Making carbonated water at home used to be a tedious chore reserved for people with a lot of time on their hands. You either had to buy a bulky, expensive machine from the store, or fiddle around with giant soda bottles and jars of yeast until you found a recipe that actually worked for you. Fortunately, however, thanks to the invention of the SodaStream seltzer maker in 1998, making your own bubbles is finally as easy as using any other appliance in your kitchen!
Nowadays there are tons of brands who have been inspired by the success Sodastream has seen. All these models vary widely from one another in terms of features and price point. In this article, we will explore the 6 best sodastream alternatives available in 2021.
Why should you consider a Sodastream Alternative?
While the Sodastream brand has certainly had its fair share of quality control issues, there are several reasons why you should consider purchasing a competing soda machine instead. The model line is quite expensive , while some alternatives are actually comparable in terms of features, or even superior in some cases.
– Soda stream is incompatible with 3rd party canisters
This soda maker is only compatible with their proprietary CO2 canisters. While these canisters are sold quite reasonably (and optionally refillable), they’re also not compatible with other brands like Nostalgia, iSi North America, Kalamera, FRIGIDAIRE, NewAir or Hawaiian Shaved Ice.
– Soda streams can be quite costly
While some Sodastream alternatives may be a bit pricier, they’re still cheaper than their competitors, especially considering that they’re more feature-rich as well. This is particularly true if you plan on making a lot of seltzer at home. The model line ranges from relatively affordable (~$50) to quite pricey (~$90).
– SodaStream has had some quality control issues
While Sodastream is still a good brand overall, some models have had some quality control issues. The most notable of these problems includes the SodaStream Jet , which can be quite difficult to clean thoroughly. There are also reports of faulty CO2 cartridges that do not work properly or leak after use, though this problem seems to have been fixed on the newer models. While this is not necessarily a problem with all soda machines on the market, it’s definitely something you should consider when looking for a new device.
What can you use instead of SodaStream?
1. DrinkMate Sparkling Water and Soda Maker
The DrinkMate Sparkling Water Maker is a pretty decent alternative to the SodaStream model line. It’s basically an upgraded version of the classic SodaStream setup, featuring a larger 1L bottle that can hold more carbonated water. One of its more attractive features is how you can easily remove the set up from the CO2 bottle, allowing you to take it with you on the go. The only downside is that you have to separately purchase a CO2 tank due to how specific it is, but overall it’s still a pretty solid soda maker.
This unit is not as fully-featured as SodaStream machines, but it can still make pretty decent seltzer. It’s also a good choice for those who want to try out making soda at home for the first time.
2. iSi Classic MeshSodamaker
This is the most compact soda machine on our list, but it still manages to make some pretty good seltzer. The unit can create approximately 60 bottles of soda per fill, meaning it ‘s a good choice for those who plan on making a lot of soda on a regular basis.
Some of the more notable features include its ability to make concentrates for free by using water and syrup bottles. It also comes with numerous recipes you can choose from, making it quite easy to get your hands on some tasty seltzer.
The biggest downside is the fact that it’s an all-in-one package – while some people prefer this method, others prefer more flexibility and control over their juice fizzing experience. Still, for those who want to try out making soda at home without having to spend too much money, this is definitely a solid choice!
3. Spärkel Beverage System
With 5 levels of carbonation, the Spärkel is a pretty versatile seltzer maker that has a wide variety of uses. It also comes with a calibration feature to ensure you’re making the optimal amount of CO2, as well as a regulator for those who want to use it as a soda gun. This machine is best suited for those who plan on making their own carbonated drink syrups or juices, as well as those who want to use it as a soda gun at their restaurant or bar.
One area it really stands out in is its ability to produce smooth and creamy foam , which makes it quite popular among baristas and coffee shops.
It works either with concentrates or syrups , comes with an inspection tube to make sure everything’s working correctly, and is compatible with both white and brown sugar.
4. Aarke Carbonator III Premium Sparkling Water Maker
The Aarke Carbonator III is a pretty solid all-in-one soda maker that can make a lot of difference if you’re looking to make some seltzer at home. It’s easy to use, has a wide variety of functions, and doesn’t need any special knowledge or skills to operate.
One of the more notable things about this machine is its automatic CO2 release feature which lets you know how much gas you have left in the bottle thanks to an indicator light on the front. This makes it one of the more convenient models that we’ve included on our list.
It has an easy-to-use nozzle, as well as a simple mechanism for removing and changing CO2 bottles . It also comes with added features like a water filtering system to ensure your seltzer is pure and all-natural.
How long does a C02 cartridge last in a SodaStream?
The canisters that SodaStream uses can effectively carbonate water for between 100 and 150 servings. This means that a cartridge can last anywhere from six to twelve weeks.
