Many of us don’t put much thought into the water we drink and we simply just pour a glass of water from the kitchen tap and drink away. In reality, water supplies can vary a great deal and some of them may contain potentially harmful bacteria or other contaminants, even if you get your supply from the main utility company.
Water Ionizers are a way of removing such contaminants and controlled the pH level of the water supply, whether you want to adjust the alkalinity or acidity. We have created this article to help explain what ionized water is, how it can benefit your health and wellbeing and guide you towards the best products on the market.
We have taken the time to review the major water ionizer systems out there right now and shortlisted them to create the top 10 water ionizers on the market. Each one will have its own strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to think about what your requirements are and find the one that best fits with your lifestyle.
The first on our list is this water ionizer from Tyent and it screams quality in every way.
Design:
The sleek, stylish design means when you mount it above the kitchen counter, it will fit into more modern kitchens.
Features:
Furthermore, it has a touchscreen to allow you to control everything you would need to, seeing the acid and alkaline levels, as well as the various modes available. They’ve even thrown in a hands-free sensor, so you can start and stop the water with a wave of the hand – a very nice touch!
Performance:
This system filters solid contaminants like sediments and rusts out, purifying the water without using any chemical elements, making sure this doesn’t impact on the flow rate of the water. Add in a self-cleaning mode and a lifetime warranty and you won’t go far wrong with this water ionizer.
Budget:
Do be warned that these units are a little on the expensive side, but you are investing in the future and with this model, you get fantastic quality and functionality.
Pros
Cons
Self-cleaning – This unit will actually clean itself
Hands-free – You get a hands-free sensor with this product so you simply wave your hand to stop the water
Warranty – The manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty with this model
Warranty – The downside of the warranty is it is limited to the USA.
Next on our list is an under-counter water ionizer from Tyent, that whilst being a hefty investment initially, offers an array of benefits that make it a worthwhile investment for your household.
Performance:
This compact unit weighs only 18.4lbs and fits nicely underneath the sink, whilst still offering nine different pH settings including four acidic, four alkaline and one neutral option. So you can truly choose the level for you, running from 1.7 to 12, as well as enjoying filtered water that has had 99.99% of any harmful contaminants removed from it.
Installation:
In terms of installation and usage, we were very impressed with how easy it was to set up and use during your day to day life.
Maintenance:
However, we feel obligated to mention that the replacement cartridges aren’t cheap, so you need to think about your water usage in order to budget for these.
Pros
Cons
Installation and use – Very simple to install and use on a day-to-day basis
Size – A small, compact and smart design makes this one fit in with your kitchen design
Filtration – Utilises a dual-filtration system that removes approximately 99.99% of contaminants
Replacement cartridges – The cost of replacing the cartridges isn’t the cheapest out there
An interesting entry next, from one of the main manufacturers in water ionizers, they have clearly not worried too much about design and it is quite a bulky unit, so bear that in mind for when you’re planning space. However, it is one of the most popular models due to its performance and efficiency.
Performance:
It offers multiple settings so that you can set the pH range of your water between 3.0 and 11.5, so no matter if you’re needing water for cleaning, cooking or drinking, you can choose the right setting to get the most out of it. It also uses carbon filters that help improve the taste whilst removing and reducing many of the harmful contaminants that can be found in your water supply.
Maintenance:
These filters last on average, 4000 litres, so if you use a large amount of water in your household, you will need to change these more frequently.
Efficiency:
The one main disadvantage here, apart from its size, is that it can drain a fair amount of power, making it one of the less energy-efficient models on the market.
Pros
Cons
Efficacy – Offering a fantastic performance with settings for a pH range from 3 up to 11.5
Filter lifespan – The carbon filters will last approximately 4,000 litres before needing to be replaced
Design – Not the nicest looking or most compact unit on our list
The next best water ionizer on our list is from Bawell, who have created a stylish stainless steel case with a simple, yet effective display for controlling the various settings.
