Top 10 Best Alkaline Water Machines Compared • 2024 Reviews

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Welcome, I’m your host, Pete. Today, I’m sharing our complete review of the best alkaline water machines and water ionizers currently on the market.

For decades, ionized H2O has been going strong in Asia, and America is catching onto the fact that it’s helped people all over the world boost their health and stay hydrated.

If this is your first visit to AWMS, you may be wondering, Why do people drink ionized water?

For starters, alkaline ionized water is purified and has a sweeter taste than most tap water. Depending on the pH of your tap water, you may find that alkaline H2O is a lot easier on your palate. For this reason, most ionizer owners drink more water daily.

One problem most new ionized water drinkers run into is the high price tag on bottled alkaline water. To avoid forking out a bundle each year on your most important necessity, the best solution is to invest in a reliable ionizer found in this guide.

Below, you’ll find machines that give you on-demand ionized water to ensure you and your family never run out of purified drinking water. Additionally, several of the following ionizers produce molecular hydrogen to further enhance the quality of your everyday H2O.

Now, let’s start with our current Top 10 chart that has all the most important specs to consider and compare before moving to our complete water ionizer reviews.

Last Updated: August 14, 2022

Model Key Specs
#1) Life Ionizer MXL-5 Countertop Water Ionizer

Life Ionizer MXL-5
  • pH Range: 3.0 – 9.8
  • Max ORP: -213 mV at pH 9.5
  • Self-Cleaning: Yes
  • Filters: 2
  • Titanium Plates: 5
  • Countertop Only: Yes
  • Warranty: 7-Year on Parts & Labor
  • Price: $$$
  •  Exclusive 10% Discount Code:  LIFEMartin10
#2) Cosan Pure Hydration Alkaline Water Machine

  • pH Range: 9.0 – 9.5
  • Max ORP: -700 mV
  • Self-Cleaning: No
  • Filters: 4
  • Titanium Plates: 0
  • Countertop Only: Yes
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Price: $
#3) AlkaViva Melody II Water Ionizer

  • pH Range: Max 10+
  • Max ORP: -700 mV
  • Self-Cleaning: Yes
  • Filters: 2
  • Titanium Plates: 5
  • Countertop Only: No
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Price: $$$
#4) Tyent Alkaline H2 Hybrid Ionizer

NEW - Alkaline H2 Hybrid Ionizer
  • pH Range: 3.0 – 10+
  • Max ORP: -1050 mV
  • Self-Cleaning: Yes
  • Filters: 2
  • Titanium Plates: Hybrid Dual-Chamber Technology
  • Countertop Only: Yes
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Price: $$$$$
#5) Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7.0

  • pH Range: 4.5 – 11.0
  • Max ORP: -750 mV
  • Self-Cleaning: Yes
  • Filters: 1
  • Titanium Plates: 7
  • Countertop Only: No
  • Warranty: 5-Year
  • Price: $$
#6) Bawell Platinum Alkaline Water Ionizer Machine

  • pH Range: 3.0 – 11.5
  • Max ORP: -800 mV
  • Self-Cleaning: Yes
  • Filters: 2
  • Titanium Plates: 7
  • Countertop Only: Yes
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Price: $$$
#7) Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 5.0

  • pH Range: 4.5 – 11.0
  • Max ORP: -600 mV
  • Self-Cleaning: Yes
  • Filters: 1
  • Titanium Plates: 5
  • Countertop Only: No
  • Warranty: Limited Lifetime
  • Price: $
#8) Tyent UCE-13 PLUS

Tyent UCE-13 Water Ionizer
  • pH Range: 1.7 – 12.5
  • Max ORP: -1150 mV
  • Self-Cleaning: Yes
  • Filters: 2
  • Titanium Plates: 13
  • Countertop Only: No
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Price: $$$$
#9) Tyent 9000T Edge Water Ionizer

NEW - Edge Water Ionizer - 9000T
  • pH Range: 3.0 – 9.5 w/ Turbo Function
  • Max ORP: -800 mV
  • Self-Cleaning: Yes
  • Filters: 2
  • Titanium Plates: 9
  • Countertop Only: Yes
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Price: $$$
#10) Tyent ACE-13 Above-Counter Extreme Water Ionizer

ACE-13 Above-Counter Extreme Water Ionizer
  • pH Range: 1.7 – 12.0
  • Max ORP: -1050 mV
  • Self-Cleaning: Yes (Set-Your-Own Cycle)
  • Filters: 2
  • Titanium Plates: 13
  • Countertop Only: Yes
  • Warranty: Lifetime on Parts & Labor
  • Price: $$$$$

Alkaline Water Machine Reviews

#1) Tyent Alkaline H2 Hybrid Ionizer

NEW - Alkaline H2 Hybrid Ionizer

Tyent’s latest & greatest ionizer has decisively dethroned our previous #1 pick, the UCE-11 (now updated to the UCE-13). Why? To put it plainly, this is the most advanced water ionizer on the market. It produces good ol’ alkaline ionized H2O and molecular hydrogen-infused water at up to 1.5 ppm.

