Soda Stream? (beer, restaurants, gourmet, cheap)

[TabulaRasa]

Originally Posted by fleetiebelle

Thanks for all the info, everyone! Sounds like most people don't regret their Soda Stream purchase.

To exchange canisters, you just take empties to the customer service desk at BB&B or Target or whatever, and they know what you're doing and sell you new ones?

I've gone to customer service for exchanging in both stores. Never an issue. They both sell the machines, so they're informed.

[TabulaRasa]

Originally Posted by Arkay66

Bo, you don't have to buy Soda Stream's flavorings.

Spousal Unit prefers to add Country Time Lemonade powder. Sister prefers to add Koolaid liquid drops. Mom puts instant tea in hers (go figure).

I like lime juice in mine.

Lots of cheaper alternatives to Soda Stream's flavorings.

Yeah, I don't use their syrups...or syrups in general.

[gguerra]

Originally Posted by SubieB4

I just got a SodaMod 12oz tank for my Source It's the largest I could fit but yeah it's food grade btw most people like the screw in bottle type they feel it holds pressure better.

I have the "Jet" model and it will hold a 24oz tank.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

I don't have a soda stream, but I've looked on Amazon and it seems there are many other companies that make equipment that does the exact same thing that cost a lot less to purchase,.

[blisterpeanuts]

Originally Posted by oregonwoodsmoke

I don't have a soda stream, but I've looked on Amazon and it seems there are many other companies that make equipment that does the exact same thing that cost a lot less to purchase,.

can you give an example? I looked on Amazon for "soda makers" and almost all of them are Soda Stream or clones (that are just as expensive).

[yellowsnow]

I have the Soda Stream Penguin. It uses glass bottles and I love it. I don't use their soda mixes. I found a cheap alternative. Those little SF flavor packets, they look like tubes, meant to be added to bottled water. I buy them at the dollar store. Crush, A&W, they are great!

[treeluvr]

I've been using my Soda Stream a couple times a week for about five years. I got tired of hauling in the seltzer bottles from the grocery store. I only put filtered water in my Soda Stream bottles. Be careful about continuing carbonation after light on unit shows full carbonation--could get an explosion.

After carbonation, I add flavors to the glass. Two favorites are True Citrus flavors and Flavor Essence unsweetened natural flavors--both available from Amazon or their own websites. Or, sometimes I add herbal tea. The Soda Stream flavors are meh.

[Arkay66]

treeluvr, you have a light on your unit??? We do not.

[harry chickpea]

I've used one for years. Before that I had a "Patriot" unit that did the same thing, but wasn't built as ruggedly as the SodaStream. I use distilled water in mine and I think I might have washed a bottle three months ago. The combination of distilled water, the CO2, and not adding anything else to the bottle keeps it clean. I drink it straight or mix 1/5 grape or grapefruit juice and 4/5 carbonated water in a glass, or an adult drink.

A tip if you like your water highly carbonated - chill the water as cold as you can (think time in the freezer) BEFORE adding the carbonation. Cold water holds more CO2. I keep a couple of litre tonic water bottles around and decant into those if I am going to be traveling. The mixer nozzles on some fast food soda machines can be nasty.

Seltzer is simple carbonated water. Differing taste comes from the mineral content of the water. Be aware that club soda is NOT seltzer, but has baking soda in it and a higher sodium content.

[TabulaRasa]

Originally Posted by Arkay66

treeluvr, you have a light on your unit??? We do not.

Not all models have the same bells and whistles.

I've had mine since 2012, and I don't know if it's even a model made anymore, but they all hold the same canisters.