We Tried the New SodaStream Terra — and Loved It

Sparkling water (or seltzer) has been on trend for quite a while now, and many of us are drinking more of it than ever. While people attempt to phase out sugary sodas and energy drinks and replace them with healthier options, a lot of us are spending a lot of our hard-earned cash on bottles and cans of various flavors of carbonated water.

But is there a better way? Saving our budget by making seltzer at home is not a new concept, but how we do it has just gotten a serious upgrade. SodaStream’s latest launch is the Terra, which replaces the brand’s popular Fizzi model and makes creating sparkling water easier than ever.

How the SodaStream Terra Works

Sometimes the one thing that stands in the way of making healthier nutrition choices is that it just seems less convenient, but the Terra is easy and accessible every step of the way. Similar to the Fizzi, all you need is a gas cylinder and carbonating bottle to make your sparkling water. However, setup is easier since the CO2 container simply locks into place with a simple click and when you are finished with the carbonating bottle after each use, you can just toss it in the dishwasher.

To make your sparkling water, just fill the carbonating bottle to the fill line, make sure the bottle rest is titled, and insert the bottle neck into the lock until it clicks into place. Then, hold down the ergonomic carbonation button and repeat as desired. The more times you repeat, the stronger fizz you will have. Then you are done. As you get more comfortable, feel free to experiment a bit adding flavor to your sparkling water.

The cylinder for the CO2 is reusable, so when it runs out of CO2, you can just exchange it for a new one. That means you are just paying for the refill, and not a whole new cylinder.

Who Is It Best For?

For anyone trying to cut back on sugary soft drinks, sparkling water is often the way to go — but those cans and bottles can add up quickly. Making sparkling water at home can be a way to save money in the long-run. Plus, you'll have it readily available whenever a craving strikes. Since you are making it yourself, you can always customize it with whatever flavors you want your water to include. Want to add a sprig of rosemary and some fresh lemon in your sparkling water? Go for it! In seconds, you’ll have exactly that.

The Terra starter packs are available in black, white, misty blue and red at Sodastream.com for $99. Each pack includes the Terra Sparkling Water Maker, a Quick Connect C02 Cylinder and a dishwasher-safe, 1-liter plastic bottle. It is also available at Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, Best Buy and other retailers nationwide.