Best NorthStar Water Softeners in the Market

Water sustains life. Our planet needs water to survive, and so do we. But water isn’t enough; water quality matters, too. A water softener takes the substandard water available in your area and transforms it, removing impurities, contaminants, and detrimental minerals.

I bought a water softener to help me drink more during the day. I wanted something which made water taste clean and took away the odor and taste, but I didn’t want to depend on store-bought bottled water. North Star is a trusted company, established in 1925, and was a company I focused on in my search for the best water softener. Here are the best North Star Water Softener reviews to help you decide on the right unit for your home.

Here are the NorthStar water softeners you may want to consider:

• NSC42 Water Softener: Best for City Water
• NSRO42C4 Reverse Osmosis Filtration System: Best for the Money
• NSCWC18 Water Softener: Best Hybrid
• PA132S: Best Commercial
• NSC40UD1 Ultra Demand Water Softener: Best Premium
• NSC3: Best Whole House
• NSC2218 Water Softener: Best Small Household

Top Choices on the Market

Best NorthStar Water Softener Reviews

The MSC42 is a cabinet model; however, it’s suitable for any size household—from 1-6 (or more) people. This helps increase this water softeners’ versatility and makes it well-suited for a range of people.

This water softener is considered a 42,000-grain softener, capable of filtering 120 grains per gallon. This is an improvement from other models. It has a great iron removal rating of 11ppm, which reduces scale in your appliances and drains.

This machine is made for efficiency, featuring a low-salt indicator light and Autosense Technology. Both of these features help you use the least amount of salt and avoid wasting it needlessly. You won’t make a mistake because the MSC42’s hi-tech feedback provides you accurate information.

Your purchase comes with a single tank, bypass valve, drain hose, 3 installation adaptors, 4 O-rings, 2 hose clamps, 5 clips, a grommet, and adaptor elbow.

Measuring at 48” x 41.5” x 17” x 21” x 3.75”, this is an average-sized unit which is easy to install, low maintenance, and high-quality. North Star’s U.S.-based manufacturing facilities produce 95% of all its machine components, giving it exact control over its work quality.

This particular model EXCELS the specifications of other similar models, operating at higher speeds, producing higher quality water while maintaining consistent results.

As with other North Star products, this model comes with a 1-year warranty on the unit, a 3-year warranty for the control board, and a full 10 years on the salt and mineral tank.

2. North Star NSRO42C4 Reverse Osmosis Filtration System: Best for the Money

The North Star NSRO42C4 is a reverse osmosis filtration system. If you’re looking for a cheaper way to get top-quality, great-tasting water, an RO system, such as the NSRO42c4, can achieve great things at a fraction of the cost.

RO water is naturally soft water; its filtration process removes the calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, which cause hard water. 

This North Star model is made to provide great-tasting drinking water right at your sink. Its compact design is made for an under-the-sink set-up or can even be installed at your refrigerator.

The faucet, which comes as part of your purchase, is made from stylish chrome and is entirely lead-free. 

This model features an efficient 3-part filtering process, using the pre-filter, membrane, and post-filter. By using all these filters, this model can remove chlorine and sediment, inorganic and organic contaminants, chemicals, and metals. 

Use the water quality monitor, placed at the faucet base, to assess when it’s time to change the filters. Red indicates the membrane needs to be changed, yellow indicates the pre/post filters need to be changed, and green indicates the pre/post filters are operating optimally.

Typically, the pre- and post-filters will need to be changed every 6 months, while the membrane is good for 2 years. Simply replace these components by using the twist-and-pull sanitary filters. You can EASILY purchase replacement parts for your North Star water softener online; just make a note of the model to ensure you’re buying the correct part.

As with all North Star products, this model has NSF Certification and a warranty. However, unlike other models, the NSRO42C4 only has a 1-year limited warranty.

3. North Star NSCWC18 Water Softener: Best Hybrid

The NSCWC18 is a cabinet model built to suit a household of any size. This model isn’t limited to small or medium-to-large household sizes; it can cater to various situations.

This is a 2-in-1 whole house system that softens and filters, combining a powerful carbon media with high-capacity resin. The carbon media EFFECTIVELY removes unwanted components from your water, which contribute to unpleasant odor and taste.

