Photo: Platinum Alkaline
Water ionizers or alkaline water machines as they are also referred to as have been gaining a lot of attention in the last few years thanks to claims that ionized water can do everything from curing diseases to helping with weight loss.
While there is no research or scientific evidence to back some of these claims, the fact is that having the best water ionizer in your house will come with a myriad of benefits.
Ionized water has restorative effects on your general health which can translate to things like reduced fatigue and acid reflux and neutralizing the free radicals that cause diseases to flourish.
Also, drinking ionized or alkalinized water also leaves you better hydrated. But, to ensure that the water that you get is ionized enough, you need to pick the right ionizer.
This piece is all about making shopping for a water ionizer a quick and easy process, and it does this by reviewing 7 top-rated water ionizers and with an in-depth buying guide.
In this post:
- 7 Best Water Ionizers – Review
- 1. Bawell 2195 – Best Overall
- 2. Aqua Ionizer Pro AWL-7000 – More Versatile Water Ionizer
- 3. Tyent USA UCE-11 – Powerful Under Counter Water Ionizer
- 4. Aqua-Ionizer Pro AWL-5000 – Affordable but High-Performing
- 5. Aqua-Ionizer Pro AWL-9000 – Compact, Durable and Energy-Efficient Ionizer
- 6. Life Ionizer MXL-9 CT – Effective Ionization and Filtration
- 7. Bawell 1195 – Easy to Use Countertop Water Ionizer
- How to Buy the Best Water Ionizer
- How to Install a Water Ionizer
- Conclusion
7 Best Water Ionizers – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Bawell 2195 (Best Overall) |
| |
 | 2. Aqua Ionizer Pro AWL-7000 (More Versatile) |
| |
 | 3. Tyent USA UCE-11 (Powerful Under Counter Design) |
| |
 | 4. Aqua-Ionizer Pro AWL-5000 (Affordable but High-Performing) |
| |
 | 5. Aqua-Ionizer Pro AWL-9000 (Compact, Durable & Energy-Efficient) |
| |
 | 6. Life Ionizer MXL-9 CT (Effective Ionization & Filtration) |
| |
 | 7. Bawell 1195 (Easy to Use Countertop Design) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Bawell 2195 (Best Overall)
|
2. Aqua Ionizer Pro AWL-7000 (More Versatile)
|
3. Tyent USA UCE-11 (Powerful Under Counter Design)
|
4. Aqua-Ionizer Pro AWL-5000 (Affordable but High-Performing)
|
5. Aqua-Ionizer Pro AWL-9000 (Compact, Durable & Energy-Efficient)
|
6. Life Ionizer MXL-9 CT (Effective Ionization & Filtration)
|
7. Bawell 1195 (Easy to Use Countertop Design)
|
1. Bawell 2195 – Best Overall
Photo: Bawell
- pH Range: 2.0-12.0
- ORP Range: +600 to -800mV
- Number of Plates: 7
Bawell is one of the best water ionizer brands and the quality of this particular model shows why many consumers trust their products.
It is a compact countertop water ionizer that is well-made and with high-end parts for a long service life. And it is designed for convenient use as it will also include a filter life counter to let you know when you need to change the filters.
The ionizer has a pH range of between 2.0 to 12.0 which is one of the best in our list. This wide pH range makes it ideal for the production of pure, alkaline and acidic water for different uses in the house.
It comes with all the parts and fittings that you will need for installation by connecting it to either the faucet or water line under your sink. Also, you can be confident that it is designed to last for many years as the manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty.
The small face dial print can be hard for some people to see, but this is not a big deal as there is a charming voice that confirms your selection, and you will not even need to look at the dial once you master the functions.
More Detailed: Click here
Pros:
- Durable high-end parts
- Wider pH range
- Highly useful filter life counter
- Quick and simple installation
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Small face dial print
- Directions are not beginner-friendly
2. Aqua Ionizer Pro AWL-7000 – More Versatile Water Ionizer
Photo: Aqua Ionizer Pro
- pH Range: 4.5-11.0
- ORP Range: +600 to -750mV
- Number of Plates: 7
The Deluxe 7.0 Water Ionizer by Air Water Life will not just ionize your water as it is designed to allow you to choose from 7 different water settings which include 1 pure water and 2 acidic water settings.
