Kitchen

[loriqvc]

Hello, kitchen friends! Awhile back, we had a useful thread about carbonation systems that helped me decide to get a Drinkmate. After doing a bit more research, I still haven't purchased one yet—but I am planning to do so in the next few days because there are some great Labor Day deals. Before I take the plunge, I'd really like to get feedback from any of you who use Drinkmate; here are a few questions I'd appreciate answers to along with whatever else you'd like to share:

• How do you feel about the canister return program? Do you return yours
  through Drinkmate, Walmart, in person, or via some other method?

• Do you feel the canisters really produce 60 liters of "soda" as advertised?

• How do you feel about the bottles, both in size and functionality? I was
  surprised to learn that they have expiration dates but have noticed that
  most reviews say they really hold the carbonation well in the fridge.

(@Icegoddess, I hope you don't mind if I tag you; we had comments back and forth in that past thread, so if you're still using your Drinkmate, I'd certainly love to get your thoughts on all of this!)

[Icegoddess]

The Drinkmate uses the same carbonation canister as the original (blue) Sodastream canisters, so anywhere that exchanges them will work.  My husband uses Kroger. He used to use BBB before they closed all their B&M stores.  He liked using that coupon for them.

Note: We still have a Sodastream.  For some reason DH wants to continue using it.  I use the Drinkmate, and I don't use CO2 Canisters.  I have a 5 lb tank attached to it and exchange tanks at Airgas.  I do get the Food Grade CO2.  

Where did you get the 6L number?  That would only be 6 bottles.  Should be 60 L although DH says he gets about 40-45 Liter bottles before he has to exchange. I think the first bottle would not be a full bottle though since the delivery services don't want to ship full CO2 containers.  That makes me wonder how the places you exchange at get theirs delivered.  

I like the bottle a bit better than the SS bottles. Note, none of them are going to hold the carbonation as long as store-bought soda.  But I often get that psss when I open it whereas I don't remember getting that with the SS ones.  The Drinkmate ones also have mL measurements on the side which I use when I fill my bottle.  They do make 1/2 size bottles and I found out from their presentation you can carbonate a bottle that is not full.  I always thought that white tube had to be in the liquid for it to work but it doesn't.  Not sure if that wastes CO2 or not.

All plastics degrade and become brittle over time, although I've never heard of one exploding.  I don't plan on discarding mine due to the expiration date.  

Hope that helps.

[loriqvc]

@Icegoddess - Thank you very much for your detailed reply! I did notice my typo and changed the number from 6 to 60 liters a few minutes after posting. 

I am guessing that if I like the Drinkmate as much as I expect to, I'll also switch to a larger tank rather than the canisters, but the deals I'm looking at include three or four full-size canisters, so that should last long enough for me to figure things out. However, my space for even this small unit is limited unless I don't put it in the kitchen, so I may end up sticking with the canisters after all; that's why I wondered about exchanges.

I definitely appreciate the tip about the retention of carbonation in the bottles—I know they can't compare to my cans, but I'm hopeful they'll still be enjoyable.

FWIW, as part of my research, I learned that the carbonation is best in the Drinkmate if you use very cold liquid in a bottle that is not completely full, apply short bursts of carbonation rather than a long press, and don't skip the step of slightly shaking the bottle at the end. (I'll definitely be testing all of that!)

[Icegoddess]

@loriqvc Mine sits on that little L part of the counterop next to the refrigerator and the 5 lb tank on the floor.  But, because it's next to the refrigerator and the refrigerator is deeper than the cabinets, it's all hidden from the casual observer.  I really only have the corner above the dishwasher for work space.