Use the MSCWC18 with both city and well water sources, and enjoy the great taste without needing to replace filters. The carbon media bed is set to regularly self-clean, automatically, without any effort on your part.

This is classified as a 35,000-grain water softener, specifically with a 35,600 maximum capacity. It has a maximum efficiency—the number of grains removed per lb. of salt—of 4,780. While this isn’t as high as other models, this isn’t detectable from the results.

The user-friendly control panel is designed with efficiency and simplicity in mind. Set the salt level, activate the tank light, and adjust the settings using the basic button display. Even if you’re entirely new to using water softeners, you’ll be able to navigate your way because of the control panel design.

This tank is well-suited for low-light conditions. The low-salt indicator light blinks when more salt pellets are required. The built-in tank light helps you see the critical information, regardless of the environmental conditions. 

With your purchase, you’ll get the single tank, bypass valve, 3 clips, a drain hose, 2 hose clamps, a grommet, and adaptor elbow. You’ll get everything you need for an easy installation.

4. North Star PA132S: Commercial

5. North Star NSC40UD1 Ultra Demand Water Softener: Premium

6. North Star NSC3: Whole House

The MSC31 is classified as a cabinet model, suitable for medium-to-large households (ideal for families of 5 or more).

It is a 31 000-grain water softener, meaning it can filter a maximum of 31,300 grains, 110 grains per gallon. It has a maximum efficiency—the number of grains removed per lb of salt—of 5,090, which is one of the highest numbers of similar models. This is a SUPERIOR hardness removal rate.

Unlike previous water softening models, this machine doesn’t produce water on an everyday basis. Instead, it produces superior water on an as-you-need basis. Not only is this more effective, but it will also suit people who prioritize the best possible drinking water—you’ll be getting a fresh supply with the MSC31.

The design of this machine is user-friendly and informative. The low-salt indicator light blinks when more salt pellets are required, and the inbuilt Autosense Technology helps you make efficient use of salt, reducing unnecessary use and wasted money. 

This machine won’t impact your water pressure. The ultra-high flow valve and direct connection to your pipes ensure you don’t sacrifice good water pressure. You’ll always experience optimal water pressure with the MSC31.

You’ll get a single tank, bypass valve, drain hose, 2 hose clamps, 3 clips, a grommet, and adapter elbow with your purchase. 

Its dimensions are 47.75” x 41.5” x 16.5” 19.75” x 3.375”, and the machine has been built to be NSF certified. The NSF—National Sanitation Federation—is a public health organization that only pronounces something NSF-worthy after rigorous testing. 

Enjoy the 1-year warranty on the machine, 3-year warranty on the electronic control board, and a phenomenal 10-year warranty on the salt and mineral tanks.

Read More: Tips on Increasing Water Pump Pressure

7. North Star NSC2218 Water Softener: Small Household

The MSC2218 is PERFECT for those who have a small household of 1-4 people. This is not an excellent option for people who have many people in their house but perfect for small homes who don’t want to sacrifice water-quality.

This softener is a maximum grain capacity of 22,100—reflecting its design of small-scale operation. You can expect a maximum efficiency—the number of grains removed per lb. of salt—of 4,474, and a hardness removal rating of 95 grains per gallon. You also don't need to worry about scale build-up; this model has an iron removal rating of 6 ppm, helping to keep your appliances and drains SCALE-FREE.

The single-tank construction is a great space-saving solution. The tank itself is designed to be durable and robust, made to be used with both city and well water sources. 

You’ll get in-depth feedback from this machine. The Low Salt Light indicates when more salt is needed, giving you a buffer of a few days to replace. The Auto-Sense Technology calculates how much water and salt is necessary for system regeneration, ensuring an EFFICIENT operation.

Measuring 47.75” x 41.5” x 16.5” 19.75” x 3.375” and weighing around 87 lbs., this is a typical size for a cabinet model. Simply connect this softener to a standard 1” NPT male pipe thread during the installation, and you’ll be all set. North Star prides itself on creating easy-to-install models, and this is no different.

The MSC2218 includes the standard warranty for this kind of model. This is a 1-year unit warranty, a 3-year electronic control board warranty, and a 10-year mineral and salt tank warranty.

Final Verdict