It all started just a week ago when I celebrated my birthday. To my surprise, my sister, who lives abroad, had an extraordinary gift in store for me—a Ninja Thirsti. Little did I know that this ingenious creation from SharkNinja would change the way I enjoy beverages forever. As I reflect on my one-week journey with the Ninja Thirsti, I can’t help but share how it’s become an integral part of my daily routine.
My sister’s thoughtful birthday surprise was the Ninja Thirsti, a kitchen appliance that’s revolutionized my beverage experience. You see, soda makers have always intrigued me, promising seltzer water and custom sodas whenever I please. However, they often come with compromises—proprietary bottles, elusive carbonation canisters, and the inconvenience of preparing an entire bottle even when I desire just a single glass.
With the Ninja Thirsti, those compromises are a thing of the past. It’s not just a soda maker; it’s an entire beverage system designed to replace my collection of canned seltzer and assorted drinks. Over the past seven days, I’ve delved into the world of the Ninja Thirsti, experimenting with various beverages to see if it lives up to its promises. Allow me to share my remarkable experience.
The Ninja Thirsti offers a refreshing approach to enjoying beverages. It grants me the freedom to pour one glass at a time, and it all begins with a simple push of a button. This convenience has been a game-changer for my daily routine
The Ninja Thirsti isn’t your typical soda maker that forces you to rely on bottles. It’s all about on-demand soda, letting me pour precisely the amount I want. No more waste, and every sip can be customized. Whether I’m adding a touch of soda water to my cocktails or sprucing up my morning coffee with a splash, the Ninja Thirsti makes it effortless.
This remarkable machine offers three carbonation settings, catering to various preferences. I’ve gone from enjoying a gentle hint of bubbles to indulging in a robust fizz reminiscent of canned seltzer. Yet, what truly sets it apart are the flavor drops. They’ve been my secret to crafting the perfect beverages. Thanks to my sister’s gift, I’ve explored classic and bold flavors without guesswork, and I’ve even had fun mixing and matching them.
The Ninja Thirsti boasts a well-designed water tank with clear measurement lines, ensuring I always know how much water remains. An indicator button turns blue when my water reaches the ideal temperature for serving, prompting me to add ice. Filling the tank has been a breeze, whether I’m at the sink or using the fridge dispenser.
It’s worth noting that the flavor drops designed for the Thirsti are proprietary, meaning there are no third-party alternatives. So far, I’ve been pleased with the available flavors, all of which are sugar-free and sweetened with sucralose, giving them a distinctive taste.
If you’re a fan of flavored seltzer like me, owning a Ninja Thirsti can lead to expenses. While the flavor drops are reasonably priced at $7 per bottle (or $20 for three bottles), it’s important to recognize that they represent an ongoing cost. Additionally, the soda maker relies on a specific CO2 tank (supplied by Soda Sense), which can be purchased individually or through a refill club membership offering a 30% discount. My initial investment was $60 for the first two replacement canisters and $42 thereafter, shipping included.
The Ninja Thirsti comes equipped with a pull-down shelf for 6-ounce glasses, perfect for smaller servings. However, I’ve learned to exercise caution when making larger drinks in pint glasses or tall tumblers without the shelf. Some splashing can occur, but I quickly mastered the art of positioning my glass closer to the dispenser. Additionally, the drip tray at the base has been effective at catching any stray drops.
Operating the Ninja Thirsti has been an experience unlike any other soda maker. Here’s a brief overview of how it works:
- I open a side cover to insert the included 60-liter carbonation tank, securely twisting it into place.
- Adding chilled water or water with ice to the 48-ounce detachable water reservoir is a breeze. An indicator at the bottom turns blue when my water reaches the perfect temperature.
- After removing another side cover, I tilt out a collar that holds the tank and twist the carbonation tank into place.
- Once the tank is in position and the reservoir is filled, I have the choice between still water or carbonated water.
- Customizing my drink is where the fun begins. I can select from three carbonation levels, one or two flavors in two different strengths, and specify the number of ounces to dispense (6, 12, 18, or 24) before pressing Start.
- Watching the magic unfold is truly satisfying. The machine draws water from the reservoir with a distinct vacuum noise, followed by the hiss of carbonation. The machine fills my glass with a gentle hum, quieter than my drip coffee maker. One crucial detail: the Thirsti dispenses water in 6-ounce increments, so patience is key when filling larger drinks. Waiting for the beep ensures a mess-free experience.
In summary, my sister’s thoughtful birthday gift, the Ninja Thirsti, has been a game-changer. It’s tailored for those who cherish choice, prefer single-glass servings, and seek to reduce their reliance on bottled syrups and mix-ins. Positioned between entry-level models and high-end, flashy options, the Ninja Thirsti has earned its place on my countertop. It’s become an integral part of my daily life, transforming how I enjoy beverages.
If you have a particular taste for energy and electrolyte drinks, it’s essential to ensure that sucralose aligns with your preferences, as all flavor options are sugar-free and sweetened with it. However, for someone like me who appreciates a personalized, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach to their favorite drinks, the Ninja Thirsti has been a delightful addition to my kitchen. It’s been a week of flavorful discoveries, and I can’t wait to see what other beverage adventures lie ahead with my Ninja Thirsti by my side.
any thoughts?