Alkaline water has been steadily increasing in popularity, with a growing number of people turning to it in their search for cleaner, healthier water. For many of those people, the only way to acquire that water is to buy it in bottles.
Buying bottled water can become very expensive, but this can be avoided by making your own alkaline water, with the most effective tool being a home alkaline ionizer water machine. However, with numerous ionizers now available, you might need some guidance to find your ideal model.
In this article, we will explain the key attributes to look for when choosing an alkaline ionizer. Then, we will share what we consider the best alkaline ionizer water machines you can buy today, chosen based on their effectiveness, installation type, and ease of use.
- Active carbon filter
- Dedicated buttons for settings
- Electroplate technology
- Seven water presets
- Seven electrolysis plates
- Three-stage cleaning
- 55 setting options
- 2 additional filters
- 9 medical-grade mesh plates
- Cleaning alerts
- Soft-touch control panel
- Quick-change filters
Product Reviews
Now that you know more about ionizers, here are our alkaline water machine reviews. All seven of these machines are excellent options, but some will be more suitable for your needs than others. Pay close attention to their sizes and installation types, as well as the possible pH output of each unit.
Bawell Platinum Alkaline Water Ionizer Machine
Best Overall
This Bawell unit is an alkaline water machine that can only be installed on countertops. It is quick and easy to install with all necessary parts included and no tools required. It is suitable for modern pull-out faucets, as well as more traditional types.
It has an LCD touchscreen to select the type of water you want. This ranges from weak to ultra-strong alkaline, weak to strong acidic, and neutral. The pH range of the pre-programmed settings is 3 to 11.5, but the manufacturer claims it is capable of 2 through to 12.
There are five power settings, which allow you to set up to 35 different presets in the machine.
The ORP ranges between +600 and -800. The display panel will indicate the current measurement of your water at any given time.
What We Like
Medical Grade Plates
This machine’s plates are titanium and platinum-coated. There are seven in total, providing 144 inches of surface area. This means more efficient processing of your water.
Safe Plastic Components
There are plastic components within this ionizer, all of which are BPA-free and FDA-certified as food grade. BPA, or Bisphenol A, is an industrial chemical used in the manufacturing of some plastics and it can be harmful (1).
One great safety feature of this water ionizer machine is it self-cleans at startup and shut down. This helps prevent build-ups and contamination.
Dual Filtration
This Bawell machine features two filters to remove impurities from your water. The lifespan of the filters is about 1,320 gallons or 5,000 liters. A voice prompt on the machine will automatically tell you when the filters are due for replacement.
There is also a counter that indicates the total amount of water that has passed through the filters, in liters. Regardless of whether or not the machine says it is time, the manufacturer recommends that the filters are replaced annually.
What We Don't Like
Small Screen
Some users find this machine’s LCD screen difficult to read. Thankfully, there is voice feedback that indicates which setting you have activated. This means you should still be able to use it, even if you struggle to read the text.
Product Specs
| Size | 11.8 x 15.2 x 6.2 inches. |
| ORP Range | +600 to -800 |
| PH Range | 3 to 11.5 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Flow Rate | 2 gallons per minute |
Our Ratings
Real Spirit Aqua Ionizer Deluxe Ionizer
Best Budget
This alkaline water ionizer from Real Spirit is a great option if you have a limited budget.
It offers seven purified water options, including alkaline drinking water, brewing tea and coffee, and slightly acidic water for use in beauty treatments and cleaning.
There are four alkaline settings with a maximum pH of 11, a neutral level with a pH of 7, and two acidic options down to a pH of 5. The ORP range of this machine is +600 to -600.
It has a countertop design that should only take about 10 minutes to install. The unit also self-cleans after each use.
What We Like
Active Carbon Filter
As well as ionizing your water, this machine utilizes an active charcoal carbon filter. This helps remove organic compounds from water, which can otherwise cause bad tastes or smells (2). Filtered water has fewer impurities and, in most cases, a better taste.
The life expectancy of the filter is about 1,585 gallons of water, which is equivalent to roughly 6,000 liters. After this amount, the filter will need to be replaced.
Easy to Change Settings
There are seven buttons on the front of the machine, which allow you to select the type of water you want. After selecting, simply turn on your faucet to receive the treated water.