Build quality:
The internal parts, namely the water ionizer, are made from BPA-free plastic that is tested to be food-grade, giving you the peace of mind that the water you drink won’t be touching materials it shouldn’t.
Performance:
It uses a double filtration system to both regulate the pH level but also filters out many of the potentially harmful contaminants found in the water supply. In many cases, this would affect the flow rates but the manufacturers have done a good job at reducing this problem, by offering a fast flow rate of 1 gallon of water per 30 seconds.
Installation:
The Bawell system wasn’t one of the easiest to install, so for those without experience, you may find the vague instructions a little frustrating and need to find some help.
Pros
Cons
Sleek and styles – Using stainless steel, Bawell have put a lot of effort into making it look great and still work efficiently
Flow rate – Offering one of the fastest flow rates on the market, producing one gallon every 30 seconds
Double filtration – Uses a double filtration system to offer cleaner, safer water
Installation – Not the easiest to install and the instructions could be better, so be prepared for needing some guidance
Our next best water ionizer is the IntelGadgets IONtech and the major benefit that stands out here is the array of pH options and a pH range available to you.
Performance:
This system offers you a pH level between 4.5 and 11, so no matter your preference, one of the seven options will keep you satisfied. Add into that the ability to adjust the antioxidant value of the water and you’ve got an effective and efficient water ionizing system.
Features:
To control all of this, you use a well-designed LCD display and a simple set of buttons that don’t require advanced training to use. After each use, this system has a special electrolysis cleaning process that lasts for around 10 seconds, making sure every time you use it, that the water is safe for you to drink.
Build quality:
Build quality is fantastic and they have tried to use non-toxic, heat resistant materials where possible to help with quality, safety and longevity.
Pros
Cons
Options – It offers loads of options to keep you happy, ranging from pH levels of 4.5 up to 11
Antioxidants – You can change the level of antioxidants in the water
Auto-cleaning – Once you’ve finished using this system, it will run through a 10-second cleaning cycle
Interface – Making adjustments to the water strength can be difficult but overall the display and button setup is pretty good
This model may seem like it has fewer features than many of the others, offering ionized water at a 9-9.5pH level, whilst helping with your antioxidant intake.
Performance:
However, it does so much more than this, as it filters out over 220 known harmful contaminants from the water supply including bacteria, pharmaceuticals, metals and pesticides.
Design:
The manufacturer has taken the time to design and create a truly stylish system, with titanium and stainless-steel colours, stopping it from looking out of place in any modern kitchen. They have packed all of this into a compact product, helping those with smaller workspaces or kitchens.
Filtration:
Overall, this water ionizer delivers superb tasting ionized water that has been filtered to move 99.99% of harmful contaminants – just the kind of water you want to drink and cook with.
Pros
Cons
Efficiency – This water ionizer will clear up to 99.99% of harmful contaminants
Stylish design – Pure Hydration has put effort into making a stylish unit that won’t look out of place in your kitchen
Compact – It won’t take up much space in your kitchen, making it a great choice for smaller households
Options – You don’t get many options with this model or personalisation like you do with other systems on our list
A truly durable, high-quality water ionizer from Air Water Life, offering the owner a system that will let you choose from seven pH levels depending on what you want from the water.
Build Quality:
This impressive unit uses ionic plates made of platinum-coated titanium, as well as electricity to control the ions to either charge or discharge.
Maintenance:
These materials mean it is energy-efficient and as reliable as you can get, automatically cleaning itself after each use to ensure the highest quality of water each time.
Installation:
Once more, the manufacturers have made sure it comes in a relatively small, compact size so that it will fit in almost any kitchen and they deliver it with a five-year warranty, so you can rest assured that you are investing in a future of healthy water.
Pros
Cons
Preferences – You can alter the pH level and choose from seven different settings depending on the type of water you want
Build quality – A fantastic build quality from a well-known manufacturer making this one of the best water ionizer systems around
Warranty – You get a 5-year warranty with this system, so you have peace of mind over the long term
Price – There aren’t many cons with this unit but thanks to its quality build, smart technology and longevity, it is more expensive than some others on this list
Another under-sink option for those struggling with space in their kitchen or those not wanting to have a box on display, on the kitchen counter. Its small size will fit in most cupboards under the sink and has a simple panel of five buttons and lights, so you can quickly and easily choose the right function.
