What it is
SodaStream is a countertop carbonation system that turns tap water into sparkling water in seconds. A single CO2 canister carbonates up to 60 liters of water. The canisters are exchanged (not thrown away) at retail locations or by mail. The machine requires no electricity and works with a manual lever or button press depending on the model.
Why we picked this
The math on SodaStream is straightforward. A household drinking four bottles of sparkling water per week goes through roughly 200 plastic bottles per year. One SodaStream and 3 to 4 canister exchanges replaces all of them for less than half the cost. Perrier or S. Pellegrino at the store costs $1.50 to $2.00 per liter. SodaStream costs about $0.20 per liter. It pays for itself in two months and eliminates both the plastic waste and the hauling.
Key takeaways
- One SodaStream machine replaces approximately 2,000 single-use plastic bottles over its 3 to 5 year lifespan, saving roughly 40 kg of plastic waste.
- The cost per liter of homemade sparkling water is $0.15 to $0.25, compared to $1.50 to $3.00 for store-bought brands.
- CO2 canisters are returned to a closed-loop exchange program: used canisters are refilled and recirculated, not recycled or landfilled.