Our family loves our Sparkel! It is super versatile in what you can carbonate. Sparkel will have a way smaller carbon footprint than any CO2 canister option, even if your hydro supplier sources coal-fired generation. And, purchasing larger containers of baking soda and food grade citric acid (as you mentioned), a digital weigh scale and some small containers to measure out your "chemicals" into for quick use is much less expensive per drink than canister format. (I bought 24 35ml securely sealing screw cap containers. Using 12 containers for the baking soda and 12 for the citric acid, I weigh out 13 grams of baking soda for each container and 11 grams of citric acid. Use one of each container like the OEM satchels. I used to pre-mix the "chemicals" with all 24 containers holding one pre-mixed 'dose' for a drink, but found that the mixed "chemicals" would 'cake' too much, even in the perfectly dry containers. Perhaps I'm just fortunate: when my supply of measured "chemicals" is running low, I'm easily able to find a few minutes to sit down with some audio entertainment and my weigh scale. I also am easily able to make good use of the time it takes to make a drink. I don't use ice and I always transfer my drink into a glass or stainless steel travelling water bottle (which is really helpful in prolonging carbonation!) anyway, so condensation is not a problem for me.
Hello Kevin! They both have their pros and cons and it's hard to deny that the Sparkel chemical system is the easiest to DIY. I still have yet to try a refill kit or large tank adapter for the DrinkMate so I'm definitely overspending per-bottle :)
I like your idea of using the small bottles for pre-measured baking soda and citric acid. I have tried just refilling the sachets and sealing the top with my vacuum sealer. It is very tedious since the funnel I have to use to fill the sachets has such a small opening. I may try your way. Thanks for the suggestion.
Best reviews ever!! Have watched both the Sparkel review and this one! Thanks so much! Helped me decide once and for all. Many, many thanks for the great reviews!! Keep up the sensational work! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I use the DrinkMate to carbonate Crystal Lite which has dramatically reduced my soda drinking which has made my doctor happier. So far after 3 months no problems.
Thanks for the comparison of these two machines. I own both as well as a Sodastream. You made very good points as to the advantages of each machine. I agree with what you said. Having to wait several minutes for the Sparkel to complete its carbonation cycle is annoying; however I do like the packets as opposed to the CO2 cylinder. I agree that the carbonation in the Sparkel is more consistent. I love both machines and will hold onto both.
Just so we are clear As long as it's not in a Glass Bottles or already Heavily Carbonated Drink a SodaStream will and can Carbonate any normal drink Why does SodaStream not Advertise this They Want and Need you to Buy their Syrups but I have done it with normal Cordial, Juice, Flat Soda etc just remember to wipe with a clean damp cloth the nozzle down afterwards
I thought about doing this too. But again with the unit breaking over time cost versus longevity I went to do it yourself plus I can make two liter at a time or 16 ounce bottle and do one bottle at a time I just have more flexibility. Whichever works.
Great video! Btw there is a third option for refilling canisters with dry ice, but that requires crushing the stuff and weighing the tank. Not an option for everyone, but it works well if you have multiple cylinders.
I love my Sparkel! No canisters! Simple chemicals. I make my drink and pour into a glass and keep the bottle in the fridge. When empty I refill and put in fridge to chill for next time. Waiting? Just do subverting else while it does it’s magic, no problem.
I was looking at these two units, but I read reviews about how these plastic units do break after a year or 2. Also, those tanks are not refillable and must be replaced offen. So I decided to go with a DIY system. I have a 5-lb C02 Tank, Dual Gauge Regulator, 1 rubber food-grade tube, and a Carbonation Cap, On all this from Amazon but if you have a local brewer supply you can get it from them. The Carbonation Cap fits on any standard 16oz, 1, and 2 Liter plastic soda bottle you buy in the store. I bought 4 of the plastic carbonation caps so I could leave it on my two liters after I filled them with carbonation. Those bottles a designed to be pressurized with CO2. (Do not use glass or plastic milk or water bottles they can not handle direct carbonation process CO2. You could use them to store the water after it has been carbonized) A 5LB tank lasts a lot longer. Getting those 5lb tanks filled is a lot easier than you may think. Just do a web search in your area for places that fill those tanks. Restaurants supply places that support soda machines usually do. Home Brewery supply places. Ask your local restaurants that have carbonation soda machines or your local bar that has draft beers. They gotta get their CO2 from somewhere. I live in a major city so finding places that filled CO2 tanks was easy. The cost of filling a 5-lb CO2 tank is a lot cheaper than replacing that 750-lm tank. It cost me $30 to fill it up and that's going to give me several months of drinks. Depending on how much carnation you use. The big complaint on TH-cam is that these tanks don't last long. It depends on how much carbonation you use. Once I make my carbonation water I pour it into an airtight pitcher add whatever flavor to it and use a mixer and I'm done. I can drink it at my leisure an airtight pitcher does a good job of holding the carbonation in. The initial cost of getting a DIY system will be around $200. But when you compare it to the cost of a Drinkmate with extra bottles and tank replacements the cost offsets itself really quickly. I had this set it up a week and I've already done like 8 gallons worth of drinks. Even done cold-brew iced tea with carbonation water.