Design:
The impressive and stylish faucet that it comes with offers both functionality and convenience, without looking out of place in your kitchen.
Performance:
This system uses carbon filters to remove many of the harmful contaminants such as bacteria, pesticides and chlorine, as well as many other elements you don’t want to consume, that might be in your water supply. You can rest assured that you will be drinking both ionized and filtered water with this model.
Maintenance:
It even cleans itself after each time you use it, without you having to do anything at all, which is great for those who may forget to manually clean it.
Pros
Cons
Size – A truly compact unit for those with minimal space in their kitchen
Filter – An efficient carbon filter works efficiently to clean the water and remove harmful contaminants
Auto-cleaning – This system will automatically clean itself after each time you use it, taking away the need to manually clean it
Support – You don’t get a great deal of guidance or support from the user manual, which may cause problems should anything go wrong during the installation or whilst using it
This water ionizer from iRayer makes it onto our list thanks to its performance but also all-round ease of use. That’s an excellent combination for any product and when we talk about water ionizers doesn’t always happen.
Performance:
The iRayer machine works with any standard type of water supply from local authorities, but not with well water. It’s eight titanium plates that are dipped in platinum help deliver five types of alkaline water. These include clean water, iRayer water, strong iRayer water, acidic water and strong acidic water.
Features:
When you buy this water ionizer you get a fantastic LCD touch screen, multiple language settings, cleaning instructions, as well as a new filter sensor and automatic cleaning cycle. We love a system that does the hard work for you and thanks to these features, it will last for over 20 years.
Installation:
Not only is it easy to use but it is easy to install and start using. Whilst it is one of the more expensive water ionizers on the market, you get stunning water results from an attractive system, by a manufacturer who leads the industry.
Pros
Cons
One of the best with fantastic performance, delivering fresh tasting, clean water thanks to platinum-coated titanium plates
Very easy to clean, maintain and easy to use
Easy to install
It is quite a heavy unit and the opening doesn’t allow for ice cubes.
The final system on our best water ionizer list comes from Life Ionizer, an interesting manufacturer with a passion for raising awareness of living a healthy life through purified alkaline water. They have certainly put time and money into creating this outstanding water ionizer.
Performance:
Thanks to utilising industry-leading technology, this product has XL Matrix Grid Plates that allow more of the electrons to be filtered into the purified alkaline water, which in turn helps increase hydrogen levels. Everything about this system screams performance and that is why it is one of the more expensive water ionizer systems, yet very popular.
Installation:
Most people will be more than comfortable with installing this system themselves, with very helpful user guides and videos created to assist you. As an extra helping hand, the telephone customer service is also ready to provide support.
Warranty:
Life Water Ionizer offers a lifetime warranty with this model of water ionizer, always a sign that they trust in their product.
Pros
Cons
A fantastic lifetime warranty
It utilises advanced technology to allow more electrons to be filtered into the purified water
Easy to install
It is one of the more expensive water ionizers on the list
This article on the best water ionizers on the market was designed to provide an insight into a system that many people will not have considered before, or even heard of. As such, we have tried to offer a comprehensive overview of all the key information you would need to make an informed and educated decision.
We believe a water ionizer has the potential to offer great tasting, healthy water for everyone in your household and the products listed are all ones that we feel would do that job the best. Once you understand the benefits of ionized water and what your requirements are, it shouldn’t take long to find the right product for you.
What is ionized water
In its basic form, ionized water is any water that has passed through a water ionizer machine, to create water that has been both purified and had the pH level changed so that it is more alkaline. It can sometimes be referred to as electrolyzed reduced water or artificially alkaline water.
