1. Can you really make real soda at home?
Yes - the secret is out! Soda is simply water, fizz and flavor. With the Soda-Club home soda maker, you transform ordinary tap water into fresh, great-tasting soda by adding fizz (in the form of carbon dioxide from our Alco2Jet carbonator) and flavor (one of 25 tempting sodamix syrups.) So go ahead and enjoy the freshest, best tasting soda on the planet!
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2. Why should I buy a Soda-Club home soda maker?
Coffee lovers enjoy fresh brewed coffee at home using their coffee makers. Now, soda and seltzer lovers can enjoy delicious, freshly-made soda at home using a Soda-Club home soda maker! People buy soda makers for many reasons. Some of the most popular benefits include:
- Quick, convenient and easy to use
- Fresh, delicious soda in seconds
- No more lugging heavy, bulky bottles and cans from the store
- No more storing cases of soda
- No more worries about running out of your favorite soft drinks
- Over 25 great-tasting flavors, including regular, diet and caffeine-free options
- Regular flavors have much less sugar, carbs and sodium than store-bought brands
- Diet flavors are sweetened with Splenda® and contain no aspartame
- Soda-Club's reusable bottles and concentrated sodamix cut down on recyclables and disposables, making an environmentally-friendly alternative to store-bought drinks
- No batteries, electricity or plumbing
- Reliable and friendly service
- Money-back guarantee and three-year warranty
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3. What will it cost me to make a bottle of soda or seltzer?
After your initial purchase of a home soda maker package, you'll enjoy seltzer and sparkling water in Soda-Club's reusable 1-liter PET bottle for just $0.17 per liter and flavored sodas for as little as $0.42 per liter, before any applicable shipping charges. Penguin machine users will pay just $0.45 per liter of premium sparkling water and as little as $0.70 per liter of fresh gourmet soda. (Note to Penguin lovers: Each glass carafe holds about 2/3 of a liter.) When applicable -- and depending on location and order size -- shipping adds $0.02 to $0.07 per bottle (Fountain Jet and Edition 1 owners) or $0.04 to $0.18 per liter (Penguin owners).
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4. How do I get ongoing supplies for my home soda maker?
Soda-Club supplies are available for 24-hour ordering on this website. (Click here to order now!) We also have a toll-free Customer Support Center that is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM eastern time, Monday through Friday. Call 1-800-SODACLUB (1-800-763-2258) to speak with a representative. Supplies are also available at Soda-Club events and through authorized dealers. Click here to check for dealers in your area!
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5. How long has Soda-Club been in business?
Soda-Club is the world leader in home carbonating systems, with over 10 million soda makers sold in more than 15 countries around the world. Founded overseas in 1991, Soda-Club started operations in the United States in 2003.
6. Do you have a referral program?
Soda-Club has programs by which authorized agents can earn commission on sales generated by referral activities. To learn more about Soda-Club's Sales Agent program, please contact Customer Support. Soda-Club also offers an online affiliate program through the Linkshare network. For more information on the affiliate program, please visit the Soda-Club affiliate page.
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7. Is Soda-Club really a club that requires membership and some type of ongoing commitment?
No. Soda-Club is just the name of the company. There are no membership requirements, annual dues or minimum purchases of any kind. Once you have a soda maker, you may purchase soda-making supplies at your own pace and convenience.
8. Are Soda-Club products recyclable?
Yes. Many of Soda-Club’s consumable packages are completely recyclable, once they’ve outlived their useful lives. Remember that carbonating bottles are reusable up to 3 years before they need to be replaced, and Penguin glass carafes may be used indefinitely, provided they remain free from cracks or other damage. Check with your municipal recycling authority to find out how to recycle your Soda-Club items.
