Water filters and filtration units are very common appliances in every household. However, there are a variety of different filtration methods and different filters on the market. Being knowledgeable about the different methods of filtration brings you one step closer to taking control over the quality of water in your home. And while standard tap water filtration is the most common, it is a good idea to look into different filtration methods to get the best results. Among those is water ionization.
While this method can be a bit expensive at face value, it is an investment that will last you and provide clean, high quality filtered water for you and your household for a long time. Here, we will be discussing everything there is to know about water ionization, such as how it works, complete with our top 11 picks for water ionizers on the market.
Our Comparison Table
Here, we have compiled a list of water ionizers. These ratings are based on reliability, how well they clean the water, and having a good filter life.
11 Water Ionizers We Reviewed
11. Life MXL-13 Alkaline Water Ionizer
| Materials: | Platinum titanium plates | BPA-free tubing |
| Design: | Convertible installation | dual internal filters | sleek and compact |
| Life Expectancy: | 8-12 months |
| Performance: | Micromembrane | one-click filters | up to 800 Watts |
| Warranty: | Lifetime |
The Life MXL-13 is an interesting contender in the competition of the best water ionizers on the market. It features a supercooling system to fight off the potential for overheating. You may also check out the EHM alkaline water pitcher.
This can fit under the sink or on your counter, and with its sleek design, it can make a great addition to any kitchen. It comes with a custom pre-filter system, and it has a pH range of 1.7-12.2.
The first entry on our list of water ionizer reviews is a device that comes with a hefty price but great tech specs. The design and features are the elements that made it so popular among the users. However, make sure your unit works at full capacity. If you get a faulty product, do not hesitate to contact the manufacturer!
Overall, this is a great system for those who are willing to spend a little more for its higher quality filtration.
10. IONTech IT-750 Alkaline Water Ionizer & Filtration System
| Materials: | Platinum-titanium plates |
| Design: | Under-sink | countertop faucet |
| Life Expectancy: | 6 months |
| Performance: | Self-cleaning | 6 water levels |
| Warranty: | 2 years |
On our quest to discover ionizers, we bumped into this product from IONTech. It comes with all of the parts you need to set it up, and it features six water pH level options.
There’s a soft-touch button panel on the machine that’s easy enough to use. It is designed with an automatic cleaning alarm and cleansing function, and the cleansing lasts for 10 seconds.
This alkaline water machine features a good price and good tech specs. This is a great addition to any home especially for those who have more experience in dealing with ionizers and are looking to upgrade from their current units.
9. Pure Hydration Alkaline Antioxidant Water Ionizer
| Materials: | Mineral cartridges |
| Design: | Convertible installation | titanium/stainless color |
| Life Expectancy: | 6 months |
| Performance: | 4 cartridges | can filter down to a 0.2 micron |
| Warranty: | Lifetime |
This is a sleek product from Pure Hydration. Though it can fit easily on your countertop without sticking out, you can purchase a convertible kit if you wish to install it out-of-sight under the sink.
This can remove about 99.99% of more than 200 contaminants, and it produces 9-9.5 pH water.
This alkaline water machine is easy to install and fits on the end of a standard kitchen faucet. It works as a water dispenser that you can even install under the counter. It features a new germ-free touch-less sensor, for easy on and off. Just as an alkaline water filter, this machine removes water contaminants, balances the pH, and creates molecular hydrogen.
8. IntelGadgets IONtech IT-757 Advanced Alkaline Water Ionizer
| Materials: | Ceramic ion membrane | platinum titanium plate |
| Design: | Countertop | color LCD display |
| Life Expectancy: | 8-12 months |
| Performance: | Adjustable filter life settings | automatic 10-second cleansing |
| Warranty: | 2 years |
The IntelGadgets IONtech IT-757 features seven water levels. There’s an automatic cleansing of the electrolysis chamber that lasts for 10 seconds after each use of alkaline water.