It has a pH range of 4.5 to 11.0 which might not be as wide as what other models in our list have to offer but is still quite good, and it has an ORP range of up to -750mV.
This 7-plate ionizer uses some durable and energy-efficient plates that are platinum coated to improve their performance and service life.
Because it comes with all the necessary parts and fittings, this water ionizer is also easy to install, and you can do it in just a few minutes.
It has a self-cleaning mode, and it will also wash the plate automatically after ionizing 10.5 gallons of water. There is a built-in carbon filter to help clean the water.
Although this carbon filter is not as efficient as the multi-stage ones found on the more expensive ionizers, it will still make the water clean enough.
More Detailed: Click here
Pros:
- Multiple water settings for versatility
- Durable and energy efficient plates
- Easy installation and intuitive to use
- Auto self-cleaning
- Relatively affordable
Cons:
- Does not have an efficient enough water filter
- The many optional parts can be confusing
3. Tyent USA UCE-11 – Powerful Under Counter Water Ionizer
Photo: Tyent
- pH Range: 1.7-12.0
- ORP Range: Up to -1,050mV
- Number of Plates: 11
If you are on the market for an under counter water ionizer for your high-end kitchen, the Tyent UCE-11 is as good as it can get.
This top-rated water ionizer is designed to be more powerful, and it makes use of 11 huge platinum plates that allow for a wide pH range of between 1.7 and 12.0 which is better than what you get from all the other models in our list.
This platinum water ionizer is super easy to install under your counter as it comes with everything you need and some easy to follow instructions. It also has a smart control system with multilingual voice guide and an interactive touchscreen.
It has two larger and more efficient water filters to ensure great filtration by removing up to 99.9% of contaminants. And the manufacturer backs it with a lifetime warranty.
This water ionizer is the priciest in our list but the sleek design and the service that it delivers makes it worth it, and the pricey replacement cartridges are also not a dealbreaker as it will be a long time before you need to replace them.
Pros:
- 11 huge and more powerful platinum plates
- Wider pH range
- Multilingual voice guide and interactive touchscreen
- Larger and more efficient internal filters
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Expensive ionizer
- Pricey replacement cartridges
4. Aqua-Ionizer Pro AWL-5000 – Affordable but High-Performing
Photo: Aqua-Ionizer Pro
- pH Range: 5.0-11.0
- ORP Range: +600 to -600mV
- Number of Plates: 5
Air Water Life makes this water ionizer for homeowners shopping for something highly affordable that delivers almost the same level of service as the pricier units.
The compact water ionizer is the cheapest in our list, and it will offer a pH range of 5.0 to 11.0 and ORP of up to -600mV both of which are not badly off.
This unit will allow users to choose from 7 water settings which include 2 for acidic water, and it uses 5 long-life and energy-efficient platinum coated plates.
Like most other high-performing water ionizers, it also has a built-in carbon filter to help clean the water, and it is a self-cleaning unit for easy maintenance.
Although it has fewer plates than most others in our list, it is still an efficient ionizer even with the pH range not being as wide as what more expensive units will deliver.
Pros:
- Multiple healthy water options
- Long life and energy-efficient platinum coated plates
- Self-cleaning unit
- More affordable
Cons:
- Relatively fewer plates
- pH range not as wide as other top models
5. Aqua-Ionizer Pro AWL-9000 – Compact, Durable and Energy-Efficient Ionizer
Photo: Aqua-Ionizer Pro
- pH Range: 3.0-11.5
- ORP Range: +1,000 to -860mV
- Number of Plates: 9
Despite this being a compact water ionizer, it still has 9 durable and energy-efficient plates that are designed to provide a powerful ionization.
This water ionizer will also allow you to choose from 7 different water settings which ensure you can get both alkaline and acidic water when you need it.
The active carbon filter creates an advanced water filtration system to ensure you not only get ionized water but also that it will be clean and safe for use.
When you buy this system you will get all the hardware and fittings that you need, and you can install it either over the counter or under the counter which makes it quite flexible.
