Today I’m reviewing a product I saw advertising online, the AER1 System by Aerflo. This interesting bottle promises to carbonate water on the go, giving you sparkling water anytime, anywhere. At a price of $89, is it worth the investment? Let’s dive in and find out.
Where to Purchase
As of this February 2025 writing, I do not see the Aerflo on Amazon, so you will need to pick it up directly from the Aerflo website, aerflo.co.
Unboxing the AER1 System
The AER1 System arrives in a fairly unassuming box, but inside, you’ll find everything you need to get started:
- The bottle itself
- Instruction manuals
- A case for CO2 capsules
- 15 CO2 capsules
- An exchange box for capsule refills
- A travel case
Aerflo claims this system allows you to carbonate water effortlessly, with each capsule producing around four bottles of sparkling water. It’s marketed as lightweight, portable, and more cost-effective than purchasing single-use bottles. The cost per bottle is estimated at around $0.49, and an exchange program is available for refilling the capsules. There is an exchange program for capsules, which will cost $23.50 for a pack of 12 capsules, which should fill about 48 bottles, depending on your CO2 use.
Getting Started: How It Works
After reading through the instructions and washing the bottle, I was ready to test it out. Here are a few important details:
- Hand Wash Only. The bottle is not dishwasher safe.
- Temperature Restrictions. Minimum temperature: 34°F, maximum: 104°F. No hot beverages allowed.
- Cold Water Recommended. The system works best with cold water.
To use the system, you:
- Fill the bottle with cold water up to the fill line (500ml).
- Insert a CO2 capsule into the designated chamber and tighten it securely.
- Attach the cap and press the button to release CO2 into the bottle.
- Shake the bottle for three seconds.
- Repeat the CO2 release and shaking process up to four times for the desired level of carbonation.
The first time I tried it, I got a surprising blast of air from the vent, which was unexpected but exhilarating. Following the instructions, I repeated the process a few times, and soon enough, I had lightly carbonated water. Not quite Coke-level fizz, but it was definitely sparkling.
Fine-Tuning the Carbonation
The instructions mention tapping the button rather than holding it down, which initially confused me. However, after watching an instructional video from Aerflo, I found that tapping repeatedly appears to be the correct method. The more taps and shakes, the more carbonation you get. There’s even a chart that outlines different carbonation levels, ranging from lightly bubbly to fully fizzy.
After a few rounds of experimentation, I found that achieving strong carbonation required multiple spritzes. My personal preference leaned toward the higher end of the scale, so I pushed the system to see just how fizzy I could get my water. Turns out, you can get some serious bubbles if you keep going.
Testing the Longevity of CO2 Capsules
Aerflo claims each capsule can carbonate four bottles of water, so I decided to test that limit. Here’s what I found:
- I managed to get seven bottles out of a single capsule before it completely ran out. I wasn’t pressing each time until it vented, however, so my taps were expelling a minimum amount of CO2.
- The last bottle was noticeably weaker, but the system overperformed compared to the advertised four-bottle estimate.
Trying Flavored Beverages
Aerflo’s instructions advise using only plain water, but I wanted to push the boundaries. So, I carbonated apple juice and a bottle of Prime (strawberry banana flavor) to see how it held up. Here’s what I discovered:
- Apple Juice: Turned into a lightly sparkling cider. The carbonation held well, though it foamed up a bit.
- Prime: Took longer to carbonate, but the results were impressive. I actually preferred the carbonated version to the original.
I wrote to the company and asked about using flavored beverages. They cautioned against flavoring due to potential messiness and possible damage to internal components, but they did say it could be done if the bottle was cleaned thoroughly afterward.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ Works exactly as advertised, carbonating water on the go.
✔ Easy to use once you understand the process.
✔ Aesthetically pleasing design.
✔ Customer service was quick and responsive.
✔ Cost-effective compared to buying bottled sparkling water.
✔ Capsules overperformed their expected lifespan.
Cons:
✖ Learning Curve: The instructions could be clearer on certain aspects, such as venting CO2.
✖ Flavored Liquids Not Recommended: While it works, it’s not officially supported.
✖ Not Dishwasher Safe: Everything must be hand-washed.
✖ CO2 Waste Potential: It’s easy to use too much CO2, especially if you’re only partially filling the bottle.
✖ Ongoing Costs: You’ll need to keep CO2 capsules on hand.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Overall, the AER1 System by Aerflo does exactly what it claims: carbonating water in a portable bottle. If you drink a lot of sparkling water, this could eventually save you money. The initial cost is a bit high at $89, but considering each bottle costs under 50 cents to make, frequent users might find it a worthwhile investment.
That said, the success of this product will depend on consumer demand. I’ve reviewed similar hydration products before. Some, like Cirkul, have done well, while others, like LifeFuels, faded away. Time will tell if Aerflo has staying power.
Have you tried the AER1 System, or do you use another portable carbonation method? Tell me what you think in the comments below.
Video Review
Check out my full review in the video below.