|
Item |
Recycling Number |
|
Carbonating bottle |
|
|
Body |
1 (PET) |
|
Base |
5 (Polypropylene) |
|
Frog (holds base to body) |
7 (ABS plastic) |
|
Cap |
7 (ABS plastic) |
|
Sealing gasket inside cap |
not recyclable (silicone) |
|
Penguin carafe |
|
|
Body |
Glass |
|
Cap |
7 (ABS plastic) |
|
Sealing gasket inside cap |
not recyclable (silicone) |
|
Sodamix |
|
|
bottle |
1 (PET) |
|
cap |
5 (Polypropylene) |
9. Are Soda-Club's plastic carbonating bottles toxin-free?
For many years, Soda-Club has demanded that our suppliers and subcontractors meet exacting specifications, so that our millions of customers worldwide can enjoy a safe and superior product that is compliant with international standards for beverage quality.
Some topics of special concern:
- Phthalates and PCBs: Soda-Club does not use any materials in the production process that can produce phthalates or PCBs.
- Bisphenol-A: Soda-Club does not use polycarbonate materials, and therefore our products are free of this chemical compound.
MSDS sheets and certificates of supplier conformity are available upon request. For more information on material safety standards, please contact support@sodaclub.com.
See above for more information on the types of plastic materials used by Soda-Club.
| Customer Service and Order Information |
1. How do I exchange my empty carbonators?
If you live in a courier delivery area, you should simply leave your empty carbonators outside of your delivery address starting the day after you place your order. The courier will pick up your empties when he delivers your full Alco2Jets. For UPS delivery areas, every package with an Alco2Jet refill contains a paid UPS return box and instructions for how to return your empty carbonator. Once your new carbonators are delivered, you should package your old one(s) and drop off the packages at a UPS pick-up location. If you have concerns about returning your carbonator, have misplaced your return boxes or never received your return boxes, please contact Soda-Club Customer Service.
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2. Do you offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes! If you are not satisfied with Soda-Club for any reason, you may return the home soda maker, postmarked within 30 days of date of purchase (please keep your dated receipts) for a full refund (less the value of free shipping for those customers who purchased a value package). Soda makers purchased as holiday gifts between November 1 and December 31 may be returned through January 31. If you wish to make a return, please contact Soda-Club Customer Service by calling us toll-free at 1-800-763-2258. For more information click here.
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3. Do you offer a warranty?
Yes! Soda-Club manufactures our home soda makers to exacting specifications and therefore we are able to offer a three-year warranty. For more information, please check out our warranty.
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4. How do I find the model number so I can register my home soda maker?
First, remove the back cover where the carbonator is inserted. You may need to remove the carbonator to view the label. The five-digit serial number of your machine is the second line of text on the label. To find out where the registration number is located, click on one of the following links: Fountain Jet, Edition 1, Penguin.
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5. How long will it take to receive my order?
Normal delivery time within the US and Canada is seven to ten business days for new soda maker packages, and three to seven days for refills of supplies.
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6. Do you take checks, or ship C.O.D.?
Sorry, Soda-Club cannot ship C.O.D. Soda-Club will accept a check as payment, but your check must be received in advance of shipping. Please call 1-800-SODACLUB if you wish to make a purchase by check.
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7. How can I check on my order status?
If it has been longer than two weeks since you ordered, please call or email our Customer Service department for a status update. Click here to contact Soda-Club Customer Service.
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8. Do you have a location or deliver in my area?
At this time, Soda-Club USA delivers everywhere within the continental United States and many places in Canada. We also have a list of growing local authorized dealers; please see our Dealer Locator to check on suppliers in your area.
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9. I have another brand of carbonating system but I would prefer to use your system. Do you have a trade-in program?
Yes! Soda-Club offers a discount trade-in program for soda makers purchased from other manufacturers including Soda Stream. We will also accept Soda-Club soda makers purchased overseas that are incompatible with American parts. For more information about Soda-Club's discount trade-in offer, please click here.
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10. Why do I have to pay taxes on my Internet order?
