You have seen bartenders shoot fizzy water with this cool-looking gadget, and now you need one too. We are not going to lie. Using a soda siphon does make you like a pro at crafting fancy cocktails. But did you know that it’s also super useful for other things?
It is no secret that store-bought sodas or cola drinks, full of sugar and other harmful ingredients, can affect your health. Store-bought soda water is also expensive in the long run. A much healthier way of enjoying your FIZZ addiction is to make your soda at home! You can do so with a good home soda machine or simply, with an easy-to-use, classic soda siphon.
The Perks of Home-made Soda
Having a soda maker or soda siphon at home is convenient. This way, you won’t get frustrated when you run out of your favourite drink when you want it. Soda makers, especially soda siphons, are easy to use and can give you sparkling water in no time. It’s like seltzer on demand, any time of the day! You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make your own seltzer water from the comfort of your home.
If you are interested in investing in a soda maker, you can check out our in-depth reviews of the best brands currently on the market. But, if you want to know more about soda siphons and explore the best options worth the investment, keep reading because this guide is for you!
What is a Soda Siphon
Glad you asked!
A soda siphon is a device used for storing and dispensing carbonated water. It is designed to maintain internal pressure to maintain the fizz level of the water and also dispense it effectively. Soda siphon bottles are also known as seltzer bottles or siphon seltzer bottles.
How Does a Soda Siphon Work
The difference between having soda water prepared and stored this way as opposed to a store-bought can is that water doesn’t go flat after the first use. In a soda siphon, only a valve opens to release the required amount of fizz water for your drink. Then, the remaining carbonated water in the soda siphon bottle remains cold and under pressure to stay fizzy for days or weeks in your fridge!
Is a Soda Siphon worth it
They’re easier and faster to use that a home soda maker but can be more costly upfront and on going with the 8g co2 cartridge purchases needed They do take up a bit of room, however do look great sitting on the Bar where they are more at home. Additional benefits to a Soda Siphon are that they are easier to store and clean, and there’s less chance that something could go wrong.
What Gas is Used in a Soda Siphon Bottle to Make Sparkling Water
Simply CO2! As CO2 from the cartridge is released into the soda siphon, some of it dissolves into the water, while the rest is held under pressure inside it. This causes more of the gas to dissolve into the water than usual.
What’s the difference between a Soda Siphon and a Cream Whipper
The major difference is the gas used. A soda siphon cartridge is a pressurised canister of carbon dioxide (CO2), whereas a cream charger is a canister of nitrous oxide (N2O). CO2 is more soluble in water than N2O, and this is why carbonated drinks are fizzy, but products from a cream whipper are not. It’s also important to note that you can’t use N2O cartridges in soda siphons designed only for CO2.
How to Make Soda Using a Soda Siphon
Here’s a simple step-by-step to making sparkling water using a soda siphon.
- Pour cold water or other liquid to be carbonated into the canister until the fill line or as per the instructions given and close it (most soda siphon bottles are only meant for water).
Note: As for portable 1-litre bottles, remove the head of the siphon bottle for filling. The rubber seal and tube are also removed.
- Insert the small CO2 cartridge into the cartridge holder at the top and screw it in place. You will hear a hissing sound.
- Give the bottle a vigorous shake for 10-15 seconds and allow the CO2 to dissolve for around 10 minutes.
- Press the lever and dispense water as needed.
You need to use one cartridge per use, and definitely not more! It’s also important that you follow instructions precisely to avoid the risk of the bottle exploding. If you are interested to know more, here is a great read on the history of the soda siphon.
The Difference: Soda Maker Vs. Soda Siphon
Most home soda makers are stand-alone or countertop appliances known as home soda machines. They use large, usually 60L CO2 cylinders for carbonation. As they can be refilled, you can simply exchange the empty one with a new one. They also have features that allow you to control how much CO2 goes into the bottle.
Soda siphons, on the other hand, are handheld bottles with an attachment to the mouth of the bottle. They are meant for carbonating water alone, although they can easily be added to other beverages. For this purpose, it uses disposable 8mg CO2 soda siphon cartridges inserted into the siphon.
Soda Maker machines have a slightly higher upfront cost but cost less in the long term, thanks to the lower refill cost. Soda siphons cost a bit less initially but have higher residual prices, and they are not very eco-friendly as you go through a lot of the tiny cartridges that you then throw away.
Do I need a Soda Siphon or Home Soda Maker
Deciding between the two options can be quite challenging, especially when both these gadgets seem to give you the same results. The choice ultimately depends on your preferences and expected usage. Here are some points to consider!
Frequency of Usage
One of the important questions to ask yourself is how often you will use it to make soda. If you will be using it regularly, a countertop soda maker is the best option. It’s cost-effective and eco-friendlier than 8g CO2 cartridges. However, if you just enjoy a bit of soda or soda-infused drinks every now and then or need a bit to mix with your drinks, then a soda siphon is the way to go. Best of all, you will also have a cool-looking gadget on your bar!
Versatility
Before you invest in a soda maker, ask yourself: How do you plan to use it? With a soda siphon, it is always recommended to carbonate only water as the pressure buildup can vary from beverage to beverage. Most soda machines, especially SodaStream models, are designed to carbonate only plain water. You will have to add any flavourings afterwards. However, some soda makers like the DrinkMate OmniFizz let you carbonate any liquid, from iced tea to fruit juice.
Countertop vs. Handheld
We all know kitchen counter space is valuable real estate. While countertop soda makers aren’t much more significant than single-serve coffee makers, they do take up some counter space. If you don’t have any space to spare, consider going for a handheld soda siphon.
