Siphon for water gassing: characteristics, purpose and advice for choosing
Some people consider siphons for carbonated water to be absolutely useless and unnecessary things that are not needed in the least. But there are those who do not represent life without such an adaptation. Many people like soda in our time. Often people drink these drinks daily. However, it is not so convenient to constantly run to the store to replenish stocks of soda. Although these drinks are inexpensive, they are often made from less than the safest and most useful components. It is then that special siphons come to the rescue, with which soda can be made by yourself at home.
Characteristics and purpose
On the shelves of shops and supermarkets you can meet a lot of different options of soda. The most popular are branded products with rich and vivid tastes that many consumers adore. However, not always in the composition of those there are really useful and safe elements that are beneficial to human health. Much more often there are quite harmful products that can affect the body only negatively. In this case, the only way out is to prepare carbonated drinks yourself at home.
To make tasty and harmless soda, you will have to stock up on not only the products necessary for the formation of good taste, but also such an item as a siphon. These home appliances are designed to actively saturate water with gas. They are characterized by the fact that they act mechanically.
Modern siphons are great for simple home use. They are bought by many consumers who do not want to spend money and health on store soft drinks with dyes and other harmful components.
Modern siphons are presented in a large assortment. They are produced and little-known, and fairly large brands, whose products enjoy an enviable popularity. It should be noted that in the preparation of delicious homemade drinks, these devices are simply indispensable. Most of these models are characterized by the following peculiar qualities.
- The lion's share of modern siphons for making soda are easy to use. Understanding how they work is easy.
- These devices are durable and reliable. Even under the condition of daily use, they serve for a long time and do not fail.
- Such siphons are also characterized by the fact that they usually do not take up much space, since they themselves are not too large. In addition, they can be easily moved from one place to another.
- The principle of operation of these devices is quite simple. Many home craftsmen do not buy siphons in shops, but make them with their own hands. Often, these devices cost much less, but are no less effective. The main thing is to do everything correctly so that in the end the siphon will turn out safe and reliable.
- All parts present in the design of these units, in most cases amenable to repair.
Of course, the main characteristics of siphons for making carbonated drinks may vary depending on the properties of a particular model from a particular manufacturer. For example, on sale there are products that have both simple and very original design. These units differ in their value.On the shelves of stores you can find and budget, and quite expensive options with many additional features.
Design
The siphon device for the preparation of various carbonated drinks is quite simple and straightforward. The structure of this popular household appliance includes the following components:
- the high pressure vessel itself in the inner part in which the fluid is located;
- siphon tube, which stretches from the water collected in the vessel to the rubber gland in the upper part;
- a rubber gland leads to a lever that, when pressed, releases water from the tank;
- CO2 bottle that attaches to the high pressure vessel itself inside.
This is the standard structure for soda siphons. Most of these units found on sale, have exactly the same design.
Principle of operation
Before you buy a siphon for making your favorite many carbonated drinks, you should familiarize yourself with the principle of its operation. Knowing such features of this device, it will be more convenient and easier to use it. Today, the markets feature high-quality and productive siphons of two main types. Consider the principle of operation of one of them - the classical apparatus.
Such a model was developed back in 1829. She has not lost its popularity until our days. Of course, this siphon has undergone many changes, but they relate more to its design than to the functionality and mechanism of action.
The siphon is a capacious tank that ¾ is filled with water and then as tightly and safely as possible closed. The design of this unit, as mentioned above, includes a valve (like a capsule), inside of which there is a filling in the form of carbon dioxide. It is through this component that the gas penetrates into the inner part of the hermetic vessel. After that, it simply dissolves in the fluid inside the container, filling all the remaining unallocated space.
As soon as the lever is pressed, the output valve opens. Further, under the action of pressure, the liquid is poured into the dishes prepared by you - in a mug or glass.
Such a device guarantees a sufficiently long freshness and gassing of the drink, since it keeps it under pressure for the entire time, preventing it from eroding.
Varieties
Today, for the preparation of tasty soda produced many models of high-quality and reliable siphons. The range of these devices pleases with its diversity. However, all existing models of siphons can be divided into two main categories - classical and saturation devices. We will get to know each other better.
Classical
Such varieties of siphons for soda are among the most common. They are produced by many manufacturers. However, different models differ from each other not in their functionality or mechanism, but only in their external design - color, design. In addition to the apparatus itself, for a classical device, it will be necessary to additionally purchase special replaceable cartridges containing carbon dioxide inside. Previously, the latter were used many times, but today it was not the cheapest pleasure.
Sometimes it is easier to get a fresh can than to recharge the old one each time.
