How Does the SodaStream CO2 Exchange Work?

You order replacement cylinders, then mail back eligible empties using the return materials supplied with a 2-cylinder exchange pack. This gives you fresh gas before you send the old cylinders away.

The process has 4 steps:

Choose the exchange pack that fits your machine.
Save its original shipping box and prepaid USPS label.
Pack 2 empty cylinders and send them according to the included directions.
Register the shipment online and keep your tracking details.

SodaStream says it issues the Amazon gift card within 2 weeks of receiving both cylinders. Shipping time comes before that processing window, so don't count from the day you place your order.

The gift card arrives later and is separate from your replacement order. Choose this route if mailing a parcel fits your routine and you'll use the Amazon credit.

If you'd rather handle an exchange locally, compare SodaStream CO2 refill options near you before buying a mail-in pack.

Which cylinders can you return?

These exchange packs accept empty 60L cylinders, including eligible cylinders from other brands. You don't need SodaStream-branded empties to use this return offer.

Accepted brands include Soda Sense, Aarke, Ninja, SimpliSoda, Drinkmate, and Sodology. Follow the pack's directions when preparing your return.

Return eligibility and machine compatibility are separate checks. An empty cylinder may qualify for the program even though a replacement with the same connector wouldn't fit your current machine.

If you have only 1 empty cylinder, keep it until you have the required pair. Don't send a partly full cylinder just to complete a return sooner.

An exchange also differs from filling a cylinder yourself. Our guide to whether you can refill SodaStream CO2 cylinders explains that separate route.

How do you choose the right SodaStream cylinder?

Match the connection on your machine before comparing pack sizes. A cylinder's capacity or brand name doesn't make it fit both systems.

Pink Quick Connect cylinders suit compatible models such as Terra, ART, ENSO, E-Terra, E-Duo, and Gaia. Blue screw-in cylinders suit threaded models such as Fizzi, One Touch, Jet, Penguin, Spirit, Source, Power, Crystal, Play, and Fountain.

Check your exact machine's manual if you're unsure, especially when buying for someone else or replacing gas in an older machine. Our SodaStream screw-in vs Quick Connect guide explains the connector differences.

Is the pink 2-cylinder SodaStream CO2 exchange pack a fit?

Choose this pack for a Quick Connect household that wants a mail-in return. It combines replacement gas with the box and label needed to send back your empties.

It suits regular users who want a spare ready while another cylinder is installed. Keep the return box somewhere dry and accessible so it doesn't get discarded with ordinary packaging.

Skip it if your machine has a threaded connection, or if your main goal is to build a larger reserve without mailing cylinders. The pink 3-pack below better fits that second need.

If you don't yet have 2 empties, you can keep the exchange materials while you use your cylinders. Plan around that delay rather than expecting the gift card immediately.

When does the blue screw-in exchange pack fit?

Choose this pack for a threaded machine and a mail-in exchange routine. It serves the same return purpose as the pink exchange pack, with a different cylinder connection.

This is the practical choice for an existing screw-in setup when you already have empties to return. There's no reason to change machines just to use the exchange process.

Skip it for a Quick Connect machine, even if you recognize SodaStream model names on other cylinder packs. Confirm the connector rather than assuming all SodaStream gas cylinders are interchangeable.

Households with both cylinder systems should store them separately and mark which machine each serves. That helps prevent someone from opening the wrong replacement during a swap.

Should you keep spare cylinders?

Keep at least 1 full spare if uninterrupted carbonation matters to you. A reserve lets you replace an empty cylinder without waiting for delivery or making a store trip.

Think about your rotation before buying a larger pack. One cylinder can stay installed, another can wait as a full spare, and empties can be set aside for your chosen exchange route.

A household making sparkling water daily has more reason to hold several cylinders than someone using a machine occasionally. Extra stock also needs a suitable storage spot.

SodaStream says each cylinder can make up to 60 liters, depending on the machine and carbonation level. Stronger fizz uses more gas, so plan from your own use rather than treating that maximum as a fixed schedule.

When does a 3-pack of pink cylinders make sense?

Choose the pink 3-pack for a busy Quick Connect household building a reserve. It gives you more cylinders to rotate through before you need replacement gas.

This pack suits daily drinkers, shared kitchens, or anyone who prefers fewer gas-replacement errands. It also makes sense when you already have a convenient way to exchange empties locally.

Treat it as a spare-cylinder pack. Don't expect the mail-in box, prepaid label, or gift card offer supplied with the 2-cylinder exchange option.

