Siphon for carbonating water: characteristics, purpose and tips for choosing

Some people consider siphons for carbonating water to be absolutely useless and unnecessary things that are not even the slightest need. But there are also those who cannot imagine life without such adaptation. Many people love soda nowadays. It is not uncommon for people to drink these drinks every day. However, it is not so convenient to constantly run to the store to replenish stocks of soda. Although these drinks are inexpensive, they are often made from not the safest and most useful components. This is where special siphons come to the rescue, with which you can make soda yourself at home.

On the shelves of shops and supermarkets, you can find many different varieties of soda. The most popular are branded products with rich and vibrant flavors that many consumers adore. However, they do not always contain really useful and safe elements that have a beneficial effect on human health. Much more often there are quite harmful products that can affect the body extremely negatively. In this case, there is only one way out - to prepare carbonated drinks yourself at home.

To make a tasty and harmless soda, you will have to stock up not only on the products necessary to form a good taste, but also on such an item as a siphon. These household appliances are designed for active gas saturation of water. They are characterized by the fact that they act mechanically.

Modern siphons are presented in a large assortment. They are produced by both little-known and fairly large brands, whose products are enviable in popularity. It should be noted that these devices are simply irreplaceable in the preparation of delicious homemade drinks. Most of these models are characterized by the following inherent qualities.

• The lion's share of modern soda siphons are easy to use. It's easy to figure out how they work.
• These devices are durable and reliable. Even with daily use, they serve for a long time and do not fail.
• Such siphons are also characterized by the fact that they usually do not take up much space, since they themselves are not too large. Plus, they can be easily moved from one location to another.
• The principle of operation of these devices is quite simple. Many home craftsmen do not buy siphons in stores, but make them with their own hands. Often, such devices are much cheaper, but they turn out to be no less effective. The main thing is to do everything correctly so that in the end the siphon is safe and reliable.
• All parts present in the design of these units can be repaired in most cases.

Of course, the main characteristics of siphons for preparing carbonated drinks may differ depending on the properties of a particular model from a particular manufacturer. For example, there are products on sale that have both a simple and a very original design. These units also differ in their cost. On store shelves, you can find both budget and rather expensive options with many additional features.

The siphon device for preparing a variety of carbonated drinks is quite simple and straightforward. This popular household appliance is designed with the following components:

• the vessel itself with a high pressure in the interior, which contains the liquid;
• a siphon tube that extends from the water collected in the vessel to the rubber gland in the upper part;
• a rubber gland leads to a lever, when pressed, water is released from the container;
• a CO2 cylinder that attaches to the high pressure vessel itself.

This is the standard design for soda siphons. Most of these units on the market have just a similar design.

Before buying a siphon for making carbonated drinks loved by many, you should familiarize yourself with the principle of its operation. Knowing these features of this device, it will be more convenient and easier to use it. Today, there are two main types of high-quality and efficient siphons on the markets. Let's consider the principle of operation of one of them - the classical apparatus.

This model was developed back in 1829. It has not lost its popularity up to the present day. Of course, this siphon has undergone many changes, but they are more related to its design than to the functionality and mechanism of action.

The siphon is a capacious container that is ¾ filled with water, and then closes as tightly and reliably as possible. The design of this unit, as mentioned above, includes a valve (of the capsule type), inside of which there is a filling in the form of carbon dioxide. It is through this component that the gas enters the interior of the sealed vessel. After that, it simply dissolves in the liquid inside the container, filling with itself all the remaining unoccupied space.

As soon as the lever is pressed, the outlet valve opens. Further, under the influence of pressure, the liquid is poured into the dishes you have prepared - into a mug or glass.

Today, for the preparation of delicious soda, many models of high-quality and reliable siphons are produced. The range of these devices pleases with its diversity. However, all existing models of siphons can be divided into two main categories - classic and saturator devices. Let's get to know both those and others better.

These soda siphons are among the most common. They are produced by many manufacturers. However, different models differ from each other not in their functionality or mechanism, but only in their external design - color, design. In addition to the device itself, for a classic device, you will need to additionally purchase special replaceable cartridges, inside of which carbon dioxide is contained. Previously, the latter were used many times, but today it has become not the cheapest pleasure.

The main advantages of classic siphons are:

• simplicity and ease of use;
• durability and reliability;
• the possibility of daily use;
• light weight and modest size;
• all parts can be repaired;
• the drink stays fresh for a long time and remains carbonated until the container is empty;
• it is permissible to use any cans from all existing manufacturers.

