In the last few years, SodaStream has become increasingly popular in the UK as increasing numbers of people look for sustainable and economical ways to replace fizzy drinks bought from shops. With the claims of saving money, less plastic waste, and healthier drinks, it’s easy to ask: is a SodaStream worth it? This blog will examine the pros and cons of SodaStream, discuss its cost-effectiveness, and examine its environmental impact, incorporating expert analysis and practical experience
SodaStream is an at-home carbonation device that enables you to carbonate regular tap water to produce sparkling water. It injects CO₂ from a CO₂ cylinder into the water in a few seconds to give the water an effervescent feel. Along with the capacity for sparkling water, SodaStream provides various taste concentrations replicating the mainstream carbonated drinks such that customers may create personalized effervescent beverages within the home. The brand is now a name to reckon with in the UK, particularly among consumers who want to reduce single-use plastics and switch to healthier lifestyle choices. But is the investment justified? Let’s find out.
Pros of Owning a SodaStream
1. Saving in the Long Term–
Arguably the strongest selling point for SodaStream is long-term saving. The machine is a cost to buy but individuals who consume vast amounts of fizzy drink and sparkling water can save enormously in the long run.
• Cost of SodaStream Machine: £60 – £150 (model depending)
• Cost of Refilling CO₂ Cylinder: £10 – £15 (60L of fizzy water)
• Flavour Syrups: £3 – £5 per pack (each making around 9 litres of beverage)
In comparison, one litre of bottled carbonated water will run anywhere from 50p to £1 in the UK. If a family consumes around 3 litres weekly, that is £78 – £156 annually just on carbonated water alone. With SodaStream, these figures can be significantly cut back after the initial investment.
2. Eco-Friendly
SodaStream markets itself as being an eco-friendly alternative compared to bottles of fizzy drinks. With a reusable bottle instead of purchasing plastic bottles of sparkling water, the consumer can reduce their use of plastic by quite a lot.
• SodaStream estimates that one of its reusable bottles will replace up to 2,000 individual plastic bottles for its life.
• Reduces carbon footprint by up to 87% compared to fizzy drinks purchased at the shop.
•The brand will eliminate 67 billion single-use plastic bottles by the year 2025.
SodaStream is a more eco-friendly alternative for those who are keen to minimize plastic use.
3. Convenience and Ease of Access
Never find yourself without sparkling water or fizzy drinks with a SodaStream. Supermarket-heavy bottles do not need to be lugged around, and with the simple push of a button, you can have new carbonated water at your fingertips whenever you desire. SodaStream also offers an online CO₂ cylinder refill subscription service where customers can exchange empty cylinders without needing to visit a store.
4. Healthier Option for Sugary Beverages
Most shop-bought fizzy drinks contain a lot of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and additives. With a SodaStream, you are in control of what is added to your drink and so can make it healthier.
• SodaStream branded syrups have less sugar and fewer calories than the majority of supermarket soft drinks.
• You can make your fruit-flavoured sparkling water without any additives.
• Fantastic for those reducing their sugar intake or who wish to avoid artificial sweeteners.
5. Customization & Options
SodaStream lets consumers have control over their drinks by:
• Carbonation level: light fizz, medium, or extra fizzy
• Natural fruit juice or flavor drops can be added
• Create homemade mixers for mocktails and cocktails
SodaStream is an indulgence for those who like trying new flavors on their drinks.
Cons of Owning a SodaStream
1. Expensive Start-up
The largest drawback to buying a SodaStream is the initial expense. Depending on the model, a SodaStream machine can range in price from £60 – £150. Although this expense is made up over time by decreasing bottled drink buying, it may be a stumbling block for some consumers.
2. Periodic Maintenance and Cylinder Refills
A service of refilling a CO₂ gas cylinder is cheaper than buying sparkling water, though there is something to pay. A service will run around £10 – £15 and carbonate 60 litres of water.
The machine and bottles also need to be cleaned from time to time and well maintained in order to have a longer life.
3. Limited Cylinder Exchange Availability
Not every retailer and UK supermarket possesses CO₂ exchange facilities, and therefore, some consumers may experience difficulty exchanging their cylinders.
Some retailers such as Argos, Lakeland, and Robert Dyas, but not all, do possess in-store exchanges. Additionally, SodaStream offers a mail-in exchange from its website.
4. Storage Space Requirements
SodaStream machines and accessories can occupy kitchen storage space (bottles, flavour syrups, gas cylinders). This may be an issue for individuals with very limited counter or cupboard space.
Is SodaStream Cost-Effective in the UK?
To determine if a SodaStream is worth it, let’s do a cost comparison.
| Expense | Bottled Sparkling Water (Store-Bought) | SodaStream |
| Cost per litre | £0.50 – £1.00 | £0.17 – £0.25 |
| Annual cost (3L per week) | £78 – £156 | £26 – £40 |
| 5-Year Cost | £390 – £780 | £130 – £200 |
As the table shows, after the initial investment, SodaStream can be a cheaper long-term solution for those who regularly consume carbonated drinks.
For everyday sparkling water consumers, a SodaStream is well worth it. It provides cost savings over the long term, is environmentally friendly, and is a healthier choice than store-bought sodas.
But for those who hardly ever consume fizzy water, the upfront cost may not be worth it.
Who Should Buy a SodaStream?
✔️ Frequent users of fizzy soft drinks and sparkling water
✔️ Environmentally conscious shoppers who wish to reduce plastic consumption
✔️ Users who desire to customize drinks
✔️ Frugal families in the long run
Who May Not Require a SodaStream?
❌ Limited users of carbonated beverages who don’t use them often
❌ People who find CO₂ refills and maintenance of the machine inconvenient for them
❌ Families with limited kitchen storage space
Ultimately, SodaStream is an excellent investment for those who consume carbonated drinks on a regular basis and desire a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and personally tailored alternative. With the UK trend of becoming more sustainable and reducing plastic waste, making the change to a SodaStream is an excellent way to contribute to a cleaner world while still enjoying fizzy drinks at your fingertips.
Follow the links below to check out the official Sodastream Amazon Store:
