Water With Alkaline… What Is It And HOW Do You Get It? (Buying Guide)

I’m struggling to understand why there are so many Google searches for the term “water with alkaline”?

To my knowledge there is no such thing as “water with alkaline” but there is “alkaline water”.

This is because you can’t add alkaline to water, but you can change it to become more alkaline. You can take any water substance and change its pH so that it becomes alkaline water.

Trying to get and consume more alkaline water is worthwhile because it has the potential of lots of health benefits.

Places like WebMD and the Healthline cite academic research to show that alkaline water can help boost the immune system and slow down the ageing process.

It is the potential for these health benefits that makes it one of the fastest growing trends in the water industry. This is despite all the arguments among experts over some of these health claims.

Alkaline water stands out in an already overcrowded “water industry.

So let’s find out exactly what “water with alkaline” really means, if it is worth the hype and how you can get it.

What is Water With Alkaline?

Technically speaking you can’t have “water with alkaline” but you can have alkaline water.

Alkaline water is water with a high pH that is over 7.

This is because the pH level of substances goes from 0 – 14. A neutral substance has a pH of 7 and anything lower than 7 is going towards the acidic end of the scale. The picture below makes all of this much clearer.

What Is An Alkaline Countertop Water Filter?

By far the most convenient way to get alkaline water is to get an alkaline machine that will generate it for you on demand. These devices are sometimes also called “water ionizers”.

“Alkaline water filter machines will do exactly that: filter and turn your water alkaline.”

There are many different brands, variations and styles but the most popular are countertop water ionizers. As the name suggests these are alkaline machines that sit on your countertop. They are the most popular type of water ionizer because they are easy to install and set up.

However, the newer models of alkaline water filter machines also have undercounter versions. That is to say you will get a faucet attachment with the device. The main alkaline ionizer is under the sink and connects directly to a high tech smart faucet that dispenses your ionized water. They usually come with different spouts so that each spout is responsible for different types of water i.e alkaline, acidic and neutral.

The UCE-13 PLUS is a good example of an undercounter alkaline countertop water filter that has a faucet attachment. This means that you can replace your existing faucet with this device and not have to sacrifice any countertop space.

Aside from generating water with alkaline i.e. water with a different level of pH, it wil also filter your water.

The best alkaline water filter machines will have multi-stage filters that will remove at least 99% of contaminants.

Although getting an alkaline machine is extremely expensive, many people consider it to be a worthwhile investment.

This is because it will save you having to buy an extra filter device for your drinking water and reduce your dependence on bottled water which is great for the environment. It will also help you save money as you will no longer have to buy unnecessary plastic bottles.

The best countertop water ionizers are not as bulky as they look in pictures.

They do not require permanent installation and they are a lot lighter than you might think. This means that you can take them with you on vacations, when you go camping, on a boat and even put them in your RV.

Alkaline Countertop Water Filter Machine Buying Guide

The good and bad news is that there are lots of different alkaline countertop water filter machines online. It’s good because it means you have a lot of choice and will absolutely be able to find something that meets your needs.

However, the massive amount of choice is bad because the market can be a little confusing. Especially as most of these ionizers are marketed as being the “next best thing” or “revolutionary”. Choosing the right ionizer model is difficult and can even be frustrating at times.

That’s why I put together this alkaline countertop water filter machine buying guide. I will highlight everything you need to know and consider before you buy.

Countertop Ionizer vs. Undercounter Ionizer with Faucet

Basically, there are two types of water ionizers you can choose from. 1) The countertop ionizer sits on top of the counter next to your sink so that it can access water direct from the faucet.

2) The under counter version means the large unit sits under your sink and you have a faucet attachment.

Both of these models have pros and cons. Countertop ionizers are easy to install but not good if you don’t have a lot of space. While the undercounter ionizer is a little more difficult to install but will save you counter space and is a great faucet replacement.

Water Ionizer Filters

The water ionizer filter is one very important but often overlooked aspect of water ionizers. Most people care about things like pH range but tend to not think too much about the filters.

However, a good quality filter is everything.

Your ionizer water will not taste good if it’s not filtered. Simply turning your regular tap water alkaline will not make it taste better. However, delicious tasting filtered water will taste even more delicious when you turn it alkaline.

