Best Alkaline Water Machine Reviews

This article was published for those searching for the best water ionizer and doing their research prior to purchasing.

If you are considering purchasing an alkaline water ionizer, this article will serve as a good resource as you research your options. I have provided my pick for the best alkaline water ionizer for both household and business settings. The basis for my top pick is outlined in detail. Pros and cons of each are provided along with a significant amount of supporting information.

A water ionizer is a 20+ year investment. Use the information in this buyer’s guide to make an educated purchase.

What is an Alkaline Water Ionizer?

Before getting to the reviews, I am providing this primer for those who are not familiar with alkaline water ionizers. You can skip straight to the alkaline water ionizer comparison and reviews if you would like.

An alkaline water ionizer is a machine that alters the pH of water. The terms “alkaline water machine” and “alkaline water ionizer” mean the same thing and are used interchangeably. Without getting overly technical, alkaline water ionizers alter the pH of water by using electricity to split its alkaline and acidic components.

In simplest terms, alkaline water is less acidic water. A water ionizer will remove the acidic properties of your tap water. Most city tap water has a pH of around 7. A water ionizer can boost the pH of your water up to about 11, effectively reducing the water’s acidic properties. Below is a chart that shows the standard pH scale.

pH Scale

The terms “alkaline” or “acidic” in reference to water ionizers are referring to the pH level in the water. Acidic water produced by water ionizers has a pH level of about 3 which is comparable to soda and vinegar. It is not recommended to drink water with higher acidic properties, but it is useful for cosmetic and cleaning purposes. On the other end of the spectrum, alkaline water with a higher pH produced by water ionizers are comparable to the juices of kale and spinach.

Most city tap water is considered neutral with a pH of approximately 7. Highly alkaline water has a pH of around 10 or 11. Below is a table that summarizes common foods and liquids with their respective pH levels. The higher the pH level the more alkaline the item is. The lower the pH level, the more acidic the item is.

pH Level
Food and Liquid Examples
3
Soda, Pickles, Vinegar
4
Beer, Wine, Coffee, Chocolate
5
Soy Milk, Cocoa, Honey
6
Coconut, Grapes, Plums
7
City Tap Water
8
Olives, Bell Peppers, Cabbage
9
Green Tea, Lettuce, Green Beans
10
Highly Alkaline Water, Raw Kale, Raw Spinach
Most water ionizers have the same basic setup. Below are the essential pieces you will find on almost all water ionizers.

  • The water ionizer itself.
  • A water diverter. This connects the faucet to the line going into the water ionizer. The diverter allows you to direct water to the water ionizer or straight out of the faucet by turning a knob on the side.
  • Inflow tubing. This is the tube that carries water from the diverter (attached to the faucet) into the ionizer.
  • Outflow tubing. The outflow tube carries the acidic, or waste water, from the ionizer into the sink and down the drain.
  • The water outlet tube. This is the extension that carries the alkaline water from the ionizer into your cup or container.

Alkaline Water Ionizer Side by Side Comparison

Below is a side by side comparison chart for Air Water Life’s Aqua Ionizer Deluxe and Tyent’s MMP-11 water ionizers.

Air Water Life Aqua Ionizer Deluxe
Tyent MMP-11
Best forHouseholdsBusiness settings requiring high flow rate
PricingCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on Amazon
Adjustable pH (dependent upon water source)4.5 – 111.7 – 12
pH Level Presets7 presets total

4 alkaline
1 neutral (filtered water)
2 acidic
6 presets on screen; customizable up to 55 variations

3 alkaline
1 neutral (filtered water)
2 acidic
OPR Range (varies based on water source)-840 to +1000 mVAs low as -1,000 mV
Filter Life6,000 liters (1 year with normal usage)Approximately 1 year with normal usage
Self-Cleaning?YesYes
Filter TypeCarbonPrimary = Carbon / Secondary = Ceramic
Number of Plates711
Wattage150 watts750 watts
Plate ConstructionPlatinum Coated TitaniumPlatinum Coated Titanium
Plate Surface Area (Square Inches)115 sq. inches385 sq. inches

What to Look for in an Alkaline Water Ionizer

The items below are a high level overview of what you should look for when comparing water ionizers. Reading through this section will quickly bring you up to speed on the key features of water ionizers.

pH Range

The pH range is the minimum to maximum pH a water ionizer can produce. Many factors determine the actual pH of the water that runs through the machine including the pH of your water before ionizing, hardness or softness of your water, minerals in your water, etc. The quality of water you put into the ionizer plays a big role in the pH of the water that comes out. Most alkaline water ionizers come with a testing kit. You can also test the pH of your alkaline water with pH test strips that can be purchased separately.

