Is it better to choose a blue or pink cartridge for your SodaStream? Find out which cylinder fits your carbonator and what differences lie behind these colors. Discover what is the best choice for you!
Saturators, also known as home water carbonation devices, are becoming more and more popular. Thanks to them, we can enjoy sparkling water poured into bottles straight from the tap or filter jug, without having to buy drinks in the store. One of the most recognizable manufacturers of these devices is the SodaStream brand, which offers a wide selection of carbonator models. Like all devices of this type, these also require regular replacement of CO₂ cartridges. And this is where the question arises – blue or pink? What are the differences between them and which carbonator models do they fit? In this article we will try to dispel any doubts.
The role of CO₂ cartridges in carbonators
Before we move on to the analysis of individual types of cartridges, it is worth understanding why they are such an important element of the carbonator. CO₂ cartridges, also called cylinders, are necessary for the device to function properly. They produce carbon dioxide, which saturates the water, giving it a characteristic carbonated taste. Depending on the capacity of the cartridge and the intensity of use of the carbonator, one cartridge may be enough to prepare from several dozen to even 100 liters of carbonated water.
CO₂ cartridges are available in various versions, diversified in terms of purpose, which often raises doubts among users. When it comes to SodaStream, you can find mainly two colors of cylinders – blue and pink. Each of them fits different carbonator models.
Blue SodaStream cartridge
Blue SodaStream cartridges fit most older models of SodaStream carbonators – i.e. the TWIST system. They contain a standard amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) – usually 425 grams, which allows you to prepare about 60 liters of sparkling water.
Main features of the blue cartridge:
- Destiny – SodaStream carbonator models, such as Source, Spirit, Fizzi, or Jet.
- Gas – CO₂
Pink SodaStream cartridge
Pink SodaStream cartridges were created with the QUICK CONNECT system in mind. The difference between them and the blue cylinders lies mainly in capacity and purpose. The pink cartridges are made specifically for newer carbonator models such as SodaStream Terra, Duo or Art.
Main features of the pink cartridge:
- Destiny – SodaStream Terra, Art and Duo models.
- Gas – CO₂ CQC
- Modern connector – pink cartridges have a different mounting mechanism, dedicated to newer devices. This makes them incompatible with earlier carbonator models.
Compatibility of carbonator models with cartridges
One of the most common questions asked by SodaStream users is the issue of cylinder compatibility with various carbonator models. As we have already mentioned, blue and pink cartridges are not universal – each of them fits different devices.
Carbonator models compatible with blue cartridges:
- SodaStreamSource
- SodaStream Spirit
- SodaStream Jet
- SodaStream Fizzi
- SodaStreamGenesis
All the above models are older versions of carbonators that use a traditional connector. If you have one of these models, you can easily get blue bullets.
Carbonator models compatible with pink cartridges:
- SodaStream Terra
- SodaStream Duo
- SodaStream Art
Newer models of carbonators, such as Terra or Duo, use a more advanced cylinder mounting system, which means they need special pink cartridges. These models are equipped with a system that allows for faster and more convenient cartridge installation, which is an additional advantage.
Differences in cartridge mounting systems
One of the key differences between blue and pink cylinders is the way they are mounted in the carbonator. Older models that use blue cylinders require the cartridge to be manually tightened into the device. This process is not complicated, but requires some precision and may cause problems for less technical people.
In turn, newer carbonators that are compatible with pink cartridges are equipped with a “Quick Connect” mounting system. Thanks to this new solution, cartridge installation is much simpler and faster – just push the cylinder into the appropriate place and the system will automatically attach it. This facility was introduced with user convenience and increased operational safety in mind.
images: sodastream.pl, unsplash.com
