Showing posts with label homemade soda water. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homemade soda water. Show all posts

8/02/2012

SodaStream Home Soda Maker Kit Review

SodaStream Home Soda Maker Kit
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
My husband and I were avid drinkers of Perrier, San Pelligrino, etc. We heard about the home water carbonators and did our research before purchasing the SodaStream. It was the best price and had a convenient exchange program for the CO2 cartridges. It's so easy and convenient - we fill the bottles with filtered water, carbonate, and refrigerate. I truly believe a kid could do it. We bought a package deal that came with some soda and natural fruit flavors. I don't know about the soda flavors (we don't drink soda), but the all natural lemon-lime and orange flavors are great. We are saving so much money and so much hassle not having to buy and haul bottles of water home, it's amazing. Not to mention, how much it lessens our environmental impact! If you are a carbonated water addict like me, I highly recommend this product!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: SodaStream Home Soda Maker Kit



Buy NowGet 15% OFF

Click here for more information about SodaStream Home Soda Maker Kit

Read More...

6/13/2012

Sodastream Genesis Starter Kit Review

Sodastream Genesis Starter Kit
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
What a fun way to make your own sparkling water or flavored soda! I first saw these types of machines while an exchange student in Germany 12 years ago. I loved my host family's soda machine, and even contemplated buying one back then. I figured at the time that I would have trouble finding a way to refill the CO2 tank, so I ended up not buying one. Now that I finally have one, I truly love it. The machine is very easy to use, and kind of fun too. Now I drink sparkling water whenever I want, or add it to fruit juice to give it a little fizz. I don't buy soda at the store anymore, I enjoy making it at home too much! I'm very happy with this product and would recommend it to anyone.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sodastream Genesis Starter Kit

