SodaStream Source Element
VerifiedMPNs: 1019511616, 1219511612, 1219511613 and 2 more59 reviews
Not happy UPDATE: Sodastream have contacted me to try and resolve – UPDATE: SodaStream has contacted me and are trying to resolve the issue. Had the simpler terra soda stream for years which I was very happy with and then stupidly decided to “upgrade” to the source soda steam. Have now had for nearly two years and still have not had a fizzy bottle of soda. Contacted customer support awhile ago and followed i instructions but still no success- so disappointed
No. Don’t waste your money – I spent $129 on a Element and hydration pack. Co2 bottles don’t last long if you want a decent amount of fizz in your soda water. Then to really add insult, at the purchase of the third co2 the machine failed completely. Sodastream said sent us a video of the issue and the crickets are chirping. No response. Don’t throw your money away on this. Show details
Gread design and investment – Finally a product that works just as the listings claim. If you follow the instructions, you will find it simple to use and will get the desired fizziness in your bottled water due to the three stages of pressure you apply. Because it’s long and narrow, it takes little space on my benchtop and looks quite sleek in the black colour. I don’t like… Read more · 1
plastic products, however I understand that’s how manufacturers make it affordable for most people which is good as long as the product has a reasonable long life.
This product comes with a two year warranty and I have been using it every day for the past seven months, drinking between 2 to 3 bottles and consumed two gas cylinders so far. Only costs $19 when I exchange it at my local Big W store. The recycling is a big bonus for the environment along with less plastic bottles ending up in our dumps or landfill.
I am baffled by some of the reviews claiming how difficult it is to attach the bottle to the gas dispenser or flooding their bench-top. Just don’t press so hard and better still, read the instructions first, or see some YouTube directions, all very helpful. I am very happy with this product so far and highly recommending it.
Reviews with attachments
Not as good as I hoped it would be – After having considered purchasing one of these for some years, my wife and I decided to do so when a SodaStream Source Element became available at a good price during an end of financial year sale. Our needs where simple as we generally only used Soda Water but thought it might be nice sometime to produce something with a different flavour. … Read more
Unfortunately, the first device arrived non-working out of the box. The sliding head which is used to infuse the gas into the water was seized solid and would not be coaxed into moving. Looking up inside, I could see one of the linkages was out of place. I tried poking it back into the right area but I think it may have had other issues as it refused to return to its correct location. Not a good start so back it went for a replacement.
The replacement unit, however, was fine so we put it into immediate service.
Appearance SodaStreams mostly look alike and its really just differences in how they dispense the gas. This one came in white plastic (appearing to be of reasonable quality though it does creak a bit when moving it) with some chrome accenting. Attractive enough for the typical kitchen bench without much of a footprint to take up space. The head of the unit has a number of “raindrop symbols” on the front to indicate the level of fizziness you are dispensing. Each of these lights up with a bright white light as you increase the gassing. Approximately two one second pushes down gives you the first level...another two one second presses the second level and so on….. The SodaStream unit is supplied with one bottle to store your drink and one gas cylinder.
Functionalit The device requires gas cylinders to be replaced on a semi regular basis. I have not been able to ascertain how many bottles of soda water we get from one gas cylinder as (amongst other things) this varies with the level of gassing you choose. We generally gas a bottle every day or two and have just changed the cylinder after a month of use. You must use SodaStreams proprietary storage bottles as well as their gas cylinders. You can purchase extra storage bottles (they each hold one litre) but they are a bit expensive at around $10+ each. Additionally, they can only be washed in cold water (NO dishwasher) and SodaStream says they should be replaced every three years. The replacement gas cylinders cost around $20 (after you have returned your empty cylinder on exchange) and can be sourced at major supermarkets and service stations as well as similar locations.
Attaching the gas cylinder is relatively easy as it is inserted up through a hole in the base and screwed into place. The cylinder is completely hidden inside the unit. To gas, all you do is insert your water filled bottle into the head unit (at an angle of approx. 60degrees and push it into a vertical position. This locks the bottle into place. You then push the sliding head unit down the requisite number of times to add the level of fizziness you want. I would recommend you follow SodaStream’s advice to not hold it down longer than one second as (I can confirm) the liquid will start to bubble out of the top. To remove the bottle, raise it back to that inclined position and it will release from the head allowing you to remove it.
