Item: SodaStream Source
Price: about $150
Overall Impression: An elegant redesign of the iconic home soda maker.
In my household, we've been SodaStream users for years, first with the Pure model and then the Fizz. Although these home carbonators have been very functional for making sparkling water and soda, I've never really loved SodaStream's product design. That is, until designer Yves Béhar got involved.
The Review
Characteristics and Specs: Snap-lock bottle mechanism locks the 1-liter, BPA-free carbonating bottle into place with a single-push motion. LED indicator displays carbonation level (mild, medium, or high fizz). Uses 60L carbonators. Available in white, black, red, blue, metal and non-metal finishes. Dimensions are approximately 9 x 5 x 18 inches. Made in Israel.
Favorite details: It's easy to snap bottles in and out, and the beautiful design makes this one gadget I'm happy to leave out on the counter.
Potential problems: Not everyone will enjoy the high-pitched sound.
Splurge-worthy? Yes, if you drink a lot of carbonated water and/or soda.
Good for small kitchens? The Source is not tiny, but it does have an uncluttered look that can help in a small space. It's also not heavy; if you don't have a permanent place for it, it's easy to move it around.
I've had my eye on the Yves Béhar-designed SodaStream Source ever since it was announced last spring. Visually, I love it; it's clean, modern, and despite being mostly plastic, it doesn't look cheap. This particular Source has a metal finish, which is a sophisticated touch.
Behar's clever redesign has a new mechanism so that bottles can be quickly snapped and locked into place rather than screwed in and out. Operating the machine is clean and easy, as you simply press down on the top/front portion -- no levers or buttons. An LED indicator for controlling carbonation level is not an entirely new feature, but the Sources's graphic droplets are much more attractive than the indicator on the Fizz.
When carbonating, most SodaStream models make a loud buzz (as if they, ahem, ate too many beans), which often elicits giggles from guests. Whether this is better or worse, I don't know, but the Source instead makes a high-pitched noise that my partner likened to a banshee scream. (Elsewhere I saw it compared to an unpleasant tea kettle.) I'll continue to happily use the Source, and am very impressed with it otherwise, but thought this did bear mentioning.
→ Find it: SodaStream Source - Metal Edition - White, $149.95 at Amazon
Related: SodaStream Fizz Home Drinks Maker
Apartment Therapy Media makes every effort to test and review products fairly and transparently. The views expressed in this review are the personal views of the reviewer and this particular product review was not sponsored or paid for in any way by the manufacturer or an agent working on their behalf. However, the manufacturer did give us the product for testing and review purposes.
(Images: 1-4. Emily Ho; 5. SodaStream)
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The only problem with SodaStream is the cost of replacement canisters. The concept is great, and we love it, but the cost of replacement carbonators is a bit much.
I use an adapter: http://imgur.com/A4ng9
Refilling a 20oz canister costs around $4.00, compared to the 14.5oz carbonator from SodaStream which costs around $15.00.
Not to get political, but there are protests against SodaStream because it is made in what is considered illegal settlements. Doing some research, I find it is ethically questionable to use.
Jeez, I've had my SodaStream for a few years and never knew they were built on stolen land or I never would have supported the company. I guess it's a good thing I use it once in a blue moon, since now that I know more about the company I know to look elsewhere for a replacement canister (like @physical's solution above).
I'm with Daigan. I would have purchased one except for the fact that it is made in an illegal settlement in the occupied West Bank. I stand with the human rights organizations who are protesting SodaStream.
so much prettier than the version i have.
Yup, I am with you on the political! Don't buy it http://www.codepink4peace.org/section.php?id=470
Peace please from Copenhagen/Denmark
Daigan, While you write that you don't want to get political, your post is very political. The Israeli settlements on the West Bank are a very complicated topic. There are many products that come out of parts of the world with very clear and indefensible human rights violations. I hope you rigorously investigate all the products you purchase to ensure you are not buying from any of them. Clearly the situation in the West Bank continues to be a gray area.
On the topic at hand: I love my Sodastream. We are a big seltzer family and now we buy far fewer seltzer containers. We like feeling we're being more green. At the same time, the quality of the product is great. And my kids love the "buzzing" sound it makes. Everybody giggles. I don't know if I'll be buying the new design, but I'm tempted.
Hmm. This is so tempting. If I'm reading right, the black version of the same starter kit is $40 cheaper right now:
http://www.amazon.com/Source-Starter-Kit-Color-Black/dp/B0093H4G74/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358548457&sr=8-1&keywords=yves+behar+sodastream
Physical - where did you get the adapter?
We bought our soda stream years ago and it was one of the first generation models (I want to call it the Penguin but I have no idea if that is right) but this one is much nicer. Perhaps if ours ever goes out we'll replace it with this beauty.
Insofar as the political issue...I noticed our local Costco had protesters out a month or so ago for this exact reason.
I got mine from Critical Paintball. It was $60.
It pays itself off rather quickly, considering that you save around $10 per.
I had no idea about the ethical situation. Regardless of the decision we each make where to invest, it's helpful to know the facts. Thank you.
I really don't understand SodaStream at all, because a CO2 tank is SO cheap and easy to use. We have a couple old soda kegs that we fill with water and then carbonate. Sometimes make homemade sodas, also so simple!
Anyone know where to get the lowball glasses?
Re: glasses
Their site http://solaltd.com doesn't seem to have an actual shop, but they sell through:
http://www.shopkitson.com/index.php?page=search&keywords=sisters+of+los+angeles&x=0&y=0
and:
http://www.ronrobinson.com/SearchResults.asp?search=sisters+of+los+angeles&Search2.x=0&Search2.y=0
Blog post w/summary: http://www.californiahomedesign.com/blog/2012/10/23/design-daily-sola-s-la-inspired-glassware