Compare SodaStream Models: Gaia, Terra, Art & More

Even though SodaStreams have been around for over a century, they continue to spark interest, and for good reason. Many people are drawn to the convenience and environmental benefits of making sparkling water at home. Having personally used a SodaStream almost daily since 2018, I’ve gained considerable experience and insights into these appliances. My journey with SodaStream has even influenced my family to embrace sparkling water, with each member now owning their own model.

While I believe SodaStreams are generally a worthwhile investment, it’s easy to make missteps that could lead to wasted money. If you’re not a regular consumer of sparkling beverages, a SodaStream might simply become another kitchen gadget collecting dust. Therefore, carefully consider your consumption habits before making a purchase.

So, the crucial question remains: which SodaStream model should you choose? With various options available, especially during sales periods, it’s important to understand the differences between them. I’ve put SodaStream’s basic, mid-range, and premium models to the test, alongside competitor brands, to provide you with a comprehensive guide. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Is a SodaStream Worth Buying?

People invest in SodaStreams for numerous compelling reasons. Saving money, reducing plastic waste, and enjoying fun, flavored sparkling drinks are among the top motivations. My initial purchase was driven by all three of these factors.

When I spotted SodaStream Black Friday deals at my local store, I decided to take the plunge. At $70, it felt like a relatively low-risk experiment. The potential downside seemed minimal – if I didn’t use it, I could always resell it.

However, my experience was quite the opposite. The SodaStream became a daily fixture in my routine, and the portable bottle was my constant companion at work. Soon, my family was also hooked, and our kitchen evolved into a home bar centered around the SodaStream. We regularly create sparkling water, flavorful ginger beers, and refreshing lemonades using the available syrups.

My conclusion is straightforward: if you are a daily soda or sparkling water drinker, a SodaStream is a smart investment that will save you money and minimize your plastic footprint. Especially when purchased on sale, a SodaStream can pay for itself many times over. However, if sparkling drinks are not a regular part of your life, it might not be a worthwhile purchase. It may see occasional use during holidays but could easily be forgotten afterwards.

The Basic Model: Gaia

Alt text: SodaStream Gaia sparkling water maker in black, showcasing a user-friendly design on a kitchen counter.

The bottom line: The Gaia is SodaStream’s entry-level model, ideal for those new to sparkling water makers. It’s user-friendly and affordable, though upgrading to a higher-end model offers noticeable improvements.

The SodaStream Gaia, the most basic model, was my first foray into home carbonation. If you’re uncertain about incorporating sparkling water into your routine, the Gaia is an appealing starting point due to its affordability and representation of the core SodaStream experience. It’s easy to operate and doesn’t demand much counter space.

Nearly six years after my initial purchase, my Gaia is still functioning perfectly. Despite its plastic body initially feeling somewhat inexpensive, it has proven to be durable, resisting scratches and wear. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional wiping to keep it clean.

The operation is straightforward. Tilt the machine, screw in the reusable bottle, and press the button on top three to five times to achieve your desired level of carbonation. While the screw-in bottle mechanism can be a little cumbersome and occasionally confuses guests, it quickly becomes second nature.

I eventually passed my original Gaia on to my parents, who have become avid users. My reason for parting with it was a feeling that it was somewhat too basic and visually unexciting compared to SodaStream’s more advanced models. While the button operation is effective, the allure of other models caught my eye. Looking back, I slightly regret not keeping the Gaia, as its value for money is arguably better than the slightly upgraded Terra, especially considering the price difference.

The Median Model: Terra

Alt text: SodaStream Terra sparkling water maker in white, a mid-range model with a sleek design for modern kitchens.

The bottom line: While the Terra is a step up in price from the Gaia, the enhancements are minimal. It’s only worth considering if you find it at a significant discount.

Currently, I use and appreciate the SodaStream Terra. It’s slightly taller and slimmer than the Gaia, and also a bit heavier. The most significant upgrade in the Terra is the introduction of the QuickSnap Lock system, which eliminates the twist-in bottle attachment, simplifying the bottle insertion process. Beyond this, the functionality remains largely the same as the Gaia.

While the Terra’s design is sleek, I still prefer to keep my countertops clutter-free. Consequently, I store the Terra in a cupboard after each use. Its height actually required me to adjust my cupboard shelving to fit it, but I prioritize counter space over cupboard storage.

The Terra’s gas consumption is comparable to the Gaia. Both models are expected to carbonate approximately 60 liters of water per cylinder, which should last a couple of months. Mine typically lasts around four months, even with daily consumption of at least a liter. This could be attributed to my preference for less intense carbonation. Nonetheless, both models offer reasonable cylinder longevity.

Although I find the Terra satisfactory, its higher price point compared to the Gaia makes it a less compelling value. While it might feel slightly more premium, the marginal improvements don’t justify the extra cost unless you can secure a substantial discount.

The Premium Model: Art

Alt text: SodaStream Art sparkling water maker in vibrant red, showcasing its premium design and lever-action carbonation.

