Best Water Ionizers – Reviews and Guide for 2021

Installing a water ionizer in your home can provide a multitude of benefits for your family. Water ionizer machines produce alkaline water that not only tastes delicious but may also offer a variety of health benefits as well. Furthermore, they produce acidic/electrolyzed water for a variety of household and beauty uses. With one of these units, you won’t need to purchase bottled water anymore either, which is good for you monetarily as well as the environment.

Although science has been exploring the benefits of alkaline water for centuries, they have become much more widely recognized in recent years. Our experts have researched the best water ionizer machines on the market in 2021. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of each system in the below water ionizer reviews to help you decide which unit will be best for your home.

 

 

Best Water Ionizer Reviews

 

1. Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 9.0 Pro Alkaline Water Ionizer

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We found the Air Water Life Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 9.0 to be one of the most innovative products of its kind available, and it’s our top pick water ionizer for 2020. This alkaline water ionizer offers a modern, elegant design that will flatter any décor. The unit can be installed under the counter (optional install kit required) or right on your countertop. Set up can be completed in less than 10 minutes and the system is compact so it won’t take up a lot of space in your kitchen.

The Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 9.0 features seven different settings, allowing you to adjust the alkalinity level of your water and add antioxidants. This system can provide a maximum pH of 11.5 and an antioxidant boost of as much as -860mV OPR (Oxidation Reduction Potential). That’s quite a bit more than similar options on the market.

This system can ionize 1,057 gallons of water before the filter needs to be replaced. The unit keeps track of how much water has been filtered, and it will let you know when a filter change is required. The Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 9.0 has been designed with nine durable, energy efficient plates.

Reviewers report that the water provided by this system tastes excellent and the customer service provided by the company is top-notch. The Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 9.0 is made from FDA approved food safe plastics and it’s also ETL listed and RoHS Certified. The manufacturer backs up this water ionizer with a no-hassle lifetime warranty.

 

2. Bawell Platinum Alkaline Water Ionizer

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The Bawell Platinum Water Ionizer offers a very stylish, stainless steel design and an easy to read digital display. The touch screen feature is a nice bonus, and it makes the system very user-friendly. The system even comes pre-programmed with eight settings for ease of use. In addition, this machine has an excellent flow rate of one gallon of ionized water every 30 seconds.

This system has two filters that will need to be replaced about once each year: a pre-activated carbon filter and a granular activated carbon filter that will each last for 1,320 gallons. The Bawell Platinum comes equipped with a built-in counter that lets you know when it’s time for a filter change.

The Bawell Platinum can provide water with a pH range of 3.0 to 11.5, and it also offers an antioxidant boost of +600 – 800 ORP. It gives a total of 144 square inches of surface area to produce ionized water with a total of seven titanium platinum coated plates. This unit has space-saving, compact design and can easily be installed at the water line or right at the faucet head.

Most reviewers were very happy with the performance of this machine, but several felt that the customer service provided by the company could be better. The Bawell Platinum Alkaline Water Ionizer is made of only BPA free, food-safe plastic, and the company offers a Forever Lifetime Warranty with the purchase of this product.

 

3. Pure Hydration All-Natural Alkaline Antioxidant Water Ionizer

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The Pure Hydration Water Ionizer by Cosan is an affordable, yet highly advanced, system with a compact and stylish design. It produces water in the pH range 9.0 to 9.5 with an OPR range of -400 to -700. It also has a Molecular Hydrogen rating of 1,000 ppb – 1,400 ppb, depending on the water source. No electricity is required to run this machine, so it’s good for the environment and your wallet.

This system is easy to install, and unlike other units we’ve reviewed, the manufacturer provides all the parts necessary for both countertop and under counter installation. For added convenience, the Pure Hydration ionizer comes with a retractable spout that can be tucked away to keep your countertop neat and tidy. This system has a flow rate of 2.1 liters per minute.

This system utilizes four separate filters that will need to be replaced about twice each year (or every 600 gallons). The first filter is a resin cartridge for softening the water and improving the taste. The second is a carbon and silver block cartridge for removing rust, sediment, microbes, and particulates. The third stage is an alkaline/hydrogen infusing cartridge that removes bacteria and viruses while increasing pH and negative ORP levels. A carbon and mineral cartridge completes the filtration process by removing heavy metals from your water.

Although the filters for this system only last about six months, reviewers love this product and report that their water tastes amazing. Cosan provides a lifetime warranty on their Pure Hydration Water Ionizer.

 

4. EHM ULTRA 3.5L Premium Alkaline Water Pitcher

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The EHM ULTRA Premium Alkaline Water Pitcher is a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of alkalinized water on a tight budget. This pitcher uses a six-stage filtration cartridge, and it can remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your drinking water while increasing the pH to 10, depending on your water source. It also adds antioxidants and healthy minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium back into the water. It provides an ORP between -100 and -200 mV.