Consumers must pay tax on Internet orders if the company from which you are buying does business in your state. Your purchase of a Soda-Club home soda maker includes an Alco2Jet Carbonator, which is supplied by Soda-Club against payment of a "User License." The Alco2Jet carbonator remains the property of Soda-Club at all times in accordance with the terms and conditions stated in the User License Certificate. Because Soda-Club retains ownership of the carbonator, technically Soda-Club does business in every state. When you shop at sodaclub.com or place an order through 1-800-SODACLUB, you are assessed the normal rate of sales tax for your state.
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| Operating Your Home Soda Maker |
1. Do I need a special water system in order to use the product?
No. You may use any type of water that you typically drink at home. However, we do recommend using COLD water to achieve best results.
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2. How do I clean my home soda maker?
The home soda maker must be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth in lukewarm water using a non-abrasive cleanser if necessary. Be sure to remove the carbonator before cleansing. The machine and the bottles are not dishwasher-safe.
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3. Can I carbonate drinks other than water?
No. Only water should be carbonated in the Soda-Club home soda maker. You risk damaging your home soda maker, not to mention making a big fizzy mess! The money-back guarantee and the warranty are both invalidated if you carbonate any liquid other than water in your soda maker. Stick with plain cold water and adding any one of our fantastic flavors - after the water has been carbonated!
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4. Can I re-fizz a drink that has gone flat?
If you're drinking plain seltzer, the answer is yes. However, if you already prepared a drink with sodamix, the answer is no. Since only water can be carbonated in the home soda maker, you can not re-carbonate once you've added sodamix.
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5. Can I add anything other than sodamix?
Sodamix flavors have been specially formulated to work with your home soda maker. However, some Soda-Club customers like to add fresh fruit juice to their fizzy water instead of sodamix. This is perfectly fine - as long as you try this after the water has been carbonated. Mix it in a glass or pitcher for best results.
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6. How can I tell if there is enough fizz in my water?
"Enough" is a very subjective term! One of the great benefits of using a Soda-Club home soda maker is that you control the level of fizz in your soft drinks. In general, you should press the carbonating button several times until you hear the LOUD BUZZ that indicates carbonation. Keep going until you achieve the level of fizz that you like! Three LOUD BUZZES provide average carbonation. Use one buzz for very light carbonation (good for fruit flavors) or five buzzes for strong carbonation (works well for colas and other dark syrups.)
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7. What kind of power source does the home soda maker use?
Soda-Club home soda makers operate without batteries, electricity or plumbing, making them an energy-efficient home appliance and an ideal accessory to take on the road in your RV or onboard your boat. The carbonation in your soda or seltzer is purely a result of the compressed gas stored in your Alco2Jet carbonator.
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| Sodamix and Finished Soda |
1. What is the shelf life of sodamix?
Typically, your sodamix will arrive with 3-4 months prior to the “best before” date printed on the back of the label. Sodamix is at peak drinkability before this date. However, when tightly closed and stored in a cool, dry place, sodamix may be consumed for several months beyond the date on the label. Please contact support@sodaclub.com or call 1-800-SODACLUB with any questions or concerns regarding sodamix expiration dates.
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2. How much sodamix should I add to a bottle?
One of the best features of making soda at home is that you can control the level of flavor in your soft drinks. In general, use a capful of sodamix for each liter of sparkling water. If you like it sweeter, add more! If you like it less sweet, use less.
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3. How long does the soda last before going flat?
The hermetic seal on the cap keeps your seltzer or soda from going flat as quickly as ordinary store-bought beverages. If you make sure to close the cap tightly, and keep the bottle in the refrigerator, your Soda-Club soda should remain fizzy and fresh for over a week.
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4. Should I refrigerate sodamix?
Unopened bottles of sodamix do not require refrigeration, but we do recommend that you store unopened bottles in a cool dry place. For the coldest soda, we recommend storing opened bottles of sodamix in the refrigerator.
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5. Do you have any caffeine-free flavors?
