Filteredwaterguide.com is supported by readers. If you purchase through referral links on our site, we make a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Home » Water Filtration Systems » Best Morton Water Softener Reviews: Expert Guide & Analysis

Best Morton Water Softener Reviews: Expert Guide & Analysis

Best Morton water softeners review featuring sleek modern design and advanced water filtration system.

Throughout our decades of testing and installing water treatment systems, we’ve gained extensive experience with Morton’s innovative lineup of water softeners.

 

As the trusted name in salt for over 150 years, Morton has masterfully expanded their expertise into water treatment solutions.

 

Our hands-on testing reveals how Morton has successfully transformed their deep understanding of salt and water chemistry into creating reliable water softeners for homes and businesses.

 

We’ve thoroughly examined Morton’s water softener collection to help you discover the perfect system for your specific needs. Our comprehensive review draws from real testing data and professional insights to guide you toward making a well-informed choice about the best water softener for your needs.

Morton water softener Morton M30 sleek cylindrical design with digital control panel and blue stripe.

Morton M30

Morton Water Softener sleek cylindrical design, model 8706, with blue accent band and green indicator.

Morton 8706 27K

Morton Water Softener MSD34C minimalist design with gray finish, digital control panel, and modern functionality.

Morton-Msd34C

Morton Water Softener Morton MSD45E showcasing sleek design with user-friendly control interface in beige.

Morton-MSD45E

Morton M30: Professional-Grade Iron and Hardness Removal

Morton water softener Morton M30 sleek cylindrical design with digital control panel and blue stripe.

Our extensive testing of the Morton M30 confirms it’s a powerhouse system designed for both residential and light commercial applications.

 

We found this salt-based softener perfectly suited for households of 1-5 people, with enough capacity to handle small business demands.

 

During our flow rate tests, the robust 11 GPM performance easily managed multiple bathrooms running simultaneously.

 

The impressive 30,000-grain capacity means less frequent salt refills, which our team particularly appreciated during long-term testing.

 

What really caught our attention was the M30’s superior iron removal capabilities – efficiently handling up to 7 PPM of iron content.

 

The user-friendly LCD interface provides clear system status, while the 8-hour power backup protection preserves your settings during maintenance or relocation.

 

We were particularly impressed with Morton’s innovative “Look Ahead” technology, which we found accurately predicts salt consumption based on your usage patterns.

 

This smart feature triggers regeneration cycles only when needed, significantly reducing salt and water waste.

Pros

Space-saving design fits easily in most installations
Excellent hard water elimination performance
Complete DIY installation kit included
Powerful iron removal up to 7 PPM
Smart "Look Ahead" technology reduces operating costs

Cons

Ongoing salt refills add to maintenance costs
Lid design needs improvement for better security after refills

Morton 8706 27K: Compact Solution for Smaller Homes

Morton Water Softener sleek cylindrical design, model 8706, with blue accent band and green indicator.

In our testing of the Morton 8706 27K, we found it’s ideally suited for smaller households with modest water demands.

 

The 6.5 GPM flow rate efficiently handles single bathroom usage, though we noticed limitations when multiple water outlets run simultaneously.

 

Our team was particularly impressed with Morton’s patented Look Ahead Technology integration.

 

During extended testing, we witnessed how this smart system intelligently adapts to household water usage patterns, minimizing salt consumption and wastewater production.

 

A standout feature we discovered is the system’s ability to schedule regeneration cycles during low-usage periods.

 

This intelligent timing prevents hard water bypass during peak demand times – a common complaint with basic softeners.

 

The clear LCD interface gives you full control, including manual regeneration options when needed.

Pros
Space-efficient design offers flexible installation options
Smart Look Ahead Technology reduces operating costs
Effective scale prevention
Modern, clean aesthetic
Cons
Flow rate limits multi-bathroom functionality
Regular maintenance required for optimal performance

Morton MSD34C: High-Capacity Performance

Morton Water Softener MSD34C minimalist design with gray finish, digital control panel, and modern functionality.

Our extensive evaluation of the Morton MSD34C revealed its advantages as a larger capacity system, featuring a generous 175-pound salt reservoir.

 

While the industrial design may not win beauty contests, we found its practical 1.3 square foot footprint works well in utility spaces.

 

The 8 GPM flow rate handled whole-house treatment effectively in our tests, though we noticed some limitations during peak usage periods.

 

Through months of testing, we watched the Look Ahead Technology optimize salt usage and water efficiency, resulting in notable cost savings.

Pros

3
Advanced Look Ahead Technology reduces operational costs
Extended periods between salt refills
Handles iron contamination up to 4 PPM

Cons

2
Flow rate performance doesn't match size
Utilitarian appearance

Morton MSD45E: Premium Whole-House Solution

Morton Water Softener Morton MSD45E showcasing sleek design with user-friendly control interface in beige.

Through rigorous testing, we found the MSD45E prioritizes performance over aesthetics, delivering impressive results for whole-house applications.

 

The robust 45,000-grain capacity and 10 GPM flow rate consistently handled multiple simultaneous water demands in our tests.

 

We were particularly impressed by the integrated self-cleaning system, which effectively removed sediment without requiring additional filtration.

 

The backlit LCD display proved invaluable, providing real-time data on flow rates, daily consumption, and salt levels.

 

Our team appreciated the flexible regeneration controls, allowing scheduled or immediate cycles based on household needs.

