Seltzer Without Schlepping

By Karen Hammonds Tools and Gadgets

Credit: Soda-Club

"What is that thing?" people invariably ask when they walk into our kitchen. Our SodaClub Stream seltzer maker looks sort of like a countertop ballistic missile. But it's so much better for the planet. If you drink lots of seltzer, you'll save thousands of plastic bottles, and you won't have to lug cases of seltzer from the store anymore. And assuming you use this thing daily, and I think you will, you'll save money.

All you do is fill a bottle with water, chill it, stick it in the machine, and press a button a few times, or more if you like more fizz. You can also add flavorings, like cola and lemon-lime. The CO₂ carbonator is easy to install once you get the hang of it (well, except for a geochemist friend of mine, who claimed to have "extensive … argh! … experience in the lab … ugh … with these devices … ack!"). Each carbonates about 100 bottles, and when you order new ones, Soda-Club picks up the old ones. Sometimes that swap goes smoothly, sometimes not, but I feel this appliance is worth it.

Soda-Club Stream seltzer makers range in price from just under $100 to $200 for the "Penguin," which is so cute I think it might be worth the extra money. You can order from Soda-Club directly or from Williams-Sonoma, Amazon, and other sites. If you want to see some customer commentary before you take the plunge, check out biteofthebest.com.

Comments (4)

by KundryCooks on 2009-08-27

Got one last Christmas, hubby bought on sale at Camping World. LOVE IT!!! much better than the 2 l bottles from the store that go flat so soon. And surprisingly, the cartridges yield a few more bottles than expected!

by ellen s on 2009-08-28

this looks so fabulous I am envious. I used to get seltzer delivered in plastic bottles but it always got a bit flat by end of shipment.

plus i am fascinated by flavoring it myself. I once mixed the Ikea lingonberry syrup with seltzer and it was really good.

by moonphrogg on 2009-09-29

They've been selling these in the UK for decades. It's nice to finally see them come to the US - I'm gonna pick one of these up on amazon right now. . .

by Carol Peterman on 2009-09-29

I love our SodaClub Seltzer maker! I have broken from tradition and started infusing all sorts of flavors into the water; 24 hr. infusion usually does the trick. 3-4 sprigs of dried lavender is one of my favorites. Ginger & orange, basil, lavender mint, and cucumber are all good. Of course you can infuse any plain seltzer water, but I like making my own.

Your Comment

WE ALSO RECOMMEND

Fizzy Alternatives »

SAVEUR.com is part of the Bonnier Travel & Epicurean Group, a division of Bonnier Corporation.