Water Softeners in 2020 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
By Anna A. MadsenLast Updated on 
GE water softeners are great value for money products that deliver excellent performance when it comes to supplying soft water to your household. GE, a trademark of General Electric and a branch of Haier Group, is a renowned brand with proven customer satisfaction. So, we have listed out the three best GE water softeners with their detailed reviews in this write-up.
In the end, we have also included basic things to look for in a water softener before loosening your wallet.
Let’s get started.
GE GXSH40V water softener
If you have a medium-sized household with up to five members, we recommend you to go for the GE GXSH40V water softener. This product delivers effective performance and is easy to install and operate.
Quick Summary of the Best GE Water Softeners
| Product Image | Product Name | |
|---|---|---|
 |
Compactly Designed Water Softener with Durability
GE GXSH40V Water Softener
The GE GXSH40V water softener is best suited for households with up to 5 members. The compact design offers the capacity of 95 grains per gallon hardness removal so that your household is never deprived of soft water. |
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 |
Most Affordable GE Water Softener
GE GXSF30V Water Softener
The GE GXSF30V is the most affordable water softener on our list. But, due to the limited flow rate, this water softener is best suited for a household with a maximum up to 3 members. |
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 |
Best Economical and Easy to Use Water Softener
GE GXSH45V Water Softener
This model is similar to the above two products with few upgrades such as improved iron filter capacity, better hardness removing capacity, and low water consumption. This water softener is suitable for a household of five members. |
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Best GE Water Softeners of 2020 - Reviewed
GE GXSH40V Water Softener
Features Highlights
- Durable design,
- High flow rate,
- Meter-based water regeneration,
- Automatic flush,
- High performance,
- Easy to install,
- NSF and CSA certified product.
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
0.1 x 50 x 26 inches
-
Weight:
100 pounds
-
Grain Capacities:
40,200 grains
-
Flow Rate:
9.5 Gallons per minute
-
Water Consumption:
35.5 gallons of water in two hours of regeneration time
-
Number of People:
Maximum up to 5
The GE GXSH40V water softener is best suited for households with up to 5 members. The compact design offers the capacity of 95 grains per gallon hardness removal so that your household is never deprived of soft water. Moreover, with automatic technology and easy installation steps, the GXSH40V is very effective and efficient at what it does.
Meter-based Water Regeneration
The GXSH40V model filters 40,200 grains of hard minerals in a single tank and initiates water regeneration only after the tank reaches its filtering capacity. It keeps track of the amount of water used and activates the regeneration cycle accordingly. This system helps to minimize water wastage and makes sure your household is always supplied with soft water.
NSF and CSA certified
The GXSH40V water softener is certified by NSF and CSA. This certification guarantees the following:
- Material safety
- Accuracy in the brine system
- Standard pressure drop
- Standard water softening
- Wholesome structure
Thus you can put your trust into this water softener as a decent machine for your household.
High Flow Rate
The flow rate in the GE GXSH40V is 9.5 gallons per minute which should be enough to supply a household of five members. You won’t notice pressure drop even when multiple outlets are on. Moreover, this model consumes very less electricity so that you save energy as well as money.
High Performance
This product does an excellent job of supplying soft water to a medium-sized household without any interruption. The GXSH40V system removes up to 10 ppm of iron per gallon of water and has a capacity of 40,000 grain per regeneration cycle. Further, this model performs better than other GE products, with salt consumption of 5,080 grains per pound.
In addition, the SmartSoft technology tracks the pattern of water usage of your household and adjusts its settings to provide a continuous supply of soft water. This technology also optimizes the system for better performance and high water output. The GE blending valve allows you to customize the system settings for getting the exact level of water softness as you require.
Durability
Like the GXSF30V model, the GXSH40V also has a 1-year warranty on all the. The warranty is further added to 3 years of electronic monitor and 10 years for brine and resin tank.
Pros
- Easy to install and use
- Metered-based water regeneration to minimize wastage
- SmartSoft technology learns the water usage pattern and provides continuous soft water supply
- Low maintenance cost
- NSF and CSA certified
- Removes 125 grains of hardness per gallon
Cons
- Lower iron removal capacity
- Not suitable for larger households
Our Verdict
The GE GXSH40V is a great water softener that comes at a reasonable price. It is easy to install and anyone can operate it without any difficulty. If you have a medium family of 5 members, the GXSH40V is just the product for your soft water needs.
