Life Ionizers MXL-15 Review

Are 15 plates really worth having in a home water ionizer? See if the hype is justified in our review of Life Ionizer’s extremely powerful new MXL-15 model.

Life Ionizers MXL-15

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Water ionizers are becoming a more common sight in kitchens nationwide. The high pH, antioxidant water that they produce is a key factor in an alkaline diet that an increasing number of people credit for a healthier life.

Today’s review features one of the most powerful water ionizers on the market. The Life Ionizer MXL-15 is the only system we are aware of that uses 15 plates to transform regular drinking water into alkaline rich, antioxidant water.

But, just how much extra performance does 15 plates get you? That’s one of the key questions we’ll be answering today as we take a close look at the MXL-15.

Introduction

Life Ionizers first arrived on the scene way back in 1996, and now offer worldwide delivery through their series of international offices.

The MXL-15 is the most powerful in the MXL series from Life Water Ionizers. The series starts with the entry level MXL-5, and also includes the cheaper 9-plate and 11-plate models that we have previously reviewed.

The range is new to 2018 and features some key performance upgrades on the previous Life Ionizer systems.

These upgrades primarily deal with the plate technology and power delivery, and we’ll talk about these features in more detail shortly.

The 2018 XML range also come with lifetime warranties. This is really an essential feature in a higher-end appliance like this and removes any of the risk involved with making such a purchase.

Here’s a list of the main features at a glance. We’ll go into more detail as the review progresses.

• pH range of 1.7 – 12.2
• 805 watts of efficient power delivery
• Anti-oxidant potential of up to -1005 ORP
• MicroMembrane Technology (boosts alkaline water production)
• Customized water filtration
• Self cleaning mechanism
• One click filter replacement
• International voltage (110v or 220v)
• Lifetime warranty

Design

The MXL-15  can be installed as both an under-counter or countertop device. The countertop version connects directly to your current kitchen faucet after a relatively simple installation process, while the under-counter model makes use of a specially designed faucet that has its own control system.

While they both deliver alkaline water in different ways, the box itself is identical.

It measures just 12.5″ x 6.25″ x 15″ which is really impressive considering all the different technology that is housed inside.

Aesthetically, it looks really attractive. A black casing is fronted by a graphite plate that contains a bright LCD display. This gives it a stylish, contemporary look that would fit great in any modern kitchen.

The 7-button interface is nicely spaced along the top edge of the front face. From here, the water output is easily controlled with just a few button presses, and your current setting is displayed on the LCD screen below.

As we previously mentioned, the under-counter model has its own faucet, complete with a user interface to control the output. This faucet looks amazing, and it’s definitely going to start conversations with your friends. There are 4 buttons on the top of the faucet column that control the unit, while an LCD display provides clear information on the current mode of operation.

The faucet comes in a choice of 3 finishes: brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, and chrome. We love the brushed nickel finish, but they all manage to look pretty good.

While the installation of the countertop version should only take 30 mins, the under-counter version might pose a few more problems. However, it shouldn’t be an issue for anyone with some basic DIY experience. Life Water Ionizers have clear guides for the installation processes for both units on their website.

MXL-15 Features

It’s not big in size but it’s certainly big on features. Let’s take a look at what makes the MXL-15 stand out from a crowded market.

Performance

The 15-plates give the MXL-15 some serious power. Made from titanium and coated in platinum, they are arranged in what Life Ionizers call XL chambers. Plate degradation is one of the most common causes of ionizers breaking, and the XML-15 chamber is triple reinforced to prevent this from happening. A further benefit is the increased contact time that the plates have with the water. By increasing the contact time, the plates have more opportunity to increase the pH and antioxidant levels of the water. This is one of the key features that allow the XML to produce such impressive figures.

Life Ionizer MXL-15 Under Counter Alkaline Water Ionizer

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The plates themselves have more edges than ever before. By increasing the surface area that comes into contact with the water, the plates are given the opportunity to make a higher proportion of alkaline water. Life Ionizers state that these new XL Matrix GRID plates produce “the highest pH and antioxidant ORP levels you can get in a home ionizer at full flow rates”.

