Sodastream E-Terra review

Craft your very own sparkling drinks with the Sodastream E-Terra and put the wow back into H2O. An automatic sparkling water maker is a cost-effective way to enjoy cold bubbly water in seconds. Enjoy a perfect carbonation experience every time with this countertop gizmo that can fizz 60 litres of water with just one CO2 cylinder. You can add flavours to the carbonated water to create soft drinks like Pepsi Max - all in the comfort of your own home.

If you consume a lot of soft drinks, there's no doubt about it, investing in a sparkling water maker is going to save you money. But why choose Sodastream? Well, they're the best-known brand of sparkling water makers; in fact, you can almost use the brand name as a verb to say: "I'm going to Sodastream my water," and pretty much everyone would know what you mean.

A sparkling water maker is a slim and tall countertop appliance with a detachable gas cylinder that snaps and locks in the back. With some models - such as the Sodastream Art - you pull a handle to manually open the valve and release the gas. The Sodastream E-Terra differs in that it runs on mains electricity. There are three power buttons that carbonate water on a light, medium or strong intensity - depending on how you like your bubbles. Also, as the name suggests, the Sodastream E-Terra has a focus on making the world a better place. By reducing our wastage of plastic bottles we can all #pushforbetter.

As we aim to make sustainable lifestyle choices, Yours gets busy with the fizzy, to show you how one Sodastream can save on thousands of single-use plastic bottles. Our Homes & Gardens Product Writer, Natalie Knowles, put the Sodastream E-Terra to the test.

Testing the Sodastream E-Terra

I used the Sodastream E-Terra over the course of a month in a home and office environment. With the claim to turn tap water into sparkling water in seconds, I tested the Sodastream for ease of use, safety and range of flavours. My full intention is that a sparkling water maker will stop me from buying plastic bottles of pop in the supermarket.

To give you some context, my weekly bottled drinks bill is: £4.90 - that's £254.80 annually - or around £20 per month. I tend to buy a 2-litre bottle of Diet Coke (£2), 2x two-litre bottles of sparkling water (£1.40) and a 1.5 litre bottle of ginger beer (£1.50). That's 7.5 litres for £4.90. In comparison, with a Sodastream the water comes from the tap for less than a penny and the £12.99 gas canister claims to carbonate 60 litres of water. So sparkling water works out at around 2p per litre. Additionally, I can buy flavours, such as Pepsi and Diet Tonic for £4.99 or buy in bulk for a better deal. These syrups make 9 litres of flavoured fizzy water. So it works out at 55p per litre (57p factoring in the cost of the carbonated water).

A Sodastream E-Terra starter kit, which includes the sparkling water maker, CO2 cylinder and plastic bottle, is currently priced at £149.99. This means I will earn back the cost of the Sodastream within months of regular use. Undoubtedly, if your household regularly buys fizzy drinks, investing in a Sodastream will save you money in the long run. Plus, it saves on carrying heavy bottles and accumulating plastic waste.

Build

Inside the box is everything you need to make sparkling water.

• SodaStream E-Terra Sparkling Water Maker
• One-litre BPA-free carbonating bottle
• 60 litre CO2 gas cylinder
• A power adaptor

The packaging and information design on the E-Terra box has a sustainability and environmental focus. The key message is that a Sodastream can save thousands of single-use plastic bottles. It's fairly heavy but it does contain a CO2 cylinder, a one-litre plastic bottle and a power adaptor. The packaging designers have done very well to fit that in such a slim box. Not a centimetre is wasted; the contents are snugly packed with 100 per cent recyclable bags and cardboard that's cleverly bent, folded and cut in an economical way to hold the components securely, but without overpackaging. At first, the instruction booklet looks thick, but that's because it contains instructions in five languages. The instructions have clear diagrams to follow. But if you prefer video, there are how-tos you can access by scanning the QR code in the booklet.

I was right to think the CO2 cylinder was making the box feel heavy - it's a tall, slim pink metal cylinder. This Sodastream is compatible only with the Pink System cylinder which uses an easy Snap-Lock action to install it - otherwise known as Quick Connect. The older Blue System cylinders are screwed into the sparkling water makers; Snap-Lock is so much easier.

There are two barcodes on the gas cylinder. One is labelled 'Exchange Cylinder Debit Barcode' and the other is labelled 'Return Cylinder Credit Barcode'. Quite simply, you could take this to a store that sells replacement gas cylinders and scan the return credit barcode to return the cylinder for refilling, at the same time as you purchase the refill. Sainsbury's and John Lewis are Sodastream stockists.

