The Enagic Company — History & Background
The Enagic Company grew from a Sony trade company branch and began making water ionizers in 1988. They previously sold machines under the name Ange before rebranding to Enagic. The term "Kangen Water" is a synonym for ionized water.
I owned one of the original Ange machines; it performed well for alkalizing. Since then Enagic increased power and plate count (seven plates on later models) and has historically used platinum-coated titanium plates — a component common to most reputable ionizer manufactures.
Much of Enagic’s retail price is attributable to their distribution model and brand positioning.
Why we don’t sell Enagic (Kangen Water) machines
The Enagic U.S. office requires exclusivity from its independent distributors — meaning a dealer cannot resell other water ionizer brands. Because we carry many brands, Alkaline Water Plus does not carry Enagic machines despite acknowledging they’re well-built.
The Kangen machines feature a fast flow rate and carbon block filtering, and they can produce substantial daily volumes compared with many countertop units. However, exclusivity restrictions and our testing revealing that they are not the best water ionizers prevent us from offering them in our store.
Concerns about MLM and representation
The multi-level marketing (MLM) sales model is lawful, but the exclusivity and commission structure can create conflicts of interest. Some distributors may exaggerate claims or present products in an overly promotional way to accelerate recruitment and sales. We recommend assessing performance data and independent test results rather than relying solely on distributor claims.
Are the larger Enagic plates an advantage?
Enagic advertises larger electrode plates. Plate area can aid production, but size alone doesn't guarantee better long-term performance. Size can be an inhibiting factor, because with increased size one must increase the power.
Factors like electrode coating durability, maintenance/cleaning systems, and overall system engineering matter more. Platinum erosion over time (especially with high power going to the plates and corrosive electrolyte solutions) can reduce performance if not mitigated by design or maintenance.
What’s good about Enagic
- Produces drinking water that many users prefer over unfiltered tap water.
- Has industry certifications and dealer networks.
- Users report perceived health benefits (anecdotal).
- The manufacturer has an established reputation.
Our testing & comparisons (pH, ORP, H₂)
Alkaline Water Plus has performed side-by-side testing of Enagic SD501 and K8 models against other brands (e.g., Smart 9P, AlkaViva H₂ series).
Our testing of water ionizers exposed the truth about Enagic and many other brands. We Have Found that Kangen Water Machines are Good but Not the Best. We also found this about several other brands who falsely claimed to be best. See our reviews page.
Even the Jupiter Classic Athena beats the Kangen water filter in side-by-side testing. You may have seen this on our blog, where many articles and videos compare Kangen water.
To see some comparisons in action, watch the video below and a few more at the bottom of this page.
Summary of controlled comparison
- ORP: Example test values showed Smart 9P slightly stronger (more negative) than Enagic at the same pH.
- H₂ (molecular hydrogen): Smart 9P measured marginally higher in our sampling at the same pH settings.
- Cost: Enagic units are often priced substantially higher than competing machines with similar or better measured performance.
ENAGIC & KANGEN WATER IONIZERS — Pros & Cons
Below is a concise view for shoppers comparing performance and value:
Pros
- Strong brand recognition and dealer support.
- Good flow rate and durability in many batches.
- Carbon block filtration for chlorine taste/odor.
Cons
- Higher price point, often due to distributor margins.
- Filter certifications cover limited contaminant removal vs. multi-stage lab-tested filtration in other brands.
- Exclusivity limits resellers and can reduce consumer price competition.
Summary of Enagic/Kangen Water Ionizers Pros and Cons
While Kangen water, like many other alkaline water ionizers, offers excellent health benefits, it’s essential to be aware of the hype and false claims often propagated by Enagic dealers. These benefits are not exclusive to Enagic water ionizers, and it’s crucial not to be swayed by deceptive marketing tactics.
Don’t be mesmerized by an Enagic dealer; instead, be assured that you can still enjoy the health benefits of ionized water, even if you choose a different brand.
Filtration performance — AlkaViva H₂ vs Enagic Kangen
Our testing and vendor documentation indicate AlkaViva’s UltraWater filtration is lab-tested for broad contaminant removal; Enagic’s standard filters are typically oriented toward chlorine/taste/odor reduction. If broad contaminant removal is a priority, consider third-party certified multi-stage filters.
AlkaViva H₂ Series (high-level filtration - superior to Enagic)
- Multi-stage/UltraWater filtration, independently tested in certified labs.
- High contaminant removal claims supported by lab reports (see product pages).
Best Enagic Alternatives
Both the Enagic K8 and the Kangen SD501 test about average among other good water ionizers. In fact, even the very modestly priced Melody II and Smart 9P water ionizers outperform Enagic’s Kangen ionizers in terms of filtration, hydrogen performance, and advanced engineering features.
For drinking alkaline ionized water, the AlkaViva Vesta H2 (counter-top) or Delphi H2 (under-sink) are the best alternatives.
For the extra features of a sodium port and wide pH range in addition to better filtration and design, the best one is the Ionia Super S12.