If you drink both ionized water and molecular hydrogen water, you’ll save a bundle by skipping over purchasing a separate molecular hydrogen generator or tablets every month. Plus, the Tyent engineers took care of every detail.

Another huge selling point is the fact that Tyent backs its premium ionizers with a lifetime warranty. That means you won’t have to deal with the annoyance of a broken molecular hydrogen generator, which is a common issue.

After the molecular hydrogen benefit, you get the same quality Tyent components and top-notch filters for ultimate purification right out of the box. Tyent’s dual-filtration technology removes over 200 common contaminants before the water reaches the ionization chamber.

All in all, if you have the coin for it, the Alkaline H2 model is currently the undisputed best water ionizer on the market.

Pros
  • The latest hybrid technology produces both molecular hydrogen-rich H2O and ionized water
  • A handsome design that suits all kitchen finishes
  • Lifetime warranty
  • The most powerful filters for removal of over 200 common contaminants, including over 99.9% of lead
  • Easy-to-use touchscreen with dedicated molecular hydrogen button and jog dial
  • Program it to fill your favorite glass without worrying about spilling
  • State-of-the-art plate technology with top-quality materials
  • Manufactured in South Korea as a certified medical device
Cons
  • The costliest option in our guide
  • Countertop only
  • Higher replacement filter cost

#2) Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7.0

Next up is the best water ionizer for the money, the Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7.0. This is a no-frills machine that gets the job done without any unnecessary costs. While it doesn’t produce molecular hydrogen H2O like H2 ionizers, it costs thousands less and consistently makes purified ionized water.

The company behind the Aqua Deluxe series, Air Water Life, has been in business since 2005. The company’s goal is to sell the public quality, affordable ionizers. Compared to other budget brands, Air Water Life is the most trustworthy. One qualm we have with other budget water ionizer companies is that they seem to come and go.

With Air Water Life ionizers, you know you’re buying from a trustworthy company with over a decade of experience manufacturing and selling ionizers. For these reasons, we rank the Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7.0 #2 on our list because it gives you the most bang for your buck.

Pros
  • Best bang for your buck
  • Wide pH range and high negative ORP in this price range
  • Optional under-sink installation with the purchase of additional parts
  • Air Water Life has been in business since 2005 and is our favorite budget ionizer company
  • Simple to install and use out of the box
  • Affordable replacement filter and only 1 filter to worry about
Cons
  • Limited features compared to Tyent ionizers
  • Not the most attractive design
  • Made in China
  • With the under-counter installation, there are no controls at sink level

#3) Bawell 2195 Platinum Alkaline Water Ionizer Machine

Our current #3 pick is the Bawell Platinum Water Ionizer. The Bawell ionizer is a fully-capable 7-plate ionizer that packs a serious punch. The negative ORP at the ideal pH level for drinking is impressive for an ionizer at this price point. As a company, Bawell impressed us with its customer service and glowing owner feedback.

One drawback of a Bawell ionizer is that it’s not manufactured in Japan or South Korea, which are the only two countries that certify ionizers as medical devices. Also, the Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7.0 costs a good bit less for the same number of plates.

However, Bawell makes up for those drawbacks by being an outstanding company that sells one of the most powerful ionizers on the market for a competitive price compared to AlkaViva and Life. Lastly, considering Bawell’s Platinum model costs significantly less than a premium Tyent ionizer, it’s worth a look for first-time ionizer owners and folks who aren’t quite ready to invest in a Tyent machine.

