Leveluk SD501U: Under-Counter Kangen Water® Machine
Want Kangen Water® without a machine taking up space on your counter? The Leveluk SD501U is designed for permanent under-counter installation, with the main unit housed beneath the sink and a wall-mounted control panel above.
It shares the SD501DX's 7-plate configuration and produces the same five water types. The key difference is installation: the SD501U requires under-sink plumbing, water-line routing, and mounting the control panel. This is not a straightforward DIY setup.
Before ordering, make sure you're comfortable arranging and paying for a licensed plumber. We'll provide installation photos, a tutorial, and video guidance to help you and your plumber assess the setup before you commit.
- $5,890 + tax
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
- Financing available
Considering other models? The countertop SD501DX offers the same 7-plate configuration for $530 less, while the K8 offers 8 plates at the same $5,890 price. Compare all models before deciding.
Want to learn more about the Leveluk SD501U? Explore its features and specifications below.
Leveluk SD501U at a Glance
Type | Under-counter — installed under the sink, wall-mounted control panel above |
Electrode plates | 7 — platinum-coated titanium |
Water types produced | 5 |
pH range | 2.5–11.5 |
Negative ORP* (up to) | −631 mV |
Display | Wall-mounted control panel above the sink |
Voice guidance | English |
Power input | Region-specific — for use in the country of purchase |
Installation | Under-sink — licensed plumber recommended, arranged by the customer; not a DIY setup |
Best for | Homeowners who want a completely clear counter and are ready to arrange a professional install |
Warranty | 5 years — full manufacturer warranty |
Price | $5,890 + tax |
* 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.
Read This Before You Choose the SD501U
The SD501U is a deliberate choice, not a default one. It's the right machine when a completely clear counter is your priority — and you're prepared for what that takes: a permanent under-sink installation, drilling for the water lines and the wall panel, and a licensed plumber you hire and pay yourself.
If that's you, this page has everything you and your plumber need to decide: the full specifications, and installation photos and a video that show exactly what the finished setup looks like.
If you'd rather have Kangen Water® running the day the box arrives, two countertop models will serve you better — and they're what most of our customers choose:
- Leveluk SD501DX — the same 7-plate core and identical water, DIY countertop setup, $530 less
- Leveluk K8 — 8 plates, the strongest ORP in the lineup, DIY countertop setup, the same $5,890 price as the SD501U
Why Choose the SD501U
SD501-class performance — without the countertop footprint
Inside, the SD501U is the same proven machine as the SD501DX: 7 platinum-coated titanium plates, all five water types across the 2.5–11.5 pH range, and a negative ORP of up to −631 mV. Nothing about the under-counter design reduces performance — you're getting the full family-size machine, just relocated below the counter.
A kitchen that stays a kitchen
The only visible element is a slim control panel mounted on the wall above your sink — water selection and voice guidance within reach, while the machine itself works out of sight. When the filter is due for replacement, the panel tells you. If you've invested in a clean kitchen design, the SD501U is the one model that doesn't ask for counter space in return.
Purpose-built for under the sink
This isn't a countertop machine hidden in a cabinet — the SD501U is designed for under-counter installation, with dedicated plumbing connections and a body meant to live under the sink permanently. Once installed, using it is as effortless as any faucet: select your water on the panel, and pour.
The same 5-year warranty as the flagship
Automatic cleaning, voice guidance in English, and the same 5-year manufacturer warranty as the K8 and SD501DX. (One honest note: the SD501U's voice guidance is English-only, while the SD501DX offers 8 languages and the K8 offers 10.)
The Five Water Types
Like every Kangen Water® machine, the SD501U produces five types of water across the 2.5–11.5 pH range:
Water type | pH | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
Strong Kangen Water® | ~11.5 | Food prep — cleaning produce; removing oil-based residues; stain pre-treatment |
Kangen Water® | 8.5–9.5 | Everyday drinking water and cooking |
Clean Water | ~7.0 | Neutral filtered water — e.g., for taking medication or preparing infant formula |
Beauty Water | 4.0–6.0 | External use — facial rinsing, hair care, gentle cleaning of delicate surfaces |
Strong Acidic Water | ~2.5 | Kitchen hygiene — cleaning surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards |
Every machine in the lineup produces these same five water types — what differs between models is electrolysis strength and capacity. See what plate count actually mean for the full breakdown.