This pitcher is completely BPA free and made of food grade plastic, and best of all, there’s nothing to install. Simply fill the pitcher with water from any tap… you can even keep it to the office or take it on the go. You should expect to replace the filter cartridge after 300 liters of water have been filtered or approximately every 90 days. This system features an activated carbon and an ion exchange resin layer to ensure that your water tastes and smells great.

Reviewers of this pitcher were surprised at how much better this water tastes than typical bottled or tap water. This filter even gets rid of chlorine tastes and odors. The technologically advanced micro-screen ensures that you don’t end up with black filter particles in your water, which is a common problem with other filters. While most reviewers love this pitcher, some found that the lid doesn’t fit properly which causes the pitcher to leak. The ORP rating for this pitcher is only -200 mV, which isn’t very high when compared to countertop systems.

 

5. Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7 Setting Alkaline Water Ionizer

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The Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 5.0 features a touch-button control panel that allows you to adjust the pH of your water up to 11 and the antioxidant level to -600 ORP. This system comes pre-programmed with six settings for alkalinized drinking water and beauty or household use. This system features a self-cleaning filter that can produce hundreds of gallons of alkalinized, filtered water.

This system comes equipped with five durable electroplates and offers a compact design that won’t take up a lot of space on your countertop. Or, if you prefer, it can also be installed in the cabinet below your sink. The Aqua Deluxe 5.0 has a flow rate of 3 liters per minute so it can fill up your drinking glass or coffee carafe in no time.

The Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 5.0 can filter out many of the pollutants and chemicals found in municipal water, including chlorine. It is equipped with a filter cartridge that lasts the average family of four for about a year or 4,000 gallons. Countertop installation is easy and can be completed in about 10 minutes.

Although this model doesn’t have as many plates as more expensive units, reviewers report that it’s a great option if you’re on a budget. This system is made of only FDA approved food safe plastics, and the company backs up their product with a lifetime warranty.

 

6. Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7.0 Alkaline Water Filtration System

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Here’s another top of the line water ionizer from Air Water Life. The Ionizer Deluxe 7.0 features several pre-programmed settings for drinking, beauty, and household use. It also has a built-in self-cleaning mode that automatically cleans and rinses the system after ten gallons of water have been filtered.

The Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7.0 can be installed on your countertop or under the sink. It provides alkalinized water at a pH from 4 to 11 and an ORP range of +600 to -850 mV. With this system, you should expect to change the filter about once per year, or after 1,585 gallons of water have been filtered. It also has seven platinum/titanium plates that use electricity to ionize the water.

One of our favorite features of this water ionizer is the easy to use control panel and large digital display. Simply select your intended use, such as drinking water, brewing coffee, or cooking, and the machine will dispense water at the perfect pH for your purposes. For added peace of mind, all plastics used in this machine are food grade and BPA free.

Most reviewers were very pleased with this system and found the company’s customer service to be outstanding. Unfortunately, the under counter installation kit does not come with the unit and must be purchased separately. Air Water Life provides a limited lifetime warranty on this water ionizer.

 

7. IntelGadgets IONtech IT-580 Alkaline Water Ionizer

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The IONtech IT-580 is one of the more affordable options on our list, yet it still has some great features. The soft touch-buttons and built-in control panel are easy to use. It features an activated carbon filter to remove chlorine, sediment, and other contaminants. The IT-580 can provide water in the pH range of 4.5 to 11 and an ORP of -850 mV. There are seven preprogrammed pH levels to choose from, for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

We love the compact design and sleek features of this machine. The automatic electrolysis-cleansing cycle is a great bonus. This system was designed with five electronically charged titanium plates to ionize the water. The filter cartridge in this system should be changed about once each year, or after 6000 liters of water have been filtered. The IONtech IT-580 is made of durable, food grade plastic and is BPA free.

Reviewers of the IONtech IT-580 felt that the owner’s manual was severely lacking. However, the company’s customer service team and website are both very helpful. The system is also very easy to install and simple to operate. It doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles that more expensive machines have, but it does exactly what you need it to do. The company provides a two-year warranty on this product.

 

How Water Ionizers Work

The purpose of a water ionizer is to turn typical tap water into ionized, alkaline water. Alkaline water has a sweeter taste than regular tap water, and it’s also better for your health. Tap water tends to have an unpleasant taste and odor due to chlorine and mineral salts that are in the water. Water ionizers are small kitchen appliances that connect to the water supply right at your kitchen sink.

A water ionizer machine uses a process called electrolysis to separate your tap water into two individual streams, one that’s acidic and one that’s alkaline. Most ionizer machines connect to your home’s water supply using a diverter valve that attaches to your kitchen faucet. In some cases, a t-adapter is used to connect the ionizer to the cold water line underneath your kitchen sink. Most ionizers sit right on your kitchen counter, but some allow for optional under the sink installation, like that of under sink water filters.