How it differs from normal water
The difference is to do with the components within the water and the level of minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and many others. In general, we would expect water from a tap to have a pH level of 7, or neutral, whereas alkaline water will be a higher number and there have been studies to suggest that drinking water at a pH level of 8.8 can help with certain conditions such as acid reflux.
How do they work?
A water ionizer is connected to your water supply so that when you turn on the faucet, water passes through the ionizer and comes out of the tap as ionized water, in the same way, a filter would do. As water enters the ionizer, it separates the magnesium and calcium from the bicarbonates using a number of plates that are electromagnetically charged, producing two streams of water, one that is acidic and one that is alkaline. It is this alkaline water that gives you tap water to cook with or use as drinking water.
Key Considerations
There are some key considerations for any customer to be aware of, when deciding to purchase a water ionizer and we’ve listed them below. With a better understanding of the key features and requirements, you will be able to narrow down your search and make an informed purchasing decision.
Plates
You may have noticed that water ionizers use plates to convert the water into an alkaline pH level and as a result, the number and types of plate are so important. In general, the higher number of plates the better but the more affordable ones will have around 5 plates. You can go up to 11 plates at the higher end of the budget and have a greater pH range to choose from, as well as a better ORP (Oxidation-reduction potential).
pH Levels
Ultimately, this is what a water ionizer does, it produces alkaline water and so the pH levels available with each product are very important to consider. If you think about the pH scale where 14 is very alkaline, 7 is neutral and 1 is very acidic, then you know you want to find a machine that offers a good range of pH levels. Furthermore, each type of water (acidic to alkaline) has a different purpose and suitability, so the greater the range, the greater the use for the water ionizer.
Filtration
The majority of households will want to use a water filter in some form, even if the water comes from the local authority. Ideally, you should aim for a water ionizer that has a built-in water filter and think about how good that filter is. Does it provide strong enough filtration for the type of water supply in your area? Equally, consider the longevity and maintenance requirements for those filters, as they can add to the lifespan and running costs.
Installation
Fortunately, almost all water ionizers are relatively quick and easy to install, requiring minimal experience. Throw in the fact that most manufacturers provide good instructions and support online or via the telephone and you can’t go too far wrong. Having said that, do check out our reviews on the installation to make sure you don’t pick one of the more difficult ones, unless you have the confidence to do so or are happy to pay for professional support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does ionized water last for?
In general, you can expect ionized water to stay keep its antioxidant properties for around 18-24 hours, with the pH level gradually dropping after 3 days. If you store it correctly, then you can extend this lifespan to around a week, making it a great choice for most households.
Which is the best alkaline water machine to buy?
A difficult question and one that cannot be answered in one sentence. It is important to consider your household requirements, understand the key features and factors involved in choosing a water ionizer and then make an informed decision. Our list of the 10 best water ionizers has a fantastic range for almost any household, so we are confident you will find the right one for you.
How easy is it to install a water ionizer?
We are pleased to say it is normally very easy to install a water ionizer and all modern ones come with fantastic instructions and support in the form of videos or customer service helplines. It is important to make sure the one you choose doesn’t require additional installation procedures, particularly if you’re a DIY novice but each one will tell you in their article.
The Pros and Cons
It is important to note that a lot of the benefits and research out there on the subject, is a mixture of speculation and evidence, so it is important to reflect on the potential benefits and researching supporting those benefits. We’ve listed some of the common pros and cons linked to ionized water so that you can make your own mind up.
Pros
Perhaps the most positive attribute of ionized water is to do with its antioxidant properties and the potential benefit this has on your body by drinking water full of hydrated minerals. This is also believed to help with your skin and immune system. Furthermore, it is a matter of opinion but there are many out there who feel ionized water tastes better than the standard water you get from a tap, in part due to its purity and the ionization process.
Cons
Whilst there aren’t cons as such to drinking water that is Ionized, keep in mind that many of the benefits claimed by manufacturers and researchers are not supported by scientists and doctors, who view them as not convincing enough. One important fact to note is that some of them say you need to understand the water source before knowing how beneficial ionized water is.
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