SodaStream Plastic vs Safety: What you should keep in mind

Is Soda Stream worth it? Cost Comparison vs Bottled Sparkling Water 

SodaStream Terra Review: Is It Worth Buying in Australia?

If you love sparkling water but want to reduce plastic waste and save money, a home carbonation machine might be a great solution. The SodaStream Terra is one of the most popular sparkling water makers available at Costco, Coles, Woolworths, and other Australian retailers. Below, we’ll break down the pros, cons, running costs, and where to buy CO₂ refills.

Why Choose SodaStream Terra?

Many households in Australia regularly buy sparkling water in bottles from Costco, Coles, or Woolworths. While convenient, this habit generates a lot of plastic waste and can become expensive over time.

The SodaStream Terra offers a reusable solution: a machine that carbonates tap water in seconds, letting you adjust the fizz level to your preference. Instead of buying dozens of plastic bottles each month, you only need to refill a single CO₂ cylinder.

Pros and Cons

Pros of SodaStream Terra

• Reusable Bottles: Helps cut down on single-use plastic waste.

• Customisable Fizz Levels: One of the biggest advantages of SodaStream Terra is the ability to adjust the carbonation strength. just a few presses of the button, you can enjoy lightly sparkling water or make it extra fizzy to suit your taste.

• Fresh Anytime: If your sparkling water goes flat, you can re-carbonate it instantly.

• Compact Design: Fits well in most kitchens and is easy to clean.

• Convenience : No more carrying heavy packs of sparkling water from the supermarket.

Cons of SodaStream Terra

• Cylinder Cost:  A replacement CO₂ cylinder costs around $36 AUD in Australia. Even with the swap-and-save program, it still adds to the ongoing cost.

• Bubble Strength Decline: Some users notice the carbonation power decreases before the cylinder is completely empty.

Simply locate a water bottle, fit it into place until it clicks, and push the button to make it fizzy.

Details about SodaStream Accessories

How long does a SodaSteam Cylinder last?

According to SodaStream, one standard CO₂ cylinder carbonates about 60 litres of water, lasting 6–8 weeks for an average household.

From personal testing:

• One cylinder produced around 50–55 litres at medium carbonation strength.

• At higher fizz levels, you’ll get fewer litres.

Where to Refill SodaStream Cylinders in Australia

You can swap your empty SodaStream CO₂ cylinder for a new one at many stores, including:

• Reddy Express

• Officeworks (selected stores) - Swap and Go program

To find the closest location, check the official SodaStream Australia website’s store locator. If you bring a new cylinder with an old one to the counter, a discounted price will be automatically applied to the system.

Can I use any plastic bottle with SodaStream? 

Only official SodaStream bottles can be used, as they are designed to fit the machine perfectly. For safety reasons, since the plastic weakens over time from carbonation pressure, every SodaStream bottle has an expiry date printed on it, and it’s recommended to replace the bottle before it expires.

How long does the SodaStream Plastic Bottle last?

SodaStream bottles are marked with the recycling code “7 – Other”, which indicates that the material does not belong to the standard 1–6 plastic categories. While plastics in this category can sometimes include types that contain BPA (Bisphenol A), SodaStream has confirmed that its bottles are BPA-free and safe for use. Because carbonation places pressure on the plastic, the bottles can weaken over time. 

For this reason, each SodaStream bottle comes with an expiry date (usually around three years) and should be replaced once it has expired to ensure safety.

Keep in mind that SodaStream bottles have an expiry date, and always replace them once they expire for your safety.

Cost Comparison: SodaStream vs Bottled Sparkling Water

• Costco Nu Pure Sparkling Water → $21.99 AUD for 24 × 500ml bottles (equivalent to $1.84 per litre).

• SodaStream Terra → With one $36 cylinder producing ~55 litres, the cost is $0.65 per litre.

If you use the cylinder swap service (around $19–$20 per refill), the cost drops even further to ~$0.35 per litre.

This makes SodaStream much cheaper in the long run compared to bottled sparkling water, especially if you consume it daily.

Final Verdict: Is SodaStream Terra Worth It?

The SodaStream Terra is an excellent investment if you drink sparkling water regularly. While the upfront machine cost and ongoing CO₂ refills are something to consider, the long-term savings per litre and the reduction in plastic waste make it worthwhile.

It’s best suited for:

• Families who consume sparkling water daily

• Eco-conscious households aiming to cut down on plastic

• People who want the flexibility to choose their carbonation level

• People who enjoy fizzy beverages: You can’t carbonate other flavoured drinks directly, but you can still add flavours or fruits afterwards

For occasional sparkling water drinkers, the cost may not justify the purchase. But if sparkling water is a staple in your home, the SodaStream Terra is both cost-effective and eco-friendly.


*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.