There is no indication to tell you what level of gas remains in the cylinder so you will just have to watch as the level of fizziness declines slowly. Generally, you really only notice how bad it has become when you put in the new cylinder
What could be better? As well as having a ready stream of carbonated drinks available on demand, we bought this to alleviate the problem of constantly throwing away finished bottles of commercial product save the planet) and hopefully having a cheaper product. However, this reason has been somewhat mitigated by the new “cash for bottles” recycling scheme introduced here recently.
Overall, I’m somewhat disappointed with the total product for these reasons; 1) Not discarding the bottles should be a big plus but the replacements are expensive (you will need to have a few on hand) and need replacement every three years. 2) Not sure about the storage of carbonated bottles. Use leads me to believe that you are probably best off making these on demand. Stored drinks seem to lose their fizz quickly and are somewhat flat after a week. I have tightened the caps as much as I can but the gas somehow still seems to escape? 3) The one litre bottles don’t go far before needing to be refilled. 4) We tried a “Low calorie Lemonade” flavour from SodaStream, however, it wasn’t very nice and after that one use it remains untouched in the cupboard Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this if you are looking to save money (maybe if you have a large family of carbonated drinkers?). By the time you factor in the purchase price, additional bottles (plus their three year replacement cycle ) and the cost of replacement gas cylinders, it will be a very long time (if ever) before it becomes cheaper than buying supermarket brand drinks. After the disappointment of the sampled flavouring, we have been reluctant to purchase other SodaStream flavours. Have tried a couple of other commercial brand cordials and while these were fine, I think the flavour sometimes is absorbed into the bottle and thus problematic if you want to change the flavour. Probably part of the reason SodaStream want you to purchase new ones periodically.
TIPS * You need to buy a second “spare” gas cylinder if you want to keep the ability to make drinks without interruption. Like the bottles, these are particularly expensive if you are just buying them outright (without exchanging). * Make sure the water is chilled before carbonating as you will get a better fizz. * Use only on a waterproof surface as it does (occasionally) shed water during the process of gassing. * Only make them as you need them.
Hi Peter, thank you for taking the time to share your… Read more
In-depth reviews
Nice machine, great concept, but overflows water all over the bench if you're not super careful – We really like the Sodastream, we live on a 3rd floor walk-up apartment and it's wonderful not having to carry up bottles of sparkling water and soda all the time now that we can make our own. Not to mention having to recycle the empties (and the added environmental cost of this). The official flavouring mixes are a bit hard to find but you can… Read more
use competing ones, no need to buy their brand.
One downside is we can't seem to get a good seal between the machine and the bottles. This means we can only fill with a small amount of gas (up to "1" or just the start of "2" on the LED's), to avoid overflowing. To get a good fizz it takes about three separate fills. If we let it go to 2/3 it overflows and water explodes all over the machine. (Yes we're filling the bottles to the marked line.) I've been told by friends they have the same problem, so it seems nothing wrong with our specific machine and we just have to live with it, but I hope they improve this in future versions.
Hi Jeremy, thanks so much for the sparkling review!!… Read more
No more waste, fizzy drinks readily available, moveable unit – I decided to buy a SodaStream (begrudgingly) after my children ganged up on me. Source Element was on sale at Harvey Norman for $119. The kids picked out a flavour each and I got a SodaPress Co Raspberry and Mint. I have always drunk a lot of soda water - we probably went through 10 bottles a week! Now, my ‘drinks fridge’ is full of tap water… Read more · 1
and I make Soda when ever I want it - and I love the Raspberry and Mint flavour :-) The kids like the lemonade and the (green!) creamy soda but aren’t so keen on the cola. I personally thought these flavours were all too sweet. The SodaStream has been a -surprisingly- welcome addition to our family. I love that I don’t have to worry about electricity and can simply move the SodaStream from one location to another when I need to. The machine is easy to use by following the directions given. It was easy to set up too. Not sure yet how long the gas will last, but I have a spare on standby.