Offering a modern slim-line design that's a great choice for smaller kitchens, the SodaStream Genesis features an automatic access gas release mechanism, customized carbonation level, and easy-to-clean drip tray. And with this SodaStream Genesis Starter Kit, you've got everything you need to turn tap water into sparkling water in 30 seconds--saving you money as well as helping you stay environmentally friendly. This black/silver SodaStream Genesis soda maker comes with two BPA-free plastic 1-liter bottles and one CO2 cylinder that will make up to 60 liters of sparkling water. With no batteries or electricity, you can use your soda maker in your kitchen, outdoors on your patio or deck, or on your boat or R.V.
In addition to making fizzy water, SodaStream also offers more than 25 regular, diet, energy and caffeine-free flavors of syrup (sold separately). Each 500ml soda mix bottle makes the equivalent of 12 liters of soda (about 33 cans). And with over 25 flavors, the possibilities for creative beverages are limited only by your imagination. How about a Creamsicle (Orange and Cream Soda), or a Japanese Beetle (Ginger Ale and Lemon-Lime)? The regular soda mixes contain no high fructose corn syrup, while the diet soda mixes contain no aspartame.
The benefits of the SodaStream drinks maker, compared to ready made bottled drinks:
Provides an endless supply of sparkling water, freshly made from tap water in just a few seconds.
No more need to buy, carry or store large quantities of heavy and bulky bottles.
A wide variety of flavors are produced by SodaStream.
The ability to make sparkling water as strong or as weak as one likes, makes the machine an ideal solution for the family's entire sparkling beverage needs.
The Genesis soda maker carbonates water in a BPA-free, reusable one-liter bottle in less than 30 seconds, without electricity or batteries, and with no clean-up. After loading the carbonator into the soda-maker, fill the bottle with regular tap or filtered water and place it in the soda maker. Just pump the button a few times to add the fizz and in seconds you will have a liter of fresh, tasty soda or sparkling water in a resealable bottle that stores compactly in your fridge.
Each BPA-free carbonating bottle has a lifespan of 3 years and is not made with any polycarbonate materials or substances that produce phthalates or PCBs. Each bottle includes a special hermetic sealing cap that keeps drinks fresh and fizzy much longer than store-bought bottles. SodaStream bottles are specially designed for high-pressure resistance and are the only bottles that can be used with SodaStream soda makers.
When the CO2 carbonator is empty, you can visit the SodaStream web site to purchase a new CO2 cylinder as well as set up a cylinder exchange, which helps to eliminate waste. SodaStream collects your empty cylinder and returns it to our filling facility where it's cleaned, inspected and refilled.
The SodaStream Genesis measures 16.4 by 8 by 5.2 inches (HxWxD) and weighs 3.66 pounds.
How Does SodaStream Help the Environment? SodaStream is an "Active Green" company, meaning that consumers actively minimize their CO2 footprint when using the SodaStream system. The more the system is used on a daily basis, the more CO2 footprint the user actively saves. This differs from "Passive Green" brands, which use green-friendly production processes, but their products are not inherently helping you save on your daily footprint.
Because SodaStream uses water straight from the tap, the system makes traditional store-bought beverage bottles obsolete. That means, less plastic manufactured, less plastic waste and less transport of bottled beverages. Globally, 206 billion liters of bottled water were consumed in 2008 (Zenith International Global Bottled Water Report, 2008), and the energy required to make water bottles just in the US is equivalent to 17 million barrels of oil (Container Recycling Institute, 2002).
A family of four could slash their home soft-drink-related packaging usage by over 90 percent simply by using a SodaStream soda maker, and SodaStream's plastic carbonating bottles are reusable for up to three years. A typical American will toss away over 1500 aluminum cans (and/or hundreds of plastic 2-liter bottles) over three years, while a SodaStream owner will use just one or two reusable carbonating bottles or carafes that come with the home soda maker.
Operating without batteries or electricity, SodaStream home soda makers are highly energy-efficient small appliances. Appliances that work without electricity improve the environment by cutting down on the emissions generated by electrical plants, giving us cleaner air and ground water.
By operating completely on power supplied by the compressed air in the carbonator--an easily renewable fuel source--SodaStream does not contribute to environmental pollution made by batteries. Empty carbonators are returned to SodaStream to be cleaned, inspected and refilled with CO2 drawn naturally from the air. Carbonators are reusable as long as they remain in good condition.
Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I carbonate drinks other than water? No. Only water should be carbonated in the SodaStream home soda maker. You risk damaging your soda maker, not to mention making a big fizzy mess. The money-back guarantee and the warranty are both invalidated if you carbonate any liquid other than water in your soda maker.
Why does the carbonating bottle have an expiration date? Since the bottle has to withstand recurring pressure from carbonation, it cannot be used forever. The expiration date on the bottle must be checked and new bottles purchased as soon as the former expires. The bottles must also be replaced if put in the dishwasher, exposed to a heat source, or if they have become scratched. All components of carbonating bottles are recyclable. Check with your local recycling authority for more information.
How do I clean my carbonating bottles? Carbonating bottles may be cleaned in warm water with a bottle brush and regular dish-washing liquid if necessary. Please do not place carbonating bottles in the dishwasher, as exposure to extreme heat can weaken the integrity of the bottles. Bottles stay cleanest when rinsed and then immediately filled with fresh water and returned to your refrigerator. Plus, you'll always have cold water on hand when you're ready for your next bottle of soda.
How long does the soda last before going flat? The hermetic seal on the cap keeps your soda from going flat as quickly as ordinary store-bought beverages. If you make sure to close the cap tightly, and keep the bottle in the refrigerator, your SodaStream soda should remain fizzy and fresh for over a week.
How often will I have to replace my carbonator? On average, the carbonator will make 60 liters of soda, and this number could be more or less depending on the amount of carbonation used when making your drink. A household of four soda drinkers might need to replace a 60-liter carbonator every 6-8 weeks, depending on usage.
Are SodaStream products kosher? SodaStream products are kosher (OU) certified (OU kosher certificate). SodaStream seltzer is kosher for Passover (OUP). Also, please note that your home drink smaker can be used on the Sabbath.

Buy NowGet 11% OFF

Click here for more information about Sodastream Genesis Starter Kit

Read More...

5/18/2012

iSi Soda Siphon Review

iSi Soda Siphon
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Sometime last year I got fed up with buying sparkling water in glass or plastic bottles and then tossing out the empties. Although I recycled, I just couldn't justify the resource-intensive packaging of a single-use product like that. Not to mention the carbon footprint of a product shipped from someplace like Italy.
So I did my research, bought this soda syphon, and I LOVE IT! It totally gets the job done. It's best to start with pre-chilled water, then shake it vigorously after you've discharged the gas cartridge, then put it back in the fridge for about an hour before drinking. All these steps help the water to absorb more gas and make for fizzier soda.
I use filtered water from my tap filter (of course, no bottled water here...that would kind of defeat the purpose) and it tastes fabulous plain, mixed with fruit juices, or with just a squeeze of lemon or lime. Lasts for a few days in the fridge. Sure the fizziness decreases with time, but so would bottled soda water, so what would you expect?
Since buying this model I've also bought the larger version because it makes a bit more...good for dinner parties or cocktails.
I even ran the numbers once, and figured that with the cost of the steel CO2 cartridge (which you should and can recycle) you'll end up paying about .50 a liter. So GO FOR IT! You'll be saving financial resources AND natural resources and it's just the right thing to do.

Click Here to see more reviews about: iSi Soda Siphon


Save money on buying carbonated soda water--as well as stay green without all the added plastic bottles--with the Austrian-made iSi Soda Siphon, which offers an elegant complement to your kitchen or bar with its shiny black hue. Great for Italian Sodas, spritzers with wine or juice, the Soda Siphon features a removable measuring tube for easy cleaning and to prevent overfilling. A secure neck threading and a pressure-regulating system provide maximum safety. It comes with a CO2 soda charger that makes approximately 32 ounces of soda water, and additional CO2 chargers are available for refills. The bottle stores comfortably in the refrigerator when filled.


Buy NowGet 36% OFF

Click here for more information about iSi Soda Siphon

Read More...

3/19/2012

Jet Black Home Soda Maker Review

Jet Black Home Soda Maker
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Ok, I bought this not realizing how wonderful it could be. My motivation for getting it was to cut back on all the plastic bottles of soda water I'd purchase, use once and recycle. Didn't sit well with my eath loving sensibilities. What I've come to love is the tasty fruit sodas that I've been able to create. I make a a simple syrup with sugar, fruit juice and a bit of water, and then add a few tablespoons to the sodastream carbonated water and it's super yummy. There no horrible chemicals like in the commercial products, my kids aren't "depriived" any more, and no massive amout of plastic bottles to recycle. This is a purchase that I feel I've gotten my money's worth for sure.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jet Black Home Soda Maker



Buy NowGet 5% OFF

Click here for more information about Jet Black Home Soda Maker

Read More...

12/17/2011

iSi 2248 Soda Siphon, Brushed Aluminum Review

iSi 2248 Soda Siphon, Brushed Aluminum
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Since there's so much discussion - both good and bad - regarding this product, I thought I'd put in my 2 cents...
Yes, I really like this item...but I was initially so-so until I figured out the right method to make the water as fizzy as possible.
Like others, I was initially dismayed about the quality of the fizz, however after about 20 CO2 cartridges worth of trial and error, I think I've figured out the best possible method to make the water very fizzy:
1. Use cold water. Yes... I know, everyone has been suggesting this...but seriously, this really makes a difference. I'm not talking about cool water here... the water needs to be COLD. And the secret trick that no one really seems to be talking about here is that the cold water needs to be poured into a chilled siphon! Before first use, put the empty metal siphon in the freezer to get it nice and chilled. After that, every new batch will stay cold since you'll be storing the siphon in the fridge before refreshing it.
2. after dispensing the (single) CO2 cartridge into the water, SHAKE THE CANISTER VIGOROUSLY 20 TIMES BEFORE PUTTING IT INTO THE FRIDGE. The instructions suggest shaking it 5 times. I found 20 works alot better
3. keep it in the fridge for at least an hour before dispensing for the first time.
By following the steps above, you should get a premium-level output. Sure, its not going to be ultra fizzy like the artificially charged soda can drinks, but the seltzer water is of surprising quality when following these directions.
Lastly, I wanted to make a few additional comments about this product that haven't been discussed too much in the other reviews:
1. The siphon is of high quality. It's very solidly built.
2. It's made in Austria, not China like many of the knockoffs here on Amazon and Ebay
3. This is actually a very cost-effective way of making soda water if you purchase the co2 in bulk. I bought a 100-pack of chargers here for about 34 bucks... making the cost per quart 34cents!
4. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY THE ISI CARTRIDGES! ANY 8 GRAM "FOOD-GRADE" CO2 CARTRIDGES WILL WORK PERFECTLY INCLUDING NTG, MOSA AND THE WHIPIT BRAND (CO2 NOT NO2!!)
Hope this helps some of you on the fence about this product.

Click Here to see more reviews about: iSi 2248 Soda Siphon, Brushed Aluminum

Save money on buying carbonated soda water--as well as stay green without all the added plastic bottles--with the Austrian-made iSi Soda Siphon, which offers a timeless elegance with its brushed aluminum finish. Great for Italian Sodas, spritzers with wine or juice, the Soda Siphon features a removable measuring tube for easy cleaning and to prevent overfilling. A secure neck threading and a pressure-regulating system provide maximum safety. It comes with a CO2 soda charger that makes approximately 32 ounces of soda water, and additional CO2 chargers are available for refills. The bottle stores comfortably in the refrigerator when filled.

Buy NowGet 36% OFF

Click here for more information about iSi 2248 Soda Siphon, Brushed Aluminum

Read More...