That being said, it’s important to note that the CO2 bottles used by SodaStream are not as efficient as those from other manufacturers. While there is no built-in gauge for this device to indicate when the CO2 bottle is empty, you can try shaking the canister to see if there’s still CO2 inside. If it’s hard to hear the soda gas pouring into the bottle, then it’s almost empty.
As long as you’re careful with your SodaStream machine, it can last for years .
drinkmate vs sodastream and its alternatives
SodaStream vs DrinkMate Sparkling Water Maker
We’re starting off with some pretty strong competition – the SodaStream soda makers can generally make better seltzer than the DrinkMate Sparkling Water Maker. It’s also slightly more convenient, although it does require you to use pre-made syrup bottles instead of buying simple flavorings for your beverages.
Another area where SodaStream excels is in its cleaning capabilities , as it has fewer parts that need cleaning compared to its competitors. You don’t even have to clean the carbonator between uses if you’re using flavoring that comes in sealable bottles like juices and concentrates.
SodaStream vs iSi Soda Siphon
When it comes to SodaStream alternatives, the iSi Soda Siphon is the machine that can effectively replace this product line. It’s a tad more expensive than SodaStream, but it’s also more efficient and doesn’t require any additional cleaning.
SodaStream vs Aarke Carbonator III Premium Sparkling Water Maker
This is another case where we have a pretty powerful alternative to the SodaStream soda maker. The Aarke Carbonator III Premium Sparkling Water Maker is extremely convenient and easy-to-use, although some people might find its lack of variety in terms of carbonation levels a bit of a problem.
It’s also a bit more expensive than the SodaStream, but it has an easy-to-use nozzle and cleaning system that makes it quite popular among baristas and other people who want to carbonate drinks.
SodaStream vs Spärkel Beverage System
Finally, we have to give our Best Best SodaStream Competitor Award to the Spärkel Beverage System. It’s a bit more expensive than the SodaStream, but it comes with almost as many features as the SodaStream and costs less. It also works with syrups as well as concentrates, so its versatility is on par with that of the SodaStream.
How much money will I save by making my own soda?
This is perhaps one of the biggest reasons why people decide to purchase a soda maker. While it’s true that SodaStream can be quite pricy, you’ll probably end up saving a lot of money in the long term. This is especially true for those who make a lot of carbonated drinks at home – while a Sodastream model may only cost around $50, its CO2 refills cost more than twice that amount.
The more informed you are about how much your canisters are going to cost, the more you’re going to end up saving in the long run. If you can save a couple hundred dollars of soda before making your next purchase, then the SodaStream is probably the way to go.
The Bottom Line
Sodastream alternatives aren’t going to give you the same powerful carbonation system, but they do have a number of advantages when it comes to convenience and user experience. In the end, it depends on what you’re looking for in a soda maker. Some people want something that is easy-to-use and doesn’t require much knowledge from them in order to operate, while others want a machine that can make drinks with few problems.
In terms of SodaStream alternatives, none of the machines listed above give you all the features of SodaStream at half the price, but there are plenty of cheaper options out there that do give you the same time-saving convenience. If your main concern is your wallet’s happiness, then look into one of these machines.
You’ll probably notice a couple of minor issues with the SodaStream and the competition – they’re not exactly as convenient as the SodaStream when it comes to bottle usage, but they’re much more efficient in terms of carbonation level
Purefizz Soda Maker
Mastrad produces an excellent product that crares healthy soda and juice drinks that will do wonders for your health and create a refreshing treat. Purefizz is a marvelous machine that makes these products. All you need to do is pour natural fruit juices, water, or sparkling water over the dry ice compartment to make coffee flavored drinks like strawberry margaritas, or orange cream soda. The mixture freezes quickly in the canister at minus 40ºC (minus 38°F) and then enters the carbonator which creates fizz instantly.
This device is an excellent addition to any kitchen counter top. It is the perfect solution for blending healthy drinks for the family after work or school. It can also be used during parties, BBQs, tailgating events, or even at home to create delicious drinks for you and your family.
This soda maker is made of polypropylene which makes it sturdy and strong enough for everyday use without worry about breaking it. To give it an added touch of elegance, Mastrad created Purefizz with stainless steel that gives it a modern sleek look that would fit in well with any kitchen decor scheme or color scheme.
Mastrad has designed this machine to be very simple to use. You simply pour the juice, water, or sparkling water into the machine along with ice cubes and fruit slices for flavors like vanilla, peach, cherry, strawberry, raspberry, grapefruit, orange cream soda , banana split , coffee flavored drinks , and more. The machine will begin creating fizz instantly creating the perfect game day beverage .
The container is made of stainless steel so it can be enjoyed multiple times before replacing. The carbonator will create fizz within seconds creating your delicious beverages quickly and easily!
Purefizz is definitely worth its value.
