Shopping for a drinking water solution, many Hong Kong and Macau users run into the electrolysed water machine — the alkaline ionised water machine — and wonder how it differs from an ordinary RO reverse osmosis or UF ultrafiltration filter. Bio-Link specialises in RO and UF filtration and does not sell electrolysed water machines. That is exactly why we can take a neutral view, and set out the differences purely on how they work, their upkeep and their cost.
This article will not rehearse the various health claims made for electrolysed or alkaline water. The health benefits claimed in the market have no settled medical consensus; we discuss only measurable physical characteristics (such as pH and ORP) and practical considerations, so you can choose by your own needs.
The quick points
- An electrolysed water machine is a different class of equipment: it electrolyses the water after filtration, so its principle, upkeep and cost all differ from an RO or UF filter.
- Its output is described by pH and ORP: both are measurable physical values, not health effects.
- This article makes no health claims: the claimed health benefits have no settled medical consensus; we compare only mechanism, upkeep and cost.
- For clean drinking water, RO / UF first: if the aim is removing impurities, microbes and dissolved matter, RO and UF filtration are the more direct route.
What is an electrolysed / alkaline ionised water machine?
The electrolysed water machine (also called an alkaline ionised water machine) is a different class of drinking equipment, with different principles, upkeep and buying considerations from RO or countertop filters. It usually filters the tap water through a built-in cartridge first, then passes it across charged electrode plates for electrolysis.
Electrolysis splits the flow in two: alkaline water with a higher pH (at the cathode) and acidic water with a lower pH (at the anode). In other words, an electrolysed water machine is an add-on electrical appliance installed after filtration, with its own electrode cleaning and consumables — not simply a water filter.
pH and ORP: two measurable physical values
The trade generally describes the machine's output by two values:
- pH: the water's acidity or alkalinity. After electrolysis, the alkaline stream's pH runs above the tap water's, the acidic stream's below.
- ORP (oxidation-reduction potential, in mV): the water's oxidation-reduction tendency.
It bears stressing that pH and ORP are simply measurable physical characteristics, not health effects in themselves. The various health claims spun from alkaline water or negative ORP are manufacturer or market assertions with no consistent medical consensus, and this article will not repeat them as fact. If comparing waters interests you, see our RO Water vs Distilled Water vs Mineral Water.
Electrolysed machines vs RO / UF filters: the three differences
Bio-Link mainly provides two kinds of filtration: RO reverse osmosis (removing the great majority of dissolved matter for exceptionally clean water) and UF ultrafiltration (keeping minerals while removing particles and microbes). The electrolysed water machine is another product class. Here is the comparison on principle, upkeep and cost.
| Comparison | Electrolysed / alkaline ionised water machine | RO reverse osmosis filter | UF ultrafiltration filter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core principle | Electrolyses after filtration, splitting alkaline and acidic streams | High-pressure filtration through an RO membrane, removing the great majority of dissolved matter | Filters through hollow-fibre membranes, removing particles and microbes while keeping minerals |
| What it does to the water | Mainly changes pH / ORP; the degree of filtration depends on the pre-filter | Sharply lowers dissolved solids (TDS) for clean water | Filters out particulates and microbes; minerals largely kept |
| Upkeep focus | Regular electrode cleaning, plus built-in cartridge and consumable replacement | Regular replacement of the RO membrane and pre/post filters | Regular replacement of the UF cartridge and pre-filters |
| Cost character | An electrical appliance — upfront cost usually higher, consumables besides | Transparent machine and cartridge costs, replaced on the maintenance cycle | A relatively simple build with manageable upkeep costs |
| Positioning | A different class of drinking equipment | The mainstream route to clean drinking water | The filtration option that keeps minerals |
As the table shows, electrolysed machines and filters solve different problems: a filter deals with what is in the water and what to remove; an electrolysed machine changes the water's pH / ORP after filtration. If your priority is the cleanliness and safety of daily drinking water, RO or UF filtration is the more direct choice. To compare the dispenser types further, see RO Water Dispensers vs Other Water Dispensers.
Upkeep and consumables: know before you buy
Whichever class of equipment you choose, the long-term experience largely turns on the upkeep. Beyond its built-in cartridges, an electrolysed machine's electrode plates need regular cleaning to keep electrolysis effective; consumable specifications and supply vary by model, so understand them before buying.
RO and UF filter upkeep is comparatively straightforward — mainly replacing cartridges on cycle. Bio-Link provides standard maintenance for its filtration solutions and, on the basis of continuing standard maintenance, the corresponding cartridge replacement and parts support. For cartridge knowledge in detail, see our Complete Guide to Water Filter Cartridges.
Which class of solution suits you?
Before choosing, be clear about the actual need, then compare the equipment:
- After the cleanest water: to remove dissolved matter and impurities substantially, RO options such as the RO838 RO purified water filter are the more direct route.
- Wanting to keep the minerals: to keep the water's minerals while filtering microbes and particulates, UF options such as the MU-2 Under-Sink Ultrafiltration Water Filter deserve consideration.
- Considering an electrolysed machine: if it interests you, first understand its principle, upkeep demands, consumable arrangements and the supplier's after-sales support, and weigh it against your actual use.
If the priority is home or commercial filtration and everyday drinking water management, compare the existing RO and UF options by space, installation conditions and habits. For more buying pointers, see Home Water Filter Buying Guide: 7 Types Compared.
Frequently asked questions
How does an electrolysed water machine differ from an RO filter?
They are different classes. An RO filter works through an RO membrane, removing the great majority of dissolved matter for clean water; an electrolysed machine electrolyses after filtration, mainly changing the water's pH and ORP. In short: the filter decides what is removed; the electrolysed machine decides the water's post-electrolysis state.
What are pH and ORP?
pH is the water's acidity or alkalinity; ORP is its oxidation-reduction potential (in mV). Both are measurable physical characteristics describing the water's state after electrolysis — not health effects in themselves.
How does its upkeep differ from a filter's?
Beyond replacing built-in cartridges, an electrolysed machine's electrode plates need regular cleaning to keep electrolysis effective, and consumable specifications vary by model. RO and UF upkeep is comparatively straightforward — cartridges on cycle. Before buying any equipment, understand its upkeep demands and the supplier's after-sales support.
Does Bio-Link sell electrolysed water machines?
No. Bio-Link concentrates on RO reverse osmosis and UF ultrafiltration. We wrote this article to explain the differences from a neutral standpoint; if your priority is clean drinking water, an RO or UF filter is the more direct choice.
Is alkaline water better than RO water?
Better depends on your actual need, not a single number. Alkalinity only reflects the water's pH — a separate matter from whether the water is clean. The health claims spun around alkaline water have no settled medical consensus, and we make no such claims. If removing impurities and dissolved matter is what you value, RO / UF filtration answers that goal directly.
Choose the clean drinking water solution that fits you
Whether you are weighing an electrolysed machine, RO or UF, Bio-Link is glad to advise neutrally and professionally, recommending the right RO / UF filtration for your space, installation conditions and habits. Our filtration solutions are third-party tested, and help you cut disposable bottles through direct-piped drinking water.
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