Electroplate Technology
The manufacturer doesn’t specify how many plates are in the water ionizer machine, but they are platinum-coated titanium. This means they are durable and effective at ionizing your water to make it alkaline (3).
What We Don't Like
Might Not Fit All Faucets
Most of these machines are designed to fit all types of faucets, but that isn’t the case here. Some customers report that they either had to change their faucet or return the ionizer.
Thankfully, Real Spirit appears to have good customer service. If you’re unsure whether or not their products will fit your faucet, you should simply reach out to them.
Product Specs
| Size | 8 x 13 x 5 inches. |
| ORP Range | +600 to -600 |
| PH Range | 5 to 11 |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Flow rate | 1.05 gallons per minute |
Our Ratings
Real Spirit Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7.0 Ionizer
Self Cleaning
An essential part of ensuring you receive high-quality water, once filtered and ionized, is keeping your machine clean. This one reverses the polarity of the plates after every use to help keep the machine clean. It also self-cleans after 10.5 gallons of water has been processed.
The filters in this ionized water machine are active carbon and help remove impurities. These include trihalomethane, benzene, radon, pesticides, and other harmful pollutants found in tap water.
The expected life of the filter is 12 months or 1,585 gallons/6,000 liters. The countdown on the LCD panel will indicate the amount of water the current filter has ionized. This means you can keep an eye on it and change the filters when required.
What We Like
Seven Water Options
The machine has seven presets, making it easy to select the alkalinity or acidity of the water you want. The pH ranges between 7 to 11 and the ORP up to -800.
You can easily select the presets with a press of a button on the front of the machine. These include settings for purified water, daily drinking water, cooking, and household cleaning.
Seven Electrolysis Plates
There are seven platinum-coated titanium plates in this machine, arranged in six layers to process your water and add alkalinity or acidity. They cover an area of 114 inches.
Bright LCD
The LCD display on this unit is backlit and bright, making it easier to read.
It displays seven different colors, depending on the type of water you select. This is very helpful for anyone that struggles to read text. A voice warning also tells you when you have selected acidic water and when your filter needs replacing.
Three-Stage Cleaning
This machine uses a three-stage cleaning cycle and self-cleans at start-up and shut-down. It automatically switches the polarity of the plates to clean for 10 seconds after 15 minutes of continuous use.
A cleaning agent is provided with the machine for manual cleaning after a year of use. These cleaning methods combine to keep your machine free from contaminants and your water fresh.
What We Don't Like
Can Be Tricky to Fit
Some users have found installing this unit to be challenging. There are several small parts and not much direction. Although Real Spirit claims installation should take about 10 minutes, it could take an hour or more.
Product Specs
| Size | 5.2 x 4.3 x 13 inches |
| ORP Range | Up to -840 |
| PH Range | 4 to 11 |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Flow Rate | 1.05 gallons per minute |
Our Ratings
Life Water Ionizer Next Generation M11 Ionizer
Most Stylish
Life Water offers its Next Generation M11 alkaline ionizer water machine, which can be placed on your countertop. Its slimline design makes it a great option if counter space is limited in your home.
The black and graphite unit has an LCD display on the front and buttons along the top. The display shows the current level you have selected and whether it is alkaline or acidic. It is also large enough to be read easily.
The silver-colored water hose matches the modern, stylish design of the rest of the unit.
What We Like
Grid Style Plates
The machine has 11 electroplates that process plenty of ionized water. More plates mean more ionizing power. They have a grid design to provide the maximum surface area possible as water flows through the machine. This means you can get increased pH water more quickly when the machine is in full flow.
Customized Filters
Before dispatching the product, the company will configure your machine for optimum efficiency based on your water supply. It checks water quality reports for your local area to filter the toxins that are likeliest to be in your water. Life Water claims its filters will remove copper, mercury, lead, chromium, and other contaminants.
The filters are located at the top of the unit, providing easy access to replace them. No tools are required to complete this process. As well as filters, this machine features a UV light that helps eliminate bacteria and viruses from the water.
It is recommended that the filters are replaced when the countdown reaches zero, although it is unclear how many gallons can be processed.
Lifetime Warranty
This machine has a lifetime warranty on parts and labor. However, this requires that you adhere to some maintenance rules set out by the manufacturer. These include replacing the filters at the specified intervals and only using manufacturer-authorized parts and filters.
