SodaStream has been a popular name in homes since 1903, bringing the fizz and fun of sparkling drinks right to your kitchen. After six years of daily SodaStream use, and even influencing my family to jump on the bandwagon, I’ve gained considerable experience with these appliances. While I believe SodaStreams are generally a worthwhile investment, there are definitely areas where you can go wrong and spend unnecessarily. If you’re not a frequent sparkling drink consumer, a SodaStream might just become another gadget taking up counter space. Careful consideration is key.
So, when it comes to choosing a SodaStream, which model reigns supreme? With various options available, from basic to premium, and even competitor brands entering the market, making the right choice can be tricky. Having tested basic, mid-range, and premium SodaStream models, along with exploring competitor brands, I’m here to provide a comprehensive Compare Sodastream guide to help you decide.
Is a SodaStream Worth Buying? – A Detailed Comparison
Many are drawn to SodaStream for a variety of compelling reasons: the potential for cost savings, a desire to reduce plastic waste, and the simple joy of crafting customized, flavorful sparkling beverages at home. My initial purchase was driven by all three.
Spotting a SodaStream Black Friday deal, I decided to take the plunge. The $70 price tag seemed like a reasonable risk. The worst-case scenario? I could always resell it if it didn’t become a staple.
However, the reality was far from the worst-case. My SodaStream quickly became a daily essential. The convenience of the portable bottle meant sparkling water on the go, and soon my family was hooked, transforming our home beverage setup. From plain sparkling water to homemade ginger beer and lemonades using SodaStream syrups, the possibilities expanded.
My conclusion, after extensive use, is this: if you are a regular consumer of sparkling water or soda, a SodaStream is a smart investment. It will undoubtedly help reduce your spending on bottled beverages and significantly decrease your plastic waste. Especially when purchased at a sale price, a SodaStream can pay for itself many times over. However, if sparkling drinks are an occasional treat, a SodaStream might end up being used sparingly and eventually forgotten.
Currently on sale for $49.99 at Kohl’s (Note: Price and availability may vary)
For everyday use, I generally lean towards the Gaia over the Terra due to their similarities. However, the Terra, with its slight technical upgrades, is often available at a comparable or lower price, especially during sales events like Black Friday, making it a compelling option.
Available for $59.99 at Amazon (Note: Price and availability may vary) While SodaStream no longer directly sells the Gaia, it can still be found at retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy. This remains their most basic model, a solid and reliable entry point into home carbonation.
Originally $179.99, now $129.93 at Amazon (Note: Price and availability may vary) The SodaStream Art offers enhanced features and a more premium experience, particularly appealing for families with children, thanks to the range of vitamin infusions and low-sugar flavor drops. The adjustable carbonation levels also cater to diverse preferences.
Compare SodaStream Models: Basic, Median, and Premium
To truly compare SodaStream offerings, let’s delve into a detailed look at three key models: the Gaia (basic), Terra (median), and Art (premium).
The Basic Model: Gaia
Alt text: SodaStream Gaia model in black, dispensing sparkling cucumber water into a glass on a kitchen counter.
(Image credit: SodaStream)
The Bottom Line: The Gaia is the quintessential entry-level SodaStream. Ideal for beginners, it’s straightforward to use, though slightly less refined in operation compared to higher-end models. To experience a significant upgrade, you’d need to invest roughly double the price.
My SodaStream journey began with the Gaia, and for those hesitant about embracing the fizz, its accessible price point of around $70 makes it an attractive starting option. It serves as a reliable introduction to the world of SodaStream, offering all the core functionalities without a hefty investment. Its compact design also ensures it won’t dominate your countertop.
After nearly six years of consistent use, my original Gaia remains in perfect working order. Despite its plastic construction, which initially felt somewhat budget-oriented, the body has proven surprisingly durable, resisting scratches and requiring only occasional cleaning to maintain its appearance.
The operation is simple and intuitive. The machine tilts to accommodate the reusable bottle, which you screw into place. Then, pressing the button on top between three to five times carbonates your drink to your desired level of fizziness. While the screw-in bottle mechanism can be a bit cumbersome and occasionally confusing for first-time users, it quickly becomes second nature.
Eventually, I passed my trusty Gaia on to my parents, who are now enthusiastic daily users. My reason for parting with it wasn’t dissatisfaction, but rather a desire for something a bit more refined. The Gaia, while functional, started to feel a little too basic and unexciting as I became more familiar with SodaStream’s broader range. Having seen the more advanced models, I was tempted by their enhanced features and aesthetics. In retrospect, considering the price difference, the Gaia remains an exceptional value and arguably a better choice than the Terra for budget-conscious buyers.
Priced at $59.99 on Amazon (Note: Price and availability may vary) As mentioned, the Gaia is no longer sold directly by SodaStream but remains available through various retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy. It stands as their most basic offering, an excellent and affordable entry point for those new to sparkling water makers.
