Love drinking alkaline water and looking for the best alkaline water filters? Then you’re at the perfect place.
In this article, we’re going to give you an honest review of the 11 best alkaline water filters on the market. We’d highlight the notable features of each model, compare it with other filters on this review, and pinpoint its drawbacks to help you decide whether it deserves your money or not.
Next we’d provide you with a detailed alkaline water filter buying guide. In that section, we’d answer the questions most people have about these water filters. We’d also identify the features that you must look for when shopping for an inline water filter.
Sounds good? Let’s dive right in!
In A Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks
Best Countertop Alkaline Water Filters
Here’s the criteria we used for their selection:
- One-year warranty: Our top pick for the alkaline water filter comes with a two-year warranty. This should give you peace of mind that in the unlikely scenario of things going south, you would be able to get a replacement.
- Six-months+ filter capacity: Since they mostly process all water coming out of the kitchen sink, countertop alkaline water filters are used more often than other types of filters. This requires their filter to boost huge capacity, or it would need replacement very soon.
Countertop alkaline water filters are used more in homes and process more water than either alkaline water filter bottles or alkaline water filter pitchers. That’s why their capacity should be bigger than both.
- Multiple stages filtration: How could you be sure that the water coming out of the filter is safe to drink? One way is to check your model’s filtration stages. The higher their number, the higher the probability that the filtered water is healthy.
APEC Water Systems RO Essence Series
- Supreme quality – Designed, engineered and assembled in USA to guarantee...
- This 75 GPD 6-stage system ROES-PH75 is guaranteed to remove up to 99% of...
- Premium made filter cartridge uses premium-grade calcium from trusted...
- WQA certified system. Premium long lasting filters used to treat tap/well...
- America's no.1 rated water filter brand with 20 years of success...
- Filter capacity: 6 – 12 months
- System capacity: 90 GPD
- Warranty: 2-year
The APEC Water System ROES-PH75 purifies and alkalizes water in 6 stages. Upon entering the filter, the water passes through a propylene sediment filter to leave rust particles, sediments and dust behind. The next two stages – made of premium carbon block – remove cloudiness, chlorine, taste and odor from your water supply.
Similar is the case with the 4th and 5th stages that rely on RO membrane and an advanced coconut shell to purify water of total dissolved solids, arsenic, lead, chromium and fluoride. Now that the water has been purified of all the major contaminants, the remineralization stage comes into play.
However, unlike other alkaline filters, the PH 75 doesn’t add minerals from unknown sources. Instead, its remineralization stage adds only 100% calcium carbonate into water. That means you can trust the minerals to ensure your and your family members’ health and well being.
Despite passing water through so many stages, this unit can still churn out 90 gallons of purified water per day. It boasts an extra-large tank capacity of 4 gallons and has extended-capacity filters that won’t require replacement before 6 to 12 months, depending on usage.
Two more features justify this model’s selection as our top pick. The first of which is its two-year extended warranty, which is at least one year more than what most other filters offer. The second is its WQA-Gold seal which is awarded only to the most trustworthy drinking systems in the world.
Things We Like
- Two-year extended warranty
- Extended 2 – 11 pH range
- WQA Gold Seal
Things We Don’t Like
- Pricey
How It Compares With Our Criteria
Warranty: 2 years
6 months+ filter capacity: Yes
Multiple stages filtration: Yes
AQUASPREE Countertop Water Purification System
- Filter capacity: 1000G
- System capacity: 5 gallons
- Warranty: 1-year
Various features distinguish this model from ROES PH-75.
Most obvious among which is its seven-stage filtration. The first four stages are dubbed as ‘primary filtration’ and are responsible for removing particles of 0.1 to 0.3 microns in size. Rust, impurities, particles and sediments all fall in this range and are therefore taken care of.
The remaining three filter stages – far-infrared, KDF copper-zinc, magnetic device – produce alkalization, remove toxins and heavy metals. They also break down water into smaller particles, helping the body absorb it quickly to provide better (and long-lasting) hydration.
Yet another feature that sets this unit apart is its sharp design. One which won’t let it look out of place in most modern kitchens. However, its holding tank’s capacity (5 gallons) is miniscule compared with that of ROES-PH75, which can purify 90 gallons of water per day.
Similar is the case with its filter’s capacity. Where the ROES-PH 75’s filter could easily last up to 12 months (depending on usage), you’d have to replace this model’s filter every six months, or sooner if your family’s daily drinking water consumption is high.
