DRINKPOD DPFZPOD1K-AG Soda Maker: Full Review

The Fizzpod Soda Maker is an innovative countertop appliance that allows you to easily make sparkling water and soda at home. This Drinkpod model uses disposable CO2 cartridges to carbonate water, eliminating the need for bulky tanks or electricity. The Fizzpod provides an affordable and user-friendly option for homemade sodas and sparkling water.

With the Fizzpod, you simply fill the BPA-free water bottle, attach a disposable CO2 cartridge, screw on the cap, and press a button to carbonate your beverage in seconds. The carbonation lasts for weeks when the bottle is sealed. Each CO2 cartridge contains enough gas to carbonate up to 60 liters, providing great value. The Fizzpod includes a sample pack of 12 fruit flavor mixes so you can enjoy flavored sodas without artificial sweeteners or preservatives. It's an excellent alternative to store-bought soda that gives you control over the ingredients while saving money. Keep reading for a more in-depth look at the features and performance of the Fizzpod Drinkpod soda maker model DPFZPOD1K-AG.

Design

The DrinkPod soda maker has a sleek and modern design made of BPA-free plastic. It is lightweight and compact in size at just 12.5 x 6.5 x 15.5 inches, making it easy to store in most kitchens. The soda maker comes in three color options - black, white, and red - so you can choose the one that best matches your kitchen's aesthetic.

The materials used in the DrinkPod are high quality and durable. The main soda maker unit is made of BPA-free plastic that is designed to be long-lasting. Many of the internal parts like tubes and valves are made from stainless steel and silicon to withstand the pressure of carbonation. The CO2 canister is made of aluminum for strength and lightness.

Overall, the DrinkPod has a well-designed system with smart features like auto-stop when carbonation is complete. The materials seem built to last through many cycles of use. And with three color choices, you can pick the look that fits your style.

Ease of Use

The Drinkpod Fizzpod is designed for convenience and ease of use. Setup takes just a few minutes - simply wash the bottle, attach the carbonation adapter to your drink bottle, connect the CO2 canister, and you're ready to go.

Cleaning is straightforward since there are only a few parts. The main bottle is dishwasher safe, while the carbonation adapter can be handwashed with soap and water. After use, release any excess CO2 from the canister to avoid buildup.

Overall, the Fizzpod requires minimal maintenance. The CO2 canister will last for up to 60 liters of carbonation. Replacement CO2 cylinders are readily available online or in stores. Just be sure to completely empty canisters before exchanging to avoid waste.

The simple design and limited parts means even beginners will find the Fizzpod easy to use right away. And the minimal cleanup keeps soda making an easy, mess-free process.

Features

The DrinKpod DPFZPOD1K-AG soda maker has several useful features that make it a versatile appliance for homemade carbonated beverages.

Carbonation

The DrinKpod utilizes CO2 cylinders to carbonate water. It can infuse fizzy bubbles into still water in just 30 seconds for fast carbonation. The carbonation level is adjustable, so you can make lightly sparkling water or a very fizzy soda. It accommodates 60L CO2 cylinders.

Flavor Variety

This soda maker includes reusable flavor pods that add syrup flavors to carbonated water. Each pod can be used to make 9 liters of flavored soda or sparkling water. There are 18 flavor pods included such as cola, lemon-lime, grape, and orange. The flavor pods allow you to create a variety of flavored carbonated beverages from home.

Bottle Compatibility

The DrinKpod soda maker is designed to work with PET plastic bottles up to 1 liter in size. It includes 6 BPA-free reusable PET bottles with flip caps. You can also use your own PET bottles if they are compatible in size. This gives you the flexibility to make carbonated drinks in plastic bottles for on-the-go.

Carbonation

The Fizzpod's carbonation levels are quite impressive for a compact home soda maker. It produces a very satisfying fizziness that comes close to replicating the effervescence you'd get from a bottled or canned soda.

Unlike some soda makers that produce a flatter, less bubbly carbonation, the Fizzpod generates a lively fizz with each pour that really enhances the drinking experience. The carbonation provides a nice tingling sensation on the tongue and makes the flavors in each Drinkpod really pop.

When it comes to taste, the bubbly carbonation does a great job of accentuating the flavors of the syrups without being overpowering. The carbonation strikes a nice balance - it's strong enough to uplift the flavors but not too aggressive that it alters or distorts the intended taste.

Overall, the carbonation level contributes positively to each homemade soda you make. It produces an authentic, soda-like fizziness and effervescence that complements the flavors perfectly.

Flavor Variety

One of the best things about the Drinkpod soda maker is the wide variety of flavors you can create. It comes with 6 syrup flavor concentrates to start - cola, lemon-lime, orange, root beer, pink grapefruit, and ginger ale. These syrups allow you to quickly make classic carbonated beverages.