What We Don't Like
Filter Change Lockout
This is not necessarily a bad thing, but if you don’t change your filter within a year, the machine will lock you out until you do. As such, it is important that you order your replacement filters early to ensure your water keeps flowing.
Product Specs
| Size | 12.5 x 6.25 x 15 inches |
| ORP Range | Up to -880 |
| PH Range | 2 to 12 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Flow Rate | 1.58 gallons per minute |
Our Ratings
Tyent Rettin MMP-9090 Turbo Extreme Ionizer
Stainless Steel Construction
This stylish Tyent countertop alkaline ionizer water machine is made from stainless steel, so it is highly durable. The black surround and small LCD touch-screen display along the front complement the stainless steel finish.
There are nine medical-grade mesh plates inside this machine. They are made from titanium, which is then strengthened by being dipped in platinum several times. This is to improve the unit’s lifespan and increase the amount of hydrogen it can produce.
What We Like
Multiple Settings
The unit features Tyent’s patented SMPS Plus technology, which allows you to select from 55 settings for your water. It can adjust the amount of power the machine uses, as well as the different types of water.
The settings include three phases of alkaline water, two phases of acidic water, and pure water. The display shows the pH level and has seven different colors to indicate which water type you have chosen.
A voice message tells you when the machine is self-cleaning, and there is an indicator on the display that states when a filter change is required.
Additional Filters
Two additional filters are supplied with this machine to help remove impurities from your alkaline water. However, it is unclear how often the filters need to be replaced.
Warranty
In addition to a lifetime warranty, Tyent offers a 75-day trial period. This means you can test the machine and find out whether or not it is suitable for you, safe in the knowledge that you can return it if you aren’t satisfied.
What We Don't Like
Possible Leaks
Some users report that the connection from the machine to the faucet is prone to leaks. Tyent’s customer service is apparently helpful, so you can reach out to them if this issue affects you.
Product Specs
| Size | 4.6 x 15.8 x 16.4 inches |
| ORP Range | Not specified |
| PH Range | 2 to 12 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Flow Rate | Not specified |
Our Ratings
Cosan Pure Hydration NEXT GENERATION Ionizer
No Electricity Required
This Cosan machine is very unique among ionizers. It uses four-stage filtration rather than electricity to cleanse and ionize your water.
Step 1: The water first passes through activated carbon from coconuts to remove sediment, odor, chlorine, and volatile organic compounds.
Step 2: The second stage filter is a solid activated carbon block designed to remove smaller contaminant particles from the water.
Step 3: The water passes through another solid activated carbon block, this time infused with magnesium. The magnesium reacts with water to produce molecular hydrogen, which ionizes the water, making it alkaline and antioxidant (4).
Step 4: The final filter is made from spun polypropylene fibers to reduce some of the remaining contaminants.
All of these filters need to be replaced every six months, except for stage three, which requires changing every three months.
A battery-operated LED light bar alerts you to normal operation and provides both 90-day and 180-day filter change reminders.
What We Like
No Wires
As this machine doesn’t require an electrical supply, there won’t be any extra wires across your countertop. The unit is intended for countertop connection, but you can also get adapters to place under the counter if you prefer.
Easy Access to Filters
The machine can be opened on either side to access to the filters, so replacing them is very straightforward.
Infrared Sensor
Keeping this machine germ-free is easy thanks to the touchless sensor on the front. You simply wave your hand near the sensor to activate and deactivate the flow of water.
What We Don't Like
Alkaline Water Only
Unlike the other machines we reviewed, this one doesn’t offer acidic water for other purposes such as cleaning. It will only provide you with alkaline water.
Product Specs
| SIze | 8 x 14 x 14 inches |
| ORP Range | -450 to -700 |
| PH Range | Up to 9.5 |
| Warranty | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Flow Rate | 0.55 gallons per minute |
Our Ratings
IntelGadgets IONtech IT-757 Ionizer
Compact Design
This alkaline ionizer machine is quite compact at 12.2 x 8.7 x 4.9 inches. It is a countertop model, so it’s ideal if you have limited space but want alkaline water. The provided hose for fitting is extra-long, giving you more options when placing it.
It has a stainless steel housing and a brightly colored blue and green LCD display. The LCD screen is large and easy to read, with clear different settings to ensure you select your water type correctly.
You can see the pH level, the ORP, and the water flow rate easily on the display. The pH can be adjusted using the plus and minus buttons, letting you fine-tune the alkalinity of your water.