ORP Range

ORP is an acronym for oxygen reduction potential range. It is also referred to as “redox”. The term redox comes from the combined terms “reduction” and “oxidation”. Reduction is a decrease in the oxidation state of water and oxidation is an increase in the oxidation state of water. The ORP is measured in millivolts (mV) and can be determined with an ORP meter. It is widely agreed that water’s ORP is more important than the pH level. The lower the mV value the better antioxidant. You want to see a negative reading. A lower ORP can be achieved by the number of plates a water ionizer has and its wattage. This is why the number of plates and wattage is so important when choosing a water ionizer.

Plates

Plates are one of the most important components of a water ionizer. Plates are used to ionize the water. The plates are electrically charged and water is ionized as it runs over them. When buying a water ionizer, you want to look for the number of plates, the total surface area of all plates combined, and the style of plates used.

Total surface area of the plates is more important than the number of plates. In general, plates with larger surface area allows for more potent water. They have the capacity to produce water at a much lower ORP (water with more antioxidant properties).

There are three different types of plates – flat, mesh, and slotted. Almost every water ionizer manufacturer coats their plates with platinum or titanium. These metals are used because of their electric conductivity.

Wattage

The more power available to the ionizer, the stronger the water the ionizer can produce. The more wattage per square inch on the plates results in increased ionization. This allows for lower ORP values, or water with greater antioxidant properties. A higher wattage is especially useful for those requiring alkaline water at a higher flow rate. If you need to fill up multiple jugs of water quickly, look for an ionizer with a higher wattage.

Presets

The presets allow you to quickly choose the level of alkalinity you want your water. Think of these presets as the radio stations you have set on your car radio. For example, there may be a preset for daily drinking with a pH of 8, a coffee and tea preset with a pH of 9, and a cooking preset with a pH of 10 or 11. You select the preset and the machine will produce water with the alkalinity you selected. Presets make it easy to quickly select the pH levels, or level of alkalinity of your water.

Self-Cleaning

Ideally, water ionizers should be cleaned each day they are used. Most water ionizers will either clean automatically or clean by the push of a button. In fact, some machines will clean after each run. Either way, you will want to look for one that is self-cleaning. Regular cleaning prevents build-up on the plates and will increase the life of your ionizer.

Filter Life

Filters need to be replaced after a certain period of time. Please see the water ionizer comparison chart below for the filter life of each ionizer. Filters are an added expense, but you can save money in the long run by owning your own water ionizer and not buying alkaline water from a store.

Placement of the Water Ionizer

There are countertop models and under sink models. Some countertop models have a kit you can purchase separately which allows you to install your water ionizer under the sink. With an under sink water ionizer, the machine and tubes are out of the way. The line that carries the alkaline water is usually installed where your sink’s built in soap dispenser is located. If your sink does not have a built in soap dispenser, you may have to drill a hole. This is why many people opt for a countertop model. It’s up to you to determine what placement best meets your needs.

Air Water Life Aqua Ionizer Deluxe Review

The Air Water Life Aqua Ionizer Deluxe is the best alkaline water ionizer for most households. I selected this model based on performance of the machine, upfront cost, and overall cost of ownership. This water ionizer is considerably cheaper than many of the higher end water ionizers and delivers similar results. It features a total of 7 presets which allow you to quickly choose the level of water alkalinity you need. The 7 presets include:

  • 4 alkaline water presets – initial drinking, daily drinking, coffee and tea, and cooking.
  • 1 preset for purified water with normal alkalinity (pH of approximately 7). You can use this setting if you just want filtered water that is not ionized.
  • 2 acidic presets – cosmetic and cooking. These “acidic” presets have about the same acidity as soda or wine. It is not recommended you drink the water with pH levels this low, but it is useful for other purposes. The minimum pH level this ionizer will produce is 4.5. However, the discharge water (line going into the sink) may be as low as 3. The discharge water is great for cleaning.

This alkaline water ionizer is BPA free and is made with FDA approved plastics. It is also ETL certified. ETL is a step above the more common UL certification.

It acts as both a water purification system as well as a water ionizer. It features adjustable pH levels between 4.5 – 11 which can be selected through an easy to understand interface on the front of the machine. The 7 different pH presets make it easy to operate and it is self-cleaning.

Below is a photo of the front of the ionizer showing the different settings and options. Once you select a setting, such as drinking water for example, it will remember your selection each time you use the machine.

