# Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener vs Rheem Preferred Platinum 42,000 Grain Smart Water Softener (RHW42): specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener (Whirlpool) and Rheem Preferred Platinum 42,000 Grain Smart Water Softener (RHW42) (Rheem) among water softeners. Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener is the cheaper of the two at $629.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener | Rheem Preferred Platinum 42,000 Grain Smart Water Softener (RHW42) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $629.99 | $689 |
| Brand | Whirlpool | Rheem |
| Grain capacity | 40 | 42.4 |
| System type | ion-exchange | ion-exchange |
| Flow rate gpm | — | 9.9 |
| Salt efficiency lbs per kgrains | — | — |
| Iron removal ppm | 10 | 11 |
| Nsf certifications | NSF/ANSI 44 | — |
| Smart app control | No | Yes |
| Tank warranty years | — | 10 |
| Msrp usd | 629.99 | 689 |

## Key differences

- Grain capacity: Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener 40 vs Rheem Preferred Platinum 42,000 Grain Smart Water Softener (RHW42) 42.4
- Iron removal ppm: Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener 10 vs Rheem Preferred Platinum 42,000 Grain Smart Water Softener (RHW42) 11
- Smart app control: Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener No vs Rheem Preferred Platinum 42,000 Grain Smart Water Softener (RHW42) Yes
- Msrp usd: Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener 629.99 vs Rheem Preferred Platinum 42,000 Grain Smart Water Softener (RHW42) 689

## Sources

- Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener: https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/whirlpool-40-000-grain-capacity-electric-water-softener/0000000091831 (fleetfarm.com, verified 2026-06-26)
- Rheem Preferred Platinum 42,000 Grain Smart Water Softener (RHW42): https://www.rheemwatertreatment.com/product/preferred-platinum/ (rheemwatertreatment.com, verified 2026-06-26)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/water-softeners/whirlpool-whes40e-vs-rheem-rhw42/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener ($629.99) vs Rheem Preferred Platinum 42,000 Grain Smart Water Softener (RHW42) ($689) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/water-softeners/whirlpool-whes40e-vs-rheem-rhw42/
License: CC BY 4.0.