Not only that, but it records the production volume of alkaline and cleans after said production reaches 50 liters. This all helps with the life of the machine as well as stabilizing the ORP value. You can also look at some of the best alkaline water filters.
This product is a great water ionizer. It features a large, contemporary design and 5 Platinum-Titanium plates. The colorful LCD display features a load of information, such as water flow rate, remaining filter life, pH level value, ORP, water type, processing status, and more.
This is a great option for those looking for a more high-tech device, but still on the affordable side. All in all, for its quality and price, this is a deal that can’t be beat.
7. aQuasafe Home Water Ionizer
| Materials: | Platinum coated titanium plates |
| Design: | Countertop/Wall Mount | Touchscreen LCD display | Universal faucet adapter |
| Life Expectancy: | 1 year |
| Performance: | 2-stage filter system | 110V |
| Warranty: | 1 year |
With its 11pcs platinum-coated titanium plates and replaceable activated carbon filter, this alkaline water machine is one of the best money can buy. It allows 5 water options.
As tech specs go, by using this one, you get a pH range from 2.8 to 11, and an ORP down to negative 800.
With an incredible price and outstanding tech specs and features, this system is an ideal choice when it comes to price/value ratio. With outstanding customers reviews and a promise for lifetime customer support, you should put this water ionizer machine on your shortlist!
6. HealthyWiser Alkaline Water Ionizer Machine
| Materials: | Platinum coated 9-cell electrodes | 100% stainless steel Zabara hose |
| Design: | Countertop/Under-the-counter| Touchscreen LCD display |
| Life Expectancy: | 6 months |
| Performance: | Dual filter system | 110V |
| Warranty: | 5 years |
This water ionizing machine features a large, easy-to-read LCD display, a touch sensor, an automatic cleaning system, voice automated activation, and more.
What is more important is that it provides you with dual system filtration, 400 programmable pH & ORP levels, and an incredible pH range from 3.0 to 11.50. It is also convertible to both countertop and under-counter alkaline water machines.
One of the best water ionizers on this list, it is a luxury hi-tech alkaline water machine. While a bit pricey, it does deliver on the promise and is a great addition to any smart home.
5. Bawell Platinum Alkaline Water Ionizer Machine
| Materials: | Titanium plates |
| Design: | Countertop | touchscreen LCD controls | universal faucet adapter |
| Life Expectancy: | 1 year |
| Performance: | 2-stage filter system | 110V |
| Warranty: | Lifetime |
With the Bawell Platinum Alkaline Water Ionizer Machine, you get a model with eight pre-programmed levels. In addition, there are five power settings to use. The display is user-friendly with touchscreen controls, and it has a flow rate of one gallon every 30 seconds.
This machine utilizes a dual internal filtration system, and it’s designed for the optional inclusion of a third stage.
It has a high-end design, features, and lifetime warranty. The enthusiast customers’ reviews say a lot about its performance. While quite expensive, this countertop alkaline water machine impresses with the taste of the water it generates, excellent filter lifetime, and contemporary, hi-tech look.
4. Air Water Life Aqua Ionizer Deluxe
| Materials: | Platinum-coated titanium | FDA-approved plastics |
| Design: | Countertop | 5 plates |
| Life Expectancy: | 1585 gallons |
| Performance: | 3-stage cleaning cycle | auto-cleaning | energy-efficient plates |
| Warranty: | Limited lifetime |
The Air Water Life Aqua Ionizer Deluxe is compact, lightweight size. It fits well on your countertop, and it features an LCD screen for ease of use.
There are seven water options that you can choose from. It also has a built-in active carbon water filter that helps extend the life of the machine.
It features 7 water settings, a built-in Active Carbon Water Filter, self-cleaning capabilities, and a good price. It may leak sometimes, so make sure the installation is professional. Other than that, this is a product you want to have in your home!
