If tired of drinking plain water, and desiring to have more control over the beverages consumed in the household, a SodaStream Aqua Fizz makes for an interesting investment. The Aqua Fizz is the latest innovation to become part of the SodaStream line of products. The device carbonates water easily and quickly. Additional ingredients may then be added to create flavored drinks that are less expensive and healthier in the long run.
The Basics
The unit measures 10.5 inches in length, 17.2 inches in height and 6.25 inches in width, which makes the device easily stored on a countertop, atop a bar or a table. The starter kit comes with the carbonation machine, one CO2 cylinder and two glass carafes. The Aqua Fizz itself is made using a combination of black plastic and aluminum, which makes the device more durable and enables easy cleaning. The aluminum front panel locks the bottle into place while forming a tight seal, which alleviates leakage.
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The machine is completely portable, as it does not need batteries or electricity for operation. In this way, the Aqua Fizz might be taken outdoors for backyard BBQs, to the park or to the beach for picnics. Pushing one button provides all the carbonation needed to make bubbly refreshing drinks. Anyone owning an older Soda Stream model will also appreciate the fact that the upgraded version remains completely quiet during operation.
The BPA-free glass carafes are a step up for a few different reasons. The fill line is molded right into the glass, which remains visible throughout the life of the bottle. The glass bottles will also typically last longer compared to the plastic carafes used in previous SodaStream models. The bottles feature a longer neck and a large base, which equates to fewer mishaps when adding flavorings. The carafes also have ridges for enhanced gripping. The bottle caps are plastic and contain a rubber seal, which ensures that the carbonated water retains the CO2 gas. Overall, the design of the machine and the bottles create a refined elegant appearance.
The Aqua Fizz is available as either the hydration or the starter pack. The hydration kit comes with the device plus two CO2 cylinders and three glass carafes. The starter kit comes with the device plus one CO2 cylinder and two glass carafes. Prices of the kits vary. Soda Stream also offers a three-year warranty on each device. SodaStream also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Usage
The device comes with an instruction manual. The instruction manual is also available for download on the SodaStream website. Setting the Aqua Fizz up upon arrival takes less than five minutes. Unpack the carbonation cylinder. Remove the back door of the device. Slide the cylinder onto the nozzle of the device. Twist the cylinder into place and hand tighten. Replace the back door and make sure it clicks shut.
When getting ready to carbonate water, only use the carafes that come with the system. Fill one carafe with cold, refrigerated water to the fill line. Lift the front of the Aqua Fizz and insert the carafe. Lower the top and close the compartment. Press the carbonation button on the top of the device using two-second short bursts and firm pressure.
Standard carbonation requires three presses of the button. Add up to two more bursts for extra carbonation. Adding more than the recommended level of carbonation causes the carafe to overflow, which results in a watery mess needing clean up. If the water is not carbonated to satisfaction, it may be a sign that the CO2 cylinder needs replacing. Only carbonate plain water. Add flavorings after the water has been carbonated.
The carafes come with screw-on sealing caps. Once made, the sparkling water is supposed to last for up to two weeks before consumption. However, the majority of people tend to enjoy the beverages shortly after creation.
CO2 Cylinder Refills
In the long run, the Aqua Fizz saves money over buying traditional carbonated beverages. Users also help conserve the planet by reducing the amount of can and bottle waste created. But, the cylinders need replacing every three to four weeks for a 30-liter cylinder and every six to eight weeks for a 60-liter cylinder. The calculation is based on a household having four Aqua Fizz beverage drinkers. The frequency of use also determines the need for cylinder replacement.
The cylinder needs replacing if noticing that the water is not carbonated after repeated presses of the button. Users might also hear a sputtering sound when depressing the button.
SodaStream offers a cylinder replacement and delivery service, which may not exist in some locations. The company’s website also features a retail locator to enable Aqua Fizz owners to find venues that offer SodaStream accessories. The popular mass merchandiser Target is one of the options where cylinders are readily available.
The average cost for a one-liter soda or juice runs approximately three dollars. On the other hand, the average cost of the smaller cylinder equates to an expense of less than one dollar per day. It is always a good idea to have an extra cylinder on hand to prevent running out when desiring a carbonated drink.
Making Flavored Beverages
SodaStream offers a large variety of flavors that may be added to enhance drinking pleasure. Some flavors may contain fructose, sugar or Stevia. But, the sugar content is less than what is readily available in traditional sodas and juices. The cola flavorings contain approximately 31 milligrams of caffeine per eight ounces. The energy drink option contains approximately 80 milligrams of caffeine per eight ounces.
Carbonate a carafe of cold water. Then add a few drops of the desired liquid flavoring syrup to the bottle. Cap the bottle and lightly shake it to disperse the flavoring. Fruit may be added to the carafe before the carbonation process. However, make sure that the contents do not surpass the fill line. By changing a household’s drinking habits to flavored, carbonated water, all consume less sugar, which is healthier in the long run. The fun and ease of using the device also up the health level by encouraging users to consume more water each day.
Cleaning the Aqua Fizz
Wipe up spills with a cloth to keep the base area dry. Cleaning the unit requires nothing more than a cloth dampened with warm water. Avoid using detergents or abrasives for cleaning. Never use sharp objects. The glass carafes are safe to clean in the dishwasher.
Our SodaStream Crystal stopped working after 3 years of reliable service. I was planning on buying another Crystal unit but I realized there is a newer model that uses glass bottles. Bought the Aqua Fizz and I’m very pleased with purchase. It does an even better job of carbonating water than Crystal. I hope it lasts just as long.
I wanted a SodaStream soda maker for a long time. But, I could not decide which model to buy. The first machine I bought came with BPA-free plastic bottles. They may be free of BPA, but I was still leary of the other possibly toxic chemicals the plastic might harbor. I am not a fan of plastic beverage or food containers. I later bought the Crystal and am happier with the glass carafes. The machine is very well constructed. I used it every night for three months and still have not emptied the first CO2 canister. I also like the fact that I do not have to buy and carry a bunch of sparkling water bottles from the store that eventually end up in a landfill. Months later, I am still enjoying my homemade sparkling water and the money I’m saving.
The Crystal is one of the best investments I have made to date. I filter the water using a Brita pitcher and pour it into a glass carafe. After carbonating the water, I mix it with fresh fruit juice. I love the fact that I am saving money. I am also pleased that I am doing my part to improve the environment. I additionally no longer have to worry about getting toxic chemicals from drinking out of plastic bottles.
I bought the SodaStream for one of my children. Since they were living with me at the time, I was able to use it daily. I also bought a couple of extra glass bottles. We’ve been using the machine for a month and still have not run out of CO2. We carbonate the bottles and store them in the refrigerator. We enjoy camping in our RV, and the soda maker is just the right size to pack along. I am determined to buy the SodaStream when I am once again living on my own.
After buying my machine I began having problems. The jet hose that inserts in the bottle sometimes bent to one side. Once it even got lodged and broke when I tried to fix the jam. I also felt that the carbonation bubbles were too large for my taste. I was used to the finer carbonation that comes in store-bought varieties. I notified customer service of the problems I was having, and they sent me a new machine.