The machine has five platinum-coated titanium electrolysis plates to help produce alkaline water.
What We Like
Cleaning Alerts
After every use, the unit automatically performs a 10-second cleaning of the electrolysis chamber. It will also alert you after every 7.9 gallons, advising that the machine needs a full cleaning cycle.
When this happens, you simply press the “clean” button on the front of the machine, and a two-minute clean will be initiated. It plays music during this process, so you will know when the cleaning is complete.
Soft-Touch Control Panel
The seven different pH levels — four alkaline, two acidic, and one purified — can be easily selected using the soft-touch buttons below the LCD.
As well as icons on each of the buttons to indicate the use of the water you select, there are descriptions written on the side. This means you will know exactly what each water type is for.
There is a safety function built into the machine to prevent you from accidentally drinking acidic water. It automatically switches to daily drinking or purified water after each use.
Quick-Change Filters
Your machine will come supplied with an activated carbon filter to help remove impurities such as chlorine, pesticides, dirt, and odor. The LCD has a light that indicates when the filter needs replacing, although the company doesn’t state how long they should last.
When the time comes to change your filter, it is designed to be quickly and easily replaced.
What We Don't Like
Frequent Filter Changes
Generally, alkaline water machine brands recommend a filter change every year, which is usually quite accurate. However, users have reported that the filters in the machine need replacing every six to nine months.
Product Specs
| Size | 12.2 x 8.7 x 4.9 inches |
| ORP Range | Up to -850 |
| PH Range | 4.5 to 11 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Flow Rate | 0.8 gallons per minute |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Size | ORP Range | PH Range | Warranty | Flow Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bawell Platinum Ionizer | Overall | 11.8 x 15.2 x 6.2″. | 1400 | 3 – 11.5 | Lifetime | 2 gal. p/m |
| Real Spirit Aqua Deluxe | Budget | 8 x 13 x 5″. | 1200 | 5 – 11 | 5 years | 1.05 gal. p/m |
| Real Spirit Aqua Deluxe 7.0 | Self Cleaning | 5.2 x 4.3 x 13″ | Up – -840 | 4 – 11 | 5 years | 1.05 gal. p/m |
| Life Next Generation M11 | Stylish | 12.5 x 6.25 x 15″ | Up – -880 | 2 – 12 | Lifetime | 1.58 gal. p/m |
| Tyent Rettin MMP-9090 Turbo Extreme | Stainless Steel Construction | 4.6 x 15.8 x 16.4″ | N/A | 2 – 12 | Lifetime | N/A |
| Cosan Pure Hydration | No Electricity Required | 8 x 14 x 14″ | -450 – -700 | Up – 9.5 | 30-day money-back guarantee | 0.55 gal. p/m |
| IntelGadgets IONtech IT-757 | Compact Design | 12.2 x 8.7 x 4.9″ | Up – -850 | 4.5 – 11 | 2 years | 0.8 gal. p/m |
What is an Alkaline Ionizer Machine?
These machines work when water flows over electrically charged plates that ionize (or electrolyze) the particles in the water. This makes the water richer in either hydroxyl ions (OH-), creating alkaline water, or hydrogen ions (H+) making acidic water.
The resulting negatively charged alkaline water is suitable for drinking, whereas the acidic water can be used for cleaning. The machine automatically diverts your chosen type of water to the outlet pipe. If you choose alkaline water, then the acidic water will drain into your sink.
These machines require calcium or magnesium (cations), and salts or bicarbonates (anions) to ionize the water. These occur naturally in water, but many companies add filters that contain them to ensure the ionization process is as effective as possible (5).
The plates that the water flows over are made of platinum, titanium, or a combination of both. These are hard, dense materials that help accelerate the natural ionization of water.
How to Choose an Alkaline Water Machine
Alkaline water machines all serve a similar purpose, but there are still some key differences from unit to unit. Before you start searching for a model, here are some key considerations that you should keep in mind:
Under-Counter, Countertop, or Convertible
Ionizers offer different installation methods. Some can be attached to the water supply beneath your counter, others placed on the countertop, and some can be installed in either location. Measure how much room you have available, check the dimensions of different units, and consider where a machine will fit best.
Type of Plates
The plates inside the ionizer machine alkalize your water so you can drink it. These plates might be solid, mesh, grid, or with slots, depending on the manufacturer.