Yes! Lemon-Lime, Diet Lemon-Lime, Root Beer, Diet Root Beer, Ginger Ale, Diet Ginger Ale, Tonic, Diet Tonic, Diet Pink Grapefruit, Cranberry-Raspberry, Diet Cranberry-Raspberry, Cream Soda, Diet Cream Soda, Orange Soda and Diet Orange Soda have no caffeine. You may also want to try Caffeine-Free Diet Cola and Grape.
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6. How do you sweeten your regular flavors?
Soda-Club regular sodamix flavors contain sugar (sucrose), not high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). While many of our labels do say “sugar and/or high fructose corn syrup”, we have chosen to formulate without high fructose corn syrup and have not yet updated our labels to reflect this fact. The exception to this is Energy Drink, which indeed does contain fructose and dextrose, in addition to sucrose. In addition to sugar (sucrose), regular sodamix flavors contain sucralose (Splenda® brand) and some also contain acesulfame potassium. If you have dietary concerns, please read the label of every Soda-Club product before purchasing, available by clicking the sodamix images on the Flavors Galore page of this website. When in doubt, consult with your physician.
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7. How do you sweeten your diet flavors?
Our diet flavors are sweetened with a blend of acesulfame K and sucralose, also known as Splenda®. Our flavors contain no aspartame.
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8. I like very fizzy seltzer. Can I make this with a Soda-Club machine?
One of the best benefits of making seltzer at home with a Soda-Club soda maker is that you control the fizziness of your drinks. When you're making seltzer: If you like very lightly carbonated seltzer, press the carbonating button until you hear just a single loud buzz. If you like extra-fizzy seltzer, keep going until you hear 5 buzzes. The amount of fizz your seltzer can hold is limited only by the laws of chemistry - after about 10 buzzes, you won't be able to inject any more fizz into the water.
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9. I like flavored seltzer. Can I make this with a Soda-Club machine?
Yes! Mywater flavorings are all-natural, unsweetened flavor essences for making flavored seltzer. Or, for sweetened flavors, try using a quarter-capful of any of our sodamix flavors in each liter of seltzer for a very lightly flavored drink. (Fruit flavors work best.) Or try using fresh lemons, limes, oranges or berries to flavor your drink. Sophisticated, healthful and quite tasty!
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10. Are your products kosher?
Soda-Club products are kosher (OU) certified (click to see OU certificate) and Badatz certified (click to see Badatz certificate). Soda-Club seltzer is kosher for passover (click to see OUP certificate). Also, please note that your home soda maker can be used on the Sabbath. For more information, please contact us send an email to support@sodaclub.com or call 1-800-SODACLUB (1-800-763-2258) on Monday through Friday, from 9am-5pm EST.
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11. Are your products allergen free?
Our products are allergen-free. We define allergens as being: cereals containing gluten, seafood and shellfish, eggs, fish, peanuts, soy, milk, tree nuts, celery, mustard, and sesame seeds. If we can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Support Center at 800-763-2258 Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm EST.
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12. Does your tonic contain quinine?
Yes. Soda-Club Tonic contains 0.0857 grams of quinine per finished drink. One serving (8oz.) contains 0.02 grams.
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13. What happened to the fruit flavors?
While Soda-Club's fruit flavors were undoubtedly some of the best-tasting sodamix flavors, unfortunately they were not the best-selling sodamix flavors. Apple-Peach, Orange-Mango and Pink Grapefruit were all discontinued in 2007 (Diet Pink Grapefruit continues to be available.) Soda-Club is committed to developing new flavors and new products, like new MyWater flavor essences, and will work to introduce new, exciting and delicious flavors in the future.
| Carbonating Bottles and Caps |
1. Why does the carbonating bottle have an expiration date?
Since the bottle has to withstand recurring pressure from carbonation, it can not be used forever. The expiration date on the bottle must be checked and new bottles purchased as soon as the former expires. The bottles must also be replaced if put in the dishwasher, exposed to a heat source, or if they have become scratched. All components of carbonating bottles are recyclable. Check with your local recycling authority for more information.
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2. How do I clean my carbonating bottles?