All this unboxing is thirsty work. Using scissors, I removed the plastic wrap from the gas cylinder valve. To insert the gas cylinder I had to pull the back off the appliance - which was easy. The Quick Connect concept really is as simple as raising the handle, placing the gas cylinder into the cavity, and lowering the handle to click the cylinder into position. It's easier than you think and requires no force. Then, I replaced the back cover.

Finally, the power cable is fitted integrally in a groove on the base of the appliance. It was a little fiddly and required both hands. I had to play with the power cable to get electricity to run into the appliance. The appliance ended up resting on the power cable - making it teeter slightly - but electricity just didn't circulate when I pressed the cable into the integral groove that it's meant to nestle in. With a bit of finesse, I make the appliance stable. I don't recommend operating a wobbly Sodastream!

So, let's get this machine bubbling.

Performance

Bottoms up! When I first switched it on, the buttons didn't light up. I quickly realised that the power supply wasn't getting through to the appliance. The issue is the internal groove that the cable is meant to fit in; it's such a tight bend that it cuts off the electricity. I had to fiddle with the cable to get the lights to turn on. But when all is flowing correctly the three buttons on the top of the sparkling water maker turn on for seven seconds.

Next, I filled the carbonating bottle with cold water to the fill line. At this stage, it should be noted that any flavours need to be added after carbonation. You can only carbonate pure water. The bottleneck slots in using the Snap-Lock system. Push the bottle up and back, supported by the bottle rest (which looks like a long transparent plastic tongue). If the bottle is inserted correctly it will be suspended securely and there will be a gap at the bottom.

Usability

I've used a Sodastream Art, which doesn't rely on mains power. It has a manual handle to release gas. I can see the benefit of manual operation over a mains-powered appliance, because of the aforementioned power supply issue and being able to control exactly how much gas you use.

I found that investing in a water filter was a good shout from my mum. I keep this in the fridge and pour the cold filtered water into the Sodastream carbonating bottle. It's refreshing and satisfying to feel a chill form on the glass. Next, a press of the light, medium or strong carbonating button starts the carbonating process, which is spectacular enough to make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. Aesthetically, the sparkling water lit by the blue light is absolutely lovely.

I pressed the strong carbonation button and a series of jets of gas whooshed into the bottle - creating lots of big bubbles. Just as I was faffing with my phone, trying to photograph it, the final jet made a spurt of water splash out of the bottle - not major at all, but I'm conscious water and electricity don't mix. When the button lights stop flashing the sparkling drink is ready... and quite enough excitement.

To detach the bottle, pull it towards you and it releases with ease. Next, a satisfying snick and rushing fizz as very bubbly water is poured into a glass. Bubbles bounce over the rim. Drinking it is utterly lush. It's absolutely how I love my sparkling water to taste - refreshing and invigorating. It keeps its fizz too. I kept my homemade sparkling water in the carbonating bottle in the fridge. A day later it still had its uplifting fizz and large bubbles. Yes, I enjoy sparkling water for the refreshing pep, but I've also enjoyed other flavours over the course of the month. I love to drink sparkling water with lemon and lime squash and sliced citrus fruit.

Every day, I felt like Charlie entering the Fizzy Lifting Room in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. My office had the Sodastream E-Terra sitting proudly on the pedestal next to my desk. A visual reminder to stay hydrated while I'm working (and drink less coffee).

If I did have a problem, I feel like I'm in good hands with Sodastream. There's a customer care line phone number, website and QR code on the gas cylinder and instructions on what to do when your cylinder runs out of gas. I'm impressed that Sodastream has a range of contact methods and present its information in a way that's accessible to most people. After all, some people prefer to keep an instruction booklet in a kitchen drawer rather than downloading an app. Equally, having a customer service phone number is a whole lot more convenient than a live chat or sending an email.

Registering the Sodastream

On the cover of the instruction booklet, there is a QR code so I can register to "upgrade my Sodastream experience". There is a good incentive to do this, as I received £10 off my next gas cylinder when purchased directly from Sodastream. All I needed to do was enter some brief contact details and the model, date and place I purchased. Interestingly, it only lists Sodastream.co.uk, Amazon and Argos as the places from which I could have purchased. The whole process took less than three minutes. After that, I received a confirmation email a few hours later. All very painless.

You can return your empty gas cylinder online directly to Sodastream (more on that in the FAQs) or take it to your nearest Sodastream stockist and exchange the empty one for a full one. You pay for the refill only.

