How Do You Refill SodaStream CO2 Bottles?

April 12 2021

The beauty of SodaStream is that it’s environmentally friendly and money-saving. Not only are you reducing your carbon footprint, but you’re getting more bang for your buck with access to sparkling water every day. 

That being said, SodaStream requires some maintenance to keep your endless bubbly fountain flowing, such as knowing how to refill SodaStream co2 bottles. You can fill the carbonators by yourself or let someone else do it for you. There are plenty of services that provide refills, so don’t fret!

The SodaStream CO2 canisters are provided when you buy the machine. But like all good things, they can’t run forever. We’ll teach you how to refill SodaStream CO2 bottles properly.

How Do I Know If My SodaStream Carbonator Is Empty?

SodaStream carbonators carry about 60L of carbon dioxide (CO2). On average, they can produce 60 bottles of soda and can last for 4-8 weeks. When you reach near the limit, you should start checking if your canister is empty. There are two ways to check if they’re running out: the weighing method or the machine method.

• Weighing Method

Like any molecule, CO2 has weight. You can check if your carbonator is empty by comparing the weights of the two canisters. 

Hold both canisters. If the first one feels lighter than the second one, there’s a chance that it might be empty. You can also use a kitchen scale if you have difficulty eyeing it yourself.

• Machine Method

Continue to use your soda maker until it stops injecting gas. You’ll figure out that it’s empty when bubbles stop forming or there are fewer bubbles when you inject. Shaking the gas canister will not help get more air out. In fact, it might be dangerous since you’re agitating the molecules inside the container, damaging it in the process.

Can You Refill SodaStream CO2 By Yourself?

Yes, it is possible to do a SodaStream CO2 refill. Before we show you how to do it, there’s one crucial thing you must know. 

Carbon dioxide products come in grades, and this talks about how pure the gas is. You see, you can’t just go to any store and buy a regular tank of CO2. You have to check the purity of the gas to see if it’s safe to consume. Impurities like ammonia, benzene, carbon monoxide, and many others are lessened when the grade is higher.

Ammonia can cause burns when ingested, while benzene can cause vomiting. Carbon monoxide, on the other hand, can cause difficulty breathing. It’s pertinent to check the grade before buying the product to avoid these horrific accidents. 

Beverage grade CO2 has 99.99% purity, and it’s what most soda companies use for their drinks. To determine which CO2 tank you should buy, check the tank’s label or ask your local seller for the certificate of purity.

What You’ll Need

• Soda tank refill connector
• Beverage grade CO2 tank
• Kitchen scale

Step-by-Step Instructions

Note: The pressure gauge is an excellent indicator for your SodaStream canister. If the pressure is too high, you might end up destroying the container. So be careful!

Where to Refill SodaStream CO2 Bottles?

One of SodaStream’s main focuses is to reduce the overall waste when consuming soda. That’s why they made their plastic bottles reusable and their gas canisters refillable. SodaStream has a gas exchange program that upholds that exact message. Whether you do it in-store or online, you’re participating in the green movement SodaStream has to offer. 

1. In-store

If you live near one of SodaStream stores, you can go and have your CO2 bottles refilled. They generally check your empty canister’s condition before giving you the new one so that they can charge you half the price. 

If the canister is damaged, they’ll charge the full price. Make sure you take good care of your CO2 bottles to avoid getting charged for a new one.

2. Online

You can get new canisters by ordering online, but there’s a catch! You have to send back the used canisters when they send you the new ones. If you fail to send back the used one, you’ll be charged full price. Remember to do this within 7 days of receiving the new canisters.

3. Retailers

Check your local retailer’s website for “SodaStream exchange carbonators” before making the trip. You can also call ahead of time to confirm. Here is the list of retailers:

• Walmart
• Staples
• Bed Bath and Beyond
• Home Depot
• Costco
• Tesco
• Target

4. Amazon

You can order from a third-party seller on Amazon. Their prices may be higher, but you can get a good deal from shipping. If you live in a rural area with no nearby retailer to visit, this convenient option is for you.

How Much Does It Cost to Refill SodaStream CO2 Canisters?

The exchange costs about $14.99. SodaStream recommends you keep 2 or 3 canisters for continuous carbonation and reduce the shipping fee. This saves you 45% when you return 2 empty canisters in exchange for 2 full ones.

How Do I Return a SodaStream Cylinder?

What’s great about the SodaStream cylinders is that they’re reusable. As mentioned earlier, you can refill your carbon dioxide canisters by returning them to SodaStream. You could go there in person or mail the CO2 bottles if you applied for their gas exchange program.

With reusable plastics and gas cylinders, it helps reduce the planet’s waste and carbon footprint by up to 87%. For context, the world produces about 300 million tons of plastic every year, with 50% of that plastic being single-used. 

SodaStream is working towards a sustainable future for everyone by letting soda be more accessible to fizzy-lovers everywhere.

What Do You Do with Empty SodaStream Cylinders?

Suppose you’re doing the gas exchange to refill your empty cylinders. Chances are you’re returning the empty cylinders in exchange for the new ones. But if you use a third-party seller like Amazon, odds are you have some empty canisters lying around. 

To properly dispose of your empty gas canisters, look for a local metal recycling facility, and give it to them. They might charge you for the disposal, but at least you’re keeping the green initiative alive.

How Many Pumps of Gas Does a SodaStream Use?

A regular gas canister is 60L in volume and can produce 60 bottles of soda. Using 2 pumps as the recommended number for carbonating, it is safe to assume that 0.5L is equal to 1 pump. If you divide 60L by 0.5L (per pump), you get 120 pumps before your gas canister runs empty.

Do Soda Sense Canisters Work With SodaStream?

No, Soda Sense canisters do not work with SodaStream. Soda Sense canister may be a cheaper alternative to SodaStream canisters, but it’s not compatible with every SodaStream machine. 

Some may work but not without their follies. People reported that it destroyed their SodaStream soda maker or gave out a high pitch noise when carbonating water. That’s not exactly what you want to hear when you’re making yourself a drink.

Conclusion

SodaStream has been an advocate for a cleaner and greener world. It aims to make soda more available while keeping it sustainable. Keep in mind that there are plenty of ways to refill your CO2 canisters with zero waste. If you plan to fill it yourself, be sure to read the instructions and approach it with caution.

Have you tried refilling SodaStream CO2 bottles by yourself? Do you have any tips for your fellow soda lovers? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Comments

• It’s good to know that beverage-grade CO2 has 99.99% purity. My husband is thinking about opening a soda shop and is wondering what he would do when his CO2 ran out. I think it would be smart for him to look into his refill options so he can know what to do when the time comes. https://majestichydrotestandextinguisher.ca/co2-filling

• I’m only getting about 12 liters of soda water per CO2 canister

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