Welcome to the fifth installment in my Life Ionizer MXL series reviews. Today, I share with you my Life Ionizer MXL-11 Alkaline Water Ionizer with Hydrogen Technology review. That’s a mouthful, isn’t it?
It’s been an exciting ride thus far, and the ride is nearing its end. I’ve worked my way up through the MXL series to number 11, with only the MXL-13 remaining after today’s review.
A lot of you probably landed here wondering if Life Ionizers is a legit company and if their ionizers are a better buy than the much more expensive Kangen Water machine.
Without going too deep into detail since this is only an introduction, I’ll tell you that Life Ionizers is indeed a trustworthy company.
I think they do have their minor flaws just like any other company, but overall, they’re selling a legit product for a competitive price.
First, let’s go over the MXL-11 features.
Features
- 11 extra-large Matrix GRID™ platinum-coated titanium electrode plates (Life’s new Matrix design has more surface area which creates more contact between your water and the plates during ionization)
- Countertop and Under Counter models are available
- pH Range: 2.0 – 12.0
- Max Negative ORP: -559 mV at pH 9.5
- Dimensions: 12.5″ Width x 6.25″ Depth x 15″ Height
- Warranty: Lifetime on parts and labor
- 8 water settings (4 alkaline levels, 3 acidic, and 1 purified water setting)
- Automatic Molecular Hydrogen Boost technology (molecular hydrogen is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the health benefits of alkaline water)
- Top Loading One-Click Filters™ design is a new upgrade in the 2019 MXL series to make changing filters simple
- Filter life indicator tells you exactly how many liters you have left on your filters
- Life’s custom dual-filtration system uses your local EPA water report to choose the best filter combination for your area
- Self-Cleaning function with built-in UV light to kill any harmful bacteria or cysts your local water provider may have missed
- XL Power SMPS to ensure your ionizer uses the optimum amount of electricity (this function prolongs the life of your ionizer plates while maximizing the antioxidant potential in your alkaline water)
- Available in both 110V and 220V for international buyers
- Designed in California and manufactured in South Korea as a certified medical device
Below is the Life MXL-11 under-counter model:
The Life faucet is included with the under-counter model. The faucet allows you to control your water settings right from your sink instead of having to reach down below your sink to adjust them on your machine. You’ll choose between Brushed Nickel, Oil Rub Bronze, and Chrome.
Life MXL Replacement Filters
As I mentioned in the Features section, Life does things differently with its filters than other leading water ionizer companies, which could be a good or bad thing for you.
When you order your MXL-11, the Life team will match your home address to your local EPA water report to custom tailor filters for your area.
Each year, your local water supplier must submit a water report to the EPA. This report allows Life to customize its filters to put extra emphasis on removing the pollutants affecting your water the most.
To get an idea of how powerful Life’s MXL filters are, click here to view third-party lab test results showing that all tested contaminants reached undetectable levels.
The three primary types of filtration media in Life’s filters are activated carbon, USA-made KDF for volatile organic compound and heavy metal removal, plus Vitamin C Ceramic Block®.
Do you have hard water?
If you have hard water, an inexpensive whole house filter will prolong the life of your ionizer filters and help to avoid buildup inside your machine that could require a citric acid cleaning.
A second option is a three-stage prefilter system that will get the job done. You install this system on the same water line as your ionizer before your ionizer.
Do you have an existing reverse osmosis filtration system?
Plain reverse osmosis water is not compatible with a water ionizer because it’s void of minerals. Your water needs to have some minerals in it in order for it to be ionized.
The best solution is to add an inline remineralization cartridge to your reverse osmosis system. Once the water is remineralized, it can then undergo the ionization process successfully.
Installation
Depending on which model you choose – under-counter or countertop – installation is mostly straightforward.
Keep in mind, the installation of the countertop model is easier than the under-counter model.
With the countertop, the main steps are cutting the water lines to the proper length and installing the included diverter at your sink faucet.
Below is a video installation guide for the older M9 model, but the installation is essentially the same for the MXL-11:
With a bit of patience and determination, most people can install the under-counter version. I think the only obstacle that could thwart the efforts of the average handy person is a lack of a hole at your sink to fit the faucet.
You may want to hire a local plumber to cut the hole for you and do the entire installation to make sure everything runs efficiently.
If you’re feeling brave, here’s a video of how the under-counter installation works for an older Life Ionizer model:
Life Ionizers Company History: Scam or Legit?
I’ve done many hours of research on water ionizers and alkaline water machine companies, and I’ve concluded that Life Ionizers is a legit company.
They’ve been in business since 1996, they manufacture their ionizers in an ISO-certified facility, and they have reviews written by verified buyers on Trustpilot.
I also understand that every company has at least a handful of honest negative reviews.
Here are some tips to consider when shopping for an ionizer:
- Study the company history as opposed to only the feedback
- See what certifications the company has
- The best water ionizers are made in South Korea and Japan and are certified medical devices. TyentUSA, Life Ionizers, AlkaViva, and Enagic Kangen all manufacture their ionizers and parts in Japan or South Korea.
What to expect?
I do believe in the healing power of alkaline ionized water, and I think most of the healing stems from better hydration. I drink alkaline ionized water every day, throughout the day.
It’s important to avoid buying into lofty claims and realizing that better hydration alone is what creates most of the alkaline water benefits. After all, our bodies are made of mostly water.
Here’s an interesting number: our brain and heart are made of 73% water.
Now, let’s check out what to expect:
- Overall improved well-being, including more energy, can be expected
- Life stands up well to other popular brands
- Extended replacement filter wait time for arrival may arise. Life recommends always stocking a set to avoid this issue.
- The water from the Life Ionizer is good for brewing kombucha
- Easy installation and a helpful customer service team
My Life Ionizer MXL-11 Review
I must say I’m impressed with Life’s new MXL series. I believe the MXL series ionizers are some of the best currently on the market, and the price is competitive compared to Tyent USA and AlkaViva.
I know a lot of you have probably been sold on the Enagic Kangen Water machine, and I can only say, do your research before you spend a bundle more for the same equipment.
If you read too many reviews, you’ll start going in circles instead of starting your alkaline water journey.
The ionization process isn’t rocket science. The most important buying factor is making sure you buy from a company that uses top-of-the-line platinum-coated titanium plates in its machines.
You also want to buy an ionizer with automatic molecular hydrogen infusion to get those added health benefits. All Life MXL series ionizers boost molecular hydrogen.
Life Ionizers, Tyent, and AlkaViva are all trustworthy brands, and their ionizers are all featured on this site.
The bottom line is I give the Life Ionizer MXL-11 a thumbs up. Buy the Life Ionizer MXL-11 with the confidence you’re putting your money into a legit company that stands behind its product with a lifetime warranty on parts and labor.
Below are links to additional MXL reviews:
