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Evening Standard

Lifestyle

Ellie Davis

SodaStream E-Terra review: does the new automatic sparkling water maker live up to the hype?

SodaStream Terra

SodaStream’s revolutionary machines changed the entire drinking game, bringing sparkling water to the comfort of our home without single-use plastic waste or costly fittings to our taps.

The brand made it easier than ever for fans of the carbonated beverage to stay hydrated and for technophiles to marvel at the handy kitchen gadget.

If you have a previous model of the SodaStream, you will know the process. Fill the bottle provided with cold water up to the line, slot it into the neck, push it back to lock it in. Then hold the button for the level of fizziness that you want - one press is one hit of the cannister and you can go up to four or five if you like your beverage extremely bubbly.

This original model offered greater automation, but now then newly launched E-Terra has brought a fully automated machine to SodaStream’s line-up - and it really has never been simpler to get your sparkling water fix.

We tried out the machine to see if it lives up the hype.

Specs

Size: H42.6cm x W12.7cm x D19.5cm
Carbonation levels: Three
Dishwasher safe bottle: Yes
Features: Atomosphere light, Quick Connect system and Bottle Snap & Lock technology
Includes: Water maker, 1L Slim plastic bottle and Quick Connect CO2 cylinder

Functionality

If you are unfamiliar with the way that SodaStream machines work, fear not. The E-Terra doesn’t require any previous experience, technological savvy or any thought whatsoever. It may just be the most user-friendly kitchen appliance on the market. First and foremost, you plug it in. Next, fill the accompanying bottle up with water to the marked line. Cold filtered water is best but really any room temperature or hot water will do.

Place the cannister in the back of the machine, place the bottle neck into the Snap-Lock system and it should hang in place. Through Quick Connect Cylinder technology, it pops right in. All that is left to do is choose your fizziness levels by pressing on the buttons at the top of the machine - one, two or three on the carbonation scale - et voila. Freshly fizzed up water, practically on tap! Zero guesswork and you can ensure the perfect consistency of bubbles each and every time.

You’re not limited to plain old H2O either. There are flavourings including Summer Orange, Blackcurrant Bliss and Crisp Apple made with organic, premium ingredients. Our favourite option is the ability to create your own Pepsi or 7UP (thanks to SodaStream sharing the same parent company, PepsiCo). These infusions mean that its uses go beyond just sparkling water and all fizzy drink lovers can get involved and creative with infusions.

The bottle is also dishwasher safe so cleaning up time is basically non-existent.

Design

The E-Terra follows suit in the SodaStream collection with its slimline and lightweight construction. Without the cannister, it has a feather-like feel, while it does become heavier once the former is attached. It has a sleek all-black plastic body that’s wipe-clean and will fit seamlessly in most kitchen designs. The aesthetic is kept minimal save for a geometric finish on the front panel. When in operation, the bottle is illuminated with a blue light so prepare for excitement from any uninitiated guests.

Verdict

The E-Terra’s One-Touch technology puts sparkling water on the table in a matter of seconds without any guesswork or fuss. You can also refill the cannisters once finished at retailers like Sainsbury’s, Argos and Asda that saves £10 (usually the cannisters are £22.99) so it’s a far more cost-effective way to enjoy your favourite fizzy drinks and is kinder to the planet too.