Does anyone have a seltzer bottle/maker?
Does anyone have a seltzer bottle/maker?
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Does anyone have a seltzer bottle/maker?
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Post #1 - November 29th, 2006, 4:15 pmI have always drank sparkling water, but I have been doing some research that buying a seltzer bottle might be a good investment. Has anyone ever purchased one? Can anyone recommend a brand?
This one looks like a good deal:
http://www.sodaclubusa.com/order_i_e1_seltzer.asp
Epinions has one review from a guy who rated it low because the mixes that came with it had artificial sweeteners. He didn't seem to have an issue with the quality of the soda water, though.
I would love to hear any advice or opinions. Thanks!
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Post #2 - November 29th, 2006, 5:00 pmI have a few, which I keep around largely for purposes of physical comedy. Also nice for a mojito or scotch and soda, as the seltzer bubbles are much smaller and less obtrusive. But I would not consider this to be a replacement for sparkling beverages in general. The cartridges are not inexpensive, and one does not charge much water or other liquid.
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Post #3 - November 29th, 2006, 6:41 pmJeff,
This particular model says it will do 110 liters for the price of one cartridge which is in the $35 range. That sounds pretty economical...
My math:
110 liters = 3,719.54248 US fluid ounces (I used Google for this!*)
3,719/12(ounces in a can or bottle)=310 cans
$35/310=$.11 per can
Unless I get lucky with a sale, the cheapest I can find La Croix or even Canfield's is $4 for 12, or $.33 each.
I used to do Perrier a lot, but it got cost prohibitive as my consumption increased.
Is my math right?
* Did you know Google does all kinds of conversions right from the search bar? At google.com, I typed in "110 liters to ounces" and right above my search results in bold it said "110 liters = 3 719.54248 US fluid ounces". Pretty nifty, eh? I think you can do this with currency as well as measurements.
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Post #4 - November 29th, 2006, 6:48 pmWell, looking at your link, that's a new product that is not a traditional seltzer bottle. The old-fashioned bottles waste a whippet per litre or so of liquid. The new device seems to portion out gas per bottle and seems like an imprivement. But you don't get the mixing benefit or the golden comedy value that comes with shooting charged water directly from the bottle.
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Post #5 - November 29th, 2006, 7:17 pmThat is true!!
I would not mind having the old fashioned kind around for use here and there. In this case, that is not what I am looking for!
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Post #6 - November 29th, 2006, 7:47 pmAn important thing about the Alco2Jet: You don't own the gas canister. The terms and conditions of the product require you to return the canister within 5 years of "purchase".
I would also suspect that you can't make less than 1L of soda water. Which is probably fine, but it's something to keep in mind.
I think when you take into account initial expense of the machine, return shipping on the canisters, etc, it probably continues to become a worse and worse deal.
I'm not trying to talk you out of it.. only you know your seltzer consumption and how long it will take you to start saving money with the maker. But the requirement that you return the canister makes me pause.
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Post #7 - November 30th, 2006, 4:49 pmWe belong to the soda club and find it to be a great value. They supply the containers and shipping packages to return. With initial order you get some sample flavors - the cream soda isn't bad.
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Post #8 - November 30th, 2006, 5:51 pmgleam,
Is that on the site somewhere? I went back to see what you were talking about and I was unable to locate that information. Or do you know this from other sources?
Thanks for the information!
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Post #9 - November 30th, 2006, 6:19 pmi witnessed a demonstration of the soda club product at the recent kosherfest in new york. it seemed really easy to use, and you can make big bubbles or small bubbles. i like small.
i sampled the flavors, too. they were good. a lot better than crystal light or the ilk.Happiness is a path, not a destination.
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Post #10 - November 30th, 2006, 7:24 pmChristine:
From the "order supplies" page:
Out of Gas? Order a GAS REFILL when your carbonator starts to run out of CO2 and you need to exchange it for a full one. Order a SPARE CARBONATOR if you want to have more than one carbonator at home (so you never run out of fizz).
Refills
Exchange your empty Alco2Jet® carbonator (under license) for a full one. Carbonates up to 110 one-liter bottles of water.
"under license" links to this PDF file which includes the following language:BY OPENING THE VALVE SEAL OF THE ALCO2JET CARBONATOR YOU ARE
AGREEING TO BE BOUND BY THE USER LICENSE.
IF YOU PREFER NOT TO BE BOUND, PLEASE PROMPTLY RETURN THE
ALCO2JET CARBONATOR WITH ITS VALVE SEAL UNBROKEN.
The User License includes the following terms:
You may hold and use this Alco2Jet Carbonator in a suitable home soda maker
until empty or for a maximum period of 5 years, whichever is the sooner and then
it must be returned by the holder without delay in good condition to Soda-Club
USA, Inc. or to one of its authorized retailers. To facilitate its return call
Customer Care at 1-888-SODACLUB.
Upon the return of the empty Alco2Jet Carbonator the licensed holder may
request and receive a full Replacement/Exchange Alco2Jet Carbonator, for the
price of the gas contents only (plus shipping and handling charges, where
applicable), and the terms of the User License shall continue to apply to the
Exchange Alco2Jet Carbonator.
This Alco2Jet Carbonator together with the User License may be transferred to a third
party provided the third party agrees to be obligated by the conditions and ownership
rights expressed herein.
Any misuse of the Alco2Jet Carbonator including, inter alia, defacement or removal of
any of the trade marks applied on it or its labels, its sale, rental, lending, leasing,
abandonment, alienating or refilling will automatically entitle the Carbonator Owner or its
representative to the immediate right of possession and unconditional return of it without
any payment or reimbursement by the Carbonator Owner.
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Post #11 - January 6th, 2007, 12:33 pmIf you have kids (or a tweaker brother) I'd be a tad careful with where you keep the whipets. Not the dog, of course, the nitrous cartridges, as they produce a pretty powerful high.
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Post #12 - January 7th, 2007, 12:25 amtrotsky wrote:If you have kids (or a tweaker brother) I'd be a tad careful with where you keep the whipets. Not the dog, of course, the nitrous cartridges, as they produce a pretty powerful high.
You're thinking of the N2O used in whipped cream chargers, not CO2 that's used in making carbonated water.-Pete
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Post #13 - February 18th, 2007, 11:06 pmHi! I kind of checked out on this for a bit as DH was concerned about the 5 year thing. But I think I misled him into thinking it was the entire product that needed to be returned and not just the CO2 cartridge.
With a lime, I could easily drink 80-100 ounces of seltzer a day. I am currently flying thru 6 cans a day. Less when I feel guilty about the cost...
Of course, water is all I drink (other than alcoholic drinks)...so I do think it would be economical in the long run.
It sounds like those who have seen it or used it have decent reviews. I think for the cost it might be worth a go.
I am sure I won't purchase for awhile, so if anyone else has input, please chime in!
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Post #14 - February 26th, 2007, 5:50 pmChristine,
I have a machine and I love it. I can't vouch for the soda syrups (I tossed them along with the box it came it) but, for making straight up seltzer, it's perfect. Even with the return policy, it beats carrying 12 packs up to my third floor apartment any day of the week.
I got mine in October and am just this week returning the cartridge- after making about 18-20 bottle a week.
I have also used the bar-style chargers and, while I agree they look much cooler around cocktail time, the Soda Club has made my (well-hydrated) life worlds and worlds better. Go for it.