Do NOT Buy! Here is Why A Kangen Water Machine Might *NOT* Be Worth It

Kangen Water Machine Reviews

Why Getting A Kangen Water Machine Might NOT Be Worth It

Poor customer service with a low ranking from the BBB (Better Business Bureau), subpar features when compared to similar products in the same price range and a pathetic warranty period of only 5 years when the standard is lifetime warranty. Also, it does not heal any illnesses or help you lose weight and anyone telling you this is a liar.

I’ll go into more detail while listing key negative points for you to consider before you buy from Enagic:

By far my biggest issue with Kangen is the outrageous cost. They costs $1,000s more than other machines in the same category with the same performance, functionality etc.

At the time of writing this, Kangen only score 3.5 out of 5 with customers on the BBB. This is pretty low and the Internet is littered with complaints about the company especially the MLM side of things.

Kangen machines only have a single filter that often leads to more calcium building up in the machine. This is why Kangen suggests that you buy a separate citric acid cleansing cartridge as a way to help you deal with this buildup.

The truth is that it’s normal for some ionizer machines to need citric acid cleaning after a long period of use.

However, the Kangen machines seem to need this much earlier and more frequently than other machines due to their filters. Also, it turns out that you will definitely need some type of pre-filter with a Kangen.

Kangen machines only have a single-filter which makes it less powerful than competing machines despite being in a price category that normally comes with dual-filters.

The warranty period is pathetic. Seriously. For the thousands that they demand, they should be able to guarantee their product for more than 5 years. Similar priced products come with a FOREVER lifetime warranty.

There are no under-counter ionizer options either. This sucks because Kangen machines are pretty ugly when compared to other ionizers. They also eat up all the counter space that is next to your sink and there is no way around this.

Kangen SD501 vs K8 Comparison

Kangen Controversy: Why is Kangen So Expensive?

Why do Kangen machines cost about twice as much as similar 7-plate water ionizers of similar quality and specifications? It is because of the hydrogen rich water claims? Either way, the Kangen Water Machine Reviews coming through are anything but desirable.

Well, Enagic sales reps claim the high cost is due to the number of platinum plates. However, other ionizers like Tyent have 13 plates and still manage to cost much less!

As I’ve said, I suspect the high prices are down to the MLM business practices.

Let me explain.

Is Kangen WORTH It?

No, they are too expensive for very basic features!

Kangen justifies its high prices because it presents itself as a high-end luxury brand. They say this is why it’s so much more expensive than its competitors and other products in the same category.

I don’t think this is the truth, in fact I believe the truth to be much simpler.

Kangen machines come through a business practice of MLM (Multi Level Marketing) or, as it’s sometimes called, “Network Marketing”.

This is a very old marketing technique of people earning commissions by inviting other people to sell the products too. It’s very similar to the old “Tupperware party” style of sales.

I think this is why their prices are so high, not “luxury”.

All the commissions of the people in the “downline” add up and the customer pays for it.

Fun Fact: Approximately 8 sales people are paid a commission from each and every Kangen machine sale.

This is what makes even the filters more expensive despite the quality not being as good as other brands. The bottom line is that the MLM “pyramid” scheme inflates the price too much.

There is no justifiable reason why a low-mid grade ionizer with out-dated technology should cost between $4,000 – $5000.

Specific Problems With Kangen Machines

It only has 5 water settings unlike the 99 fully adjustable presets that come from its competitors.

Costs 1000s more than comparable models with a similar specification.

You can’t control the specific pH level to get precisely what you want.

They only provide you with a single-filter setup. This is nowhere near as effective as dual filter systems that come with other models in the same price range.

No under counter versions like the UCE so you are forced to install a somewhat unattractive device that will eat up all the counter space next to your sink.

The warranty period is outrageously low. A 5 year warranty means that they are only guaranteeing the device for this long. However, when you spend the best part of $5000, you should be able to expect it to work longer than 5 years, right? On the other hand, competitors who offer machines at a similar price point will provide you with a lifetime warranty.

