The softener seems to be functioning well about a month now after finally being installed by professional plumbers. The profile details explicitly state that this is an exact fit for older model Kenmore models. This is my 3rd Kenmore softener. The model I was replacing was listed in their adaptability chart as an exact fit. It was not. The by-pass valve is not the same and involved cutting and refitting both intake and outgoing copper water supply pipes. None of my amateur soldering held and plumbers had to be called in after 2 days of no water at all in the house! Additional expense of $260+ and much flooding of my utility room area. Additionally, the newly designed plastic bypass valve had defective stripped male threads. After calling the Kenmore company, it was determined to be covered by the warranty and a replacement part was sent to me in a few days. Having received the defective part replacement the plumber then returned to complete the installation.

This hooked right up to the existing plumbing and was a direct replacement for the old 300 series. This one has a few updated features, but mechanically it is just the same. During shipping the internal fiberglass media tank shifted - I had to remove the top of the softener and reposition it correctly. It had some packing in the brine tank to prevent that - but it was not enough. No big deal for me - but could have been better packed. I recommend this if you want to replace an old 300 unit without changing the plumbing.

Pros: Came almost completely ready to install. Price seems good.
Cons: Mine had no install instructions included. No hook up parts included.
This was an exact replacement for me so it was very easy to install. I was able to use hook up parts off of the old unit and the plumbing was already there. The only thing not done on the new unit was the overflow drain line. I had to remove it from the old unit to put in the new one. If this has been a brand new install I would've had to but many parts separately. Because of this I only recommend if replacing in kind.

Had to replace an older version of this water softener, it was very easy to swap out. A little overpriced, For what it does but obviously necessary. Product is performing well with no issues.

Water softener was nearly simple to install with the exception that it is 2-3 inches taller than my previous Kenmore water softener. This in turn made is difficult to use same water lines. Finding "1 FIPs x 3/4" FIPS x 24" Length water lines are difficult. To overcome this problem a PVC extension fitting was purchsed.
The base of this item ahould have a thicker rubber boot on the base to prevent cracking and leaks. This was the reason why my last water softener was replaced (cracked base).