Frequently asked questions
Do I need to measure my water to get the proper amount?
No. Simply pour the water into the machine until it is at the bottom of the pouring cup as instructed in the instructions.
How do I make different size drinks? Do I have to completely fill the water chamber?
Plan on making drinks in size increments of 6 ounces (6,12,18,24,30,36,42,48, etc.). Put the correct amount of concentrate for the container you are using in that container and add the correct amount of carbonated water by carbonating 1 or more chambers full. When carbonating always fill the water chamber all the way. If you only fill it half way to make a half size soda, it will require more CO2 to carbonate since it will have to fill the air space in the water chamber with CO2 before it will carbonate the water. Then if you only make a half size drink, dump the remaining water down the sink or bottle it for later use. Do not leave it sitting in the machine. Since the concentrate is the most expensive part of the drink, you don’t want to waste any concentrate.
How do I resurrect a flat soda without pouring it in my machine?
Make an atomic soda of the same type and blend it with the dead drink. To make an atomic soda, after carbonating for a normal drink press the carbonating button down and quickly release it 1 to 4 additional times to make a super carbonated drink.
What is the plastic tube in each of my decanter bottles for?
If you have a plastic tube in your quart decanter bottles, this is an extender for the pump. The pump does not reach all the way to the bottom of the bottle. Put the extender into the bottom end of the pump and cut it to the proper length. Cut at a slight angle so as not to create suction from the bottle.
When we squirt the concentrate into our glass it makes a mess, what can we do about this?
Be sure you are holding the glass so that the rim of the glass is touching the bottom part of the pump where the concentrate comes out. Also when you push the pump down, do so with a smooth stroke and not too hard or fast.
How do I use the Flask Measuring device?
The concentrate will flow into the built in measuring cup when you squeeze the flask with the cap over the built in measuring cup removed. The other cap must be on securely but this one must be removed to allow airflow.
What do the dates stamped on the concentrates mean? A freshness guaranty?
It is somewhat confusing because each manufacturer has a different way of dating their concentrates. Customers often get concerned because they are use to a date stamped on a product being the expiration date. This is not the case with concentrate. The thing for our customers to know is when they order concentrate from us we guarantee all concentrate will be fresh for at least 6 months from the day they receive it as long as it is not placed in a place where it gets hot.
What is the shelf life on concentrates?
All concentrates have a different shelf life depending on its ingredients. Depending on the concentrate they may be good for several years. See our freshness guaranty above. We never recommend you purchase more concentrate than can be used up in a period of 6 months!
Do the concentrates need to be kept in the refrigerator after they are opened?
They don’t need to be kept in the refrigerator before or after they are opened. Store them in a cool dark place like a pantry.
How do I know when I am running out of CO2?
When the CO2 bottle is full it is under maximum pressure and will carbonate quickly. When the CO2 bottle is nearly empty it has minimal pressure and will seem sluggish or slow to carbonate. This then is an indication that it is time to place your next order. The CO2 will go through 2 ½ to 3 ½ gallons of concentrate. The first 1 or 2 bottles of CO2 that you go through will be your learning curve. After you have gone through 2 bottles of CO2 you will always know by the sound when you are about out of CO2 and it is then time to place an order.
