Sparkling water tap vs. SodaStream: which is better for you?

Introduction

More and more people want to avoid plastic bottles while still enjoying sparkling water. The choice is often between a built-in sparkling water tap and a SodaStream device. In this blog, we examine the differences. We start with a clear introduction, flesh out the topic in logically structured paragraphs, and conclude with a summary and call-to-action, as recommended for an SEO-friendly blog.

How does a sparkling water tap work?

A sparkling water tap combines a regular tap with a built-in compressor and CO₂ cylinder. The water is collected in a special chamber and pressurized with CO₂, after which you dispense sparkling water directly from the tap. This offers convenience: no separate machine on the countertop and always fresh sparkling water.

Advantages

• Always available and space-saving. Because everything is built-in, you don't have a loose device on the countertop.

• Clean and fresh. The water is filtered; the tap usually has a good filter that you replace periodically.

• Healthy alternative. Sparkling water can help you drink more water and is a calorie-free thirst quencher.

• No lugging plastic bottles. You no longer need to pick up sparkling water, meaning less waste and less weight.

Disadvantages

• Installation and costs. A sparkling water tap must be built-in and connected to the water supply. The purchase price and installation are higher than with a SodaStream.

• Strain on old pipes. According to a selection guide, the higher pressure on older pipes can lead to wear and tear.

• Water usage. Because of the convenience, you may drink more sparkling water, which could lead to a slightly higher water bill.

How does SodaStream work?

A SodaStream is a freestanding device with which you carbonate tap water yourself. You fill a bottle with cold tap water, place it in the device, and press the button; within seconds you have sparkling water. The device works with replaceable CO₂ cylinders, with which you can make about 60 liters of sparkling water per cylinder.

Advantages

• Environmentally conscious. SodaStream uses reusable carafes (plastic or glass). This reduces the number of plastic bottles; Coolblue emphasizes that globally, about one million plastic bottles are consumed every minute and only 7% is recycled.

• Ease of use. You determine the amount of carbonation yourself and always have a bottle of sparkling water ready. No more lugging heavy bottles.

• Variety. With various syrups, you can make soda to your taste. The bottles can go in the fridge, so you have cold sparkling water.

• Low investment. Basic devices cost around € 50 – € 60. CO₂ cylinders (exchange price approx. € 13) provide 40 – 60 liters of sparkling water.

• Cheaper per liter than store-bought sparkling water. With an exchange for € 12.99 you make a maximum of 60 liters; that comes down to approximately € 0.22 to € 0.26 per liter excluding water costs. Tap water costs about € 0.001 per liter, so the total price per liter remains low.

Disadvantages

• Bottles are fragile. With many models, the included bottles are plastic and are not dishwasher safe. They deform in heat and are difficult to clean. You need a special brush and must wash them by hand.

• Taste and syrups. Factory syrups do not always taste like real soda; Business Insider notes that the cola flavor tastes like cola lollipops and the mojito syrup does not taste like a cocktail. You can, however, use regular lemonade syrup.

• Break-even point. To earn back the purchase price, you have to drink a lot of sparkling water. A calculation example shows that with a device costing € 49.99 and € 13 per cylinder, the liter price is approximately 22 cents. You have to drink almost 500 liters to recover the investment. For enthusiasts who drink sparkling water occasionally, it is therefore less interesting.

Cost comparison

Sustainability and health

Both systems save on plastic waste. A sparkling water tap completely eliminates the purchase of bottles, but requires energy for the compressor and filter replacement. SodaStream saves up to thousands of plastic bottles every five years and uses reusable bottles, but the plastic bottles wear out and must eventually be replaced.
In terms of health, sparkling water is a good alternative to sugary soft drinks. Do note that carbonated water has a slightly lower pH and can damage teeth if used excessively; this applies to both systems.

For whom is which option suitable?

Choose a sparkling water tap when:

• you are having a new kitchen or tap installed anyway;

• you drink sparkling water daily and find convenience more important than the investment;

• you prefer not to have a loose device on the countertop;

• you do not want to disrupt the look of your kitchen.

Choose a SodaStream when:

• you are looking for an affordable solution without installation work;

• you want flexibility in the amount of bubbles and flavors;

• you occasionally drink sparkling water and do not want to use a tap constantly;

• you might want to take the device with you (for example, to the campsite);

• you don't mind cleaning bottles by hand.

Conclusion

The choice between a sparkling water tap and a SodaStream depends on your situation. If you want maximum convenience and a luxury kitchen experience without separate appliances, a sparkling water tap is ideal, despite the higher investment and installation. If you prefer drinking sparkling water occasionally, want to be able to dose bubbles to taste, and enjoy experimenting with syrups, the SodaStream offers a lot of freedom and a lower entry price.

Are you ready to upgrade your kitchen? Then check out our range of sparkling water taps or SodaStream appliances and choose the solution that suits you. Do you have any questions? Leave a comment or contact our specialists – we are happy to help!