Awesome Product and a worthwhile investment!! – I recently bought a Sodastream Source Element as a family Christmas present and I’m very happy that I did. The setup of the product was very simple and provided clear instructions, and the online soda stream setup videos also came in handy too!! I’ve purchased 6 flavours to use and i love all of them! The soda stream does spill out a bit of water… Read more · 1
while carbonating, but that might just be an error on my behalf maybe, but apart from that, it’s super easy to use and provides you with great tasting and refreshing bubbly cordials in under 30 seconds!! I’ll definitely be going out to buy more bottles for my machine soon though as one just isn’t enough for all the different flavours i have, and i reckon the 0.5L bottles will definitely prove to be handy as well. But overall, i would highly recommend a soda stream to anyone who is used to buying carbonated water of the supermarket shelves all the time as it will save you a lot of money in the long run, and you can basically customise your own drinks to your liking. 5/5 stars!! :)
Positive reviews
Great bubbles, looks good – Some friends bought this for me for my birthday and I'm very happy with it so far. It's great to be able to control the amount of bubbles in your water as sometimes I don't like it too bubbly. I have had the overflowing issue on quite a few occasions now but have learnt to just carbonate in bursts, rather than holding down till it reaches the 3… Read more · 2
bubbles. Kind of makes using the bubble gauge on the machine pointless but it's better than water overflowing over the bench. It may be because I carbonate cold water rather than room temp, I'm not sure. I love how easy it is to exchange the cylinders, now they have them at Coles Express outlets too, it's easy to do. Definitely recommend for ease of having bubbly water at home.
Can’t fault it! – I bought the Sodastream so that I could reduce my usage of buying soda water in plastic bottles. The Sodastream has been fantastic at fizzing every single time. We use it every day (may need to get more bottles we use it so much!), and we are always experimenting with the different flavours. I find it really convenient that I can replace the gas… Read more · 1
cylinder as part of my grocery shop (the cylinder lasts perhaps around 2 months of using it everyday). The LEDs light up to tell me the amount of fizz that I’m putting into the water (still don’t know how they are powered, soda magic?!). It’s always really quick and easy to make a soda! Love it!
Should have brought one sooner – Best thing I ever brought.makes life a lot easier no more heavy bags full of soda water just make what you need when you need.i would highly recommend this no more running out of soda water just keep a spare gas bottle on hand...great for the environment no more plastic waste. Only one issue I have was I've been through 5 has bottles so far the… Read more · 2
last one only made 10 bottles I always tighten the bottle with a teatowl to get extra grip.i don't know why mabey bottle wasn't full to start with..I will start weighing my bottles from now on..
Negative reviews
Soda water on the cheap. Great results – First few goes were disastrous. Water everywhere. The more you use it the better you get at holding the bottle in place while pressing the button down. I can now do it without it spilling out the top. Only 3 x stars as you should not have to hold the bottle in place while pressing the button down. Makes really great soda water. The Source model… Read more
with the 3 x led lights really give a great indication of the amount of fizz. Wondered why i did not buy this years ago.
Terrible product, barely fit for purpose – My daughter bought me one of these for Christmas. At first attempt i flooded the kitchen bench. The next two people who tried to use it got the same result. After some googling and more attempts it turns out using this is like playing the guitar, it requires enourmous practice and expertise but i'll never sound like Clapton. Once the gas runs out… Read more
it's going to the tip. I tried posting a review on the soda stream web site, it got removed within hours. It seems they don't like negative reviews for a product that they know is poorly designed.