Pros
  • Premium quality components for a budget price compared to Tyent and Life
  • More attractive than Air Water Life models
  • Backed by a Lifetime warranty by a reputable company
  • Dual-filtration for purer H2O than Air Water Life machines
  • An extra-wide pH range for both drinking and household uses
Cons
  • The same number of plates as the Aqua Deluxe 7.0 for about double the cost
  • Made in China
  • Higher replacement filter cost than Air Water Life models
  • For the price, AlkaViva manufactures better machines built in Korea

#4) Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 5.0

Our top-rated budget ionizer is the Aqua Deluxe 5.0 by Air Water Life. It has all the necessary features for first-time ionizer owners to get started, and it costs significantly less than the top premium ionizers while still producing the same ionized H2O as other machines.

Comparatively, the 5.0 costs well under a thousand dollars, roughly five hundred at the time of this writing. Considering premium models can cost over four thousand, that’s a huge difference in price.

Key differences to consider when choosing this machine are limited features compared to premium models, fewer plates, a narrower pH & ORP range, and no molecular hydrogen technology.

Overall, you may find that the Aqua Deluxe 5.0 is the perfect choice for you and your family as a first ionizer. Plus, there’s always time to upgrade later if you want to take your love affair with ionized water to the next level.

Pros
  • The best cheap water ionizer on the market (beware of other budget brands in this price range because we don’t trust them)
  • Our top pick for first-time ionizer owners who want a budget machine
  • Self-cleaning for minimal maintenance
  • Uses the same replacement filter as pricier Aqua Deluxe models
  • A wide pH range gives you easy access to both ionized H2O and acidic water for household uses
Cons
  • The fewest plates in the Aqua Deluxe series means a lower max negative ORP and narrower pH range
  • Made in China
  • Outdated appearance compared to the latest models
  • Owners with hard water must perform occasional descaling for optimal performance (citric acid cleansing)

#5 Tyent UCE-13 PLUS Water Ionizer

Tyent UCE-13 Water Ionizer

The best under-sink water ionizer is now Tyent’s UCE-13 PLUS. When you invest in the UCE-13, you get a world-class ionizer built to last you a lifetime. The UCE-13’s smartphone-inspired LCD touchscreen is the best and most intuitive on the market.

With this machine, you have the option to customize your presets and really dial in your H2O to the exact pH levels you prefer. Another key advantage is no unsightly hoses hanging into your sink (like with Kangen). The polished chrome finish of the UCE-13 fits in well with any kitchen and won’t blemish your existing kitchen decor.

When you consider the combination of features, materials, and craftsmanship offered by this machine, the UCE-13 with its integrated Xtreme molecular hydrogen boost function gives you the most value for the money in the under-sink department. There are ionizers with more plates that cost more, and for most people, thirteen plates are more than sufficient. This is one of the main reasons we rank the UCE-13 above higher-priced under-counter ionizers with more plates.

Pros
  • The widest pH range and the convenience of a fully customizable experience – dial in your pH presets exactly where you want them for drinking, cleaning, beauty, and more
  • The robust 11-plate design increases the flow rate to make a higher negative ORP at the ideal pH range for drinking
  • Tyent’s no-hassle lifetime warranty
  • Control your ionizer from above the sink and save valuable counter space compared to owning a countertop ionizer
  • Hydrogen Boost function
Cons
  • The upfront cost
  • For under-sink use only
  • Under-sink installation is more complicated than a simple countertop install

#6) Cosan Pure Hydration Alkaline Water Machine

Now for the most unique unit in our guide, Cosan’s non-electric countertop alkaline water machine. Unlike the rest of the systems in our guide, the Pure Hydration unit takes a different approach to ionization. Instead of undergoing electrolysis using electricity, this system implements a special four-stage filtration system.

As your tap water passes through the four stages, it is both purified and ionized. Instead of using electricity, this system relies on the interactions between your tap water and the filter media. And, the really cool part is that this system boosts molecular hydrogen as well.

For people who drink both hydrogen-rich H2O and ionized water, this system is a dream come true because it’s the most affordable ionizer in this guide – currently being sold for under five hundred dollars. The only real drawbacks to this system are no pH control and the need to maintain four filters.

Pros
  • The most affordable alkaline water machine in our guide (at the time of this writing)
  • No electricity required
  • Easy installation and filter changes with minimal maintenance (no wastewater)
  • Optional under-sink installation hardware
  • Produces hydrogen-rich water at a fraction of the cost of Tyent’s H2
Cons
  • The most replacement filters of the models in this guide
  • Limited pH range (no acidic pH for household uses)
  • Not a true ionizer since it does not perform electrodialysis

#7) AlkaViva Melody II Water Ionizer

AlkaViva is one of the best water ionizer brands because it manufactures affordable machines that are made in South Korea as certified medical devices. Comparatively, AlkaViva’s Melody II currently costs less than the Bawell Platinum Ionizer, which is made in China. Additionally, AlkaViva’s latest ionizers all boost molecular hydrogen.