It is simple to set up. It connects directly to your faucet with the installation kit included. There are three different adapters included which allows this water ionizer to connect to 99% of faucets. If you are having trouble fitting to your faucet, the company has great customer support who can guide you through the process or suggest alternatives if your situation is unique. Expect to spend about 30 minutes setting the machine up. I have included a step by step installation video at the end of this review.

This is a countertop model which conveniently sits beside your kitchen, bathroom, or utility room sink. There is also an under sink kit available from the manufacturer if you need it. There are two lines coming out of the ionizer – one that supplies your drinking water and another that is used to dispose of the discharge water down the sink. Be aware when you first setup your ionizer, the lines do not lay flat, but they will after you start using the ionizer.

The carbon filter used by this water ionizer has a life of 6,000 liters before it needs to be replaced. With normal usage, the filter should last about a year. New carbon filters are relatively cheap compared to other models, costing about $40.

Finally, it comes with a pH testing kit which you can use to test your water to make sure it is meeting your expectations. To test the pH levels, let the water run through the spout for a few seconds to rid any residue from the tubes. Fill the supplied test tube about ¾ full with water from the ionizer. With the pH reagent supplied, put two drops in the test tube water and shake. The reagent will cause the water to change colors. Compare the color of the water to the pH chart that is also supplied. This will tell you the pH of the water. There are also pH test strips you can buy which will give you the same end result.

Pros
No Switches: It is completely water activated. There are no switches to activate the ionizer. Initially, you will choose the alkalinity of the water by selecting a preset. It will remember that preset for future runs or until you choose another option. There are no other settings to adjust before filling your glass with alkaline water.

Cleaning Cycles: The unit automatically cleans itself for ten seconds after each use by reversing positive and negative plate polarity. After every 40 liters, it cleans itself for 30 seconds. The machine should be cleaned manually once per year.

Faucet Diverter is Included: A diverter is included with the water ionizer which you can attach to the faucet. There is a knob on the side of the diverter you turn which will prevent the water from going into the machine, but out the faucet instead. This allows you to continue using the sink for tap water as you normally would. This applies to any sink you have the ionizer hooked up to including one in your kitchen, bathroom, utility room, etc. An example is washing dishes. You probably do not want to use alkaline water for washing dishes. You can still use normal tap water to wash them.

Relatively Inexpensive Filters: At about $40, the filters are relatively inexpensive compared to other brands. The average person will need to change their filter once per year.

Portable: If you think you may relocate at some point in the future, this water ionizer is easy to disconnect and setup. It is also possible to use this water ionizer in a motorhome.

Cons

Water Source: The ionizer must be hooked up to a faucet. You cannot simply pour water into it. However, if you do not want it in your kitchen, it will work on any sink. You can hook it up to a bathroom or utility room sink if you want it out of the way.

Cleaning Water: The water ionizer automatically cleans after the water is turned off which is great. When it is cleaning, the LCD display turns red which is a visible indicator that it is in cleaning mode which is also a good thing. However, if you have it stored under your sink, you cannot see the LCD indicator. If it is under the sink, you will want to confirm it is not in cleaning mode before using so you do not drink the cleaning water.

ORP (Oxidation Reduction Potential): In order to achieve a low mV value, you must significantly slow down the water flow rate.  The manufacturer claims (per the owner’s manual) that the ORP is as low as -840 mV.  This is very low and very good. The ORP will vary on any water ionizer based on the characteristics of the water you are feeding the machine. While running this water ionizer at a slow water flow rate, you will need to be careful because if you slow it down too much the machine will go into cleaning mode. You certainly do not want to drink the cleaning water.

Additional Resources

Air Water Life’s customer service phone number is 888-601-5886. They are very responsive and will answer any question you may have regarding the ionizer or how to install.

You can review the owner’s manual for installation instructions and technical specifications.

Below is a step-by-step video of how to install the Air Water Life Aqua Ionizer Deluxe water ionizer. This video also shows the machine in action. This water ionizer is available on Amazon (click to view current pricing).


Tyent MMP 11 Plate Water Ionizer Review

The Tyent MMP 11 plate water ionizer is best suited for business settings such as a health club, gym, or other high traffic locations where a fast flow ionizer is appropriate. Its high flow rate allows containers to be filled up quickly and can withstand heavier overall use. It supports very high and low pH levels as well as very low ORP mV values (approximately -850 mV), even when the water is running at a high flow rate. However, for everyday household use, you can save money by using our recommended ionizer. Just slow down the water flow rate and you will achieve similar results.

