Since there's so much discussion - both good and bad - regarding this product, I thought I'd put in my 2 cents...
Yes, I really like this item...but I was initially so-so until I figured out the right method to make the water as fizzy as possible.
Like others, I was initially dismayed about the quality of the fizz, however after about 20 CO2 cartridges worth of trial and error, I think I've figured out the best possible method to make the water very fizzy:
1. Use cold water.Yes... I know, everyone has been suggesting this...but seriously, this really makes a difference. I'm not talking about cool water here... the water needs to be COLD.And the secret trick that no one really seems to be talking about here is that the cold water needs to be poured into a chilled siphon! Before first use, put the empty metal siphon in the freezer to get it nice and chilled.After that, every new batch will stay cold since you'll be storing the siphon in the fridge before refreshing it.
2. after dispensing the (single) CO2 cartridge into the water, SHAKE THE CANISTER VIGOROUSLY 20 TIMES BEFORE PUTTING IT INTO THE FRIDGE. The instructions suggest shaking it 5 times.I found 20 works alot better
3. keep it in the fridge for at least an hour before dispensing for the first time.
By following the steps above, you should get a premium-level output.Sure, its not going to be ultra fizzy like the artificially charged soda can drinks, but the seltzer water is of surprising quality when following these directions.
Lastly, I wanted to make a few additional comments about this product that haven't been discussed too much in the other reviews:
1. The siphon is ofhigh quality.It's very solidly built.
2. It's made in Austria, not China like many of the knockoffs here on Amazon and Ebay
3. This is actually a very cost-effective way of making soda water if you purchase the co2 in bulk.I bought a 100-pack of chargers here for about 34 bucks... making the cost per quart 34cents!
4. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY THE ISI CARTRIDGES! ANY 8 GRAM "FOOD-GRADE" CO2 CARTRIDGES WILL WORK PERFECTLY INCLUDING NTG, MOSA AND THE WHIPIT BRAND (CO2 NOT NO2!!)
Hope this helps some of you on the fence about this product.
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iSi 2248 Soda Siphon, Brushed AluminumProduct Description: Save money on buying carbonated soda water--as well as stay green without all the added plastic bottles--with the Austrian-made iSi Soda Siphon, which offers a timeless elegance with its brushed aluminum finish. Great for Italian Sodas, spritzers with wine or juice, the Soda Siphon features a removable measuring tube for easy cleaning and to prevent overfilling. A secure neck threading and a pressure-regulating system provide maximum safety. It comes with a CO2 soda charger that makes approximately 32 ounces of soda water, and additional CO2 chargers are available for refills. The bottle stores comfortably in the refrigerator when filled.
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We love this waffle maker.It cooks the perfect waffle, if you use the right recipe.We like the overnight waffle mix the best.Ten minutes the night before and five minutes in the morning and you get wonderful waffles.Personally we like our waffles well toasted so we use the 5 setting (the recipe recommends using the 4 setting).Truthfully it's a little awkward to clean - but a few paper towels (after the unit has cooled off) and some water pretty much does the trick.The waffle maker is particularly fun when we have guests staying over.We make a bunch of bacon, eggs, tomatoes, etc. and fire up the waffle maker.People say it's better than most restaurant brunches and easy to use too.The biggest pro is great waffles.The biggest con is the hassle of cleaning afterward, however I would put the level of difficulty in the same category as cleaning a skillet after cooking bacon (pouring the juice in a junk can and than lots of soap).
