My earlier model was a 130L (much larger CO2 canister version), which I had for 3 years. It worked perfectly.

Needless to say, I was disappointed when I tried to replace the cartridge, only to find out that Soda Stream no longer supports the 130L version. (I suspect the simple reason is because the company can make twice the profit by selling cartridges that provide half the number of re-charges. Not a good sign.)

So, the latest model was delivered. Although I followed the instructions, the bottle does not "screw" into the unit, which is how my original model worked.

The package included a toll free number, suggesting that I call it, prior to returning the unit.

I called the number, only to find out that support was not available.

I went on line, but found no solution to my problem.

Yes, the unit injects the CO2 charge, but water splashes all over the counter.

I'm sure my unit is not defective, but I'm following the instructions and have been happy with my earlier model. Use should be intuitive for such a simple product. I shouldn't have to contact support to get it working.

Also, the new version of the bottle is taller than the original versions. It won't fit upright in my refrigerator. This wouldn't a reason to return the unit, but it is annoying never-the-less.

(Updated review: I figured it out. The older models required that the bottles be screwed into the holder. This newer model works better because the bottle is simply inserted into the holder. The instructions (which only provide pictures) are unclear. This is actually a much improved version, although I'm still disappointed that the larger capacity 130L model is no longer available. Lastly, the older, original bottles fit this newer model.)

It's fairly easy to use for a countertop beverage maker, but if you've never used one before it takes a bit of practice to figure out how to apply the right amount of gas. The instructions outline a number of unique hazards and safety procedures I haven't dealt with in another consumer product, which is probably very important to pay attention to. However, they are a bit vague in that they state you must press the button a certain number of "times," but then they don't say how long each press should be. You basically just have to experiment with pressing and tasting until it comes out to your preference. I found it seems to work best with refrigerator-cold water and about 10-15 seconds of continuous gas.

If you intend to flavor it with anything other than the slightly acidic taste of the carbonation itself, you also have to get really good at quickly pouring the flavoring into the carbonated water and then sealing the bottle, because if you don't you get a very messy, sticky geyser that covers your entire countertop and floor. If you want to simply sweeten it, it's better to use simple syrup rather than granulated sugar in order to mitigate nucleation. You can NOT flavor or sweeten the water BEFORE carbonating.

Overall, it's a great experience for people who like to make their own drinks like I do, but if you're looking for something you can just pull out and drink quickly like a store-bought 2-liter, it will probably feel like a hassle.

If I could give this 4.5 stars, I would. Like many other reviews stated, it's pretty easy to have this leak on you during use. Leaking can *usually* be avoided if you're not overfilling past the maximum line indicated on the bottle. Even so, if you put the bottle on the device a little differently or fill it too close to the line, it will still have times where it can leak. Luckily, since this is a manual process, you can stop pressing the button on the Streamer and prevent a big mess from happening if you notice it starting to leak. The leaking aspect can be annoying, but it's a relatively minor and even infrequent issue if you use the product correctly.

Otherwise, I love this thing and use it several times a week. I used to go through seltzer quickly and then be craving for more. This keeps up with me and has me drinking a lot more water. It's easy and simple to use. I'm not sure if I'm spending less overall because after purchasing multiple CO2 tanks and flavor bottles, this can be expensive...but like I said, I've been getting a lot more seltzer from this machine than buying the cans...and I've been reducing the waste of having to dispose of cans as well. For the amount of seltzer or soda I'm making, it's more cost efficient considering the same amount it'd cost to buy in cans.

A friend introduced us to the soda stream "sparkolator" several years ago. I have always enjoyed drinking sparkling water and lately, it has become the only thing I drink besides tea and coffee. Now, my whole family loves drinking it. I bought this newer model so my youngest son could also use it to add the fizz to a bottle without my help. In the previous model, you had to hold the top out and screw the bottle in, which was no easy feat. Here, you just have to push the bottle up and back and it stays in place while you push the button on the top of the machine to add the CO2. The one thing I don't like about this model is that the back cover, the one you take out to install the new cylinder, is difficult to put back into place, it takes a couple of attempts for it to stay put. They are very simple machines, made of plastic, very light and surprisingly sturdy. The first one I bought lasted for over 10 years before a little spring broke. I have had this one for about 6 months.
So, my opinion of the system and the actual machine is every positive. You have to wash the bottles and wipe their neck after using them a few times to keep them clean. I am disappointed in the fact that SodaStream discontinued the 130L cylinders and now only had 60L cylinders that, in my household, get emptied in just a few days. I hope they will reconsider it and put the 130L back in production with a new version of this Sparkling Water Maker that could hold the bigger cylinder. I would buy it in a heartbeat!

This SodaStream Fizzi is an excellent product that out-paced my expectations. I'm impressed at the simplicity of use. One-button operation. Simple but thoughtful design and quality manufacturing. They didn't cut any corners.

I think the most impressive thing about the SodaStream is the CO2 canister. It's like a miniature SCUBA tank! Very well-built and designed to deliver some serious bubbles.

I looked at some of those retro bar soda siphons. But the idea of using the same CO2 cartridges in my soda that are also used to shoot paint balls, fill bike tires, dust the crumbs out of your computer keyboard and such? Um... really? Are you sure that's safe?

I wanted something food grade. And SodaStream - with its heavy-duty CO2 canister - is definitely that and vastly superior to those other products.

As far as flavorings are concerned, I usually like plain seltzer, so I don't know about the various SodaStream flavors. But, how bad could they be? I'm sure there's a flavor out there for you.

But I do make a carbonated Cold-Coffee drink that's delish! I put about an ounce or so of refrigerated, mixed Coffee-and-half-and-half (use more if you want it more coffee-ee as opposed to soda-like) in a 16-oz tumbler. Fill to the top with seltzer! YUM!

(I suppose if you like ice, you could toss in a few cubes. That's up to you.) Way better than those cans of Red-and-White labeled coffee-flavored cola sold by that little-known beverage company in Atlanta, Ga.

Sure. The SodaStream devices are a few bucks more than those bar-top things, but there's no way those other spritzers can compete with the SodaStream quality. It's a much better investment than a kitschy bar toy. Those other things are just props. This Fizzi is a real carbonation machine.