One gripe we have about this countertop alkaline water filter is that it only produces mildly alkaline water. That might not be an issue if you haven’t had alkaline water before. However, if you already know what salt water tastes like, you might not be impressed with this unit’s alkalization power.
Things We Like
- 1900L filter capacity
- 8 liter pitcher capacity
- Two-months satisfaction guarantee
Things We Don’t Like
- Only produces mildly alkaline water
How It Compares With Our Criteria
Warranty: 1 year
6months+ filter capacity: Yes
Multiple stages filtration: Yes
APEX Countertop Alkaline Water Filter
- REDUCES CONTAMINANTS IN TAP WATER: The APEX Clear Countertop Alkaline...
- CONNECTS TO STANDARD FAUCETS: APEX’s Clear countertop water filter system...
- COST-EFFECTIVE WATER FILTER: By using an APEX countertop alkaline water...
- ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE: Owning your own bottleless kitchen water...
- MADE IN THE USA: Proudly made in the USA, APEX makes all of their products...
- Filter capacity: 750 Gallons
- System capacity: Not provided
- Warranty: 1 year
You might want to check your kitchen sink faucet’s type before ordering APEX countertop water filter. That’s because while it fits standard faucets, pull-down sprayer faucets and regular kitchen sink faucets. The APEX Countertop alkaline water filter doesn’t work with designer or pull-out sprayer faucets.
However, it makes up for this shortcoming with its massive filtration capacity. Though not as huge as that of our top pick – which can filter up to 90GPD for months, this unit’s 750 gallons filtration capacity will still last between 4 and 8 months for a family of four, depending on usage.
That’s not the only impressive thing about this model. Its installation, which couldn’t be any easier, is equally worthy of praise. All the tools needed for installation are included in this package. You just need to be a DIY enthusiast who can follow instructions to hook it up to your water line.
You can also count on it to remove most contaminants found in tap water these days. It effectively removes chlorine, sediments, mercury and iron. Industrial chemicals, hydrogen sulfide (which gives off rotten egg odor) and lead are also taken care of.
There’s this one thing about this unit where we hoped it had done better. You might have noticed how most models we saw above raise water’s pH to 10 or 11. This unit falls way too short. It only raises water’s pH to 8.5, the bare minimum threshold.
Things We Like
- 750 gallons filtration capacity
- Incredibly easy to install
- Backed by a one-year warranty
Things We Don’t Like
- Smaller pH range
How It Compares With Our Criteria
Warranty: 1 year
6months+ filter capacity: Yes
Multiple stages filtration: Yes
Best Water Ionizers
Here’s the criteria we used for their selection:
- One-year warranty: Water ionizers do not come cheap. Mostly because they filter and alkalize large volumes of water. To offset their high initial asking prices, we have only selected those models that could justify their price tag with a one-year (or more) warranty.
- Extended pH Range: Another reason why water ionizers have high asking prices is their extended pH range. You can thus use acidic water for cleaning purposes and alkaline water for drinking, cooking and preparing baby food.
Aqua Ionizer Alkaline Water Machine
- HAPPY, HEALTHY & HYDRATED: Alkaline Water may help detoxify the body,...
- MORE THAN DRINKING WATER: 7 water settings allow you to adjust the...
- FILTRATION AT ITS FINEST: Advanced filtration technology purifies & ionizes...
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: Ionizer reduces waste from plastic water bottles
- -110 VOLTS Only - Undersink kit available- Antioxidant potential -860 ORP
- Filter capacity: 1000 Gallons
- Bottle capacity: N/A
- Warranty: Lifetime
Most top-end ionizers cost you to rob a bank. The Aqua Ionizer water machine, however, is different. It’s a surprisingly affordable model that won’t blow a hole in your pocket. And the best thing about this unit? It automatically cleans its plates to ensure the highest level of performance.
This model comes with 9 ionization plates – two more than Deluxe 7.0 and four more than Deluxe 5.0 – which have extended its ionization surface area to more than 160 square feet. This larger surface area allows it to boost an extended pH range (3.0 – 11.5) and seven water settings.
The first three water settings (between pH 3.0 and 7.5) are best for cleaning, skincare, taking medicine, and preparing baby food. That’s not the case with the water settings between pH 7.5 and 100. They make the water ideal for drinking, brewing tea/coffee, and cooking.
