I’ve been getting this question more often lately, and I thought I’d address it here, publicly. Both types of plates are a titanium base coated with platinum. A lesser quality plate is merely sprayed with platinum, and I won’t address those here. Let’s talk about the water ionizer electrode plates that are coated with platinum, not sprayed, because these are in the ionizer brands I carry.
The water ionizers I carry have both types of plates. The AQ series are made by Yi-Shan in Taiwan and all have large, solid titanium electrode plates coated with platinum. Yi-Shan has been making water ionizers for over 35 years, and due to the extreme durability of these “heavy duty” electrode plates, we are seeing life spans of 15-20 years with these machines, above the more usual 10-15 year life span.
Mesh electrode plates are a more recent addition to the market. A titanium plate is stamped to create the mesh, with dips and valleys then coated with platinum. The platinum layer is thinner, making it possibly less durable and less expensive to make than solid electrode plates, but they claim to provide more surface area. Jupiter/Alka Viva water ionizers, like the Athena, Vesta and Delphi, use this type of electrode plates.
The two brands of water ionizers were tested against each other for quality of ionized water output using a machine from each company with five electrode plates. The pH and ORP tested the same, so in terms of water ionizing ability, there is basically no difference. The difference may lie in the longevity of the electrode plates (the expensive part of the ionizer due to the platinum).
Of course you, the consumer, cannot determine the durability or longevity until time passes. Please remember there is much competition, therefore much hype in the water ionizer world these days as in “new technology” and “more electrode plates” being promoted vigorously. Many “ionizer review” websites have popped up – ultimately they are owned by someone selling ionizers – most likely the one that got the most favorable review. For those of us who know how, it’s no big deal to make a new website!
When comparing water ionizers, take into consideration the type of plates along with all the other features, and, try to cut through the hype and marketing ploys. Both brands I carry are known for durability, longevity and consistency of ionized water. Read more about shopping for a water ionizer.
And, for traveling, don’t forget our
Portable Water Ionizer Hydrogen Stick!
Portable for ionized water on the go!
I was asked to post more info on this subject, so here goes. The most expensive component in an ionizer are the electrode plates. At this writing, platinum is going for $1,211 an ounce. The electrode plates are made from titanium, and then coated with platinum. When you’re investing in a water ionizer pay close attention to the electrode plates – both the size and type. Larger, solid-type electrodes have greater longevity. If you already have an ionizer, depending on the type of electrodes, you may find your electrodes are “shot” and have to be replaced during the life of the machine. PLUS, there is a “deep cleaning” that can be done annually on ionizers to clean the electrodes and prolong their life. Email or call me for more info.