Frequently Asked Questions
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General Questions
1. Can you really make real soda at home?
Yes - the secret is out! Soda is simply water, fizz and flavor. With SodaStream's home soda makers, you transform ordinary tap water into fresh, great-tasting soda by adding fizz (in the form of carbon dioxide from a SodaStream carbonator) and flavor (one of more than 30 sodamix syrups.) So go ahead and enjoy the freshest, best tasting soda on the planet!
2. Why should I buy a home soda maker?
Coffee lovers enjoy fresh brewed coffee at home using their coffee makers. Now, soda lovers can enjoy delicious, freshly-made soda at home using a SodaStream home soda maker! People buy soda makers for many reasons. Some of the most popular benefits include:
- Quick, convenient and easy to use
- Fresh, delicious soda in seconds
- No more lugging heavy, bulky bottles and cans from the store
- No more storing cases of soda
- No more worries about running out of your favorite soft drinks
- Over 30 great-tasting flavors, including regular, diet, caffeine-free and cocktail mixers
- Regular flavors do not contain high-fructose corn syrup
- Diet flavors are sweetened with Splenda® brand sweetener and contain no aspartame
- Reusable BPA-free bottles and concentrated syrup cut down on recyclables and disposables, making an environmentally-friendly alternative to store-bought drinks
- No batteries, electricity or plumbing
- Reliable and friendly service
- Money-back guarantee and two-year warranty
3. What will it cost me to make a bottle of soda?
After your initial purchase of a home soda maker package, you'll enjoy sparkling water in reusable 1-liter PET bottles for just $0.22 per liter, and soda about $0.25 per 12-oz can, before any applicable shipping charges. Penguin machine users will pay just $0.35 per liter of premium sparkling water and about $0.27 per 12-oz can of fresh gourmet soda. (Note to Penguin lovers: Each glass carafe holds about 2/3 of a liter.) When applicable and depending on location and order size, shipping adds $0.02 to $0.06 per liter.
4. How do I get ongoing supplies for my home soda maker?
Soda-making supplies are available for 24-hour ordering on this website, or by calling 1-877-436-5866. Check the retailers that carry SodaStream products.
5. How long has SodaStream been in business?
SodaStream is a brand of Soda-Club, Inc. -- the world leader in home carbonation systems. Founded in 1991, Soda-Club and SodaStream soda makers are found in over 8 million homes in more than 30 countries around the world.
6. Is Soda-Club a club that requires membership and some type of ongoing commitment?
No. Soda-Club is just the name of the company. There are no membership requirements, annual dues or minimum purchases of any kind. Once you have a soda maker, you may purchase soda-making supplies at your own pace and convenience.
7. Are SodaStream's products recyclable?
Yes. Many of SodaStream’s consumable packages are completely recyclable, once they’ve outlived their useful lives. Remember that carbonating bottles are reusable up to 3 years before they need to be replaced, and Penguin glass carafes may be used indefinitely, provided they remain free from cracks or other damage. Check with your municipal recycling authority to find out how to recycle your SodaStream items.
8. Are SodaStream plastic carbonating bottles BPA-free?
For many years, SodaStream has demanded that our suppliers and subcontractors meet exacting specifications, so that our millions of customers worldwide can enjoy a safe and superior product that is compliant with international standards for beverage quality.
Some topics of special concern:
- Phthalates and PCBs: SodaStream does not use any materials in the production process that can produce phthalates or PCBs.
- Bisphenol-A (BPA): SodaStream does not use polycarbonate materials, and therefore our products are free of this chemical compound.
MSDS sheets and certificates of supplier conformity are available upon request.
Customer Service and Order Information
1.What do I do when my carbonator is empty?
When your carbonator runs out of gas, order an EXCHANGE carbonator. SodaStream will then provide you with a Return Waybill to send back the empty canister. Once this is received we will send back a refill canister. For more information visit our CO2 Exchange Program Page. You may also call our Customer Support Center toll-free at 1-877-436-5866. Supplies are also available at SodaStream events or at SodaStream Authorized Dealer locations.
