Aarke Vs. SodaStream: The Ultimate Soda Maker Showdown
Soda makers are making a name for themselves, but how will you choose with so many options out there? Some people would look up some of the most trusted brands, such as Aarke soda maker and SodaStream soda maker, to narrow down the choices.
We will break down every aspect of each soda maker to find out once and for all the answer to this question - is Aarke better than SodaStream?
Brief History of Aarke
It all started in 2013 when two friends who were experienced industrial designers, Carl Ljungh and Jona Groth, decided to make their vision and dedication to design a reality. For 15 years working as designers for consumer brands, they shared their frustration for not having their ideas heard.
That’s why they created their brand, Aarke, and centered it on exquisite design with premium materials and engineering to build long-lasting equipment. Today, they continue their mission of redefining home essentials to an elevated form by using sustainable and user-friendly resources.
Aarke Soda Maker
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Designed in Sweden, perhaps the best thing that Aarke soda maker provides is its unmatched aesthetics, making it stay faithful to its mission. Its slim form makes it easy to place in any area.
It is probably the first soda maker to have an all-stainless steel enclosure, making it pleasing to the eye and easily matching any kitchen format. In terms of function, it doesn’t fail to make high-quality seltzer water, and it is a no-brainer.
Brief History of SodaStream
SodaStream goes back to 1903 when it was created in England by Guy Hugh Gilbey of W & A Gilbey Ltd, a London gin distiller. It became popular in the 1970s and 1980s, and it spread in several countries.
Today, SodaStream can be accessed in 80,000 retail stores in 45 countries. The core goal of SodaStream revolves around sustainability and health and wellness. They strive to promote environment-friendly home appliances to make a change in the world and, at the same time, make delicious sparkling water.
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When people think of soda makers, SodaStream would definitely cross their minds. Its variety excites people because they have more to offer than an average soda maker so that you can choose depending on your needs and budget.
Over the years, it has progressed to be more automated to be used with precision and ease, giving the consumers consistent carbonation.
Aarke vs. SodaStream Sodamaker Showdown
To know the ultimate winner, let us determine which sodamaker is better in different categories.
1. Price - Winner: SodaStream
Most people would agree that quality should justify the price of a sodamaker. Aarke has quality in terms of aesthetics and function, but at $200 plus, people want more out of it.
On the other hand, SodaStream offers affordable models that are less than $100 and deliver about the same quality, making it more accessible. This round easily goes to SodaStream.
2. Visuals - Winner: Aarke
The Aarke soda maker looks undoubtedly attractive right off the bat, giving a sophisticated ad vintage vibe. It boasts gorgeous metallic and matte finishes that upgrade your kitchen. This is due to the premium stainless steel used for the casing that also contributes to the machine’s durability.
On the other hand, SodaStream looks more modern and ideal kitchen appliance. The casing is made of plastic, so it’s not as refined-looking. It is also available in fun colors, but they are not as head-turning as the Aarke soda maker. With this, the best visuals go to Aarke.
3. Assembly - Winner: SodaStream
Putting together a soda machine requires installing the CO2 cartridge, filling the carbonating bottle with water, and attaching it to the nozzle. While Aarke is compact and slim, the room for the CO2 cartridge is just enough for it to fit. You only rely on feel rather than sight to screw it, which may cause improper installation and leaks.
SodaStream has a removable back panel so you can see where to position the cartridge. As for the bottle, Aarke vs. SodaStream can be similar in that the bottle needs to be screwed tightly in the nozzle to be secure.
However, some SodaStream models feature a lock and snap system whereby at first insertion, the bottle is automatically locked. This edge makes SodaStream win the Assembly category.
4. Ease of Use - Winner: Aarke
There isn’t much technicality to sodamakers. After assembling it, there’s only one more thing to do: start the carbonation process. Most sodamakers, like SodaStream, feature a button/s, depending on the model. The button is usually located on top of the machine and is pressed several times to your desired carbonation level.
