Test House

WE TESTED sparkling water makers & personal blenders

- By Tasneem Larney

Whether you're craving sparkling water without the plastic waste or need a smoothie to get you out the door, today's smart countertop gadgets promise to save time, cut costs and lighten your environmental footprint.

SPARKLING WATER MAKERS

SODASTREAM ENSO
SPECS: 1-LITRE BOTTLE; COMPATIBLE WITH 60-LITRE SODASTREAM QUICK CONNECT CO₂ CYLINDERS
R3 999; sodastream.co.za
Delivering a consistently strong burst of CO₂, the Enso carbonates water quickly and efficiently. Just three presses produce a lively fizz with large, crisp bubbles that stay sparkling for hours. It is intuitive to use – simply insert the bottle neck into the snap-lock system, push it up and back, and press the top button for carbonation. It is compact and easy to clean; the stainless-steel exterior does need the occasional polish to stay spotless. The CO₂ cylinder inserts effortlessly. VERDICT: A premium, beautifully designed appliance. A bit of a splurge, but worth it.

BIBO FIZZ (M0816)
SPECS: 1-LITRE BOTTLE; 60-LITRE SCREW-IN CO₂ CYLINDER (INCLUDED)
R1 686; bibo.co.za
The patented fizz infuser lets you carbonate far more than just water – from tea to wine – using a controlled, slow release of pressure to prevent over-foaming. The valve system releases pressure as needed, and the four-level carbonation selector gives you full control over the amount of fizz. During testing, it injected a generous amount of CO₂ in short bursts, producing consistently bubbly drinks after three cycles. You do need to press quite firmly to release the gas compared to other models, but the results were impressive. The setup and carbonation process involve a few more steps than with other carbonators, but it's easy to assemble, operates quietly and delivers excellent results. VERDICT: A standout performer for its consistent fizz and great value for money. A smart, stylish addition to any kitchen.