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Classeq In Stock

Commercial Water Softener | Base Exchange External Water Softener | 20 Litre Capacity | Classeq WS20-SK

SKU: WS20-SK
£277.99 / exc vat
£333.59/ inc vat
  • 20 Litre Capacity
  • Base Exchange System
  • No Electricity Required
  • Durable Stainless Steel Build

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Product Overview

When you're running a busy kitchen, the last thing you need is your star equipment letting you down. This robust Classeq 20 litre external water softener is the essential companion for any commercial dishwasher operating in a hard water area. It acts as a bodyguard for your warewasher, silently preventing the limescale build-up that causes cloudy glasses, poor wash results, and  expensive breakdowns. Think of it as a small investment to protect a much bigger one.

Designed specifically for demanding environments like pubs, restaurants, and  hotels, this unit is perfectly matched with Classeq’s renowned undercounter and  pass-through dishwashers, including the P500. Its generous 20-litre capacity and  impressive flow rate mean it can easily keep up with the busiest services, ensuring every single wash cycle uses softened water for consistently sparkling, professional results. It’s a true set-and-forget solution that works tirelessly in the background.

Forget complicated setups; this base exchange water softener requires no electricity and  connects directly to your cold water supply. Built from durable stainless steel, the Classeq WS20-SK water softener is made to last. If you want to extend the life of your dishwasher, cut down on detergent costs, and  serve your customers with impeccably clean tableware, this is the bit of kit your kitchen has been missing.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • 20 Litre Capacity: Handles high water volume for busy service periods.
  • Base Exchange System: Actively removes limescale-causing minerals from your water supply.
  • No Electricity Required: Simple to install anywhere with no running costs.
  • Durable Stainless Steel Build: Built tough for the rigours of a commercial kitchen.
  • Uses Granulated Salt: Easy to source and  cost-effective to run.
  • High Flow Rate: Delivers up to 1000 litres per hour without issue.
  • Protects Your Dishwasher: Prevents internal damage, saving on costly repair bills.
  • Improves Wash Results: Ensures sparkling, streak-free glassware and  cutlery every time.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Classeq
  • SKU: WS20-SK
  • Dimensions: 900(H) x 180(W) mm
  • Capacity: 20 Litre
  • Weight: 25kg
  • Typical Softening Capacity: 3300 Litres
  • Maximum Delivery: 1000 Litres per hour
  • Power Supply: No electricity required
  • Water Fill: Cold fill only (up to 35°C)
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Colour: Silver
  • Compatibility: Recommended for all Classeq undercounter and  pass through washers

Expert Review and  Insights

This Classeq unit is the unsung hero of any professional kitchen with hard water. It's not a glamorous piece of kit, but the impact it has on your warewashing results and  the longevity of your machine is enormous. It’s a classic example of a 'fit-and-forget' device that quietly saves you time, money, and  headaches down the line.

Daniel Foster – Maintenance Expert View Profile →

  • Pros: Its non-electric design is brilliant for simple, flexible installation.
  • Cons: Relies on manual salt checks to keep it running effectively.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Harbour View Bistro in Portsmouth was struggling with the effects of the region's notoriously hard water. Despite using a premium rinse aid, their glassware was persistently cloudy, and  their Classeq P500 pass-through washer needed frequent descaling, causing service interruptions.

"We fitted the Classeq softener and  the difference was immediate. Our glasses are now gleaming, and  we're not constantly battling limescale. It’s saved our pot wash team so much time and  effort, and  the engineer hasn’t been called out for a descaling job since."

Michael Davies – General Manager

The bistro has since reported a 90% reduction in dishwasher maintenance calls and  consistently perfect wash results.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Position the unit on a flat, stable surface next to your warewasher.
  • Connect the inlet hose to a cold water mains supply.
  • Connect the outlet hose to the warewasher's water inlet.
  • Fill the unit with granulated dishwasher salt before first use as per the manual.

Keeping It Going

  • Regularly check the salt level and  top it up as needed to ensure performance.
  • The frequency of salt refilling depends entirely on your water hardness and  usage.
  • Periodically inspect the connection hoses for any leaks or kinks.
  • Follow the manual instructions for the simple regeneration process when required.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Commercial Water Softener

Feeling a bit lost in the world of water treatment? Here are a few key pointers to help you Select the right commercial water softener for your dishwasher.

Check Your Water Hardness

Before you buy, find out the water hardness in your area. You can usually find this on your local water supplier's website. This softener is essential for anywhere above 7° Clark (100 ppm).

