Kangen Water Review: Does It Even Work?

Like you, I wanted to buy a water ionizer machine. I did my research (but not enough by half) and decided to buy a Kangen machine from Enagic. After all, the company had been around for a while, which had to count for something, right? 

The truth is, Enagic operates as a multi-level marketing (MLM) company, which often results in significant pressure to purchase their products, especially when the distributor is a close friend or family member. MLM companies typically rely on a network of distributors who earn commissions not only from their own sales but also from the sales made by their recruits. This structure can create high-pressure sales tactics and a focus on recruitment over product quality. But are they worth the expense? 

While Enagic’s Kangen machines are just as expensive as competitor models, they fail to achieve the same levels of pH or Oxygen Reduction Potential (ORP). To reach their extreme levels, Kangen machines require the use of chemical enhancers, namely sodium hypochlorite, also known as bleach. You may want to think about purchasing one of these machines if you don’t want to be chemically poisoned. 

Read on for everything you need to know about Kangen water machines. 

 

What is Kangen Water?

Kangen water ionization machines are produced by Enagic. The word “Kangen” actually means “return to origin” in Japanese. 

Enagic says that the alkaline water these machines produce can “help restore the body to its original, alkaline state.” The Kangen water ionizer machine works to alkaline the body, purify drinking water, and increase antioxidant production potential.

What is Ionized Water?

In simple terms, ionization means to gain or lose an electron. Water that has been ionized becomes either alkaline or acidic, which means that the pH has been adjusted up or down. 

Alkaline water is full of Hydroxyl ions and loaded with measurable antioxidants, making it ideal for drinking. Acidic water is full of Hydrogen ions. This water can be applied to the outside of our bodies to help soothe the skin or even for plant growth.

Water ionizing machines are small household appliances that calibrate the pH level of regular tap water in order to make it more alkaline or acidic.

Enagic Water vs Kangen Water

Kangen Water is a brand name for ionized alkaline water produced by Enagic’s alkaline ionizer and water filtration machines. The Enagic team claims that kangen water is “restructured” and that it makes it different from the normal alkaline water.

What to Know Before Buying a Kangen Water Machine

Here are some of the things to know before buying any Kangen or Enagic water.

1. All Water Ionizers are NOT the Same

All water ionizers are not the same. When buying a Kangen machine, you could think it was the right thing. Some research says that the company is well established–and that must mean that they were building solid, powerful machines. This isn’t necessarily true. 

Though Kangen is more expensive than many other water ionizers, it still doesn’t produce water as rich in antioxidants and hydrogen molecules as machines like Tyent, for example.

Let’s say you resolved to look past the water quality and focus on the fact that drinking water from a Kangen machine was still better than tap or bottled water.

Then a local water issue happened–a pesticide spill happened at a nearby farmland that the papers reported on and had local people worrying about how much of it might end up coming out of the tap. At this point, you may feel just a little smug, thinking that the Kangen water ionizer would take out the contaminants, and all would be well. 

So, you checked Enagic’s website for a list of contaminants that your Kangen machine would remove. Then you checked again. No list. You didn’t know whether your shiny new Kangen machine would remove any pesticides or not. You suddenly realized that you hadn’t checked which contaminants Kangen filters remove–and the company wasn’t exactly great at telling you either.

Common sense told you that the only reason that a company doesn’t boast about how great its filters are, is because its filters aren’t that great.

With premium ionized water such as Tyent, every glass of Tyent alkaline water is cleaned by our world-class filters to remove over 200 contaminants. Your safety should be number one when it comes to drinking water at home, including removing pesticides.

2. Kangen Machines Use A Deadly Chemical to Help Them Work Properly

That thing about how powerful water ionizers are? Turns out it really does matter. And Kangen machines aren’t powerful enough to make the “strong” acidic water that they’re so proud of. 

Your Kangen machine needs an “Electrolysis Enhancer” added to it to make up for the power it did not possess. What’s in “Electrolysis Enhancer,” you might ask? Wait for it: sodium hypochlorite, AKA bleach. 

Unfortunately, Enagic fails to inform Kangen water owners of the proper handling of the chlorine it creates. Chlorine in water can take three different forms: chlorine gas, hypochlorous acid, or hypochlorite. The form in which chlorine appears is pH-dependent.

So you spent thousands of dollars on a Kangen/Enagic water ionizer so that your family could drink contaminant-free water…and then you need to add bleach to the machine itself. Worse, a quick internet search told you that if sodium hypochlorite is ionized, a toxic gas is produced.

Just what you want from a water ionizer, right? And Kangen knows all of this.

3. Kangen Machines: Expensive with Short Guarantees 

You have had a Kangen ionizer machine for a year now. That’s nothing…but you’re already one-third of the way through my warranty period. Plus, Enagic isn’t upfront about the fact that their business model is the dreaded Multi-Level Marketing scheme, which means you paid LOTS more money for a pretty basic machine.

