Ninja Thirsti Ultimate Drink System, Sparkling or Still, 36-oz Removeable Temperature Sensitive Water Reservoir, WC3000SD1 Sand

my wife loves it

I've had a few different versions of the Ninja Thirsti over time, and this latest model seems to be the most reliable yet. It's great to see the product evolving and improving with each generation. As someone who enjoys having a variety of drinks available at home and spends a fair amount of time traveling in an RV, I've found it a really convenient way to make everything from sparkling water to flavored sodas without having to stock up on cans and bottles. The sheer number of available flavors is mind-blowing, and the ability to mix two flavors together opens up all sorts of possibilities. You can experiment with different combinations, adjust the fizz level and choose between the available drink sizes to get something that suits your taste. There are so many possible combinations that I'd actually recommend keeping a little notebook or list on your phone to record your favorites. It's just as useful to remember which combinations you loved as it is to avoid repeating the ones that weren't quite to your taste! One of the things I particularly like is how easy it is to use once you've found your preferred settings. You can choose still or sparkling drinks, adjust the carbonation and add the flavor you want at the touch of a button. The blue indicator that tells you when the water is cold enough is a nice touch. I've found that colder water seems to help produce better carbonation, so I recommend adding ice and stirring the water until the indicator turns blue before making your drink. It takes a little extra preparation, but it's worth doing if you enjoy a really crisp, fizzy drink. The system is also relatively compact and lightweight, which is a big plus for me. The flavor pods take up very little room, and you can make a drink whenever you fancy one rather than having to store a whole selection of drinks in the refrigerator. It's a great way to have plenty of variety without sacrificing valuable storage space. Replacing the CO2 canister is another process I've been pleased with. The mail-order replacement service has been smooth and straightforward, so keeping the system supplied with gas hasn't been the hassle I might have expected. Just remember that the flavors are sold separately, and you'll need to factor those ongoing costs into the price of using the system. The drip tray is a useful feature and catches the occasional spill, but remember to check and empty it regularly. One improvement I'd like to see in a future version would be some sort of indicator to let you know when the tray is full. It's a minor inconvenience, but it would be a welcome addition. Although this newest version has been more reliable in my experience, having owned several generations means I've noticed a few changes. There are some things I miss from the earlier models, particularly the greater choice of drink sizes. I'd also like to see the return of the larger water reservoir with its plunging lid, which made it easier to add ice and cool the water before dispensing. The current cold-water indicator is helpful, but I preferred the flexibility of that earlier design. Overall, the Ninja Thirsti has become a useful part of our home and RV setup. I enjoy being able to experiment with flavors, control the amount of fizz and make a drink when I want one. For RV travel in particular, its compact size and the convenience of carrying flavor pods instead of stacks of cans make it a practical choice. It's not perfect, and I'd welcome a few of the older features being brought back, but the improvements in reliability are encouraging. If you enjoy flavored sparkling drinks and like the idea of customizing your own combinations, the Thirsti is well worth considering. Just be prepared to experiment a little, keep track of your favorite flavor combinations, and remember that the machine itself is only the starting point for the ongoing cost of flavors and CO2.