SodaStream Gaia | Was $69, now $59.99 at Amazon (Note: Price and availability may vary)
SodaStream no longer sells the Gaia, but it is available at stores such as Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy. This is their simplest model. If you want a basic option, you can’t go wrong with this.
The Median Model: Terra
Alt text: SodaStream Terra model in white, positioned on a clean kitchen countertop, showcasing its sleek design.
(Image credit: SodaStream)
The Bottom Line: While the Terra is positioned as a step up from the Gaia and comes with a higher price tag, the improvements are incremental. Unless you find it at a significant discount, the Terra doesn’t offer enough additional value to justify the extra cost.
Currently, my daily driver is the SodaStream Terra, which I appreciate and use frequently. It presents a slightly taller and slimmer profile compared to the Gaia, and it also has a bit more weight to it. The key upgrade in the Terra is the introduction of the QuickSnap Lock system, which replaces the twist-and-lock bottle mechanism of the Gaia. This is essentially the only functional difference between the two models.
Aesthetically, neither the Gaia nor the Terra are designs I particularly want to showcase on my countertop, despite their relatively sleek appearances. As such, I store my Terra in a cupboard after each use. Due to its height, I actually had to adjust my cupboard shelving to accommodate it, but I prioritize a clutter-free countertop over maximizing cupboard storage space.
In terms of performance, the Terra doesn’t seem to offer any advantage over the Gaia. Gas consumption appears to be identical; both models are rated to carbonate approximately 60 liters of water per cylinder. While SodaStream suggests a cylinder should last around two months, mine typically lasts for four, even with daily consumption of at least a liter of sparkling water. I attribute this extended lifespan to my preference for lightly carbonated drinks, but even with varying carbonation levels, both models offer reasonable cylinder longevity.
Despite my satisfaction with the Terra, and acknowledging its slightly more premium feel, I find it difficult to recommend it over the Gaia, especially considering the price difference. The marginal improvements don’t justify the additional expense unless you can secure the Terra at a substantial discount.
Offered at $89.99 at Walmart (Note: Price and availability may vary) The SodaStream Terra is marketed as a slightly more advanced and premium version of the Gaia. However, given their significant similarities, it’s debatable whether the incremental upgrades are worth the extra investment.
SodaStream Terra | $89.99 at Walmart (Note: Price and availability may vary)
A slightly more technical and premium upgrade on the Gaia. They’re very similar, so I’m not 100% convinced it’s worth the extra dollars.
The Premium Model: Art
Alt text: SodaStream Art model in vibrant red, stylishly displayed on a modern kitchen countertop.
(Image credit: SodaStream)
The Bottom Line: The Art model, while not SodaStream’s absolute top-tier offering, strikes the best balance of features, design, and usability. It’s a worthwhile investment for those committed to daily SodaStream use and appreciate a more premium experience.
Among my family, all of whom now own a SodaStream, the Art is the universally favored model. My brother, with a taste for finer things, immediately opted for the Art, diving into the premium end of the SodaStream spectrum. If you’re willing to spend more upfront and are confident in your daily use, the Art is the model I wholeheartedly recommend.
The Art exudes a premium aesthetic and tactile quality. Unlike the Gaia and Terra, the Art is a model I wouldn’t mind leaving on display on my countertop. It adds a touch of style to the kitchen.
Operation is seamless and refined. The bottle lid simply snaps into place, and the machine is instantly ready. While still a manual model, like the Gaia and Terra, the Art replaces the standard button with a lever for carbonation control. This lever offers a more sensitive and satisfying user experience, allowing for finer control over the fizz level.
SodaStream does offer an even more luxurious model, the E-Terra, which carbonates water electronically. It’s similar in size to the Art, though slightly slimmer. While an automated system might sound appealing, in practice, it’s not significantly more beneficial. The manual controls of the Art are neither cumbersome nor complex, making an automated model feel somewhat superfluous. In my opinion, the Art represents the sweet spot in the SodaStream lineup, offering peak performance and features before reaching the point of diminishing returns in terms of price.
SodaStream Art | Was $149, now $99.98 at Walmart (Note: Price and availability may vary)
This is my favorite SodaStream. Of all the SodaStreams, this is by far the most attractive. The retro lever looks and feels more premium than its standard button, making it easy to carbonate water exactly to your tastes.
Currently $89.98 at Walmart (Note: Price and availability may vary) While a fully automated SodaStream like the E-Terra isn’t essential, the current discount makes it a financially attractive option to consider the upgraded, more technologically advanced model.
Alt text: SodaStream E-Terra model, advertised with a promotional banner highlighting a price reduction at Walmart.
SodaStream E-Terra | Was $138.98, now $89.98 at Walmart (Note: Price and availability may vary)
You don’t need a SodaStream that’s fully automated, but this is discounted by so much that it might make financial sense to buy the better model. You’ll have a more techy SodaStream and you’ll have made a good saving too.
