Monday, April 19, 2010

SodaStream Review and Giveaway

Some of our very best friends have a soda maker that they received for a Christmas gift one year.  We love going to visit at their house and being treated to their “homemade” soda or soda water mixed with juice. There’s just something of a novelty about making your own carbonated beverages!

Needless to say, my whole family got excited about the opportunity to review the SodaStream.  We received our SodaStream machine a few weeks ago – the very day we were getting ready to leave for Cincinnati!  But that didn’t stop us – we got it out of the box, set it up, and went right to work making some soda to sample. 

Set-up is very simple and quick and the actual soda-making process is the same way – SIMPLE & QUICK.  We took pictures just to prove how simple it really is (it’s right up there with making some Kool-aid or mixing up some chocolate milk).

spring 055 When you pull the machine out of the  box, it’s basically ready to go.  All you need to do is install the CO2 tank in the back (which is easy peasy).  Then you turn the machine around and it looks like this --- 

Cute, huh?  As you can see, it’s taller than the space between my counter and cupboards, so I needed to find a new home for ours.

spring 056 In addition to the machine and the CO2 tank, we also received a nice variety of soda flavors to try.  Of the 5 regular flavors pictured to the left, our favorites are the Orange Mango and the Energy drink.

spring 057

We also received 4 diet varieties.  We are not generally fans of diet soda in our house and tend to steer away from diet drinks due to Ashley’s allergy to Aspartame.  However, these diet varieties contain Sucralose (Splenda brand).  Gracie and Ian have been enjoying the Root Beer and I’m partial to the Ruby Red Grapefruit (which is quite sweet, not sour as you might expect).

spring 059

The first step in making your soda is to fill your 1-liter bottle with cold water.  Simple enough, right?  Then, you screw the bottle onto that white post you see sticking down from the machine (I’m sure there’s a more technical term for it!)

spring 060

Then you push that button on the top of the machine 3 times (or more or less, depending on your carbonation preferences).  This injects the CO2 into the water (via that white posty-thing) and voila! You now have carbonated water.  A bit of trivia here:  do you know that people in European countries (such as Italy and Germany) drink carbonated water all the time?  Personally, I think it’s an acquired taste. 

spring 061

If you want to flavor your carbonated water, you simply fill a cap with your favorite flavor, dump it into the water bottle, screw on the lid, and gently turn the bottle up and down a few times to mix. 

spring 062 Here’s the end result ---

YUM! 

spring 058 Another option is to make flavored waters. We received a package of 3 water flavorings. I thought I would prefer these to the soda flavors, but actually . . . well, they aren’t my favorite. I’m going to try adding them to plain water and see if that’s better. 

Around my house, soda tends to be a special occasion drink.  So, if your family is anything like mine, your kids will be begging to make soda daily!  I’m sure that, at some point, the novelty will wear off a bit; but for now, we’re having lots of fun with our SodaStream!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
THE GIVEAWAY!

SodaStream has generously offered to give ONE of my readers a a Fountain Jet Soda Lover's Start-Up Kit (approx. $100 retail value.) It includes the winner's choice of black/silver, white or red/silver Fountain Jet, CO2 to make over 100 liters of soda, 2 reusable carbonating bottles, a sample pack of flavors, and 3 full-sized flavors of the winner's choice.

I know you really, really want to win one of these for your family, don’t you?  So, I’m going to make lots of options for entries – the more you do, the more comments you leave here, the better your chances of winning!

MANDATORY ENTRY = Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win a Soda Stream. 

EXTRA ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each thing that you do. If it’s worth 2 entries, leave 2 comments, etc.)

  • 1 entry = Become a Fan of SodaStream on Facebook
  • 1 entry = Follow SodaStream on Twitter
  • 1 entry = Follow my blog, Reviews & Reflections, by clicking “follow” in the upper right-hand sidebar
  • 2 entries = Add my button to your blog (be sure to leave a link so I can check it out!)
  • 2 entries = Share about this contest on your Facebook page, with a link back
  • 5 entries = Blog about this contest with a link back (be sure to leave a link to your post!)