Match Capacity to Usage

Consider how many wash cycles you run a day. A high-volume site needs a softener, like this 20-litre model, that can keep up without constant regeneration or refilling.

Measure Your Space

These units sit externally, so make sure you have adequate space next to or behind your warewasher. Check the dimensions (900x180mm for this one) against your available room.

Manual vs. Automatic

This model is a manual, non-electric unit, which means it's simple and  reliable but requires you to top up the salt. Automatic softeners exist but are often more complex and  expensive.

Consider Compatibility

While many softeners are universal, choosing one from the same brand as your dishwasher (like this Classeq unit for a Classeq machine) often guarantees a perfect and  seamless fit.

See all Warewasher Accessories

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does a water softener actually do?

A: It removes hard minerals like calcium and  magnesium from the water supply, preventing limescale build-up inside your dishwasher and  ensuring better washing results.

Q: How do I know if I need one?

A: If your business is in a hard water area (generally over 100 parts per million or 7° Clark), a water softener is highly recommended to protect your equipment.

Q: Does this dishwasher salt water softener need an electrical connection?

A: No, the Classeq WS20-SK is a non-electric unit, making installation much simpler and  more flexible.

Q: What kind of salt should I use?

A: This unit is designed to be used with granulated dishwasher salt, which is widely available.

Q: How often will I need to add more salt?

A: This depends entirely on how hard your water is and  how frequently you use your dishwasher. For a busy site, you may need to check it weekly.

Q: Can I connect this to my hot water supply?

A: No, this softener is designed for a cold water fill only, with a maximum temperature of 35°C.

Q: Is this unit difficult to install?

A: Installation is straightforward for a qualified plumber, involving connecting an inlet and  outlet hose between the water supply and  your dishwasher.

Q: Will this work with a dishwasher from a different brand?

A: While it is specifically designed and  recommended for Classeq machines for a perfect match, its standard fittings may be compatible with other commercial brands.

What Customers Are Saying

"An absolute must-have in our area. Installed it six months ago and  our dishwasher is running like new. Glasses have never been cleaner."

Sarah W. – Pub Landlady, Brighton

"Solid piece of equipment. Easy enough to connect up to our Classeq washer and  does the job perfectly. Just remember to keep the salt topped up!"

Tom Peterson – Restaurant Owner, Bath

"We were quoted a fortune for a complex electric softener. This was a fraction of the price and  works brilliantly. Highly recommended."

Amelia Khan – Café Manager, Cambridge

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The Classeq Commitment: Reliability Behind the Scenes

Classeq has built its reputation on creating simple, robust, and  effective warewashing solutions right here in Britain. This Classeq 20 litre external water softener is a perfect embodiment of that philosophy. It isn't just an add-on; it's a fundamental investment in the health of your entire wash setup. By tackling limescale at the source, it delivers value far beyond its price tag. You'll see fewer breakdowns, a longer lifespan for your dishwasher's heating elements, and  even a reduction in detergent and  rinse aid consumption, as soft water cleans more effectively. For a busy operator, this translates into something invaluable: peace of mind. It’s the confidence that comes from knowing your equipment is protected, your standards are high, and  your kitchen can run without costly, unexpected interruptions.

Explore more from Classeq

How Base Exchange Stops Limescale in Its Tracks

Ever wondered what 'base exchange' actually means? It's a clever but simple process that acts like a magnet for the minerals that cause limescale. Think of hard water as being full of tiny, sticky troublemakers (calcium and  magnesium ions). Inside this softener is a bed of special resin beads. As water flows past, these beads grab onto the 'hard' minerals and  swap them for 'soft' sodium ions from the dishwasher salt you add. It’s a straightforward trade that neutralises the limescale threat before it has a chance to clog up pipes, coat heating elements, or leave that dreaded cloudy film on your glasses. This simple science is what keeps your machine healthy and  your tableware sparkling.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Busy Restaurants: To guarantee spotless glassware and  cutlery, upholding high standards even during the dinner rush.
  • Local Pubs & Bars: Protects the glasswasher from hard water damage, ensuring pint glasses are always crystal clear.
  • Independent Cafés: Keeps coffee cups and  teapots free from stains and  limescale film, enhancing the customer experience.
  • Hotel Kitchens: An essential for maintaining high-volume warewashers and  preventing costly operational downtime.
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Protect your investment and  guarantee a perfect wash every time. Add the Classeq WS20-SK Commercial Water Softener to your basket today for unbeatable performance.

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