SodaStream Model Comparison Table
To further compare SodaStream models, here’s a handy table summarizing the key features of the Gaia, Terra, Art, and E-Terra:
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Feature | Gaia | Terra | Art | E-Terra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, white, red, blue | Black, white, red, blue | Black, white |
| Carbonation | Manual (button) | Manual (button) | Manual (lever) | Electric |
| Carbonation levels | Up to 5 different options | Up to 5 different options | Up to 5 different options | Automatic (3 options) |
| Dishwasher safe bottle | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Capacity | 1 and 0.5 l bottles | 1 and 0.5 l bottles | 1 and 0.5 l bottles | 1 and 0.5 l bottles |
| Bottle Insertion | Twist lock | QuickSnap | QuickSnap | QuickSnap |
| Dimensions | 16.9 x 5.4 x 8.7 inches | 16.8 x 6.8 x 9.6 inches | 16.9 x 6.8 x 9.6 inches | 16.77 x 5 x 7.67 inches |
| RRP | $69.99 | $99.99 | $149.99 | $159.99 |
SodaStream Alternatives: Exploring the Competition
While SodaStream dominates the market, several compelling alternatives exist. Let’s compare SodaStream to some notable competitors: Ninja, Breville, and Aarke. Both Ninja and Breville have introduced models that have generated considerable buzz. Personally, I find SodaStream’s designs to be more thoughtfully executed compared to Ninja’s offerings.
Alt text: Breville InFizz Fusion sparkling beverage maker in stainless steel finish, positioned on a kitchen counter.
Best for wine
Breville InFizz Fusion
For general sparkling water needs, SodaStream is a strong choice. However, if you’re interested in carbonating beverages beyond water, such as wine and juices, the Breville InFizz Fusion is uniquely capable. SodaStream machines are designed for water only (syrups are added post-carbonation). The InFizz also boasts a stainless steel construction, lending it a more robust and premium feel. It’s a sophisticated, higher-end alternative.
Read my full Breville InFizz review here.
Alt text: Ninja Thirsti Drink Maker in black and silver, displayed on a kitchen countertop setting.
Best for kids
Ninja Thirsti Drink Maker
The Ninja Thirsti Drink Maker offers a fun and engaging way to encourage hydration for the whole family. It excels at creating colorful, electrolyte-rich hydration drinks and vitamin-infused beverages. Its appeal to younger users is significant, particularly with the availability of numerous sugar-free flavor drops and the option to dispense still water as well – a feature not found in SodaStream models.
Explore the best Black Friday Ninja deals for potential savings.
Alt text: Aarke Carbonator III in polished steel, highlighting its minimalist and elegant design.
Premium sparkling water
Aarke Sparkling Water Carbonator III
The Aarke Carbonator III distinguishes itself with a slim, elegant, cordless design. Crafted from stainless steel and BPA-free components, it’s a premium, understated choice available in various colors to complement any kitchen decor. Like SodaStream, the Aarke Carbonator 3 is designed for water carbonation only, but Aarke offers a range of flavorful mixer syrups, including unique options like cucumber & lime and basil & yuzu.
For a deeper dive, read our full Aarke Carbonator review.
Frequently Asked Questions about SodaStream
To address common queries when you compare SodaStream and consider purchasing:
Is cylinder refills for SodaStreams inconvenient?
Not at all. Refilling SodaStream cylinders is surprisingly straightforward. Most retailers that sell the cylinders, such as Walmart, also offer a cylinder exchange program, making the process seamless and eco-friendly. Initially, I anticipated this being a hassle, but it’s proven to be quite convenient.
Can SodaStreams be used anywhere?
Yes. The SodaStream models discussed (Gaia, Terra, Art, E-Terra) are all cordless, offering placement flexibility. They can be used on any level surface with access to a power outlet (for the E-Terra only).
Are SodaStreams a worthwhile appliance or just kitchen clutter?
The answer depends on your sparkling drink consumption habits. If you rarely drink soda or sparkling water, a SodaStream might become underutilized. However, if you enjoy sparkling beverages regularly, even weekly, a SodaStream will likely prove to be a valuable and frequently used appliance.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Ideal SodaStream
Alt text: A lineup of SodaStream Art models in various colors (black, white, blue, red) displayed on a kitchen counter, showcasing the color options.
(Image credit: SodaStream)
My personal experience with SodaStream has been overwhelmingly positive. However, selecting the right model is crucial. I recommend either opting for the basic Gaia for its affordability and functionality, despite its slightly less refined bottle connection, or investing in the Art for a more premium and enjoyable user experience. The Terra, positioned in the middle, offers marginal improvements over the Gaia and is only recommendable if found at a significant discount. Ultimately, whichever SodaStream you choose, I hope it lives up to your sparkling water aspirations – mine certainly has.