Qualities of Good Water Ionizers
We’ve been conducting extensive testing of the Enagic SD501 and K8 Kangen Water machines, comparing them to others, for approximately 15 years. Our commitment to independent testing is aimed at providing you with the most accurate and reliable information about Enagic Kangen and all major brands of water ionizers, empowering you to make an Informed decision. See our Water Ionizer Comparisons page.
At Alkaline Water Plus, we’ve tried and tested all of the water ionizers. And we offer the best ones, such as AlkaViva and other direct-to-consumer brands, which: Use independent testing and verified data, Focus on scientific performance (like hydrogen output and real contaminant removal), Offer transparent pricing without inflated margins. With honest comparisons and due diligence, it’s not hard to find that the AlkaViva H2 Series (e.g., Vesta H₂, Athena H₂, and Delphi H₂ water ionizers) far outshine the Kangen.
Engineering Advancements & Maintenance
AlkaViva H₂ Series Highlights:
- SmartElectrodes with advanced design for efficient, longer-lasting performance.
- The DARC II (Double Automatic Reverse Cleaning) system automatically cleans the electrodes with each use—helping to sustain performance and longevity.
- The AutoAdjust Power Supply (SMPS) dynamically adjusts power delivery for optimal and efficient performance.
- Flow Control Systems and RISC circuitry—for precise flow rate selection and self-diagnosis protection.
- Robust warranties are available, including lifetime parts coverage and a 10-year labor warranty (Athena H₂, Vesta H₂, and Delphi H₂); the Melody II also includes lifetime parts coverage and a 5-year labor warranty.
Enagic Kangen Ionizers:
- No major engineering advancements in 20 years.
- Use large, straightforward electrode plates, but lack advanced cleaning systems and innovative power technologies.
- Many models feature simple filters and product engineering, requiring occasional maintenance or external filtration for added safety and peace of mind.
More Testing
Comparing of Enagic Kangen Water Machine With Other Water Ionizers
Many inexpensive machines perform as well as the SD501 and K8 for drinking ionized water, but Enagic does not want you to know this.
For instance, see some testing I did in mid-2024 comparing the Enagic SD501 and the Smart 9P water ionizers. The Smart 9P outperformed the SD501 in every way. (See video below for each of these results.)
- ORP: Enagic was -787, and the Smart was -816, using 9.5 pH water from each machine.
- H2 (Hydrogen Levels): Enagic tested at 15.71 ppm, and the Smart 9P tested at 16.27 ppm, using 9.5 pH water from each machine.
- Methylene Blue Drops Test: Enagic K8 at 1.0 ppm and the Smart 9P at 1.8 ppm, using 9.5 pH water from each machine.
- PH Range: The Kangen Water did not perform as well for the low-acid byproduct at a drinkable pH of 10.
- Price: The Enagic machine costs $4,000, and the Smart 9P is $1,795.00, which is less than half the price.
- Warranty: The two water ionizers are similar in terms of warranty, but the Smart 9P has a slightly better warranty.
- Enagic’s good, though, so don’t get me wrong; I would sell it if they didn’t force exclusivity.
Enagic Kangen Water SD501 Testing of Molecular Hydrogen Levels
In the following video by a Kangen dealer, the tester demonstrates that the SD501 can produce approximately 0.2 ppm (2/10ths) parts per million of hydrogen.
These are just mundane results compared to the hundreds of water ionizers I have tested over the years.
Enagic K8 Kangen Water Machine Testing
I often demonstrate that you don’t need to spend $4,000 or $5,000 to achieve suitable pH, ORP, and Molecular Hydrogen results.
Even the inexpensive Smart Water Ionizer is better than the K8 Kangen water filter ionizer in producing molecular hydrogen (H2). They both produce the same results for pH and ORP. In other words, you don’t need to spend a fortune on high-quality, healthy Kangen ionized water. This affordability ensures that you can enjoy the health benefits of ionized water without incurring significant costs.
Thanks to its sodium port, the Super-S12 stands out among other water ionizers. It’s comparable to the K8 Kangen and significantly better in every aspect, including the production of strong, acidic water.
The Melody II water ionizer is also better than the K8 machine. Not only does the testing show it’s better, but it features better filtration, UltraWater filters, continuous cleaning, a better warranty, and a significantly lower price than the Kangen machine.
Read more about my water ionizer comparisons, designed to empower you with knowledge and help you make an informed decision.
The Best for Less
All the alkaline water machines I sell perform well and produce hydrogen-rich water. They are sorted on my Water Ionizers and Filters page in order of best first. We guarantee that we always have the best deals and 60-day trials, empowering you to make an informed choice and try one of our superior water ionizers.
See our reviews page for many more comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Enagic Kangen water better than other ionizers?
Our independent testing shows Enagic performs well but is not universally superior; some non-MLM competitors outperform on hydrogen and filtration metrics and have better trial periods and warranties.
Why is the Enagic Kangen machine expensive?
A significant portion of the retail price reflects distributor commissions and the MLM structure, beyond manufacturing costs.
What is Kangen Water?
"Kangen" is a Japanese term that means "return to origin". It's a trademark of Enagic and a synonym for ionized water.