Leveluk SD501U Full Specifications
Model | Leveluk SD501U (SD501 Under-Counter) |
Type | Under-counter — main unit installed under the sink, wall-mounted control panel above |
Electrode plates | 7 — platinum-coated titanium |
pH range | 2.5–11.5 (5 water types) |
Negative ORP* (up to) | −631 mV |
Kangen Water® flow rate | Approx. 4.5–7.6 L/min |
Display | Wall-mounted control panel (above sink) |
Voice guidance | English (1 language) |
Cleaning | Automatic cleaning system |
Power | Approx. 230 W |
Power input | Region-specific — for use in the country of purchase |
Dimensions (W x H x D), main unit | 264 x 338 x 171 mm (approx. 10.39 × 13.31 × 6.73 in.) |
Weight | 6.3 kg (approx. 13.9 lbs) |
Filter | Replaceable high-grade filter with automatic replacement notice on the control panel |
Warranty | 5 years — full manufacturer warranty |
Made in | Japan, by Enagic |
* Measured ORP depends on your source water quality, mineral content, and flow rate. Official manufacturer specifications, subject to change — contact us for the current spec sheet.
Installation Requirements: Read Before Ordering
The SD501U has the most involved installation requirements in the Kangen Water® lineup. Its under-counter design keeps the main unit out of sight, but achieving that setup requires more work than installing a countertop model.
A typical installation involves:
- Positioning and securing the main unit beneath the sink
- Connecting the unit to the required water supply and routing the water lines
- Drilling and routing where needed for the water connections and control-panel cable
- Mounting the control panel on the wall above the sink and connecting it to the main unit
Professional installation is strongly recommended. You are responsible for finding, scheduling, and paying your own licensed plumber. Installation labor is not included in the machine price.
We'll provide installation photos, a tutorial, and video guidance so you and your plumber can review the process and assess your kitchen before ordering. These materials are intended to help with planning; they do not replace professional installation or a site assessment.
Before placing your order, confirm that your cabinet has sufficient clearance for the main unit (264 × 338 × 171 mm), that the required plumbing connections are feasible, and that your chosen control-panel location is suitable. Garbage disposals, shallow cabinets, and crowded under-sink spaces may complicate installation.
The SD501U is best suited to homeowners who specifically want an under-counter machine and are prepared for the additional installation work. If you prefer a simpler setup, the countertop SD501DX offers the same 7-plate configuration for $530 less, without the need for a permanent under-sink installation.
Maintenance & Ongoing Costs
Day to day, the SD501U is as easy to live with as any model:
- Filter replacement — the wall panel notifies you when it's time; the filter is on the main unit under the sink and swaps out without tools. Frequency depends on your usage and source water.
- Electrolysis enhancer — used only when producing the strong waters (2.5 and 11.5); the machine prompts you when the tank needs a top-up.
- Cleaning — the SD501U runs automatic self-cleaning; periodic deep cleaning is recommended depending on your water hardness.
When you purchase your SD501U, an owner account is set up in your name — replacement filters and enhancer can be reordered any time through that account in a few clicks, shipped directly to you. Deep cleaning and any repairs are handled by the manufacturer's official service center, so your machine is always serviced by the people who built it.
Is the SD501U Right for You?
The SD501U is the right choice if:
- Keeping your countertop completely clear is a priority, not just a nice-to-have
- You specifically want a permanent under-counter installation with a wall-mounted control panel
- You own your home and are comfortable making the required changes to your kitchen setup
- You're prepared to hire and pay a licensed plumber yourself
- You've reviewed the installation photos and video, checked your available cabinet space, and discussed the setup with your plumber before ordering
- Your household has steady daily water use and the SD501U's configuration suits your needs
Consider another model if:
- You want the same 7-plate configuration with a simpler installation and a $530 lower price → the Leveluk SD501DX
- You want 8 plates and a higher stated maximum negative ORP at the same machine price → the Leveluk K8
- You're renting or expect to move soon → consider a countertop model (Leveluk K8 / Leveluk SD501DX)
- You need higher capacity for a large household or business → explore the Leveluk Super501
The SD501U makes the most sense when the under-counter design itself justifies the extra installation work and expense. If that isn't a priority, a countertop model may be the more practical purchase.