For the price, this is one of the best alkaline water machines for the money. Good candidates for this machine are first-time ionizer owners and folks who want to upgrade to a machine manufactured in South Korea rather than China. Also, if you’re a fan of AlkaViva and want more plates than the five offered by the Melody II unit, there are additional models including the Vesta H2 and Athena H2 models.

One final highlight we want to point out is the quality of AlkaViva’s filters. AlkaViva’s dual-filtration system has been tested to remove & reduce 172 common contaminants. Outside of Tyent, AlkaViva’s filters are the most powerful to give you a tastier and crisper final product.

Pros
  • AlkaViva is one of the most reliable and trustworthy brands in the industry
  • Affordable hydrogen-rich ionized H2O compared to premium Tyent models
  • A powerful dual-filtration system made in the USA (test results)
  • Manufactured in South Korea as a certified medical device, not China
  • AlkaViva’s efficient DARC II cleaning system drastically reduces the need to descale your plates
Cons
  • Owners with hard water will want to use pre-filtration to avoid costly replacement filters
  • Fewer plates than similarly priced Air Water Life machines
  • Not the most attractive design

#8) Life Ionizer MXL-5 Countertop Water Ionizer

Life Ionizer MXL-5

Another reliable water ionizer brand that manufactures its machines in South Korea is Life Ionizer. Unlike budget brands, Life Ionizer does manufacture its ionizers as certified medical devices. That means no cheap Chinese parts to worry about, and you know you’re buying a true ionizer.

However, having said that, we ranked the MXL-5 after Tyent and AlkaViva for a reason. While Life is a legit company, they don’t deliver the same quality and high level of customer service as offered by Tyent and AlkaViva. For this reason, we recommend checking out AlkaViva and Tyent first before choosing a Life Ionizer.

The MXL-5 model is the most affordable in Life’s line of ionizers since the models go all the way up to MXL-15. The number in the model number represents the number of plates, so the MXL-5 has five while the MXL-15 has fifteen. In reality, there’s no reason to pay an exorbitant price for fifteen plates. Your best bet is to check out the MXL-5 first and work your way up from there.

Pros
  • Manufactured in South Korea
  • Life’s extra-large Matrix GRID titanium plates are one of its greatest selling points
  • Infuses your ionized water with molecular hydrogen (similar to AlkaViva and Tyent)
  • Life’s ionizers do a pack a punch and give you a higher flow rate than most other brands
  • The integrated Ultraviolet XL Sterilization System makes this ionizer one of the best for people on wells who are concerned about harmful bacteria
Cons
  • Life’s customized filtration system might be overkill for you
  • Customer service marks aren’t as high as other brands in this guide
  • You might not be a fan of the controls

#9) Tyent 9000T Edge Water Ionizer

Tyent’s new 9000T Edge is undoubtedly one of the best countertop water ionizers available. Compared to what AlkaViva and Life offer, it’s easy to see that the 9000T is a lot more attractive. For people who often host guests or care about the visual appeal of their kitchen, the 9000T won’t be a blemish on your counter.

Next, let’s talk about the size of the 9000T. Its compact design makes it a sure winner for folks who want to minimize their ionizer footprint. On top of that, Tyent updated the drain hose design to keep it out of sight, out of mind. Plus, the 360º dispenser hose allows you to place the ionizer on either side of your sink.

Several final reasons to choose the 9000T are the customizable auto-fill selector, jog dial for easy adjustments, nine premium plates for a competitive price, and it currently costs a lot less than the UCE-13 and H2 models. Bottom line, if you like the Melody II or MXL-5 but desire more plates and a more attractive design, look here first.

Pros
  • More affordable than the UCE-13 and H2 models
  • Very competitively priced for a premium 9-plate ionizer
  • Made in South Korea and backed by a lifetime warranty
  • More attractive than Life and AlkaViva machines
  • The new compact footprint takes up less space on your counter
  • Easy-to-operate touchscreen and jog dial
Cons
  • No hydrogen boost function
  • Still costlier than AlkaViva’s and Life’s entry models, which both offer molecular hydrogen infusion
  • No under-sink installation option

#10) Tyent ACE-13 Above-Counter Extreme Water Ionizer

Rounding out our Top 10 is the aptly named “Extreme” ACE-13. Make no mistake, this is the most powerful countertop water ionizer in Tyent’s line of ionizers. If you want to achieve the highest negative ORP levels at drinking pH levels and get the widest pH range, the ACE-13 does that for you.