Kangen Water Comparison Chart

Kangen Water Japan

Before getting to the Kangen water reviews let’s look at the company and its history.

Enagic who own Kangen is a Japanese company. They produce water ionizer machines that they self-label as the “Gold Standard”.

Kangen Water Machine Price

However, when you look at the value of Kangen products in terms of what they actually do and their spec list, they should only be worth $1,000 maybe $1500 AT MOST!

But the best selling Kangen machines typically go for $4000-$6000.

Some may argue that this inflated price is to cover the costs of paying all their distributors.

Distributers? Let me explain.

It is a business method that encourages distributors to recruit new distributors. Everyone is paid a small percentage of the sales of anyone they recruit or, as they would say, any one in their “downline”. However, distributers can also make money through selling directly to customers.

The problem is that all of these distributers getting their cut of the price inflates the final cost of the product.

According to the company, Kangen possesses alkaline, antioxidants, and hydrating capabilities. Which is technically true but other water ionizer machines also produce the same outcomes. And as you’ll see later in this article, there are other companies that do this at a higher quality and lower cost.

How Does Kangen Water Work?

The water that Kangen processes goes by the scientific name of “electrolyzed reduced water” or “alkaline ionized water”.

It works through a process of filtration and electrolysis.

Like all water ionizer machines, Kangen ionizers filter your water first. Then they use plates to process water through electrolysis to change the pH of your water. The final result is water that is at the pH level that you selected.

The stats show that 1 in 6 homes in Japan have a water ionizer. Meanwhile the numbers are only 1 in 1000 homes in the US.

The selling point for getting one of these products is that illnesses struggle to survive in alkaline environments.

The logic here is that introducing more alkaline substances into your diet improves overall health and well being.

Are you Acidic or Alkaline?

The current consensus is that illnesses and diseases thrive in acidic environments. Yet most of our common everyday foods and beverages are actually very acidic. This includes things like caffeine drinks, sport drinks and processed foods.

Meanwhile alkaline foods are typically good for you. Foods like avocados, almonds, beans, kale and greens are alkaline rich.

Of course your body naturally does a pretty good job of keeping your pH neutral, however, it can’t hurt to help it along with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

ORP Anti Oxidant Rich Ionized Water

One of the best features of ionized water is that it comes with a lower ORP level. ORP stands for oxidation reduction potential, which is a way to measure the level of antioxidants in a substance.

People are seeking to get more anti oxidant rich substances in their diets because of all the health benefits they possess.

Green tea has an ORP level of -120 to -250, meanwhile Kangen K8 machines can produce an ORP level of up to -800. However, if you’re impressed with this number then consider that Tyent machines provide you with an ORP of -1050.

The 5 Types of Kangen Water

Kangan water ionizer has 5 presets of water. They all have different functions and purposes. For instance, certain pH levels are better for cleaning or disinfecting while others are ideal for beauty treatments.

1. Neutral Water

This is a pH neutral water level that is filtered and you can use it for everyday things such as taking medicines.

2. Water High in Acid

Use water at a lower pH to do things like disinfect your bathroom or kitchen. It can also be useful for treating skin issues. Skin issues such as psoriasis, eczema, burns and even infections.

3. Strong Alkaline Water

Water that has a high pH (aka alkaline water) is great at emulsifying oils and removing contaminants like pesticides from your food. Use it to wash all your vegetables, fruits and salads so that they are free from harmful toxic pesticides.

4. Water For Beauty Treatments

Do you know that your skin has a ph level of 5.5? This can mean that using water at the same ph (i.e. 5.5) can be a great skin toner replacer.

5. Drinking Water

The best water for drinking is at a pH of between 7-9.5. Many people find that drinking alkaline water is much more refreshing, sweeter and crunchier than regular water. It also tastes amazing in teas, coffees and other hot beverages.

Kangen Water pH Levels and Respective Uses

In this section of my Kangen water machine reviews, I’ll be more specific about the best use for different pH levels and the best ways to use them:

​2.7 — This is an extremely low pH that is not ideal for drinking. However, strong acidic water is good for disinfecting. You can also use it to sanitize countertops and utensils, wash your hands and to prevent cross-contamination.

