Product Adopt Watch: SodaStream's Home Soda Maker

Okay, I must admit that I have mixed feelings about recommending a product made by the company that employs an important family member (whose livlihood has a great affect upon my own.) But I really, really like this product! And, I will go on record here to say that I don't recommend things I haven't already used or wouldn't adopt on at least a trial basis. So that is why I am putting SodaClub's Sodastream Home Soda maker on Product Adopt Watch.

Here's what I want you to know about it.

I have a problem finding things I like to drink that are not too sugary, are refreshing and healthy. Also, I hate buying soda outright, even though there are young people who live in my household who would drink it a lot if it was available.

According to their website, Soda-Club is the largest maker and distributor of Home Carbonation Systems. Their brand, Soda-Club and SodaStream, is sold in more than 30 countries. I have it on good authority (ie: the very important family member who runs the US unit) that they may be renaming part of the name of the brand, product or company so it'll be less confusing what to call it.

The system dates back to 1903, when according to an article in PRIORITY - an Australian Business Magazine, the home carbonation system was invented by Guy Gilbey. In the UK (where it was first sold) the SodaStream machine is strongly associated with late-1970s/early-1980s childhood nostalgia. There were supposedly several brand name syrups available for it. SodaStream merged with Soda-Club in 1998 and decided to start emphasizing healthier drinks.

This system allows consumers to make their own carbonated water and then if desired add flavor to that to make carbonated beverages at home. This is a great alternative to purchasing pre-packaged bottles or cans. As you can imagine this creates many benefits such as cost savings and no hassles with cans or bottles.

As their website states and I concur, The advantages include:

• Value for Money: Great savings compared to pre-packed carbonated water and beverages.
• Environmentally-Friendly: Soda-Club is an "Active Green" solution that minimizes the huge eco-footprint caused by the manufacture, transport and waste of plastic bottles.
• Convenience: No need to carry heavy bottles from the store. The Soda-Club system is simple to use and requires no batteries or electricity.
• Variety: Soda-Club offers over 60 flavors to suit everyone’s taste. Regular, diet, natural, fruity flavors, ice tea, energy drinks, sport drinks, tonic and many more.
• Space Saver: No need to store bottles of beverages or empty bottles for recycling in your home.
• Personalization: Make drinks just the way you love them… more bubbles, less bubbles, sweeter or lighter, even create your own flavor!
• Family Fun: The system is quick and easy to use. It's fun for everyone and kids just love it!

Oh, and by the way, my current favorite flavor is Pink Grapefruit, diet version (which contains splenda, so yes diabetics can use their flavors)

**One slight caveat, though this might fall under the Family Fun category: The Soda maker makes a rather "rude" noise when pressing the carbonation button on all but the Penguin style.
This "rude" noise may be a source of endless amusement to all who are in the vicinity of the soda maker, or
...it may just startle you awake... and that's definitely an advantage in my book!

TRY IT...YOU'LL LIKE IT!