Despite being a beast of an ionizer, the ACE-13 sports a slim design to minimize its footprint. Additionally, it sports Tyent’s signature smartphone-inspired touchscreen, an authentic stainless steel face, and an easy-load swinging door for quick filter changes. Another interesting touch on this machine is the motion sensor for hands-free filling of glasses and pots.

Lastly, let’s consider the new 10-Amp 7th Generation SMPS Plus system that safely pushes the thirteen plates in this ionizer to their limit for the most lively ionized H2O currently available to get on-demand in your home. Hopefully, Tyent starts manufacturing an under-counter version of this ionizer in the near future.

Pros
  • The most powerful ionizer in our guide
  • A slim, attractive design to suit any kitchen
  • Maximum pH range for strong alkaline and acidic
  • The highest negative ORP levels at drinking water pH levels
  • Multiple touchscreen themes to suit your taste and kitchen decor
  • Motion-activated pouring for hands-free operation
Cons
  • No under-sink version currently available
  • High upfront cost
  • Might be more power than you need, especially for first-time owners

Water Ionizer Replacement Filter Comparison

Filter life is a key factor to consider before you buy a water ionizer because no one wants to pay for expensive replacement filters every couple of months. Particularly, since one of the greatest benefits of owning an ionizer is to save money compared to buying expensive bottled alkaline water.

Most filters only need to be replaced once or twice a year.
Model Filter Life Filter Media # of Filters Price
Tyent Alkaline H2 6 months or 950 gallons Filter 1: Activated Carbon
Filter 2: Composite Ceramic
2 $$
Aqua Deluxe 7.0 1,585 gallons or about 1 year Activated Carbon 1 $
Bawell Platinum Filter 1: 11 to 14.5 months
Filter 2: 13 to 17 months
Filter 1: Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
Filter 2: Pre-Activated Carbon
2 $$$
Aqua Deluxe 5.0 1,050 gallons or about 1 year Activated Carbon 1 $
Tyent UCE-13 6 months or 950 gallons Filter 1: Activated Carbon
Filter 2: Composite Ceramic
2 $$
Pure Hydration 6 months or 600 gallons 4-Stage Assorted 4 $$
AlkaViva Melody II 6 months or 1000 gallons Filter 1: Activated Carbon, Spun Fiber
Filter 2: BioStone Impregnated Carbon
2 $$$
Life Ionizer MXL-5 1 year Filter 1: Activated Carbon, CleanTech™
Filter 2: Vitamin C Ceramic Block, Activated Carbon, KDF
2 $$
Tyent 9000T Edge 6 months or 950 gallons Filter 1: Activated Carbon
Filter 2: Composite Ceramic
2 $$
Tyent ACE-13 6 months or 950 gallons Filter 1: Activated Carbon
Filter 2: Composite Ceramic
2 $$

Water Ionizer Buyer’s Guide

Now that you know all about the top-rated alkaline water machines, it’s time to take a closer look at what makes a good water ionizer and how we arrived at our Top 10 picks.

Why is the country of manufacture important?

When we calculated our top water ionizer ratings, the country of manufacture was a key factor in determining our final scores.

Why?

Because the best water ionizers in the world are manufactured in South Korea and Japan. In these two countries, they have organizations that certify alkaline water machines as medical devices.

These organizations are very similar to the FDA in the United States.

However, we don’t believe that all ionizers made outside of these two countries are junk, but we do believe that the best ionizers are manufactured in these countries using medical-grade materials.

The most expensive part of an ionizer is the platinum-coated titanium plates. That’s why ionizers with more plates are usually more expensive.

It’s good to know where these plates are made because you may run into units with more plates that are lower quality than what you’ll find in the units featured in this guide.

For example, AlkaViva uses premium platinum and titanium sourced in Japan. These superior-grade metals are one of the main reasons why Life, Tyent, and AlkaViva offer lifetime warranties.

You won’t find the same level of insurance with other companies, including Enagic’s Kangen brand.

Why no Enagic Kangen Water ionizers?

You may be wondering why we didn’t include Enagic in our top picks?

The answer is that while we do think Enagic makes a premium ionizer, we can’t justify paying thousands more for Kangen Water ionizers.

