How to Refill Your Soda CO2 Cylinders

Written by Abigail Jolly
November 30, 2023 | Reading time 6 minutes

Refilling a CO2 cylinder can be a straightforward process if done correctly. However, it's crucial to be aware that there are safe and unsafe methods. The purpose of this article is to present you with the optimal approaches for successfully and risk-freely refilling your carbon dioxide (CO2) cylinder.

By following some of these options, you can rest assured that your CO2 cylinder will be safe for use and ready to go whenever you need it. Plus, it's an easy way to save money by refilling instead of buying a new one! Remaining knowledgeable and responsible when using your CO2 cylinders is of utmost importance. Refilling your own CO2 cylinder is a great way to save money, but always remember to use the proper safety procedures. If you have any questions or concerns about refilling your CO2 cylinder, be sure to consult an expert before proceeding.

Can I Refill My Sodastream CO2 Canisters Myself?

While, in theory, you could refill your SodaStream CO2 canisters yourself, it is strongly discouraged to refill canisters at home due to the significant safety risks involved. Tampering with pressurized cylinders, if not done correctly, can lead to dangerous situations, including severe injuries or even potentially fatal accidents.

Join the Refill Club and Refill Your CO2 Canisters The Safe Way

Why It's Not Recommended To Refill CO2 Canisters At Home

Carbon dioxide products come in grades and this talks about how pure the gas is. You see, you can’t just go to any store and buy a regular canister of CO2. You have to check the purity of the gas to see if it’s safe to consume. Impurities like ammonia, benzene, carbon monoxide, and many others are lessened when the grade is higher.

Ammonia can cause burns when ingested, while benzene can cause vomiting. Carbon monoxide, on the other hand, can cause difficulty breathing. It’s pertinent to check the grade before buying the product to avoid these horrific accidents. 

Beverage-grade CO2 boasts a remarkable purity of 99.99%, making it the preferred choice for soda companies in crafting their delightful beverages. When selecting a CO2 canister, ensure to inspect the label or consult your local seller for the certificate of purity, guaranteeing the finest quality.

How Do I Refill My CO2 In Person?

Refilling your CO2 cylinder in person is surprisingly easy, provided you choose a reputable service. Find a nearby store, often a gas or welding supply store, that offers this service. Remember to check that they provide food or beverage-grade CO2 refill services. Once there, hand over your empty cylinder along with the required fee. They will typically exchange your empty SodaStream CO2 canister for a full one.

Here Is The List Of Some Retailers:

  • Walmart
  • Staples
  • Bed Bath and Beyond
  • Home Depot
  • Costco
  • Tesco
  • Target

While exchanging in person seems like the easiest option, many stores cannot guarantee stock of full CO2 canisters -- leaving you stuck with a multitude of empty CO2 canisters with no promise of refilling. Thankfully, we have the solution!

Exchange CO2 Canisters Online Straight From Home With Soda Sense

Welcome to the future of CO2 canister refilling, where the process is as fizzy as the soda itself, thanks to the Soda Sense Refill Club. With this service, you can simply exchange your empty canisters for full ones right from the comfort of your home. Let's dive into the bubbly details!

Upon ordering your first Refill Box, you'll be automatically added to the Refill Club. Once your previously owned CO2 canisters run out, place the empty canisters into your Refill Box, affix the pre-paid shipping label, and hand it off to USPS. There's no need to worry about running to a store or the availability of full canisters. It’s as simple as returning a package, but in this case, you receive a box of fizz in exchange. The second USPS scans your return label, we are notified and create a new CO2 order to be shipped to your home that same day.

With Soda Sense Refill Club, you are ensured a continuous supply of beverage-grade CO2, keeping your drinks crisp and bubbly. Plus, you're being eco-friendly by reusing canisters. So, toast to convenience, environmental consciousness, and never-ending fizz right at your doorstep!

How to Determine if Your CO2 Canisters Are Empty

Determining if your CO2 canisters are empty is an essential skill to master, particularly if you want to avoid a fizzless soda. Don't fret, as it's simpler than you might imagine, and doesn't involve any complicated tools or expertise.

Firstly, the most obvious sign is an absence or decrease in the carbonation of your beverages. If your drinks are coming out less bubbly than usual, or not fizzy at all, it's a reliable indicator that your CO2 canister is running low or has completely run out. It's a simple and effective method to identify the need for a refill, but it might also mean having to settle for a flat drink.

Next, take into account the weight of the canister. A CO2 canister is approximately 540 grams when empty and should weigh around 920 grams when full. By simply weighing the canister, you can estimate the remaining amount of CO2. This approach necessitates a scale capable of handling at least one kilogram and providing measurements in grams.

Lastly, remember to keep track of the number of liters you've carbonated. A standard CO2 canister should be able to carbonate roughly 60 liters of water. If you've been keeping a tab on your carbonation consumption, it should give you a fair idea of when to expect your canister to run out.

Knowing when your CO2 canister is empty is key to ensuring a consistent supply of bubbly beverages. By using these methods, you can avoid unexpected fizz droughts and ensure your drinks stay as effervescent as your spirit!

How to Make Sure CO2 Cylinders Are Ready for Shipping

Have trouble with making sure that your canister is fully empty before sending it back? Here are a couple of things that you can do in order to make sure that you are taking the correct and safest precautions to do so. 

  1. There is a center pin at the top of your bottle, you will want to make sure that you are facing it away from you or anything you could potentially harm in case there is still a little CO2 in there. Doing this outside would be best.
  2. Take a spoon, and decompress the canister from the center of the pin on the top of the bottle. This is to ensure that any CO2 that is left is gone and safe for you to store or ship back. If nothing comes out, then the canister is empty already. 
  3. After decompressing the canister, you will want to take the cap that comes with it and make sure that you are twisting it on to make sure that it is closed and secure for being shipped back out. 

Enjoy The Fizz Without The Fuss - Opt for Soda Sense

Choosing to refill your CO2 canisters should be a responsible, sustainable, and straightforward process. With Soda Sense, you get exactly that - a hassle-free, eco-friendly solution that ensures you never run out of fizz. You're not just opting for a service, but joining a community of bubbly beverage enthusiasts who care for the environment and relish convenience. So why wait? Embrace the future of CO2 canister refilling with Soda Sense and keep the bubbles flowing!