Find out how many plates there are if the manufacturer provides this information. Generally speaking, the more plates there are, the more efficient the machine will be.
Ultraviolet Light
Some machines feature built-in ultraviolet lights to help eliminate viruses and bacteria. These will effectively disinfect the water (6).
pH Levels
The pH (power of hydrogen) level of your water indicates how alkaline or acidic it is. On the pH scale, pure water with a reading of 7 is neutral. Anything above 7 is alkaline, while water below 7 is acidic (7).
Before buying a machine, check the pH range that it offers; some will go as high as a pH of 12.
Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP)
Oxidation-reduction potential, or ORP, is a measurement that is often shared by water filter manufacturers. It describes the amount of electron charge in the water and is measured in millivolts (mv) (8). The ORP of alkaline machines is expressed as a negative number (9).
Some people believe that the lower the ORP, the greater potential it has for anti-oxidation. However, like many other claims regarding the benefits of drinking alkaline water, this is still unproven (10).
Filters
In addition to their ionizing capabilities, these machines also have filters that remove impurities from tap water. Pay attention to the expected lifespan of the filters and how much they cost to replace.
Each manufacturer’s filter life is different, but they generally require annual replacement.
Ease of Installation
Countertop units are usually quick and easy to install, while under-the-counter options require more time and effort.
This is only a general rule and you should also consider the amount of room you have for the machine, and where the nearest electrical outlet is. An under-the-counter unit might take longer to install but could be the simpler option if you have limited counter space.
Warranty
An alkaline ionizer water machine is a significant investment — they are more expensive than other types of alkaline water filters.
Given how expensive they are, you should pay special attention to the warranty of units that interest you. Some will have lifetime guarantees and others will be protected for a shorter time. Take this into account when choosing your machine, as a less expensive model with a shorter warranty could end up costing more in the long run.
FAQs
Who Needs Alkaline Water?
According to a few studies, people with certain conditions (such as acid reflux or high blood viscosity) might benefit from drinking alkaline water.
A limited study in 2018 by researchers in Japan showed that drinking alkaline electrolyzed water was associated with a minor improvement in stool in 60 participants.
After a vigorous workout, the complete blood viscosity was shown to be significantly different after drinking high-pH water as opposed to conventional water, according to a study that was conducted in 2016 and comprised a total of one hundred participants.
Those who drank water with a high pH showed a reduction in viscosity, which was 6.3% more than those who drank water with a conventional purification level.
This indicates that the alkaline water promoted better circulation of the blood. This may increase the delivery of oxygen to all parts of the body.
Nevertheless, beyond these limited studies, there is a need for additional research. In particular, research is required to provide evidence for the other claims of alkaline water proponents.
Does Alkaline Water Affect Kidneys?
Drinking alkaline water is generally not recommended if you have kidney problems. It is safe to drink if your kidneys are currently healthy. If you suffer from kidney disease, consult with your physician before drinking alkaline water.
Are Alkaline Ionizer Water Machines Worth It?
The opinions on whether alkaline ionizer water machines are worth it are divided. People buy these machines because they like the idea of neutralizing body acids for a diet balanced in alkaline acids.
Alkaline water can temporarily neutralize stomach acids, but its science is more complicated than that. However, since alkaline water is unlikely to harm you if you are currently a healthy person, it is worth it to buy an alkaline ionizer machine.
The quality of the water produced by an alkaline ionizer highly depends on the water it is placed on. Des your water come from the tap, a well, or do you buy it in bottles?
To begin, you should make the most of the opportunity to educate yourself regarding the kind of water that you put into your alkaline ionizer. The EPA has recognized hundreds of contaminants that are present in your water supply.
Which Is Better, Ionized Water or Alkaline Water?
It’s difficult to determine whether ionized is better or worse than alkaline water because they are pretty different from one another. Drinking alkaline or ionized water may throw off your body’s natural pH balance and inhibit your stomach from properly digesting the food you eat.
In addition, if you drink an excessive amount of alkaline water, you may cause your stomach to overcompensate by producing more gastric acid.
Which Is Better, Tyent or Kangen Alkaline Ionizer Machine?
Because Tyent water ionizers have a power supply that is both larger and more efficient than that of Kangen machines, they are capable of producing more powerful electrolysis. As a result, Tyent makes alkaline water with a higher pH level than its competitor.