I will leave this contest open until April 30th at 11:59pm EST. NOTE:  SodaStream can only ship to addresses within the continental U.S. (sorry international readers!)  I will draw a random winner on May 1st.  Good luck!

NOTE: I received this product, free of charge, from SodaStream. The thoughts shared above are mine, based on our experience with the product.

157 comments:

Karla Cook @ Roads to Everywhere said...

I'd really love to win! So I...

became a fan of Soda Stream on FB!

Karla Cook @ Roads to Everywhere said...

I'd really love to win! So I also...

followed Soda Stream on Twitter!

Karla Cook @ Roads to Everywhere said...

I'd really love to win! And I...

already follow your blog!

Karla Cook @ Roads to Everywhere said...

I also posted about it on my FB profile. (I'll be back later to do the blog things, too!)

Seriously. My DH almost refuses to drink anything that's not sweet and fizzy... and I'm thinking we could cut way back on sugar with a way to make our own pop!

Susan said...

How did you get this cool giveaway!
Soda is a "special occasion" drink for our family, too, but I'm impressed with Soda Stream's use of something that we all have (water), the lack of a bunch of icky stuff in it and the lower calories. I like a little fizz in my drink (love, love love fizzy, real lemonade---had it in England and miss it). But I don't like all the artificial stuff, empty calories, and expense of soda. This might be a happy compromise.

Susan said...

I'm a fan of SodaStream on FB (Susan Anadale).

Susan said...

Following SodaStream on Twitter! (susanadale)

Canadianladybug said...

I want to win one so I can bring it in the RV. It would be interesting to have soda on the go whenever we want too!

Canadianladybug said...

I follow Soda Stream on facebook

(can I get it shipped to your place and then you ship it to me the same way we do usually?)

Canadianladybug said...

I follow Soda Stream on Twitter

Canadianladybug said...

I follow your blog

Canadianladybug said...

I've put your button on my blog

http://www.canadianladybugreviews.com

Unknown said...

me...me...me... pick me... ; ) Would love to have one of those!!

Unknown said...

Check out my blog... your button is on it!

Unknown said...

became a fan of Soda Stream on facebook...

Unknown said...

I'm blogging too... can you tell I really want to win?! ; )

Thanks for doing this giveaway!
~H

Unknown said...

I linked back from facebook to this contest also... that gives me 10 entries, I think I'll stop now. ; )

Debbie said...

I'd like to win because it just looks really fun for the family!

Debbie said...

I follow your blog.

Debbie said...

I added your button. www.debbieshomeschoolcorner.blogspot.com

Debbie said...

I added your button. www.debbieshomeschoolcorner.blogspot.com

Entry #2

Kristenph said...

I became a FB fan of Soda Stream.

Kristenph said...

Oops, my first comment got lost because I clicked away before filling in the captcha. I want this because it looks neat and I think it would help us to curb our soda buying.

Kristenph said...

Twitter follower of Soda Stream

Kristenph said...

I already follow your blog :)

Kristenph said...

Posted on my FB page.

Kristenph said...

Second entry for FB post.

Lori Watson said...

I want to win it because it sounds super fun! Party time, pull out the Soda Stream! :-D

Lori Watson said...

Became a Facebook Fan!

Lori Watson said...

Followed on Twitter

Jill said...

Love it ...maybe it will help wean my kids off there once a week sprite fix.

Jill said...

became a fan on FB

Lori Watson said...

Already follow your blog. :-D

Jill said...

all ready follow your blog

Lori Watson said...

Your button is my first Bloggy Friends Button in the new section I created on my homeschool blog. :-D

Lori Watson said...

Button comment #2

Jill said...

Reposted on FB

Jill said...

Reposted on FB

yvonne said...

I'd like to win b/c we love homemade food & drinks. This product looks really neat and fun.

Lori Watson said...

Facebooked #1

Lori Watson said...

Facebooked #2

yvonne said...

Became a fan of SodaStream on FB!

yvonne said...

Following SodaStream on Twitter!

yvonne said...

I subscribe to your blog already - does that count as 'follow'?

yvonne said...

Shared contest link on my FB page!

yvonne said...

Blogged about it - here's the link:

http://meaderfam.com/?p=2421

yvonne said...

Shared contest link on my FB page!