4.0 to 6.0 — This is slightly less acidic water than the previous section and has uses for gentle cleaning. It is also the perfect water to use in your beauty regime. This includes things like hair care, face cleanses and even pet care.

7.0 — Filtered neutral water is great for cooking, making baby food, taking medicines and of course for drinking.

8.5 to 9.5 — Depending on your taste this level of pH water is also perfect for drinking and even for healthfully cooking certain meals. Teas, coffees, stews, and soups will taste better and lighter with this level of pH. You can also use this to water plants and use it in the garden.

11.0 — This is the strongest level of pH that you can get with most ionizer machines. You can use it for washing fresh foods and vegetables as it’s good at removing pesticides.

Kangen Water Benefits?

Simply put, ionized alkaline benefits are the same whether they are from Kangen or not.

One key Kangen water benefit is that it offers you lots of different levels of pH water to do different things as discussed in the previous section.

For example, lower pH water is great for cleaning, disinfecting and washing. And high pH alkaline water is great for drinking, cooking and making beverages.

These types of machines filter your water before changing the pH so at the very least you will benefit from filtered water. It also means that you don’t need to purchase an extra filtration device for your kitchen faucet.

Water at a high pH generally tastes good and feels a lot more nourishing than regular tap water.

Tyent UCE-13 PLUS vs ACE-13 Comparison Chart

Better Kangen Water Machine Options

Hopefully by now, I have convinced you that Kangen machines are not worth it. The biggest issue with Kangen is not their products but their prices. For the same cost as a Kangen you can get a more advanced machine from other brands.

Let me present you with some better alternatives.

Tyent vs Kangen Comparison Table

Tyent ACE-13 Water Ionizer Review

If you’re considering buying a water ionizer in a similar price range to Kangen machines but one that actually justifies the high ticket price then you should consider the ACE-13.

Instead of 7-8 plates, this machine comes with 13 solid/mesh plates made from titanium baked in platinum. This means that you get a better quality ionized water.

It also means that the plates will not crack or break.

It comes with 2 powerful filters (not just 1 like Kangen machines). These filter down to 0.1 micron which is more powerful than some of the best whole house filters.

It also has a wider pH range of between 1.7-12.5 and let’s you select the EXACT pH that you want.

If you don’t like this countertop model, there is an under counter version to choose from.

PROS:

Easy to use touchscreen interface to access the machines controls and set up.

You can choose from acid, alkaline, turbo settings. Or you can simply bypass all this and just go for neutral filtered water.

Comes with 13 mesh / solid titanium plates which is both the best quality and the highest number of any device.

Has a flood prevention sensor.

It has 2 filters (instead of 1) that are powerful enough to treat things like heavy metals and lead without needing chemicals.

The machine is capable of automatic self cleaning.

This machine also comes with a molecular hydrogen boost feature. This means that your water isn’t just alkaline it’s hydrogen water too.

It also has a “hands-free flow sensor”. This means you can operate this machine by motion i.e. you can start/stop it by waving your hand.

Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with the manufacturers 100% forever lifetime warranty.

CONS:

The forever lifetime warranty is mainly valid for customers within the USA.

WARRANTY

Forever lifetime warranty.

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Kangen Water FAQ’s

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Kangen water.

Is Kangen Water FDA Approved?

In as much as they can be since the machine itself is not going to be digested. But water from Kangen machines are chemical and additive free. Also, their devices are made from FDA Approved plastics and they are FDA approved for therapeutic use.

Is Kangen Water Any Good?

Kangen water is both clean and safe to drink. It is great for anyone that wants to easily access alkaline water because Kangen water devices are capable of producing clean filtered water that’s up to a ph level of 11.5.

Is Kangen Water Better Than Other Brands?

Kangen produces one of the weakest ionizer machines currently on the market and you can get a more advanced higher quality machine for the same price (sometimes less). There are also better brands to deal with in terms of customer service, business reputation, length and quality of guarantee etc.

