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Carbonation is the key to making most types of beer taste great. It gives the beer a crisp, refreshing taste and helps improve its shelf life. Carbonation is usually done by adding CO2 to the beer. So, can you carbonate homebrew with SodaStream and still have it taste good?
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Can You Carbonate Homebrew With Sodastream?
Yes, you can carbonate homebrew with SodaStream. The machine is designed for carbonating your favorite beverages, including beer. In fact, many people who use SodaStream machines to carbonate their homebrew report that it tastes just as good as store-bought beer.
At times, your beer may go flat and lose its carbonation. This is usually due to over-carbonation or not enough yeast. If this happens, you can use the SodaStream machine to re-carbonate your homebrew of choice, whether it’s cider or beer. It will help you salvage your homebrew and still have it taste great like before.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s best to chill your homebrew before carbonating it. This will help prevent the beer from foaming over when adding CO2. Secondly, don’t over-carbonate your beer. Too much CO2 can make the beer taste fizzy and unpleasant. Start with a lower setting on your SodaStream machine and slowly increase the carbonation level until you find the perfect amount for your beer.
How to Carbonate Homebrew With Sodastream
Now that you know you can carbonate homebrew using this machine, let’s go over how to do it. The process is actually quite simple and only takes a few minutes. The following are easy steps to carbonate your homebrew in your apartment with the machine.
Pour the Beer Into an Empty Sodastream
The first step is to pour your homebrew into an empty Sodastream bottle. Make sure to leave enough room at the top of the beer bottle so that the carbon dioxide can build up without exploding the bottle.
Also, ensure that the bottle is clean and free of debris that could clog the Sodastream nozzle or introduce contaminants into your beer. You can use a bottle brush to clean the inside of the bottle if necessary or sanitize using a non-rinse sanitizer.
Fill Sodastream With Carbon Dioxide
The next step is to fill your Sodastream with carbon dioxide. Connect the Sodastream to the carbon dioxide canister and screw on the carbonating cap. Then, press down on the Sodastream button for around 10-15 seconds to fill the bottle with CO2.
You may need to do this step a few times, depending on the size of your bottle and the amount of CO2 you’re trying to add. Most of the time, one or two presses should be sufficient. You don’t want to overdo it, as too much CO2 can make the beer taste fizzy and flat.
Wait for the Carbonation to Settle
After adding the Carbon dioxide, it’s time to let the carbonation settle. Screw on the Sodastream cap and shake the bottle gently to mix the CO2 and beer. Do not remove the machine yet, as this will release all the carbonation.
Let the bottle sit for 10-15 minutes so that the carbonation has time to dissolve into the beer properly. You may need to wait longer depending on how much CO2 you added and the temperature of the beer.
Remove the Sodastream
Once the carbonation has settled, you can remove the Sodastream and enjoy your delicious homebrew. Make sure to pour slowly at first to avoid foam. You can also put the beer in the fridge for a few hours to let it carbonate further.
Benefits of Carbonating Homebrew With Sodastream
Carbonating your homebrew using this device has several benefits that every homebrewer should consider:
- It’s quick and easy – Carbonating your homebrew with a Sodastream is quick and easy, taking only a few minutes from start to finish. This is a big advantage over other carbonation methods, which can take several days or even weeks.
- It does not require any special equipment – All you need to carbonate your homebrew with this device is the Sodastream machine itself and a CO2 canister. No need for a keg or other complicated brewing system.
- It can be used for re-carbonation – If your homebrew has gone flat, you can easily re-carbonate it using a Sodastream. You don’t have to take a flat beer or wait for it to carbonate naturally. You can simply add more CO2 and be ready to drink again in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Carbonate Milk in a Sodastream?
Yes, you can use it to carbonate milk. However, it’s important to note that the results may not be exactly what you’re expecting. Milk is a high-fat content liquid, which means that it will not carbonate as well as water or beer.
Can You Use Tap Water for Sodastream?
Yes, you can use tap water for Sodastream. In fact, you can turn tap water into sparkling water with Sodastream within a short time. However, it’s important to note that the quality of your sparkling water will depend on the quality of your tap water.
Conclusion
A Sodastream is a great way to carbonate your homebrewed beer. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require any special equipment. Just remember to clean your bottles thoroughly and don’t overdo it with the carbonation. Otherwise, you’ll be enjoying delicious homebrew in no time.
