The SodaStream Genesis vs Source comparison features two soda makers from the most venerable brand in home soda makers. So your decision to choose one over the other isn’t good versus bad or high-quality versus low-quality.
Instead, you will find that there are feature differences that will help you to appreciate one more than the other. A home soda maker puts the power in your hands. They allow you to make the soda with the intensity of flavor and fizz that you desire.
Below, you will find all of the information you need to make the best decision between these two machines.
Click here to see price for SodaStream Genesis
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SodaStream Genesis vs Source: Which Soda Maker Will Quench Your Thirst?
How Do These Machines Work?
SodaStream allows you to carbonate water. The company claims that you should only carbonate with these machines. It is not advised that you try and carbonate other beverages. Once you install the CO2 carbonator, you are ready to go.
The process is simple, but may vary a little depend on which model you get, but basically it’s this: Fill the carbonating bottle with water to the wavy fill line, put the bottle in place on the SodaStream, touch the top of the SodaStream to begin the carbonation process, remove the bottle from the SodaStream and add your flavor, then gently shake. It’s really simple.
Note: You probably know what happens when you shake carbonated drinks. Be sure to let the drink settle a bit before you open it or you’ll end up with a big mess. As a habit, I always open carbonated drinks slowly.
Along with putting the control in your hands – as far as flavor and fizz goes – it also allows you to do your part in helping to save the environment. You cut down on bottle waste.
Appearance and Size
These little gadgets are good-looking with a very sleek design. They have a modern look and will certainly compliment the room that you place them in. The Genesis is available in green, black and white and the Source is available in black, red, and white.
The Genesis, measuring about 9.2 x 5.3 x 16.4 inches, is a little sleeker and has a more unique design as the top, larger than the base, tapers down at an angle. The Source, measuring 10 x 5.5 x 17 inches, has a less interesting design, there are no tapers, it’s kind of straight up-and-down.
But the Source is made with higher-quality materials; nickel plating and plastic. The Genesis is all plastic.
How long will the co2 canister last?
Both machines use 14.5-ounce canisters that can make up to 60 liters of carbonated water. But that is definitely a bit arbitrary. In reality it will depend on your usage. I’ve come across customers that claim that they get about a week or maybe a little more out of a co2 canister, drinking about 3 to 4 bottles per day. Remember though, you might prefer a different level of carbonation than others or vice versa.
It will most likely depend on what kinds of drinks you make most often. If you like to make carbonated spring water, you might not need as much carbonation. However, if you prefer sodas and the like, then you may need more carbonation to make it suit your preferences.
Get more details on the SodaStream Genesis
Get more details on the SodaStream Source
Bottle Size Compatibility
Bottle models are compatible with the 1-liter bottle that accompanies the machine but the Genesis is also compatible with ½-liter bottles. While some have managed to get the earlier model 1/2 –liter Genesis bottle to work with the Source it isn’t a guarantee as the bottles shape differently.
LED Indicators
Only the Source model comes with LED indicators to monitor how much CO2 you have left as well as the fizz levels inside of the bottle. The LED indicates three different levels of carbonation.
What, No Batteries?
Without the help of batteries, each of these soda makers work with carbonators – compressed gas. It’s a sophisticated system that further makes these machines even better for the environment.
Carbonators (installation)
Both of these carbonators install easily using the following simple steps:
- Put your index finger into the whole in the back cover panel.
- Pull towards you
- Fit the carbonator into the gasket at the top of the carbonator
- Tighten until hand-tight
Both of these machines come with a 4-ounce carbonator in the starter kit. This is good for about 6 liters of carbonated soda. That’ll get you started, but you will eventually need to get a full 60-liter carbonator. The company provides the first full carbonator cylinder on the house with a mail-in rebate.
Snap-Lock
This feature refers to the mechanics of connecting the bottle to the soda maker. Only the Source has this feature. It is a design upgrade for the Source over prior models. You use one motion, just push the bottle up and forward. Prior models, like the Genesis, require that you make a twisting motion to get the bottle connected to the machine.
SodaStream Flavor Varieties and other Options
SodaStream offers 60 different, high-fructose corn syrup and aspartame free, flavor varieties. The flavor mix is enough to last you 12-liters – again this is dependent on how much flavor you add. You can control the intensity by adding flavor to your drink until it taste just right. But maybe you don’t want those flavors (I’ve come across some customers who don’t care for the flavors). You can always add your carbonated water to lemonade or maybe even your favorite soda.
Warranty
The Genesis comes with an impressive 10-year warranty while the Source comes with an astounding Limited Lifetime warranty. Beware, once you open the co2 tank, it is not returnable, but I’ve read where some customers were still able to receive a refund. It’s just something to be aware of.
Summary
I like both of the models in the SodaStream Comparison: Genesis vs Source comparison. They both offer a great cost-saving alternative to buying pre-bottled carbonated drinks.
But with its nickel-plating, full-liter sized bottle, snap-lock, LED indicator, and Lifetime warranty, I’d go with the Source. I think that it’s the better option, and the price difference shouldn’t be too scary for you.
SodaStream Genesis – Check Price
SodaStream Source – Check Price
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