The main advantages of classic siphons are:
- simplicity and ease of operation;
- durability and reliability;
- the possibility of daily use;
- light weight and modest size;
- all parts can be repaired;
- the drink stays fresh for a long time and stays aerated until the container is empty;
- It is permissible to use any cartridges from all existing manufacturers.
Of the minuses can be noted the following:
- basically, such units are designed for only one liter of liquid, which means that you will have to reuse water many times and replace the cartridge;
- recharging cylinders is expensive;
- in the course of application it is very important to follow all the necessary rules.
Saturators
For the preparation of soda also used special devices, called saturators. This is the same siphon for the preparation of carbonated lemonade, but slightly modified. This unit was developed in 1955. Ever since, developers have been constantly refining the look and feel of this model and its design.
Saturators are assembled from a plastic case (sometimes other materials are used) into which a cylinder of carbon dioxide is inserted. The main distinctive feature of this model from the classic is its volume. This option does not contain 8, but 425 g CO2. Screw the bottle with liquid to the outlet. After that, you must press the gas supply button. This is the gassing of water.
If you decide to stock up on such an apparatus, then you need to keep in mind that you need to buy bottles made by the same manufacturer as the siphon for it. If we neglect this rule, then we can face the fact that the capacity simply will not work. Working with this model, you should not overdo it with water, because it is above the specified division, there is a risk to pour all the room in which you make lemonade. In addition, the pressure generated during the preparation of soda, can cause disruptions in the system as a whole.
The main advantages of saturators are:
- ease of use;
- stylish and aesthetic appearance, which may well beautify the existing interior;
- such a model does not need to be constantly recharged, because it has a cylinder of sufficient volume;
- This unit is very convenient (you can store water directly in bottles, which you can immediately put on the table, on the shelf of the refrigerator, or you can take it with you when you go somewhere);
- Such models are very productive.
Of the minuses can be noted the following:
- such units are expensive, especially if you compare them with simple classical versions;
- if the bottle body is made of plastic, and is not, for example, glass, then it will be subject to serious deformations;
- if you do not adhere to the instructions, the 425-gram gas spray can be a serious threat;
- can be used bottles produced by the same manufacturer, which produced the siphon itself;
- if you use it too often, the gas will quickly disappear.
Tips for choosing
Choosing a siphon for making fizzy soda should be very careful. It is necessary to adhere to some simple recommendations in order to purchase a not too expensive and practical model. Let's get acquainted with them.
- If you want to choose the most profitable version of the siphon, then you should follow the shares. Paying attention to them, you will manage not only to save a lot, but also to buy a device with a free set of cans (there can also be syrup or some food additives in the kit).
- Buy only branded siphons, and with them branded cans. If you do not adhere to this rule, then you can get unsafe devices that can cause injury.
- Pay attention to the quality of the materials from which the siphon is made. In addition, it must be assembled with high quality. All components must be in place and perfectly secured. Siphon should be made of high-quality and dense materials. If the model is aluminum, then it must be treated with a special compound that protects the metal from corrosion.
- On the siphon there should be no damage, scratches, chips and other defects. If you have noticed any, it is advisable to refuse to purchase the device. It is unlikely that he will serve for a long time or be safe enough. Risk is not worth it.
- If the question of aesthetics in the kitchen is important to you, then you should pay attention to the design of the siphon you choose. Fortunately, today the range of such devices is very diverse, so to find the perfect option for any interior will not be difficult.
- Buy any model of siphons in trusted stores with a good reputation. In incomprehensible street shops to take such things is undesirable.
Features of operation
It is not enough to know how to choose the right siphon. You need to properly use it at home. Let's get acquainted with some features of the operation of this device for the preparation of drinking treats.
- To pour liquid into a classic siphon, you just need to unscrew the head, take out a thin tube with a silicone gasket. There will still be a thicker tube in the neck - it does not need to be removed. It is worth doing it only when you want to wash the container.
- In the tank saturator liquid should be poured only to the desired mark. Further, in order to aerate the water, you only need to press the special gas button. You do not need to do too many clicks, so as not to damage the bottle, especially if it is made of plastic.
- Refilling cartridges with carbon dioxide is possible at home, but this is not recommended, especially if the balloon is large enough. Today, there are many companies that provide services for refueling and replacement of these elements. If you buy small cartridges for the device, then it should be produced by the same company.
- It is strongly not recommended to bend over the siphon in the course of its action. In addition, children should stay away from this device, especially if it works. This way you protect yourself and young households from serious injury.
- Siphons need only cold and clean water.
- Do not turn or shake the device while pouring liquid.
- Do not fill the device with liquid to the highest point.
If the siphon is stored improperly, it may well explode, because the cylinder of this device is always under high pressure.
The following video will demonstrate how to use a siphon for water carbonation.