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I have been using SodaStream for years. I have wrote about it when I got my first one in a previous article: “Everyone knows SodaStream and everyone wanted to have one as a child. The awesomeness of making sparkling water at home has been around for decades and SodaStream now has cooler looking designs as ever. Saying no to the flavoured, fizzy drinks coming in single use plastic bottles is easy when you have one of these at home. One reusable Soda Stream carbonating bottle can save up to 1282 single use plastic bottles from our planet per year. We love ours, not only use it every day to make soda water to drink, but it’s also helpful when you need soda water for recipes like pancakes, tempura batter – or even Aperol Spritz!” The feeling hasn’t changed ever since, I have had that machine for 6 years, never had any technical or mechanical issues, reliably making fizzy water for me – because I love fizzy water! I don’t drink flavoured drinks, but everyone else in the family loves a fizzy squash. And now they sent me their newest machine, the SodaStream ART to try out, so here’s my honest review of the new SodaStream ART.
About SodaStream ART
One of their newest machines, SodaStream Art is designed for heavier users, like families using it frequently, to fit and look good (or aesthetic, even) in the modern family kitchens because of its sleek but retro retro look. This machine comes with a handle to operate with, rather than a button to press, which is how my older Sodastream machine worked.
SodaStream ART will help replace single-use plastic by over 120 bottles per tank.
It comes with 1 soda bottles (plastic, but obviously, not single use), 2 years warranty and 30 days free trial. It also does come with a Pepsi Max of soda syrup, which you cannot opt out from when buying the machine, whether you want them or not. The soda machine now only comes in bundles and you get some of the syrups, full stop. This is the SodaStream ART Start Bundle.
You can opt for 2 other different bundles as well with extra gas cylinders, more syrups and other add-ons. A bit complicated in my view, but if you drink flavoured soda drinks often, they are both really good deals.
You can now choose from 9 flavours available from Pepsi, 7UP, Lipton, and SodaStream syrups as well, like ginger ale, tonic and some exotic fruit squash types. This is new compared to the last time I tested SodaStream.
What I though about the new SodaStream ART
Plastic-free packaging
To start this SodaStream ART Honest Review with, the box and all packaging was 99% plastic free, which I think is amazing, keeping in line with the general picture about SodaStream providing sustainable refreshments.
Not plastic-free, branded syrups
Whilst on one hand I don’t like this stuff and if it wasn’t for the kids occasionally wanting a Coke or a Pepsi, I’d say they are needless. (They don’t mind, oddly… whilst we, who grew up in the 90’s, we CLEARLY have a preference, and it’s NOT Pepsi. It’s also not Coca-Cola anymore, to be honest, now that we understand more.) However, the kids occasionally want a fizzy soda, Pepsi or 7Up or whatever and I’m not going to deny it. So, in this light, the syrups are actually great, because
- A) they still reduce plastic as this is a concentrated mixture, so the little plastic bottle for the syrups is still a LOT less single use plastic compared to a full sized, bottled Pepsi from the supermarket.
- B) since all those chemicals are going down nicely in the summer’s heat as an occasional treat, at least sugar isn’t – the syrups are sugar-free
In the end, I’m not going to die on this hill. The kids will get the occasional soda drink they want. Don’t tell me that I’m a bad parent, I know it already.
Furthermore, making sugar free tonic water at home and having the syrup at the ready when you fancy a gin & tonic – is fab!
Setting up the new SodaStream ART
Super easy. It is actually easier to fit the gas canister than it was with my older machine. SodaStream must have changed this and it’s definitely more user-friendly. Just take off the back of the machine, insert the gas canister and it’s all set up.
User friendliness
Since I mentioned this at the previous point, I do definitely find this machine eaier to operate compared to the older version. And the main reason for this is the “user-friendly ergonomic handle” as they call it, and it really is. The previous machine had a button on the top needed to be pushed twice with quite a force to release the bubbles into the bottle that’s filled with filtered tap water. It’s ok for me – but my elderly MIL with arthritis and the children just couldn’t operate it without my help. The SodaStream ART however is a breeze compared to this. Just pull the handle and release the bubbles.
The other point in user friendliness is inserting the bottle at the correct way, which also seems a lot easier compared the the old machine. The old machine required some fiddling and if the bottle not inserted properly and a gap left by the mouth of the bottle which I had no way to see – the water didn’t get carbonated. Then I had to remove the bottle and attach it again, hopefully the right way. On occasions, this took 2-3 attempts. But the new SodaStream ART makes this easier.
Like it has been with the old machine, you are in control, how fizzy you want your drink. If you want it less fizzy, just pull the handle once and more for proper fizzy drinks.
Price
Actually, I should also add this, because although SodaStream ART IS a premium product, no doubt about that. At the price point of £139.99 for a Basic Bundle – although they do have different offers on every so often and right now the Ultimate Bundle is only £109.99. Which, if I think about how much the old machine did cost – I want to say, somewhere in the region of just shy of £100 – is a great price, 6 years later and with great improvements in user friendliness.
Where to get gas canister refills
You can send them back to SodaStream, exchange your empty cylinders for a full one and pay only for the refill, you can get on a subscription model if you use it a lot (which we do) or some supermarkets like Waitrose and Sainsbury’s offer exchange, Ryman and Argos too (you only pay for the refill, so not the full £22.90 but £10 less).
Where can you get syrups from
Just like the cylinders, you can order them from the SodaStream website or some supermarkets also sell them.
Verdict
Yes, a great product (SodaStream) made even better (SodaStream ART). I love it. And with that, this SodaStream ART Honest Review is concluded.