You’ve decided to make the jump away from bottled water in favor of an alkaline water ionizer. But how do you know which one to use? You may have heard of AlkaViva and are wondering if their products are just what you need. Alkaline water may have a number of health benefits, but are AlkaViva products, with their small plates, low plate counts, and bait-and-switch warranty, the best way to get it?
Our AlkaViva review dives into the machines themselves, the water quality they produce, and whether their warranty really is forever.
What is AlkaViva?
AlkaViva is a company that creates machines and systems that produce alkaline water. If AlkaViva doesn’t ring a bell, it might be because you know them better as Jupiter or IonWays, as AlkaViva changed their name several times throughout their lifetime. If you go further back, you’ll find even more names, such as AllOrganic or IonLife, which is what they were called when they were originally selling low-speed juicers.
Down the line, AlkaViva shifted their focus to water ionizers. AlkaViva’s biggest claim to fame is that it says it is the first in many regards—the first to have a color LCD screen, the first to launch mesh electrodes, and the first ionizer filter to handle chloramine and heavy metals, among other claims.
But it’s worth noting that many other ionizer alternatives now offer the same, if not improved upon, technology. For instance, AlkaViva’s mesh electrodes have been found to be not as effective as solid/mesh hybrid electrodes, like those found in Tyent’s water ionizers.
AlkaViva Products
AlkaViva makes a variety of products, with their focus being on producing alkaline water. Here are just a few of their products:
Electric Ionizer
AlkaViva’s electric ionizers use electrolysis to filter out impurities and split water molecules through the use of their Smart Electrodes to create alkaline water. These ionizers also include Hydrogen Infusion Technology to add hydrogen back into your water. AlkaViva’s ionizers use mesh electrodes, which are less powerful than solid/mesh hybrids. The electrode or plate size of these ionizers is also the smallest in the industry.
Ionizer Replacement Filters
If you have an ionizer, you’ll need to replace the filter at some point to keep your water clean. How often you have to order ionizer replacement filters will vary, but AlkaViva recommends ordering replacements at least every 12 months. You’ll need a specific type of filter depending on the model of ionizer you have. However, reviews say you actually need to change the filter in an AlkaViva ionizer every eight to nine months.
Non-Electric Ionizers
Rather than using electrolysis, non-electric ionizers simply filter out impurities and infuse your water with alkaline minerals. However, these options are severely limited, and AlkaViva focuses more on their electric ionizers.
AlkaViva Review
If you’re considering an AlkaViva ionizer, it’s important to know just what you’re getting. In this review, we’ll unpack where AlkaViva falls short and what current users have to say about their products.
Cons
Before we dive into the pros in this AlkaViva review, we believe it’s important to first highlight the cons, as the cons far outweigh the benefits of their machines.
- Low Plate Count: Not only are the plates used in AlkaViva’s water ionizers the smallest in the industry, but they also have machines with just five, seven, or nine plates. These electrode plates are crucial for filtering out impurities and creating alkaline water. In comparison, Tyent’s water ionizers go up to 13 plates.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty: AlkaViva claims to have a lifetime warranty, but that’s not entirely true. Specific parts are under a lifetime warranty—with numerous stipulations—but you’ll have to cover all the labor costs after the first five years. Some reviewers mention AlkaViva not honoring the warranty even within the first month of use, so the jury’s out on just how the warranty works for customers.
- Tricky Installation: Although AlkaViva says getting their machines and filters installed is easy, some reviewers say it’s actually more challenging than they claim. Plus, poor installation can result in damaging leaks.
- Lower pH Range: While AlkaViva claims that they cannot say exactly what their machine’s pH range is due to not wanting to be “misleading,” this information is still available online—but it’s mostly unimpressive compared to other water ionizers on the market. For instance, the Melody II offers a 4.5 to 10 pH range. In comparison, Tyent’s H2 Hybrid has a larger range of 2.5 to 11.
- Lowers ORP: The Melody II also has an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of about -760. The Tyent H2 Hybrid has an ORP of up to -1150.
- Lower PPM of Molecular Hydrogen: One of AlkaViva’s biggest claims to fame is its Hydrogen Infusion Technology, which allows you to create hydrogen water as well as alkaline water, which the Tyent H2 Hybrid can do as well. However, an AlkaViva machine like the Melody II can only produce water with 1 ppm of molecular hydrogen. Tyent’s H2 Hybrid can create water up to and even over 1.8 ppm.
Pros
- Some reviewers say that the filter has a decent lifespan.
- Customers mention that the water tastes better than water from out of a typical tap.
- There are many benefits to drinking alkaline water, including increased energy, brighter skin, and weight loss. But keep in mind, there are other alkaline water systems and machines on the market that deliver much better results.
Pricing
AlkaViva water ionizers range in price, depending on their features, but the majority of options are over $2,500.
AlkaViva Customer Reviews
Here is what reviewers have to say about their experience with AlkaViva.
“Had the water machine for several years. Had to send in for repair several times, all at my expense, including shipping both ways. Expensive product but not that durable, and company does not really stand behind. Also, simple service takes too long. Been without my machine for almost 3 weeks.” – Braden N.