Also, DrinkMate is available in EU (though they don't have the recycling program) while Sparkel isn't I've mostly used regular Sodastream, but I kind of gave up on it eventually and I have been buying cans of lightly flavored sparkling water (think La Croix or Liquid Death but a local brand), or also local mineral water. However I've gotten into a certain brand of powdered energy drinks (and their no caffeine versions) and I decided I'd love to be able to carbonate them directly WITHOUT doing all the waffle with exchanging the cylinders because whether it's post or going to a store directly it's just too much hassle for me, also expensive. So I'm seriously considering getting a Sparkel from ebay or through an import service, but I'm also kind of tempted by the DrinkMate since I can just order it from the EU store. So this review is really up my alley!
I love my DinkMate! Do DrinkMate infusion caps wear out, perhaps the seal weakens and you don't get as much carbonation? I have been using mine for about a year and sometimes it seems that the carbonation amount is lessening. I wonder about it.
Hey Patrick. The carbonation from both is similar. The drink mate might be a little closer to retail and once in a while I would get a hint of baking soda from the Sparkel but they were generally close enough that any differences would be substantially outweighed by any difference in syrup or flavoring. I wouldn’t say I have a hugely discerning soda palette though :)
Do you have to use their bottle or can you do it with anything? Does the infusion cap adjust to glass bottles or plastic ones? Im trying to make a certain beverage and put it into capped glass bottles immediately after
if you get a large 10-15lb Co2 Cylinder, you're basically making drinks for pennies. Initial upfront price may cost a bit, but it'll basically pay itself within a few months.
Just so we are clear As long as it's not in a Glass Bottles or already Heavily Carbonated Drink a SodaStream will and can Carbonate any normal drink Why does SodaStream not Advertise this They Want and Need you to Buy their Syrups but I have done it with normal Cordial, Juice, Flat Soda etc just remember to wipe with a clean damp cloth the nozzle down afterwards
I owned 2 sparkel systems its great but it will fall apart quickly if you use it all the time. they make it sound like the problem was me mixing baking soda citric acid myself so the second time i use their sachets and it still breaks. This time i go with Drinkmate made in Taiwan and doesnt need you to pour water and churn bakingsoda in it which is the heart of the issue.
Just so we are clear As long as it's not in a Glass Bottles or already Heavily Carbonated Drink a SodaStream will and can Carbonate any normal drink Why does SodaStream not Advertise this They Want and Need you to Buy their Syrups but I have done it with normal Cordial, Juice, Flat Soda etc just remember to wipe with a clean damp cloth the nozzle down afterwards
You mentioned pouring my Sparkle drink into another container to drink, but doesn’t it ruin the carbonation in the rest of the bottle I put back in the fridge?
Not if you do it Slow with both bottles on an Angel (roughly 45 degrees each!) you tilt the bottle being filled to be upright as it nears being fully filled and cap it ASAP
Just so we are clear As long as it's not in a Glass Bottles or already Heavily Carbonated Drink a SodaStream will and can Carbonate any normal drink Why does SodaStream not Advertise this They Want and Need you to Buy their Syrups but I have done it with normal Cordial, Juice, Flat Soda etc just remember to wipe with a clean damp cloth the nozzle down afterwards
You know, I've never really taken a bottle directly from carbonator to fridge. You'll loose a little when you switch from the infuser cap to the bottle cap but besides that I'd think it would retain for quite a while. Worst case, throw the infuser back on and give it another shot :)
When I'm making a liter of a beverage to take with me to a party/cookout/gathering I start with cold water from the fridge door, carbonate, chill in freezer for 30-45 minutes or coldest part of fridge for a few hours and then I re-carbonate. It does make it fizzier. I tend to add my flavorings before I carbonate and then chill as I don't want ice cubes to melt and dilute my carefully crafted soda. The double carbonation does make it a tiny bit more acidic but I actually like a bit more bite in my sweet beverages.