Another benefit of having nine plates, in addition to the two mentioned above, is that you get healthier alkaline water. Whereas the Deluxe 5.0 stopped at -600 and the Deluxe 7.0 could reach only -800 ORP, the Deluxe 9.0 can alkalize water with an ORP value as low as -860.
Here’s why that should excite you. The lower the ORP value of water, the more antioxidant potential it has and the more beneficial it will be for your health. Sure, -860 ORP isn’t as low as some high-priced models – which can go as low as -1,000 – but it’s unbeatable at this price point.
Our only complaint with the Deluxe 9.0 is that it only has a single filter. One that will purify your water as long as you get it from your local municipality. However, if you drink well water or your city water doesn’t meet the highest purity standards, the filter may not be as effective.
Things We Like
- Three installation methods
- Extended pH range
- Ultra-low oxidation-reduction potential
Things We Don’t Like
- Contains only one filter
How It Compares With Our Criteria
Warranty: Lifetime
Extended pH Range: Yes
pH Recharge Alkaline Water Ionizer Machine
- HIGH PH ALKALINE WATER DISPENSER: Our Alkaline Water Machine for home is...
- FILTER INCLUDED: Each countertop water dispenser comes with one multi-stage...
- CONVENIENT, MODERN DESIGN: A space-saving, anti-slip countertop design...
- A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION: Made from BPA-free, food-grade materials, and...
- EVERYTHING INVIGORATED: Combine our countertop dispenser with our other...
- Filter capacity: 360L
- Pitcher capacity: 5L
- Warranty: 60 days
How does the pH Recharge compare with other filters in this review?
Start with its list of certifications. The majority of alkaline water filters you see on the market are certified by FDA at best. The pH Recharge 1F bears the seal of approval of FDA, ISO, SGS, TUV and BSI – all top-quality organizations that make no compromises on the safety of products they certify.
While most other alkaline water filters only remove bad taste, odor, sediments, chlorine and in some cases heavy metals. The 1F goes one step ahead by removing water’s hardness, limescale, calcification, and free radicals too. That’s not all.
This multi-stage filter also improves water’s taste and remineralizes it – adding iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc and lithium. Which is why the water that comes out of this unit is easily absorbed by our body and provides long-lasting hydration. The good news continues.
World Health Organization recommends that an average adult male and female need 2.5L and 2.2L of water/day. This means that a family of three –average family size in the US – needs up to 7 liters of water/day and 210 liters of water/month, 1.5times fewer than this filter’s capacity of 310L.
This competitively priced filter offers bells and whistles too. It has a filter life indicator, a precision spigot (that minimizes waste) and an anti-slip base. It takes only 5 minutes to churn out alkaline water (w/one filter) and less than 10 minutes (w/both filters).
That isn’t to say that this model doesn’t have any shortcomings. Current users complain that they have to push, pull, twist and coerce the filter to fully seat it, even though there’s nothing in its instructional manual telling them to do the same. Luckily, that’s its only major drawback.
Things We Like
- 310L filter capacity
- Filter life indicator
- Long list of certifications
Things We Don’t Like
- Filter isn’t easy to seat
How It Compares With Our Criteria
Warranty: No
Extended pH Range: Yes
IntelGadgets IONtech Advanced Alkaline Water Ionizer
- ADVANCED DESIGN AND INTERFACE: Intelgadgets IONtech IT-757 advanced...
- MULTIPLE FILTRATION FUNCTIONS: Purifies water by removing chemicals and...
- ELECTROLYSIS: Alkaline water ionizer machine uses premium high-tech...
- CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE: Ionizer automatically engages a 10-second...
- ITEMS INCLUDED: 1 alkaline water ionizer filter that uses an active carbon...
- Filter capacity: 1 year
- Bottle capacity: N/A
- Warranty: 1-year
The IntelGadgets IONtech is a high-tech alkaline water ionizer. It has an extra-large LCD screen that displays useful information like pH level, OPR, filter life and more. The display’s backlit configuration means it would stay useful in low-light conditions too.
It also offers multiple functions to meet most of your requirements. Upon entering the ionizer, water is subjected to multiple-stage filtration to remove chemicals, chlorine, dust, pesticides and other impurities. The purified water then enters the carbon fiber filter which raises its pH and makes it alkaline.
This model also takes your health pretty seriously. It has a safety shut-off switch that automatically turns off the water supply to prevent accidental consumption of acidic water. An auto-cleaning function turns off after every use to rid its interior of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens.