Tyent offers a no-quibble, Lifetime Warranty on all its water ionizers. Tyent water ionizers are demonstrably superior, the price is way more competitive than Kangen, and you’re not involved in any MLM!  

4. Trial Times 

Kangen water comes with major deficiencies. Typically, customers want to try a Kangen machine before buying it. With such a high-cost ionizer machine, you would expect to be able to try it out with your unique kitchen sink and water system before making a final decision. 

Guess how long the trial period was (bear in mind we’re talking about a machine that costs several thousand dollars). Three days! This timeline barely gives you enough time to unbox the product. By contrast, Tyent offers a 75-day, risk-free trial period, so you really get to road-test your water ionizer.

5. Plate Erosion

One selling point of the Kangen machine that Enagic promotes is its large plates. The issue is that there isn’t sufficient machine power for these large plates. The lack of power is why the Kangen machine struggles to reach over a pH of 10, and some people have to add calcium glycerophosphate (a drug compound) to their Kangen machine to get acceptable pH levels.

Enagic tries to justify the high price of its machine by claiming that it takes a lot of platinum to coat its plates. 

6. Antioxidant Claims Aren’t Supported by Evidence

Along with many other claims of Kangen water features, the antioxidant claims are not sufficiently supported by evidence. 

Antioxidant properties are another often-discussed benefit of Kangen water. Enagic’s theory is that the negative ORP of Kangen water can act as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and preventing cell damage. Though this sounds great, much more research is needed to prove these effects.

Kangen Water Review

Kangen Water claims to have created a healthy and high-quality water system, but it fails to tell you all that’s involved in the process. Kangen has many BBB complaints, chemicals, poor customer support, warranty, and trial period issues that are very unsettling to the safety of their products and quality of customer care. 

Enagic is also an MLM (multi-level marketing) company with eight levels of commissions. This shows how little amount of money actually goes into building a safe and effective water system for customers.

Kangen Water Customer Reviews

These customer reviews reveal the truth about the downfalls and unmet promises of Kangen Machines. 

“They will tell you it is a salt solution, but the main ingredients in their chemical additives are sodium chloride & sodium hypochlorite, which are also the main ingredients in your bleach bottle. You have to flush your machine for many gallons after using this additive, but I would not feel comfortable with using that in the same machine my kids are drinking from. Without the use of the electrolysis enhance the acid levels are terrible since they have a lack of plates and power.”

“If you’re wanting to start a business and sell the products yourself, be careful who your upline and support group is. Enagic is unfortunately let down by some of their business owners who just don’t support their “team members”. 

“Enagic is an MLM. They through their distributors make numerous claims about what this alkalized water can do, when the reality is far different. The machines they sell are over priced and worthless which is why you’ll see so many people listing new machines below the value Enagic assigns to them on sites like ebay. You can’t buy an Enagic product unless you become a distributor they rely entirely on lies and non sensical science that they claim to be fact. For instance one claim is that the ionizers are able to change the PH of the body.”

“DO NOT BUY from this company! I have never had such a terrible experience! I bought my Kangen water machine last Nov as a Christmas gift for my husband and had it installed in Jan. I used a plumber that has installed many Kangen water machines so I know it was done correctly. Almost right away I started having issues. On and off the water started tasting fishy, oily, and sometimes like chlorine. The panel also stopped working consistently.”

BBB Ratings to Know

The BBB (Better Business Bureau) ratings are based on business ratings and public data sources. Enagic received an F BBB rating.  The reasons for this failed rating include:

• 7 complaint(s) filed against business that were not resolved
• Failure to respond to 1 complaint(s) filed against business
• 26 complaint(s) filed against business
• Length of time the business has been operating
• Length of time business has taken to respond to complaint(s)

The Properties of Kangen Water 

There are four properties of Kangen water claims they include: 

1. Hydrogen: Water that is hydrogen-rich has a high concentration of Molecular Hydrogen (H2). Molecular Hydrogen is an efficient antioxidant that diffuses rapidly across cell membranes and can reduce free radicals, suppressing oxidative stress. Through electrolysis, tap water can become hydrogen-rich.

2. Antioxidants: To reduce oxidative stress and related damage, a constant supply of external sources of antioxidants should be part of one‘s daily diet. This is why everyone should care about the quantity and quality of the water they drink. 

3. Alkaline: A pH scale is used to determine whether a substance is acidic or alkaline. On this scale, 7.0 is neutral. Anything above seven is considered alkaline, and anything below seven is considered acidic.Kangen machines have set “types” of water that have set pH levels that can’t be adjusted, and are meant to serve different functions, i.e. drinking water, beauty water, etc. However, if your source water is very acidic, you won’t be able to turn up the power to achieve a higher pH level. Similarly, the same limitation applies to the opposite pH levels.

