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Other Vintage Household Electrical or Electromechanical Items For discussions about other vintage (over 25 years old) electrical and electromechanical household items. See the sticky thread for details. |
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2nd Aug 2021, 1:12 pm | #1 |
Heptode
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southampton, Hampshire, UK.
Posts: 821
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Vintage soda siphon refills
I realise I may be pushing the limits of what can be discussed on this forum, so apologies to the mods, but I thought this was probably a good place to ask a simple question to the "guardians of the classic era"! And, to be fair, the topic of my question is definitely mechanical, as you have to squeeze it!
Basically, I would like a soda siphon to add to my cocktail-making kit and really fancy a vintage one as they seem to be plentiful and cheap. however, I remember my parents having two back in the late 1970s/early 80s but the reason they eventually gave up on them was that it became increasingly difficult to obtain the replacement gas cartridges for them. However, as there seem to be many moderns versions out there, I was just wondering if anyone knows whether you can now buy gas cartridges ("Sparklets" I think) that fit the old ones any more, or would I just be better off buying a modern one? |
2nd Aug 2021, 1:17 pm | #2 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Biggin Hill, London, UK.
Posts: 5,208
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Re: Vintage soda siphon refills
If these are the little CO2 cartridges that slot into a holder that you then screw onto the main unit (which has a hollow spike to puncture the cap of the cartridge) then a google search for 'sparklet bulbs' will find many suppliers.
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2nd Aug 2021, 2:14 pm | #3 |
Nonode
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK.
Posts: 2,015
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Re: Vintage soda siphon refills
Be aware of which type you need. Threaded or unthreaded?
https://www.co2cartridges.co.uk/co2-cartridges |
2nd Aug 2021, 4:18 pm | #4 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire, UK.
Posts: 5,553
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Re: Vintage soda siphon refills
A local home brew shop should have them.
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2nd Aug 2021, 4:29 pm | #5 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Wiltshire, UK.
Posts: 13,995
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Re: Vintage soda siphon refills
Could also be worth speaking to a company that does fire-extinguisher maintenance: there used to be a kind of small fire-extinguisher that used a CO2 bulb arranged so that when the plunger was struck to activate it, the CO2 bulb was punctured and the released gas-pressure drove the water out.
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3rd Aug 2021, 4:07 am | #6 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire, UK.
Posts: 5,553
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Re: Vintage soda siphon refills
They are definitely on sale.
https://www.lovebrewing.co.uk/chemic...nts/gas-bulbs/ The fire fighting ones may be cheep non food grade gas. |
3rd Aug 2021, 12:09 pm | #7 |
Pentode
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Wigan, Greater Manchester, UK.
Posts: 147
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Re: Vintage soda siphon refills
Wilko sell them or did sell them a year or two ago, find them in the home brew section of your local Wilko.
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3rd Aug 2021, 12:53 pm | #8 |
Heptode
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southampton, Hampshire, UK.
Posts: 821
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Re: Vintage soda siphon refills
Thanks everyone - much appreciated.
Looks like I can take a punt on a classic model! |
3rd Aug 2021, 12:59 pm | #9 |
Heptode
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Tonbridge, Kent, UK.
Posts: 686
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Re: Vintage soda siphon refills
Those type of cylinder are very common in the air pistol world.
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3rd Aug 2021, 1:59 pm | #10 |
Heptode
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Twickenham, London, UK.
Posts: 538
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Re: Vintage soda siphon refills
I've got a CO2 powered air rifle (a legal one I should add). It uses 12g unthreaded capsules which are easily obtainable from airgun dealers for under £1 each.
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3rd Aug 2021, 2:57 pm | #11 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,932
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Re: Vintage soda siphon refills
SodaStream are still in business. I think I've seen their stuff in Robert Dyas, so other high street outlets are likely to stock it too. There have been many changes of ownership, and the company has been the subject of some political controversy at times, which is hardly what you'd expect.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SodaStream The glass soda syphons used in pubs until the 1980s used to be returned to the brewery with the other empties to be refilled. I don't think there's a practical way to recharge them at home. |
3rd Aug 2021, 4:15 pm | #12 | |
Guest
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Re: Vintage soda siphon refills
Quote:
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3rd Aug 2021, 4:35 pm | #13 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,932
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Re: Vintage soda siphon refills
Ah, but you have to get hold of the dry ice...
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5th Aug 2021, 9:45 am | #14 |
Octode
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Co. Durham, UK.
Posts: 1,115
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Re: Vintage soda siphon refills
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5th Aug 2021, 8:27 pm | #15 | |
Dekatron
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Greater Manchester, UK.
Posts: 18,710
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Re: Vintage soda siphon refills
Quote:
Mine is etched with the Royal Arms. It has the number 57 under the COA, maybe that is the year of manufacture?
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6th Aug 2021, 6:23 pm | #16 |
Heptode
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Scratby, Norfolk, UK.
Posts: 649
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Re: Vintage soda siphon refills
Hi,
When I worked at R.Whites many years ago, soda syphons were placed onto a jig which held the valve open, and filled through the spout with chilled carbonated water. I don't remember the tops being removable, but perhaps some were and some weren't Kind regards Dave |