Philips ADD4902WHO/37 Stainless Sparkling Water Maker Soda Maker Machine for Home Carbonating with BPA free PET 1L Carbonating Bottle, Compatible with 60L CO2 Exchange Carbonator(NOT Included), White

I owned a Sodastream, and I can't tell the difference between that model and the Phillips brand of carbonator. They both do the job equally well. I'm thrilled that I saved myself all the money it would have taken to get a Sodastream. I have used the Phillips for two weeks...which means I can't comment on its longevity. It could break right after I write this review. (If it does, I'll update the review.)Both units are very simple. Screw in the CO2 cannister and push the oversized button to carbonate the water. I don't use sweetener. I like plain H2O.If you're new to this product, you might be wondering how long the CO2 cannister lasts (I don’t think the type of carbonation machine you purchase, whether Sodastream or Phillips, makes a difference). After all, you want to save money on eight-packs of Bubly, right? Overall, you will save money. . .except you'll drink more water, which might end up being more expensive. Still, as far as dollars to product, this method is less expensive (once you surpass the initial cost of the machine and cannisters). Again, I save money because I do NOT buy flavors.Based on my body weight, I need to drink about a gallon of water per day. (If you're interested in improving your health, divide your body weight in half and drink that many ounces per day.) That means I need to drink 128 ounces or so. Four Phillips bottles of carbonated water allow me to meet and exceed that goal by about four ounces. Each bottle is one liter. (1 liter = 33.814 ounces).Over these last two weeks, I ended up drinking three or four bottles of soda water per day. I pumped the oversized button three or four times per bottle. The problem is you have to pump more as the CO2 cannister nears empty (at the end, it was five or seven times). On the thirteenth day, I couldn't get any fizz worth enjoying, so I figure I got twelve days of use out of a single cannister. Those last few days produced mediocre carbonation, hardly worth drinking. Once the carbonation is gone, the water tastes unpleasant to me.I just replaced the cannister at Walmart for $18 after tax. That means I spent $1.50 per day on my habit (18 dollars / 12 days = 1.5).Previously, I would purchase Bubly brand eight-packs. That came to about $4.75 after tax, each, or $0.60 per can. I would need to drink 11 cans per day to match four Phillips bottles. That’s about $6.60 per day—as opposed to $1.50 per day making my own fizzy water. I’ve saved roughly five dollars per day.THE HIDDEN CATCH: I didn’t usually drink Bubly every day. Carbonated water was a treat that cost me about $25 per month. But now that I can make my own treat whenever I want, I am looking at about $45 per month refilling those cannisters.THE HIDDEN BENEFIT: I am more likely to meet my healthful water-drinking goal if the water is carbonated. It makes me feel like I’m being naughty, so I drink more.So, look, if you are a soda hound, making your own fizz is the way to go. But do the math, because it may or may not save you money.====Update.For those of you who are like me: canned soda, whether just water or cola, is only good for a few minutes after you pop the top. I rarely finish a Coca-cola unless I drink it right away. It's the same for Sodastream and Phillips. The carbonation is just begging to escape the bottle. Therefore, I marathon drink my fizzy water, because if I wait, the beverage will lose its "oomph" and I'll dump it out, wasting CO2.That might not be you, but do consider that you might be speed-drinking these 1-liter (33 ounce) bottles just to keep up with the C02 loss. It's less to lose if you're drinking a twelve-ounce can of soda. Something to consider.

I've been wanting a soda maker, and was initially drawn to the real expensive brands because they looked cool or looked like a piece of art. But when you realize how much they're charging for something that just makes carbonated water...it's a waste of money. Don't overspend on this, especially. Bought the Philips soda maker in White and stainless steel, and it looks very minimal against a white tile. It disappears to the eye on the counter. Who wants to see clutter on the kitchen counter?? I don't. So, I love this purchase, and the price was right. I suggest ordering the CO2 cartridges from an online store. It's way cheaper than getting them at like Walmart.

Overall works great, I just wish the bottles were more universal, since I’ve been looking for a metal bottle for awhile.

This carbonator is fantastic. Minimal space on the countertop and WAYYYYYY more cost effective than the other brands out there! I bought when there was only white, but now I wish I'd gotten the pastel colors!

When my Sodastream broke I made the mistake of buying this one because it was cheaper. Leaving aside the bad design and the low-quality bottles, it uses up SO much air that I was buying canisters at twice the rate I did with Soda Stream. Now I am back to glass bottles, a smooth experience, and spending way less money on bubbles.

I bought this to replace my Soda Stream which I'd had for 8 years.I bought this because it is compatible with the screw-in gas cylinders and I had 3 ready to go.PROSThe Phillips is smaller than my old Soda Stream (so I get space in my kitchen back).The screw-in gas bottles are compatible.My old soda stream water bottles are also compatible - unexpected bonus!It's also quieter than the Soda Terra and doesn't seem to spurt as much (I do 3 short bursts cos I like a lot of fizz but no spill).CONS - none, I am very happy with this one, I am firmly with Phillips going forward.

I purchased this soda maker after my SodaStream gave up after 10 years. This one works quite differently than the other brand, so it took a little getting used to. But the water is just as bubbly and the machine is more compact and easier to store.

REVISION Sept '24: Over time, seals in the mechanism loosen or fail, venting as much gas to the outside as into the bottle; I got fewer & fewer fills from each canister. Philips cheerfully sent me a new device, but same gas leak problem appeared within 2 months.Brought out my old Aarke & have new appreciation for the quality of the mechanism. Zero gas venting, plus much better control over carbonation process & level.-------------------------------------------------------I've owned all 3 brands (including multiple models of Sodastream), but this is the only one I'll buy going forward. (In addition to 2 carbonators of my own, I like giving as gifts).The unit is compact & easy to maintain, with a clean, simple aesthetic. Operation is straightforward, easy & repeatable...whatever your preferred level of carbonation. The bottles have slightly greater capacity than those competitors sell, & the caps have a solid & tight fit.The price makes it impossible to go wrong.