Better Summer Parties with SodaStream | The MamaZone

This summer, we?re shaking up our parties with SodaStream! No more cases of soda or last minute dashes back to the store when we run out. Thanks to my new little friend, I?ll be serving as soda-ologist, mixing my own flavors and enjoying some better-than-the-brand soda, all from my own kitchen counter.

I?ve been curious about SodaStream for some time. Can you really make soda at home? How exactly does it work? Will it save me any money? What will it taste like? I?ve discovered that it?s quite simple to use, and although it has pros as well as cons, we have enjoyed having it on our counter and it has changed the way we drink soda.

We?ve entered the SodaStream world with the Fountain Jet, which retails for about $79.99. It comes with a reusable carbonating bottle, and a 60 liter carbonator. You simply fill the bottle with water, twist the bottle onto the machine and press the button the number of times indicated on your syrup bottle. Once your water is carbonated, add the syrup slowly, swish a little, then drink. SodaStream offers an incredibly wide variety of syrups. The regular flavors are all free of high fructose corn syrup and the diet flavors are sweetened with Splenda instead of Aspartame. Syrups are also lower in calories than leading brands (for example, an 8 oz. Coke contains 100 calories while SodaStream?s cola contains 39) and they contain less sugar as well (27g in Coke, 9g in Soda Stream?s cola).

In terms of cost, you?ll pay a minimum of $79.99 for your SodaStream. There are other models also, with the top of the line version running you about $200. It?s a hefty investment up front, which you?ll have to weigh against the potential gains. It does result in healthier drinks, greater convenience as well as some savings, especially if you drink a lot of soda.

Regarding those savings, here?s a breakdown based on my love of Coca-Cola:

I noticed 2-liters selling for 1.99 today, roughly $1 per liter.

The SodaStream cola flavor is $4.99 for 12 liters or .42 per liter and to use the SodaStream, you need a carbonator, which costs $29.99 for 130 liters or .23 per liter.

In other words, I?m paying .65 per liter with SodaStream and saving myself .35 plus a plastic bottle and a trip to the grocery store.

Now, on to what I love and don?t love:

I love?

• how easy it is to use
• the convenience of making my own soda and choosing my own flavors
• the taste?yes, the cola flavor addresses my obsession with Coke
• fewer calories and less sugar
• saving .35 per liter
• ?free? sparkling water for my husband who loves it
• eliminating plastic bottles
• no high fructose corn syrup or aspartame!
• the availability of syrups in local stores
• their referral program

I don?t love?

• the noise?the Fountain Jet is VERY loud
• the hefty initial investment
• the cost of the replacement carbonator
• the time involved in trading in the carbonator

Clearly, the pros outweigh the cons and we?ve given it 4 mamas!

?

[1] It will make mamas life a bit easier. [2] It?s? kid and husband approved. [3] It works just as described but it is very loud and the commercials and ads don?t make that clear.? [4] It?s gonna cost you a bit up front.? [5] It?s quite unique although I have seen some competition creeping up.

?

?

I so wish I had a giveaway for you. Who knows, with a little love on this post, maybe one will be coming soon! In the meantime, did I mention they have a referral program? If you?re planning on purchasing one, I can save you $10 by referring you as one of my friends. Just leave a comment (be sure to complete your email in the comment form before commenting?it?s private) or send me an email.

---

Don?t forget, you can earn rewards for sharing the content you enjoy on The MamaZone.

I received a sample product to review but was not compensated in any other way. My opinions are always my own. For more information, read the Guide to Mama'z Product Reviews or read my Disclosure Policy.

I love bringing you great T.I.D.B.I.T.S. The Trial Zone is my place to tell you about the new and unique products I'm reviewing. Sign up for email or RSS updates to stay current.

---

snapdragon snapdragon kim jong ill dead wedding crashers next iron chef next iron chef aquamarine