Entry #2

yvonne said...

Blogged about it - here's the link:
http://meaderfam.com/?p=2421

Entry #2

yvonne said...

Blogged about it - here's the link:
http://meaderfam.com/?p=2421

Entry #3

yvonne said...

Blogged about it - here's the link:
http://meaderfam.com/?p=2421

Entry #4

yvonne said...

Blogged about it - here's the link:
http://meaderfam.com/?p=2421

Entry #5 (whew!)

Canadianladybug said...

Facebooked it at http://www.facebook.com/#!/canadianladybug?ref=profile

Chris said...

I followed Soda Stream on Twitter!

Chris said...

I followed your blog!

Canadianladybug said...

I've blogger about it at

http://canadianladybugreviews.blogspot.com/2010/04/fun-giveaway-at-my-friends-blog.html

Chris said...

And also -- for the mandatory entry -- I don't buy soda except for a special treat. I would love to try this with juice. I think my kids would love it and it would be healthy AND it's a green alternative that can be made with tap water. :)

Chris said...

Blogged it on Basically Green: http://basicallygreen.blogspot.com/2010/04/green-soda.html

Chris said...

Blogged it on Basically Green: http://basicallygreen.blogspot.com/2010/04/green-soda.html

Chris said...

Blogged it on Basically Green: http://basicallygreen.blogspot.com/2010/04/green-soda.html

Chris said...

Blogged it on Basically Green: http://basicallygreen.blogspot.com/2010/04/green-soda.html

Chris said...

Became a fan of SodaStream on Facebook.

Kimberly Kovach said...

I want this because it sounds like so much fun for the kids. And yes, imagine my horror as a teen when I ordered "Wasser" in Germany only to get carbonated water. GAG! I learned to order "Wasser ohne Gas" (water without gas).

Kimberly Kovach said...

I thought I WAS following you, now I am. :)

Unknown said...

I'd love to win this as it reminds me of the fun times I had with my mother who made homemade root beer with us.

Unknown said...

I shared this on my face book page.

Becky said...

I so want this! You know we are soda junkies, and it would look so good to be sipping on my soda's under the palm trees!

Becky said...

I already have your button my blog! :-)

Unknown said...

I became a fan of Soda Stream on Face Book

Becky said...

I sure do follow you!!!

Unknown said...

I am following Soda Stream on Twitter.

Kimberly Kovach said...

I became a fan on SodaStream on FB

Kimberly Kovach said...

I blogged about the contest.
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/kovach/778599/

Kimberly Kovach said...

Blogged about it #2 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/kovach/778599/

Kimberly Kovach said...

Blogged about it #3
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/kovach/778599/

Kimberly Kovach said...

I blogged about the contest #5

My Blessings From Above said...

This looks very neat! I would love to win it!
My boys would go crazy over this! :)

My Blessings From Above said...

I am following you! (geeze I sound like a stalker!)

Julieanne Miller said...

I'm following your blog now! Thanks for hosting this neat giveaway, Heidi. We've been doing lots and lots in our kitchen to use less processed foods, so this would fit into our eating goals for 2010.

Julieanne Miller said...

I'm now a fan on their Facebook site. Thank you for hosting this giveaway, Heidi!

TerriG said...

http://www.accidentallyhomeschooling.com/2010/04/food-police-have-new-weapon-another.html
I blogged about it.

TerriG said...

#2 a rather long winded one.

TerriG said...

#3 in the blog, 3 link backs.

TerriG said...

#4 blogged cause my other blog wasn't done.

TerriG said...

#5 in the blog, I put your picture.

TerriG said...

#1 added your button.

TerriG said...

#2 added button and jealous, I have no button.

TerriG said...

follow on FB

TerriG said...

Mandatory entry:
I need this!

TerriG said...

I follow now.

TerriG said...

I fb'ed this contest.

TerriG said...

I shared on fb

Julia said...

We had something like this when I was little only it was just the carbonated water bit but we would add sugar and lemon juice. I was just talking about this to my family the other week and wishing we could make our own carbonated water.

bruisedbananalegs at gmail dot com

Jennifer said...

I would like to win this because it would be a healthier option to the "cokes" we do drink too much of now.

