Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Since there's so much discussion - both good and bad - regarding this product, I thought I'd put in my 2 cents... Yes, I really like this item...but I was initially so-so until I figured out the right method to make the water as fizzy as possible. Like others, I was initially dismayed about the quality of the fizz, however after about 20 CO2 cartridges worth of trial and error, I think I've figured out the best possible method to make the water very fizzy: 1. Use cold water. Yes... I know, everyone has been suggesting this...but seriously, this really makes a difference. I'm not talking about cool water here... the water needs to be COLD. And the secret trick that no one really seems to be talking about here is that the cold water needs to be poured into a chilled siphon! Before first use, put the empty metal siphon in the freezer to get it nice and chilled. After that, every new batch will stay cold since you'll be storing the siphon in the fridge before refreshing it. 2. after dispensing the (single) CO2 cartridge into the water, SHAKE THE CANISTER VIGOROUSLY 20 TIMES BEFORE PUTTING IT INTO THE FRIDGE. The instructions suggest shaking it 5 times. I found 20 works alot better 3. keep it in the fridge for at least an hour before dispensing for the first time. By following the steps above, you should get a premium-level output. Sure, its not going to be ultra fizzy like the artificially charged soda can drinks, but the seltzer water is of surprising quality when following these directions. Lastly, I wanted to make a few additional comments about this product that haven't been discussed too much in the other reviews: 1. The siphon is of high quality. It's very solidly built. 2. It's made in Austria, not China like many of the knockoffs here on Amazon and Ebay 3. This is actually a very cost-effective way of making soda water if you purchase the co2 in bulk. I bought a 100-pack of chargers here for about 34 bucks... making the cost per quart 34cents! 4. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY THE ISI CARTRIDGES! ANY 8 GRAM "FOOD-GRADE" CO2 CARTRIDGES WILL WORK PERFECTLY INCLUDING NTG, MOSA AND THE WHIPIT BRAND (CO2 NOT NO2!!) Hope this helps some of you on the fence about this product.