I admit I have always coveted a SodaStream ever since I tried an earlier model at my parents’ house. However theirs seemed pretty big to me, and I live in a small apartment, where we’re supposed to subscribe to the rule about not owning single-purpose appliances (bread makers, panini presses) to cut back on clutter. But since becoming addicted to a different company’s fizzy water maker — until it fizzled out and was entirely discontinued — I leapt at the chance to try out the new SodaStream Power.
Oh, was it worth the wait.
The SodaStream Power is way sleeker than I was expecting, with a slim footprint perfect for smaller spaces and a nice modern design created by Yves Béhar. (What, Karim Rashid wasn’t available? Kidding.) But the looks aren’t the best part; you basically just fill a bottle, pop it into the machine, hit one of three buttons depending on how much fizz you like, and in about 6 seconds from start to finish — carbonated water.
Healthy, no-calorie carbonated water.
The other best part that surprised me, besides the speed — it’s so so quiet! As in, you could make water with a sleeping baby on your chest and totally not wake her.
Now, one caveat is you have to be sure the bottle gets up in there really tightly, or you could have a teeny trickle of leakage as the machine finishes its cycle. Not that that’s a huge deal; it is just water after all. Also, the reason it’s so fast and easy is that it runs on electricity. So basically, you’ll need a free plug nearby.
Of course all this awesomeness comes at a price. Pro tip: William-Sonoma sells the SodaStream Power at $149 with free shipping, but ignore their suggested price $180 claim which is total bull and I hate that. SodaStream’s own site suggests $149, so that’s the price.
If you want to save some money, the SodaStream Source might be more your cup of tea, and I found it as low as $91 on Amazon. It’s got a plastic construction that doesn’t look quite as premium to me if that matters to you. And it doesn’t run on electricity which is both a pro (no wires) and a con (more room for human error so your guests will inevitably screw something up).
As for me, I’m super happy with the SodaStream Power, and the ease of use means I’m getting way more use out of it than I ever would have thought. I am already wondering who I can buy one for as a gift.
To make things more fun, try out the drink recipes on the site, though I use real fruits and syrups and not the company’s own sparkling drink mixes. I actually have yet to try them — the reviews are all over the place — but I’m open to recommendations if you have any.
As for me, I’ve been blending with a touch of Torani syrup that we have around for coffee; and for something really delicious, I seriously recommend P&H Natural Soda Syrups which make the best ever homemade cream soda. But honestly, just play around with whatever you already have on hand, boozy or not.
Now as fun and convenient as it is, the SodaStream is definitely an indulgence. It’s not for those of you who only serve Pellegrino a few times a year when company comes over, or if you’re firmly committed to your diet-whatever of choice. But if you’re like us, drinking it every night with dinner or blending with orange juice for a DIY Orangina for the kids, it is pretty awesome and will save you a lot of money in the long run.
I even find I’m drinking more water overall, which is always a good thing.
Now if only it made paninis, too.
You can find the SodaStream Power shown here from Williams-Sonoma, or the SodaStream Source from Amazon, which are both affiliates. Find more info about accessories and other options at the SodaStream website. Thanks so much for the company for sending a unit to CMP for review consideration. We are toasting you right now.
Great review! I’ve been wanting a Soda Stream for some time. One big benefit I see (with all Soda Streams) is that you can use fluoridated tap water, which is recommended for kids to drink. My kids love “bubble water”, so I try to split 50/50 with tap water, to get some fluoride in there. Obviously there’s also the benefit of not buying plastic bottles (even if you recycle them)!
Great point Christina! We actually make it with tap water — then mix with whatever. OJ is definitely a fave.
Thanks for the review! I’ve been debating a soda steam for a while. I have a la croix addiction – drinking 2 or 3 cans a day and feel so bad about the waste. This might be what I need to break the habit…
I seriously seriously recommend it Sharon. (Well, if you can’t tell already.) Let me know what you think!
Why does no one ever discuss the price of the CO2 cartridges and the hassle of returning them or refills? That must contribute to the cost of each bottle of water.
Good question! I wrote this post more than 4 years ago and still love our SodaStream, and use it frequently. So let’s do the math.
You can return the used canisters and get new ones for about $15/ea at local supermarkets or big box stores the next time you shop. Each canister yields about 60 liters, which would ordinarily cost around $1 each (target prices) — saving you $45 for each canister you use. Even if you buy a 12-pack of seltzer it’s still $11, in which case you’re saving $40.
If you drink a whole bottle of SodaStream sparkling water a day, that means you don’t have to exchange it for at least 2 months. Keep 2-3 on hand like we do, and now you don’t have to exchange them more than twice a year.
So there’s money savings — and important to me — environmental savings, since we’re just refilling canisters of CO2 instead of generating waste from dozens or hundreds of plastic bottles a year.
I’ll admit the only minor hassle is when our local store is occassionally out of refills. Then we have to come back with the canisters next time we go shopping. Not a huge hassle for me. But it may be more difficult for you.