Carbonating bottles may be cleaned in warm water with a bottle brush and regular dish-washing liquid if necessary. Please do not place carbonating bottles in the dishwasher, as exposure to extreme heat can weaken the integrity of the bottles. Bottles stay cleanest when immediately filled with fresh water and returned to your refrigerator. Plus, you'll always have cold water on hand when you're ready for your next bottle of soda!
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3. Can I use a different kind of bottle?
Only Soda-Club bottles may be used with your Soda-Club home soda maker. Using another company's bottles may invalidate your warranty. Soda-Club will not be responsible for products made by another company.
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4. I lost my bottle caps. Can I get replacements or use another one that fits?
You can, but the other bottlecap may not have the special rubber seal that helps keep Soda-Club soda so fresh. Please call Customer Support (1-800-SODACLUB) for replacement caps, or add an extra set -- or two! -- to your next online order.
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1. My Alco2Jet carbonator is empty. Now what do I do?
Carbonator exchanges and other soda-making supplies are available on the website. Sodaclub.com offers 24-hour secure ordering. You may also call our Customer Support Center toll-free at 1-800-SODACLUB (1-800-763-2258). Customer Support hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM eastern time. Supplies are also available at Soda-Club events or at Soda-Club Authorized Dealer locations.
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2. Can I refill my own carbonator or have it refilled locally?
Soda-Club's licensed Alco2Jet carbonators are filled with beverage-grade CO2 in compliance with exacting FDA standards for food and beverage safety. Your local filling station may not be in compliance with these standards and could possibly introduce toxins into your CO2. Furthermore, unauthorized filling machines may cause damage to the carbonator. Damaged carbonators will not be accepted for return by Soda-Club. Any gas filling by parties other than Soda-Club authorized filling stations violates the Alco2Jet User License.
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3. Can a different company's carbonator be used?
No, Soda-Club provides a guarantee only for its own products. We are not responsible for the products of any other company, which may damage the machine. Only Soda-Club Alco2Jet carbonators carrying identification and a nylon shrink wrap bearing the Soda-Club name should be used.
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4. How often will I have to replace my Alco2Jet carbonator?
On average, the Alco2Jet carbonator will make 110 liters of seltzer or soda. This number could be more or less depending on the amount of carbonation used when making your drink. A household of four soda drinkers might need to replace the carbonator every 3-4 months, depending on usage.
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5. How should the carbonator be stored?
The Alco2Jet carbonator contains compressed carbon dioxide (CO2.) Compressed gas has a tendency to expand when it is exposed to a source of heat for prolonged periods of time. Therefore, the carbonator must not be exposed to sources of heat (such as travel in the trunk of a car) or placed right next a heat source such as an oven, stove or fireplace. It is important to always store the carbonator unit in a cool and dry environment. Every carbonator is fitted with a unique safety valve which will safely release the gas in the unlikely event the pressure in the carbonator rises.
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6. What is the shelf life of the carbonator?
The Alco2Jet carbonator has no expiration date. As long as your carbonator is stored in a temperate environment, your CO2 will remain fresh and usable indefinitely, with no concern of spoilage.
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7. Is it safe to have a carbonator in my home or kitchen?
Absolutely. Soda-Club Alco2Jet carbonators are manufactured to exacting specifications that include many unique safety features to protect consumers. Carbonators are safe at virtually any altitude (our customers in the Swiss Alps can attest to that!) and are specially equipped with a safety valve that will harmlessly release the gas in the unlikely event that the pressure within the cylinder rises above threshold levels. Please do not expose your Alco2Jet carbonator to extreme heat (such as travel in the trunk of a car, or right next to an oven, stove or fireplace.) Please see above for more information on carbonator safety.
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8. Can I take my carbonator on the plane?
Unless you are traveling in your own private jet, Soda-Club advises against carrying an Alco2Jet carbonator on an airplane. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has restrictions that prohibit compressed gas cylinders in carry-on items as well as in checked baggage.