Jennifer said...

I follow your blog. :)

The Burkherts said...

We also do not do sodas very frequently, so the children would love this.

BurkhertsTravel at yahoo dot com

The Burkherts said...

I am now following your blog. I can't believe I wasn't already.

BurkhertsTravel at yahoo dot com

Karla Cook @ Roads to Everywhere said...

I'm baaaaack... I blogged about this at http://ramblinroadstoeverywhere.blogspot.com/2010/04/giveaway-time.html.

Karla Cook @ Roads to Everywhere said...

Entry #2 for blogging about it at http://ramblinroadstoeverywhere.blogspot.com/2010/04/giveaway-time.html.

Karla Cook @ Roads to Everywhere said...

Entry #3 for blogging about it at http://ramblinroadstoeverywhere.blogspot.com/2010/04/giveaway-time.html.

Karla Cook @ Roads to Everywhere said...

Entry #4 for blogging about it at http://ramblinroadstoeverywhere.blogspot.com/2010/04/giveaway-time.html.

Karla Cook @ Roads to Everywhere said...

Entry #5 for blogging about it at http://ramblinroadstoeverywhere.blogspot.com/2010/04/giveaway-time.html.

Karla Cook @ Roads to Everywhere said...

I also put your button on my side-bar.

Karla Cook @ Roads to Everywhere said...

And one more time for putting your button on my side-bar. Thanks for a great giveaway!

Julia M. Reffner said...

Hubby would love this.

julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

Julia M. Reffner said...

I'm a follower too.

julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

viktoria said...

I need it so I can make soda at home!!!

Anonymous said...

I've been wishing for one of these ever since hearing about them in one of the many frugality related books I've read lately. Would love to have one!
muller508@comcast.net

Jenn said...

Why? Because I am addicted to carbonated beverages and I'd rather make my addiction healthier than to get rid of it. :D

I love carbonated water - I pick up bottles of plain sodium-free seltzer water and add a bit of Pom to it. YUM!

Jenn said...

I became a Facebook fan!

Heather said...

I want one because my kids adore soda and I don't want them drinking it! I think we could do something fizzy, but healthier with this! Great Giveaway:)

Heather said...

I added your button to my messy sidebar! (I'd been meaning to do that anyway:) I love how organized your blog is. http://faithfamilyandfun.com/

Heather said...

I follow your blog:)

Heather said...

I put it on Facebook!

Heather said...

Following SodaStream on Twitter

Julie said...

I like the thought of being able to make our OWN soda at home! That way, I KNOW what the ingredients are and I can make it when we WANT it. My kiddos would get a total blast out of it, too!

Julie said...

I blogged about this giveaway here:

http://jewelknits.blogspot.com/2010/04/april-26-2010-monday-giveaway-roundup.html

Julie said...

I blogged about this giveaway here:

http://jewelknits.blogspot.com/2010/04/april-26-2010-monday-giveaway-roundup.html

#2

Julie said...

I blogged about this giveaway here:

http://jewelknits.blogspot.com/2010/04/april-26-2010-monday-giveaway-roundup.html

#3

Julie said...

I blogged about this giveaway here:

http://jewelknits.blogspot.com/2010/04/april-26-2010-monday-giveaway-roundup.html

#4

Julie said...

I blogged about this giveaway here:

http://jewelknits.blogspot.com/2010/04/april-26-2010-monday-giveaway-roundup.html

#5

Jennifer said...

HI There! We would LOVE to win the Fountain Soda Jet! We have 4 kids and 1 on the way, with a hubby who is laid off {since Nov 09}. Boy would this be a treat for us. Something that we could never afford but would LOVE to win!!! Pick us Pick us!

April E. said...

I became a fan of soda stream on facebook.

April E. said...

I follow your blog.

April E. said...

Better do the mandatory entry ... I love the unique flavors you can make, like the Ruby Red Grapefruit. When I was a kid and we lived in Germany, they had what we called sprootle (forgot actual spelling) which was carbonated drinks that had more unique flavors like that. We loved it! Steve asked me the other day if I'd joined your giveaway for this yet. He saw it on my facebook. I thought I had already. Oops!

April E. said...

