Sparkel vs SodaStream (2021): Which Soda Maker Should You Choose?

Don’t you just love drinking a cold glass of soda especially on a hot and humid day? It’s bubbly and refreshing, and that’s precisely the reason why soda has become the beverage of choice over the years. Soda lovers are lucky because there is now a wide selection of soda makers that allow one to make sparkling beverages at home. Interestingly, in this Sparkel vs SodaStream review, we’ll be comparing one of the newest brands vs one of the original soda makers. Hopefully, you’ll be able to decide whether Sparkel is worth the try or you’ll be better off with the SodaStream Fizzi that’s backed with more than a century of soda making experience.

Sparkel vs SodaStream Comparison Chart

Design

As a new player, it appears Sparkel tried hard to be different from SodaStream.

Sparkel directly identified three major differences it has versus SodaStream soda makers and we’ll be discussing those in the latter parts of this write-up. But first, let’s compare how it fares versus the SodaStream Fizzi in terms of aesthetics.

SodaStream Fizzi has a typical soda maker design. Its size is enough to accommodate a one liter plastic bottle in front and a 60L carbonator cylinder at the back. Its body is very compact and will not take up too much space in any kitchen counter. Moreover, it is lightweight at only 6.1 lb without the bottle and CO2 cylinder. And since it’s operated manually with a push of a button, you can bring it to picnics and trips off grid.

Meanwhile, Sparkel is powered by electricity as it does not use CO2 cylinders to carbonate beverages. It is shorter than the SodaStream Fizzi by almost three inches but its base is deeper by two inches. This extra space acts as a sealed chamber where CO2 is generated. Then, on top of the unit is the power button and under it are five smaller buttons for setting carbonation level. Lastly, there’s a handle in front of the machine that locks the bottle during carbonation. By the way, Sparkel’s soda bottle has a maximum capacity of 750 ml but it’s made of highly-durable Tritan plastic making it dishwasher-safe.

Ease of Use

Even with Sparkel’s carbonation level choices, it is still as user-friendly as the SodaStream Fizzi.

Both soda makers are easy to operate, though there are a few extra steps to be done with Sparkel. And because it doesn’t use gas, it needs electricity to operate. However, like SodaStream, Sparkel recognizes the fact that their consumers will always want to have their soda fix as quickly and effortlessly as possible.

We have been used to the simplicity of SodaStream and other soda makers like Drinkmate that basically require these three steps: 1) insert; 2) fizz; and, 3) enjoy. No need for electricity and other extra buttons. If you want your drink fizzier, you’ll only need to hold down the trigger button longer. You’ll only need to insert a new CO2 cylinder at the back of the machine once the old one runs out but you’ll first have 60 liters of soda before that happens.

On the other hand, you will need to refill the Sparkel machine with the powdered A + B carbonators before each use. Once the bottle is inserted into the machine, push down the handle to lock it in place, then choose your preferred carbonation level before pressing the power button. The higher the carbonation level, the longer the fizz time. This is the first major difference of Sparkel from SodaStream.

Soda Flavor Options

Sparkel can carbonate any beverage while SodaStream offers a variety of flavors for its carbonated water.

The second key difference of Sparkel from SodaStream is the variety of sparkling beverages it can create. Sparkel can fizz any liquid aside from water. And because its bottle has a wider mouth, you can easily add slices of fruit for sparkling infused drinks. You will not have to worry about contaminating the carbonating parts of the machine because they will never touch the liquid inside the bottle. This being said, the possibilities are endless with Sparkel when it comes to flavors and the product website has a lot of suggested recipes for you to explore.

SodaStream, as we all know by now, only carbonates water. However, SodaStream still made fizzing more exciting with its wide selection of soda flavors. Their basic flavored soda drop, the Bubbly Drops, is very concentrated and a 1 liter bottle will only need about 3/4 teaspoon of flavoring. There are also other unique premium flavors available including vegan, diet, and gluten-free options. The flavors are considerably affordable and are perfect for those who want a soda quickly and without too much hassle.

When it comes to convenience, SodaStream clearly has an edge over Sparkel. All you’ll need to do is add a few drops after fizzing, that’s it! Then again, Sparkel may gain a following among the health conscious consumers who would like to have their soda with more natural and healthy flavors.

Carbonation & Lifetime Costs

Sparkel heavily promotes the convenience of not having to return empty gas cylinders.

The third and biggest difference between Sparkel and SodaStream is the type of carbonators they use. SodaStream uses a 60L CO2 tank to carbonate beverages. Once emptied, SodaStream consumers can purchase new cylinders or take advantage of the company’s Mail Gas Exchange Service. Upon subscription to the program, customers can save up to 45% in shipping fees.

Sparkel, on the other hand, uses powdered carbonators. Each carbonation will need one sachet each of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate (A + B). The contents of these two sachets are emptied into the carbonator chamber. Then, the generated CO2 travels into the bottle and fizzes your beverage according your preferred carbonation level. Sparkel maintains that their powdered carbonators are better because you can be sure that you get an exact level of carbonation every single time.

A box of Sparkel carbonators already has 30 packs and 90-pack carbonator bundles are readily available on Amazon or from the Sparkel official website. By the way, the company warns about using DIY citric acid and sodium bicarbonate mixes. Since it doesn’t follow Sparkel’s exact measurements, it can cause over-pressurization and clogging of the machine.

Verdict

Sparkel has a higher price tag than SodaStream, but you may get to like it for its thoughtful innovations.

SodaStream has long dominated the home soda making scene and this can be largely attributed to its simplicity. We like the fact that SodaStream Fizzi is manually operated making it very portable. Its bottle also has a bigger capacity which makes it perfect for sharing drinks during parties or picnics. And while it may be inconvenient for some to purchase new or exchange used gas tanks, a 60L CO2 cylinder may still last for a month or so.

Sparkel‘s higher cost is a setback in our opinion, but this could be because it’s electric and has a more durable bottle. We believe that heavy soda drinkers or restaurant or bar owners may get to benefit more from Sparkel’s different levels of carbonation. If you’re part of this group, then, Sparkel may be a better option for you.

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Last update on 2022-08-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API