The electrolysis plates that exist within ionized water machines act as one of the main parts of each unit, helping it effectively create water that is ionized and supplied to you at a specific pH level. These plates are charged, ionizing the water as it flows through and dividing it into alkaline and acidic water.

Nonetheless, not all machines are made with the same number of plates – this is a factor that affects the characteristics of the water emerging from your machine.

Lower Numbers of Plates

Some alkaline water systems are made with the lowest number of plates: three or five plates. These machines have limited functions compared to the ones with more plates, and they have low to medium strength from the small number of plates.

A machine with three plates can make ionized water that is alkaline for drinking, but not acidic water for other purposes. One with five plates has a bit more power and can offer both alkaline and acidic water.

Higher Numbers of Plates

The machines with three or five plates were the only options available until more recently, when ones with seven, nine, and even more plates were created. Having more plates gives the ionized water machines more power and provides a better range of pH values from strong alkaline to strong acidic.

While seven plates seems to have become the standard for the greatest results for the best price, many people prefer higher numbers of plates. One review site compares a machine with nine plates to owning a luxury sports car, whereas one with seven would be akin to a regular sedan. For a “luxury sports car” ionizer model, consider the New Luxury Crewelter 9 Plate Water Ionizer.

Benefits of More Plate Surface Area

The more surface area of the plates, along with a larger transformer, generally the higher the ORP value you gain. This means you get more effective health benefits from your ionized water. You can achieve a better surface area by having more plates or larger plates.

To make an informed decision, it’s important to consider the number of plates of each machine, as well as the size, material makeup, and type (flat, mesh, slotted) of plates it includes. Pick the one that best fits your planned purposes, budget, and lifestyle.

Sources:

http://www.iontech.com.tw/ionizer.html

http://www.alkalinewaterionizers.org/water-ionizer-comparisons-chart/

http://www.best-water-ionizer-reviews.com/7-Plate-Water-Ionizer.html

http://www.healthywaterlife.com/cgi-bin/d.cgi/signup/choosing_water_ionizer.html