GE GXSF30V Water Softener
Features Highlights
- Durable design,
- Meter-based water regeneration,
- Automatic flush,
- High performance,
- Easy to install.
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
22.5 x 14.4 x 43.2 inches
-
Weight:
80 pounds
-
Grain Capacities:
30,400 grains
-
Flow Rate:
7.5 Gallons per minute
-
Water Consumption:
35.5 gallons of water in two hours of regeneration time
-
Number of People:
Maximum up to 3
The GE GXSF30V is the most affordable water softener on our list. But don’t get confused, it can handle extreme hardness like any high-tech water softener you can find in the market. However, due to the limited flow rate, this water softener is best suited for a household with up to 3 members.
Automatic Flush
The GE GXSF30V features a control that keeps track of water used daily. The system feeds the salt into the resin tank according to the reading and automatically flushes it as per the requirement of the household.
Intelligent Regeneration
The GXSF30V system calculates the amount of water consumption in the house. And based on the reading, the system automatically changes its settings to meet the demand.
Digital Display
You can check the system performance status in the digital display. You can keep track of daily water consumption, the time before the system needs to regenerate, and the water flow rate. And whenever the machine is low on salt, the display bleeps to warn you about it. The bleeping continues until you refill the salt tank and reset the settings.
Meter-based Water Regeneration
GE GXSF30V model keeps track of the amount of water used and activates the regeneration cycle accordingly. This technology helps to minimize water wastage and makes sure your household is always supplied with soft water.
Effective Performance
This product is designed to serve small households. And we must say it does an excellent job. The 7.5 gallons per minute flow rate is more than enough for a family of three. The GXSF30V system removes up to 95 grains of hard minerals per gallon of water and has a capacity of 30,400 grain capacity per regeneration cycle. Finally, the system is capable of removing 7 ppm of iron per gallon of water which makes this product an excellent mid-end water softener.
Effortless Installation
The product comes with a guide on how to install a water softener. If you have a bit of experience in plumbing then you can easily install the product. You can hire a plumber if you have any difficulty while installing the system.
Durability
GE brand has provided a 1-year warranty on all the parts of GXSF30V. The warranty is further extended to 3 years for electronic monitor and 10 years for brine and resin tank. We can assure you that you won’t be needing to use the warranty as the product is durable with a high-quality build.
Pros
- The digital control head allows quick and easy setup
- Metered- based regeneration
- Easy installation steps
- Low maintenance cost
- NSF certified
- Removes 7 ppm of iron particles from the water
Cons
- Not suitable for bigger households
- Has a limitation in use with a maximum of 1-inch pipe
Our Verdict
If you live in a small household with a maximum of three members, then the GE GXSF30V model is the best water softener for you. This product comes at an affordable price and delivers optimum performance. The features in the GXSF30V along with its high-quality build should serve you well for years.
GE GXSH45V Water Softener
Features Highlights
- Durable design,
- High flow rate,
- Meter-based water regeneration,
- Environment-friendly operation,
- High performance,
- Easy to install.
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
0.1 x 50 x 26 inches
-
Weight:
119 pound
-
Grain Capacities:
45,100 grains
-
Flow Rate:
9.5 Gallons per minute
-
Water Consumption:
22.8 gallons of water during regeneration
-
Number of People:
Maximum up to 5
The GE GXSH45V is just like the GXSH40V model, but with a few upgrades such as improved iron filter capacity, better hardness removing capacity, and low water consumption. This water softener is suitable for a household of five members.
Meter-based Water Regeneration
The GXSH45V model filters 45,100 grains of hard minerals. The system initiates water regeneration only after the tank reaches its filtering capacity. It monitors the amount of water used and sets the regeneration cycle accordingly. This technology minimizes water wastage and makes sure your household is always supplied with soft water.
NSF and CSA certified: The GXSH45V water softener is certified by NSF and CSA. This means the product assures:
- Material safety
- Accuracy in the brine system
- Standard pressure drop
- Standard water softening
- Wholesome structure
High Flow Rate
The GE GXSH45V has a flow rate of 9.5 gallons per minute which should be enough to supply a household of five members. You can set this water softener with a 1.25-inch pipe without noticing any pressure drop even when multiple outlets are on. Moreover, this model consumes very less electricity so that it helps to save your money on electricity bills.
