SodaStream Fountain Jet Home Soda Maker

The SodaStream Soda Maker is a moderately priced appliance that is worthwhile for soda and seltzer lovers because you can make "healthy" soda yourself.

Traveling a lot for work, I noticed the frequently advertised SodaStream Soda Maker in SkyMall. I was intrigued by the SodaStream Soda Maker because we are a seltzer drinking family and go through it like water (pun intended)! Ultimately, I took the plunge and added the SodaStream Soda Maker to our wedding registry a couple years ago. Thankfully I did because it has become one of the few wedding gifts that we use on a daily basis. Even as I am writing this review, I am sipping some seltzer I made with the SodaStream Soda Maker.

SodaStream gives you the power to carbonate any beverage. All it takes is a few presses with the SodaStream Soda Maker to have anything from homemade "Coke" with SodaStream’s sugar free SodaMix syrups to sparkling sugar free fruit waters with their MyWater Flavor Essences. While I use the SodaStream primarily for making seltzer, the options are truly limitless if you want to mix and match your flavors.

SodaStream's starter kits start at about $89.00 and include a CO2 canister, a syrup sampler pack, and two water bottles in addition to the soda maker. Each regular size tank makes up to 60L of carbonated liquid. Exchanging an empty tank for a full tank costs about $15 at local retailers such as Bed Bath and Beyond.

Best Feature: It is very easy to use with no cleanup.

Room for Improvement: Exchanging CO2 canisters is not cheap, but it is easy at local retailers. If you choose do it online, it is even more expensive due to shipping costs.