*** NOTE ***
Since CO2 carbonators are considered hazardous goods, they are not allowed across the border to the United States. Also, even though the Soda Stream CO2 canisters from the United States are compatible with the CO2 canisters in Canada, you are not allowed to import them into Canada.
2. Do you offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes! If you are not satisfied with your soda maker for any reason, you may return it, postmarked within 30 days of date of purchase (please keep your dated receipts) for a full refund (less the value of free shipping for those customers who purchased a value package).
3. Do you offer a warranty?
Yes! SodaStream manufactures our home soda makers to exacting specifications and therefore we are able to offer a money-back satisfaction guarantee and two-year warranty to our customers.
4. I have another brand of carbonating system but I would prefer to use your system. Do you have a trade-in program?
Yes! SodaStream offers a discount trade-in program for soda makers purchased from other manufacturers. Contact info@sodastream.ca for details!
Operating Your Home Soda Maker
1. Do I need a special water system in order to use the product?
No. You may use any type of water that you typically drink at home. However, we do recommend using COLD water to achieve best results.
2. How do I clean my home soda maker?
The home soda maker should be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth in lukewarm water using a non-abrasive cleanser if necessary. Be sure to remove the carbonator before cleansing. The machine and the PET bottles are not dishwasher-safe.
3. Can I carbonate drinks other than water?
No. Only water should be carbonated in the SodaStream home soda maker. You risk damaging your soda maker, not to mention making a big fizzy mess! The money-back guarantee and the warranty are both invalidated if you carbonate any liquid other than water in your soda maker. Stick with plain cold water and adding any one of our fantastic flavors - after the water has been carbonated!
4.Can I re-fizz a drink that has gone flat?
If you're drinking plain sparkling water, the answer is yes. However, if you already prepared a drink with any flavoring, the answer is no. Since only water can be carbonated in the home soda maker, you cannot re-carbonate once you've added syrup.
5.Can I add anything other than syrup?
Sodamix and MyWater flavors have been specially formulated to work with your home soda maker. However, some SodaStream customers like to add fresh fruit juice to their fizzy water instead of syrup. This is perfectly fine - as long as you try this after the water has been carbonated. Mix it in a glass or pitcher for best results.
6.How can I tell if there is enough fizz in my water?
"Enough" is a very subjective term! One of the great benefits of using a SodaStream soda maker is that you control the level of fizz in your soft drinks. In general, you should press the carbonating button several times until you hear the LOUD BUZZ that indicates carbonation. Keep going until you achieve the level of fizz that you like! Three LOUD BUZZES provide average carbonation. Use one buzz for very light carbonation (good for fruit flavors and Energy Drink) or five buzzes for strong carbonation (works well for colas and other dark syrups.)
7.What kind of power source does the home soda maker use?
SodaStream home soda makers operate without batteries, electricity or plumbing, making them an energy-efficient home appliance and an ideal accessory to take on the road in your RV or on board your boat. The carbonation in your soda is purely a result of the compressed gas stored in the SodaStream carbonator.
Sodamix Flavors and Finished Soda
1. What is the shelf life of syrup?
Typically, your syrup will arrive with 5-6 months prior to the “best before” date printed on the back of the label. Sodamix is at peak drinkability before this date. However, when tightly closed and stored in a cool, dry place, syrup may be consumed for several months beyond the date on the label.
2. How much syrup should I add to a bottle?
One of the best features of making soda at home is that you can control the level of flavor in your soft drinks. In general, use a capful of syrup for each liter of sparkling water. If you like it sweeter, add more! If you like it less sweet, use less.
3. How long does the soda last before going flat?
The hermetic seal on the cap keeps your soda from going flat as quickly as ordinary store-bought beverages. If you make sure to close the cap tightly, and keep the bottle in the refrigerator, your SodaStream soda should remain fizzy and fresh for over a week.
