SodaStream carbonator review – it’s the original but is it the best carbonator?

SODASTREAM is what people usually call all machines that make water fizzy. However, there's only one real SodaStream out there.

SodaStream is the original carbonator, becoming popular in the 1970s and 1980s when consumers would add Coca-Cola syrup to their fizzed water.

I tested out SodaStream's Spirit carbonator to see if it lives up to the TikTok hype.

The Sodastream Spirit was tested in March 2021 and at the time of writing, it was available to purchase, however, it's now been updated to the .

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Shop Sodastream from £79.99

Pros

• Smooth, quiet and easy carbonating experience
• Portable
• Comes with a carbonating cylinder
• Options of Red, Black, White and Icy Blue
• Reasonable price
• Doesn't make a horrible deflating sound like other carbonators

Cons

• Only compatible with water
• Have to press the carbonating button down multiple times for good fizz

SodaStream review: quick summary

As SodaStream is one of the more affordable designs on the market, I was expecting a cheap-looking carbonation, but the SodaStream Spirit Machine looks good in the kitchen, even if it is quite basic and lightweight.

The cartoon instructions in the machine's booklet look relatively straightforward. I'd already used a carbonator, though, so I had a rough idea of how to get started. The easiest part of is that you don't have to twist or click the water bottle into the machine. It just slides in at a right angle.

Once I had fitted in the SodaStream CO2 cylinder, I filled the bottle with water and followed the fizzing instructions on top of the machine—you only press the button for two seconds at a time, which avoids the disconcerting deflating sound that comes with other carbonators.

Upon first use, I only pressed the button down for two seconds twice, but that wasn't enough for properly fizzy water, so I tried again, pushing the button down about six times, which gave us a refreshing level of bubbles.

Compared to your average carbonator, the SodaStream Spirit Machine is really quiet. You can't even hear the CO2 being released when you detach your bottle from the machine.

Another plus is that it comes with its own branded CO2 cylinders, so you don't have to order anything separately, saving you time and money.

My favourite part? Adding one of SodaStream's delicious flavours to our water once it had fizzed. The Lemon Lime sparkling drink is refreshing, and sweet and tastes just like a lemonade and lime cordial, only with much less sugar.

If you're a fizzy drink fanatic and on a budget, a SodaStream could be your best bet.

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How do you use SodaStream?

If the cartoon graphic instructions aren't clear enough for you, listen up. First, you take off the back of the machine by lifting it. Then you remove the plastic and lid from the top of the carbonating cylinder before twisting it into place on the back.

After putting the back onto the machine, all you need to do is fill up the water bottle provided and lift the bottle connection on the machine at an angle, to then place the bottle in and put it back. Easy.

Then comes the fun part: making your water fizzy! There are simple instructions on top of the machine, telling you to press the button for two seconds at a time. The more you press it, the fizzier your water. There's nothing else to it.

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Is SodaStream healthy?

Other than maybe giving you hiccups if you guzzle it too quickly, sparkling water is not bad for you. Some research shows that it can even help with constipation and suppress hunger, which is great if you're trying not to ruin your dinner but your tummy's rumbling.

SodaStream also offers flavours like mango, kombucha, lemonade, soda press, and diet cola, all of which are marketed as healthier alternatives to excessively sugary soda.

None of SodaStream's range has artificial flavourings; most are naturally flavoured or organic and have less sugar than classic ready-made fizzy drinks.

Unlike their stock of sweeter-than-sweet syrups from the '70s and '80s, SodaStream is striving for healthy beverages.

What cannisters are compatible with SodaStream?

Fortunately, offers their own carbonating cylinders, literally made for their machines, although there are other canisters which can work just as well.

Drinkmate cylinders are also compatible with SodaStream, and available at around a similar price. The canisters you'll want to look for are those which are 60L/425g/14.oz size.

SodaStream currently pays for you to return any empty cylinder using their exchange service; when you buy new cylinders, the delivery person will bring you a label to return your used ones via DPD.

Where can I buy SodaStream in the UK?

Of course, SodaStream is still widely available to buy from many retailers across the UK. However, remember, the SodaStream Spirit is now discontinued, and the company has since upgraded it to the .

So while you're unlikely to find the Spirit without some serious digging skills, you'll come across the Terra fairly easily. We've even rounded up a quick list to help you get your fizz on.

Here's where you can buy SodaStream Machines:

• SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water Maker, £59.99 from Currys PC World -
• SodaStream Terra - Black, £110 from Argos -
• SodaStream Spirit One Touch, £126.99 from Amazon -

Is there an alternative to SodaStream?

Yes, there are many alternatives to the hugely popular SodaStream, even though many of us might not realise that since we refer to everything that adds fizz to your drinks as a SodaStream.

Just remember they're called drinks carbonators. You'll find many choices from Aarke, Drinkmate, and ProCook.

Have you enjoyed our SodaStream review? We've also got a Drinkmate carbonator review, so you can compare products before making a purchase.