Buying a SodaStream

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#2801138 26-Oct-2021 08:41

We have the Aarke, expensive but got one on run out from Harvey Norman’s. it uses soda streams gas refills and can use soda stream bottles. It looks better on the bench, and doesn’t take up much space than the soda steam units, if you care about such things. The crystal only lets youse single serve bottles.

jonathan18

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#2801261 26-Oct-2021 11:41

jonathan18:

We're looking to replace our long-in-the-tooth Sodastream so I've been checking out contemporary offerings; thought I'd ask for feedback via re-opening this earlier thread...

The model that most interests me is the terribly named Oh Bubbles, which is currently on sale (around $200). An interesting feature is that it can carbonate (or re-carbonate) any liquid without the overflow problem of a conventional machine (fizzy espresso or red wine anyone?!) Extra bottles aren't cheap ($40 each full-price!) and not even one cylinder is included. Does anyone here own one or used one of these and would be able to comment?

The Aarke Carbonator 3 is terribly stylish and well-built (stainless steel), but I think that's primarily what one is paying for there. There's even a Philips model.

I'd have been interested in the Sodastream Onetouch, which has push-button electric workings, but this doesn't seem to be sold in NZ at all.

If we were to stick with Sodastream I guess it would be the Source, as the Crystal seems more money for just fancy glass bottles (and the same not-so-great mechanism of the entry-level Spirit, which is similar to our old 30 l machine).

Anyway, any feedback on currently available models - especially the Oh Bubbles - would be much appreciated.

Thanks for the responses thus far.

Anyone out there tried or own the Oh Bubbles unit?

timmmay

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#2801268 26-Oct-2021 11:49

I looked at Oh Bubbles website last week, it looked really expensive.

jonathan18

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#2801270 26-Oct-2021 11:54

timmmay:

I looked at Oh Bubbles website last week, it looked really expensive.

Sure, I agree the prices on the website are steep but as per the link in my earlier post the machine is on sale for $200 at Farmers, which given the ability to fizz anything seems an ok premium to pay over and above a standard Sodastream. The price doesn't concern me as much as quality and reliability, given it's a brand without much of a history.

Beccara

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#2801291 26-Oct-2021 12:28

Sorry if i've missed it but why would the oh bubbles unit be able to fizz something a soda stream unit cant?

Most problems are the result of previous solutions...

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jonathan18

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#2801331 26-Oct-2021 13:07

Beccara:

Sorry if i've missed it but why would the oh bubbles unit be able to fizz something a soda stream unit cant?

Have you ever tried to fizz any liquid other than pure water in a Sodastream?!

This will show you the results! (Something that can apparently be done in the Oh Bubbles machine without such a disaster.)

Stu

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#2801415 26-Oct-2021 15:34

jonathan18:

Sure, I agree the prices on the website are steep but as per the link in my earlier post the machine is on sale for $200 at Farmers, which given the ability to fizz anything seems an ok premium to pay over and above a standard Sodastream. The price doesn't concern me as much as quality and reliability, given it's a brand without much of a history.

And sold out online.

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trig42

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#2801418 26-Oct-2021 15:39

Check out Big Clive - he carbonates a few things.

Beccara

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#2801419 26-Oct-2021 15:41

jonathan18:

Have you ever tried to fizz any liquid other than pure water in a Sodastream?!

This will show you the results! (Something that can apparently be done in the Oh Bubbles machine without such a disaster.)

Yeah but OhBubbles videos mostly show the same steps, water to bubbles then add syrup. A few videos show some "teas" as the starting fluid, I just can't see anything different about this unit and the Sodastream from a mechanics perspective?

Edit:// Looks like the pressure release is more controlled, the videos show a mild shaking motion to help mix things up better

neveR

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#2801431 26-Oct-2021 16:04

I have a Go bubbles system (My Wife wanted it), it works great and can be used on basically anything...

With go bubbles there is two different types of lids on the bottles, one for filling and one for storage.
The one for filling has the "needle" that goes into the liquid built in, it also has a valve thing built in.
So when you close it fully, then carbonate it, then slowly open the valve portion of the lid (just like unscrewing the lid) and it releases the pressure without the liquid going everywhere and making a mess.

Some of the things we have carbonated so far are: Water, flat coke, water with fruit and flavour in, White wine, cocktails, Red wine

They are a bit more expensive, but can do more so seems reasonable to me.
Uses the same gass canisters as Soda stream

Beccara

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#2801434 26-Oct-2021 16:10

Thanks, wish they made that more clear!

neveR

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#2801442 26-Oct-2021 16:27

Beccara:
Thanks, wish they made that more clear!

Yeah we first found out about them at Kapiti Food fair, where they had a stall, so we're able to see them in action, they were mainly using there syrup and fruit, but we asked questions of other things that could be put in it and all of the answers were yes....

We had also gotten some cheap white wine from another stall so that was the rest of our day done :P

jonathan18

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#2801501 26-Oct-2021 19:17

Stu:

jonathan18:

Sure, I agree the prices on the website are steep but as per the link in my earlier post the machine is on sale for $200 at Farmers, which given the ability to fizz anything seems an ok premium to pay over and above a standard Sodastream. The price doesn't concern me as much as quality and reliability, given it's a brand without much of a history.

And sold out online.

Not really a problem for those out of L3 (apologies to those who are!); the Farmers store about two minutes' drive away from home has them in stock.

jonathan18

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#2801505 26-Oct-2021 19:26

neveR: I have a Go bubbles system (My Wife wanted it), it works great and can be used on basically anything...

With go bubbles there is two different types of lids on the bottles, one for filling and one for storage.
The one for filling has the "needle" that goes into the liquid built in, it also has a valve thing built in.
So when you close it fully, then carbonate it, then slowly open the valve portion of the lid (just like unscrewing the lid) and it releases the pressure without the liquid going everywhere and making a mess.

Some of the things we have carbonated so far are: Water, flat coke, water with fruit and flavour in, White wine, cocktails, Red wine

They are a bit more expensive, but can do more so seems reasonable to me.
Uses the same gass canisters as Soda stream

Thanks, @neveR, great to hear from an owner of one of these.

I managed to pop into my local Farmers and take a look at them - surprisingly light-weight for something with an RRP of $300!

I'm a little worried about the balance of the machine, which is incredibly unstable without a bottle in it; how do you find its stability with a gas bottle installed - any chance of it being easily knocked over if left on the bench?

The bottles are amazingly tall (nearly 35cm, I think) and relatively narrow - how easy are they to knock over? (We are a clumsy family!)

The Sodastream Source seems to be both better built and more stable; it also doesn't require bottles being screwed into place, which makes filling easier and quicker. TBH, it's the apparent ability to carbonate anything with ease that is the only significant advantage the Oh Bubbles has for us.

neveR

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#2801577 26-Oct-2021 20:08

We have never had any problems with it being unstable, with the second bit of the base turned 90° the weight of the bottle makes it very stable. Yes there is not much to them, but there isn't really much to a soda stream (they work exactly the same way) just likely more plastic waste when they eventually break...

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