Kenmore 350 Water Softener Review
Our verdict
The Kenmore 350 is a solid freestanding ion exchange softener priced around $578, drawing a 4.3-star average across 423 reviews. It suits homeowners who want a proven brand name and straightforward installation without chasing the lowest price.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Homeowners dealing with moderately hard water who want a recognizable brand, a freestanding unit that fits standard utility-room footprints, and a unit backed by a reasonable number of owner reviews.
Skip if
You need NSF or WQA certification documentation for a landlord, HOA, or local permit. Also skip if budget is tight, since units with similar grain capacity are available for less.
- Purification Ion Exchange
- Capacity / life 0.83 Cubic Feet
- Install Freestanding
- Material Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Dimensions 20.5 X 15 X 48 In
- Weight 80.0 lb
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.3/5
4.3 average across 423 owner ratings
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Popularity5.0/5
423 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other water filtration: replacement filters, under-sink and reverse osmosis systems, filter pitchers, water dispensers, coolers, faucet filters and softeners we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['The Kenmore 350 uses ion exchange, the same chemistry that trades calcium and magnesium ions in hard water for sodium ions. The resin tank holds 0.83 cubic feet of resin and the cabinet is ABS plastic, which resists corrosion better than metal enclosures in damp basements or utility rooms.', 'At 20.5 by 15 by 48 inches and 80 pounds, it is a full-size unit. That footprint works in most standard utility closets, but it is not a compact option. There is no listed certification on file, so buyers who need a certified product for a permit or lease requirement should verify directly with Kenmore before purchasing.', 'With 423 ratings averaging 4.3 stars, the owner base is large enough to give the score some weight. Complaints in that pool most commonly point to regeneration cycle noise and the need to match salt type to the unit, so budget for the right pellet or crystal salt from the start.']
Pros
- Ion exchange is a well-understood, effective method for reducing water hardness
- 4.3 stars across 423 reviews suggests consistent satisfaction for most buyers
- ABS plastic cabinet handles humid utility rooms without rusting
- Freestanding design fits standard installation spots without custom work
- Kenmore brand carries widespread service and parts availability
Cons
- No listed certification, which may matter for permitting or lease compliance
- At roughly $578 it sits above budget-tier alternatives with comparable resin volume
- 80-pound weight makes solo installation awkward
- No power source or regeneration control specs listed, so buyers need to confirm controller type before buying
Specifications
| Purification | Ion Exchange |
|---|---|
| Capacity / life | 0.83 Cubic Feet |
| Install | Freestanding |
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene |
| Dimensions | 20.5 X 15 X 48 In |
| Weight | 80.0 lb |
Performance notes
The Kenmore 350 uses ion exchange purification with a 0.83 cubic foot resin bed. Ion exchange is designed to reduce hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) by substituting sodium ions as water passes through the resin. No third-party certification such as NSF/ANSI 44 is listed for this unit. Capacity is specified by resin volume rather than grain rating in the listing, so buyers should calculate their household grain requirement against local water hardness before purchase. Dimensions are 20.5 x 15 x 48 inches.
What buyers say
Across 423 reviews the Kenmore 350 holds a 4.3-star rating, which is above average for full-size softeners in this price range. Owners generally report it handles everyday hard water well. The review volume is high enough to treat the average as reliable rather than anecdotal.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the Kenmore 350 carry an NSF certification?
No NSF or WQA certification is listed for this model in the product data. If certification is required for your installation, contact Kenmore directly before purchasing to confirm whether the unit meets any applicable standards.
What type of salt does the Kenmore 350 use?
The listing does not specify a required salt form, but most ion exchange softeners of this size work with pellet, crystal, or block salt. Check the owner manual for the recommended type, since using the wrong form can cause bridging in the brine tank and reduce efficiency.
Is the Kenmore 350 suitable for a large household?
The 0.83 cubic foot resin bed is a mid-range capacity. Whether it is adequate depends on your household size and local water hardness level. Households with very hard water or high daily usage should calculate their daily grain requirement and compare it to the unit's rated capacity before buying.