Kangen Water Machine Price

The average price of a brand new Kangen water machine (at the time of writing this) is around $4000-$5000.

Can Kangen Water Make You Sick?

Kangen water can make you sick if your body generally doesn’t agree with ionized alkaline water since this is what it produces. Some people experience mild flu-like symptoms the first time they drink high pH alkaline ionized water. In order to avoid this, start drinking it at a neutral pH level and gradually work your way up when you feel comfortable to do so.

Do Japanese Drink Kangen Water?

Japanese people do drink Kangen water in the sense that Kangen has been sold in Japan for more than 40 years (according to Enagic). Aside from this, alkaline water has its roots in Japan with the first commercial alkaline ionic water ionizer being available in Japan from as far back as 1958.

Who Should Not Drink Alkaline Water?

Do not drink alkaline water if you suffer from digestion problems. Also, do not give alkaline water to babies and young children, regular filtered water is fine. If you are unsure try drinking the most neutral alkaline water first and then slowly increase the pH level.

Kangen Water Benefits?

Kangen Water machines produce ionized alkaline water, which is good for people that want to consume more alkaline and fewer acidic substances in their diet. A higher alkaline diet has many health benefits but there is little evidence that alkaline water makes a significant contribution to these benefits.

Is Kangen Water Any Good?

Kangen water is good if you like the taste and feel of alkaline water since this is what the device produces. Filtered ionized alkaline water has a smooth silky taste with a slightly mineral aftertaste when you compare it to regular tap water.

Is Kangen a Pyramid Scheme?

Kangen Water is not a pyramid scheme as pyramid schemes are illegal. However, they operate on a multi level marketing (MLM) platform, which is sometimes called network marketing. People recruit others to sell Kangen devices and receive commissions from their recruits’ sales as well as sales of their own.

How Long Does a Kangen Water Filter Last?

Each Kangen water filter cartridge last for approximately 6,000 litres. The average family household consumes 15 – 25 litres of water each day so this means a Kangen filter will last for approximately 6 – 10 months.

What Are The Side Effects of Kangen Water?

Kangen water is safe to drink for the average person, however, a tiny amount of people may experience side effects. The most common Kangen Water side effects are mild flu like symptoms, nausea and constipation. Speak to a healthcare professional right away if you experience these side effects after drinking Kangen Water. 

Who Drinks Kangen Water? (Athlete’s, Celebrities and other Famous People)

Kangen is used by people like Tom Brady (football quarterback), Steven Tyler (lead singer of Aerosmith), Shia Labeouf (actor), Floyd Mayweather (pro-boxer), Manny Pacquiao (pro-boxer) and Cesar Milan (The Dog Whisperer). Giancarlo Giammetti (founder Valentino) listed his Kangen water machine as one of the ten things he could never live without.

Does Kangen Water Have Fluoride?

Kangen water machines do not filter out fluoride by default, you will need to get some special Kangen fluoride filters, which are quite difficult to obtain. Also, Kangen filters are unable to remove heavy metals and salts from water.  Kangen machines are only good for reducing the taste/odor of chlorine and mild contaminants. 

What Does Kangen Water Filter Remove?

The Kangen Water machine only has 1 filter (instead of 2 that comes as standard with other water ionizers) and does NOT filter out fluoride, salt or heavy metals. It will only filter out the basic and mild contaminants present in most tap water e.g chlorine taste/odor. 

Is Kangen NSF Certified?

Kangen is NSF certified according to Enagic’s official FaceBook page from 2016. According to this official record, Enagic (the manufacturer of Kangen) is certified to the standard of NSF/ANSI 42, which means it is able to reduce aesthetic impurities such as chlorine and taste/odor.

Kangen Water Machine Reviews: Scientific References:

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Hanaoka K., Sun D., Lawrence R., Kamitani Y., Fernandes G. The mechanism of the enhanced antioxidant effects against superoxide anion radicals of reduced water produced by electrolysis. Biophysical Chemistry. 2004;107(1):71–82. doi: 10.1016/j.bpc.2003.08.007