The Ionization Process

During the ionization process, tap water enters the machine via an inlet port that is usually located at the bottom of the unit. It is then drawn through an activated carbon filtration cartridge where common pollutants like chlorine, sediment, and heavy metals are removed. This step also removes unpleasant odors and tastes from the water.

Once filtration is complete, the next step is electrolysis. The filtered water flows into an electrolysis chamber. The chamber is equipped with negatively and positively charged platinum-coated titanium electrodes. These magnetized electrodes perform the task of ionizing the soluble minerals that are in the water. Basically, the positively charged ions are attracted to the negatively charged electrode which creates alkaline water. On the other hand, the negatively charged ions are attracted to the positive electrode to create acidic water, sometimes called oxidized water.

Alkaline water is dispensed out of the top spout on the ionizer machine. This is the water that’s meant to be used for things like brewing coffee, cooking, and drinking. The positively charged minerals, like magnesium, calcium, and potassium that are found in alkaline water are said to provide numerous health benefits. They also leave the water with a sweeter taste.

Acidic water is usually dispensed out of a spout or hose at the bottom of the ionizer machine. This water is used for cleaning and disinfecting around the home. It is also used for toning the skin. It drains into the sink if it’s not used.

Why Alkaline Water is Different

What is alkaline water, and how is it different from regular water? Water is considered alkaline due to its pH level. The pH of a substance is the number between 0 and 14 that measures its acidity or alkalinity. So, if something has a pH of 1, it is very acidic, while a pH of 13 is very alkaline.

Alkaline water is different from regular tap water because it has a higher pH level. In most cases, drinking water has a neutral pH of about 7. Alkaline water on the other hand has a pH of 8 or 9. But, pH isn’t the only thing that makes water alkaline. Alkaline water is also full of negative oxidation reduction potential and alkaline minerals. ORP is used to measure water’s ability to act as an antioxidant.

Water is more or less antioxidizing depending on how negative the ORP value of it is. Because the ORP value of both bottled and tap water is positive, they’re considered oxidizing agents. Since alkaline water is an antioxidant, it has the ability to use extra electrons to neutralize free radicals in the body. It also can neutralize acids in the body, and it tastes better due to the alkalization and filtration process.

 

Advantages of a Water Ionizer

By now, most of us know that drinking tap water probably isn’t the best thing for us. While it may not make you sick in the short term, chemicals used to sanitize municipal water, especially chlorine, could have a negative impact on your health over time. There are other pollutants to be concerned about as well, like herbicides, pesticides, and other man-made chemicals.

Most water ionizer machines come equipped with either an activated carbon or a carbon block filter. These types of filters can remove things like chlorine, pesticides, and volatile organic chemicals from the water. Water that has been filtered through a carbon filter will be free of the bad tastes and odors that are often found in tap water.

Many folks are buying bottled water each week, but recent studies show that bottled water usually isn’t much better than tap water. Not only that, but plastic water bottles are creating a huge problem for the environment. When you install a water ionizer in your home, you’ll have convenient, unlimited access to filtered, great tasting water right at your kitchen sink… and the water will have some pretty impressive health benefits, too. And, you’ll be doing your part to help the environment, too, since there won’t be any water bottles to throw away.

Although more research needs to be done on the health benefits of drinking alkaline water, many people are seeing fantastic health improvements after making the switch. People all over the world are reporting anti-aging benefits and increased energy levels. Some even credit alkaline water as a possible cure for cancer, diabetes, and digestive issues.

Ionized water is more easily absorbed by the body because the process of electrolysis breaks down the molecules into smaller groups. That means that ionized water actually hydrates the body better than regular water. This is an essential benefit because dehydration is a leading cause of mental and physical fatigue, mood swings, and inability to focus.

Not only that, but ionized alkaline water is infused with electrons during the ionization process. These electrons work as antioxidants in the body. They help to neutralize the free radicals that are responsible for aging and weakening the immune system. Drinking alkaline water also promotes balance in the body because our bodies are naturally more alkaline. In fact, drinking tap water or bottled water that is too acidic could actually make you feel worse. A much better and cheaper alternative would be using your refrigerator water filter to obtain clean, pure water.

Although the acidic water produced by an ionizer is not meant for drinking, it is great for other uses. It is especially good for disinfecting and cleaning the skin and areas throughout the home. It works like a natural astringent, so it removes oil and dirt from the skin without the need for harsh chemicals. It can also help to clear up skin issues like athlete’s foot, eczema, psoriasis, and acne. When used to wash the hair, it reduces dandruff and improves scalp health.

