SodaStream Source Review

I recently received a Soadstream Source from SodaStream USA and was like a kid in a candy store. I did not know where to start. Which flavor soda should I make first? It was a hard decision, but I figured that since I had young children at my feet I would try one of their natural products.

Setting up the machine was very easy. I had to insert the CO2 canister and the actual unit was ready to use. I made sure that I washed the reusable bottle that came with the unit with soap and water to remove and unknown residues from packaging, and then I was ready to go.

Using the SodaSteam was even easier than setting it up!  (Okay, okay, so there was no set up time. Don’t I get credit for washing the bottle?) Attaching the reusable bottle was a little awkward the first time just because I had never done it before, but it got much easier as I made more drinks.

When making your drinks, you need to realize that you are only adding carbonation to water. You do not add the flavoring until the water has carbonation. This will keep the unit from getting clogged and malfunctioning.

When adding the syrup to the water, there is a standard measurement, but you can adjust the level of flavor to your specific taste. Be very careful adding the flavor to the carbonated water. If you pour it in fast you will have a big mess to clean up (trust me, I tried).

I have tried several of the flavors so far, but I am on the hunt for new ones too. I really enjoyed the natural's flavors and would love to see more and more naturals varieties become available in the future. There are unique flavors like black currant pear and apple mango. The naturals also contain real sugar.

The standard flavors and diet varieties all contain some artificial sweetener in them. Since I could adjust the syrup to my taste, they were not too sweet and very refreshing.

Some of the new flavors I found at a local store are definitely fun to try. Flavors like Margarita, Piña Colada, and Cosmopolitan. Watch out! Here comes Grammy with new ways to add flair to her favorite drinks!

I found that I did need to purchase a couple of spare carbonating bottles. One is just not enough (for me). I purchased a twin pack at a local store and filled them with plain water. To make it easier, I stored them in the refrigerator until I was ready to make a drink. By doing this, the beverages were already cold when I made them and they did not require ice right away.

One last little bit of information that i am sure will be helpful. I found that the carbonation would last about 7 to 10 days depending on if a syrup was added and how many times the bottle was opened. There is an expiration date on the carbonation bottles so they will have to be replaced but not for quite some time.

Overall the SodaStream is a great product. They are fun to have around and very easy to use.  I think that this will become the big hit at birthday parties and family gatherings in the future.
This is a great gift idea for anyone that you know. Think of all the possibilities.