(updated 3/5/17)
I admit it; I love soda. When I am stressed I crave two things – soda and chocolate. However, I realize that my waistline and budget are not thanking me for these two things. So in February 2012 we bought a SodaStream soda maker. I got a particularly good deal with a $20 off coupon from Target, a $10 gift card from another Target promotion, and a $10 rebate from SodaStream, making my $80 SodaStream only $40!
My husband loves that we can make seltzer any time and I love that there are so many choices of sodas and that they use sucralose instead of some of the other harmful artificial sweeteners that are out there.
It is so nice to make soda whenever we want and to have it for guests on Shabbos. It is also great not to be creating so much waste!
Based on my price research, Bed, Bath & Beyond is the cheapest place to get the soda flavors or flavor essences or (if you use $5 off coupons or 20% off coupons). Although, there have been times I will get the flavors at Walmart or Target to save me a separate trip to Bed Bath. The best strategy is to get your refill canister at Bed Bath and buy the flavors there on the same trip. Use your $5 off coupon for the canister, and use another on 3 flavors. Even using a 20% off coupon makes their prices far cheaper than anywhere else. Bed Bath will also take your empty canisters and sell you a refill for HALF the price of getting a new one at other stores.
The Starter Kits vary based on what model you get, so I did not include their prices here. See the SodaStream website for descriptions of all of the models. Be aware that the fancier models have a meter that measures your carbonator level. You may need to take the battery out to use this type on Shabbos. The website also has helpful information on stores that carry their products and details on how to get new carbonators.
Happy shopping! Please share any comments on your experiences with the SodaStream below!
Surviving on a tight budget 
Are all the flavors kosher and if not are the kosher ones clearly labelled with the hashkacha? Thank you for this info; it’s probably such a huge saver over buying tons of seltzer!
That was the first question I had when I was looking into buying one. Yes, they all are OU and the seltzer itself is OUP. Here is the link with info. and kosher certificates: http://www.sodastreamusa.com/faq.aspx#d10. Thanks for reading and have a great Purim!