Skip the larger reserve if you drink sparkling water rarely or have little storage space. More cylinders are useful only when they make your routine easier.

When does a 3-pack of blue cylinders make sense?

Choose the blue 3-pack for a frequently used screw-in machine when keeping gas available matters more than receiving mail-in return materials.

It suits households that already know their threaded setup and want several cylinders in rotation. Decide where the empties will go before ordering, so a larger reserve doesn't become a pile awaiting an exchange plan.

Skip it if you want the specific mail-in offer described above, or if your machine uses Quick Connect. Compare pack types in our SodaStream CO2 cylinder guide.

How should you install and care for replacement cylinders?

Follow your machine's cylinder-change instructions, because Quick Connect and screw-in systems attach differently. Remove the carbonating bottle and make sure the machine isn't operating before starting.

For Quick Connect, use the machine's locking mechanism as directed. For a threaded cylinder, align the connection carefully and tighten by hand according to the manual; don't use tools to force it.

Check that a replacement's seal is intact before installation. Don't install a cylinder with visible damage, and don't attempt to repair its valve.

Store spare cylinders upright in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep full cylinders apart from empties so you can find usable gas quickly.

For better gas use, start with cold water, fill the bottle to its marked line, and use the machine's recommended carbonation sequence. Add flavors afterward unless your machine specifically allows other liquids.

If the fizz seems weak, check the bottle fit and cylinder installation before assuming the gas is gone. Our guide to carbonating water at home covers the basic routine.

What should you check before mailing empty cylinders?

Check the contents, packaging, and registration steps before you seal the parcel. A complete return is easier to track than one with missing cylinders or unclear shipment details.

Keep the supplied packaging intact and follow its packing directions. Use the prepaid label provided for the exchange rather than arranging a different shipping method yourself.

Save a photo of the sealed parcel and retain the carrier's tracking or acceptance details. Those records help if you need to ask SodaStream about delivery or processing.

Set a reminder based on the delivery date. If the stated gift card window passes, contact SodaStream with your shipment details.

What mistakes should you avoid with a SodaStream CO2 exchange?

Buying the wrong connector and confusing spare packs with exchange packs are the biggest buying mistakes. Check those 2 details before adding a pack to your cart.

Also avoid these common problems:

Throwing away the box: save the exchange packaging until the return is complete.
Returning too soon: wait until you have the required eligible empties.
Forgetting registration: mailing the parcel doesn't replace the online step.
Counting maximum yield as a promise: your preferred fizz level affects gas use.
Forcing a cylinder into place: stop and confirm compatibility if it won't attach as instructed.

A gas replacement won't change how your machine operates or which drinks it can carbonate. For a broader look at those choices, see how to choose a sparkling water maker.

Which SodaStream CO2 exchange option should you choose?

Choose the matching 2-cylinder exchange pack if you want replacement gas plus the materials for a mail-in return. Choose the matching 3-pack if your priority is a larger reserve and you already have an exchange route.

Occasional users should keep the rotation simple. Daily users should plan their next replacement when they install the last full spare, rather than waiting until every cylinder is empty.

If you're reconsidering the machine itself, use our sparkling water maker guide. To choose where your next SodaStream CO2 exchange should happen, compare local refill and exchange options.

Frequently asked questions

How does the SodaStream CO2 exchange work?

Order a 2-cylinder exchange pack, then return 2 empty 60L cylinders in its original box using the prepaid USPS label; register the shipment at gasexchange.sodastream.com. SodaStream says it issues an Amazon gift card within 2 weeks after receiving both empties, so allow for shipping time before that processing window begins.

Can you exchange a cylinder from another brand?

Yes, these exchange packs accept other brands' empty 60L cylinders, including Aarke, Ninja, Drinkmate, Soda Sense, SimpliSoda, and Sodology. Send 2 eligible empties using the supplied return materials and register the shipment online; acceptance of an empty cylinder doesn't mean that brand's cylinder fits your machine.

Do pink and blue SodaStream cylinders work in the same machine?

No, pink Quick Connect and blue screw-in cylinders use different connectors and aren't interchangeable. Match the replacement to your machine's manual and cylinder connection before ordering; if a model name leaves you unsure, confirm the exact version rather than choosing by color alone or trying to force a cylinder into place.

How long does the SodaStream gift card take?

SodaStream says it issues the Amazon gift card within 2 weeks of receiving both returned cylinders; that window starts at receipt, not when you order replacements or mail the box. Register the return, keep the tracking details, and contact SodaStream if the stated processing window passes without the gift card.

How Does the SodaStream CO2 Exchange Work?