4. Should I refrigerate syrup?
Unopened bottles of syrup do not require refrigeration, but we do recommend that you store unopened bottles in a cool dry place. For the coldest soda, we recommend storing opened bottles of syrup in the refrigerator.
5. Do you have any caffeine-free flavors?
Yes! Lemon-Lime, Diet Lemon-Lime, Root Beer, Diet Root Beer, Ginger Ale, Diet Ginger Ale, Tonic, Diet Tonic, Diet Pink Grapefruit, Cranberry-Raspberry, Diet Cranberry-Raspberry, Cream Soda, Diet Cream Soda, Orange Soda and Diet Orange Soda have no caffeine. You may also want to try Caffeine-Free Diet Cola and Grape.
6. How do you sweeten your regular flavors?
SodaStream regular syrup flavors contain sugar (sucrose), not high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Energy Drink contains fructose and dextrose, in addition to sucrose. Regular sodamix flavors contain sucralose (Splenda® brand) and some also contain acesulfame potassium. If you have dietary concerns, please read the label of every SodaStream product before purchasing, available on every flavor's product page in the SodaStream online store. When in doubt, consult with your physician.
7. How do you sweeten your diet flavors?
Our diet flavors are sweetened with a blend of acesulfame potassium and sucralose (Splenda® brand). SodaStream flavors contain no aspartame.
8. I like very fizzy soda. Can I make this with a SodaStream machine?
One of the best benefits of making soda at home with a SodaStream soda maker is that you control the "fizziness" of your drinks. When you're making soda: If you like very lightly carbonated soda, press the carbonating button until you hear just a single loud buzz. If you like extra-fizzy soda, keep going until you hear 5 buzzes. The amount of fizz your soda can hold is limited only by the laws of chemistry - after about 10 buzzes, you won't be able to inject any more fizz into the water.
9. I like flavored sparkling water. Can I make this with a SodaStream machine?
Yes! Mywater flavorings are all-natural, unsweetened flavor essences for making flavored sparkling water. Or, for sweetened flavored sparkling water, try using a quarter-capful of any of our syrup flavors in each liter of soda for a very lightly flavored drink. (Fruit flavors work best.) Or try using fresh lemons, limes, oranges or berries to flavor your drink. Sophisticated, healthful and quite tasty!
10. Are your products kosher?
 SodaStream products are kosher (OU) certified (OU kosher certificate). SodaStream seltzer is kosher for Passover (OUP). Also, please note that your home drink smaker can be used on the Sabbath. Contact SodaStream customer support for details.
11. Are your products allergen-free?
SodaStream products are allergen-free. We define allergens as being: cereals containing gluten, seafood and shellfish, eggs, fish, peanuts, soy, milk, tree nuts, celery, mustard, and sesame seeds.
12. Does your tonic contain quinine?
Yes. SodaStream tonic contains 0.0857 grams of quinine per liter of finished drink. One serving (8oz.) contains 0.02 grams.
13. What happened to the fruit flavors?
While SodaStream's fruit flavors were undoubtedly some of the best-tasting syrup flavors, unfortunately they were not the best-selling syrup flavors. Apple-Peach and Pink Grapefruit were all discontinued in 2007 (Diet Pink Grapefruit continues to be available.) SodaStream is committed to developing new flavors and new products, like new MyWater flavor essences, and will work to introduce new, exciting and delicious flavors in the future.
Carbonating Bottles and Caps
1. Why does the carbonating bottle have an expiration date?
Since the bottle has to withstand recurring pressure from carbonation, it cannot be used forever. The expiration date on the bottle must be checked and new bottles purchased as soon as the former expires. The bottles must also be replaced if put in the dishwasher, exposed to a heat source, or if they have become scratched. All components of carbonating bottles are recyclable. Check with your local recycling authority for more information.