As its name suggests, this Tyent water ionizer features 11 plates. It also has a very impressive power supply at 750 watts which facilitates highly antioxidant water (low ORP mV values). These two features are key in allowing this water ionizer to produce such impressive results at a high water flow rate.

There are six basic settings available on the LCD screen. The settings include three alkaline levels, 2 acidic levels, and one H2O setting. The H2O setting produces only filtered water with no ionization, just filtered drinking water.

You may be wondering how there are 55 presets with only six basic options on the LCD screen. This is because for each of the presets (except the H2O), you can adjust the ionizer to the desired alkaline level. Each city’s water system has a different mix of mineral content. For example, if you live in Boston, the water may have more minerals than Los Angeles. If you live in New York, the water may have a different pH than Houston. Using the reagent drops included with the ionizer, test a glass of tap water as your base case. From there, you can adjust, or customize, the ionizer for each of the presets to meet your needs based on your city’s water properties. This level of customization can only be found in a machine of this quality and is absent from most of the cheaper water ionizers.

Below is the LCD screen on the front of the Tyent MMP 11 water ionizer.

Tyent MMP 11 Front

Pros

High flow rate water ionizer: Most water ionizers produce best results at a slower water flow rate. This ionizer produces consistently high/low pH levels and ORP rates while the water is running fast. This is convenient if you run a business where you need to fill up containers, or otherwise need water quickly.

Turbo: There are two turbo levels – one for alkaline water and one for acidic water. The turbo setting produces the strongest water using the ionizer’s available voltage. To activate the turbo setting, you press and hold any icon for two seconds. When the turbo setting is activated, there will be a chime playing in the background. This chime acts as a warning because drinking water at this level is not recommended.

One Touch Operation: The water ionizer is highly customizable and the screen is not cluttered with options. There are six basic presets on the LCD screen which are customizable up to 55 different ways. There is no on/off switch. You touch the alkaline level on the screen to turn on the flow of water on and touch it again to turn it off. You can also easily use your sink as you normally would by simply turning the knob on the water diverter to direct the water flow through your faucet rather than to the ionizer.

Voice Alerts: There is a voice alert telling you which level of alkaline water you selected. This voice alert can be turned off. However, the warning chime will still sound when the turbo setting is activated.

Cons

Price: This unit is expensive. Like most things, you get what you pay for. If you plan to casually use the water ionizer, we recommend the cheaper Air Water Life Aqua Ionizer Deluxe. However, the Tyent 11 plate water ionizer is a better built machine and is well worth the money if you require professional grade.

Filters are expensive: A set of filters typically runs between $100 – $130. A set of filters will last about a year depending on usage. There is a filter status indicator on the LCD screen that will let you know when they need to be changed.

Manual cleaning cycles: In order to clean, you have to touch the “RTR” icon. It cleans itself, you just have to push the button. It would be nice if there was an auto-cleaning option. If you have hard water, you may need to run the cleaning cycle as often as two times per day. The machine will let you know it needs to be cleaned by flashing colors on the LCD screen.

Auto shut off: The unit will shut down after 15 minutes in normal mode and after 5 minutes in turbo mode. This is incorporated into the machine as a safety precaution. At this price point it would be nice if it could run longer. For many users, this is a non-event since you may not have any reason to run it for more than 15 minutes at a time.

Tyent MMP 11 Water Ionizer Installation

Installing a Tyent water ionizer is a simple process. The installation process takes about 20 minutes. A pair of scissors, pliers, and a small towel are required. Below are the parts included out of the box and instructions to install once you receive your water ionizer.

The following parts are included with the Tyent water ionizer.

  • The Tyent water ionizer itself
  • Owner’s manual
  • 1 faucet diverter
  • 3 diverter fitting rings
  • 2 black rubber washers
  • 2 steam elbows (used when mounting the water ionizer to the wall)
  • White hose
  • 2 suction cups
  • 1 water outlet tube
  • 1 bottle of reagent drops to test pH levels

The first step is to remove the aerator from your faucet. The aerator is located at the tip of the faucet where the water comes out. To remove, you will need to screw it out with a pair of pliers. To protect your faucet, wrap a small towel around the aerator. Then, with a pair of pliers, grip the aerator and loosen. Once it is loose, you can continue unscrewing by hand.

The next step is to install the diverter fitting ring. This goes in place of the aerator. There are many types of faucets on the market. Tyent has included several different types of diverter fitting rings that will fit most faucets. If necessary, use one of the black rubber washers to ensure a tight fit.

