Make or buy sparkling water? Is it worth it to buy a seltzer machine for your bubble water?

Should you invest in your own soda machine for bubbly water? There are pros and cons to owning your own seltzer maker for fizzy water, and we’ll walk through the economic and environmental considerations when you make the decision as to whether or not you should buy a Sodastream or other selzter maker for your soda water. The cost and environmental differences may surprise you.

0:00 Intro
0:30 Cost of cans
0:54 Cost of seltzer
1:44 Comparison
4:21 Newton the feline editor

Products:
Sodastream Fizzi machine with one CO2 canister included: https://amzn.to/3SLMG2G
Extra 2-pack of 1-liter bottles: https://amzn.to/3OVLY1J
12 bottles of bitters in different flavors: https://amzn.to/48oPtVm
Cherry Bitters: https://amzn.to/3OXLBDP
Bubly six flavors variety pack: https://amzn.to/3OU2eAl
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The above are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

I used a Sodastream because that’s what I own, but please choose the machine best for you and then adjust the calculations accordingly. America’s Test Kitchen does a great review of your options to help you make a good choice -- “The Best Soda Makers” Review:    • The Best Soda Makers  

All numbers here are approximate. If you add more flavoring, or use a different kind of flavoring, or over (or under) carbonate your water more than I do, there will be variations in the amount of CO2 refills and the cost of flavorings. Theses calculations are just to give you a rough idea.

All calculations based on 200 liters consumed (564 cans) per year – about 1.5 cans per day or about three liters every two days. Cost assumptions: canned seltzer averages $0.035 per ounce which is about $1.05 per liter (varies based on the brand and where purchased). Bitters (0.10 ounce of flavoring, 50 servings per 5 oz. bottle) works out to cost about $0.59 per liter. CO2 canister refill cost of about $15, with each canister making 50-60 liters of seltzer.
--Cost of Sodastream for Flavored seltzer
Year 1: Machine ($140), 3 CO2 refills ($45), bitters ($118) = $303
Years 2, 3, 4: four CO2 refills ($60), bitters ($118) = $178
Total cost of soda machine with flavor after 4 years:$837
--Cost of Sodastream for Plain seltzer
Year 1: Machine ($140), 3 CO2 refills ($45) = $185
Years 2, 3, 4:4 CO2 refills ($60)
Total cost of unflavored seltzer after 4 years: $365
--Cans of seltzer (12 oz each, any flavor)
Years 1, 2, 3, 4: $211
Total cost of cans after 4 years: $844