3. Tyent UCE-11 Water Ionizer
| Materials: | Platinum plates |
| Design: | Under-sink | dual filters |
| Life Expectancy: | 6 months |
| Performance: | Automatic self-cleaning | 55 adjustable levels |
| Warranty: | Forever guarantee |
It wins the gold medal for its overall price/value ratio, customer satisfaction, and its lifetime warranty.
It has a polished design that won’t look out of place in your kitchen. With 11 plates and 10 Amps of power, it can eliminate 99% of contaminants. It’s made lead-free and BPA-free. For extra protection, it features a flood prevention sensor. There’s also a filter replacement display to keep you up-to-date.
Designed for high-end kitchens, it is easy to install and easy to maintain. Probably the best alkaline ionizing machine of the year, this product is also hard to find, as the request surely overcomes the offer.
2. Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7.0
| Materials: | Platinum-coated titanium | FDA-approved plastics |
| Design: | Countertop | 7 plates |
| Life Expectancy: | 1,585 gallons |
| Performance: | Self-cleaning |
| Warranty: | 5 years |
With its advanced technology, this ionizer provides an extended lifespan and ultimate filtration. It comes with 7 plates and a built-in active carbon filter. The system can last around 12 months or almost 1600 gallons.
Additionally, it comes with a handy LCD and a self-cleaning feature. By reversing polarity after each use, the system cleans itself around every 10 gallons. Also, it’s ETL-listed, FDA-approved, and RoHS-certified. Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7.0 is an ideal choice for cooking, daily drinking, and brewing coffee or tea.
1. Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 9.0
| Materials: | Platinum-coated titanium |
| Design: | Countertop | 9 plates |
| Life Expectancy: | 1,000 gallons |
| Performance: | Reduces plastic waste |
| Warranty: | N/A |
If you are looking for even better filtration, this unit might be a perfect choice. It comes with 9 plates and provides excellent water for body detoxication. Also, the unit allows you to choose between 7 settings of water alkalinity and the number of antioxidants.
Another nice thing is that the system is environmentally-friendly. It reduces waste from plastic bottles which directly affects the environment. Also, the system is ETL-listed and FDA-approved, which is a big plus!
Benefits of Drinking Ionized Water
People usually tend to overlook the quality of the water they drink. Ideally, drinking water should be free from contaminants, but another thing to keep in mind is the water’s alkalinity.
Most systems have titanium or platinum plates, which exchange ions with the water and make it more alkaline. It directly affects water pH value, and through the process, the water also gets purified. Additionally, most systems allow you to manually choose the level of alkalinity, which is very useful.
Ionized water provides numerous benefits, and it tastes better than regular water.
Take a Look At Our Buyer’s Guide
Water ionizers make your tap water more alkaline, and therefore better-tasting. If you never bought a water ionizer before, you might find it somehow tricky. There are multiple things to consider, but filter efficiency is the most important.
The Filter Efficiency
The filter quality directly affects the unit’s ability to remove contaminants. That’s why having the right filter is crucial. Most units come with built-in filters that significantly reduce lead, chlorine, and various contaminants.
However, the efficiency of a filter varies from model to model. The best units should be able to remove contaminants regardless of water pressure. That’s why some systems are excellent for well water, too.
The lifespan of the filter is another thing to keep in mind. No matter which unit you buy, sooner or later, the filter will need to be replaced. Depending on the quality, the filter can last up to six months, or even up to a year. Note that investing in a better filter reduces your costs in the long term.
Additionally, the factor that affects the filter’s lifespan is water contamination. If your water has lots of contaminants, the unit will get clogged more quickly and require frequent filter replacement.
Installation Instructions
Installation is actually very simple. You don’t need a plumber, and also, you don’t need any DIY experience. Of course, the process might vary between units, but it’s all very similar. All you need is a plumber’s tape, wrench, screwdriver, adapter, and a faucet diverter, which is always included in the package.