After the fitting ring is installed, attach the water diverter. The water diverter will allow you to switch between regular tap water and alkaline water as necessary. There is a knob on the side you can turn that has two positions. In one position, the water will flow out of the faucet as normal. The other position will divert water to the water ionizer. For a tight fit, you can wrap a small towel around it and tighten with a pair of pliers. Be careful not to over tighten.

After the diverter is installed, you will need to cut the white hose into two pieces. One piece will carry the water from the diverter to the water ionizer. The other piece will carry the acidic water, or wastewater, into the sink to go down the drain. To measure for a proper cut, place the water ionizer beside the sink where it will permanently sit. Measure the distance between the diverter and machine.  Leaving enough slack to rotate your faucet, cut the hose. You will insert this hose into the “inflow” hole on the back of machine. The second piece of hose will be plugged into the “outflow” hole on the back of the machine.

Next, attach the hose from the “inflow” hole to the diverter on the faucet. Remove the nut on the side of the diverter. Thread the hose through the nut and slip the hose over the barbed piece on the diverter. Clamp the hose down on the diverter by screwing the nut back in place (over the hose). This will hold the hose in place.

The hose coming out of the “outflow” hole on the water ionizer should be threaded through one of the suction cups provided. Attach the suction cup to the side of the sink. The purpose of this hose is to carry the acidic waste water down the sink drain.

Screw the water outlet tube to the side of the machine. This is the piece that carries the good alkaline water that is meant for consumption. It is flexible and can be put in the position required.

The final step is to plug in the water ionizer and turn the power on. The power switch is located on the back of the machine near the “Inflow” and “Outflow” holes. To test, turn the tap water on by running cold water through your faucet. Use the water diverter knob to direct water to the water ionizer. Water should now run out of the water ionizer.

That’s it! Your Tyent water ionizer is now installed!

For detailed step-by-step instructions, please see the YouTube video below:

Additional Resources

Tyent’s customer service phone number is 855-893-6887. An additional customer service number is 888-856-8882.

The Tyent MMP 11 owner’s manual is located here.

Below is a helpful video that shows the use and operation of the Tyent MMP 11 water ionizer.

Uses of Alkaline Water

In addition to normal day to day drinking, alkaline water ionizers can serve water for other purposes including cooking, cosmetic applications, and cleaning.

Cooking

Strong alkaline water (pH of 8.5 – 9.5) does a better job than tap water cleaning pesticides and other toxins off of fruits and vegetables, including those labeled as organic. The reason alkaline water does a better job at cleaning produce is because pesticides are oil based. Regular tap water is not as effective at removing these chemicals.

Cosmetic

Acidic water may improve the appearance of your skin. Many people use it to treat acne and other slight skin problems. You can use higher pH alkaline water to wash your hair, shave, and even mix in a few gallons with your bath water.

It is important to note that acidic water should never be consumed.

Cleaning

Acidic water with a pH level of 3 – 4 is great for cleaning. Acidic water with a pH this low will kill germs on contact. The strongest acidic water your ionizer will produce is the discharge water that drains in your sink.

According to the LA Times, the Sheraton Delfina hotel in Santa Monica, CA switched from chemical based cleaners to electrolyzed water. According to the article, the water is strong enough to kill anthrax spores and at the same time is harmless to their employees.

Other applications where cleaning with acidic water is appropriate include wiping countertops, laundry, and cleaning bathrooms.

Alkaline Water Ionizer with Your Reverse Osmosis System

If you have a reverse osmosis system, or “RO system”, an additional filter is required. A reverse osmosis system removes almost everything (including minerals) from the source water. A water ionizer requires minerals in your water to make it alkaline by bringing the pH up. Since reverse osmosis water is “dead water”, you will need to install a filter between the reverse osmosis system and the water ionizer to restore the “good minerals” back into the source water. With the newly restored minerals, the water ionizer will work just as well as it would without the reverse osmosis system.

Storing Alkaline Water

Drinking alkaline water directly from your water ionizer is always best. If you must store it, alkaline water will retain its ionized properties for about 24 hours when in a sealed container and 48 hours if refrigerated. Store your alkaline water in a glass container when possible. A BPA free plastic or ceramic container is the next best thing. Never store alkaline water in a metal container! This includes stainless steel. Metal is a conductor of electricity and the water will quickly lose its antioxidant properties if stored in a metal container.

Final Thoughts

I hope you have found this buyer’s guide helpful and informative.  If you are looking for the best water ionizer for home, go with the Air Water Life Aqua Ionizer Deluxe.  If you own a business, your best bet is the Tyent MMP 11 water ionizer.

If you have any questions about water ionizers or the content of this article, please contact us.  Thanks for reading!