Least Expensive Way To Refill SodaStream W/CO2 ?

[arsbadmojo]

I tried using smashed dry ice to refill my Soda Stream tanks, but ultimately decided it wasn't worth it. I have 2 SodaStream machines; one at work and one at home. The home on I connect to the 20 gallon CO2 tank, and I was using the dry ice method for my work machine. I don't think I was getting the valve back on tight enough, because the tanks were only lasting me about 2 weeks with minimal use. I couldn't hear any gas leaking, but I'm betting that is what was happening. When you fill them with dry ice, the outside of the tank gets frozen condensation on it, and it was difficult to hold in a vice. So I bought an adapter for paintball tanks, and get those refilled at Dick's for about $4 and that works out better for me.

[JQ Public]

I just bought one of these at Costco a couple weekends ago.

2 questions...
1. How long does the cartridge normally last you?
2. What are your favorite flavors? I'm not much of of a fan of Diet soda. Are the Dr. Pepper knockoffs good?

[arsbadmojo]

Originally Posted by JQ Public

I just bought one of these at Costco a couple weekends ago.

2 questions...
1. How long does the cartridge normally last you?
2. What are your favorite flavors? I'm not much of of a fan of Diet soda. Are the Dr. Pepper knockoffs good?

1. That's a really hard question to answer. Depends on how often you use it and how much you charge each bottle, and of course on what size CO2 tank you're using. The company line is that the smaller 15 oz. bottle is supposed to make 60 liters of soda, and the larger one 130 liters. I never seem to get that many out of them, but then again I didn't exactly keep careful count, I charge them up like crazy, and it's been a long time since I used SodaStream's gas.

2. I think the 'Dr. Pete' flavors are some of the best of the bunch, both diet and regular. The "Sparkling Naturals" line uses cane sugar, and the Cola is absolutely on point. Expensive, but a nice treat.

Most of the time I just add a little lime wedge to my sparkling water.

[davidprtchrd]

Originally Posted by arsbadmojo

I can speak with some authority on the topic; some of the postings you've read are probably mine.

I did use an aftermarket adapter to connect my SodaStream machine to an external CO2 tank.

The same guy that sells the adapter also makes one that fits paintball canisters, but I went with the larger "CGA" type tanks.

I have 2 tanks; a 5 pound and a 20 pound. I bought the 20 pound one on Craigslist, and got the 5 lb one new.

Overall, it is a much cheaper solution; especially if your machine gets the use that mine does. I make 2 liters per day nearly every day.

There are some "gotchas". The tanks themselves need to be tested every...I want to say 5 years? The test runs about $25, but I've only found one place that does it, a fire extinguisher shop. They stamp the tank with a date. No stamp, no refill. Also, the adapter leaks pretty good, so I have to remember to shut off the valve completely or I'll end up with an empty tank. That has happened more than once. (Once only a few days after I had the tank refilled. Fortunately it was the 5 pound tank, but I was still very angry with myself)

I'm also now using genuine Diet Coke syrup; another kind of kludgey hack. The mix ratio is different than the SodaStream syrups, so it takes some doing; I have to pour out about 6.75 ounces of the charged water, then fill to the line with the real syrup. Soda Stream's Diet Cola isn't bad, there's no beating real fresh fountain Diet Coke.

Where do you get the real diet coke syrup from?