However, in case you are worried that the cleaning process isn’t adequate, you can manually turn on the 2-miniute cleaning cycle for the automatic cleaning of the electrolysis chamber. What’s more, this model will also alert you every time its filter needs replacement.
Things We Like
- 310L filter capacity
- Filter life indicator
- Long list of certifications
Things We Don’t Like
- Filter isn’t easy to seat
How It Compares With Our Criteria
Warranty: Yes
Extended pH Range: Yes (7 pH levels)
Best Alkaline Water Filter Pitchers
Here’s the criteria we used for their selection:
- Warranty: Models that come with a warranty give their users peace of mind that if anything goes wrong with the product they’ve bought, their money won’t go to waste and they could either get their money back or a replacemen.
- 1 liter+ pitcher capacity: We believe that the capacity of the pitcher should be enough to save you from constant manual refilling. This is why all three models you see below can hold more than 3.5L of water.
- 100L+ filter capacity: Like spending money on filter replacement every month? Neither do we. That’s why all the alkaline water filter pitchers you’re going to see below would stay strong to filter (and alkalize) up to 100L of water.
Hskyhan Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher
- FEATURES: large capacity, 10-cup pitcher, total filter content 3.5L, and...
- WATER FILTRATION FUNCTIONS: According to the source of water, 7-layer...
- ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENT-PROTECTIV: our filter can purify 300 16-ounce...
- DESIGN OF THE PURIFIER: Oval outline that is simple and elegant, easily fit...
- HEALTH & SATISFACTION: Exquisite package, an ideal choice as a gift for...
- Filter capacity: 141L
- Bottle capacity: 3.5L
- Warranty: 1.5 years
Most people might hesitate comparing this product with our top pick for countertop filters.
One cannot blame them. After all, the Hskyhan alkaline is merely a water filter pitcher whereas the APEC ROES-PH75 is a full-blown water filtration system. This model also costs 8 times fewer than the ROES-PH 75 and cannot go near matching our top pick’s 75 GPD flowrate.
Yet we want you to juxtapose it with the ROES-PH 75.
Mainly because both these units are top picks in their respective categories. The ROES-PH 75 is a better option for medium-to-large-sized households which have a fetish for alkaline water. In contrast, two to three-member households might find Hskyhan’s price tag more pocket-friendly.
Yet it isn’t only its meager asking price that has made it our top pick for alkaline water filter pitchers.
We are equally impressed with this unit’s 7-stage filtration. You read that right. Despite ‘only’ being a pitcher, it passes water through seven stages – the last of which makes water alkaline – before you can tilt the pitcher’s lip to pour salt water into whichever utensil you might want to pour it into.
Two more features of this model caught our eye.
First, despite looking tiny from the outside, its filter can purify 141 liters of water before requiring replacement. Second, and this is crucial if you’re an alkaline water enthusiast, it can raise the water’s pH to up to 10. That figure is impressive no matter how you look at it.
That’s where the good news ends.
This model is capable of doing everything mentioned above. Yet there’s one thing that forces us to doubt its durability. It only comes with a 30-day moneyback guarantee, whereas other alkaline water filters offer to refund your full money for up to two months from the date of purchase.
Things We Like
- 7-stage filtration
- Increases pH up to 10
- Sleek and elegant design
Things We Don’t Like
- Only a 30-day moneyback guarantee
How It Compares With Our Criteria
Warranty: 1-year
Pitcher capacity: 3.5L
100L+ filter capacity: Yes
Ehm Ultra Premium Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher
- SUPREME FAST FILTRATION: The fast adsorption speed and free flow design...
- DESIGNED FOR EFFICIENCY: This EHM Alkaline Water Pitcher is designed so...
- PREMIUM QUALITY: When it comes to our EHM Alkaline Water Pitchers, we make...
- GREATLY IMPROVED HYDRATION: By micro-clustering and reducing water molecule...
- HIGH- QUALITY – We adhere to trusted and longstanding manufacturing...
- Filter capacity: 300L
- Bottle capacity: 3.8L
- Warranty: N/A
So far we have included two alkaline water pitchers in this review.
First there was the one from Hskyhan and now there’s this from EHM. How do they both compare on major indicators. The Hskyhan alkaline water filter pitcher fares better in terms of max pH (10 vs. 9.5), filtration stages (7 vs. 6) and warranty (1.5yr vs. no warranty).
The EMH Ultra-Premium also has a trick or two up its sleeve.