2. How do I clean my carbonating bottles?
Carbonating bottles may be cleaned in warm water with a bottle brush and regular dish-washing liquid if necessary. Please do not place carbonating bottles in the dishwasher, as exposure to extreme heat can weaken the integrity of the bottles. Bottles stay cleanest when rinsed and then immediately filled with fresh water and returned to your refrigerator. Plus, you'll always have cold water on hand when you're ready for your next bottle of soda!
3. Can I use a different kind of bottle?
Only SodaStream or Soda-Club bottles may be used with your soda maker. Using another company's bottles may invalidate your warranty. SodaStream will not be responsible for products made by another company.
4. I lost my bottle caps. Can I get replacements or use another one that fits?
You can, but the other bottle cap may not have the special rubber seal that helps keep SodaStream soda so fresh. Please contact Customer Support for replacement caps, or add an extra set -- or two! -- to your next online order.
Carbonators
1. My carbonator is empty. Now what do I do?
Carbonator exchanges and other soda-making supplies are available at shop.sodastream.ca with 24-hour secure ordering. You may also call our Customer Support Center toll-free at 1-800-763-2258. Supplies are also available at SodaStream events or at SodaStream Authorized Dealer locations.
2. Can I refill my own carbonator or have it refilled locally?
SodaStream licensed carbonators are filled with beverage-grade CO2 in compliance with exacting FDA standards for food and beverage safety. Your local filling station may not be in compliance with these standards and could possibly introduce toxins into your CO2. Furthermore, unauthorized filling machines may cause damage to the carbonator. Damaged carbonators will not be accepted for return by SodaStream. Any gas filling by parties other than SodaStream authorized filling stations violates the User License.
3. Can a different company's carbonator be used?
No, SodaStream provides a guarantee only for its own products. We are not responsible for the products of any other company, which may damage the machine. Only Soda-Club or SodaStream carbonators carrying identification and a nylon shrink wrap bearing the Soda-Club or SodaStream brand name should be used.
4. How often will I have to replace my carbonator?
On average, the carbonator will make 60 or 110 liters of soda, depending on the size you have. This number could be more or less depending on the amount of carbonation used when making your drink. A household of four soda drinkers might need to replace a 110-liter carbonator every 3-4 months, and a 60-liter carbonator every 6-8 weeks, depending on usage.
5. How should the carbonator be stored?
The carbonator contains compressed carbon dioxide (CO2). Compressed gas has a tendency to expand when it is exposed to a source of heat for prolonged periods of time. Therefore, the carbonator must not be exposed to sources of heat (such as travel in the trunk of a car) or placed right next a heat source such as an oven, stove or fireplace. It is important to always store the carbonator unit in a cool and dry environment. Every carbonator is fitted with a unique safety valve which will safely release the gas in the unlikely event the pressure in the carbonator rises.
6. What is the shelf life of the carbonator?
The carbonator has no expiration date. As long as your carbonator is stored in a temperate environment, your CO2 will remain fresh and usable indefinitely, with no concern of spoilage.
7. Is it safe to have a carbonator in my home or kitchen?
Absolutely. Soda-Club and SodaStream carbonators are manufactured to exacting specifications that include many unique safety features to protect consumers. Carbonators are safe at virtually any altitude (our customers in the Swiss Alps can attest to that!) and are specially equipped with a safety valve that will harmlessly release the gas in the unlikely event that the pressure within the cylinder rises above threshold levels. Please do not expose your carbonator to extreme heat (such as travel in the trunk of a car, or right next to an oven, stove or fireplace.) Please see above for more information on carbonator safety.
8. Can I take my carbonator on the plane?
Unless you are traveling in your own private jet, SodaStream advises against carrying carbonators on an airplane. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has restrictions that prohibit compressed gas cylinders in carry-on items as well as in checked baggage.
