So, you want to do a better job of staying hydrated but would rather skip the whole ingesting nanoplastics thing that comes with drinking bottled water. You may have come across water ionizers in your research. Water ionizers increase the pH of your drinking water to make it more alkaline, which boosts its health benefits. Some of the health perks of drinking ionized water include more energy and a stronger immune system.
Kangen water machines are one possible contender. Only, how does a Kangen water machine work, exactly? And are they really worth the hefty price tag?
This article covers everything you need to know before investing in a Kangen water machine, including what a Kangen water machine is, how it works, and red flags to consider before choosing the best water ionizer for your home.
What is a Kangen Water Machine?
Produced by a company called Enagic, Kangen water machines are small countertop appliances that filter and ionize tap water. The machine calibrates your water’s pH level to make it more alkaline or acidic. The water can then be used in various ways, including for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Enagic claims that when you drink Kangen water (what they call the alkaline water produced by their machines), it alkalizes the body and brings it back into balance. The company also claims that Kangen water is hydrogen-rich, and therefore contains antioxidants that help the body fight free radicals and slow down the aging process, among other alkaline water benefits.
Sure, there are plenty of legitimate alkaline water benefits and uses—but does Enagic Kangen water really deliver them? Not quite.
Things to Know About Kangen Water Machines
A Kangen water machine is a big investment. Let’s unpack where the company and product fall short so you can make an informed decision.
Machines Use Harmful Chemicals
The only way that Kangen water machines are able to achieve a range of pH levels is through artificially increasing electrolysis. This is because they lack the power necessary to get the job done on their own. The ionizers require an “electrolysis enhancer” to work properly, which is a chemical cocktail that contains sodium hypochlorite—more commonly known as bleach.
Kangen doesn’t provide clear guidance on how to handle the electrolysis enhancer properly, even with knowing full well that all water types (Kangen drinking water, Strong Kangen water, and Strong Acid water) are produced using the same water cell.
Some models also have a chemical injection port for adding glycerophosphoric acid calcium. If consumed at high levels, it can cause nausea, constipation, and encourage kidney stone formation. Enagic claims it’s only needed if your tap water has a pH below 6 in order to achieve high alkaline water pH levels. However, this is misleading as the Environmental Protection Agency mandates all tap water have a minimum pH of 6.5.
Expensive Machines with Short Warranties
Kangen water machines are the most expensive water ionizers on the market, ranging anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000 USD. Despite the hefty price tag, they come with the shortest warranties in the industry, not to mention a stingy trial period and return policy.
Depending on the model, Kangen water machines only come with 3 or 5-year limited warranties that are filled with stipulations. For example, you have to send your machine in to be cleaned within the first year or they’ll void your warranty. An extended warranty costs a whopping $600 more, and only gives you an additional 3 years.
If you want to try a Kangen water machine before fully committing, they only give you a 7-day window within which to test and return it. That means getting the system unboxed, installed, and tested in just three days before mailing it back. If you miss the 7-day window, you could lose up to $1,100 plus the shipping fees.
Tyent doesn’t play games like this. Not only does Tyent offer a lifetime warranty with no fine print or stipulations, but a generous 75-day trial and return period to make sure you’re fully satisfied with your purchase.
Antioxidant Claims Are Not Backed by Evidence
Enagic claims that Kangen alkaline water is rich in molecular hydrogen, which acts as a liquid antioxidant that lowers the risk of health issues by helping to reduce oxidative stress in the body. Only, Enagic offers no evidence to support their claims. Tyent, on the other hand, holds many certifications to prove their water ionization systems truly deliver.
Case in point: The lower your water’s oxidation reduction potential (ORP) reading, the more potent its antioxidant properties. Enagic’s most powerful Kangen water machine only has an ORP of -722, contradicting their antioxidant claims. For context, Tyent water ionizers produce alkaline water with a negative ORP of up to -1,250.