This model has a bigger capacity pitcher (3.8L vs. 3.5L), was released in 2020 whereas the Hskyhan model hit the shelves in 2019 and is lightweight. Though the fact that it costs more and offers zero warranty convinced us to select the model from Hskyhan as our top pick for alkaline water filter pitcher.
Then why should anyone prefer the EMH over Hskyhan?
The EMH Ultra-Premium, in our opinion, is a better pick for large-size families whose municipal water isn’t extremely dirty and they feel that one fewer filtration stage won’t expose them to contaminated water. For everyone else, going for the Hskyhan alkaline water filter pitcher should a no-brainer.
Things We Like
- Huge pitcher capacity
- Activated-carbon filtration
- BPA-free plastic
Things We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t come with a warranty
How It Compares With Our Criteria
Warranty: No
Pitcher capacity: 3.8L
100L+ filter capacity: Yes
DRAGONN Alkaline Water Pitcher
- FRESH, INSTANTLY FILTERED ALKALINE WATER - Utilizes 7 stage cartridge -...
- UNIQUE DESIGN - The slim pitcher easily fits in any refrigerator, and the...
- ECONOMICAL & ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY - Eliminates Plastic bottles -...
- MANY BENEFITS OF DRINKING ALKALINE WATER - Removes Free radicals and...
- FULLER FLAVOR - The cartridge filter gives water a fuller flavor for better...
- Filter capacity: 100L
- Bottle capacity: 3.5L
- Warranty: 1 year
The Dragonn alkaline water pitcher is the third of its category in this review, after our top-pick from Hskyhan and the runner-up from EHM. It costs lower than both of its counterparts, has the same number of filtration stages as Hskyhan (7), and is warrantied for a year.
That’s where the good news ends for this model. While the EHM water filter pitcher doesn’t come with a warranty, the one from Hskyhan is warrantied for 18 months, 6 months more than the Dragonn. Both those models have either equal (Hskyhan) or bigger (EHM) capacity bottle bottles than it too.
Yet another feature where this model lags its competitors is its maximum pH level. Both the Hskyhan and EHM can raise water’s pH up to 10 and their pH ranges fall between the neutral (7.5) and highly alkaline (10). This unit, however, has a fairly limited pH range of 8.5-9.5.
There’s one more area where it cannot compete with the other two water filter pitchers. They both come with two cartridges which allow them to take care of sediments, rust, chlorine and other contaminants. The Dragonn, unfortunately, only has a single cartridge.
All of this is to say that it deserves to be our third-choice alkaline water filter pitcher. However, if your tap water isn’t extremely dirty to warrant extensive filtration, it could well be your first pick
Things We Like
- Competitively priced
- One-year warranty
- Seven-stage filtration
Things We Don’t Like
- Only has a single cartridge
How It Compares With Our Criteria
Warranty: Yes
Pitcher capacity: 3.5L
100L+ filter capacity: Yes
Best Alkaline Water Filter Bottles
Here’s the criteria we used for their selection:
- Extended filter capacity: Just because you’re relying on a bottle to alkalize water doesn’t mean its filter won’t last long. Had it been the case, the bottle would go useless before you know it. That’s why all the models you see below have extended filter capacities.
- 500ml+ bottle capacity: Do you like refilling your water bottle after every drinking session? Nobody does. This is why (almost) all the alkaline water filter bottles in this review can hold at least 500ml water.
Seychelle Alkaline Water Filter Bottle
- MILLIONS OF AMERICANS DRINK CONTAMINATED WATER EVERY DAY - These...
- ENHANCES pH UP TO 9.5 - Increased hydration helps flush harmful toxins from...
- BETTER TASTING WATER ON THE GO - While you are away from home, ensure great...
- SAVE MONEY, OPTIMIZE HEALTH, CUT DOWN PLASTIC WASTE - The costs of bottled...
- CARBON FILTERS PROUDLY MADE IN USA - Beware of other water filter companies...
- Filter capacity: 757L
- Bottle capacity: 0.82L
- Warranty: 90 days
Want alkaline drinking water even when you aren’t at home?
The Seychelle alkaline water filter bottle offers a handy option. This water bottle has an integrated filter + alkalizer that breaks water particles down to 4 – 6 molecules, before raising their pH to up to 9.5. This makes the water more alkaline and even more absorbable.
That isn’t to say that it does next to nothing about contaminants. There’s a reason it has an integrated filter. One that removes common pollutants like VOCs, lead, and mercury. The filter also takes care of the not-so-common toxins such as arsenic, mercury, chromium and benzene.
