SodaStream E-Terra Review: Electric Streams

Best Prices Today: SodaStream E-Terra

$124.94

$159.99

In homes across the country, there are SodaStream machines of various types and vintages, but right now on the Sodastream website there’s a choice of four new machines: the Terra – the simplest of the lot; the Art, which has an attractive design and unusual leverage operation; then either the Duo or the Aqua Fizz (depending on where you live), which work with glass bottles; and the E-Terra plugin.

All of these are compatible with the new gas cylinders, which have been designed to be easier to insert into the machine.

We review the E-Terra, the electric model.

Design and build

• Low power consumption
• Easy to set up and use
• Fun light up feature

The E-Terra is a simple and modern SodaStream machine, with a textured design on its hood.

It measures 12cm wide and only 18cm deep, so it’s easy to find a place on your countertop. It measures 42cm, but not too much to be used under overhanging kitchen cabinets. It’s available in black or white in the US, but we could only find the black model available in the UK.

Buy an E-Terra starter kit and in the box you will receive the machine, a reusable 1 liter BPA-free plastic bottle and a gas bottle. The plastic bottle is dishwasher safe. Too bad the E-Terra is not compatible with glass bottles, both for environmental and aesthetic reasons. Still, plastic bottles are probably safer if you have younger children who are likely to use the machine.

Setup is as quick as it gets, although for the best fizzy results you’ll need to first fill the plastic water bottle to the wavy fill line and chill it in the fridge.

Prepare the gas cylinder by peeling off the seal and removing the lid. Then remove the back of the machine, insert the cylinder and press the lever, which locks the cylinder into place. No more screwing it into the machine. We wouldn’t say it was a particularly arduous process – but it’s even easier.

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Then just plug the machine in and you’re good to go.

Using it is also a simple undertaking. Or at least it should be. The first time I tested it, I failed to properly lock the bottle in place, creating a little kitchen counter deluge when the carbonation started. The trick is to make sure the bottle is hanging – rather than upright – when you insert it.

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Above the machine are three buttons, for three levels of carbonation. When you press one and the fizzing begins, a blue light will illuminate the carbonation process. It’s a fun and funky addition to the machine that gives it a bit more presence in the bar and is sure to be a hit with the kids.

The buttons don’t require the pressure that more traditional SodaStreams need for carbonation. One push of a button and you’ll get consistent bubbles every time. Again, this makes it a good option if you have kids, who will enjoy the bubbly creation process, plus a decent drink at the end.

You could argue that the E-Terra unnecessarily complicates an admirably simple standalone design. But the power cable is about 150cm long, so you’ll have plenty of options where you put it. And, since it’s only a 12W device, its power consumption is negligible. If you’re in the UK and on a standard tariff, an hour’s use of the E-Terra will cost you less than a penny.

Carbonation is fast – but not quiet. It’s as loud and bubbly a company as one would expect. When it’s finished, that’s when you add the flavoring – if you like. Depending on the type, you add it directly to the bottle or to an individual glass.

Current Prices and Fees

• E-Terra is a more expensive model
• Flavors and gas cylinders increase the cost

The E-Terra is one of the most expensive current SodaStream models. The best value model is the Terra ($99.99 / £109.99 for the starter kit), which is a basic pressure pump model. You can see all the models available on SodaStream.

If you’re in the US, the E-Terra starter kit, containing the machine, a gas bottle and a plastic bottle, is priced at $159.99 direct from SodaStream. Or you can get the machine on its own at Walmart for just $115.90.

In the UK, there is little price variation. The E-Terra starter kit is available from SodaStream for £144.99 and Amazon for £149.99.

But buying a SodaStream is a lot like buying a capsule coffee machine: it’s not a one-time purchase. There is an ongoing expense in the form of carbonating cylinders and (if you use them) flavorings.

According to SodaStream, one bottle will produce (up to) 60 liters of sparkling water, which means it will last 4-6 weeks, depending on how often you use it. The Quick Connect Cylinder is priced at $16.99/£12.99, which means you could end up paying up to $203.88/£155.88 per year, if you use one cylinder per month .

There is also an organizational element to consider: you will have to order bottles and return empty bottles.

Then there are the aromas. In the United States, there are many choices. Classic mixers cost $5.99 for 9 liters (of finished drinks) while organic drinks cost $9.99 for ten drinks.

In the UK it’s a bit more limited, with options like diet and regular 7-Up, Pepsi and tonic, then ginger ale, orange mango, orange and a selection of organic fruit flavors. Six packs (which are 9 liters per bottle) cost £29.94, while organic mixers cost £11.98 for a double pack (32 drinks in all).

You’ll probably want to invest in a spare carbonating bottle or two as well. Some mixers need to be mixed in the bottle rather than by glass, so it’s handy to have a few bottles around so you can refrigerate ready-made drinks.

Overall, we’d say you shouldn’t buy a SodaStream hoping to save money. It is unlikely to be more economical than buying bottled soft drinks and although it may produce less plastic waste, there is also bottle delivery and collection to factor into the environmental cost.

Verdict

So why buy a SodaStream – and should you buy the E-Terra?

If you have a SodaStream machine, flavors and a bottle of gas at home, you can always make fizzy mixers or carbonated drinks in a snap. If you are party people or have kids, it could definitely be worth it.

There is also the fun factor. And if that’s part of the appeal, then the E-Terra is a great choice. Its light-up feature and ease of use make it a great option for everyone in the family.