For Aarke, they feature an old-fashioned lever that goes so well with the overall design. They also have a drip catcher to prevent any mess. There can be complications with the button, such as getting stuck if pressed too hard or frequently, which can be inconvenient, whereas levers are more user-friendly and satisfying to use. This makes Aarke the winner of this category.
5. Carbonation - Winner: Aarke
If you have to invest in a sodamaker, it must be worthwhile and produce carbonation as good as the ones you individually buy at stores, if not better. For Aarke, you only have to pull the lever once to start the carbonation process. The level of carbonation is dependent on how far you pull the lever down.
When you let go of the lever, it automatically releases any extra pressure from the bottle. The water will have satisfying bubbles that are not very aggressive. Instead, they are fine, strong, and just about right, and it is likened to the level of carbonation of Perrier. The carbonation also lasts overnight.
For SodaStream, you have to press the button a few times to create great-tasting bubbles. The water becomes very fizzy and has a satisfying mouthfeel with a combination of well-rounded big and small bubbles, similar to champagne in a glass.
For this round, Aarke and SodaStream are neck and neck. Still, if we incorporate the ease of use, Aarke has a slight edge because it requires less effort to arrive at about the same carbonation level as SodaStream’s several presses.
6. Compatibility of Bottles - Winner: SodaStream
It is convenient for sodamakers to use an alternative bottle if the original one is not available. Both Aarke and SodaStream utilize reusable, BPA-free PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles.
Given that SodaStream has different models, they also feature various bottles of different sizes and shapes. A few of the SodaStream models make use of glass carafes only. Some people prefer glass bottles for their sodamakers since they can be used indefinitely instead of plastic ones with an expiration date.
Aarke only has one type of bottle. However, some say that Aarke carbonators are compatible with SodaStream bottles. To be fair, SodaStream recommends only using their carbonators with their brand of bottles to ensure a secure fit and reduce the chance of damaging the machine.
For this reason, even if Aarke can use SodaStream bottles, it’s fair to say that SodaStream has a point and therefore takes the win.
7. Portability - Winner: Aarke
As mentioned, Aarke only needs the CO2 cartridge to work. By pulling the lever down, the cylinder’s valve opens and then closes when it's pulled back up.
SodaStream works the same, only with a button. However, some SodaStream models require batteries or electricity to operate and power some of their more advanced features. So if you are going to travel with a sodamaker and use it outdoors, there are certain limitations in using SodaStream.
8. Variety of Models - Winner: SodaStream
Being arguably the oldest soda maker brand, it is understandable that SodaStream has already launched over ten models with different features and functions.
In contrast, Aarke is relatively new to the industry compared to SodaStream, and they offer a variety of design rather than function. SodaStream lets people choose the type of machine they want and, depending on their budget for it. So for this last round, SodaStream wins.
Conclusion
The results show that the timeless SodaStream reigns supreme. It has provided people with delicious and customizable sparkling water flavors and has helped the environment for years.
Use SodaStream soda maker if:
- You are new to soda makers and want to have a strong first brand.
- You want to save money.
- You want more than just a soda machine.
- You want accessibility.
Even if SodaStream is superior, Aarke is still a contender and has even beat SodaStream in some categories. People expect great things from them, and in the years to come, hopefully, they will release newer models.
Use Aarke soda maker if:
- You want to focus on aesthetics and functionality.
- You want to splurge.
- You prefer a sleek, vintage vibe for your kitchen.
There are plenty of uses for sparkling water; it can be a mixer for sparkling cocktails or the main seltzer. Be adventurous and try your hand at a soda maker. Do you agree that SodaStream is better than Aarke? Let us know in the comments.
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Comments
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I recently bought an Aarke and love it. Yes it is expensive, but it looks and feels fantastic. I didn’t want a cheap looking plastic appliance in my kitchen, so I’m really pleased that I went for this timeless, classic looking stainless steel version. It makes great sparkling water and the bottles look really attractive too. Very happy to have them on my dinner table.
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You don’t mention the crazy cost if the Aarke CO2 refills versus Sodasteam
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