Aarke Carbonator II Matte Black

Machine is fantastic, bottles are terrible – The machine looks great which is important since it sits out on the counter all the time. A massive let down though is both my bottles have broken bottoms which didn’t take long to happen and now one has the lid coming apart. I commend the nice design and looks but what is a soda machine without bottles. One last thing to mention is the bottles… Read more

are around 30$ each. For such an upper end appliance I would have expected stainless ones available or as an option.

This is an all-metal, higher-end alternative to the SodaStream – This is an updated review. The original review was based on my first week of use, and I've amended it 12 months later. I was originally inspired by my friend's recent purchase of a Soda Stream, and since I drink a lot of mineral water, I thought I'd look into getting one myself. After looking at the largely hit or miss reviews here on… Read more

ProductReview.com.au for the Soda Stream models. I can't say that I was impressed. There were often as many 1 star ratings as there were 5 (regardless of Soda Stream model) So I wondered: "That's either a lot of user errors... possibly due to an instruction problem? and/or quality control issue?".

So I went looking further afield and found a previously unheard-of Swedish brand. "Aarke".

Ok, so what's my biggest complaint with the Aarke?

You don't get ANY gas cylinder with the unit. This is the ONLY deficit to the Soda Stream options. So to get an Aarke up and running, it's really another $35 more expensive (on top of any difference) compared to Soda Streams, which include the first cylinder of gas. However, it's not that surprising when you realise that Aarke doesn't have a cylinder exchange program in Australia, by buying an Aarke, I've gone off-brand (albeit a better brand in my humble opinion), and this is the main reason Aarke has designed the thing to piggyback off SodaStream's established market.

What is great about about the Aarke Carbonator II?

1. All metal construction:

It's not just made of stainless steel, and you can have a stainless steel finish if you like. But the "Carbonator II" comes in other coated stainless steel colours, black, brass, and a copper as well. I got the black one. The all metal construction also comprises of screws (not snap together plastic) and has replaceable parts. It's also very simple, so there's far less to break on the unit.

2. Complete compatibility with the Soda Stream (and other branded) systems:

It can use Soda Stream's/Soda King's cylinders, bottles, etc. It is literally an all-metal, Soda Stream. However, while I own both Soda Stream and Aarke water bottles, I prefer the Aarke bottles because are a little shorter and wider which fits more easily into my fridge.

3. The Carbonator has a small footprint:

It really doesn't take up much room on the bench at all. Some of the "higher end" Soda Streams take up more room than the Aarke.

4. Includes some replaceable parts:

The Aarke comes with additional gaskets so you can replace them when needed. They're conveniently located under the foot of the unit, underneath a sticker which holds them in a small cavity there.

5. Really simple operation:

The steps are truly this simple:

i. Fill the carbonating bottle to the line with water. (Only water, just like the Soda Stream, you mix flavours in AFTER the carbonation). If you over fill it, water will go everywhere when you detach the bottle.

ii. Screw the bottle into the Carbonator II with just enough force to seal it (don't over tighten).

iii: Push lever down slowly until gas can be heard moving through the system. (Optional: for more carbonation: Partially raise lever slowly until the bubbles stop, then push down again, repeat to taste) Note: By only partially raising the lever between goes, you save gas.

iv. Unscrew the bottle from the unit. (At this stage you may think the water is still flat. That isn't the case, it's only AFTER pouring the water into a glass/cup/decanter that you start seeing bubbles. I know it doesn't make sense, but that's what happens for me! Try the water after each go, and see how you like it. You can always carbonate it again if you want/need to.

v. Pour into your glass/mixing jug, and flavour to taste (if required).

A NOTE ABOUT GAS: THIS IS WHERE THE ONGOING EXPENSE WILL BE FOR ANY CARBONATION SYSTEM.

I originally ran the Aarke unit with a so-called "large" Soda Stream carbon dioxide cylinder installed, because that's what I bought with the Aarke, just so I could get it up and running. Allegedly, this can carbonate up to 60 litres of water. However, this assumes the absolute least carbonation is used per litre. If you like normal soft-drink levels of carbonation, (or beyond) I don't think you'll get much more than 40L in reality.

Soda Stream (and similar) cylinders are massively overpriced for their size. ($30-35 to buy your first) then $20-25 to get a new one when you trade in your empty cylinder in stores. From the SodaStream Australia site, things get even more expensive online. So I recommend looking at your local stores over ordering online if you go that way. Coles, Woolworths, Big W, and other stores offer them, but this doesn't address the distinct lack of value.

Note: These cylinders contain only 400g of Carbon Dioxide gas and screw into the stem of the Aarke unit.

Bring on the bigger (gas) guns! (See attached picture of the bigger 6Kg tank).

I went to an online brewery site (KegLand) and bought a 6Kg carbon dioxide cylinder outright ($108 full) with the purpose-built direct hose kit for Soda Stream (which is compatible with the Aarke). The direct link kit (called the "FreedomOne Sodastream Adapter Hose MKII - 72inch", sells for $68) runs the Aarke directly from the much bigger cylinder. I also got the kit to refill the little Soda Stream cylinders from the big 6Kg cylinder.. but I honestly find this a fiddly and repetitive task and haven't used it much.

All up, the cylinder, direct line kit, and Soda Stream cyclinder refill kit was purchased for under $200 delivered. When the original 400g Soda Stream cylinder ran out (after about 3 weeks or so of use in our home) I attached the direct line kit to the Aarke. This involves some disassembly, because running the line up to the top of the Aarke while attached to the stem is impossible.