Minimal Hydrogen Levels Due to Lack of Plates
Kangen water machines lack the plates and power needed to produce the hydrogen-rich, antioxidant-packed Kangen water that Enagic claims.
The most powerful Kangen alkaline water machine? It only uses eight solid plates—other models use as little as four. Solid plates have far less surface area, resulting in slower, weaker electrolysis. Another problem is that the platinum Kangen plates are coated with can erode off over time, which can further weaken its electrolysis capabilities.
Several BBB Complaints
Enagic swears Kangen water machines are top-notch, yet the company isn’t accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has been handed an F rating.
According to the BBB, Enagic’s failed rating is because of:
- A failure to respond to 2 complaint(s) filed against the business
- 7 complaint(s) filed against the business that weren’t resolved
- 26 complaint(s) filed against the business
- The length of time the business has been operating
- The length of time the business has taken to respond to complaint(s)
Ratings are based on information the BBB is able to obtain about Enagic, including complaints received from the public, and represent the BBB’s opinion of how Enagic is likely to interact with its customers.
How Does a Kangen Water Machine Work?
The Kangen water machine calibrates the pH level of regular tap water in order to make it more alkaline or acidic—but how, exactly? Read on for a detailed play-by-play.
Filtration
Water is redirected from your tap and moves through your Kangen water machine’s internal filter. Enagic claims it filters chlorine and reduces sediments up to 5 micrometers from your source water. (A water filtration report isn’t available to find out for sure.)
Unfortunately, a single carbon filter is inadequate for dealing with the many toxins found in tap water, which can be especially harmful when mixed with ionization.
Electrolysis
Once filtered, the water travels through several solid electrode plates and membranes that separate the water into its acidic and alkaline parts. The two kinds of water are later released through different hoses.
Adjustable pH Levels
Kangen water machines feature set “types” of Enagic Kangen water, of which there are five:
- Strong Kangen water (pH 11) for food prep and cleaning.
- Kangen water (pH 8.5 – 9.5) for drinking.
- Clean water (pH 7) for taking medication and making baby food.
- Beauty water (pH 4 – 6) for skincare.
- Strong acidic water (pH 2.7) for disinfecting.
The problem with set types of water? They’re not adjustable to your source water. This means if your source water leans more acidic or alkaline, you won’t be able to achieve a higher or lower pH level to compensate.
In contrast, Tyent water ionizers can be customized to your specific water type, with 99 presets to choose from.
Dispensing
Once you’ve chosen the type of water you need, you can dispense it from your Kangen water machine and into your container of choice.
Best Kangen Water Machine Alternative
After learning about the many iffy qualities that Kangen water machines possess, you’re probably wondering if there’s a better line of water ionizers to choose from. Look no further than Tyent.
Tyent
Why Tyent? It’s simple. Tyent water ionizers are award-winning and considered the best water ionizers on the market.
Tyent’s water ionizers feature solid/mesh hybrid medical-grade titanium plates that are dipped multiple times in platinum and baked, making them the strongest and thickest in the industry. They also provide the largest surface area for maximum electrolysis capability.
As a result, Tyent water machines feature the widest range of pH level options, from alkaline for healthy drinking water to acidic for Beauty Water or cleaning. Unlike other ionizers that require chemicals to achieve high and low pH levels, all Tyent ionizers get the job done without harmful chemicals.
Then there’s Tyent’s exclusive Xtreme Molecular Hydrogen Boost feature (available with the UCE-13, ACE-13, and H2 Hybrid models), which produces water with the highest levels of antioxidants and molecular hydrogen—up to 360% of the therapeutic concentration dose!
Every model of Tyent water ionizer features a dual Dialapure filtration system which offers the same level of filtration used in kidney dialysis machines. The system removes over 200 dangerous contaminants from your tap water, including pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, and 100% of lead. (Check out Tyent’s water filtration report and see for yourself.)