Price, Financing & Warranty
The listed U.S. price for the Leveluk SD501U is $5,890 + tax — the same price as the Leveluk K8. The price is fixed by the manufacturer, so the SD501U costs the same wherever you buy a new unit — no one can legitimately offer a "discounted" one. The difference is who you buy from: order through us and you have a direct contact you can email if a question ever comes up, before or after your purchase.
Financing options are available. See our pricing & financing page for current plans.
Every SD501U we sell is a brand-new, genuine unit with the official 5-year manufacturer warranty. The plumber's installation fee is separate — arranged and paid by the customer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Leveluk SD501U cost?
The listed U.S. price for the Leveluk SD501U is $5,890 + tax — the same price as the Leveluk K8. It's a fixed manufacturer price, so there are no legitimate discounts on a new SD501U (be cautious of "deals" that claim otherwise). Budget separately for professional installation, which is arranged and paid by the customer. Financing is available — see our pricing & financing page.
Is the SD501U's water the same as the SD501DX's?
Yes — both have the same 7-plate platinum-coated titanium configuration and produce the same five water types across the 2.5–11.5 pH range, with ORP up to −631 mV*. The differences are in the installation and features, not the water types: the SD501U is designed for permanent under-counter installation with a wall-mounted control panel above the sink, while the SD501DX sits on the countertop and connects to the faucet. The SD501U offers English-only voice guidance, whereas the SD501DX offers eight languages. The SD501U is configured for the U.S. power supply, while the SD501DX supports a universal 100–240 V input for greater voltage compatibility internationally.
Do I really need a plumber to install the SD501U?
We strongly recommend it. Unlike the countertop models, the SD501U is a permanent under-sink installation: mounting the unit in the cabinet, drilling and routing the water lines, and installing the wall panel. For a licensed plumber it's a routine few-hours job — and it ensures leak-free connections and a result that lasts. The installation photos and video on this page show exactly what's involved; share them with your plumber before you order so they can confirm your space and quote the job.
Will the SD501U fit under my sink?
In most standard sink cabinets, yes — the main unit measures 264 × 338 × 171 mm (approx. 10.4" W × 13.3" H × 6.7" D). Garbage disposals, shallow cabinets, or unusual layouts can complicate things, so compare those dimensions with your cabinet and review the installation photos and video on this page — ideally together with your plumber — before ordering.
I'm renting — can I still get the SD501U?
We'd advise against it. The SD501U is a permanent installation that doesn't move with you. Meanwhile, the SD501DX offers the same five water types in a countertop unit that needs no plumber and can be relocated in minutes — making it the better choice for renters.
How do I control the machine if it's under the counter?
Via the slim control panel mounted on the wall above your sink — you select the water type there, and voice guidance confirms your selection. The panel also notifies you when the filter needs replacing. Day to day, you never need to open the cabinet except to change the filter.
Does the SD501U have voice guidance?
Yes — in English. The SD501U announces your water selection in English only; the SD501DX offers 8 languages and the K8 offers 10. The water itself is identical.
What's the warranty on the SD501U?
5 years — the full official manufacturer warranty, the same coverage as the K8 and SD501DX. Every unit we sell is brand new and genuine. The warranty covers the machine; the plumbing installation itself is your plumber's workmanship.
Why choose the SD501U over the SD501DX?
One reason, and it's a good one: the look. Identical water, but the SD501U keeps your counter completely clear — the machine lives under the sink and only a slim panel shows. If that matters to you, you own your home, and you're ready to arrange the one-time professional install, it's worth the extra $530. If it doesn't, the SD501DX, the countertop type, is the simpler buy.
Considering the Leveluk SD501U?
The SD501U is designed for buyers who specifically want an under-counter Kangen Water® machine and are prepared to arrange professional installation.
Before ordering, review the installation photos and video, check your cabinet dimensions, and confirm the setup with your plumber. The machine costs $5,890 + tax; installation is arranged and paid for separately by the customer.
If the under-counter setup is right for your kitchen, we're happy to help with product questions and provide the available installation guidance. If you're still weighing the SD501U against the SD501DX or K8, contact us before deciding — we're happy to help you compare them without pressure.
Kangen Water® and Leveluk® are registered trademarks of Enagic Co., Ltd. This website is independently operated and is not the manufacturer's official website. Prices and specifications are subject to change; confirm current details before ordering. Kangen Water machines are not medical devices and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. No medical claims are made.