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| Common Troubleshooting Tips |
1. I made soda and it made a fizzy mess all over my counter. Why?
Make sure your carbonating bottle is filled just to the "Water Fill Line" indicator (the lower of the two pronounced ridges near the neck of the bottle.)
Other possible causes for overflow:
- Trying to carbonate a liquid other than water
- Adding sodamix to the bottle before attempting to carbonate
- Not tilting the carbonating bottle when adding sodamix flavoring
If you still have trouble with overflow after checking these tips, please contact Customer Support for advanced troubleshooting!
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2. I hear gas escaping from the carbonator. Is this a problem?
Not at all. Normally after carbonating a bottle of water, there is a small amount of gas in the soda maker. The tilt of the bottle releases that gas as a safety measure. The amount of gas lost is not problematic, as this gas has already passed through the water as a part of the normal carbonation process.
If you hear gas escaping while you are carbonating your drink (i.e. while pressing the carbonating button) you may need to screw the carbonator more tightly to the soda maker. If the gas continues to escape continuously, this indicates that the sealing washer (the black rubber gasket inside the soda maker where the carbonator connects) is missing or damaged. There is a spare washer located inside the soda makers on some, but not all models. We recommend you replace the sealing washer in your soda maker every 18 months to 2 years. Additional spare washers are available through Soda-Club Customer Support by calling toll-free 1-800-SODACLUB.
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3. How do I know if the carbonator is empty?
There are a number of indications that show your carbonator is empty:
- When you press the carbonating button you will not see any gas going into your bottle of water.
- Even after repeated presses you don't reach the 'buzzing' sound
- The carbonating button may stay down
- The carbonator splutters, showing you have run out of CO2
Please note: An Alco2Jet 110 liter carbonator produces up to 110 bottles of sparkling water for soda, which may last an average family 3-4 months. Soda-Club recommends that you keep a spare carbonator in the cupboard so that when one carbonator runs out, you simply swap the empty carbonator for the full one. That way, you'll keep enjoying fresh, fizzy drinks and can return the empty carbonator as you order your next gas refill.
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4. I press the carbonating button on my soda maker and nothing happens.
Usually this is a sign that there may be two sealer washers in the carbonating gasket head. The sealer washer is a small, black, O-shaped ring about ½" in diameter. To try and correct this problem, first remove the carbonator cover in back of the machine. Unscrew the Alco2Jet carbonator from the fitting and lift the machine so you can see inside the gasket head. Using tweezers or a small screwdriver, attempt to remove the black rubber washer from the head. If there is a second one underneath it, you've just solved your problem! If not, please replace the washer in its original position and call Customer Support at 1-800-SODACLUB. All Soda-Club soda makers come with a spare washer inside the back compartment of the machine.
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5. My soda is not fizzy enough.
Flat soda may indicate that you have not carbonated properly. After twisting the carbonating bottle into place, press the carbonating button ALL THE WAY DOWN in firm short bursts. You will hear a hissing sound at first. Continue to press the button in firm short bursts until you hear a LOUD BUZZ. The loud buzz indicates the first level of carbonation. Three loud buzzes will achieve average carbonation. To see and hear an animated demonstration, please watch Fizz-Ed 101 - remember to turn up the volume so you can hear the difference between "hissing" and "buzzing."
Another tip: Make sure you use very cold water for carbonation. Cold water (from the refrigerator) holds carbonation much better than cold water from the tap. We recommend keeping carbonating bottles full of water in your refrigerator so they are always ready to go when you want a fresh soda!
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6. My soda is not flavorful enough.
The Soda-Club system is designed to allow users to choose how sweet and fizzy they want their drinks. If you have used the recommended amount of sodamix in your drink, try adding a little more until you find the level of flavor you like best.
- Fill only to the level of the water fill line, indicated by the blue arrows near the neck of the carbonating bottle. Overfilling the carbonating bottle will result in a more diluted flavor
- Try a full cap of sodamix -- or more -- if you like a stronger or sweeter flavor
- Shake well after adding sodamix to ensure that the syrup mixes completely with the carbonated water
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