In 2017, I was given a SodaStream that carbonates water using a refillable 60 liter CO2 cylinder. The cost of a refill cylinder was a bit high, but I was only using four or five cylinders a year. in 2024, compatible CO2 cylinders like Indigo and Reflo became available at a lower price, and they would accept the empty SodaStream cylinders.
The SodaStream worked well, although the injector would periodically clog with lime from my hard water. After some experimentation, I found soaking the injector in decalcification solution used for espresso machines) restored the flow. SodaStream can only carbonate water - any flavouring needs to be added afterwards. Removing a SodaStream bottle after carbonation releases pressure rapidly. Any liquid that foams can result in a serious mess.
In February, the pressure relief valve of the SodaStream failed, making it difficult to get an acceptable level of carbonation. I was going to buy a replacement SodaStream when I discovered that all current models had switched to a new CO2 cylinder with a quick connect, instead of previous cylinders with threaded connectors. It is possible find adapters that allow threaded cylinders to fit new SodaStream units, but reviews were variable and the cylinder was now taller,, requiring modifications to the SodaStream.
It turns out that Drinkmate sells a carbonation unit that still uses the original cylinders. In addition to a nicer design, the Drinkmate uses a separate injection unit: the part with "drinkmate" in the picture. The injection unit slides out and connects to the bottle with a twist lock. The bottle with the injection unit slides back into the Drinkmate, and the assembly is tilted to a vertical position. After carbonation, the assembly is tilted forward and removed from the Drinkmate. A slow release tab on the injection unit releases pressure gradually, allowing the injection unit to be removed from the bottle. The slow release feature allows the Drinkmate to carbonate liquids other than water, including juices, wine, and cocktails.
While SodaStream is trying to lock in their customers by switching to a proprietary CO2 cartridge, Drinkmate is innovating.
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