Bottle stuck – Have been successfully using my soda stream source for about 3 years (to help save the planet from plastic bottles!) but now the bottle is stuck in the machine and can’t get it out. I’d hope the machine would last longer than 3 years. Haven’t had a problem up to now. Very poor quality if only last 3 years. Show details
Soda stream contacted me and a delightful lady apologised for product defect and giving me a new… Read more
Find out how SodaStream Source Element compares to other Soda Makers
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Recent reviews
Leaks water everywhere – The machine is just 3 years old and the seal has failed. Contacted Sodastream for a replacement part and they don't have any parts! They replace under warranty and outside this you throw the machine away. So much for helping the environment in reducing plastics waste and hard rubbish. My advise is don't BUY this model as the rubber seal hardens over time and like me, you'll be throwing it out in 3 years. Show details
Sodastream customer service is the worst. Kept getting the computer generated follow up due to no one updating my case in their system.
Simply Does Not Work – Bought less than 12 hours ago...inserted first water bottle and it carbonated the water OK but would not stop pumping CO2 even after removing the bottle. Sits there leaking gas at pressure nonstop. ?Taking back to Harvey Norman and buying a competing product. Pathetic!! UPDATE: Bought an Aarke Carbonater III to replace it. Beautiful Stainless… Read more
Steel unit with excellent build quality which just works. Over twice the price but at least it does what it should and as a bonus uses Sodastream cylinders and Bottles!
Hi Craig R, sorry to hear about your flat experience… Read more
Love it so much, we bought another one! – I remember growing up, my school friends having Sodastream but our family couldn't afford one. Now Sodastream is back, we've had the Source machine for a few years now, and it has been great! Now we have to work from home and stay at home ALL THE TIME, we have bought another one (a red one!) for the study office. The bottle exchange system at supermarkets makes it super convenient too! Sodastream is gas! :-) Show details · 1
Brings me back to my childhood – Have had our new Sodastream almost a week now, bought to use when we have parties instead of spending money on soft drink. Brings me back to when I was a child being so excited to see the fizz. Only downside, our sodastream lights didn’t work, so had to replace them the day we bought it Show details · 1
Excellent ecological alternative to bottled fizzy water – Getting Sodastream was one of the best choices I made in the last 12 months! We do love it and use it almost every day. We used to buy fizzy water a lot (5-7 bottles a week) and felt guilty looking at so many empty bottles going into the recycling bin. But now we keep chilled filtered water in the fridge all the time and make our own fizzy water… Read more · 1
when it runs out. Quick and easy!.
The only minor downside is you don't know how much gas is left in the cylinder. We have a few stores where we can swap our empty bottle with a new one in a walking distance, so it's not a huge issue for us, but people living in different areas might need to get a couple of extra cylinders.
Overall, we couldn't be happier and wish we had bought Sodastream years ago.
Tastes good, simple to use, easy to enjoy – First time jumping into SodaStream and I love the product. It's surprisingly easy to setup, screw the bottle in and off you go. Push button to turn basic water into soda. Don't know what flavours to try yet, but I really love the product and wish I could try some new flavours soon to really enjoy it. Show details · 1
So far so good – Seems to do the job. The only hassle is filling up the one bottle you get in the pack. Would be great to have a spare. Not sure if it works out cheaper than off the shelf mineral water, but I’m happy not to be purchasing all those plastic bottles. Show details · 1
Best birthday present! – I bought this for my partner's birthday last month and he loves it! It's so easy to set up and use. We were buying countless bottles of soda water in our weekly food shops so this was a great investment. Would highly recommend buying one if you are buying one or two bottles of soda water a week, it's economically worth it and better for the… Read more · 1
environment! Can't wait to try out the Ginger Beer and Cola flavours as we've only used water so far.
Happy customer, Danielle
Works great until you need to replaces washers – nNo complaints on the performance of my SodaStream until the gas bottle washers and the internal bottle washer started to fail and leak gas. No problem removing both using online guides but the problem was purchasing the spare parts which seem to be non existent although they are simple rubber parts. Being recommended to buy a new machine when the replacement of two simple seals does not exactly insure repeat customers. Show details · 1
Find out how SodaStream Source Element compares to other Soda Makers
Know better, choose better.