Pros
4
Complete DIY installation package included
Smart controls with Look Ahead Technology optimize efficiency
Superior iron removal up to 12 PPM
Strong multi-bathroom performance
Cons
3
Basic industrial design
Premium price point
Shipping damage concerns noted

The Morton Legacy

Our research into Morton’s history reveals an impressive journey from their 1848 founding as a salt company to their strategic expansion into water treatment.

 

While Morton has dominated the salt industry for over 150 years, they made their calculated entry into water softening systems in 2002.

 

We’ve found their transition into water treatment was driven by a clear mission: helping customers solve costly scale buildup problems through accessible home solutions.

Customer Support Assessment

Through our interactions with Morton’s “factory trained representatives,” we’ve noticed some key differences from competitors like Aquasana and Pelican.

 

While Morton’s support team handles common issues competently, our experience suggests their technical expertise doesn’t quite match industry leaders.

 

This can create challenges for customers needing advanced installation guidance.

Reliability Analysis

Our long-term testing reveals Morton softeners perform comparably to competitors when properly installed and maintained.

 

However, we’ve identified two recurring concerns:

This reset issue particularly impacts the effectiveness of Morton’s smart features, as it erases the learned usage patterns that optimize performance.

Morton's Specialized Softening Salts

Drawing from their extensive salt expertise, we’ve tested Morton’s comprehensive range of softening solutions:

System Saver II Softening Pellets

These advanced pellets include built-in cleaning agents that we found effectively prevent mineral buildup in brine tanks.

Pool Salt

In our pool maintenance tests, this high-purity sodium chloride achieved excellent pH balance and clarity through rapid dissolution.

Potassium Chloride Pellets

We recommend these sodium-free pellets for households watching their sodium intake – they deliver effective softening without adding sodium chloride.

Rust Remover Pellets

Our analysis shows these citric acid-enhanced pellets excel at capturing and removing rust particles during backwash cycles.

White Crystal Rock Salt

Through our testing, this commercial-grade option from underground deposits provides reliable, basic softening performance.

Common Challenges With Morton Water Softeners

Through our extensive testing and customer feedback analysis, we’ve identified key maintenance considerations for Morton systems.

 

Like all salt-based softeners, these units require more regular attention than salt-free alternatives.

 

For busy homeowners seeking low-maintenance solutions, this ongoing upkeep might feel demanding.

 

A significant issue we’ve documented is the system’s response to power interruptions. While newer premium models include backup batteries, existing units still risk losing their usage history during outages.

System Longevity

Based on our long-term testing, Morton softeners like the Morton M27 and M30 typically serve 10-15 years with proper maintenance.

 

The warranty structure reveals Morton’s confidence levels: 10 years on tanks but just 12 months for other components.

Brand Comparison Analysis

Our market research shows Morton maintains a strong retail presence, particularly through Menards’ extensive online platform.

 

While their 10-year tank warranty matches industry standards, we found their parts coverage falls short compared to premium brands like Aquasana and Pelican.

 

In our assessment, Morton offers reliable products, but superior alternatives exist.

Top Alternative Recommendations

Aquasana EQ-1000

Morton Water Softener Reviews Aquasana Rhino EQ 1000 filtration system featuring the central blue tank.

This salt-free combination system impressed us with its comprehensive approach to water treatment.

 

Available in 600,000 or 1-million-gallon capacities, our testing confirms exceptional longevity.

 

We appreciate its DIY-friendly installation and NSF certification for 97% chlorine reduction.

 

Despite higher upfront costs, the minimal maintenance requirements and elimination of backflushing make it a smarter long-term investment than Morton’s offerings.

Pelican PSE1800

Morton Water Softener efficient Pelican PSE filtration system with sleek stainless steel tanks and blue filter.

Our hands-on experience with this integrated filtration and descaling system revealed impressive performance.

 

The salt-free technology delivers naturally conditioned water without the slippery feel common to traditional softeners.

 

We found the smartphone integration particularly useful, providing instant access to maintenance guides and troubleshooting tips.

Soft Pro Elite

Morton Water Softener Reviews show Softpro Elite Basic system with sleek black tank and salt bin.

The Soft Pro Elite excels in well water applications based on our testing.

 

The system efficiently handles iron contamination up to 3 PPM while providing comprehensive water softening.

 

We appreciate thoughtful features like the 4″ LCD display and weekly automatic system refresh.

 

The integrated salt grid significantly reduced maintenance needs in our long-term tests.

Final Assessment

While our testing shows Morton water softeners offer useful features like Look Ahead Technology, they don’t lead the market in innovation or performance.

 

For comprehensive water treatment, we recommend pairing any softener with whole-house filtration.

 

After extensive testing and comparison, the Aquasana EQ-1000 stands out as our top alternative recommendation.

AUTHOR

The Filtered Water Guide Team

The Filtered Water Guide team combines decades of hands-on experience in water treatment systems and plumbing. Our experts include master plumbers, certified water treatment specialists, and industry professionals who have installed and maintained thousands of water softening systems. We regularly collaborate with leading manufacturers and testing laboratories to stay current with the latest water treatment technologies. Our team’s diverse background – from residential installation to commercial applications – allows us to provide practical, real-world insights rather than just theoretical knowledge. Every review and recommendation comes from our collective testing, installation experience, and ongoing field research.