While some people might find the tap adapter a pain to install, you should still be able to put it on fast and with little effort if you follow the detailed manufacturer instructions and watch a few videos.
Pros:
- More compact and space-saving size
- Durable and energy efficient plates
- Advanced water filtration system
- Multiple water settings
- Can be installed under or on the countertop
Cons:
- Tap adapter can be hard to put on
6. Life Ionizer MXL-9 CT – Effective Ionization and Filtration
Photo: Life Ionizer
- pH Range: 2.0-11.5
- ORP Range: Up to -800mV
- Number of Plates: 9
The best alkaline water ionizers are those that will not only ionize the water but also make it cleaner and safer to drink like the MXL-9 by Life Ionizer.
With a highly efficient filtration system and UV light sterilization, this water ionizer is designed to remove most of the contaminants and microorganisms from the water before ionizing it.
The ionization process is also highly effective thanks to the 9 extra larger matrix grid plates that are dipped in medical grade platinum several times to enhance their purity and strength.
This countertop water ionizer comes in a sleek and stylish design and with all the parts and detailed instruction for quick and simple installation. And the manufacturer will back it with a lifetime hassle-free warranty.
Despite this being the second priciest item in our list and the filters also being quite costly to replace, it will still offer you great value for money with great water quality and long service life.
Pros:
- Ideal fro both filtration and ionization
- Sleek and stylish design
- Easy access filters for quick changes
- Easy to install
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Relatively pricier ionizer
- Costly and hard to get replacement filters
7. Bawell 1195 – Easy to Use Countertop Water Ionizer
Photo: Bawell
- pH Range: 3.2-10.0
- ORP Range: +600 to -420mV
- Number of Plates: 5
Bawell is one of the best water ionizer brands, and this is thanks to the fact that they have been making consistently high-performing and long-lasting water ionizers, and this countertop model is just one of their great products.
This compact water ionizer comes with a built-in LCD screen that displays all the important information that you need and makes this machine super easy to operate.
It is a quick and simple machine to install as it comes with all the parts and fittings and some detailed and easy to follow instructions.
Also, it is an automatic self-cleaning ionizer which makes it more convenient, and it has a bigger and more efficient filtration system to ensure that you always get great water quality.
And to give you some assurance that it will serve you for many years, Bawell provides a limited lifetime warranty for the water ionizer.
While the 5 plates are fewer than what you get from other top brands, they are still highly powerful and effective.
Pros:
- Built-in LCD screen for easy use
- Quick and simple installation
- Bigger and better internal filtration system
- Automatic self-cleaning
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Smaller number of plates
How to Buy the Best Water Ionizer
Photo: Aqua Ionizer Pro
To ensure that whatever you buy not only produces great tasting and healthy alkalized water, but also offers you great value for your cash, you need to watch out for the following things.
1. Under-counter or Countertop Water Ionizer
The installation option is one of the first factors to consider when shopping for a water ionizer to ensure it will work well for you. In most cases, you will need to choose between the under-counter and countertop models.
Ultimately the right choice for you here will depend on your personal preferences and the amount of space that you have in your kitchen.
Countertop Water Ionizers: If you are going to buy countertop water ionizer, it is important to make sure that it is compact enough so that it does not take up a lot of counter space.
Countertop models like Bawell 1195 also offer easy access to make filter changes easier, and they are generally more affordable than the under-counter models.
Under-Counter Water Ionizers: The under counter water ionizers are a relatively newer model. They are the kind that will require mounting under your kitchen sink and with a special water dispenser on the sink.
Installing them is a more complicated process and they are generally pricier than the countertop models. And although they take up more space than the countertop models, the space they take up is out of sight.
2. pH Range
The pH range is the degree to which a water ionizer can alter the pH of the water, and it is also one of the selling points of most water ionizer models.
Depending on the brand and model, some water ionizers will have up to 7 pH settings. Most of these settings are for ionizing the water but most units will also include neutral and acidic water setting.
An example of a good pH range is 2 to 12 which is what you get from most top-rated water ionizers like Bawell 2195. A wide pH range allows you to get water for different uses. For example, low pH water is ideal for disinfecting and cleaning while mildly alkaline water is the best for drinking.