First, you need to find the best place for the unit. You should install it somewhere near the kitchen sink, so make sure that the area is clear and that there is enough permanent space for the unit.
Then, you should turn off the water supply using the lever underneath the sink. It will prevent pressure build-up in pipes during installation. Next, you need to connect the faucet diverter to your sink. It might happen that the size of the thread doesn’t match the faucet, in which case you would need to buy an adapter.
Now you need to add the connections. Take the metal tube and connect it to the ionizer. Then, remove the aerator from the faucet, and wrap the tape around the inlet. Take the plastic hose and attach one end to the inlet, and the other to the faucet diverter. The last hose should be connected to the bottom of the unit.
In the end, connect the unit to the power source and turn the water on. Most probably, your ionizer will come assembled, so you won’t have to assemble the plates or the filter. If that’s not the case, don’t worry – assembly is also very simple and straightforward. Although the installation process might look complicated now, it will be much simpler when you have the device in front of you.
Unit Cleaning
Like all home appliances, every water ionizer needs cleaning now and then. But how to decide when to clean it? Here are some obvious signs:
- If the unit shuts off during the electrolysis process, it means that your ionizer needs cleaning. Basically, the unit knows that it won’t be able to do the required task, probably because of the sediment build-up.
- If there is a drop in the alkalinity level of your water. The pH of your water should be between 8 or 9, but if it’s lower, it means that the unit is not working efficiently as it should. Also, if your water tastes strange, it might an indicator of changes in water alkalinity.
- If your water flow becomes slower, it means that sediment build-up is too high, preventing the water to flow properly. In some cases, the water might stop flowing completely.
- When the unit works properly, you will see hundreds of tiny hydrogen bubbles. However, if the unit is clogged, there might be no bubbles at all.
- If the water doesn’t produce OPR between -200 and -400, the system is most probably clogged. In some cases, you might even notice the limescale build-up in pipes and tubing.
Unit Maintenance
When it comes to unit maintenance, there are some things that you should or shouldn’t do. At first, make sure to replace filters regularly, or it might damage the unit over time. When you remove the filter, make sure to let the water run at least 5 minutes before you install the new one.
Also, you should use a special cleaning cartridge to get rid of mold inside the unit. When it comes to the exterior, be sure to wipe it once a week.
The first and obvious thing you should avoid is to use harsh home cleaners to wipe the exterior. Also, never create your own cleaning protocols. You should strictly follow the guidelines from the documentation. Not doing so might damage the unit and void the warranty.
Now we will talk about other features you should consider in your purchase decision.
- Plates number: the more, the merrier. As you saw from the list above, some of the best water ionizers feature up to 11-12 plates. It means they will perform great at changing your water’s pH and purifying your water.
- pH range: most modern water ionizers allow you to choose the right water pH for your needs.
- Water filtration systems: most water ionizers also filter your water, cleaning it of impurities. Some may not work as well as reverse osmosis filter systems, but if you have mildly contaminated water, they will do a great job.
- Design: it is an important feature, especially if your kitchen has some space/design constraints you need to factor in before adding yet another device. Pick a countertop ionizer or an under-sink one, depending on your needs. Modern ionizers have a slick urban design that matches modern kitchens.
- Warranty: just like with any other home improvement product, the more extended the warranty is, the more peace of mind you will have.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Water Ionizers Work?
Water ionizers use electromagnetism (the process of electrolysis) to separate CO2 in tap water from the alkaline minerals in it. Alkaline water machines turn tap water into ionized water with antioxidant potential.
Is Alkaline Water Good for You?
Alkaline water coming from a water ionizer is safe to drink. It went through at least one or two stages of filtration. Alkaline water is mineral water on tap.
Conclusion
Water ionizers are products that you can depend on, that also offer easy, quality maintenance when you need to replace the filters. And while there are a variety of different water filtration methods, we do recommend purchasing a water ionizer as you always know for certain that your water is clean, tasty, and safe to drink.