Getting a larger CO2 tank with an adapter works great, and way cheaper gas. The CO2 should be the kind for human consumption into your mouth, I don't know about paint ball canisters. I use a tank for draft beer I get from a liquor store and then have it refilled.
You are doing it wrong. You don't have to add your flavorings after carbonating water first like the other machines similar to Sodastream. I have seen demonstrations from Drinkmate employees. You can add your flavorings first, and carbonate it together. No need to dilute. You would have actually had a drink that looks like actual proper colored soda water.
Honestly the Sparkel looks like a pain in the ass. I'm not sure why anyone would use such an inferior device as long as they have the option (with adapter) to use a standard CO2 bottle that can be refilled at any gas supply (whatever your local bar uses). For that reason alone the drinkmate is superior in my eyes.
If you add all your stuff before carbonation you get better carbonation. It's science imagine adding flat soda to a none flat soda ew... thats basically what you do when adding after
Best reviews ever!! Have watched both the Sparkel review and this one! Thanks so much! Helped me decide once and for all. Many, many thanks for the great reviews!! Keep up the sensational work! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Our family loves our Sparkel! It is super versatile in what you can carbonate. Sparkel will have a way smaller carbon footprint than any CO2 canister option, even if your hydro supplier sources coal-fired generation. And, purchasing larger containers of baking soda and food grade citric acid (as you mentioned), a digital weigh scale and some small containers to measure out your "chemicals" into for quick use is much less expensive per drink than canister format. (I bought 24 35ml securely sealing screw cap containers. Using 12 containers for the baking soda and 12 for the citric acid, I weigh out 13 grams of baking soda for each container and 11 grams of citric acid. Use one of each container like the OEM satchels. I used to pre-mix the "chemicals" with all 24 containers holding one pre-mixed 'dose' for a drink, but found that the mixed "chemicals" would 'cake' too much, even in the perfectly dry containers. Perhaps I'm just fortunate: when my supply of measured "chemicals" is running low, I'm easily able to find a few minutes to sit down with some audio entertainment and my weigh scale. I also am easily able to make good use of the time it takes to make a drink. I don't use ice and I always transfer my drink into a glass or stainless steel travelling water bottle (which is really helpful in prolonging carbonation!) anyway, so condensation is not a problem for me.
Hello Kevin! They both have their pros and cons and it's hard to deny that the Sparkel chemical system is the easiest to DIY. I still have yet to try a refill kit or large tank adapter for the DrinkMate so I'm definitely overspending per-bottle :)
I like your idea of using the small bottles for pre-measured baking soda and citric acid. I have tried just refilling the sachets and sealing the top with my vacuum sealer. It is very tedious since the funnel I have to use to fill the sachets has such a small opening. I may try your way. Thanks for the suggestion.
They both have their pros and cons.
Do you think those larger “AM/PM” pill calendar containers would hold enough baking soda and citric acid?
@@evshrug I don't know. I suspect not. And you want the container air tight to keep any humidity out.
Are you still using this machine? Still looking ar reviews before I purchase one.
Best reviews ever!! Have watched both the Sparkel review and this one! Thanks so much! Helped me decide once and for all. Many, many thanks for the great reviews!! Keep up the sensational work! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I use the DrinkMate to carbonate Crystal Lite which has dramatically reduced my soda drinking which has made my doctor happier. So far after 3 months no problems.
Thanks for the comparison of these two machines. I own both as well as a Sodastream. You made very good points as to the advantages of each machine. I agree with what you said. Having to wait several minutes for the Sparkel to complete its carbonation cycle is annoying; however I do like the packets as opposed to the CO2 cylinder. I agree that the carbonation in the Sparkel is more consistent.
I love both machines and will hold onto both.
Same here. I still have my sparkel and some chemicals but I'm daily driving a canister machine. It's great to have options :)
Just so we are clear As long as it's not in a Glass Bottles or already Heavily Carbonated Drink a SodaStream will and can Carbonate any normal drink
Why does SodaStream not Advertise this They Want and Need you to Buy their Syrups but I have done it with normal Cordial, Juice, Flat Soda etc just remember to wipe with a clean damp cloth the nozzle down afterwards
I have the bulk tank adapter for my drinkmate. Have a 5 lbs tank that i refill locally. Saved a bunch and i love it.
