Buyers Guide

Under Counter Water Ionizer Models – Pros and Cons

Under Counter Water Ionizer Models – Pros and Cons

New Info on Under Counter Water Ionizers

The Best Under Counter Water Ionizers

Water Ionizers: Countertop vs Under Counter

Just like countertop models, under counter water ionizers will have their pros and cons.  In this segment, we’ll cover the pros and cons of choosing an under counter water ionizer model.   Let’s get started with the reasons an under counter water ionizer model is a good choice.

Under Counter Water Ionizers – Benefits

Under counter water ionizers conceal all but the absolute necessities for producing ionized water.  All you see is the faucet with the control panel.  The “business end” of the unit sits below the sink doing the work and then sending the water up through the faucet.

Because water is being pushed up from below the sink, under counter water ionizers can actually produce stronger levels of ionized alkaline and acidic water because of additional pressure created in the electrolysis chamber and the unit pushes water up to the faucet.

Under counter water ionizers will have two spouts on the faucet – one for dispensing the level of water selected on the control panel and one dispensing the wastewater.   Countertop water ionizers dispense the “wastewater” through a hose that hangs into the sink – going with an under counter model means both the primary and “wastewater” outlets look equally stylish and there is no odd hose hanging into your sink.

In most cases, the design of the faucets on most under counter water ionizers are sleek, minimal and don’t stand out.  It’s no longer uncommon to see a secondary faucet mounted on most kitchen sinks so the faucet for your under counter water ionizer won’t draw that much attention.   If you want a water ionizer that is an inconspicuous source of good quality water, this is a good reason to go with an under counter water ionizer.

Drawbacks of Under Counter Water Ionizers

Under counter water ionizers are not without their drawbacks.  Cost is the most noticeable.

The simple fact is, compressing the technology responsible for controlling the performance of a water ionizer so that it fits into a faucet-mount control panel is expensive.  Add to that the additional electronic testing and certifications for electronic safety and it’s no wonder a good quality under counter water ionizer will set you back at least an extra $500.

With most under counter models, you lose the ease of control when it comes to the advanced control features.   You’re working with a significantly smaller control panel and navigating the advanced settings can be a little more challenging.

If you’re looking at under counter water ionizers, take a look at the available advanced features and how easily you’ll be able to navigate the control panel.  Some companies do a better job addressing these “control issues” than others.

Performing regular maintenance can be more inconvenient with under counter water ionizers.  Accessing the filter area for a filter replacement or using a cleaning cartridge involves going under the sink and fumbling with a filter panel.

Another tip if you’re looking for an under counter water ionizer – take a look at how the filter area is accessed.  You’ll need to get down there at least twice a year to change the filters or run a cleaning cartridge.  And some companies require using a cleaning cartridge as often as once every 4 weeks.

There’s no need to let “maintenance inconvenience” scare you away from an under counter water ionizers.  Some companies make filter change under the sink easier than others – and the under-counter design is often still worth the inconvenience of going below the sink to perform regular maintenance on the unit.

Surprisingly, installation of under counter water ionizers isn’t as difficult as you might think.  Working under the sink to make the connections can be a little awkward but – unless you have really old, outdated plumbing – you shouldn’t need to call a plumber for the installation.