3. ORP Range
Another important range to watch out for is the ORP (oxidation reduction potential) range which measures the water ability to oxidize or reduce oxidation in the body.
Overall, the lower the ORP value the better the water that the ionizer produces will be for your body. And this is because a high ORP causes negative oxidation which allows free radicals to attach the body.
A negative ORP value reduces the ability of the free radicals to attach to the body by giving them electrons so that they do not have to steal them from the body tissue.
Hence, when shopping for a water ionizer, it is always a better idea to look for a machine that offers a low ORP range or value.
4. Number of Plates
Because the plates are what will make actual contact with the water and turn it alkaline, neutral or acidic, you cannot overlook them when shopping.
A water ionizer with more plates is often more powerful which means that it will be more capable of producing water with a better pH range and ORP.
Most water ionizers will have between 5 and 11 plates. But it is worth noting that models with fewer plates are the cheapest while those with more plates are often quite expensive.
5. Built-in Water Filter
You also need to check whether the water ionizer you intend to buy has a built-in water filter or not. Luckily, almost all the top water ionizers from the leading brands will have a filter.
What matters most when it comes to the built-in filter is whether it offers effective filtration so that you not only get ionized water but also clean, safe and great tasting.
Some models like Aqua Ionizer Pro AWL-7000 will even have a built-in active carbon filter that will help remove chlorine taste and odor from the water.
Also, consider the lifespan of the filters and go for something that can serve you for 6 to 12 months before needing replacement.
6. Brands
As you shop for the best alkaline water ionizer, it is important also to consider the brand because you need to buy something from a reputable company.
There are a few companies that seem to have an edge over the others when it comes to the manufacture of water ionizers thanks to the quality, high-performance, and durability of their products.
Some of these companies that you can always trust to have a good water ionizer for you include Bawell, Air Water Life, Tyent, Pure Hydration, and Life Ionizer.
7. Ease of Use
A water ionizer also needs to be easy to use to serve you well. Because the ionization is often an automatic process, the ease of installation and cleaning the devices are some key determiners of the ease of use.
The best ones will be simple to hook up to your faucet without having to use any special tools. When it comes to cleaning, the most convenient and easiest to use water ionizers are the models that have an automatic self-cleaning feature.
How to Install a Water Ionizer
Photo: Tyent
Even when you get the best water ionizer machine, you will still need to install it correctly for it to serve you well. Although different models will come with specific installation instructions, here are the steps you will need to follow when installing most water ionizers.
What you Need
- Countertop/under-counter water ionizer
- Faucet diverter
- 15/16-inch male adapter
- Teflon tape
- Screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
Step 1: Connect Faucet Diverter
Most water ionizer systems will come with a faucet converter and 15/16-inch male adapter, and if by any change they are not there, you will need to buy them at your local hardware store
If you have all the parts the first step is to connect the metal tube the ionizer. To do this you should remove the aerator at the faucet and make sure that you link the faucet diverter accurately with the faucet.
Step 2: Install Inlet Elbow
Next, you need to use some Teflon tape to wrap the inlet elbow and then use the screwdriver to screw it in place on the ionizer’s inlet.
Connect one end of a hose to the faucet diverter and then the other to the inlet elbow. Use the white hose for this because most units will come with different color hoses.
The next step is to connect the remaining hose to the bottom of the water ionizer on the outlet hole.
Step 3: Connect to Power
Now you can connect the water ionizer to a power outlet to power it on. Because most of these units will require some plug-in to work, it is important to make sure that you have a socket nearby before you start the installation otherwise you might not be able to use it.
Step 4: Test the System
Once the ionizer is powered up, you can now test the system to check whether everything is working well. You will need to taste the water to see whether it tastes different or not and also check for leaks. If the water taste is okay and there are no leaks then the system is ready for use.
Conclusion
And if you still do not know the best brands and models to go for, our top 7 water ionizer reviews above will help with this.
Every model on our list is top-notch quality, but if you are looking for something versatile that can both filter and ionize water, the Life Ionizer MXL-9 CT is your best bet.
But, if you want something specifically for ionization that is also made to last and with a wide pH range, the Bawell 2195 is our best overall product.
Sources
- How to Install a Water Ionizer – doityourself