Enagic manufactures its machines in Japan, which we do like.

However, South Korea and Japan both certify ionizers as medical devices. The best ionizers are made in these two countries.

Life, Tyent, and AlkaViva ionizers all have sleeker appearances than Kangen machines. All four companies manufacture ionizers that include molecular hydrogen boost technology.

All ionizers use the same process – electrolysis – to make alkaline ionized H2O. There’s nothing more special about Kangen Water. It’s the same stuff that the rest of the ionizers listed above make.

If Enagic decides to lower its prices to be more competitive with Life, Tyent, and AlkaViva, we’ll give their ionizers more consideration.

Until then, we give Life, Tyent, Air Water Life, Bawell, and AlkaViva our top ionizer ratings across the board.

Water Ionizer Company Reviews of Life, AlkaViva, and Tyent

AlkaViva and Tyent both have A+ BBB (Better Business Bureau) ratings.

We’ve done our homework on Life Ionizer, and while they don’t have a BBB rating, they do have verified reviews on Trustpilot and other similar review sites.

We dug deep and found a lot of reviews of Life written by verified buyers.

Like all companies, there are a handful of negative reviews since no company is perfect.

However, the ratio of positive to negative weighs heavily in a positive direction.

Overall, these are three of the most trustworthy companies currently selling ionizers in the United States.

Also, they manufacture their ionizers in ISO-certified facilities, which is a must-have certification to look for when buying a product that’s manufactured overseas.

ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization. ISO has been around since 1947. You can be sure you’re buying a product that meets strict quality standards when it’s backed by ISO certifications.

Between the customer reviews, necessary certifications, and company culture of these three companies, we’re impressed by all of them.

Aside from the quality of their products, trust is the #1 reason we recommend them to anyone who’s interested in buying a water ionizer.

Water Ionizer Filters

Single-filter water ionizers may require a pre-filtration system depending on the quality and TDS level of your tap water.

If you have hard municipal or well water, consider installing a three-stage filtration system or a reverse osmosis system with remineralization before your ionizer. These are the best methods for avoiding calcium buildup inside your ionizer, which can wreak havoc on your ionizer’s plates and performance.

A three-stage pre-filtration system extends the life of your ionizer filters and will help you avoid mineral buildup on the platinum-coated titanium plates inside your machine.

Air Water Life manufactures some of the best single-filter alkaline water machines. All Air Water Life Aqua Deluxe models use the same activated carbon filter, and replacement filters cost less.

However, some people will need to install a pre-filter such as a point-of-entry whole house water filter before an Air Water Life ionizer to aid the Air Water Life carbon filter. If you have an existing whole house water filter, you’re good to go.

Cosan/USA Pure Hydration replacement filters cost more, and they do an outstanding job of purifying tap water. Cosan’s 4-stage filtration system does not require a pre-filter and produces zero wastewater.

The powerful Tyent UCE-13 filters utilize .01-micron filtration – the same level used by kidney dialysis machines.

After Tyent, you’ll find that AlkaViva’s dual-filtration system is one of the best in the industry with the power to remove over 170 common water contaminants.

Tyent and AlkaViva are both great options if you want your Ionizer’s filters to do the heavy lifting.

One final point to consider is the addition of the UV filter in Life’s ionizers. If you’re using untreated well water with your ionizer, the UV disinfection system in Life’s ionizers eliminates any potentially harmful bacteria. This feature is one of Life Ionizer’s greatest selling points for people on wells.

If you’re on municipal water that’s been treated with chlorine or chloramines, there’s no need to undergo UV sterilization because your water provider has already eliminated any bacterial issues.

Should you use a reverse osmosis system before your water ionizer?

Reverse osmosis systems strip all minerals from your water. For your ionizer to function properly, your feed water needs a minimum number of minerals.

The titanium electrode plates in your alkaline water machine can’t conduct an electric current when your feed water is 0 TDS or has a super-low TDS. For this reason, it’s best to avoid using plain reverse osmosis or distilled water in your ionizer.

If you already own a reverse osmosis filtration system and want to pair it with your ionizer, there’s an easy fix. To make the system work, simply install an inline mineral filter cartridge after your RO membrane to replenish the plain RO water with minerals.

After you install the mineral filter, it’s wise to measure the TDS to ensure the minerals are sufficiently juicing up your feedwater before it enters your ionizer.

Do alkaline water machines work with well water?

