Richard Arconti 
If you live in a city where contaminants like chlorine, PFAS, lead, and hard water are commonly found in water supplies, this article is for you. I installed and lab tested the Kind Water Systems E-3000 to see why it has quickly become the best cartridge-based whole house water filter and salt-free softener combo for city water.
Our E-3000 review will cover how the system is so effective, the lab test results, the benefits of a cartridge-based unit, along with the installation and maintenance requirements. Let’s dive in!
Kind E-3000 Water Filter & Softener Best Overall
Prevents and removes scale build-up
No waste water, salt, or chemicals
High water pressure 15 GPM flow rate
Lifetime warranty & 120 day guarantee
The Lab Test Results
I sent a before and after water sample to an independent certified laboratory so I could impartially test the E-3000’s performance. The test kit scanned for 54 different analytes and provided a thorough report that is attached below.
Based on the lab test results, the Kind Filter And Softener Combo removed 100% of the chlorine and disinfection byproducts. The system also did a fantastic job removing 100% of heavy metals like aluminium. Total hardness was reduced to 16.0 mg/L from 38.7 mg/L, over a 50% improvement.
Kind E-3000 Lab Test Results:
- Before Test: See Full Analysis
- After Test: See Full Analysis
Note that salt-free conditioners do not completely remove hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium, instead, they alter them so they are not able to stick to plumbing and appliances. Therefore, the actual difference in hardness will rely on a mix of quantitative data and qualitative observations. (More on how it works below)
Two weeks after installation, the homeowners also provided the following feedback.
“Overall I am very pleased with the Kind. We have noticed a difference with showering and washing clothes and dishes. It has been a great improvement.”
Actual E-3000 User
How Does The Kind E-3000 Whole House Water Filter And Softener Combo Work?
The Kind E-3000 combines the best of both worlds with the benefits of a whole house water filter and salt-free softener into one compact system. Specifically designed to give you healthy and soft water from every tap in your home without the negative effects of salt and chemicals. We immediately noticed better-tasting water, brighter clothes in the laundry, and no more slimy shower water.
The three-stage filtration system starts with water flowing through the premium 5-micron sediment filter. This extra-large 20-inch sediment filter will remove silt, dirt, rust, and other debris that will cleanse the water and help extend the life of the carbon filter in the next stage.
The high-performance Catalytic Activated Coconut Shell Carbon Block filter does the heavy lifting to remove harmful contaminants normally found in municipal water [1]. Its uniform pore structure increases water contact time with the carbon block to further increase the ability to address hundreds of contaminants like:
- Chlorine & Chloramine
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- PFAS (PFOA & PFOAS)
- Heavy Metals (Lead, Copper, & Arsenic)
- Herbicides
- Pharmaceuticals
In the third and final stage, water is conditioned in the eSoft media cartridge. I love this system because it will even remove existing scale buildup, unlike traditional salt-based softeners that only address future scale [2].
Best of all, it requires no salt or chemicals because it uses a physical alteration process called template assisted crystallization (TAC). While salt-based softener systems utilize an ion exchange chemical alteration process, which mixes sodium into the drinking water supply [3]. The salt-free system is ideal for soft hair and skin while preventing the costly effects of calcium buildup on appliances.
“Swapped out my old salt softener for the E-3000 which Kind claims is the best of both worlds, and it actually is! I immediately noticed a big difference in my water quality.”
Rebecca H. – Actual Kind User
But, there’s one more addition to mention. If you have issues with bacteria or boil advisories, the Kind system can also come with a UV purifier to completely sterilize microorganisms for the safest drinking water possible [4].
Easy Kind Water System Installation
For a whole house filtration system, this is about as simple as it gets. No more bulky tanks that require expensive installs and take up valuable floor space. It took us approximately 90 minutes to install our system. To learn more about the steps in our install process, check out our guide here.
The Kind come ready for use straight out of the box with an easy in-line design. The two water-in and water-out connections will save you a lot of time and money. Since it is not an invasive installation process, you can easily take the system with you if you move. Additionally, the Kind is capable of being installed both inside and outside.
The best part is it includes everything you need for a wall mount install. If you run into any issues, the customer support is top notch and can walk you through the process.
System Specifications
| Kind Water Systems E-3000 | |
| Number Of Stages | 3 Stages (Pre-Sediment, Carbon Block, Salt-free Conditioner) |
| System Type | Cartridge Based |
| System Dimensions | 25¼”(H) x 23¼” (W) x 8″ (D) |
| Max Flow Rate | 15 Gallons Per Minute (GPM) |
| Max Capacity | 6 Bathrooms |
| Max Hardness | 75 Grains Per Gallon (GPG) |
| Connection Size | 1″ FNPT |
| Operating Pressure | 25 – 120 psi |
| Operating Temperature | 36 – 120 F |
| Ph Range | 6.5 to 11 |
Filter Changes and Maintenance
When it’s time to replace the filters, swapping them out takes only a couple of minutes. Simply twist off the cartridge housings and insert the new filter cartridge. The system comes with a spanner wrench to help loosen the housings in case they get stuck.
The sediment pre-filter is able to be washed several times before replacement if your water has heavy sediment. It is recommended to replace the sediment filter and carbon filter once a year. Compare that to other cartridge options that need to be replaced every 3 – 6 months.
The eSoft softener cartridge never needs to be replaced. It is virtually maintenance-free since it uses a physical alteration process and not a chemical alteration.
Although tank-based whole house systems do not require replacement for several years, the benefit of annual filter replacements is the Kind consistently operates at peak filtration performance.
To save extra money, Kind Water Systems offers AutoShip, which includes a 15% discount on your sediment and carbon filters so they show up right at your doorstep.
Warranty
The Kind system is built in the USA using only NSF certified components. It is backed with an industry-leading lifetime warranty plus a 120 day money-back satisfaction guarantee.
System Comparison
What makes the Kind so special? Let’s look at a comparison between the Kind E-3000 vs tank-based systems. Overall, it takes less space, has a lower price point, but still checks the boxes on a lot of the performance metrics. Expand the section below to see the comparison table.
Comparison: Kind E-3000 VS Traditional Tank-Based Systems
Key Considerations
Consider these factors as you look for the best whole house water filtration system.
- Water Hardness: If you have very hard water (greater than 15 PPM), a salt-free water softener likely won’t perform how you want. If that is the case, a salt-based ion exchange water softener will be a better fit.
- Water Source: Whether you have city water or well water will impact the effectiveness of the Kind system. If you have city water, the E-3000 is an ideal solution. If you have well water, you should consider a specialized well water filter so the filtration media does not get prematurely fouled.
- Durability: The Kind uses all NSF certified components which adhere to rigid performance and durability standards. While this is not mandatory, it is certainly a vote of confidence when you are searching for the best whole house filter.
- Space: The good thing with cartridge filters is they take up no floor space. If space is a primary constraint, this is better than a salt-based softener that comes with an additional brine tank.
- Cost: Sticking to your budget is important. The Kind is a very reasonably priced option compared to competitors, but also to larger tank filtration systems. If you are on a tighter budget, the Kind is a great choice.
FAQs For The Kind E-3000 Water Filter and Softener Combo
Where do I install a whole house filter and softener system?
Do salt-free water conditioners work?
Are salt-free or salt water softeners better?
Where are Kind water filters and softeners made?
Why Trust Freshnss?
Ricky is the founder of Freshnss and product reviewer specializing in water filtration, home, and kitchen products. For this review, he worked with our water review board of experts. And also with our network of industry professionals who offered qualities that made the Kind E-3000 Whole House Water Filter And Salt-Free Softener Combo stand out from the competition. Next, he researched today’s best whole house water filter and salt-free softener combos, considering dozens of options from various merchants and retailers. The Kind Water Systems unit stood out based on scale reduction performance, water flow rate, warranty, and overall value. He has read thousands of user reviews, and written hundreds of product reviews. He has also tested and re-tested some of our top picks, and looked for filtration companies for new home water treatment options worth trying.
Article Sources
Freshnss uses only the highest-quality sources to support the facts used in our articles including: government organizations, independent studies, peer-reviewed journals, and lab testing results. Read our editorial review guidelines here to learn more about how we verify and fact-check our writing to keep our content reliable, accurate, and trustworthy.
- Water Health Series: Filtration Facts, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Evaluation of Alternatives to Domestic Ion Exchange Water Softeners: Template Assisted Crystallization, California Water Boards
- Drinking Water Treatment: Water Softening (Ion Exchange), University Of Nebraska – Lincoln
- Ultraviolet Disinfection Of Drinking Water, Government Of Western Australia Department Of Health