From Tyent’s pre-filtration options to real-time filter usage indicators to advanced self-cleaning capabilities, you can breathe easy knowing you’re always drinking the cleanest, healthiest, and best-tasting water available.
Products + Pricing:
- Tyent UCE-13 Plus is an under-counter water ionizer that comes with a sleek stainless-steel faucet—available in chrome, antique, and matte black: $4,795
- Tyent ACE-13 is an above-the-counter ionizer that’s loaded with advanced features and a versatile design that suits any kitchen: $3,995
- Tyent H2 Hybrid is a water ionizer and hydrogen water generator in one, giving you the best of both worlds: $4,250
- Tyent Edge-9 Turbo is the perfect water ionizer for cramped kitchens: $2,495
Pros:
- Used by famous doctors, pro athletes, and celebrities
- The only water ionizer featured on E!, FOX, ABC, Discovery Channel, and more
- Plates are the strongest, thickest, and provide the most surface area in the industry
- Feature the widest range of pH level options, from alkaline water for drinking to acidic water for cleaning
- Use Dialipure filters—the same filtration as kidney dialysis machines—that remove over 200 dangerous contaminants
- Offer a variety of pre-filtration options to maximize the quality of your source water
- All Tyent water ionizers are chemical-free
- Tyent has dozens of premium certifications, including ISO 9001 and ISO 14001
- Trustworthy and transparent—Tyent shares third-party lab results publicly
- Tyent is the only water ionizer company to offer a 100% full lifetime warranty with zero stipulations that covers both parts and labor
- Tyent offers a generous 75-day trial period, with a less than 1% return rate
- Accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for excellent customer service and support, A+ rating
Check out Tyent’s water ionizers in more detail to decide which one’s right for you.
Learn More About Kangen Water Machines
In case you still have questions about Kangen water machines, read on for more information so you can decide whether a Kangen water machine is right for you.
Is a Kangen water machine worth buying?
Kangen water machines aren’t worth buying—they’re built using clunky, outdated technology, yet are the most expensive ionizers on the market. Among their many shortcomings, Kangen ionizers are less powerful, require chemical enhancements to function optimally, have inferior filtration, and come with the shortest warranties in the industry.
How much does a Kangen water system cost?
The current prices for Kangen water machines are as follows:
- LeveLuk K8: $5,480 USD
- LeveLuk SD501: $4,380 USD
- LeveLuk SD501 Platinum: $4,480 USD
- LeveLuk Super 501: $6,580 USD
- LeveLuk SD501U: $5,480 USD
- LeveLuk JRIV: $3,380 USD
Want to extend your warranty for another three years? It’ll cost you an additional $600 USD.
What is the drawback of Kangen water?
There are many drawbacks of Enagic Kangen water, but the most concerning is that Kangen machines are unable to produce high and low pH levels on their own and require chemical enhancements. The chemicals used? Sodium chloride and sodium hypochlorite, which are also the main ingredients in your bleach bottle.
What does a Kangen machine do to water?
Kangen machines use the process of electrolysis to change the pH of your tap water. Water is redirected from your tap, through the Kangen water machine’s filter and electrode plates, and separated into its acidic and alkaline water. These waters can be used for various purposes, including drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
The Bottom Line on Kangen Water Machines
Despite being in the water ionizer industry for a long time, Kangen water machines have too many disadvantages to ignore. Why bother with clunky machines that require chemicals to function properly when you can invest in a cutting-edge chemical-free water ionizer that costs less?
Tyent water ionizers can’t be beat as they feature superior electrolysis capabilities, the widest range of pH levels to choose from, advanced filtration that can be customized to your source water, and are chemical-free. Tyent also has achieved all top certifications and their machines meet international safety, environmental, and health standards.
Not only does Tyent offer customers a hassle-free lifetime warranty, but a generous 75-day trial period to make sure you’re 100% satisfied with your purchase.
Order your Tyent water ionizer today!