Life Ionizers have matched their new plates with what they call XL Power SMPS. This is basically a power delivery system that is designed to work as efficiently as possible with the plates to ensure that the energy transfer isn’t wasteful. The 805 watts (at maximum capacity) power that the XML-15 is capable of delivering is supplied with “energy-saving efficiency”.

All this adds up to make the XML-15 capable of delivering huge pH levels and negative ORP levels. The pH ranges from 1.7 – 12.2 which is some seriously alkaline (and acidic) water. The ORP levels too are something to behold. As far as I know the XML-15 makes the most antioxidant water of any home ionizer. It reaches levels of -1005 ORP. Breaching the -1000 mark is quite an achievement for a household system, especially something so compact. Using the same input water, the M-15 is capable of producing water of pH and ORP values that beat the competition hands down.

Life Ionizer MXL-15 Counter Top Alkaline Water Ionizer

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Another new feature to the 2018 model is the Molecular Hydrogen XL technology. The XML-15 produces more hydrogen infused water than ever before. The consumption of hydrogen leading to health benefits is still an emerging topic, but if this is an important factor for you then the Life Ionizer range will put more hydrogen into each glass of water than any other.

Water Filtration

As you’d expect with an ionizer in this price bracket, the water filtration is top notch. There’s a level of care and detail here you can’t help but be impressed with.

After purchasing an XML-15, the Life Ionizer specialists immediately set about researching your local water quality. This information tells them which contaminants may (or may not) be lurking in your water. They can then customize the pre-filter set-up to target problematic water contaminants in your area. Water filtration must be set-up on an individual basis and it’s great to see Life Ionizer’s taking this point so seriously.

The physical water filters are then aided by an ultraviolet light. UV light is a really powerful form of sterilization that will eliminate viruses, bacteria, and cysts. It essentially does the same job as adding chlorine to water, but it comes without the negative side effects that water chlorination can bring. A UV lamp will prevent parasites and bacteria like cryptosporidium, giardia, or E.coli from causing harm in the household.

Maintenance

As you’d expect from a market leading ionizer, the maintenance is really minimal. It’s designed to be as hassle free as possible, and any interaction you have with the unit aside from actually getting water, is very brief and simple.

The unit actually cleans itself using something called Reverse Automatic Dual Cleaning (RADC). This keeps the machine running efficiently and breaks up problematic mineral deposits that might bond to the internal elements. This is a particular problem in areas with hard water (check out our guide to softeners), where hard water calcium and magnesium particles bind to surfaces, reducing the efficiency and decreasing the lifespan of appliances like water ionizers.

Now, you will have to physically change the water filters yourself when the time comes. But, thankfully this process has been streamlined to make sure it happens at the optimal time and with the minimum of fuss.

The system itself will warn you when the optimal time to change the filters is approaching. This means you are always prepared ahead of a filter reaching the end of its lifespan.

The filters themselves are easier to replace than before too. New to the 2018 model is the top loading filter positioning. With just one click the filters can be changed, without the need for any tools.

Warranty

The 2018 MXL range are backed by a lifetime warranty. Just make sure to engage it!

The Final Word

The Life Ionizer MXL-15 is the benchmark home ionizer right now. If you’re serious about alkaline, hydrogen rich water, then the MXL-15 is the no.1 contender.

With 15 plates it produces the most alkaline, and most acidic water of any current ionizer. The antioxidant potential of -1005 ORP trumps the competition too.

For such a relatively little box, it packs an impressive amount of technology, specially designed to remove harmful contaminants and boost the properties that matter most.

However, the price tag could be a stumbling block for many, and the MXL-9 would be a better option in this case.

Life Ionizer MXL-15 Under Counter Alkaline Water Ionizer

• Under Counter Space-Saving Alkaline Water Ionizer | Faucet Mounted…
• 15 Titanium Cored – Platinum Coated XL Matrix GRID Plates
• 800 Watts of Efficient XL Power (SMPS)

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See how the MXL range compare to other systems in our big guide to ionizers.

Take a look at the smaller MXL-13 in our review.