Disassembly was simple, but not easy. Remove the one screw that locks the top to the stem, and then pry the head off the stem. This was particularly tight and required a careful approach, yet quite a bit of force. Once it slides out, run the hose through the stem, attach it to the Aarke's gas intake, then reattach the Aarke head to the stem.

Down-sides of the gas line:

Note: The Aarke was not designed to have a hose sticking out the bottom. I just have the Aarke's base stick over the edge of the bench, and run the hose out to the cylinder. Alternatively, you could make a stand that has a space for the hose to pass through, and set the whole unit on top.

Why upgrade to a bigger tank?

Firstly, you don't run out of gas nearly as often, and don't change the connectors much... so there's just less wear and tear, and a more reliable source of gas. The main reason is the savings you make when you aren't forced to buy tons of over-priced and under-sized tanks. Let's break that cost comparison down.

Lets assume I keep replacing the "large" Soda Stream canisters to the same volume as 6KG.

I buy the first Soda Stream cylinder: $35 for 400G of Carbon Dioxide.

I then have to buy 5.6KG /0.4Kg = 14 cylinders at (let's be generous and call it $20 a pop), that's $280 (not including the original $35). All told, that's a $315 minimum cost. Buying a new 6L cylinder and getting it delivered every time is cheaper... by $190 delivered. Obviously, the 6Kg cylinder is refillable, so let's see how much we can save.

To refill my 6Kg cylinder, I got a quote from the local gas suppliers for $50-60. (That's a repeated saving of at least $255 per 6L refill which will likely last me a year or even two).

Of course, you need the ability to move a bigger gas cylinder, and somewhere to store it, and some basic knowledge on gas safety. Ask your local home brew shop if you're not sure. Safety is important after all!

Anyway, I bought my gear to be carbonating "for the long haul". I don't think I'll need to replace anything major in my equipment for at least 10 years but I'll update this if anything happens.

Back to the Aarke "Carbonator II", I truly think this is the kind of carbonator long-term users should get. The support team answered my questions promptly and completely, (mostly on how to disassemble the Carbonator to attach the line) and they can send new gaskets should you need to get new ones. I haven't even used my original gasket up yet, and it has been over a year already. There's a spare in the base as well.

Cost: 85%

Comparing the closest "Apple to apples" The top-of-the-line Soda Stream costs $200 and includes the first cylinder. Aarke, without ANY cylinder, costs $259. Throw in the needed gas cyclinder on top of the Aarke, and it is roughly $100 more expensive to get running than the high-end Soda Streams.

As a unit, it's expensive, no denying it. Especially when entry level Soda Streams start at $80 (which include the original cylinder). But entry-level or not, Soda Streams having a largely-plastic construction have a disturbing tendency to break, and this is reflected in the reviews here on ProductReview. Replacing that 80 buck Soda Stream every few years adds up. Longer-term thinkers might well consider the Aarke a good investment.. especially when coupled with the significant savings garnered from using bigger, better value gas cylinders.

Design: 100%

Very high quality, designed to be long lasting, serviceable, includes spare gasket, it's extremely low maintenance, and comes in a variety of colours. Ok, so you don't get an automated, 3 stage electronic dispenser like the high-end Soda Stream. But you also don't need a power source. Also there's an elegant simplicity to just having a mechanical lever, there's less to break, and it works reliably.

Construction: 95%

The Soda Stream (regardless of model) is a largely plastic construction, and just doesn't have the quality of the Aarke. The simplicity of a manual lever and lack of failure points, means the Aarke's life expectancy is likely going to leave the Soda Stream in the dust. (Can you tell I'm a big fan?) Also, most parts are recyclable metal. I just can't say the same for any Soda Stream.

Ease of use: 95%

Very simple to use, even a 4 year old can use it (with supervision). Although the pressure relief valve may sound a little like flatulence.. and scare pets. So it's not always so "easy" to use in some situations.

Personally I have used Soda Streams at friends places, and I find the non-electronic Soda Streams harder to push down. The lever makes things easier, and might suit people of a more elderly, frail, recently injured state.

Effectiveness: 90%

Sometimes it takes a couple of pumps to get fizzy. Lever depth, and unlimited number of lever pressings gives a great deal of control and flexibility. Of course, there are limits. Water temperature and quality also plays a factor. If you don't have great tap water, perhaps consider filtering it first. We use a Brita filter jug and that substantially improves the flavour.

Support: 100%

Their manual is accurate, and when I asked a question, I got the help I needed. The support team was extremely helpful, to the point, and prompt. I can't fault their team at all.

Overall: 94%

CONCLUSION:

I really like the Aarke Carbonator II. It saves money over buying "fizzy" bottled water and flavoured drinks, and the augmentation of a larger cylinder makes it more reliable and a substantial cost saver. If you're looking for a long term, environmentally friendly option to make your own fizzy drink (that's not alcoholic) then this is a great option.

I don't really like many of the "flavours" offered in the Soda Stream range (although many people do), so I just add a dash of juice or cordial for a healthier-yet-tasty alternative.

From a complete laziness point of view, we no longer have to cart bottled drink inside, wash out the bottle, put it in the recycling, and hope it gets recycled properly. We just filter our tap water, put it into the carbonator bottles, stick them in the fridge, (or the bench for an ambient option) and carbonate when needed. Repeat as needed. It also has a substantial reduction on the amount of plastic bottles going through our home, so there's a meaningful environmental impact as well. I'd honestly estimate that we reduced the number of bottles by as many as 300 in the past 12 months alone.

All the best in your carbonation quest! Hamish.