SodaStream
SodaStream is a brand of home carbonation systems that enable consumers to infuse plain water with carbon dioxide to create sparkling water and add flavor syrups to produce soft drinks, reducing reliance on pre-bottled beverages.[1][2] The company traces its origins to 1903, when it was established in the United Kingdom as a subsidiary of gin distillers W&A Gilbey, initially marketing siphon-based soda makers before evolving into modern countertop machines.[1][3] In 1998, Israeli firm Soda-Club acquired the brand, shifting its operational base to Israel, where it is headquartered in Kfar Saba.[2][4] Under Israeli management, SodaStream expanded globally, emphasizing sustainability by promoting reusable CO2 cylinders and bottles that have reportedly prevented over five billion single-use plastic bottles from entering landfills by 2022.[5] The company achieved significant commercial success, culminating in its $3.2 billion acquisition by PepsiCo in 2018, which integrated it into a portfolio focused on at-home beverage innovation.[6] However, SodaStream faced international controversy due to its factory in the West Bank settlement of Mishor Adumim, which employed around 500 Palestinian workers alongside Israelis; pressure from the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement prompted the 2015 relocation to the Negev desert, resulting in layoffs that disproportionately affected those Palestinian employees.[7][8] This episode highlighted tensions between economic integration efforts in contested territories and activist campaigns aimed at Israeli-linked businesses, with the factory move failing to fully appease BDS advocates.[9][10]
Product
Technology and Functionality
SodaStream sparkling water makers carbonate plain tap water by injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) gas from pressurized cylinders into sealed bottles.[11] The process involves filling a proprietary, BPA-free plastic bottle with cold, still water, securing it within the machine's nozzle, and activating a button or lever that releases measured bursts of CO2 under high pressure to dissolve the gas into the liquid, creating effervescence.[12] Users control carbonation intensity by the number of activations, typically offering light, medium, or strong fizz levels, with colder water absorbing more CO2 for optimal results.[13] The CO2 cylinders, central to the system's functionality, contain food-grade CO2 certified for human consumption and tested for contaminants in each batch.[14] Each standard cylinder holds approximately 60 liters of carbonated water equivalent and is constructed from high-grade brass and aluminum for durability, featuring a safety valve that releases excess pressure to prevent rupture.[15] Cylinders are exchangeable at authorized points, where empty ones are refilled with verified CO2 to maintain safety standards, avoiding risks associated with third-party refills.[15] Most models operate manually without electricity, relying on mechanical pressure release, though electric variants like the Power series automate the process with a single button press for consistent carbonation.[16] The technology mimics commercial soda siphons but adapts it for home use, emphasizing simplicity, with bottles designed to withstand the pressure without leaking or exploding when used correctly.[17] Safety features, including over-pressure relief and compatibility-specific nozzles, minimize hazards such as cylinder leaks or over-carbonation.[15]
Models and Syrups
SodaStream produces a variety of sparkling water makers designed for home use, utilizing CO2 cylinders to carbonate water in reusable bottles. Models are divided into manual and electric variants, with compatibility for both quick-connect and screw-in CO2 cylinders across the lineup. Manual models rely on user-pumped levers for carbonation, while electric models offer automated buttons for consistent fizz levels.[18]| Model | Operation | Key Features | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terra | Manual | Classic design for basic carbonation | $89.99 |
| Art | Manual | Stylish lever mechanism | $54.99 |
| E-Terra | Electric | One-touch customizable fizz | $139.99 |
| E-Duo | Electric | Automatic fizzing; compatible with glass and BPA-free plastic bottles | $179.99 |
| Enso | Electric | Integrated design emphasizing form and function | $149.99 |