It’s a good unit. We had the older penguin-shaped version that squeaked when pumping the lever was enough. This unit makes a farting sound, which surprised and amused me with my first use, but I am a bit immature. The experience has been consistently good.

I just made my first carafe of sparking water and I love it. The little directions card in the box is less than adequate. I went online and got the user manual. I’m glad I did. It says to not install the cartridge while there is a glass bottle installed, which I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t read the manual. Also, the manual tells you how many times to hold the carbonation button down for different levels of “bubbliness.” Read it first, and then enjoy!

Overall it was good, AFTER I found directions how to use on-line. No directions on how to use the machine in the box. Once we found it on-line, all good.