I thought about doing this too. But again with the unit breaking over time cost versus longevity I went to do it yourself plus I can make two liter at a time or 16 ounce bottle and do one bottle at a time I just have more flexibility. Whichever works.
Great video! Btw there is a third option for refilling canisters with dry ice, but that requires crushing the stuff and weighing the tank. Not an option for everyone, but it works well if you have multiple cylinders.
I love my Sparkel! No canisters! Simple chemicals. I make my drink and pour into a glass and keep the bottle in the fridge. When empty I refill and put in fridge to chill for next time. Waiting? Just do subverting else while it does it’s magic, no problem.
I was looking at these two units, but I read reviews about how these plastic units do break after a year or 2. Also, those tanks are not refillable and must be replaced offen. So I decided to go with a DIY system. I have a 5-lb C02 Tank, Dual Gauge Regulator, 1 rubber food-grade tube, and a Carbonation Cap, On all this from Amazon but if you have a local brewer supply you can get it from them. The Carbonation Cap fits on any standard 16oz, 1, and 2 Liter plastic soda bottle you buy in the store. I bought 4 of the plastic carbonation caps so I could leave it on my two liters after I filled them with carbonation. Those bottles a designed to be pressurized with CO2. (Do not use glass or plastic milk or water bottles they can not handle direct carbonation process CO2. You could use them to store the water after it has been carbonized) A 5LB tank lasts a lot longer. Getting those 5lb tanks filled is a lot easier than you may think. Just do a web search in your area for places that fill those tanks.
Restaurants supply places that support soda machines usually do. Home Brewery supply places. Ask your local restaurants that have carbonation soda machines or your local bar that has draft beers. They gotta get their CO2 from somewhere. I live in a major city so finding places that filled CO2 tanks was easy. The cost of filling a 5-lb CO2 tank is a lot cheaper than replacing that 750-lm tank. It cost me $30 to fill it up and that's going to give me several months of drinks. Depending on how much carnation you use. The big complaint on TH-cam is that these tanks don't last long. It depends on how much carbonation you use.
Once I make my carbonation water I pour it into an airtight pitcher add whatever flavor to it and use a mixer and I'm done. I can drink it at my leisure an airtight pitcher does a good job of holding the carbonation in. The initial cost of getting a DIY system will be around $200. But when you compare it to the cost of a Drinkmate with extra bottles and tank replacements the cost offsets itself really quickly. I had this set it up a week and I've already done like 8 gallons worth of drinks. Even done cold-brew iced tea with carbonation water.
Also, DrinkMate is available in EU (though they don't have the recycling program) while Sparkel isn't
I've mostly used regular Sodastream, but I kind of gave up on it eventually and I have been buying cans of lightly flavored sparkling water (think La Croix or Liquid Death but a local brand), or also local mineral water. However I've gotten into a certain brand of powdered energy drinks (and their no caffeine versions) and I decided I'd love to be able to carbonate them directly WITHOUT doing all the waffle with exchanging the cylinders because whether it's post or going to a store directly it's just too much hassle for me, also expensive. So I'm seriously considering getting a Sparkel from ebay or through an import service, but I'm also kind of tempted by the DrinkMate since I can just order it from the EU store. So this review is really up my alley!
I love my DinkMate! Do DrinkMate infusion caps wear out, perhaps the seal weakens and you don't get as much carbonation? I have been using mine for about a year and sometimes it seems that the carbonation amount is lessening. I wonder about it.
what about the taste difference between the 2 , which one is closer to the bottled ones we buy at the grocery store . thanks
Hey Patrick. The carbonation from both is similar. The drink mate might be a little closer to retail and once in a while I would get a hint of baking soda from the Sparkel but they were generally close enough that any differences would be substantially outweighed by any difference in syrup or flavoring.
I wouldn’t say I have a hugely discerning soda palette though :)
@@LilMikeysBigPlans thanks a lot for the review and response 👍
Thank you!
The drink mate was what I was looking for.
Great video! Love the comparison.
You can refill the CO2 cartridge for ~25cents if you buy a 10-20lb tank and adapter.
Can you please give a link to the adapter.
