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.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 three 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
519 442 5009 during the day 7
days a week.
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
collect your empty one and
return it to our filling
facility where we clean it,
inspect it, and refill it.
Carbonator exchanges and other
soda-making supplies are
available on
sodastreamcanada.net with
24-hour secure ordering. You may
also call 519 442 5009.
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
sales@chironcanada.com
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 maker
can be used on the Sabbath.
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 were all
discontinued in 2007 .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.
Carbonators
1. My
carbonator is empty. Now what do
I do?
Carbonator exchanges and other
soda-making supplies are
available at
www.sodastreamcanada.net with
24-hour secure ordering.
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 liters of soda . 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 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
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 ˝" 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!
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