soda stream

[mommy2twingles]

no the bottles are not dishwasher safe. I have been hand washing after each use

 

[lucyem]

We have had one for a year and really enjoy it. We keep a bottle of bubbly water in the fridge at all times. When we go to use it we just add everything to the cup to keep the bottles clean and everyone can choose their flavor.

We HATE the soda stream syrups. Tried them all in a multipack. It kind of became a joke with the kids as to which one was the nastiest.

We buy Torani syrups or just use juice. I am partial to the vanilla syrup myself. We can get the torani syrup in our food store but only in vanilla or sugar free vanilla. You can find better flavors and an amazing selection online. My husband also uses it to make ice cream sodas or chocolate sodas. The kids love it and like orange "soda" made with regular orange juice and the soda water.

The pros are that we can adjust the flavor and also the calorie level. Really helped get us off soda at home. Not to mention no HFCS.

The con is that we have to buy the CO2 cartridges. But they have them at Bed & Bath which is local to us. Plus I do know of people hooking them up to larger CO2 bottles.

It is certainly more expensive then soda but for us it is cheaper then the natural non-HFCS soda we like. And less calories really helps.

 

[mnasf]

Is there any place to buy CO2 cartridges online? What is a good price for them? thanks!

 

[niccikatie]

We looked at the Soda Stream. We ended up choosing the ISI Twist n Sparkle instead for a variety of reasons.

First, we wouldn't be locked into a proprietary CO2 cartridge. The twist just uses 8 gram CO2 seltzer chargers that can be bought at a variety of locations (I found the best buy on ebay) which are also directly recyclable. You don't have to buy their 'sparklets' which are more expensive (or at least not any cheaper) than any other 8 gram CO2 charger.

Second, it doesn't take up any counter space. We just have to store the bottles when not in use and the wand fits in a drawer.

Third, it's portable! It's fun to take with you and make drinks for others.

Fourth, it was less expensive both upfront and long term.

We don't use any pre-mixed syrups. We use crystal light, torani syrups, Mio and alcoholic beverages in ours. We have a blast using it and I'm very happy we purchased it!