Review: SodaStream's New POWER Sparkling Water Machine

By Sonya Davidson

We are officially into holiday mode from entertaining to gift giving. The SodaStream is worth putting on Santa's list for anyone who loves a fizzy drink or entertains at home. As an avid fizzy drink lover myself, I've found the convenience of having this system very handy. Recently, the company has introduced a new version to the line up called POWER and it's a great addition to the home bar or kitchen counter. 

What is SodaStream? 

It's a convenient and simple way to make your own carbonated water at home. The machine itself comes with it's own C02 canister that attaches to the back of the sleek machine. A specially designed and reusable BPA-free bottle is included in the kit. Soda flavours (in bottles or caps) are sold separately in a wide variety of flavours including fruit, colas, and a "free" line made with natural flavourings. 

How it works?

Quite simple to use. Fill the bottle (and you must use the bottle designed specifically for SodaStream) with clean tap water to the marked line. Then, secure the bottle into the machine. The POWER machine activates with a touch of a button and you can control the amount of fizziness. There are three options. 

Who would want it?

I personally have been a fan of SodaStream since it arrived in Canada a few years back. It's actually not a new concept as other countries around the world have enjoyed SodaStream long before we have here in North America. But if you check out their timeline it's interesting to read about their 100 years of history in the making. Today, they are the world's largest manufacturer and distributor of home carbonation systems with machines being sold in over 60,000 retail stores in 45 countries worldwide. 

I have long wondered about my love (addiction) to carbonated drinks and I'm very aware of the high amounts of sugars in regular soft drinks that we could be consuming. But was it that we love carbonated soft drinks or was it the fizziness that we actually love? Having the SodaStream for a couple years now has actually lessened our consumption of commercial soft drinks...which in turn means less sugar. But don't get me wrong, nothing replaces a nice cold Coca-Cola. There's a time and a place for that, like pizza!!!! 

Having quick access to making our own carbonated water makes it easy to add our own natural flavours like fresh berries or citrus fruits (I've even made my own ginger beer) - a healthier alternative (especially for drink guzzling kids and teens). We don't miss the sugar at all. So, that was the eye-opening revelation for us as a family...we just love having sparkling water handy. And that's how we've been enjoying it the most. 

What's the difference with the new POWER and the PLAY?

So, we've had the PLAY machine until we've just moved to the POWER version and there are several noted differences. While it's still very easy to use and quick to pop in the C02 canister the big difference is the POWER version uses electricity so you need to plug it in an outlet but the activation is easy with a push of the display button. PLAY was activated by pushing mechanism. You still have the option of level of fizziness desired. The POWER version is also quieter than the previous models. 

I love the design of the machines as they all sits comfortably on my kitchen counter. Now with the one touch automatic activation on the POWER model, I also don't need to pull out the machine from under the overhang from the cupboards above. 

The SodaStream is also more efficient helping to reduce waste from bottles and cans and costs mere cents to make a full bottle of soda. According to the company, after initial set up it would cost about 20 cents per litre and flavouring.

Friends and family have asked about how many bottles  of sparkling water could I make before using up the C02 canister. I would consider our household to be moderate consumers of carbonated drinks and having said that, I have yet to replace a canister in my previous PLAY model which I had for probably a year. To replace empty canisters there are designated locations, like Canadian Tire, that would exchange for a new one when needed. 

The SodaStream POWER is a great gift idea for anyone who entertains at home or someone who loves sparkling drinks. Suggested retail $179.99 Canadian Dollars. If you're wondering how to get creative with drinks at home, the company also has recipes online. Caipirinha, anyone?