SodaKING Review | The Aussie Alternative to SodaStream Machine

SodaKING is an Australian owned company that is disrupting the soda making world – long dominated by SodaStream®. With affordable pricing and a stylish design, it is no wonder that SodaKING has become a great soda making alternative. 

In this review, we will have a look at SodaKING main features as well as the most common questions about this popular soda maker. 

The verdict: SodaKING is an excellent effective option and often cheaper than other brands. We recommend it for those who are after a simple and affordable soda maker and have no major issues with manual handling.

While most people will have no issues operating a SodaKING machine, a powered soda maker alternative could be a better option for those who have limited hand or arm strength.

How does SodaKING work?

Pretty much like most soda water machines.

When you buy a brand new machine, the first step is to tightly screw the gas cylinder in place. SodaKING uses the ‘standard’ 60L gas canister and is compatible with SodaStream® cylinders. 

Once the gas is in, fill the designated SodaKING bottle with water up to the marked line. Insert the bottle by screwing it in place. Press and hold the button down to add gas. Depending on the desired level of gas, you may repeat this process a couple of times. 

Note that only water can be carbonated using SodaKING. 

You may add flavouring after the carbonation is done. SodaKING has a comprehensive range of flavourings you can buy separately. Alternatively, you can just come up with your own recipe. I highly recommend a few drops of lime and a few mint leaves for a zest summer drink. 

No SodaKING model requires electricity or batteries. That is great if you are after a simple no-fuss machine. You might consider a powered soda maker alternative if you have limited hand or arm strength. 

Price – SodaKING is a more affordable option

SodaKING is on average cheaper than a lot of other brands, including SodaStream.

Looking around online, I was able to find the Spark model in white for $45 (including one bottle and one gas cylinder). The cheapest SodaStream I could find online was priced at $65 (including bottle and canister). These prices are subject to fluctuation. 

SodaKING vs SodaStream

As mentioned above, SodaKING is generally speaking cheaper than SodaStream. 

Another point of difference is a more comprehensive product range by SodaStream with includes electricity-powered models which do not rely on muscle strength. 

Generally speaking, I find SodaStream’s snap-lock or screw mechanism to place the bottle ready for carbonation less tricky to master.

Said that SodaKING remains an excellent alternative at a more affordable price with funky retro design and colours. 

SodaKING has also excellent customer service in case you have issues. You actually get to talk to a real person – Hello Dee!

SodaKING Screw Mechanism

SodaKING has a screw mechanism for inserting the water bottle in place for carbonation. The tricky thing here (particularly for the Spark and the Classic models) is that you don’t simply screw the bottle in place, it actually needs a little push upwards. 

That’s probably the biggest issue a lot of people have with water not gasifying to a satisfactory level. It is important to make sure that the bottle is tightly in place.

Where can I buy SodaKING gas cylinders? 

They are widely available via a lot of news agencies and IGAs. SodaKING has a handy ‘store locator’ on their website. 

SodaKING Design and Models

There are five models of SodaKING to choose from – Classic, Adventurer, Windsor and Spark. All models are pretty similar in terms of functionality. It appears that shape and design are the main points of differentiation. 

SodaKING Classic

SodaKING Classic has a retro-inspired design with a round long shape. This model is available in black, white and red. 

SodaKING Spark

SodaKING Spark is the most recent addition to SodaKING’s product range. I really struggle to find many points of difference between this model and the Classic. Nevertheless, it appears that Spark is a cheaper model on most online retailers’ websites. Again, this model is available in red, white and black. 

SodaKING Adventurer

SodaKING Adventurer is designed to go wherever you go – from your kitchen bench to your favourite camping or picnic spot. It has a convenient handle that makes it easier to carry around. The Adventurer has black side panels and a black handle. The front and back panels come in five different colours: red, blue, green, orange and white. 

This design is more like a rectangle shape with a prominent wave in the front panel used to tilt the bottle screw. This model is often sold with a complimentary picnic bag and flavouring. 

SodaKING Windsor

SodaKING Windsor has a cylinder shape and comes in the ‘usual’ colours: Red, black and white. Although not exactly a ‘bulky’ model, it is not as slick looking as SodaKING Classic or SodaKING Spark. 

SodaKING Retro 

SodaKING Retro Red is a multicolour model red, white and black or grey, silver and black. It has an ‘atomic’ shaped’ top for a retro look with a futuristic twist. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use SodaStream canisters? 

Yes! They are both 60L and have the standard Australian cap. 

Can I use tap water with SodaKING?

Yes, provided tap water is safe to drink – which is the case for most parts of Australia! It is highly recommended, although not mandatory, that you pre-chill your water as carbonation is more efficient when the water is cold. 

Can I carbonate drinks other than water?

No! That’s a big no-no. Other drinks can damage the pipe via which carbon goes into the water. Should that happen, the warranty won’t be valid. 

You can add flavours after the water has been carbonated. In fact, SodaKING has a comprehensive range of flavourings. Or you can add your own! 

For an alternative soda maker that allows you to carbonate other drinks check Qarbo. 

How long is SodaKING’s Warranty?

It goes for two years.