Final verdict: Sodastream E-Terra

In comparison to the Philips GoZero Soda Maker Lite, which is currently £58.99 from Amazon, and the Aarke Carbonator 3 at £178.99, the Sodastream E-Terra sits right in the middle of the market at just over £140. The benefit of the Sodastream is its sturdiness, which the Philips' model lacks. While the Aarke is stylish and robust, it doesn't have additional features to justify the price point. Sodastream E-Terra offers three carbonation levels and a bit of a light show every time you use it. In addition, Sodastream provides very accessible customer support. Finally, there is brand familiarity; Sodastream is synonymous with fizzy drinks as Willy Wonka is to chocolate. Make your own Fizzy Lifting Drinks at home... you won't be burping though; preparing fresh carbonated water eliminates the preservatives that are in canned soft drinks which can result in hiccups.

I have deducted a star for the flaw in the power cable. But other than that, I adore the feel-good vibes and soda fountain nostalgia that the Sodastream E-Terra evokes. One tip: Make sure the tip of the nozzle is submerged in the water, otherwise you'll be recreating the musical fountains at Versailles.

On a final note, I noticed the sparkling water shortage during and after the pandemic. I was bereft at the empty shelves where there used to be cheap 2-litre bottles of sparkling water. Now, I have my go-to refreshing drink to pep me up - literally on tap.

As part of my Sodastream E-Terra test, I was able to try Sodastream flavours, too - scroll down to read my verdict on those if you're after some delicious flavours for your fizzy water maker.

Taste test: Sodastream flavours

Occasionally, I'm partial to ginger beer as a spicy sparkling treat. I also love the tanginess of tonic water and will happily drink it without gin. The Sodastream Classic Diet Tonic flavour makes nine litres of flavoured fizzy water. So, it works out at 55p per litre (57p factoring in the cost of the carbonated water).

A family member noticed that he had less indigestion drinking Sodastream tonic water in comparison to canned Fevertree mixers, which give him hiccups. And as someone who really enjoys the tang of quinine and opts for tonic water as my go-to soft drink, I can heartily say this Sodastream flavour makes superb tonic water. I'm looking forward to slicing lots of lemons and limes and picking mint from the garden for a big glassful. I know I'll earn the cost back on this Sodastream this summer. And no longer have to carry heavy bottles of soft drinks back from the supermarket. For a refreshing summer drink outdoors - this is well worth it.

It's worth stating that the Sodastream Organic range is used differently from the Classics range. Rather than adding them to the carbonating bottle and mixing it with the litre of sparking water, you add the cordial to your glass to taste. Make light and refreshing reduced-sugar mocktails, alcohol-free spritzers and fun slushies with these juicy vegan-friendly and gluten-free cordials. A twin pack of Sodastream Organic Flavours is £11.98 full price from Sodastream.co.uk. They are currently on offer for £7.99.

I tried Blackcurrant Bliss - part of the Sodastream Organic range of fruit flavours - created by Soda Press Co. This cordial contains 35 per cent less sugar than other popular soft drinks. In addition, it's vegan and contains no Stevia or artificial sweeteners, as well as being gluten-free and non-GMO. The cost of a bottle is £6 which gives 16 servings. That's 37.5p per serving. The packaging is a glass bottle with a metal screw-top lid. The label evokes the stripes of a drinking straw. The design has an impact with vibrant magenta with black text and metallic silver accent colour on the drop shadows and roundels. It's classy and contemporary, whilst doffing its cap to retro soda fountains, and looks more premium than the standard soft drink syrups.

I enjoyed Blackcurrant Bliss while relaxing in the garden on a gorgeous spring afternoon. This setting elevates the feel-good and all-natural vibes that the Sodastream Organic range aims to evoke. Soda Press Co. claims this drink has: "rich and complex black currant notes" and it's made with organic ingredients including 23 per cent blackcurrant juice concentrate. The cordial smell is authentically blackcurrant. A quick glance at the ingredients shows there are no preservatives, therefore it needs to be stored in the fridge once opened. I think my palette is so used to a Ribena-style cordial that this light, all-natural flavour takes a little bit of adapting. I added a lot of cordial to my sparkling water to get a taste that I found enjoyable. That said, everybody's taste is different, and the perfect balance of sweetness and flavour can be easily remedied by adding more.

As a premium alternative to real sparkling apple soda, you can't go wrong with all-natural and organic ingredients. Crisp Apple is my favourite of the Sodastream Organic flavours. A good sniff of the open bottle gives me a hit of crisp green apple. And tasting it is like a levelled up Appletizer with slightly more complex tangy notes. Drinking it is utterly refreshing and a bit of a morning pep in my coastal kitchen. I feel as invigorated as the seagulls seem to be! A wonderful and authentic apple taste that's refreshing and tasty. Also, it's a delicate golden colour, that looks very much like a glass of prosecco. I even mixed some Crisp Apple in with the Diet Tonic and thought it paired beautifully.

Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances. When she's not testing sparkling water makers, she flexes her creative flair as an artist.