SodaStream is becoming more and more popular, but there are many carbonator models available that are worth knowing before purchasing.
Choosing the right carbonator is a decision that affects how we use SodaStream and determines real savings in the home budget. SodaStream has become synonymous with a completely different approach to drinking water, offering a system that – which is very important for many people – eliminates the need to carry heavy packs from the store. All current models have one very important feature in common – they operate without electricity, which allows you to place them anywhere, on the kitchen counter, terrace or in the office.
SodaStream – how does it work? How much is?
The foundation of the entire system is a replaceable gas cylinder, which is enough to prepare about sixty liters of drink. It is worth emphasizing the economic aspect, because after a one-time purchase of the device, the cost of obtaining a liter of fresh carbonated water drops to several dozen groszy. This is thanks to a dense network of cartridge replacement points, where an empty bottle is returned for about 1/4 of the price of a new one, which makes this solution much cheaper than regularly buying water in plastic. Replacement costs approximately PLN 30-40, and purchasing a new cylinder costs approximately PLN 110-120.
SodaStream Terra and Act models – differences. What do you need to know?
The heart of the latest offer are the Terra and Art models, which introduce a new gas installation system using a convenient lever (Quick Connect), which eliminates the need to struggle with the thread. SodaStream Terra is a proposition for people looking for solid and easy-to-use equipment. The device is made of durable material with a matte structure, which should not show fingerprints or minor dirt. This is a very intuitive model, where the degree of water carbonation is controlled by a simple button on the top of the housing.
The Art model, on the other hand, is aimed rather at enthusiasts of retro aesthetics and style. Instead of a classic button, a stylish side lever is used, which may bring to mind professional café equipment. In addition to its unique appearance and chrome details, this model allows for very precise bubble dosing, which many people consider a key feature of the carbonator.
SodaStream Duo – glass and plastic bottles
For users who want to completely eliminate plastic in their kitchen, SodaStream Duo will be the best choice. This is the only model in the offer that has a special, safe chamber that allows carbonation of water in elegant glass carafes. Thanks to this, after carbonating the water, you can place an aesthetic dish on the table, which can then simply be washed in the dishwasher.
But most importantly, the device is designed in such a way that it allows you to use glass and plastic bottles interchangeably, so you can use it according to your current needs and circumstances. Even higher in the style hierarchy is the Enso model, designed by the famous Japanese visionary Naoto Fukasawa. This device will appeal primarily to fans of good design, and an additional advantage is the fact that it is made almost entirely of stainless steel. In addition, Enso also introduces a unique solution in the form of a bottle with a removable bottom, which makes it easier to maintain perfect cleanliness inside the vessel.
SodaStream Mix – the most important change
But for many people, the most surprising fact related to SodaStream may be that purchased syrups with various flavors are only added to water carbonated in a carbonator and mixed in the same bottle or other vessel. Pouring syrup into a bottle before carbonating the water is not advisable because it may damage the carbonator. Up to a certain point, this was how flavored syrups were used, but the SodaStream Mix model turned out to be a bit of a revolution.
SodaStream Mix is the first to officially allow carbonation not only of water, but of virtually any cold drink. Thanks to the special nozzle design and the safe pressure release mechanism, we can safely fill fruit juice, iced tea, and even wine or original drinks with bubbles. The Mix model has a special knob that allows you to control the foam that develops – previously, such attempts usually ended with sudden foaming of the liquid. This model comes with a smaller bottle, which is perfect for testing new flavors and creating single drinks.
SodaStream comparison – prices. Which model to choose?
| Model | Set price | Control | Housing material | Glass bottle? | Carbonates other drinks? |
| Terra | ~PLN 200–230 | Button | Plastic | ❌ | ❌ |
| Art | ~PLN 300–400 | Lever | Plastic + steel | ❌ | ❌ |
| Duo | ~PLN 550 | Button | Plastic + steel | ✅ | ❌ |
| Enso | ~PLN 700–800 | Button | Stainless steel | ❌ | ❌ |
| Mix | ~PLN 400–500 | Button | Plastic | ❌ | ✅ |
SodaStream – older models and blue cylinders
All models above support the newer Quick Connect (pink) cylinders, but blue cylinders can still be replaced at many points. We will use these in older SodaStream models, such as Spirit, Crystal, Source or Jet. The blue cylinders are an earlier variant of the Twist Connect, which attaches by manually screwing in the cartridge clockwise. The blue cylinder contains 425 grams of food-grade CO2, which, as in the case of newer models, is enough to prepare about 60 liters of carbonated water.
The Jet model is the simplest and cheapest classic that looks like an ordinary box, but has been famous for its reliability and easy availability for years. Its successor is Spirit – a small, neat carbonator perfect for tight kitchens, which, despite the fact that bottles cannot be washed in the dishwasher, enjoys great opinions thanks to its simple operation and efficient cartridges. The Source model was designed by a world-famous creator, has won prestigious awards and is the only one with an LED indicator informing about the level of water carbonation. Crystal 2.0, in turn, is a premium option for glass fans – this elegant model with stainless steel accessories allows you to carbonate water in glass carafes, which can be safely washed in the dishwasher. It is also worth adding that the newer Crystal 3.0 model has switched to pink Quick Connect.