Another obvious selling point of this water bottle is the increased convenience that it offers. You can take it anywhere with you and get alkaline water wherever life takes you, be it on vacation, to the office, at the cinema, or at home. Just remember to refill it with drinking water and its filter would do its job.
Its filter might look tiny from the outside but is robust enough to handle 100 gallons (which translates to around 200 days of drinking water supply for one person). This means you won’t be going to Amazon or the Seychelle website to order a replacement anytime soon.
The only issue we have with this alkaline water filter bottle – provided you can call it an issue – is that it gets quite heavy when full. You couldn’t help but notice its massive weight in your backpack. And as long as you do wrist exercises regularly, you might not be able to hold it for long periods.
Things We Like
- Long-lasting filters
- Raises water’s pH up to 9.5
- Removes mercury, asbestos and lead
Things We Don’t Like
- Quite heavy when full
How It Compares With Our Criteria
Extended filter capacity: Yes (757L)
500ml+ bottle capacity: Yes
pH Revive Alkaline Water Bottle
- Increases pH and Hydrogen; Creates high antioxidant water.
- Produces small molecular sized structured water, for easy absorption and better hydration.
- Removes fluoride, chlorine, chloramine and heavy metals.
- Re-mineralizes the water and adds trace elements, while helping the body better absorb vitamins and minerals.
- Improves the taste and smell of water and has a HUGE CAPACITY.
- Filter capacity: 150L
- Bottle capacity: 0.75L
- Warranty: Bottle
There are three reasons why the pH Revive isn’t our top pick for alkaline water bottles. First, its filtration capacity (150L) is almost six times lower than that of the Seychelle pH2O (757L). That means you’d have to replace its filter much sooner.
Secondly, this model’s water capacity is lower too. It can only hold 750ml of water – filtered and non-filtered – whereas the Seychelle pH2O can retain up to 820ml of water. Thirdly, despite both these ‘shortcomings’, it costs slightly more than our top-pick.
However, there are a few areas where this water bottle performs better. It has an integrated lanyard that allows for hand-free carrying but letting you attach its lid to the (included) carry case. This alkaline water bottle is also lightweight when fully filled and has a wide mouth, allowing the usage of ice cubes.
Juxtaposing both these water bottles will let you see that the pH Revive also has a modern design. That isn’t the case with the Seychelle, whose design is similar to most plastic bottles. As a result, as far as their looks are concerned, the pH Revive is definitely more eye-catching.
Things We Like
- Eye-catching design
- Improves water’s taste and smell
- Breaks down water particles for easy absorption
Things We Don’t Like
- Bottle’s water capacity could be bigger
How It Compares With Our Criteria
Extended filter capacity: Yes (150L)
500ml+ bottle capacity: Yes
What is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water is one whose pH is greater than 7, though in most cases its pH is closer to 8 or 9. It also contains alkaline minerals (calcium, potassium, bicarbonates, etc.) and has a negative oxidation-reduction potential, which means it gives up electrons in a chemical reaction.
Research has shown that alkaline water is an excellent option for pregnant females. It fights the common problems that most females encounter during pregnancy including high blood pressure, morning sickness, heartburn, constipation, and more.
How Alkaline Water Filters Work?
Alkaline water filters rely on electrolysis to raise the pH of water above 7.5. This process uses electric current to break down water particles into ionic substances, before separating them into alkaline and acidic components and adding minerals such as calcium to increase the water’s alkalinity.
Most alkaline water filters connect directly to your kitchen sink. This allows them to operate automatically and saves you from the trouble of manually refilling them after the water runs out. Others, however, require manual refilling every time their water level drops close to zero.
Benefits of Alkaline Water
Here are the major benefits of drinking alkalized water:
Fights Acidity
According to a study carried out in 2012, drinking alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 may result in the deactivation of pepsin. This is the enzyme that causes acidity in the body. If left unchecked, continued acid reflux might give way to ulcers, aspiration pneumonia and esophagitis. People who experience frequent acid reflux are at an elevated risk for developing esophageal cancer.
Boosts Immunity
Alkaline water may boost our immune system by neutralizing toxic compounds in the body and improving the performance of our circulatory system, according to health experts. It makes sure that our vital organs receive more oxygen from blood by altering blood’s quality. All of this helps our body in its fight against infections and foreign pathogens, boosting our immunity.
