Not MMM but ...

[Workinghard]

Our son has been wanting one of those soda stream things for a couple of years. We're thinking of having one sent to him for his BD. I know there's several models. Has anyone used them and any suggestions on the model to get? I promise not to tell any MMMs if you have one. :P

[nereo]

there was an entire thread about whether a sodastream is "mustachian".  For the record I have one, I use it every day to make carbonated water (I've never liked the flavorings).  It's saved me hundreds$ over the course of several years vs buying carbonated water.

One way to shave the cost is to get a 3rd-party refill adaptor kit so that you can refill the CO2 canisters yourself.  Any home-brew store or paintball shop can rent you a CO2 tank.

[GumbyPickles]

I remember the thread posted here where the sodastream saving you money was pretty much debunked.  I think that's actually how I found this forum for the first time.

I believe the thread indicated that if you plan to use it for carbonated water only, it was a good buy.  Otherwise, No.

[Workinghard]

I guess I missed the other thread.

 I'm not concerned as to whether it saves money or not (since it's a gift) but which model would be the best or sufficient. I do know he likes carbonated water.

[pzxc]

Get the hand-operated model -- then you don't have to buy or refill CO2 cartridges.  You just put the bottle in and screw it on, then press down on the pump about 10-20 times and boom - Fizzy water!

[nereo]

I guess I missed the other thread.

 I'm not concerned as to whether it saves money or not (since it's a gift) but which model would be the best or sufficient. I do know he likes carbonated water.

They all do the same job carbonating water - none are 'better' at this than others.  Some will accept both the average 60L and the larger 130L CO2 canisters.  Other than that, it's all about cosmetics.  Buy whatever one you think he'll like. 

If he's the sort to do 'life-hacks' or at-home mods, there are several different ways of refilling the CO2 canisters (or using paintball cylinders) instead of paying Sodastream's insanely high fees.

[GizmoTX]

We love our Sodastream -- I absolutely hate toting bottles & cans from the store & then having to throw them away (actually the recycling bin, but it's the same trip). I prefer the models with the glass carafe rather than the plastic, which must be periodically replaced. I drink more water when it's carbonated. Chilling the water first helps with the carbonation.

We bought a second CO2 canister to use when the other is empty. We exchange it at Williams Sonoma for half the purchase price of a new canister.

[Workinghard]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. That's what I love about this forum. I can ask a question and get an answer(s). Since I hate shopping aka spending money, I'll pass the info on to my dh. :)