The Update Video has arrived! Check it out here: • SodaStream Refill Upda...
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Refilling SodaStream CO2 tanks inexpensively using pelletized dry ice instead of the costly prefilled exchange cylinders. Preview and download a free copy of the soda cost spreadsheet I mention in the video here: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Happy 2020 everyone! Thanks for all the renewed interest in this, my first video from way back when. An update is on my computer for editing now but since so many have commented on it, the dry ice I’m using IS safe for food use. The form of the ice (pellets, brick, etc.) is not an indicator of whether it’s food safe or not. Yes the pellets are used for non-food purposes (mold blasting and road machine track pin cooling) but they’re also used for food packing, beverages, etc. The only way to know what you've got is to talk to your supplier.
For MY local guys, they tell me that since they need some food grade product for the nearby lobster packing operations, there’s no cost advantage for them to bring in the only very-slightly-cheaper non-food versions for any other customers so everyone gets the good stuff whether they need it or not. They explained that ‘food grade’ is simply a function of extraction, storage, and transport. I know all this after an in-depth conversation with them which is exactly the sort of talk you should have with YOUR local shop.
Some have asked for clues to finding the pelletized version of dry ice. It's used for 'sandblasting' mold in restoration work and by road repaving crews when they take core samples (typically in the summer). Also heavy equipment repair sometimes uses it to chill (and shrink) track pins so they can be replaced more easily. Look in your local directories under 'industrial gas' suppliers and I bet you find it there. Or talk to the big name shipping companies in your part of the world who regularly get the question about where to find it for cold-pack shipments. Thanks for watching and happy fizzing!