9. What happens to my empty cylinder after I return it?
Empty cylinders are collected by SodaStream so that we may clean them, inspect them, refill them to our standards, and send them out to other customers. The cylinders are reused as long as they continue to pass our rigorous safety inspections. When they have outlived their useful lives, usually after 7-10 fillings, they are appropriately recycled.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
1. I made soda and it made a fizzy mess all over my counter. Why?
Make sure your carbonating bottle is filled just to the "Water Fill Line" indicator (the lower of the two pronounced ridges near the neck of the bottle.)
Other possible causes for overflow:
- Trying to carbonate a liquid other than water
- Adding syrup to the bottle before attempting to carbonate
- Not tilting the carbonating bottle when adding syrup flavoring
If you still have trouble with overflow after checking these tips, please contact Customer Support for advanced troubleshooting!
2. I hear gas escaping from the carbonator. Is this a problem?
Not at all. Normally after carbonating a bottle of water, there is a small amount of gas in the soda maker. The tilt of the bottle releases that gas as a safety measure. The amount of gas lost is not problematic, as this gas has already passed through the water as a part of the normal carbonation process.
If you hear gas escaping while you are carbonating your drink (i.e. while pressing the carbonating button) you may need to screw the carbonator more tightly to the soda maker. If the gas continues to escape continuously, this indicates that the sealing washer (the black rubber gasket inside the soda maker where the carbonator connects) is missing or damaged. There is a spare washer located inside the soda makers on some, but not all, soda maker models. We recommend you replace the sealing washer in your soda maker every 18 months to 2 years. Additional spare washers are available through SodaStream Customer Support.
3. How do I know if the carbonator is empty?
There are a number of indications that show your carbonator is empty:
- When you press the carbonating button you will not see any gas going into your bottle of water.
- Even after repeated presses you don't reach the 'buzzing' sound
- The carbonating button may stay down
- The carbonator splutters, showing you have run out of CO2
Please note: SodaStream recommends that you keep a spare carbonator in the cupboard so that when one carbonator runs out, you simply swap the empty carbonator for the full one. That way, you'll keep enjoying fresh, fizzy drinks and can return the empty carbonator as you order your next gas refill.
4. I press the carbonating button on my soda maker and nothing happens.
Usually this is a sign that there are two sealer washers in the carbonating gasket head. The sealer washer is a small, black, O-shaped ring about ½" in diameter. To try and correct this problem, first remove the carbonator cover in back of the machine. Unscrew the carbonator from the fitting and lift the machine so you can see inside the gasket head. Using tweezers or a small screwdriver, attempt to remove the black rubber washer from the head. If there is a second one underneath it, you've just solved your problem! If not, please replace the washer in its original position and contact Customer Support.
5. My soda is not fizzy enough.
Flat soda may indicate that you have not carbonated properly. After twisting the carbonating bottle into place, press the carbonating button ALL THE WAY DOWN in firm short bursts. You will hear a hissing sound at first. Continue to press the button in firm short bursts until you hear a LOUD BUZZ. The loud buzz indicates the first level of carbonation. Three loud buzzes will achieve average carbonation.
Another tip: Make sure you use very cold water for carbonation. Cold water (from the refrigerator) holds carbonation much better than cold water from the tap. We recommend keeping carbonating bottles full of water in your refrigerator so they are always ready to go when you want a fresh soda!
6. My soda is not flavorful enough.
The SodaStream system is designed to allow users to choose how sweet and fizzy they want their drinks. If you have used the recommended amount of syrup in your drink, try adding a little more until you find the level of flavor you like best.
- Fill only to the level of the water fill line, indicated by the blue arrows near the neck of the carbonating bottle.
- Overfilling the carbonating bottle will result in a more diluted flavor.
- Try a full cap of syrup -- or more -- if you like a stronger or sweeter flavor.
- Shake well after adding syrup to ensure that the syrup mixes completely with the carbonated water
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