With Tyent, the pH levels are adjustable to your source water. Tyent’s unique Water by Design feature empowers you with the ability to adjust your water to suit your needs. You can adjust pH levels up or down as necessary to ensure you are drinking the correct water for you. It doesn’t matter how bad the source water is; you can adjust the levels to get the best water to meet your needs.

4. Negative ORP: Hydrogen-rich water is characterized by exhibiting a negative ORP. For humans, a positive or high ORP is better for the outside of the body (cleaning and sanitizing). A low ORP value (in negative numbers) indicates that a substance has a higher antioxidizing potential and is preferred for oral consumption. Just like pH, ORP values are an important measurement for determining the quality of water.

It’s important to note that Kangen water claims to include these properties but cannot back them up. Their machines have minimal hydrogen levels due to a lack of plates and power. Kangen water is also bleached with Sodium Hypochlorite and uses an artificial method of increasing electrolysis.

Kangen machines use outdated technology. They use a Transformer Power Supply, which means the power cannot be adjusted to achieve the alkaline or acidic levels you are looking for according to your source water minerals. 

Types of Kangen Water

There are five types of Kangen water: 

1. Strong Kangen Water – pH 11

This water is not for drinking but rather for food preparation and cleaning.

2. Kangen Water – pH 8.5-9.5

This type of water is for drinking and cooking. It can also be used for coffee and tea and watering plants.

3. Clean Water – pH 7

Free of chlorine, rust, and cloudiness, neutral water is for drinking. It can be used to prepare baby food and take medication.

4. Beauty Water – pH 4-6 

This is not for drinking. Beauty water is slightly acidic and is recognized for its astringent effects. Use it for face wash, hair care, pet care, polishing, cleaning, and preserving frozen food.

5. Strong Acidic Water pH 2.7

This is not for drinking water since it has cleansing properties. This water can be used for cleaning and reducing germs, hygiene, and commercial operations.

1. The K8 (Kangen 8): This is an 8-Plate Anti-Oxidizer with eight titanium plates that ionize water for antioxidant production.
2. JRIV: The JRIV Junior Model has four solid electrode plates with lower power consumption and fewer plates. It’s considered one of Enagic’s “starter” models.
3. SD501 PLATINUM: This machine has a built-in electrolysis chamber, has a LCD panel, and voice prompts.
4. SD501: This water machine has 7 and 5 electrode plates, a twin hose system, a cleaning system, a built-in tank for the electrolysis enhancer, and a water pressure regulating function.
5. Super 501: This machine has 7 and 5 electrode plates, a twin hose system, a cleaning system, a built-in tank for the electrolysis enhancer, and a water pressure regulating function.
6. SD501U: This machine offers the functionality of the SD501 but goes under the sink.
7. ANESPA DX: This machine claims to provide a continuous stream of healthy ionized mineral water.

Kangen Water Prices 

You will find below the average price for each Kangen water machine in US dollars:

• Leveluk K8 Water Machine: $4980 plus local tax
• SD501 Platinum: $4,280 plus local tax
• SD501:$3,980 plus local tax
• Super 501:$5,980 plus local tax
• Leveluk JRIV:$2,980 plus local tax
• SD501U:$4,980 plus local tax
• Anespa DX Shower System:$2,980 plus local tax

 

Best Kangen Water Machine Alternatives

After reading this Kangen water review, you probably have some reservations. But don’t lose hope! There are affordable and effective alternatives on the market that deliver high-quality alkaline hydrogen water at a more reasonable price tag.

1. Tyent Hybrid

The H2 Hybrid has a powerful dual filtration system to produce the purest water with ™-Ceramic and Carbon Block filtration. With membrane multi-layer filtration, the HYBRID Water Ionizer removes suspended solids such as mud, sediment, rust, and sand using .01 micron filtration. 

This is the same filtration used in kidney dialysis machines. Due to the depth-filtration process, the filtration performance and product life are incomparably outstanding. 

Specifications: 

• 2.5-11.0 pH Range*
• Up to -1150 ORP*
• Up to 1.8+ ppm Molecular Hydrogen*
• Xtreme Molecular Hydrogen Boost and Turbo Boost
• *Results Dependent on Source Water Conditions

Pricing: $4,250

Apply for financing for the H2 Hybrid for as little as $25/month today. Learn more here.

2. Tyent UCE-13 Plus

The Tyent UCE-13 Plus water ionizer features solid, medical-grade mesh that is strengthened by titanium plates that have been dipped in platinum multiple times. With advanced interactive touchscreen capability, you can easily adjust pH levels or user settings to suit any application.