Thankfully, most alkaline countertop water machines come with filters that are included. Most of the cheaper filters come with 1 filter but 2x filter duo systems are better.

Especially 2 duo filter systems like the one used in Tyent ionizers, which are capable of treating 99.9% of contaminants.

Water Ionizer Filter Quality

Aside from the quantity of filters the quality is just as important. The best alkaline water machines will be able to remove things like sediments, foul tastes and bad odors – at the very least.

However, not all filters are equal.

You should look closely at what they claim to be able to treat before you purchase. The top ionizers will be able to filter things like fluoride, chlorine, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, chloramines and even heavy metals like lead.

This is why it’s always a good idea to know the types of issues you have in your tap water beforehand. You can do this buy getting a water test kit. This way you will know what you need your water filter to be able to deal with.

Is There Enough Space For Your Water Ionizer?

In very simple terms a countertop ionizer needs space next to the sink. Check the dimensions and if you don’t have enough space then you need the under counter version.

Remember that the countertop ionizer also needs space to connect directly to your faucet as well as access to a mains supply outlet.

Is The Water Ionizer Actually Value For Money?

Of course price is always important and most people are on a budget. But cheaper is not always better. In fact, I have looked at some of the cheapest ionizers from brands like Air Water Life only to find they really are not worth the money.

This is because cheap ionizers tend to only come with 1 ionizer filter (instead of 2), 7 plates (instead of 13-15), a smaller pH range and much lower ORP rates.

All of this means you will be getting incredibly low quality ionized water.

You’re really better off getting a good quality reverse osmosis machine for a similar price. If you’re going to be spending over $1000 on a water ionizer, it really needs to represent the best value for money. Unfortunately, most of the alkaline water filter machines in that price bracket ($0-1500) are simply not worth it.

Cost of the Water Ionizer Filter Replacement?

Before buying a countertop alkaline water filter device see how much the replacement filters cost.

There are many unscrupulus water ionizer companies that sell you a cheap ionizer upfront only to rip you off on expensive replacement filters.

So always check the replacement filter costs. And also check how often you will need to replace them.

Most ionizer filters last between 6-12 months before you need to replace them. This means you can work out the average on-going cost to use and maintain the alkaline water ionizer device and be aware of this before you buy.

What Is The Ionizer Water pH Range?

It’s important to know the level of alkaline and acidity the machine can generate. All water ionizers will let you know upfront the level of pH they are able to provide you with.

There are some machines that only give you a pH of up to 8 – these machines are rubbish.

Most people enjoy alkaline water that’s a pH of up to 10. So if your machine only goes up to 8 then you are seriously missing out.

Water that has a lower pH and is more towards the acidic end is also incredibly useful. Acidic ionized water is good for disinfecting, cleaning, washing fruits, vegetables and so much more.

Hence you really want a water ionizer with a good pH range in both acid and alkaline levels. For instance, Tyent ionizers provide you with a range of 1.7-12 pH which covers everything you will need. This is what I consider to be a big enough acid and alkaline water range.

What Ongoing Ionizer Maintenance Is Required?

The good news is that most ionizer machines need very little on-going maintenance. Most of the modern devices come with some sort of automatic self cleaning.

However, unfortunately, no matter which model you choose, you can’t escape some sort of regular maintenance.

This might be as simple as a deep clean once a year. Especially if you live in a hard water area and suffer from limescale hard mineral build up.

This is the same thing that you have to do with your kettle. Especially if you regularly find lots of white limescale at the bottom of your kettle over a period of time. Every now and then you will need to do a deep clean to get rid of all the scales.

Water Ionizer Warranty

Once you’re happy with the features, range, filters and level of maintenance the final thing to consider is the warranty.

This is very important because it lets you know how much confidence the manufacturer has in their products.

There are some companies like Enagic who only provide a 5 year warranty on their Kangen ionizers which cost $4,000-5,000.

Meanwhile a company like Tyent sell better products at a lower price yet provide you with a comprehensive lifetime forever warranty.

I personally think that if you’re going to spend thousands of dollars on something it should come with the longest warranty possible.