Do you have to use their bottle or can you do it with anything? Does the infusion cap adjust to glass bottles or plastic ones? Im trying to make a certain beverage and put it into capped glass bottles immediately after
Price per bottle plummets when you buy your own baking soda and citric acid. For that reason alone, the Sparkel is my choice, hands down
it plummets more for the drinkmate
if you get a large 10-15lb Co2 Cylinder, you're basically making drinks for pennies. Initial upfront price may cost a bit, but it'll basically pay itself within a few months.
Just so we are clear As long as it's not in a Glass Bottles or already Heavily Carbonated Drink a SodaStream will and can Carbonate any normal drink
Why does SodaStream not Advertise this They Want and Need you to Buy their Syrups but I have done it with normal Cordial, Juice, Flat Soda etc just remember to wipe with a clean damp cloth the nozzle down afterwards
What about how dirty it gets if you try using something like juice?
Might make you sick.
really solid review! :O
I owned 2 sparkel systems its great but it will fall apart quickly if you use it all the time. they make it sound like the problem was me mixing baking soda citric acid myself so the second time i use their sachets and it still breaks. This time i go with Drinkmate made in Taiwan and doesnt need you to pour water and churn bakingsoda in it which is the heart of the issue.
Hi
Thanks for this. Which would you recommend for most bubbles?
Thanks
Sodastream the new one can even detect pressure levels and add more Automatically
I just use the cheap one and press it down automatically
Just so we are clear As long as it's not in a Glass Bottles or already Heavily Carbonated Drink a SodaStream will and can Carbonate any normal drink
Why does SodaStream not Advertise this They Want and Need you to Buy their Syrups but I have done it with normal Cordial, Juice, Flat Soda etc just remember to wipe with a clean damp cloth the nozzle down afterwards
You mentioned pouring my Sparkle drink into another container to drink, but doesn’t it ruin the carbonation in the rest of the bottle I put back in the fridge?
Not if you do it Slow with both bottles on an Angel (roughly 45 degrees each!) you tilt the bottle being filled to be upright as it nears being fully filled and cap it ASAP
Just so we are clear As long as it's not in a Glass Bottles or already Heavily Carbonated Drink a SodaStream will and can Carbonate any normal drink
Why does SodaStream not Advertise this They Want and Need you to Buy their Syrups but I have done it with normal Cordial, Juice, Flat Soda etc just remember to wipe with a clean damp cloth the nozzle down afterwards
How long does the carbonation last if you put the Drinkmate bottle into the fridge right after carbonation? Thanks!
You know, I've never really taken a bottle directly from carbonator to fridge. You'll loose a little when you switch from the infuser cap to the bottle cap but besides that I'd think it would retain for quite a while. Worst case, throw the infuser back on and give it another shot :)
When I'm making a liter of a beverage to take with me to a party/cookout/gathering I start with cold water from the fridge door, carbonate, chill in freezer for 30-45 minutes or coldest part of fridge for a few hours and then I re-carbonate. It does make it fizzier. I tend to add my flavorings before I carbonate and then chill as I don't want ice cubes to melt and dilute my carefully crafted soda. The double carbonation does make it a tiny bit more acidic but I actually like a bit more bite in my sweet beverages.
do you prefer these over sodastream?
Getting a larger CO2 tank with an adapter works great, and way cheaper gas. The CO2 should be the kind for human consumption into your mouth, I don't know about paint ball canisters. I use a tank for draft beer I get from a liquor store and then have it refilled.
You are doing it wrong. You don't have to add your flavorings after carbonating water first like the other machines similar to Sodastream. I have seen demonstrations from Drinkmate employees. You can add your flavorings first, and carbonate it together. No need to dilute. You would have actually had a drink that looks like actual proper colored soda water.
Own the Sparkle - the waiting was annoying. I tend to view it like coffee maker. The bigger problem is cleaning the salt.
Carbonated milk? Yuck. But... 🤔 I'll be right back! I gotta go do something I'm going to regret!
Honestly the Sparkel looks like a pain in the ass. I'm not sure why anyone would use such an inferior device as long as they have the option (with adapter) to use a standard CO2 bottle that can be refilled at any gas supply (whatever your local bar uses). For that reason alone the drinkmate is superior in my eyes.
3 minutes is a lifetime to some thirsty people. Lol
If you add all your stuff before carbonation you get better carbonation. It's science imagine adding flat soda to a none flat soda ew... thats basically what you do when adding after
I use propane way more dangerous then co2
Best reviews ever!! Have watched both the Sparkel review and this one! Thanks so much! Helped me decide once and for all. Many, many thanks for the great reviews!! Keep up the sensational work! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