Having written reviews for senses.se for some time, I also bring 20 years of experience in consumer product sales to the table. My journey began in the early 2000s at Elgiganten, where I sold a significant number of Sodastream machines. Beyond my professional experience, my family has owned three Sodastreams, particularly useful when our children were younger and we aimed to limit their soda consumption. We achieved that goal with one child, at least. To summarize my experience: Sodastream typically offers affordable, practical machines, though they often exhibit a somewhat plasticky aesthetic.
However, the introduction of the Sodastream ensō signals a shift, marking the company’s entry into the premium sparkling water maker market. The Covid-19 pandemic spurred many households to renovate their kitchens, leading to increased demand for visually appealing appliances. Aarke, for instance, capitalized on this trend, pioneering a new segment in sparkling water machines that was relatively non-existent a decade ago. Now, Sodastream aims to claim its share of this market.
The upgrade extends beyond the machine itself, beginning with the packaging. While packaging is often discarded, the ensō’s presentation is notably eye-catching, minimalist, and stylish. I’ve brought numerous appliances home over the years, and my wife, a proponent of minimalism, can be quite critical. Upon seeing the ensō in the kitchen, her immediate reaction was: “Wow – that’s really nice!”. Such a positive initial impression speaks volumes about its aesthetic appeal.
Beyond aesthetics, a key innovation is the patented Quick Connect system, designed for effortless assembly. It functions flawlessly. After researching Sodastream and the ensō, I noticed targeted social media ads, and many users expressed concerns about the increased cartridge cost. At retailers like Clas Ohlson, the cartridge is priced at 79 SEK, translating to 1.3 SEK per liter. Even if an older cartridge were available for 59 SEK, it would still cost 1 SEK per liter. Therefore, I believe the Quick Connect cartridge remains a cost-effective option.
Another notable feature is the bottle attachment with Snap & Lock technology, which my daughter helpfully demonstrated. I find this feature particularly appealing, as I dislike screwing bottles on. It’s an incredibly smooth and welcome upgrade. The included bottle is cleverly designed with a removable bottom for easy cleaning and is dishwasher safe. The machine also supports other Sodastream bottle types, ranging from 0.5 to 1 liter, adding to its versatility.
The core question remains: does the ensō produce quality sparkling water? The answer is yes. Throughout our testing period, we encountered no issues and consistently achieved satisfactory results. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you deem the ensō’s price justified and whether you appreciate its design. Personally, I believe that while 2,200 SEK is a significant investment, the design, Snap & Lock technology, and Quick Connect system collectively warrant the cost. I rarely conclude reviews in this manner, but I believe Sodastream has created a compelling product for the Swedish market.
Sodastream provided a review unit. Provision of materials does not influence editorial objectivity.