The bottom line: The Art model is a top-tier SodaStream, ideal for dedicated daily users. It’s not the absolute most premium option but strikes the best balance of features and user experience.

Among my family, the SodaStream Art is a clear favorite. My brother, with a penchant for luxury, opted for the Art as his first SodaStream. If budget is less of a concern and you are committed to daily use, the Art is the model I would highly recommend.

The Art exudes a premium aesthetic and tactile experience. Unlike the Gaia and Terra, the Art is visually appealing enough to display on the countertop.

Operation is seamless; the bottle effortlessly snaps into place, and the machine is ready for use. While it’s the largest of the manual SodaStream models, the lever-action carbonation control, rather than a button, offers a more refined and responsive user experience. The lever is more sensitive, allowing for precise carbonation adjustments.

For those seeking the ultimate luxury, the E-Terra provides electronic carbonation. It’s similar in size to the Art, but slightly slimmer. While an automated system might sound appealing, in practice, the manual control of the Art is neither cumbersome nor complex, making the automated E-Terra feel somewhat superfluous. I believe the Art represents the sweet spot in the SodaStream lineup, offering peak performance before diminishing returns on investment set in.

Considering the E-Terra

Alt text: SodaStream E-Terra sparkling water maker, an electric model highlighted in a promotional discount banner.

While the E-Terra offers the convenience of electric carbonation, the manual lever on the Art is so intuitive and enjoyable to use that the automated feature feels unnecessary for most users. However, the E-Terra is frequently available at discounted prices, sometimes even comparable to or slightly cheaper than the Art. If you find the E-Terra on sale, it might be a financially sound choice to get a more technologically advanced model for a similar or lower price. You’ll gain a tech-forward SodaStream and potentially save money in the process.

Comparison Table: SodaStream Models at a Glance

SodaStream Alternatives: Exploring Other Sparkling Water Makers

While SodaStream is a leading brand, alternatives from Ninja and Breville offer compelling features. The Breville InFizz Fusion and Ninja Thirsti have both made significant impacts in the market. Personally, I lean towards SodaStream over Ninja due to what I perceive as more refined design elements.

Alt text: Breville InFizz sparkling beverage maker in stainless steel, designed for carbonating various drinks including wine.

Breville InFizz: While SodaStream excels at sparkling water, the Breville InFizz is designed to carbonate more than just water, including wine and juices. SodaStreams are limited to water carbonation (syrups are added post-carbonation). The InFizz boasts a stainless steel construction, lending it a more premium and durable feel. It’s an elegant, higher-end option for those looking to carbonate a wider range of beverages.

Alt text: Ninja Thirsti Drink Maker in black and silver, a versatile beverage maker suitable for families and kids.

Ninja Thirsti Drink Maker: The Ninja Thirsti is a fun and versatile option, particularly appealing for families. It allows you to create a variety of drinks, including those with electrolytes for hydration or vitamins for nutritional boosts. A key advantage for families with younger children is the availability of numerous sugar-free flavor drops and the option to create still water, unlike SodaStream which is solely focused on sparkling water.

Alt text: Aarke Carbonator III sparkling water maker in polished steel, highlighting its minimalist Scandinavian design.

Aarke Carbonator III: The Aarke Carbonator III is a premium, design-focused sparkling water maker. Slim, sleek, and cordless, it’s crafted from stainless steel and BPA-free materials. Its minimalist Scandinavian design is both beautiful and discreet, available in various colors to complement any kitchen. Like SodaStream, Aarke is designed for water carbonation only, but they offer mixer syrups in sophisticated flavors like cucumber & lime and basil & yuzu.

FAQs About SodaStream

Is it annoying to get SodaStream cylinder refills?

Refilling SodaStream cylinders is surprisingly convenient. Most retailers that sell SodaStream cylinders, like Walmart, also offer a cylinder exchange program. I initially anticipated this being a hassle, but it’s actually quite easy and streamlined.

Can I use a SodaStream anywhere?

The SodaStream models discussed here are all cordless, providing flexibility to use them on any flat surface without needing to be near a power outlet.

Are SodaStreams useful or just kitchen clutter?

If you rarely drink sparkling water or soda, a SodaStream might become unused clutter. However, if you consume these beverages regularly, a SodaStream is a genuinely useful appliance that can save you money and reduce plastic waste.

Final Verdict: Choosing the Right SodaStream Model

Alt text: A lineup of SodaStream Art models in various colors including black, white, blue, and red, showcasing the range of options.

I am a satisfied SodaStream user, but model selection is key. For those budget-conscious or new to sparkling water makers, the basic Gaia is a great entry point, despite its slightly less refined bottle attachment. For a more premium experience, the Art is highly recommended. Its lever operation and enhanced design justify the higher price for frequent users. The Terra occupies a middle ground but offers minimal improvements over the Gaia, making it only worthwhile if significantly discounted. Ultimately, whichever model you choose, I hope it meets your sparkling water aspirations – mine certainly has.