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NMDemDist2

(49,313 posts)
12. +1
Sun Dec 9, 2012, 07:23 PM
Dec 2012

we bought a couple 5 gallon? pound CO2 canisters that live nicely under the counter and we can get them refilled for $8 which lasts us around 6-8 weeks with a 4-8 liter a day habit


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Major Nikon

(36,814 posts)
2. It depends on what you mean by best
Fri Dec 7, 2012, 03:46 PM
Dec 2012

If you want the easiest and most convienient, soda stream is probably the way to go.

If you want the cheapest long term solution, just buy a CO2 bottle, a regulator, and a few carbonator caps.

http://sync.democraticunderground.com/115714928#post24

Warpy

(110,913 posts)
3. Soda stream is probably the most user friendly
Fri Dec 7, 2012, 07:10 PM
Dec 2012

but it's on the pricey side. The break even point is $1.50 per 6 pack of canned soda, so if she buys store brands and stuff on sale it won't save her any money.

I use it because it's great not lugging cans and bottles home and then having to squash and recycle the empties. In addition, the CO2 cylinder exchanges are now being done by more retailers. Wally's just picked them up (yeah, I know, but they're nothing if not convenient).

Setups that use bigger tanks are more economical but that also requires wrestling with and storing bigger tanks. The Soda Stream gadget has a really small footprint.

In any case, the Soda Stream mixes are really good. The only one I didn't like was their ginger ale, thought that one needed work. Their fizzy lemonade mix is to die for in hot weather.

eridani

(51,907 posts)
4. You can make your own flavorings to save money
Sat Dec 8, 2012, 04:42 AM
Dec 2012

Leftover fruit from potlucks plus Splenda, mashed, cooked down and strained, are excellent. Lots of blackberries all over the place in August in the Pacific NW as well. Bulk ginger is cheap at Asian markets, and I'm working on a recipe now.

Stinky The Clown

(67,697 posts)
6. We have a SodaStream. I tried some homebrew, but to no success
Sat Dec 8, 2012, 09:08 PM
Dec 2012

Can you please post some recipes you've liked?

Thanks!

eridani

(51,907 posts)
8. I don't use specific proportions unfortunately
Sun Dec 9, 2012, 09:39 AM
Dec 2012

Mash fruit, however much there is. Add Splenda and cook until just shy of syrupy. Strain through cheesecloth.

bif

(22,560 posts)
5. I bought the Sodastream
Sat Dec 8, 2012, 11:39 AM
Dec 2012

At Bed, Bath & Beyond. $99 with a $10 rebate. Plus a 20% discount coupon. Seemed like a fair price.

kas125

(2,472 posts)
7. Sodastream is great except that the flavorings all have splenda in them.
Sun Dec 9, 2012, 01:48 AM
Dec 2012

Even the flavors that aren't supposed to be diet have splenda in them unless the bottles say "natural" and there are only four flavors in their natural line. I am a Dr. Pepper addict and thought I might save a few bucks if I bought the soda stream and used their "Dr. Pete" flavoring. I tried it and it was just horrible. THEN I discovered that even though the bottle says it has no hfsc and has sugar instead, it STILL has splenda in it, too. Ugh, it's awful, just awful. Today, I received some real Dr. Pepper syrup that I ordered online and even though I'll have to use more of it than the sodastream flavoring, at least it tastes like it's supposed to!

hobbit709

(41,694 posts)
11. I use a Sodastream.
Sun Dec 9, 2012, 01:06 PM
Dec 2012

I just add a little lemon or lime juice. Occasionally a little black cherry juice. Sometimes I add a little ginger or ginseng extract. As a diabetic I don't need the sugar and ALL of the other sweeteners leave an aftertaste in my mouth.

Melissa G

(10,170 posts)
13. I use splashes of whatever juice I have in the house.
Sun Dec 9, 2012, 11:04 PM
Dec 2012

Last edited Mon Dec 10, 2012, 11:24 PM - Edit history (1)

I've also make fizzy lemonades with mint rose or blueberry flavoring. Just a dab will do me. Soda is overly sweet for me.

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