For sugar-loving soda pop enthusiasts, soda machines can be a lifesaver. Making your own fizzy drink with less sugar can reduce the chances of diabetes and ensure you don’t put on too much weight. With one of these machines in your home, you’ll also never have to pay those extortionate Coca-Cola or Pepsi prices again.
However, not all soda makers are created equally, so what is the right one for you? Read our buyers guide below to get some useful tips on how to choose your perfect soda machine.
What is a soda maker?
A soda maker is a home appliance used for carbonating water. To create the desired effect, most devices use carbon dioxide from a pressurized cartridge.
Despite their rise to prominence in recent years, soda makers are much older than you may think, becoming commercially available at the beginning of the 20th century. The first drinkable glass of manmade soda water was actually produced in 1767. This was produced by suspending water above a beer vat in a brewery in Leeds. In 1783 the Schweppes company started selling fizzy drinks commercially.
The first soda maker for home use was sold in 1903. They became very popular in the 1920s before falling out of fashion. Eventually, they resurfaced in the 90s due to clever marketing aimed at teenage girls.
Why do you need a soda maker?
There are many reasons to buy one of these versatile devices. You can impress your friends with homemade spritzers. You can also improve your health and save some money in the process. Here are just a few of the many benefits of buying a soda maker.
Better for the environment
A soda maker allows you to reuse a cleanable bottle. Buying pre-made soda from a store equates to buying a lot of unnecessary plastic. You should also think about the sheer pollution produced by the transportation of all those bottles and what such a large-scale operation is doing for the environment.
They're a lot of fun
Making different sodas is a fun activity for all the family to enjoy. You can enjoy coming up with new mocktail recipes with your children, or simply create your own tonic for a homemade G&T.
Healthier than other sodas
Many store-bought sodas are filled with sugar and sweeteners. You can reduce your intake of these by choosing how to flavor your soda water with healthy alternatives. Adding natural fruit juices and herbs to your soda water is a much healthier option. Reducing sugar intake can lead to healthier teeth, clearer skin, and weight loss.
You can control the amount of fizz
If you find regular fizzy drinks a bit too fizzy for you, you can control the amount of fizz with a soda maker.
They allow for creativity
Soda makers are great if you want to make innovative new flavors and drinks recipes. You still always have the option to use readily available pre-bought syrups, but you could also try throwing out the rule book and come up with a mad concoction of your own.
Things to consider before buying a soda maker
There are a number of factors you may wish to consider before picking a soda maker. Every soda maker is different from the last. With so many variables, it’s easy to get confused. Follow our advice and you should be able to make an informed decision and come away with a soda maker which is right for your individual needs.
AirCharge two-stage pressure release valve
Choosing a soda maker with a two-stage pressure release valve allows for easy fusing of flavors. These soda makers can mix the flavors whilst inside the bottle so you do not lose any fizz.
Wide-opening bottle
If the bottle of the soda maker is wide, it enables you to add fruit or herbs to your fizzy drink. Of course, you can always add the ingredients after carbonating the water, but the flavors will blend better if you can do it in the soda bottle itself.
Recipe book
Some soda makers come with a free recipe book— perfect if you want to get adventurous with flavors. You can use this as a guide or a jumping-off point, especially if you like to get a little bit crazy in the kitchen.
Gas cylinders
Some designs of soda makers require you to buy gas cylinders separately. If choosing a design with separate gas cylinders, make sure they are easy to buy. Obviously, you will also need to incorporate this into your budget.
Power source
Most soda makers do not use electricity or batteries. Smaller models that are enough for one water bottle will often use CO2 cartridges. It is a good idea to make sure you have access to more cartridges before you buy a soda maker that uses them. You can usually find these CO2 cartridges in the same place you bought your soda maker.
Ease of use
Some soda makers are more complicated than others. Look for a design that is simple to use, especially if you are something of a technophobe. There are several designs of soda makers that only require you to push a single button for your soda water.
Easy to clean
You will want to buy a design of soda maker that allows you to easily clean the bottle. Look for wide-top bottles and easy-to-remove lids.
Color
Some soda makers come in a variety of colors to perfectly match your kitchen decor. Take some time to find a soda maker which will fit right in with your other kitchen appliances.
Levels of fizz
Some soda makers offer only one level of fizz. However, there are a variety of models which let you choose your own level of fizz. If you have tried a soda maker in the past and found it too gassy for your tastes, an adjustable fizz option is something you should consider.
Soda maker price range
Believe it or not, a soda maker can cost you between $35 and $1000. If you are buying your first soda maker, you may aim to spend about $100. This will ensure you get a decent all-around product with a variety of features.
Soda Maker FAQ
Q. What are some brands of soda makers?
A. Some of the most popular soda maker brands include Sodastream, Drinkmate, and Levivo. However, there are plenty of other brands that provide consistent, high-quality machines.
Q. How many drinks will a CO2 canister produce in my soda maker?
A. On average, a CO2 canister will produce around 130 liters of water. That equates to about 520 glasses of water. Of course, this is dependent on how fizzy you chose to make your drink.