Soda Stream to carbonate beer???

Systems, Gear, & DIY
1

Looks like I’m getting a Sodo Stream machine for Christmas. Google it… they’re cool!  I’ll use it as intended, but It gave me an idea. I want to make some small batches of ice beer from what I have brewed and kegged. I’ll probably pull off 1.5L into  a 2L bottle and freeze it. Once I extract the good stuff, I’m thinking I’d give the Soda Stream a shot at infizzerating it. I talked to a sales person about the machines, and she said you can only carbonate plain water with the machine, otherwise it just turns to foam. I’m wondering if I leave it hooked up fpr a few days, the C02 might desolve into the beer. Anybody here had any luck with this?

Anybody have any other good ideas about how to carbonate a 1-2 L. amount of beer?

Thanks!

2

I do it in a PET bottle with a carbonator cap.

3

I think its awesome SodaStream is coming back.  I remember that 20 years ago back in the UK, making crappy cola and orangeade, and pouring in double the syrup when my mum wasn’t looking.

Seriously though, I second the carb cap for a regular soda bottle.  It hooks up to a ball lock disconnect no problem.
http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/kegging/draft-bottling/the-carbonator.html

4

Ha! Why didn’t I think of that! I must be getting old… I actually have a carb cap. I just completely forgot about it.  ::slight_smile:

Thanks!

Chris

5

Me too. I have two caps. It’s a part of my quality control process.

6

Only 2?  :smiley:

7

A few years ago, before I knew there were carbonator caps, I drilled out a few soda bottle caps and put bolt-on tire valve stems on them.

I have quick disconnects on my gas lines so I can change from ball lock disconnects to a tire inflator (or any other pneumatic, I guess) and use these caps a lot for soda, cider, and taking beer to parties.

Works great.

8

Got a picture or url link for that.  I’m trying to visualize it.

9

I’ll see if I can remember to take one and post it.  Not likely tonight, going out for drinks.

Edit: Here’s a picture of what the stem looks like. http://www.ezaccessory.com/PhotoGallery.asp?ProductCode=V1562

Basically, I drilled a hole for the stem and then the nut drops down over the top and tightens it to the cap.  They’re a tight fit inside the cap, but there’s enough room as long as you center them.

10

Here’s a link to some photos: Photo Storage

Not pretty, but they work just fine.

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11

Thanks!  What does the “tire inflator” attachment look like?  How do you hook it up to your CO2 tank?  Please post pics or URL links.  Thanks again–I find this to be very educational and a clever adaptation of existing products.  I wonder if it is cheaper than the plastic carbonator tops?

12

Here’s a standard air tool pack: http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Air-Compressors-Tools-Accessories-Air-Tools/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xmiZars0/R-100392283/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

I used the quick disconnects on my gas lines so I can change from a ball lock disconnect to the air chuck included with the kit, similar to how you use air tools with an air compressor.

I’ve also thought of using (though have not yet) the air gun attachment to flood growlers or other containers with CO2 prior to filling them.  Since they wouldn’t be capped, I don’t think there would be a pressure issue and you ought to be able to displace the air in the container with CO2.

If I can remember (going out again tonight) I’ll take a picture of my set up at home and post it.