Sodastream Crystal Review

Features Overview:

• Uses glass carafes instead of plastic bottles (we advise buying a 2nd if you go with this model)
• Improved carbonating mechanism vs. Penguin, the only other model with glass containers
• Elegant-looking design that we didn’t mind having on our counter-top

Today’s Sodastream Crystal review covers our favorite of the two Sodastreams offering glass carafes instead of bottles. If you’re searching for an elegant-looking soda maker that you won’t mind displaying on your counter, then the Sodastream Crystal might be for you. As serious soda drinkers, we at SodaMod found it worthwhile to spend the $179.99 on this model.

The major advantage the Crystal offers is the use of dishwasher-safe 620ml glass carafes instead of plastic bottles. Only it and the Penguin model offer glass containers. Many users prefer not to have plastic in contact with their food or drink, BPA-free or not. After all, BPA isn’t the only chemical in plastic.

While we tend to agree, and have come to believe that the soda water made in glass tastes better and stays fizzy longer, we do wish the U.S. models came with two glass bottles instead of one. We hear that at least some overseas models come with two. We advise purchasing a second if you decide to go with this model.

The Crystal’s construction is an improvement over previous Penguin models. It uses a button instead of using a lever as the Penguin does, which is less cumbersome to operate and makes it easier to keep on the counter beneath cupboards. We also didn’t like how the Penguin’s lever is awkwardly placed at the back of the machine. Excess gas is released automatically on removal of the carafe.

The glass bottle’s design has improved since originally being released with the Penguin, with screw-on caps instead of the awkward, slide-on caps they used to use. These are relatively sturdy, easy to use, and help retain carbonation longer than store-bought soda.

Did you find our Sodastream Crystal soda maker machine review helpful? Let us know via the social media buttons or comments section below!

All Sodastreams offer advantages versus buying soda and soda water by the can or bottle. They’re more environmentally friendly, saving tons of plastic and aluminum from landfills (or saving the energy it takes to recycle them). You control what goes in the water (use filtered instead of tap water and choose or create your own flavors!) and the level of carbonation.

And of course, we can’t forget the cost savings. While new Sodastream users are excited at the savings they’ll make, we can ensure those savings are much greater! The SodaMod Sodastream CO2 adapter lets you use medical-grade paintball tanks instead of Sodastream’s proprietary CO2 tanks, which you can inexpensively refill locally. Buy one today and start saving money the way you hoped!

Sodastream Revolution Review

Find our Sodastream Genesis review helpful? Let us know via social media or comment!

Today’s Sodastream Revolution Sparkling Water Maker review will cover what is by far the most feature-rich and easiest-to-use Sodastream model. It’s the only powered Sodastream and isn’t quite as portable as other models but makes up for this with feature richness and ease of use. If you’re looking for a model to take on the go, consider a base unit like the Fountain Jet, Play, Genesis, or Source.

The Revolution has LED indicators that show you the fizz level of your soda and the CO2 canister’s usage status. Four buttons help you select from four preset carbonation levels: low, medium, high, and turbo. This contrasts with other Sodastream models that require the user to manually carbonate to the right level (some with indicators showing the current level, like the Source, and some without). Snap in the bottle using the easy snap-lock mechanism, and hit the desired carbonation level for automatic creation of the perfect carbonated water.

The form factor is slightly larger than most models, and can accommodate either the standard 14.5 oz. CO2 tanks most Sodastream models use or a double-capacity 33 oz. tank for fewer tank changes. The only other models that can accommodate these are the Play, Dynamo, Fizz and Fountain Jet.

The Revolution comes in two color schemes: one black with nickel plating and one almost entirely nickel plated. This design looks great as a permanent appliance in your kitchen, with the added benefit of increased durability.

If you’re looking for a dead-simple Sodastream that will let you make the perfect soda water every time, consider the Sodastream Revolution. If you’re just getting started with Sodastream and aren’t sure if you want to spend the money on this unit just yet, we’d recommend the Sodastream Genesis, Source, or Play.

Features Overview:

• Four preset carbonation levels: low, medium, high & turbo
• LED indicators for fizz level & CO2 usage status
• Easy snap-lock mechanism to hold bottle in place
• Nickel plating for attractive & durable design
• Can accommodate 14.5 or 33 oz. Sodastream CO2 tanks or our Sodamod 12oz and 24oz tanks.

If you enjoyed our Sodastream Revolution review, let us know in the comments!

All Sodastreams offer advantages versus buying soda and soda water by the can or bottle. They’re more environmentally friendly, saving tons of plastic and aluminum from landfills (or saving the energy it takes to recycle them). You control what goes in the water (use filtered instead of tap water and choose or create your own flavors!) and the level of carbonation.

And of course, we can’t forget the cost savings. While new Sodastream users are excited at the savings they’ll make, we can ensure those savings are much greater! The SodaMod Sodastream CO2 adapter lets you use medical-grade paintball tanks instead of Sodastream’s proprietary CO2 tanks, which you can inexpensively refill locally. Buy one today and start saving money the way you hoped!

Sodastream Source Drink Maker Review

As with all SodaStreams, the Source has a several benefits over buying bottles or cans of soda. Today’s Sodastream Source soda maker review discusses the unique features of the Source vs. other SodaStream models, followed by a quick overview of how DIY soda beats store-bought.

The Source prices in at $99, on the lower end of Sodastream pricing but slightly more expensive than the entry-level Fountain Jet, Play, or Genesis models. The Source and Source Metal are the only models other than the $200 Penguin with lifetime warranties.

