Wassermaxx by AGA is another manufacturer of excellent soda making machines. A stand-alone model from AGA seems to be available in 3 different models, but it is simply one machine that is available in different colors and various finishes with the costliest available in stainless steel and another one in red and white colors. AGA’s bottles that hold carbonic acid are of 425 grams and have the standard clause “to be refilled only by AGA” printed on it so that ‘outsiders’ do not dare refill them.
Although the machine itself is very good, the seals of the capsules can become loose quite often, which is annoying. Even though AGA has clarified that the seals are so designed so that they can be machine washed, if they are not in the proper place then carbonated water will simply burst out everywhere during refilling.
But if you compare it to Sodastream’s excellent machine called the Sodastream Design then Sodastream is better as it can allow extra carbon dioxide to be mixed for people that want stronger sodas. AGA also claims that their single bottle of acid can make 60 liters of sparkling water although tests conducted by The Swedish Consumer Agency and even by me proves that only around 55 liters can be made, which comes to around 7.7 grams per liter. This is mainly caused by the release of superfluous pressure. In-line systems average between 5 and 7 grams.
As retailers simply do not weigh each gas cylinder since they only read the labeled weight on each bottle, customers might actually be paying the same amount but receiving different amounts of gas each time they refill. I am going to purchase bottles and then weigh them so that I can post all results on the website.
As I too am a European, I feel pride while relating to AGA but sadly it too has followed Sodastream’s path in matters of monopoly. Even though manufacturers have a right in selling carbonic acid, they should not price it so high. Instead, they should throw a challenge to Sodastream by refilling their CO2 bottles. AGA is a brave company but it is pitiful that they choose to focus only on profits instead of working on improving the environment.
AGA can still turn into a role model if they locate their refilling stations inside their retailers’ stores or simply start refilling stations in each neighborhood so as to become a role model in cleaning up the environment. Unfortunately, this policy of focusing only on maintaining high prices by AGA has only given an impression of competition. Instead, a transparent method of fixing the prices of carbonic acid would enable AGA to grab increased market share and also enable the entire market to grow in size.
AGA does not earn much while selling their soda machines but certainly does when they sell carbonic acid. They could give away machines for free and yet end up making good money. They could charge against a punch card worth for 10 to 15 refills while giving Wassermaxx’s of 100 Euros.
The carbonic acid made by AGA is simply a by-product derived when Absolut Vodka is manufactured and this lowers their manufacturing costs to virtually nil. Even their aluminum carbon dioxide bottles are hardly costly and the only cost incurred is that of filling and transporting those bottles.
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