Summertime calls for sparkling drinks. Whether it's a glass of fizz to celebrate weddings and graduations, or something non-alcoholic and sweet as a treat on a hot day, most of us opt for a carbonated beverage when the sun is out. So why not create your own at home?
Enter SodaStream ART - the latest SodaStream machine for creating sparkling water and fizzy drinks. A modern twist on the machine that has been a staple across households since 1955, the Art machine has a unique lever for fizzing, stainless steel trim and features Quick Connect technology making it easier than ever to insert the CO2 cylinder for carbonation.
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It comes in two colours - black or white - so would look chic in any kitchen. When asked to review the machine, I opted for black as most of my other kitchen appliances are black so it blends in well.
When I was first testing it out, I thought I'd use it a few times then pop it away in the cupboard until I remember it exists again during a clearout. How wrong was I!
My SodaStream ART has been used so frequently at home already that I'm now considering bulk buying the CO2 cylinders.
Setting up the SodaStream ART was very straightforward and using it was much the same. It comes with a guide book to follow, and you can find videos online if you need a more visual step by step approach.
I consider myself a sparkling water coinnoseur - or "spicy water" as my niece calls it, and CAN taste the difference between brands on the market, so investing in a SodaStream seemed like a wise option to save me some money in the long run, and to ensure I can always have some at home.
Every friend who comes to my house is fascinated by the machine, either asking for sparkling water or lemonade to be made. It has come in handy for cocktail evenings, and I'm now gunning for the title of Mojito Master - making the freshest (and possibly cheapest) mojitos outside of Havana for any visitors who fancy sipping one in the sun with me.
The SodaStream ART starter kit is priced at £139.99 RRP on their website currently.
There is a limited time summer deal where you can buy the machine and receive multiple flavours of syrups including Pepsi, 7up and Soda Press flavours to create fizzy drinks at home, plus an extra bottle for sparkling water on the go. This is currently priced at £149.99 RRP (previously £188.92).
When compared to the price of bottled water both financially and environmentally, you are saving the pennies and the planet by investing in a sparkling water machine. The taste of the Sodastream sparkling water is perfect for everyone too - as you can alter the 'fizziness' depending on your personal taste.
There are plenty of places to buy the CO2 cylinders from online and in stores, coming in at roughly £22 RRP across the board.
SodaStream also offer a refill service online where you send your empty 60L cylinders back and receive them full again. There is a deposit system for refills and the reviews seem great in terms of how quickly they are returned full to you, but I've yet to test this out for myself.
Overall, I'm giving the SodaStream a 4 out of 5 stars for its functionality, aesthetic and taste. I would have given it five stars had it not been for the intial starter kit price, as it could be expensive for those who only enjoy sparkling water and other fizzy drink options once in a while. However, the concept of it as an investment purchase that will save on single-use plastics and spending on competitors sparkling water sold in shops really does check out.
Whatever your choice of water, stay hydrated in this summertime heat!
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