Specifications: 

• 1.7-12.5 pH Range*
• Up to -1150 ORP*
• Up to 1.8+ ppm Molecular Hydrogen*
• Xtreme Molecular Hydrogen Boost and Turbo Boost
• *Results Dependent on Source Water Conditions

Pricing: $4,995

This under-counter, 13-plate ionizer has a 27% higher power than our 9-plate ionizer. It has 20% turbo acidic levels and 20% better ORP levels. Learn more about this new 2024 model here and elevate your drinking water system.

3. Tyent ACE-13

The beautiful stainless steel front and modern design features make the ACE-13 the perfect healthy accent for any kitchen.

Specifications: 

• 1.7-12.5 pH Range*
• Up to -1150 ORP*
• Up to 1.8+ ppm Molecular Hydrogen*
• Xtreme Molecular Hydrogen Boost and Turbo Boost
• *Results Dependent on Source Water Conditions

Pricing: $3,995

The ACE-13 is the industry’s first quantity selection function. Start getting increased hydration, improved athletic performance, and faster recovery time with this at-home water system.

Learn more here.

4. Tyent Edge 9 Turbo

The Edge-9 Turbo features the easiest way to replace your filters. The display indicates the filter usage on the LCD screen, allowing you to know exactly when it’s time to change your filters. Experience the most powerful electrolysis that works stably with platinum-coated round-mesh-hybrid plate technology. 

Specifications: 

• Stainless Steel front panel & faucet
• Colorful touch screen
• JOG Dial for added convenience
• Round Edges
• Compact size with powerful performance

Pricing: $2,495

Learn more here!

 

FAQs on Kangen Water

We know you probably still have lots of questions about the Kangen water product. Is it the right product for you? Keep reading to learn more.

Is Kangen Water a scam?

The answer to this question isn’t absolute, and it’s up to you to come to your own conclusion. It’s important to be wary of the exaggerated claims and high costs of Kangen Water, as well as their MLM business model. 

MLM is multi-level marketing, also known as pyramid selling, giving many people profit over one single sale. There is much controversy over this marketing model as it can lead to higher priced products than they are actually worth and the grind of meeting quotas.

Is Kangen Water safe?

If you don’t care about bleach. It’s best to do thorough research and talk with healthcare professionals before making significant changes to your water consumption habits or investing in a Kangen water machine.

How does Kangen Water differ from regular tap water?

Kangen water is filtrated alkaline water using a water ionization system. Even with their big claims, the least Kangen water offers is purified water, more drinkable than regular tap water. 

Can acidic water disinfect or sanitize surfaces?

Yes, electrolyzed and acidic water are all-natural, organic, non-toxic, environmentally and ecologically safe cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting solutions.

 

The Bottom Line: Kangen vs Tyent

If Kangen machines were cheap, then fine–you get what I pay for, but Enagic sells water ionizers for way more money than their competitors.

Plus, Tyent beats out Kangen in: 

Water filter guru rankings/BBB rankings

While Enagic received an F BBB rating, Tyent received an A+ rating! This clearly shows the difference in water safety and quality. 

Tyent uses top-quality machines for the best hydrogen water. Our units are certified chemical and lead-free, which is why so many health professionals and wellness centers prefer Tyent over any other water ionizer manufacturer in the industry.

Long-lasting/Effectiveness 

When first comparing the electrolysis plate surface area, Kangen covers 245-280 inches while Tyent covers 455 inches. Kangen’s machines’ flow controls are all manual, while Tyent’s are automatic. There is only 1 filter with Kangen machines and 2 filters in our Tyent machines. 

The number of contaminants removed by Kangen machines is unknown because no report is available, while Tyent machines remove over 200 contaminants. Tyent’s machines are fully adjustable for hard water with 99 presets, while Kangen’s machines are not at all customized for hard water. The list goes on.

Trial Period Length

Kangen only offers a 3-day period for trial periods of their products. Tyent offers a full 75-day trial period for all of our machines. Kangen only offers a five-year warranty, while Tyent offers a lifetime warranty on parts and labor with no fine print and zero stipulations

 

Tyent USA 

Before choosing the best water ionizer for your home, learn where your new system will be stored, how you plan to use it, and how much you are willing to spend. Our selection includes various ionization systems that take only minutes to install. 

Tyent offers a full 75-day trial period and a lifetime guarantee on all our exclusive systems. Our Tyent machines offer the power, plates, and filtration needed to get the full benefits of hydrogen alkaline water you’re looking for. We believe we’ve created the highest-quality water ionization system in the industry.

If you have any questions or need help finding the right water ionizer for your home, don’t hesitate to contact Tyent today. 

The facts show themselves in this Kangen Water review comparing the Kangen machines to our Tyent ones. Improving your health matters, and our Tyent machines were made with you in mind to deliver top-quality water that is safe and effective.