How to Install a Countertop Water Ionizer

One of the best things about the countertop water filter is the fact that they are so easy to install.

You hardly need any plumbing experience or expertise. All you need is to be able to connect the device to your faucet for water supply. Then, connect the device to a power outlet and switch it on.

This is the basic installation process for most countertop water filter machines. Of course, there are different variations from one machine to another.

How to Install an Under Counter Water Ionizer

Alkaline Water Ionizer Countertop FAQ & Answers

Here are my answers to some of the most common questions about alkaline ionizer countertop filter machines.

A: Can bacteria grow in my water ionizer?

Q: No. This is because most of these machines have an automatic self cleaning function. Also, the water that comes through the machine is always being purified.

This means that any dirty water will be neutralised by the device. All that being said, it is still a good idea to do a deep clean of the device every so often just to make sure it’s in top shape.

A: Can I connect the alkaline water ionizer device to more than one faucet?

Q: No. These devices only need 1 main water supply and this is usually the faucet that sits on top of your kitchen sink.

A: How will I know if the alkaline ionizer filter needs changing?

Q: The machine will alert you. Almost all modern water ionizer machines have some sort of alert mechanism to let you know that the filters need replacing. Failing that you can consult with the manufacturer’s instructions to get a guide on how often to change your filter.

A: Is an alkaline water ionizer better than bottled water?

Q: Yes it is although it’s more expensive upfront.

A countertop water ionizer ensures that your drinking water is the best quality. It is more convenient and environmentally friendly than constantly buying bottled water.

Also, there are lots of companies admiting to the fact that their bottled water comes from the tap. Like Aquafina who recently admited that their bottled water is tap water.

A: Can countertop ionizer water filters remove chlorine from my tap water?

Q: Yes. This is true in the vast majority of cases. Especially when the device uses carbon based filter processes.

What’s The Best Machine for Water With Alkaline?

My preference for the best “water with alkaline” machine maker is currently the Tyent ACE-13.

It is the latest countertop ionizer model from Tyent. However, if you prefer the under counter version with a faucet attachment then you should consider the UCE-13 PLUS.

The ACE-13 has 13 titanium-platinum coated plates. This is currently the highest number and best quality of ionizer plate combination that I’ve seen from the water ionizer industry.

These 13 plates are extremely durable due to their materials and virtually crack-proof. The plates are also some of the thickest and longest.

The reason why this is such a big selling point is that the number and quality of the plates is directly connected to the quality of your ionized water.

Aside from having the highest number of plates, the ACE-13 has the widest pH range, lowest negative ORP number (of -1050) and the largest amount of exra features:

ACE-13 Best Features

The ACE-13 (or UCE-13 PLUS under counter version) comes with 2x powerful .01 micron filters. This means that they are powerful enough to treat 99.9% of contaminants including heavy metals like lead.

This device has the highest rate of ORP (antioxidant potential) of -1050. Other devices usually have between -300 to -800.

It also has the highest pH range that goes from 1.7 to 12. You can select specific options from over 99 presets that cover alkaline, acidic, turbo and neutral water settings.

The touchscreen controller interface works similar to a smartphone.

It has safety features like motion sensors, flood prevention and automatic self cleaning.

The best part in my opinion is the warranty which is a “FOREVER lifetime guarantee”.

Tyent ACE-13 Product Specifications:

pH Range: 1.7-12.5.
Negative ORP Level: Up to -1150.
Control: Type: Display: 4 Inch TFT LCD.
Power Settings: four alkaline, one neutral, three acidic, one turbo (for both acidic and alkaline).
Plates: 13 solid titanium hybrid plates dipped in platinum.
Plate Material: Medical grade, platinum coated titanium plates.
Plate Size: 7″ × 4 ¾”.
Filtration: 2x Ultra filtration down to .01 Micron.
Long term maintenance: Automatic self-cleaning.
Prevention Devices: Flood prevention sensor.
Operational Controls: Advanced interactive touch screen with voice prompts.
Surface Area: 385 square inches.
Dimensions (mm): 300(W) x 135(D) x 350(H).
Warranty: FOREVER Lifetime warranty.

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