Fights Aging Signs
Alkaline water contains liquid antioxidants that fight free radicals responsible for aging signs such as freckles, fine lines, etc. That’s not all. Researchers have found that a regular intake of antioxidants may reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. Antioxidants could also help reduce vision loss due to age-related complications in older people.
Good for Hydration
Since they are smaller in size than normal drinking water molecules, alkaline water’s antioxidants are more readily absorbed by the cells in our body. Those of you who regularly do strenuous workouts and have trouble staying hydrated would do well to increase their intake of alkaline water. Normal people, too, could benefit from alkaline water’s ability to keep their body cells hydrated for long periods.
Increases Energy Levels
Alkaline water increases energy levels by reducing acidity in our bodies. Studies have shown that people who are suffering from acid reflux get fatigued much more easily. They might also face difficulty sleeping at night because medications for treating acid reflux can cause insomnia. Regular intake of alkaline water, therefore, could save you from developing these complications.
Types of Alkaline Water Filters
Alkaline waters do not belong to the one-size-fits-all category. They are available in various types, sizes and shapes. Some of them are portable and others require permanent installation. With this in mind, let’s look at the various types of alkaline water filters.
Ionizers
Ionizers work using electric current, positively and negatively charged pieces of metal and an ion-permeable membrane. They are compact units that you can hook up to your kitchen sink. Ionizers either sit underneath your counter or on top of it.
Water ionizers are great in terms of flexibility. Most of them come with dedicated buttons using which you can control the alkalinity of treated water. Some also give the option of acidic water for cosmetic and cleaning purposes.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Hook up to your kitchen sink
Cons
- Take up counter space
Pitchers
An alkaline water filter pitcher is vertically split into two halves: top and bottom. Both the halves are separated by an alkalizing filter. Once you pour water into the top half, it enters the filter, which breaks it down into smaller particles and raises its pH to make it alkaline, before sending it to the bottom half.
One of the key benefits of using water pitchers is that they are extremely portable. You can easily store them away when you’re done using them. However, their portability means you cannot hook them up to your kitchen faucet, which means you’d have to refill them manually.
Pros
- Incredibly compact
- Ultra-portable units
Cons
- Require manual refilling
Countertop Filters
Countertop alkaline water filters provide the best of both worlds to their users. On the one end, they introduce minerals like calcium, magnesium and bicarbonates to the water, making it more alkaline. On the other end, these filters remove harmful contaminants from water, making it safe for consumption.
What’s more, they are usually extremely compact and are easy to install too. You won’t have to do any drilling to hook them up to your kitchen faucet. On the flip side, these filters have limited filtration quality, which means they can’t remove as much harmful contaminants as dedicated water filters.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Portable and affordable
Cons
- Not as reliable as dedicated water filters
RO Remineralizing Filters
RO remineralizing filters also offer two benefits at the price of one. They add minerals to water to increase its alkalinity and use reverse osmosis to filter out harmful contaminants. You can count on them to remove up to 100% of total dissolved solids in your water supply.
However, not everything is great about RO remineralizing filters. They aren’t as effective at reducing the size of water molecules as other alkaline water filters we saw above. That means that their treated water might not be easy to absorb for the body cells.
Pros
- Can hook-up with existing RO systems
- Remove up to 100% of total dissolved solids
Cons
- Won’t reduce the size of water molecules
Alkaline Water Filter Bottles
Water filter bottles offer an excellent source of alkaline water on the go. They make sure that even when you’re away from home you could drink healthy and nutritious alkaline water. These bottles also help you cut down on plastic and boost huge filter capacity to keep going for years.
Take, for instance, the Seychelle alkaline water filter bottle. Its massive filter can break down the size of water molecules from 12 microns to 4-6 microns. The filter also boosts a filtration capacity of up to 150 gallons, which means it stays strong for up to 600 fill-ups.
Pros
- Provide you with alkaline water on the go
- Help you cut down on the plastic
Cons
- None
Inline Water Filter
Inline alkaline water filters are either installed at the point where your water supply enters your house or at the line that supplies water to your kitchen sink faucets. They purify water by passing it through multi-stage filtration (physical and chemical) before introducing minerals to make it alkaline.
You can also install inline alkaline water filters just before your fridge, especially if you’re fond of refrigeration ice and water. The only issue with them is that these units are mostly expensive when compared with other filters we saw above.
