Is SodaStream cheaper than buying sparkling water?

For most households using 1+ liters per day, SodaStream is significantly cheaper than buying sparkling water. A 60L cylinder at $18 carbonate roughly 60 liters at $0.30/liter vs. $0.80–$1.50 per liter for store-bought sparkling water.

When does upgrading to a 5 lb CO₂ tank pay off?

Upgrading to a 5 lb CO₂ tank typically pays off within 6–12 months for users going through more than 4–5 SodaStream cylinders per year. The upfront cost (tank + regulator + adapter) runs $80–$150, but the CO₂ refill cost drops to roughly $10–$15 per tank-equivalent vs. $60–$80 for the same volume via SodaStream exchanges.

SodaStream vs CO₂ Tank Cost Calculator: Which Is Cheaper Long-Term?

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Your CO₂ Usage & Cost Comparison

Adjust inputs to match your actual usage and local prices

Your Usage

Liters of Sparkling Water Per Day

Liters Per SodaStream Cylinder

Standard 60L cylinder. Cold water extends this.

Option A: SodaStream Official Exchange

Cost Per Cylinder Exchange ($)

Machine Purchase Cost ($)

Enter 0 if already owned

Option B: Third-Party Refill (Homebrew Shop)

Cost Per Refill ($)

Homebrew shops: $5–$10. Mail-order: $12–$16.

Machine Cost (if new, $)

Enter 0 if same machine as Option A

Option C: Upgrade to 5 lb CO₂ Tank + Regulator

Setup Cost: Tank + Regulator + Adapter ($)

Typical: 5 lb tank $40, regulator $40–$60, adapter $15–$25

Cost Per 5 lb Refill ($)

A 5 lb tank = ~11 SodaStream 60L cylinders worth

What This Calculator Considers

Most online comparisons only look at per-cylinder cost. This calculator includes:

Upfront hardware costs — machine, tank, regulator, and adapter
Ongoing CO₂ cost — based on your actual daily usage
Break-even timeline — when each option becomes cheaper than the alternative
1, 2, and 5-year totals — so you can see the long-term picture

It does not include the cost of water, electricity, or your time driving to refill locations — factors that may further favor the upgrade option for heavy users.

💡 When the Upgrade Makes the Most Sense

The 5 lb tank upgrade pays off fastest for users going through 6+ SodaStream cylinders per year. If you're carbonating more than 1.5 liters daily, you'll likely hit break-even within 8–14 months. See our full CO₂ tank upgrade guide for everything you need to make the switch.

CO₂ Cost Calculator

What This Calculator Considers

Carbonation Level Calculator

Syrup Dilution Calculator

CO₂ Tank Upgrade Guide

Third-Party CO₂ Refill Guide