Compare Kangen Water® Machines Side by Side

Choosing between Kangen Water® machines comes down to a few practical questions: how big is your household, how much water do you use daily, what's your budget — and how easy do you want the installation to be? This page puts all five Kangen Water® machines side by side — same specs, same format — so you can compare with real information, not sales pressure.

* ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential) indicates the water's reducing potential — the more negative the number, the stronger its reducing potential. Actual measured values vary with source water quality, mineral content, and flow rate.

All prices are set by Enagic, the manufacturer, and are subject to change. Contact us for the current official price list.

Best overall for most households → Leveluk SD501DX

A well-rounded Kangen Water® machine for everyday household use, the SD501DX combines 7 platinum-coated titanium plates, five water types, up to −631 mV ORP, 8-language voice guidance, and a 5-year warranty in a straightforward countertop setup you can install yourself. If you're unsure where to start, start here.

Best premium pick → Leveluk K8

The flagship. Eight plates (the most in any standard model), the strongest negative ORP in the lineup (up to −722 mV), touchscreen controls, and 10-language voice guidance. For buyers who want the top of the range.

Best on a budget → Leveluk JRIV

The most affordable Kangen Water® machine in the lineup, the JRIV offers all five water types at a lower entry price. With 4 platinum-coated titanium plates and ORP readings up to −450 mV, it's best suited to singles, couples, and households with lighter daily water needs. A practical starting point if you want the full range of water types without paying for a higher-performance model.

Best for large households or business use → Leveluk Super501

Twin electrolysis chambers (7+5 plates) designed for higher daily water volume — suitable for large families and settings like cafés and studios that serve many people. Although it sits on the counter, the Super501 is larger and heavier than standard countertop models, and its more involved setup makes professional installation advisable.

Best for an Under-Counter Installation → Leveluk SD501U

The SD501U offers the same 7-plate configuration and up to −631 mV ORP capability as the SD501DX, while keeping the main unit beneath the sink and placing the control panel on the wall above. Installation is more involved than with the countertop models, so we recommend having a licensed plumber handle the setup.

If you've been researching the Leveluk SD501 or SD501 Platinum, here's the update: The manufacturer — Enagic — has discontinued both models and replaced them with the Leveluk SD501DX.

The good news — nothing was lost in the transition:

Bottom line: the SD501DX is the same proven 7-plate machine that made the SD501 Enagic's best-seller for over a decade — with an updated design and improved features, including a larger LCD display, a sleeker body, additional language options, and universal voltage input (100–240 V). If the SD501 was on your shortlist, the SD501DX is its direct successor, offering the familiar performance with a more modern design and greater versatility.

Already own an SD501 or SD501 Platinum? They remain fully supported — replacement filters are still available, and service is handled by the manufacturer's official service center.

The K8 and SD501DX are two strong choices for everyday household use, but they differ in performance, features, and price:

• Plates: K8 has 8, while the SD501DX has 7.
• ORP: K8 reaches up to −722 mV; the SD501DX reaches up to −631 mV.*
• Interface: K8 features a modern touchscreen, while the SD501DX uses physical controls and an LCD display.
• Languages: K8 offers 10-language voice guidance, while the SD501DX offers 8-language voice guidance.
• Installation: Both are straightforward DIY countertop setups.
• Price difference: The K8 costs $530 more than the SD501DX.

Choose the K8 if you want the flagship model, with an extra plate, a higher maximum ORP reading, and a modern touchscreen interface.

Choose the SD501DX if you want a well-rounded machine for everyday household use, with 7 plates, versatile features, and a lower price. Both models come with the same 5-year manufacturer warranty.

*ORP readings vary with source water quality, mineral content, and flow rate.

Still deciding between the K8 and SD501DX?

Explore our detailed comparison of features, performance, installation, and value to find the right machine for your household.

Do all Kangen machines produce the same types of water?

Yes. Every model in the lineup — K8, SD501DX, SD501U, Super501, and JRIV — produces the same five water types across the same pH range. What varies between models is the strength of the electrolysis (negative ORP) and the machine's capacity, not the variety of water.

Does the number of plates affect the quality of the water?

Yes — plate count affects the strength of the water, not the variety. More plates means more electrolysis surface area, which produces a stronger negative ORP (the water's antioxidant potential): the 8-plate K8 reaches up to −722 mV, the 7-plate SD501DX and SD501U up to −631 mV, and the 4-plate JRIV up to −450 mV. All of them produce the same five water types — but the electrolysis is stronger on models with more plates. Actual readings vary with your source water quality and flow rate.

What happened to the SD501 and SD501 Platinum?

The manufacturer, Enagic, discontinued both models and replaced them with the Leveluk SD501DX — the same 7 platinum-coated titanium plates and the same five water types, in an updated body with 8-language voice guidance. Existing SD501 and SD501 Platinum machines remain fully supported with filters and service.

Can I install a Kangen machine myself?

For most models, yes. The K8, SD501DX, and JRIV are countertop units that connect to a standard faucet — most customers set them up themselves in about an hour or less, no plumber needed. The Super501, while also a countertop unit, is larger and heavier with a more advanced setup, so we recommend hiring a licensed plumber (arranged by the customer). The SD501U is the most involved: as a built-in under-counter unit, it requires drilling, mounting, and dedicated plumbing work, so we likewise recommend a licensed plumber.

Is the K8 worth the extra cost over the SD501DX?

It depends on what you value. The K8 adds an eighth plate — which means the strongest negative ORP in the lineup (up to −722 mV vs. −631 mV) — plus a modern touchscreen. The SD501DX delivers the same five water types at a lower price, with versatile features for everyday household use. Neither is a wrong choice.

For a more detailed comparison of features, performance, and value, explore our full K8 vs. SD501DX comparison.

Which model is the cheapest?

The Leveluk JRIV, at $3,530 + tax. It produces the same five water types as the larger models, making it the most affordable way into the lineup — a natural fit for singles, couples, and lighter daily use.

Can I upgrade later?

No. Kangen Water machines are purchased as individual models and cannot be upgraded to a higher model later. It is best to choose the model that fits your household size, usage, and preferences from the beginning. If you later decide you want a higher model, you would need to purchase a new machine.

Do all models have the same warranty?

No — the K8, SD501DX, and SD501U carry a 5-year manufacturer's warranty, while the JRIV and Super501 carry a 3-year manufacturer's warranty. All models come with Enagic's official manufacturer warranty when purchased through the authorized purchasing process.

How can I make sure I get a genuine Kangen Water® machine with an official warranty?

When you order through us as an authorized independent Enagic distributor, we guide you through Enagic's official purchasing platform, helping you order a genuine machine with the manufacturer's warranty. Contact us, and we'll walk you through the process step by step.

Tell us your household size, budget, and how you plan to use your machine. We'll help you choose the right model, explain your options, and guide you through the official purchasing process when you're ready.