Posted it on my facebook. :)

Penny said...

I'd like to win this because we don't drink soda because of the HFCS, this way we can choose our own safe flavors!!

April E. said...

Added your blog button to my blog, down under the flooble expandable buttons.

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/elcloud

Penny said...

I became a "like" on FB since they don't like FANS anymore ;)

Penny said...

I'm now a Follower Heidi!! Thanks for sharing this!!

Penny said...

Just shared on my FB page with a link to here and to Soda Stream :)

Sarah Chips said...

I've never seen something like that before, it looks really cool and something fun for the kids I constantly have over! :-)

Sarah Chips said...

Just followed your blog!

Sarah Chips said...

Just followed soda stream on twitter!

E.M. said...

What a great contest! Thanks, Heidi!

E.M. said...

I just became a fan of SS on FB!

E.M. said...

I am def. a follower of this blog :)

E.M. said...

I added your button to my blog. It's cute. What a neat idea!

http://akiresparkle.blogspot.com/2010/04/awesome-sodastream-giveaway.html

E.M. said...

I shared on FB about the giveaway and linked back :)

E.M. said...

And then I blogged about it! Woohoo..
http://akiresparkle.blogspot.com/2010/04/awesome-sodastream-giveaway.html

Debra said...

Oh, my family would love this! Me, not so much. I wonder if we'd have to order CO2 special, or if Dale could buy it at work. Hmmm.

Debra said...

And I already follow you :)

Sheri said...

http://hsingonawingandaprayer.blogspot.com/2010/04/you-can-look-but-dont-enter-cuz-i-wanna.html

posted my link back to ya

Lauren Wayne said...

We are addicted to soda. I seriously would love an eco-friendly and wallet-friendly way to enjoy our favorite beverage!

mail {at} HoboMama.com

Lauren Wayne said...

I am a SodaStream Facebook fan (Lauren Wayne).

mail {at} HoboMama.com

Lauren Wayne said...

I follow SodaStream on Twitter (@Hobo_Mama).

mail {at} HoboMama.com

Lauren Wayne said...

I follow your blog.

mail {at} HoboMama.com

AnnOnandOn said...

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to win this because I am a club soda-o-holic.

Hello, my name is AnnOnandOn and I am addicted to soda water. It's o.k. I'm able to admit it and have now decided to except it for what it is. I love soda water. :D LOL

It would be great to save money while reducing waste (cans)
amerskine@hotmail.com

Ann On and On... said...

I'm a S.S. fan on F.B.
amerskine at hotmail dotcom

Ann On and On... said...

I grabbed your button. It is on the left side of my blog.... :D
Thanks for this fabulous..amazing....wonderful giveaway!!!
amerskine at hotmail dotcom

Ann On and On... said...

I grabbed your button...check out the left side of my blog. amerskine at hotmaildot com

Ann On and On... said...

I am a new follower.... and so excite to have found you! amerskine at hotmail dot com

Ann On and On... said...

I posted/linked your giveaway. It is on the left side of my blog where my readers look daily for giveaways that I am highlighting. Thank you for this opportunity. I have been wanting one of these for a very long time.
amerskine at hotmail dotcom

Ann On and On... said...

I posted/linked your giveaway. It is on the left side of my blog where my readers look daily for giveaways that I am highlighting. Thank you for this opportunity. 2
amerskine at hotmail dotcom

Ann On and On... said...

I posted/linked your giveaway. It is on the left side of my blog where my readers look daily for giveaways that I am highlighting. Thank you for this opportunity. 3
amerskine at hotmail dotcom

Ann On and On... said...

I posted/linked your giveaway. It is on the left side of my blog where my readers look daily for giveaways that I am highlighting. Thank you for this opportunity.
I'm crossing my fingers!!!4
amerskine at hotmail dotcom

Ann On and On... said...

I posted/linked your giveaway. It is on the left side of my blog where my readers look daily for giveaways that I am highlighting. Thank you for this opportunity. Check out my blog to see your giveaway. Just click on my face to get you there. LOL that sounded funny
amerskine at hotmail dotcom

Anonymous said...

I respect what SodaStream represents because it offers eco friendly products. For me it is a number one concern.

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