Water ionizers are compatible with well water. First, test your well water to identify mineral concentrations and get an accurate TDS reading. Once you identify the toxins and hardness level, choose a pre-filtration system that targets the minerals and toxins that need to be removed before the water reaches your ionizer filters. Ideally, you want your feedwater to be below 500 ppm.

Since well water is more likely to be hard, consider installing a water softener or softener/whole house filter combination system ahead of your ionizer to avoid calcium buildup on your ionizer’s titanium plates. Taking this step also significantly extends the life of your ionizer’s filters.

Additionally, a UV filter is a good option for sanitizing well water. Keep in mind that water utilities use chlorine and chloramines to disinfect public drinking water. Considering well water is often untreated, a UV filter works to eliminate any potentially harmful bacteria or viruses.

Water Ionizer Warranties

It’s no coincidence that the best alkaline water machine brands offer the best warranties. All the ionizers featured in our Top 10 are manufactured by trustworthy companies.

Air Water Life is one of the most trustworthy budget water ionizer companies, and their customer service team has high marks.Best Alkaline Water Ionizer Machines

It’s important to do business with transparent companies when buying a water ionizer since it’s a large investment that should stand the test of time.

I had the pleasure of visiting a Chanson Water store while I was in Taiwan, and I can say without a doubt that they’re a legit company. They may not offer the same lifetime warranty as several other premium brands, but their technology is certainly state of the art.

Cosan/USA stands behind its Pure Hydration alkaline water machine with a 15-day money-back guarantee, which essentially gives you the chance to try before you buy.

Tyent’s premier ionizers all come backed by a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty. AlkaViva offers one of the best warranty services you’ll find, and Life also stands behind its warranty.

All the ionizers in our Top 10 give you your money’s worth. Whether you want a lifetime warranty as an added bonus is up to you. I recommend going for the lifetime warranty when choosing the most expensive ionizers.

Water ionizer companies that don’t offer lifetime warranties may still help you after the warranty period ends if the problem is due to a manufacturing defect. Don’t be shy about contacting them should you run into any issues.

Negative ORP

If you’re new to ionized water, you may be wondering what ORP is and why it’s important? Did you notice that the most costly ionizers with the most titanium plates make ionized H2O with the highest negative ORP?

Leading researchers in Asia believe ORP is more important than pH, and so do we.

Alkaline pH helps neutralize acidity, but a negative ORP is where the real benefits of alkaline ionized water lie.

ORP is the measure of antioxidant potential. The higher the negative ORP (within the optimum pH range for drinking) the more antioxidants you get in every glass of water you drink from your ionizer.

Do you know why an apple turns brown after it’s been cut? It’s due to oxidation.

Antioxidants protect against oxidation.

What Is ORP Continued…

ORP stands for “Oxidation Reduction Potential.” Alkaline water machines create an electric current in their platinum-coated titanium electrode plates to make ionized water with a higher negative ORP aka alkaline antioxidant water.

Negative ORP water is more easily absorbed, which is the reason why ionized water does a better job of hydrating the body than plain tap water. Best Alkaline Water Ionizer Machines ORP

Chronic dehydration can lead to serious health problems and illnesses. Delicious ionized H2O is the easiest way to stay hydrated around the clock.

Negative ORP water also boosts oxygen production throughout the human body. Daily ionized water drinkers – including us – often experience a noticeable energy boost after hydrating.

Picture the ORP level as the measure of antioxidants. When the negative ORP is just right, the final product is a more lively H2O.

The Problem with Positive ORP Water

Positive ORP water has an oxidizing effect – the opposite of negative ORP.

Guess what?

 Tap water typically has an ORP between +200 and +600 

If you’re the kind of person who likes to test things to make sure they’re working, we recommend using an ORP meter to test your ionized water. Once you compare the ORP readings between your ionized and tap water, you’ll be glad to know your new ionizer is doing its job.

Water Ionizer Flow Rate

Flow rate is important if you plan to use your ionizer for commercial purposes. For singles, couples, and small families, the flow rate is a minor consideration, yet one that’s still worth considering.

As long as you have adequate water pressure to get a steady stream from your ionizer, you’re all set.

Why?alkaline water machine flow rate

It’s a good idea to optimize your flow rate to maximize the contact time between your feedwater and the electrode plates inside your ionizer.

In other words, there’s no need to push your tap water through the ionizer as quickly as possible to boost the flow rate.

Most ionizer owners find their sweet spot by adjusting the flow valve on their ionizers or opening their taps halfway.