Cost
Investing in a soda maker or soda siphon is not a one-time purchase. While they are definitely cost-effective compared to disposable seltzer cans, there’s still the cost of CO2 that you have to keep re-purchasing to make soda.
Our Recommendations: The Best Soda Siphon to Craft Your Own Soda Drinks
Nuvantee Soda Siphon – Ultimate sparkling Soda Maker – Aluminum – 1 Liter
Made from aluminium, Nuvantee Soda Siphon is not just a sleek and elegant addition to your kitchen. It’s also a sturdy choice. The durable pressure regulator and the leak proof lid with safe and secure threading ensure there are no drips.
It is compatible with both NO2 and CO2 cartridges, but you have to purchase them separately. Nuvantee Soda Siphon is also user-friendly and easy to clean. You just have to rinse it with warm water and let it dry. It is also dishwasher-safe!
You can easily make seltzer using tap or bottled water at home and add fruit pieces or flavourings as required!
Features:
- 1 Litre capacity
- 2.36 lbs
- Aluminium construction
- A Fork Key to remove the inner tube for cleaning
- Extra O-rings
iSi North America Stainless Steel Soda Siphon
Sporting a classic design, this polished stainless steel soda siphon is another great choice to prepare your bubbly refreshments at home. The classic design makes it a stylish accessory, very deserving of a spot in your home bar! The non-slip silicone top offers a good grip.
Its mechanism is simple. You just have to fill the siphon directly with cold water, insert the cartridge, and give it a good shake and voila! With a pressure regulating system, it is also guaranteed safe for the user.
iSi Soda Siphon is also dishwasher-friendly. The company recommends using only its iSi cartridges or the warranty will be void. However, as others claim, it works well with standard soda siphon cartridges. It’s also noteworthy that this dispenser is not compatible with NO2 cartridges.
Features:
- Stainless Steel
- Recyclable cartridges
- High-impact plastic head
- Riser tube and charger holder
- Removal key
- Replacement head available
iSi North America Classic Mesh Soda Siphon
If you like a more sophisticated option for your kitchen or bar, consider this chic dispenser. A stainless-steel mesh design covering the classic BPA free PEN plastic bottle cylinder gives this soda siphon a classic vintage look. It features a sturdy plastic head with a drip-free spout.
Its build quality is also impressive so with careful use, it should last a long time. Similar to other models, this iSi soda siphon bottle is also easy to use and can fit on your refrigerator shelf. You just have to insert a charger every time you want to carbonate water, give it a shake, and let the magic happen! However, it’s not dishwasher-friendly and is only compatible with CO2 chargers.
Features:
- Stainless Steel mesh
- High impact plastic head
- chargerholder
- measuring tube & removal key for easy filling, and dust cap
- fits into refrigerator
- Replacement head available
LANGSHI 1L Soda Siphon
With a stainless-steel construction and a vibrant red exterior, this soda siphon will stand out from the crowd wherever you place it. LANGSHI Soda Siphon is also lightweight, making it easier to carry and dispense soda water.
While the pressure regulator makes it safe for use, the lid with secure threading ensures it doesn’t drip! The setup and operation are simple. Fill the siphon, insert the cartridge into the holder at the top, and give a good shake to let the gas absorb well. The 8g CO2 cartridges have to be purchased separately.
It is also a breeze to clean this dispenser as it’s entirely dishwasher safe.
Features:
- Light weight Aluminium
- Dishwasher safe
- chargerholder
- Sleek attractive design
Sparkle Soda Siphon
Sparkle Soda Siphon is another high-quality option as it’s constructed from alloy metal for enhanced durability and pressure resistance. The tough composite plastic head and the valve mechanism make it a safe and reliable option that will serve you for years to come. The exterior finish of the soda siphon bottle is also very attractive.
It is compatible with all soda siphon cartridges.
A high-quality alloy metal CO2 soda siphon-this offers reliable service-good craftsmanship-and excellent value.
Features:
- Light weight Aluminium
- Compatible: All Standard 8 gram CO2 Soda Chargers including iSi, Kayser, Mosa, Liss
- Sleek attractive design
Leland 8-gram CO2 Seltzer Soda Cartridges
MrFizz 8g CO2 chargers are compatible with almost all 1-litre soda siphons and are renowned for durability and reliability. They provide consistent results to give you excellent-quality soda whenever you want!
Many users use them instead of name-brand cartridges as MrFizz is cost-effective. However, please ensure beforehand whether they will affect the warranty or not. Also, these small stainless-steel cartridges are recyclable.
These are for use in most Soda Siphons
iSi North America CO2 Soda Siphon Charger for use with Classic Sodamaker and Soda Siphon, 10 Pack, Gold
Designed for use with the iSi Classic Sodamaker and Soda Siphon, these 8.4g chargers deliver consistent results every time you use them. Made of stainless steel in gold finish, they are also recyclable!
Each charger can carbonate 1 quart (32 oz/0.9L) of water and needs to be disposed of afterwards. The brand recommends you use cold water for best results.
For use with iSi Classic SodaMaker and soda siphons.Each charger is electronically weighed and sealed for maximum consistent results.
Is a Soda Siphon Worth it
Yes, especially if you like adding a bit of a touch of fizz to your drinks. One of the points highlighted by many users is that they need a bit of practice, and if not set up right, it won’t work or end up making a mess. But, some say they are easier and faster to use than a home soda maker. So, do consider this and the factors we discussed above before you go into buying it.
Takeaway
We hope our guide clarified all the questions you had related to purchasing a soda siphon. It’s a great accessory to have in your home, especially if you have a dedicated bar space and love carbonated beverages. While it does take some time getting used to at first, you will soon find it quick and easy!
Oh btw, if you love crafting fizzy drinks and experimenting with new flavours, do check out our recipe section for some fun ideas!