High Performance
This product does an excellent job of supplying soft water to a medium-sized household without any interruption. The GXSH40V system removes up to 12 ppm of iron per gallon of water and has a capacity of 45,100 grain capacity per regeneration cycle. The capacity of 160 grains per gallon makes this water softener a great option for hard water areas.
Further, the SmartSoft technology tracks the pattern of water usage of your household and adjusts its settings to provide a continuous supply of soft water. Similar to the GXSH40V, this product also optimizes its system for better performance and high soft water output. The GE blending valve allows you to customize the system settings for getting the exact level of water softness as you require.
Eco-Friendly
SmartSoft technology tracks the amount of daily water use in the household and predicts future water needs. It regenerates water accordingly. As compared to previous GE water softener models, the GXSH45V consumes 35% less water during regeneration. Such technology helps to minimize water wastage. Further, the machine consumes very low power and helps save energy.
Durability
Like the GXSF30V model, the GXSH40V also has a 1-year warranty on all the parts. The warranty is further added to 3 years of electronic monitor and 10 years for brine and resin tank.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Metered regeneration for efficient water regeneration
- SmartSoft technology predicts future water demand and supplies without interruption
- Low maintenance cost
- 35% less water consumption
- NSF and CSA certified product
- Removes up to 12ppm of iron
Cons
- Short life as compared to other models
Our Verdict
The GE GXSH45V is easy to install and ready to use the product with good customer feedback. It uses very less salt during regeneration as compared to other brands. Furthermore, it consumes 35% less water consumption which helps to save water. It is a great product with even greater performance.
Comparison Table of the Three Models
| SN | GE Water Softener Model | Dimensions | Weight | Flow Rate | Tank | Grain Capacity | Metered Regen | No. of People | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GE GXSF30V | 22.5 x 14.4 x 43.2 inches | 80 pounds | 7.5 Gallons per minute | Single | 30,100 grains | Yes | up to 3 | 1 year - all system parts 3 years - electronic monitor 10 years - brine and resin tank |
| 2 | GE GXSH40V | 0.1 x 50 x 26 inches | 100 pounds | 9.5 Gallons per minute | Single | 40,200 grains | Yes | up to 5 | 1 year - all system parts 3 years - electronic monitor 10 years - brine and resin tank |
| 3 | GE GXSH45V | 0.1 x 50 x 26 inches | 119 pounds | 9.5 Gallons per minute | Single | 45,100 grains | Yes | up to 5 | 1 year - all system parts 3 years - electronic monitor 10 years - brine and resin tank |
Our Pick
All the three GE water softeners we listed above are excellent. However, if we have to point out one particular product, it would be the GE GXSH40V water softener. Here are the reasons for it:
- Hassle-free operation and almost no maintenance cost
- 9.5 gallon per minute flow rate that supports 1.25-inch pipe
- SmartSoft technology for minimal water wastage
- Status light indicator on electronic controls
- Programmable settings for desired water softness level
Reasons To Buy GE Water Softeners
GE is one of the most trusted brands in the water system industry. But what makes GE a good choice and a tough competitor in the market?
Here are the reasons:
Affordability: GE manufactures high-quality water softeners in varying price ranges. You can choose the one that best matches your needs and budget.
Easy To Use: You probably dislike putting an extra effort, right? Well, its human nature! But with GE water softeners, you need to put a minimum effort. Everything can be set to automatic control.
Refilling the salt is without any doubt the most annoying task when it comes to water softeners. But the GE features an angled lid with a large opening in every model to make the salt refilling process quick and easy. Moreover, a built-in control panel warns you when the salt is running low as well as the time left before you need to refill the brine tank.
Smart Technology: GE installs smart technology in its every water softeners so that you can experience improved and effortless water softening process. The system tracks the water usage patterns in your house and adjusts regeneration time and frequency accordingly.
Each machine comes with a Custom Select Blending Valve that allows you to select the water softness level as an output. Simply set the valve and get the exact softness level you require.
Low Running Cost: GE water softeners require very low maintenance costs. They use salt very efficiently and consume less power. This helps keep the detergent bill and the electricity bill as low as possible. Water wastage is also a minimum. Besides, all the latest GE water softeners are designed in a way that they are efficient as well as budget-friendly (and that includes capital cost and the running cost).