The surface of the plates (electrodes) is where the real magic happens. That’s why premium ionizers with more plates make the most out of the contact time between the water and the electrodes.

Tyent, AlkaViva, and Life manufacture the best & largest plates in the industry.

Why do water ionizers use platinum-coated titanium electrode plates?

The reason all the best water ionizers use platinum-coated titanium is that it’s the most resistant to corrosion and oxidation. The electrodes are constantly in contact with water at different pH levels. They must be able to handle stress without becoming damaged or corroded.

Platinum and titanium are the main reasons why the best alkaline water machines come with lifetime warranties. The electrodes are built to last a lifetime. All the ionizers featured in our Top 10 have platinum-coated titanium plates.

Bottom line, steer clear of any ionizers without platinum-coated titanium electrodes.

Why is the number of plates important?

The key to making ionized water with a higher negative ORP lies in the effective surface area of the plates.

More Plates = More Surface Area (depending on the size of the plates)

Since your feed water is only in contact with the plates for a short period, it’s important to make the most out of that time.

How do alkaline water machines work?

In nature, there’s a type of natural alkaline antioxidant water, and it’s called glacial water. You recreate glacial water in your home with an ionizer.

When your tap water enters your ionizer, it passes through powerful filters with selective media to remove contaminants. Then, it enters the ionization chamber to undergo electrolysis.

Electrolysis safely produces both alkaline and acidic ionized water. The water that flows from your drinking water hose is alkaline ionized water, and the liquid that drains into your sink from a separate hose is acidic ionized water.

Watch the video below to see electrolysis in action:

Acidic Water Benefits

Are there acidic water benefits? A lot of people forget that one of the greatest benefits of owning an ionizer is the option to make acidic H2O.

Acidic water has many awesome uses, just be sure not to drink it.

Acidic ionized water with a pH between 2.5 and 4 has natural antiseptic properties that make it great for household cleaning. The same antiseptic properties also make it perfect for cleaning minor cuts and abrasions.

Acidic H2O has natural antibacterial properties as well. Save money on household cleaning supplies by replacing them with all-natural acidic water from your ionizer.

pH 5.5 is great for cosmetic use, moisturizing, and watering common varieties of houseplants

Alkaline Water Safety Tips

The day your new ionizer arrives, you will undoubtedly be excited to start using it.

Before you get started, there’s one important tip to remember:

 When you first begin drinking alkaline H2O, start slowly with a pH level closer to neutral. There’s no need to rush the process or push the machine to the limit on day one. 

How to Store Alkaline Water

You may want to know how to store your ionized water in case you take it on the go or want to keep it cold in your fridge. The best way to store it is inside an airtight bottle such as a flip-top mason jar, vacuum-insulated stainless steel water bottle, or a BPA-free Tritan plastic bottle.

We recommend filling the bottle to the top before you store it to minimize the amount of air inside the bottle. By storing your ionized water in an airtight container, you preserve the effects of your ionizer.

Our first choice is a vacuum-insulated bottle because it’s both airtight and lightproof.

What is alkaline water above pH 9.5 used for?

Water with a pH of 11 or higher is good for cleaning dishes, stain removal, and washing fruits or vegetables.

Some ionizer owners stop buying organic produce and began cleaning conventional produce with strong alkaline water to save money.

What’s the difference between a water ionizer and an alkaline water machine?

There’s no difference!

Molecular Hydrogen Boost

The most cutting-edge alkaline water machines feature molecular hydrogen boost technology. Tyent’s H2 ionizer is the first to offer dedicated molecular hydrogen-rich water production and ionization in the same machine.

Cosan’s Pure Hydration machine does not use electricity to boost molecular hydrogen. Instead, it adds molecular hydrogen to your water through its natural multi-stage filtration process.

AlkaViva and Life ionizers both infuse ionized water with molecular hydrogen, though, Tyent’s H2 model produces higher concentrations.

How to use the molecular hydrogen boost function on the UCE-13: To boost molecular hydrogen using your Tyent UCE-13 PLUS ionizer, simply choose the “Hydrogen Boost” function on the touchscreen before you pour.

Bottom Line

You can’t go wrong with any of the ionizers featured in our Top 10. We spent countless hours compiling data for our reviews and buyer’s guide to guarantee that we provide you with only the most accurate and up-to-date information.

This guide is our most important resource, and we’re confident that it’ll lead you to the best water ionizer for you and your family.

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