SodaStream & Soda Makers NZ: Are They Worth It?

Every summer, the same question does the rounds in NZ kitchens: is a SodaStream actually worth buying, or is it another gadget that ends up in the back of the pantry cupboard? With SodaStream now facing real competition from Breville's beverage maker range, the decision is less obvious than it used to be. This guide breaks down how the machines work, what they cost to run in New Zealand, and which option (if any) makes sense for your household.

What Is a Soda Maker and How Does It Work?

A soda maker (also called a sparkling water maker or carbonator) uses a pressurised CO2 cylinder to inject carbon dioxide into plain tap water, turning it fizzy in seconds. Most machines use a snap-lock or quick-connect bottle system, so there is no loose gas canister to fiddle with each time. Once the water is carbonated, you can drink it plain or add a concentrated flavour syrup to make a soda-style drink at home.

The appeal is straightforward: no more lugging slabs of bottled sparkling water or soft drink cans home from the supermarket, less single-use plastic and can waste, and the ability to control exactly how sweet or fizzy your drink is.

SodaStream Machines Available in NZ

Tech Supply Shed carries the full current SodaStream lineup, from entry-level snap-lock machines through to the retro-styled lever model. Here is how the main options compare.

The SodaStream Terra and SodaStream Spirit Summer Edition sit at the budget end, both priced under $90 and built around a simple button-press carbonation lever. Step up to the SodaStream Art and you get a heavier, stainless-steel-trimmed body with a manual carbonating lever instead of a button, which some people find gives more control over fizz level. At the top of the range, the SodaStream DUO ships as a starter pack with both a plastic Fuse bottle and a glass carafe, aimed at people who want the glass-bottle look on the table without giving up the practical plastic bottle for everyday use.

SodaStream vs Breville: Which Beverage Maker Should You Buy?

Breville entered this category with the InFizz Fusion, which carbonates using the same CO2 cylinder principle but adds a sealed decompression system designed to reduce the mess and noise some people associate with SodaStream's manual lever. It costs roughly four times as much as an entry SodaStream, so the comparison really comes down to budget versus finish and features.

The Real Cost of Running a Soda Maker in NZ

The machine is only part of the cost. Ongoing running costs come from CO2 cylinder refills and, if you want flavoured drinks, syrup bottles.

A SodaStream 60L cylinder is priced at $45.97 and carbonates up to 60 litres of plain sparkling water, which works out to roughly $0.77 per litre for plain fizzy water before you factor in the water itself. Most NZ retailers, including Tech Supply Shed, run cylinder exchange rather than one-way purchase, so budget for an exchange fee each time rather than paying full price for a brand-new cylinder every refill.

If you want flavoured drinks, a 440ml flavour syrup bottle costs between $8.98 and $11.98 and typically makes around 9 litres of finished drink, adding roughly $1.00 to $1.33 per litre on top of the carbonation cost. Add the two together and a litre of home-made flavoured soda lands somewhere around $1.80 to $2.10, which compares favourably with buying equivalent bottled soft drinks by the litre, though the exact saving depends on which supermarket brand you are comparing against and how often you top up bottles versus syrup.

Who a Soda Maker Is Worth It For

A soda maker tends to make the most sense if you already drink a lot of sparkling water or soft drink and want to cut down on bottle and can waste, or if you like adjusting fizz and flavour strength to taste. It is a harder sell if you only drink fizzy drinks occasionally, since the machine and starter cylinder represent an upfront cost that takes a while to pay back at low usage.

For households debating between models, the practical difference between SodaStream and Breville comes down to how much you value the enclosed, lower-mess carbonation system on the InFizz Fusion versus paying roughly a third of the price for a SodaStream that does the same core job with a manual or button-press lever.

Caring for Your SodaStream: Bottles, Filters and Cylinders

SodaStream Fuse bottles are dishwasher safe and rated for around a four-year lifespan with normal use, though they should be replaced sooner if you notice cracking or a loose seal, since a damaged bottle will not hold carbonation properly. If your model includes a water filter, such as the Breville Active360 filter used on some Breville beverage makers, follow the manufacturer's replacement schedule on the packaging rather than a fixed calendar date, since usage varies by household.

Browse the full range in our SodaStream and Beverage Makers collection to compare current stock and pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a SodaStream cheaper than buying bottled sparkling water in NZ?

For plain sparkling water, yes, in most cases. At roughly $0.77 per litre for carbonation plus the cost of tap water, a SodaStream usually works out cheaper per litre than pre-bottled sparkling water once you are using it regularly, though the upfront machine cost means occasional users may not see much saving.

How long does a SodaStream CO2 cylinder last?

A 60L cylinder carbonates up to 60 litres of water, so how long it lasts depends entirely on how often you use the machine. A household making a litre or two a day will get through a cylinder roughly every one to two months.

Can I use any bottle with a SodaStream machine?

No. SodaStream machines are designed around their own Snap & Lock or Quick Connect bottle systems, so you need bottles designed for your specific model rather than a generic water bottle.

Is the Breville InFizz Fusion worth the extra cost over SodaStream?

It depends on what you are paying for. The InFizz Fusion's sealed carbonation chamber is designed to reduce mess and noise compared with an exposed manual lever, but the core result, fizzy water, is functionally similar to a SodaStream. If a quieter, enclosed mechanism matters to you, the price difference may be worth it; if you mainly want fizzy water at the lowest cost, an entry SodaStream does the same job for a fraction of the price.

Final Verdict: Is a Soda Maker Worth It?

For most NZ households that regularly drink sparkling water or soft drink, a soda maker pays for itself in reduced bottle and can buying within a matter of months, and an entry-level SodaStream is the lowest-risk way to try it. If budget is not the main concern and you want a quieter, more enclosed machine, the Breville InFizz Fusion is the upgrade pick. Explore the current range and pricing in our SodaStream and Beverage Makers collection at Tech Supply Shed NZ.

Related Guides

• Air Fryer vs Multi-Cooker: Which Kitchen Appliance Do You Actually Need?