Eco-Friendly: As mentioned above, the GE water softeners consume less salt and power for operating. This directly or indirectly makes a positive impact on the environment. The water wastage is minimal with its system. Moreover, the machine releases a minimum amount of hard minerals such as potassium or even iron on the ground and eventually on surface water sources.
Warranty: GE gives an initial one year warranty on all system parts. The warranty is extended to an additional three years for electronic monitor and 10 years for the brine and resin tanks.
Certifications: GE water softeners are NSF standard certified and deliver optimum performance.
The company further guarantees:
- Material safety
- Accuracy in the brine system
- Standard pressure drop
- Standard water softening
- Wholesome structure
Things to Consider Before Buying a Water Softener
There are many brands of water softeners in the market. As you know, each model has its own pros and cons. So no matter which product you choose, you will experience both its benefits and drawbacks.
However, there are certain things that you can take into consideration to make sure you choose a product with as few drawbacks as possible,
1. Figure out Your Needs
The first and foremost thing you must do is figure out two things:
- The hardness of water supply in your house and
- The maximum amount of water use in your house daily
Understanding these two factors will help you make a rough outline of the features you will be needing in your water softener. This assists in narrowing down the options later when you contact a sales representative.
2. Budget
Water softeners come in varying price ranges starting from a couple of hundred dollars to more than 4 grands. So you must first figure out your needs, set your budget, and then look for the water softener under that budget. After all, it is all about narrowing down the options based on your preference.
3. Capacity
The capacity of a water softener means how many grains of water hardness can it remove before regenerating. The capacity may range from 8,000 up to 80,000 grains. Know one thing that more the capacity of the water softener, the better it will perform in softening the hard water.
4. Flow Rate
Flow rate means the amount of water that the machine can supply per minute. In other words, it is gallons per minute. We have included the GE models with flow rates of 7.5 GPM, 9.5 GPM, and 9.5 GPM respectively. These rates should be enough for small household use.
To further clarify. You should buy a water softener that can supply 2 gallons per minute flow rate per individual of the household. For example, 8 GPM for a family of 4, 10 GPM for a family of 10, and so on.
5. Metered Vs. Time-Based Water Regeneration
Most of the water softeners nowadays are equipped with metered regeneration technology. This technology allows the electronic sensors in the system to detect the daily water use of the household and regenerate accordingly. So if the water use increases, the regeneration speeds up and vice versa. Whereas, the time-based regeneration means that the regeneration starts based on the time clock regardless of the water consumption.
So if you ask us, Metered Regeneration technology is very practical as compared to time-based regeneration.
6. Certification
The bottom line is, whichever water softener model you choose, make sure that the product is NSF/ANSI or WQA certified. These certifications mean that it is a quality product based on built and performance. Further, they also guarantee the following points:
- Material safety
- Accuracy in the brine system
- Standard pressure drop
- Standard water softening
- Wholesome structure
Frequently Asked Questions
Water softeners start developing resins coated with hardening particles over time. The machine undergoes a regeneration cycle where the salt in the brine tank mixes with the incoming water to remove the resins. When the cycle completes, the system starts softening the water again.
The GE water softener regenerates every 3 to 6 days. But of course, this is just an average figure. The regeneration depends on several factors such as:
The water hardness setting,
Amount of water used daily, and
The total capacity of the model you choose
It is quite contradictory to say it for a fact whether drinking soft water is safe or not. However, research shows that it can be problematic in the long run. You can use a combination of water softener and drinking water plants for making your water safe to drink.
It is quite contradictory to say it for a fact whether drinking soft water is safe or not. However, research shows that it can be problematic in the long run. You can use a combination of water softener and drinking water plants for making your water safe to drink.
No, it is not a good idea. Connecting the water softener to the water heating system can cause the water softener to malfunction or even destroy the system.
For this, you have to install a double tank water softener. This will ensure that you can process water from one tank while the other one is regenerating. This assures that you can continuously get soft water for your household.
Conclusion
GE is one of the reputed brands that manufactures various appliances to meet your household requirements. It makes some of the best water softeners available today. Their models come in a wide range of capacity, flow rate, regeneration rate, and most importantly, affordable price tags. So we are sure that GE water softener will serve you well to satisfy your household’s soft water needs.
Also if you wonder which water softener either GE or Whirlpool works the best, here is the comparison article on GE vs. Whirlpool water softener to answer your confusion.