Pros
- Can supply alkaline water to whole home
- Subject water to chemical and physical filtration
Cons
- Pricey
Consideration When Buying Alkaline Water Filters
You need to consider a few things when buying alkaline water filters. They include the filter’s size, the material it’s made of, its filtration capacity, whether it removes harmful contaminants from water or any makes it alkaline and more. But that’s not all.
Before buying, you might want to determine your tap water’s pH level. If it’s already leaning on the alkaline side (a pH greater than 8), an alkaline filter might not do you any good. Only choose an alkaline water filter if your tap water is neutral (pH around 7) or acidic.
Filter Size
Alkaline water filters range in size from small bottles that can hold less than a liter of water to large alkaline water dispensers that could hold 6 liters or more. Depending on your alkaline water consumption, you could opt for one of the two sizes.
Small-size households or students prefer to keep multiple pitchers in their refrigerators so everyone could go out with their own bottle of chilled alkaline water. In contrast, for large households, countertop units are a more practical option as they can meet the requirements of multiple people.
Jug Material
Make sure the filter’s jug is BPA-free. Bisphenol A is a chemical that is found in many types of plastic and can seep into the filter. Exposure to BPA should be avoided at all costs as it could have possible health effects on the prostate gland of infants and children.
While the FDA believes that BPA can’t do any damage at very low concentrations, most manufacturers still opt for BPA-free plastics. You can go through your filter’s jug’s description to know whether it’s BPA-free or not.
pH Range
Most alkaline water filters for sinks come with a flexible pH range, allowing you to choose your water’s pH from bitterly acidic to very alkaline. You may not require such an extended pH range if all you’re looking for is alkaline water.
However, if you ask us, we suggest going for a filter that offers both options (acidic and alkaline). You can then use the alkaline water for drinking purposes. The acidic water, meanwhile, will come in handy for cleaning and washing purposes. You can even use acidic water to prevent hair loss.
Contaminant Removal
Almost all alkaline water filters you see on the market are capable of removing contaminants. Reverse osmosis systems can take care of viruses, bacteria, and pathogens. Countertop and inline units can remove chlorine, lead, and total dissolved solids, though their effectiveness is lower than RO units.
What’s more, even ionizers can also remove common contaminants while shifting the water’s pH level towards alkaline, though their filtration capacity would most likely be subpar. All of this is to say that almost all alkaline water filters could provide you with a two-in-one value.
Installation & Maintenance
You might want to take into account how difficult or otherwise they are to install when deciding between multiple alkaline water filters – and whether you’d install them yourself or have the budget to hire a professional for installation. Here’s why.
Be prepared for a more invasive installation – the sort of which would require the plumber to cut into your home’s water line – if you’re going to opt for an under-sink or alkaline water filter. That’s because such machines need to be installed to the main water line via hoses.
Provided you want a filter that would need minimal-to-no-installation, go for a countertop unit. These filters only require hooking up to the kitchen sink – a task most persons should be able to do on their own. Other alkaline filters, such as pitchers or bottles, require no installation whatsoever.
Make sure you prefer a filter that requires no filter changes, such as an ionizer machine, over another that needs frequent filter changes, even if you have to pay more for an ionizer. This decision would save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink alkaline water every day?
We suggest that you drink up to 8 glasses of alkaline water a day to stay hydrated, flush out everyday toxins that you may ingest and improve your wellbeing. Don’t try too hard to hit this mark if your water intake is very low of late – take baby steps to give your body the time to adjust to new pH levels.
Is alkaline water bad for kidneys?
As long as you don’t have chronic kidney disease or aren’t taking a medicine that interferes with your kidney’s function, alkaline water might not be bad for you. Consult with your doctor if you have had kidney troubles in the past or you just want to be sure that alkaline water is safe for you.
Is alkaline water salt water?
Alkaline water does contain sodium but it is still different from saltwater. Saltwater may not contain the minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, bicarbonates, etc.) that the natural alkaline water picks up as it passes over rocks.
Is alkaline water safe for cats?
A lot of pet owners are worried that alkaline water is not good for their cats. Luckily, alkaline water is perfectly safe for cats and dogs alike in most situations.
Conclusion
Your search for the best alkaline water filter ends here. Whether you were looking for a countertop unit, an easy-to-carry bottle or a high-end alkaline ionizer machine, we have options for you in every category. The onus is now on you to select the model that best meets your requirements.
Nick Lopresti is the founder of YourH2Home and a home improvement expert. He has years of experience writing about various home improvement topics, mostly as it pertains to water systems.