Beyond the included flavors, Drinkpod offers over 50 additional syrups you can purchase separately. They have common flavors like cherry, peach, and cream soda, as well as more unique options like strawberry daiquiri, mojito, and mai tai. This gives you tons of variety to suit any taste or mood.

You aren't limited only to Drinkpod syrups either. The soda maker allows you to get creative and make your own flavor combinations. You can add purees, juices, herbs, spices, tea, coffee, alcohol, and more. There are countless drink recipes online you can follow. Or get adventurous and come up with your own signature flavor mixes!

The flavor possibilities are nearly endless with Drinkpod. You can make all kinds of sodas, sparkling waters, cocktails, and beyond. It really expands your options for customized, homemade drinks.

Value

The DrinkPod offers excellent value compared to many other home soda makers. At around $100, it's affordably priced for most households looking to make their own carbonated beverages. The starter kit includes the carbonator and one CO2 cylinder, providing everything you need to get started making soda at home.

Replacement CO2 cylinders are very reasonably priced at around $20 each. This is far more affordable long-term than buying canned or bottled soda, especially when you factor in the versatility of being able to customize flavors. Each cylinder carbonates up to 60 liters of water, equivalent to around 4 cases of soda.

The DrinkPod uses pre-filled flavor pods, which provide convenience but are more costly than buying soda syrups by the bottle. Each pod carbonates up to 1 liter of water and costs around $1, so to carbonate 4 liters it would cost $4. Comparable syrups cost around $10 for 4 liters worth. However, the pods offer simplicity and mess-free preparation compared to manually adding syrups.

Overall, the DrinkPod provides an affordable at-home soda making option, with the added convenience of flavor pods. While the pods may cost more than sodas made from bulk syrup, the all-in-one system still beats out buying canned and bottled beverages in the long run.

Cleaning

The DrinKpod soda maker is very easy to clean. The main parts that need cleaning are the carbonation cylinder and the flavor pods.

To clean the carbonation cylinder, simply detach it from the base after each use and rinse it out with water. No scrubbing is required. The cylinder should be cleaned after each use to prevent mold or bacteria growth. It only takes a minute or two to give it a quick rinse.

The flavor pods are single use, so no cleaning is required. Simply pop in a new pod each time you want to make a fresh drink. One of the benefits of this soda maker is that there are no flavor syrups or concentrates to wash out between drinks. The disposable pods eliminate that cleaning step.

The exterior of the soda maker just needs an occasional wipe down with a damp cloth if any drips or spills occur. Overall, the DrinKpod requires very minimal effort to keep clean. The simple design and disposable pods allow for fast and easy cleanup after each use.

Limitations

While the DrinkPod soda maker offers many benefits, it does have some drawbacks to consider:

• Limited flavor variety - The DrinkPod uses proprietary flavor pods which limits the variety of flavors available. Other soda makers allow you to carbonate any drink.

• Carbonation not as strong - Reviews indicate the carbonation level is decent but not as bubbly or effervescent as some higher end soda makers.

• Slow carbonation process - It can take up to 2 hours to fully carbonate the water, which is slower than pressure-based soda makers.

• Pod waste - The use of disposable pods creates plastic waste compared to adding your own flavoring.

• Size limitations - Designed for personal use, it only makes up to 1 liter at a time. Not ideal for large gatherings or parties.

• No Spare CO2 cylinders - It uses non-refillable CO2 cartridges so you have to keep buying replacements.

• Durability concerns - Some reviews mention issues with leaking and wear after moderate use. Questionable durability.

So while the DrinkPod offers simplicity and convenience, it does sacrifice carbonation power, flavor options, speed, and eco-friendliness compared to some competing soda makers. Consider your needs before purchasing.

Conclusion

Overall, the Drinkpod DPFZPOD1K-AG soda maker is a great option for anyone looking to make their own carbonated beverages at home. It offers excellent carbonation and a variety of drink flavors, all at an affordable price.

The device is easy to use, even for beginners. Just add water and a Drinkpod, press a button, and in minutes you'll have a fizzy drink ready to enjoy. The carbonation level can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. The Drinkpods come in a wide assortment of flavors, from classic cola to more unique options like ginger ale, so you're sure to find some favorites.

The Drinkpod is quick and simple to clean, requiring just a rinse between uses. It's compact and won't take up much space on your kitchen counter.

Overall, if you enjoy carbonated drinks and want the ability to make your own at home with minimal effort, the Drinkpod DPFZPOD1K-AG is a great soda maker to consider. It's an inexpensive introduction to home carbonation that consistently delivers good results. The convenience and variety of flavors make it a winner for personal or family use. It's not as heavy duty as some pricier models, but for basic soda making needs, the Drinkpod gets top marks.