Of the minuses, the following can be noted:

• basically, such units are designed for only one liter of liquid, which means that you will have to re-fill the water many times and replace the cartridge;
• recharging cylinders is expensive;
• it is very important to follow all the necessary rules during the application.

For the preparation of soda, special devices called saturators are also used. This is the same siphon for making carbonated lemonade, but slightly modified. This unit was developed in 1955. Since then, the developers have been constantly improving the appearance of this model and its device.

Saturators are assembled from a plastic case (sometimes other materials are used), into which a carbon dioxide cylinder is inserted. The main distinguishing feature of this model from the classic is its volume. This version contains not 8, but 425 g of CO2. A bottle of liquid must be screwed to the outlet. After that, you must press the gas supply button. This is how the water is aerated.

If you decide to stock up on such a device, then you need to keep in mind that for it you need to buy bottles made by the same manufacturer as the siphon itself. If you neglect this rule, then you may be faced with the fact that the container simply will not work. When working with this model, you should not overdo it with water, since pouring it in excess of the specified division, there is a risk of flooding the entire room in which you make lemonade. In addition, the pressure generated during the preparation of soda can cause malfunctions in the system as a whole.

The main advantages of saturators are:

• ease of use;
• stylish and aesthetic appearance, which may well decorate the existing interior;
• such a model does not need to be constantly recharged, because it has a sufficient cylinder volume;
• this device is very convenient (water can be stored directly in bottles, which can be immediately put on the table, on the refrigerator shelf, or taken with you when going somewhere);
• such models are very productive.

Of the minuses, the following can be noted:

• such units are expensive, especially when compared with simple classic options;
• if the bottle body is made of plastic, and is not, for example, glass, then it will be subject to serious deformation;
• If you do not follow the instructions, then a 425 gram gas cartridge can be a serious threat;
• you can use bottles produced by the same manufacturer that produced the siphon itself;
• if you use it too often, the gas will quickly disappear.

Care should be taken when choosing a siphon for making effervescent soda. It is worth adhering to some simple recommendations in order to purchase a not too expensive and practical model. Let's get acquainted with them.

• If you want to choose the most profitable siphon option, then you should follow the promotions. Paying attention to them, you will be able not only to significantly save money, but also to buy a device with a free set of cans (the set may also contain syrup or any food additives).
• Buy only branded siphons, and with them branded spray cans. If you do not adhere to this rule, then you can acquire unsafe devices that can cause injury.
• Pay attention to the quality of the materials from which the siphon is made. In addition, it must be assembled with good quality. All component parts must be in place and flawlessly fastened. The siphon must be made of high quality and dense materials. If the model is made of aluminum, then it must be treated with a special compound that protects the metal from corrosion.
• The siphon should be free of damage, scratches, chips and other defects. If any were noticed by you, it is advisable to refuse to purchase the device. It is unlikely that it will last long or be safe enough. It's not worth the risk.
• If the issue of aesthetics in the kitchen is important to you, then you should pay attention to the design of the selected siphon. Fortunately, today the range of such devices is very diverse, so choosing the ideal option for any interior will not be difficult.
• Buy any models of siphons in trusted stores with a good reputation. It is undesirable to take such things in obscure street shops.

It is not enough to know how to choose the right siphon. You need to use it correctly at home. Let's get acquainted with some of the features of using this device for preparing drinking treats.

• To pour liquid into a classic siphon, you just need to unscrew the head, take out a thin tube with a silicone gasket. There will still be a thicker tube in the neck - you do not need to remove it. It is worth doing this only when you want to wash the container.
• Liquid should be poured into the saturator tank only up to the required mark. Further, in order to carbonate the water, you only need to press the special gas button. You don't have to press too many times to damage the bottle, especially if it is made of plastic.
• You can fill the cans with carbon dioxide at home, but this is not recommended, especially if the bottle is large enough. Today there are many companies that provide services for refueling and replacing these elements. If you buy small cans for the device, then it must be produced by the same company.
• It is strongly discouraged to lean over the siphon during its action. In addition, children should stay away from this apparatus, especially if it is working. This way you protect yourself and your young people from serious injury.
• Only cold and clean water should be filled into the siphons.
• Do not overturn or shake the device while pouring liquid.
• Do not fill devices with liquid up to the highest point.

The following video will clearly demonstrate how to use a siphon to soda water.