Making seltzer at home often costs less than buying it from the store. Many households save between 50-80% each year on sparkling drinks when they use soda makers. The main expenses come from the initial purchase and the cost of CO2 refills. People who enjoy sparkling water regularly can see big savings over time.
Key Takeaways
- Making seltzer at home helps you save money over time. This is true if you drink it a lot or have a big family.
- The main things you pay for are a soda maker and CO2 refills. These cost less than buying canned seltzer all the time.
- When you make seltzer at home, you pick the flavors and ingredients. This makes it healthier and lets you change it how you like.
- A soda maker means you use less plastic and aluminum. This helps the environment because there is less trash.
- Picking the best soda maker and using your space well makes homemade seltzer simple and easy for any home.
Homemade Seltzer Cost Breakdown
Upfront Costs
Anyone wanting to make their own soda at home needs to consider the initial investment. Soda makers like AOKAI or SodaStream require a one-time purchase, including the machine and a carbon dioxide cylinder. The table below compares the cost of buying a soda maker versus buying bottled soda:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| SodaStream Device | $100 |
| 12-ounce can of seltzer | $0.62 |
| Annual consumption (450 cans) | $279 |
| Cost for 4-person household | $1,116 |
| 60L SodaStream gas canister | $24.99 |
Soda makers typically cost between $80 and $120, depending on the brand and model. Carbon dioxide refills range from $15 to $30. Regional price differences affect the total cost. In some areas, carbon dioxide refills may be more expensive. Store-brand soda may be as low as $0.70 per liter, but premium brands can be significantly more expensive. While bottled soda may be cheaper initially, soda makers are more cost-effective in the long run.
Ongoing Expenses
After purchasing a soda maker, people need to consider ongoing expenses, such as refills of CO2 cylinders and optional flavorings. Most households, after a month and a half of owning a soda maker, will be spending approximately $30 per month on CO2 cylinders and flavorings. During the same period, buying soda water from a store might cost around $100. This means that using a soda maker can save approximately $70 per month and a half.
Other ongoing expenses may include replacement parts or accessories. For example:
- A used soda keg costs about $45.
- Extra parts can total less than $100.
- A 5-pound tank of CO2 costs about $15 to exchange.
- SodaStream 60-liter CO2 exchanges cost about the same but hold less CO2.
Refilling carbon dioxide cylinders can save a significant amount of money, quickly recouping the initial investment. Frequent users of soda makers will find even greater savings. The price of homemade soda depends on household consumption and the local price of carbon dioxide cylinders.
Tip: People who drink seltzer every day or have large families will benefit most from making their own sparkling water at home.
Yearly Cost Comparison
Homemade vs Store-Bought
When choosing between homemade or store-bought soda, people often consider the annual cost. The total annual cost depends on a family’s soda consumption. Purchasing store-bought soda, such as LaCroix or Canada Dry, can quickly add up. For example, if one person drinks one can a day at $1 per can, that would cost approximately $365 per year. A family of four could spend over $1400 annually on soda alone.
This can be changed by using a sparkling water maker like the AOKAI or SodaStream. While the initial cost of the carbonator and equipment may seem high, the annual cost decreases after the first year. Most users only need to purchase carbonation refills and optional flavors. Carbonation refills average around $25 every few months. This means the total annual cost of homemade soda may be less than half that of bottled soda.
Note: People who use a sodastream or another carbonator can control how much they spend. They can adjust their budget by choosing different flavors or using tap water.
Savings for Frequent Users
Frequent seltzer drinkers see the biggest savings. The more seltzer a person or family drinks, the more money they keep in their budget. The following table shows how much you can save each year by switching from store-bought seltzer to a sodastream or another carbonator:
| Consumption Level | Annual Savings (LaCroix) | Annual Savings (Canada Dry) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 can per day | $150 | $121 |
| 2 cans per day | $300 | $242 |
| Family of 2 (2 cans each) | $600 | N/A |
A person who drinks two cans of seltzer each day can save up to $300 per year. A family of two can save as much as $600. These numbers show how much you can save when using a sodastream or another sparkling water maker. The price per year for homemade seltzer stays low, even as usage goes up.
People who use a carbonator often find that the price per year fits their budget better than buying cans. The total yearly cost for a sodastream or similar device stays steady, while the price of store-bought seltzer can rise. Over time, the savings add up, making homemade seltzer a smart choice for those who love sparkling drinks.
Tip: A sodastream or carbonator helps families and individuals save money and stick to their budget. The more seltzer they drink, the greater the savings.
Cost factors of homemade seltzer
Usage Frequency
The amount of seltzer you drink affects the total cost. People who use a soda maker daily save money. The more you use it, the lower the cost per use. Desktop cold sparkling water maker like the AOKAI are best suited for frequent sparkling water drinkers. If you only drink seltzer occasionally, buying canned seltzer from the store might be more economical. For frequent seltzer drinkers, making your own at home is more cost-effective.
Household Size
The number of people in a home affects the cost. Bigger families use more seltzer, so they save more by making it themselves. A soda water maker can make drinks for many people at once. This lowers the cost for each serving.
Actual measurements show that for a 2-person household using gas cartridges, the daily consumption is approximately 2 liters, costing about 180 yuan per month. For 3-4 person households, switching to large steel cylinders costs 50 yuan per refill, producing 150 liters, with a cost as low as 0.3 yuan per liter. Long-term use shows that the larger the population, the more significant the economies of scale of the large-capacity solution, reducing the cost per liter of gas by more than 90%, making it more economical and reliable.
Space occupancy and scene adaptation costs
Soda makers come in various sizes. Some are suitable for small kitchens, while others require more space. People should consider where the equipment will be placed. Portable models are suitable for outdoor parties or office use. Costs of site modifications include making room for the machine and storing the carbon dioxide cylinders. Choosing the right model can save space and make making soda easier. A high-quality machine requires less maintenance, so warranty service is essential. Homemade soda contains no preservatives, so flavor and shelf life are very important. Properly managing these factors helps reduce waste and save money.
FAQ
How long does a CO2 canister last in a soda maker?
A CO2 canister makes about 60 liters of seltzer. If a family drinks sparkling water every day, they need a new canister each month. People who drink less will not need to replace it as often.
Can you use tap water in the AOKAI Soda Maker?
You can use tap water in the AOKAI Soda Maker. Many people like to use cold, filtered water for better taste. The device lets you pick the water you like best.
Is homemade seltzer healthier than store-bought?
Homemade seltzer does not have preservatives or extra sugar. You can decide what goes into your drink. This makes it a healthier choice for people who want simple, fresh drinks.
What flavors can you add to homemade seltzer?
You can add fruit slices, herbs, or natural syrups to your seltzer. The AOKAI Soda Maker lets you try many different flavors. This makes every drink special and fun.
Does making seltzer at home help the environment?
Making seltzer at home means less plastic and aluminum waste. Using reusable bottles and fewer cans makes less trash. Many families pick soda makers to help the planet.
