Carbonater Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bottle does the Carbonater fit?
The Carbonater fits on any one or two liter standard PET bottle, soda bottles (Coke, Pepsi or any generic brand soda- actually generics work best). Tonic water is usually sold in a one liter bottle if you wanted the smaller size.
Are there plans to make a Carbonater for a single beer bottle?
There are no plans for a smaller size to fit on a plastic screw top beer bottle. Also, the Carbonater can't be used on glass bottles as the risk of the injection of CO2 -even at 20psi- can shatter the bottle. The Carbonater has a warning against that type of use.
Do you make something similar that can be used on carboys?
No, unfortunately, we don't make one that's carboy size. The Carbonater is not designed for glass containers but even if the carboy was plastic the size of the cap would be too large and the integrity of the material the Carbonater is made from would be compromised.
Is there a Carbonater for 3 liter PET bottles?
No, we experimented in the mid 90's with a cap made for a 3 liter soda bottle but it never got to production due to the materials issue. We also found the carbonation results didn't measure up to the standards of the current, optimum 2 liter size.
My Carbonater is not maintaining a seal on 2L PET bottles. It is as if there should be a gasket of some kind to assure a tight seal. I've tried cranking them down harder, but that doesn't help enough and can wear out the top rim of the bottle.
If your Carbonater is not maintaining a seal it may have a hairline crack in it. There is no inner seal missing as the Carbonater was designed to fit perfectly on the two liter (or one liter) PET bottle. If your Carbonater is cracked, please follow this link http://www.liquidbread.com/lifetimewarranty.html for information on returning your defective Carbonater.
I purchased a Carbonator thinking a standard air quick-connect fitting would connect to it. I need to go to a quarter-inch ID hose from this quick connect. Please tell me what fitting goes with the Carbonator.
This link http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/kegging/soda-kegs-fittings/ball-disc-1-4-barb-gas.html is the item you need. You can likely purchase it from your local homebrew shop or you can buy it from where this link points. They also sell the Carbonater and can assist you with questions too.
My Carbonater worked for a few months and then stopped. I cannot get a good seal. What can I do?
To check for a leak place the cap on an empty PET bottle, inject CO2 and place the tip of the cap underwater so you may see where it is leaking. You may even hear a quiet hissing before you submerge the cap. Either way if it has developed a leak, please follow this link http://www.liquidbread.com/lifetimewarranty.html for information on returning your defective Carbonater.
Can I use Soda Stream's carbonation system in conjunction with the Carbonater?
No, using the Carbonater cap in any other fashion than the instructions that come with the Carbonater is not advisable and would invalidate the lifetime warranty.
Do I need a pressure gage on my CO2 Tank?
Yes your CO2 tank needs to have a regualtor (gage) on it to control the PSI you're releasing through the Carbonter and into your 2 liter container.
The o-ring on the Carbonater "sticks" when I join it with the ball-lock fitting. What can I do to have it work more smoothly?
As long as you use something that won't build up on the Carbonater and you clean both the cap and your ball-lock fitting thoroughly before the next use. A little spray PAM might work best. You should spray it on your finger and then apply it lightly to the o-ring. It's meant to be a tight fit with the ball-lock connector.
I'm a consumer and I want to buy a Carbonater. My local retail shop said to contact you directly. So, how do I buy them?
We don't sell directly to the public but you can try this link from the American Homebrewer's Association http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/pages/directories/find-a-supply-shop and see if one of the shops in your state carries our product or encourage your local shop to contact us or their distributor to purchase.
Coke, Pepsi and others have switched their caps to a smaller, plastic-saving style, with different threads. Are you planning to release a new version to fit these bottles?
We've tested the Carbonater successfully on both styles. Other than being shorter the threading works the same. It's important to be sure the plastic ring left behind after the initial bottle cap is broken is taken off the bottle. Also, because there is less threading aligning the threads is critical as the Carbonater is screwed on, which is advisable with any bottle for best sealing results.
Where can an adapter be fabricated or purchased that would screw into the Carbonater (plastic bottle thread) and have a female thread on the other end that would fit soda siphons?
Scout through on-line soda or homebrew beer communities and websites to see if anyone has done this or can offer suggestions. For legal reasons, Liquid Bread Inc. cannot condone or suggest any use other than the instructions on the blister card or on our website.
What kind of plastic is the Carbonater?
The Carbonater plastic is a proprietary 3M recipe.
I need an o-ring for my Carbonator as the original one cracked and broke over time.
Please email us your street address and we'll first class mail you replacements. The Carbonater (and all its parts) have a lifetime warranty.
Where I can purchase a Carbonator in Canada?
Follow this link http://www.brewcraft.net/wa.asp?idWebPage=9608&idDetails=304 Brewcraft distributes to the retailers on the list and although the store may not stock the Carbonater, you may be able to get them to order one from Brewcraft who stocks the Carbonater.
Where can I buy the Carbonater in the United Kingdom?
Follow this link http://www.brewcraft.net/wa.asp?idWebPage=9608&idDetails=302
It shows UK Shops they supply. If the store doesn't carry the Carbonater already you may be able to order one via the shop and they will acquire it from Brewcraft.
How can I get instructions on how to use the hose & attachments that fit on a plastic soda bottle?
Instructions are available at this link http://www.liquidbread.com/carb-card-back.gif
What psi setting do you recommend for a one (1) liter size bottle?
You can use the same PSI as a two liter. See the back of the blister card that your Carbonater was attached to for further details or go to this link on our site http://www.liquidbread.com/carb-card-back.gif.
Is there a "Do-It-Yourself" agitation machine for 2 liter bottles?
The American Homebrewers Association website http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/pages/directories/find-a-supply-shop would be a great place to start for some DIY solutions. Also, check out your local hardware store in the paint department. The agitators used to mix paint could help you on construction ideas.
I am a retailer. What information do you need so I can sell the Carbonator?
We need your FEIN and a State Sales Tax ID number (or your country's equivalent) to set you up as a non-taxable account. Then we can send you our "Manufacturer's Price Sheet" with quantity/cost breaks and payment terms.
Why can't you sell in bulk to the public consumer?
Selling to the public violates the agreement we honor with our distributors and retailers.
A little Carbonater History:
When the Carbonater had a round base, those first 1000 Carbonaters off the production line in 1993 had an inner seal. Unfortunately, it was confirmed over time that the inner seal (as it aged, cracked, etc.) compromised the integrity of marrying the cap to the bottle causing annoying leaks. That’s why the cap was redesigned to the hexagon shape in 1995 and precisely fits the PET bottle threads.
Hoping this page of FAQ’s has answered your questions. Please email us if your question was not answered here.