For the extra $10-20 over entry models, you get some cool features. Here are the handful of features you get for that extra money:

• 3 LED indicators to let you know when you’ve reach a light, medium & heavy fizz level; this feature is only available in the Source and the $200 Penguin
• Tougher construction with nickel plating
• Snap-lock bottle mechanism to securely snap bottle into place for carbonation; this feature is only available on the Source, Play, and Penguin

The latter feature is quite nice, with the nozzle snapping to an outward-pointing position to accept the bottle, then snapping back inward to keep the bottle secured in place.

Instead of a push button, you press down the whole top-front block, which further secures the bottle. This effect is pretty cool. Combined with the LED lights and sleek form factor, it makes the Source one of the most aesthetically pleasing models, in our opinion.

As with all models but the Revolution, the Source requires no electrical power. This means no cords and no worrying about outlet placement.

This unit uses the smaller 14.5oz CO2 cylinders, vs. the 33oz. tanks some models can use. The tradeoff of this lesser capacity is a sleeker form. For those who like to keep multiple tanks on hand anyway, this isn’t likely to be an issue.

Inserting the tanks is straightforward, though not as dead simple as some other models. They insert through the bottom, and a back panel removes to help get a grip on the tank to screw it in. While the form of the tank compartment makes getting the nozzle in line no problem, twisting the tank in from the back compartment can be somewhat awkward.

Like most Sodastream models, the Source uses 1 liter, BPA-free plastic bottles that are dishwasher safe. The Source is not compatible with Sodastream’s smaller, ½ liter bottles.

Sodastream Source features overview:

• Sleek, attractive design available in multiple colors
• Lightweight plastic chassis with nickel plating
• LED fizz level indicators
• Snap-lock bottle mechanism
• Uses 14.5 oz CO2 tank (vs. 33 oz. designs)
• Accepts 1 liter Sodastream bottles
• Lower end of price range ($99 out of $79-200)
• No electricity required
• Lifetime warranty

We hope you enjoyed our Sodastream Source review! Let us know what you think in the comments and on our social media sites!

All Sodastreams offer advantages versus buying soda and soda water by the can or bottle. They’re more environmentally friendly, saving tons of plastic and aluminum from landfills. Or saving the energy it takes to recycle them. And you control what goes in the water: filtered instead of tap, bought or homemade flavors & carbonation level.

And of course, no one can forget the cost savings. While new Sodastream owners are excited at the savings they’ll make, we can ensure those savings are greater! The SodaMod CO2 adapter for Sodastreams lets you use medical-grade paintball tanks, instead of the proprietary CO2 tanks. Best of all, you can refill them locally for cheap.

Buy a SodaMod today and start saving even more!

Sodastream Genesis Review

Find our Sodastream Genesis review helpful? Let us know via social media or comment!

As with all SodaStream models, the Genesis offers a handful of benefits over purchasing cans or bottles of soda from the store. You can see those at the bottom of this post. Today we’re going to cover the unique features of the Genesis vs. other models of SodaStream, followed by a brief overview of how DIY soda beats store-bought.

The SodaStream Genesis’s MSRP is listed as $130, though you can typically find them for $89-99 online. The Genesis features a sleek and slim body with an inset top-front button for carbonating your beverages. Like most SodaStreams, the Genesis doesn’t require electricity. The no-cord design makes it an ideal appliance with minimal space requirements.

To change the CO2 tank, the entire top comes off, allowing direct access to the tank input nozzle. This contrasts with other models that have an opening in the back with a swiveling nozzle that can make exchanging the tanks a bit of a hassle. That’s not an issue with the Genesis, for which tank exchange couldn’t be simpler. The only downside of its tank setup is the smaller size tank: while some models accept a 33 oz. tank, the Genesis takes the smaller 14.5 oz. tanks. This won’t be an issue, however, if you keep spare tanks around.

This unit utilizes SodaStream’s 1 liter soda bottles and can also accept their smaller ½ liter versions. It features a plastic chassis, unlike some of the nickel plated models, but this is a tradeoff for having a lightweight body that’s easy to take with you on a trip outdoors, plus it makes the machine more affordable.

This model is on the lower end of the Sodastream price spectrum, which ranges from $80 to $200. The Genesis price comes in $10 above the cheapest model, the Fountain Jet, and at the same price as the Play. It is more popular than the Play, with a longer warranty and sleeker and more attractive body; the advantage of the Play, however, is the ability to use the larger 33 oz. CO2 tank.

The Genesis comes with a 10 year warranty, beat only by the slightly pricier Source models, which carry lifetime warranties. Compare this to a 3 year warranty on the Play and 2 year warranty on the Play.

Overall, the Genesis is a great model that’s easy to use and built to last. It’s lightweight and on the lower end price-wise, so it can be a model you take with you on the go to barbecues and more. Despite being cheaper than some Sodastream models, the Genesis features top-notch quality and an attractive design, perfect for your first Sodastream model or an addition to your collection.

Genesis Features Overview:

• Slim, sleek, attractive design
• Lightweight plastic chassis
• Easy to change CO2 tank design
• Uses 14.5 oz CO2 tank (vs. 33 oz. designs)
• Accepts 1 and 1/2 liter Sodastream bottles
• Lower end of price range ($89 vs. $79-200)
• No electricity required
• 10 year warranty

If you enjoyed our Sodastream Genesis soda maker review, let us know!

All Sodastreams offer advantages versus buying soda and soda water by the can or bottle. They’re more environmentally friendly, saving tons of plastic and aluminum from landfills. Or saving the energy it takes to recycle them. And you control what goes in the water: filtered instead of tap, bought or homemade flavors & carbonation level.

And of course, no one can forget the cost savings. While new Sodastream owners are excited at the savings they’ll make, we can ensure those savings are greater! The SodaMod CO2 adapter for Sodastreams lets you use medical-grade paintball tanks, instead of the proprietary CO2 tanks. Best of all, you can refill them locally for cheap.

Buy a SodaMod today and start saving even more!