SodaStream UK review: I tested out the cult-classic drinks maker now slashed by nearly 50%
THE SodaStream has stood the test of time, surviving over a century since its founding in 1903.
It’s come a long way since then — these days, sparkling water is just one of many perks offered by the sleek devices.
SodaStream Art, £139.99 £74.99 from Amazon
However, something that hasn’t improved over time is my ability to drink any more than a sip of tea a day.
So, in a bid to up my water intake by making it more interesting, I’ve decided to do a SodaStream review (with the added benefit that I could also use it to make cocktails).
I reviewed the sparkling water maker to see if it lives up to the hype, whether it’s worth the investment and if the novelty would help me to increase my abysmal water intake.
Pros
- Super easy set up
- One gas canister makes 60 litres of soda water
- You can decide how carbonated you want the water
- Money-saving investment
- Convenient for summer gatherings, BBQs, etc
- Helps you to stay on top of your water intake
Cons
- Slightly expensive when not on sale
Rating: 9.5/10
How I tested the SodaStream
SodaStream Art, £139.99 £74.99 from Amazon
I tested the SodaStream by assessing how easy it was to set up, and how convenient and cost-effective it is compared to bulk-buying sparkling water.
I evaluated the efficiency of creating different levels of carbonation and whether I could genuinely tell the difference when using it to make cocktails and other drinks.
At Sun Shopping, it’s our job to ensure we test everything thoroughly to provide a fair review, helping you to decide on purchases you’ve been pondering.
SodaStream review: Quickfire Q&A
How much is the SodaStream? On Amazon, the SodaStream Terra has been reduced from £109.99 to £57.11, a whopping 48% off, with the Art model slashed to £74.99. You can find further discounts on the SodaStream site.
Who’s it best for? Anyone looking to increase their water intake, or for regular hosts who continually end up buying soda water for parties or gatherings.
What we loved: How easy it was to set up! I took one look at the gas canister and panicked, but it was extremely simple to assemble. I also love that you can determine how fizzy you want your water by holding the lever down for more or less time.
What we didn’t I really struggled to think of a con — the only thing I can think of is that it can’t be packed away easily, but even then, it looks nice on a countertop and is far from an eyesore.
SodaStream review: The Nitty Gritty
First impressions
SodaStream Art, £139.99 £74.99 from Amazon
Straight off the bat, the SodaStream was extremely easy to set up and comes with a very simple, clearly laid-out instruction manual.
The machine itself feels lightweight but not cheap, and can easily be assembled by one person.
I lifted it straight out of the box, opened up the back compartment, took the cap off the carbonated canister and clicked it into place.
I then gave the bottle a little rinse, filled it with water up to the line, and inserted it into the front — and you’re ready to go!
Once everything is in place, I simply pulled the lever down to carbonate the water.
SodaStream Art, £139.99 £74.99 from Amazon
The lever can be held down for between one and five seconds to suit your carbonation preference.
This makes it ideal for parties or last-minute gatherings, as the whole process (from unboxing to carbonation) took quite literally minutes.
Does it deliver?
The SodaStream delivered on all fronts.
From price to easy assembly, the whole process was straightforward, and it even looks sleek on my countertop.
SodaStream Art, £139.99 £74.99 from Amazon
Most importantly, it did what I wanted it to do, which was to make me drink more water throughout the day, and my friends have commented on the SodaStream bottle now permanently planted by my side.
How much is the SodaStream?
There are various SodaStream models available.
The Art retails at £139.99 on Amazon but is currently on sale for £74.99.
The Terra model usally retails at £109.99 but has also been slashed by nearly 50% and is now £56.99 on Amazon.
In the long run, the SodaStream is an investment; one CO2 canister creates 60 litres of sparkling water and cashes in at £12.99, equating to 20p per litre.
Across major supermarket own brands, a bottle of soda water will set you back around 85p, working out at £51 per 60 litres compared to SodaStream’s £12.99.
At the higher end of the scale, one litre of Schweppes soda water from major supermarkets costs around £1.80, equating to £108 per 60 litres — more than eight times more expensive than SodaStream.
Where to buy a SodaStream
You can buy the SodaStream directly from the brand’s site, or alternatively it’s available at a range of retailers, including:
SodaStream has a sale on site at the moment and on top of this the brand is offering 10% off when you sign up to the newsletter, as well as an extra £5 off Art Bundles with code EXTRA 5.
SodaStream alternatives
There are several alternatives to the SodaStream.
If you’re interested in buying one, head over to The Sun’s Money team’s test of the best SodaStream rivals.
SodaStream review: The Verdict
The SodaStream has absolutely surpassed all of my expectations.
I thought it would end up as a novelty shoved to the back of my cupboards, but it’s become a firm part of my everyday life.
From cocktails and mixers to an ice-cold glass of sparkling water with lemon after a long sunny day, the SodaStream is a summer worktop essential.
From the easy set-up to long-term money saving, this is a must-have.
- SodaStream Art,
£139.99£74.99 from Amazon – buy here