First time Soda Stream User – Purchased in January a Soda Stream source machine to try and cut down our fizzy drinks consumption and whole family is in loves with machine, even the kids . Highly recommend it anyone thinking about getting a Soda Stream. Only negative is hard to find the Zero flavours at local shops but can get on-line. Very happy with our purchase Show details · 1
Love this quality product – I originally purchased a cheaper model of Sodastream as a gift for my mother who had been eyeing mine off for some time. The model that arrived was not of great quality and didn’t produce consistent results so i returned and ordered the Source Element instead. The slightly higher price tag was well worth it as it is a quality machine, it is easy… Read more · 2
to use, produces consistently fizzy water, and looks fantastic on the kitchen bench. I’m now looking to upgrade my own machine too!
Love the Fizz – Very glad with the purchase of the Soda Stream Element. This product is well built and designed, the ability to control and see the level of carbonation makes it easy to consistently make the same level of fizz. Very easy to install, and not having to rely on a power source makes it great to move around when required. With the pricing matching JB HI-FI were able to offer, this was a great buy. The family love it Show details · 1
Extremely happy with SODASTREAM <3 – We only started drinking mineral water as a healthier option to soft drinks, but was concerned about the environment because we go through so many bottles a week. The SodaStream has been used non stop in this household! I love that you can choose the carbonation level as sometimes some bottles of mineral water come a bit flatter than others, but… Read more · 1
with SodaStream we're always happy. As soon as I get more bottles I will be a happy girl! The sugar free Cola flavour is delicious
Highly recommend this product to anyone, even for small kids its so easy to use
So happy with our purchase – We were a big bottled sparkling water household and got the Sodastream Source Element as it’s more economical and environmentally friendly. It’s been fantastic! We have sparkling water now whenever we like and can even choose how bubbly we want it. Really great product. Highly recommend! Show details · 1
So happy with this purchase! – It was on recommendation by a friend that I finally purchased the Sodastream Source. For some reason I thought the Sodastream water wouldn’t be as bubbly as store bought, was I wrong! The water tastes better than store bought and the bottle really holds in the bubbles. I use filtered water and make sure it is chilled beforehand. Simple to set up and worked perfectly from first use. Show details · 1
I love my new Soda Stream – I use it mainly for Soda Water but would like to know where to purchase diet syrups from? Also, I like it because it helps save on use of plastic bottles. I will have to get a couple more reusable bottles so can have more in fridge to rotate through. Show details · 2
Amazing!! Helping the environment and tastes great – Purchased ours from David Jones during their sale for 99.00. I've had it on my list for ages and we are so thrilled with how well it works/tastes. It's also super easy to use and it's a nice glam colour in black too. Now, we can save money and the environment from not purchasing bottles of sparkling from the supermarket. Next up, need to discover some different flavours to add to our bottles. Show details · 1
Wonderful Sparkling Water – Easy to set-up and use, does not require power which you can move it anywhere you want. Great product for anyone who loves sparkling water. Really good replacement for buying bottled sparkling water. Highly recommended! Show details · 2
Love It! – We have started on the healthy lifestyle again to lose a few kgs and have turned to sparkling water to help us along the way ~ love the new design, sadly my lights don’t work (stays on #1 after each push) but that doesn’t stop it from working - so all good :-) An extra carbonating bottle and some flavour samples would be a great addition to the initial startup but otherwise I still love it! Will definitely recommend! Show details · 1
Love my new machine and bubbles on tap – Purchased mine from Harvey Norman for $97 on sale.. it’s amazing. Plus I bought an extra gas bottle so I don’t run out and have to go without. I was sick of buying soda water weekly so hoping this long term works out cheaper. I use cold water infusion bags in it for perfect iced bubbly tea and my vodka lime n soda is now the bomb! I just need to get more bottles so I can turn them out quicker. Show details · 1
Awesome product! – Soda stream is such a great way to reduce plastic. We were buying 10+ plastic bottles per week. And the soda water is just as good and you never run out! The kids are enjoying making flavoured sparkling as well. Absolutely love it. Show details · 1
Great addition to our home – Recently brought to reduce our plastic bottle consumption. Just love it! Especially for gin and tonics too. Wouls love more bottles for other flavours! have even brought my mum one Show details · 1
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Hi Ruth, we are so sorry to hear that you are unhappy… Read more