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The Seltzer Maker by Sodastream

Smart and convenient, plus bonus points for looking like a penguin.

Seltzer Makers

The Penguin Seltzer Maker by Sodastream is a great idea for anyone who drinks a lot of seltzer at home. It’s kind of stylish, looks like a penguin, stands about 18 inches high, and turns tap water into seltzer at the push of a button. No more schlepping heavy bottles of seltzer home, or dealing with empty bottles.

It comes with two glass carafes. You just fill one with cold water, put it in the machine, and push a lever to make it as fizzy as you want; it whistles when it’s ready. You get about 100 liters from one large charger, unlike other brands of seltzer makers, where each liter uses up a separate charger. The price is about $200, but it will save money in the long run.

And if you’re worried about buying chargers, don’t. You order replacements online and leave your empties on your doorstep—call Sodastream to arrange a driver to take them away while delivering a replacement. It’s super convenient.

What do you think, seltzer fiends?

About the Author: Lisa McManus

Lisa McManus is senior editor in charge of all equipment testing and ingredient tasting stories at Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country magazines, and writes testing and tasting features for Cook’s Illustrated. She joined America’s Test Kitchen in 2006, after working as a newspaper food editor, and magazine and newspaper journalist for many years in Boston, New York, and California. She is a graduate of Brown University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Her husband, Hugh, is a rocket scientist, and they have two sons.

One Comment

  • We have a different model, same brand, been using it since last Christmas, it is wonderful! We also make our own soda pop with this finding syrups online or our local bulk grocery outlet. I like the fact we can control the amount of sugar in the soda. I tend to use less syrup and produce a lighter refreshing soda.

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