Not sure if this should go here or in the appliance section. I've been thinking about getting a Soda Stream machine as a Christmas gift for DW and wonder if anyone here has one and if so what do you think. Seems like it might be kind of handy at home or while camping. I'm also curious about how cost effective they really are. With the initial cost, the cost of the C02, and the flavors it seems like it may take a while to justify it. We do seem to go through a lot of cola around here plus I like an energy drink now and then. I could also use it to make club soda for the adult beverages :D.
Any comments pro or con are appreciated.
2 years ago we inherited one new in the box from a relative. we used it for 3 months. while it was convenient, we really had to shop around for the best prices on refill syrups and co2. (there are more than one manufacturers for these systems)
after that we gifted it to my cousin who really enjoys it. and I think still uses it.
The SodaStream was one of my Christmas presents 2 yrs. ago and we really like it. DH bought it for me from Costco and it came with a 130 ml canister of CO2. I just replaced that canister with a 60 ml gift canister from our DD from Bed, Bath & Beyond. No one near us, it seems, has the replacement 130 ml, but that's okay. We don't drink as much soda as when the kids or older grandkids were around more, but it is very handy. We take it camping because it is much easier to lug around bottles of syrup flavorings, and the Soda Stream is lightweight. I just bought a bottle of syrup from Sears for $4.99. That was about $1.00-$2.00 less than other stores. Of course, I'm sure if I stood in line for the doors to open this Black Friday we could have gotten it for $2.99. ;D No thank you!
Some ads say you can make wine spritzers too, but you have to keep in mind that only water should be fizzed, not straight wine or juice. I tried it anyway and the apple juice went all over the place! 😮
We do recommend this if your family drinks a lot of soda. You will save $$$ and the flavors are pretty close to what you would expect the brands to be.
[quote author=GA Judy link=topic=2088.msg18668#msg18668 date=1353719904]
You will save $$$ and the flavors are pretty close to what you would expect the brands to be.
chiefbowes: You can buy a sample pack (about $10) if you might like to test out the flavors. Perhaps you could by a SodaStream and try the sample packs. If you don't like the machine, you could probably return it.
I have been thinking about this thing also. Kathy & I looked at one a few months back, but it seems like the cost of (replacement) CO2 was very expensive for no more than they make.
If you all know where some economical CO2 is, please share. Realize this also, I dont have one, so I dont really know what Im looking at either.
I guess usage is the big factor, but no matter how much carbonated drinks you make, our SodaStream seems very economical. As mentioned above, our 130ml canister lasted a long time -- probably 8 to 10 bottles of syrup plus the dozen sample pack. Like the k-cup coffees, you make a small amount and it stays fresh. We also bought a 2-pack of the smaller bottles so we could have other flavors on hand.
Additionally, I am diabetic but can drink the non-diet kinds due to their very low sugar content - only 8 grams of sugar in an 8 ounce glass!
I have the original SodaStream maker back from when they had kiosks in the mall. I love it because I go from drinking a lot of soda, to almost never drinking and soda. If I buy a 12 pack of cans, I'll drink it because it's here. With the sodastream I drink soda when I want it, and it takes about 30 seconds to make. I don't have to plan in advance and pick it up at the store. I would definitely replace it if it broke!
It's great for family events, all I need is a variety pack, and there's something for everyone.
As for the flavors, they don't really taste like brand name, more like off brand. But I figure, that helps me drink a little less, and for the convenience, it's worth it. I like that the diet drinks don't use aspartame, so I never need to check for it. Also, there's an energy drink flavor too, I haven't tried it though.
I've only used one large CO2 container and two small, they last a long time!
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