“I can not believe I paid $3,000.00 for this machine, for it to arrive with missing parts. I called customer service and informed them, they said they would send me what was missing, only to be disappointed again, as they still didn’t send all the missing parts the second time around. I have screws missing in a $3,000.00 product, how does that happen? Plus, the machine doesn’t truly produce a pH range of 11+. I have the Vesta machine, and on the highest settings with the output on low, the highest pH was 8, if that. At best, this is nothing but a glorified, overpriced water filter machine. If you are looking for a machine to produce high alkaline pH levels, don’t buy this machine.” – Aiden Y.
“Dealing with this website and company was all around a decent process. The reason for less than the full five stars is due to the fact that I purchased the Vesta H2 without knowing that I would need to pay extra money for stronger filters based on the water where I live. So now after speaking with customer service about another question I had, I’ve been told that in order to get the best results/longevity out of my machine, I have to drop another $120. Obviously, in buying this machine in the first place, I’m going to spend the money to get the proper filters. But it would have been nice to know previously so that I wouldn’t have to be taking the machine apart to install new filters so soon after setting it up (I was hoping to at least have a year’s use before spending more and installing new ones).” – Destiny A.
AlkaViva Alternatives
Now that you know a bit more about AlkaViva, you might be questioning if it is the right water ionizer for you. Here are some of the best AlkaViva alternatives on the market:
1. Tyent Water Ionizers
Tyent makes water ionizers that stand out among the rest. Tyent’s water ionizer plates are the largest, thickest, and highest quality in the industry, which means a stronger pH and the strongest negative ORP on the market. Instead of all mesh plates, Tyent uses a solid/mesh hybrid, giving you the durability of a solid plate with the extensive surface area of a mesh plate. Tyent’s filters are also the most powerful in the industry, giving you advanced filtration. And Tyent’s lifetime warranty doesn’t come with the stipulations of other brands, making it a truly unlimited lifetime warranty.
Products:
- Tyent H2 Hybrid: This first-of-its-kind machine is both a water ionizer and a hydrogen water generator, providing you with the best of both worlds.
- Tyent ACE-13: This above-the-counter water ionizer boasts a luxurious design that fits in with any gourmet kitchen.
- Tyent UCE-13 Plus: This under-counter ionizer comes with an upscale stainless-steel faucet, available in chrome, antique, and matte black.
Check out Tyent’s water ionizers.
2. Enagic Water (Kangen Water)
Enagic is the manufacturer of Kangen water machines, which makes Kangen Water, what they call the alkaline water coming out of their machines. Their most powerful machine only uses eight plates, with other machines having seven or even just four plates.
Products & pricing
- LeveLuk K8 Water Filter: $5,480
- LeveLuk SD501: $4,380
- LeveLuk SD501 Platinum: $4,480
Any Cons?
- Before buying a Kangen water ionizer, it’s important to know that these water ionizers need bleach to run properly.
- This company has been accused numerous times of being a multi-level marketing scheme.
- Their most powerful machine only has an ORP of -722.
- The U.S. government has had to step in to prevent Enagic from making incorrect and misleading claims to the public.
3. Life Ionizer
Life Ionizer makes water ionizers, as well as whole-house systems, filters, and other accessories. Their plate counts vary from just five plates up to 15 plates. They make ionizers that go both above and under the counter.
Products & pricing
- Life Ionizer MXL-15: $3,497
- Life Ionizer LC-13: $4,495
- Life Ionizer MXL-5 Under Counter: $1,997
Any Cons?
- With an ORP of -1003 in its most powerful model, Life Ionizer’s ORP clocks in at less than what Tyent can produce.
- Customers often find Life Ionizer’s stronger models to be expensive.
- Life Ionizer lacks the touchscreen technology of other brands, like Tyent.
Learn More About AlkaViva
Do you have more questions about AlkaViva and alkaline water ionizers? Check out this FAQ for more information on their business and products:
How long has AlkaViva been in business?
That depends on whether you’re talking about AlkaViva itself or the many other companies it was before becoming AlkaViva. Technically, the business that would eventually become AlkaViva was launched in 2002 and rebranded as AlkaViva in 2013.
Are alkaline water ionizers worth it?
Alkaline water ionizers can absolutely be worth it, but it depends on the quality of the machine you choose and the manufacturer you decide to work with. Tyent water ionizers provide you with a more substantial pH range, higher ORP performance, more molecular hydrogen, and a higher plate count for more power than AlkaViva’s water ionizers.
What is the difference between an alkaline water purifier and ionizer?
A water purifier essentially cleans the water of impurities and filters them out. Alkaline water purifiers then treat the water with minerals, as healthy, helpful minerals are also typically filtered out during the filtration process. Water ionizers work differently, as they use electrolysis to split the water molecules to make both alkaline and acidic water. It then diverts the alkaline water to your faucet.
Choose the Best Water Ionizer
When you’re looking for the best water ionizer, you need something with advanced technology, filtration, and ionization. You need a brand that can talk the talk and walk the walk, but is AlkaViva that brand?
Tyent’s ionizers contain more effective electrodes, a higher pH, and higher quality alkaline water. When you purchase a Tyent ionizer, you also know what you’re getting when it comes to your warranty. With AlkaViva, you may not be as covered as you think you are.
Check out Tyent’s water ionizers and see how they stack up against the competition.