Acidic water can also be used as a gargle to kill germs and soothe a sore throat, and for removing plaque when brushing teeth. It’s also great for washing the hands to kill germs. It can also speed up the healing process when used to clean cuts, insect bites, and minor wounds.

Around the home, acidic water is useful for washing fruits and vegetables to kill bacteria, and for killing potential pathogens on cutting boards and other surfaces. When used to water plants, acidic water reduces pest and fungal problems while promoting growth. It can even extend the life of your cut flowers.

 

Water Ionizer Installation and Maintenance

Water ionizer machines are very easy to install and maintain. Basically, all you have to do is place the machine on your kitchen counter, connect it to your faucet, and place the drain tube in your kitchen sink. Installation and maintenance will vary slightly, depending on the manufacturer of your machine, so always refer to your owner’s manual for detailed instructions.

Countertop Installation

Most water ionizers can be installed on the counter top next to your kitchen sink. They are connected to your faucet with a diverter that comes with the unit. To install the diverter, you will need to remove the aerator from your kitchen faucet. Once the aerator has been removed, replace it with the adapter that came with your machine. Now screw the diverter faucet into place and tighten it snuggly, but do not over tighten.

The next step is to install the flexible spout. It should be screwed into place on the top of the machine. This is where the alkaline water will be dispensed. Next, install the inlet hose and the acidic water hose on the bottom of the machine. The inlet hose should then be connected to the diverter valve, and the acidic water hose should drain into your kitchen sink.

Now, run water through your machine and check for leaks. After the check leak check has been completed, it’s safe to plug the machine in and turn it on. That’s all there is to it!

Under-Sink Installation

Many systems can also be installed under the sink. If you have other water augmenting systems already installed, such as a reverse osmosis system, make sure there’s space and functionality for both units. You will need to shut off your cold water supply before you get started. Now, disconnect the cold water supply hose and screw on the t-fitting supplied in your installation kit. Connect your cold water line back onto the t-fitting.
Now, connect the white hose from your installation kit to the t-fitting. This is the water supply for your machine, so it will need to be run through a hole in your countertop and connected to your machine’s water inlet valve. Now you’re ready to attach the acidic water outlet and the inlet hose to the bottom of your machine and install the flexible spout on the top of the machine. Run water through your machine and check for leaks, then plug it in and turn it on.

Maintaining Your Water Ionizer

Water ionizers don’t require much in the way of maintenance, but you will need to replace the filter cartridge as recommended by your model’s manufacturer. Most water ionizers have a carbon filter that needs to be replaced once or twice a year to keep your machine functioning correctly. These filters are easily changed by simply pulling the old filter out and inserting the new one. If you live in an area with hard water, you may also need to descale the machine periodically according to your manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Best Water Ionizer Buyer’s Guide

There are several key factors to consider when purchasing a water ionizer for your home. Obviously, the main reason for investing in a water ionizer is to make alkaline water. So, the first thing you’ll want to look at is the pH range of the machine. The machines we reviewed are all capable of producing alkaline water with a pH range of 9 to 11, which is perfect for everyday use.

Then next thing to consider is the ORP value the machine is rated for. The more negative the ORP value is, the more antioxidizing the water will be, so you’re going to want to look for the machine with the highest negative ORP rating possible. Machines that have more electromagnetic plates are generally capable of producing water with a higher negative OPR rating.

For example, the Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 9.0 has nine plates and is capable of providing an OPR of -860mV. The Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 5.0 is a more affordable option with only five plates and an OPR rating of -600mV. Although the EHM Ultra Alkaline Pitcher is a much cheaper option than both of these, it only produces an OPR rating of -200mV. You definitely get what you pay for in this case.

The next thing to consider is the filter life of the unit. Most of the units we reviewed will only require a filter change about once per year. However, the filter on the Pure Hydration unit should be replaced every six months. And, although the EHM Ultra Pitcher is the most affordable option out of the gate, you will be investing in a new filter every 90 days, which can really add up over time. Most of the countertop systems have a built-in counter that tells you when it’s time to change the filter, which is another bonus that the EHM Pitcher doesn’t provide.

The level of filtration is also something to think about. Most of the systems in the above water ionizer reviews use an activated carbon or a carbon block filter that is great for removing chlorine and other chemicals from the water, which is sufficient for most municipal water sources. The Bawell Platinum Machine takes things a step further by including a pre-filter to get your water even cleaner and extend the life of your second stage filter. The EHM Pitcher also shines in this area by providing six stages of filtration that remove everything from chlorine to heavy metals.

 

Summing It Up

Purchasing a water ionizer machine is a great investment in your family’s health and the quality of the water you drink every day. When choosing the right water ionizer for your family, consider the pH and OPR ratings first. Our experts have done all the research necessary to help you make an informed decision about zeroing in on the best water ionizer for your specific requirements.