The Average Kitchen's Ninja Thirsti Sparkling & Still Drink System Review

Ninja · Frozen Treats & Drink Makers · Reviewed by The Average Kitchen · Published 2024-07-27

Rating 2/5Source quality 70/100Evidence 13Claims 9Q&A 5Pros 3Cons 3Frozen Treats & Drink Makers

Based on a review by The Average Kitchen (accessed 2024-07-27).

This page converts The Average Kitchen's review of the Ninja Ninja Thirsti Sparkling & Still Drink System into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.

Product Evidence hub pending. This is currently the only analysed source for this product. A full evidence hub becomes available once a second qualifying source is processed.

Sponsorship & disclosure

Brand relationship disclosed as: affiliate

Source verdict

The reviewer ultimately decided to stop using the Ninja Thirsti due to the high recurring cost of replacement flavor pods and CO2 canisters, which he considered an 'extra monthly bill.' He also experienced significant issues with product availability.

About this source

This video provides a six-month follow-up review of the Ninja Thirsti drink system. The reviewer demonstrates its basic operation, discusses the longevity of its CO2 canisters, and evaluates the availability and cost of its consumable flavor pods and CO2 refills.

Review notes

The Ninja Thirsti sparkling and still drink system ultimately disappoints due to the high recurring cost and supply chain issues with its essential consumables. While the device delivers delicious and customizable drinks and operates flawlessly, the cost of flavor pods and CO2 canisters quickly adds up to a significant monthly expense. The reviewer experienced frequent out-of-stock issues for both on Ninja's website and Amazon, leading to a complete halt in usage for months. If you prioritize convenience and customizable beverages and are unconcerned by an ongoing expense equivalent to a "daily bill," this product might appeal to you. However, if you are budget-conscious or value consistent availability of supplies, consider other drink-making options.

What the reviewer liked

  • Makes delicious drinks
  • Works flawlessly and is easy to use
  • Offers customizable sparkling and still options

What the reviewer criticised

  • Flavor pods and CO2 canisters are expensive consumables
  • Consumables often out of stock on manufacturer's website and Amazon
  • Recurring costs can be compared to an extra "monthly bill"

Structured claims

The Ninja Thirsti system operates with distinct flavor pods, also known as Water Drops, to create a variety of flavored beverages.

reviewer_claimstrong

To produce sparkling drinks, the Ninja Thirsti system requires and utilizes CO2 canisters.

reviewer_claimstrong

The Ninja Thirsti provides a visual warning; a specific button turns orange when the CO2 tank is nearing empty, with an estimated 10-20 drinks remaining.

reviewer_claimmoderate

Based on daily usage multiple times a day, a single CO2 canister for the Ninja Thirsti lasts about 6 weeks.

measurement_claimmoderate

Replacement flavor pods and CO2 canisters were frequently out of stock on both Ninja's official websites (Canada and US) and Amazon, making replenishment difficult.

reviewer_claimstrong

Ninja Thirsti flavor pods (Water Drops) are priced at CAD $7.99 plus tax, providing approximately 17 drinks per pod.

specification_claimstrong

A Ninja Thirsti CO2 canister is priced at CAD $39.99 plus tax and is advertised to provide 100 12-ounce carbonated drinks.

specification_claimstrong

Calculating the combined cost of flavor pods and CO2, the reviewer determined that each drink from the Ninja Thirsti costs approximately one dollar, which he finds to be expensive for a homemade beverage.

measurement_claimstrong

Functionally, the Ninja Thirsti works exceptionally well and consistently produces delicious and fantastic-tasting beverages.

reviewer_claimstrong

Evidence items

Flavor Pod Loading Demo

hands_on_demoneutralt=0:30–0:35

The reviewer demonstrates how to load the flavor pods into the Ninja Thirsti system for making drinks. This shows the basic operation for new viewers.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLMfKwBuvRY

CO2 Tank Low Indicator

visual_inspectionneutralt=0:45–0:50

The reviewer points out that an orange bubble button on the device indicates the CO2 tank is almost empty. This serves as a visual alert for users.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLMfKwBuvRY

Remaining Drinks on Low CO2

reviewer_claimneutralt=0:55–1:00

When the CO2 tank indicator turns orange, the reviewer claims it means there are approximately 10 to 20 drinks left in the canister. This provides a practical estimate for users.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLMfKwBuvRY

Personal Daily Usage

reviewer_claimneutralt=1:28–1:35

The reviewer states that he used the Ninja Thirsti daily, multiple times a day, for quite a while after the initial review. This highlights his initial satisfaction and consistent usage.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLMfKwBuvRY

CO2 Canister Lifespan

measurement_testneutralt=2:02–2:08

The reviewer measured that a CO2 canister lasted approximately 6 weeks with his daily usage. This provides a practical lifespan expectation for daily users.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLMfKwBuvRY

Flavor Pod Out of Stock Issue

reviewer_claimnegativet=2:23–2:28

After running out of flavor pods, the reviewer attempted to order more from Ninja Canada's website but found everything was out of stock. This indicates a significant supply chain issue.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLMfKwBuvRY

Broad Out of Stock Issues

reviewer_claimnegativet=2:55–3:02

The reviewer reported checking multiple sources, including Ninja's US website and Amazon, and found both flavor pods and CO2 canisters consistently out of stock. This broad unavailability made it impossible to replenish supplies.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLMfKwBuvRY

Flavor Pod Price (CAD)

specification_claimneutralt=4:00–4:06

A flavor pod, or 'water drops,' costs $7.99 CAD plus tax on the Ninja Canada website. This is the base cost for the flavor component.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLMfKwBuvRY

CO2 Canister Price (CAD)

specification_claimneutralt=4:08–4:15

A CO2 canister costs $39.99 CAD plus tax. This is the base cost for the carbonation component.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLMfKwBuvRY

Drinks Per Flavor Pod

specification_claimneutralt=4:28–4:32

The reviewer states that a flavor pod yields 17 drinks, based on information from Ninja's website. This helps in calculating the per-drink cost.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLMfKwBuvRY

Drinks Per CO2 Canister

specification_claimneutralt=4:33–4:38

The reviewer notes that a CO2 canister provides 100 12-ounce drinks. This information is used for cost calculation.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLMfKwBuvRY

Calculated Per-Drink Cost

measurement_testnegativet=4:38–4:43

The reviewer calculated that the cost per drink, including flavor and CO2 but not tax, is roughly one dollar. This figure contributed to his decision to stop using the product.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLMfKwBuvRY

Positive Taste and Functionality

reviewer_claimpositivet=5:20–5:26

Despite the negative verdict on cost, the reviewer states that the Ninja Thirsti makes delicious, fantastic drinks and works awesome. This confirms the product's performance quality.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLMfKwBuvRY

Quick answers

  • How does the Ninja Thirsti system work? The reviewer demonstrates that the Ninja Thirsti requires users to load flavor pods into the machine.
  • How long does a Ninja Thirsti CO2 canister last with regular use? The reviewer, who used the Ninja Thirsti daily multiple times a day, found that a CO2 canister lasted about 6 weeks before needing replacement.
  • Are Ninja Thirsti flavor pods and CO2 canisters easy to find and buy? Initially, the reviewer could not find replacement flavor pods or CO2 canisters, as they were consistently out of stock on both Ninja Canada's and Ninja US's websites, as well as on Amazon.
  • What is the ongoing cost of using the Ninja Thirsti system? The reviewer calculated the per-drink cost to be roughly one dollar (CAD), excluding tax, based on a flavor pod costing $7.99 for 17 drinks and a CO2 canister costing $39.99 for 100 drinks.

Buyer questions answered

How does the Ninja Thirsti system work?

The reviewer demonstrates that the Ninja Thirsti requires users to load flavor pods into the machine. They can then select a sparkle level (e.g., level one) and the desired drink size, and the machine dispenses the flavored, carbonated beverage.

How long does a Ninja Thirsti CO2 canister last with regular use?

The reviewer, who used the Ninja Thirsti daily multiple times a day, found that a CO2 canister lasted about 6 weeks before needing replacement. The device also has an orange indicator light that signals when the CO2 tank is almost empty, estimated to have 10-20 drinks remaining.

Are Ninja Thirsti flavor pods and CO2 canisters easy to find and buy?

Initially, the reviewer could not find replacement flavor pods or CO2 canisters, as they were consistently out of stock on both Ninja Canada's and Ninja US's websites, as well as on Amazon. While his sister-in-law later found flavor pods on Amazon, the widespread and prolonged stock issues caused the reviewer to stop using the machine.

What is the ongoing cost of using the Ninja Thirsti system?

The reviewer calculated the per-drink cost to be roughly one dollar (CAD), excluding tax, based on a flavor pod costing $7.99 for 17 drinks and a CO2 canister costing $39.99 for 100 drinks. This recurring cost was a primary reason for the reviewer to stop using the product, describing it as an 'extra monthly bill.'

Does the Ninja Thirsti make good-tasting carbonated drinks?

Despite his critical view on cost and availability, the reviewer unequivocally states that the Ninja Thirsti produces delicious and fantastic drinks, emphasizing that the device itself works awesome. His decision to stop using it was purely financial, not due to product performance or taste.

Specs mentioned in this review

CO2 Canister Lifespan
The reviewer measured that a CO2 canister lasted approximately 6 weeks with his daily usage weeks
Flavor Pod Price (CAD)
A flavor pod, or 'water drops,' costs $7
CO2 Canister Price (CAD)
A CO2 canister costs $39
Drinks Per Flavor Pod
The reviewer states that a flavor pod yields 17 drinks, based on information from Ninja's website drinks
Drinks Per CO2 Canister
The reviewer notes that a CO2 canister provides 100 12-ounce drinks drinks
Calculated Per-Drink Cost
The reviewer calculated that the cost per drink, including flavor and CO2 but not tax, is roughly one dollar dollar

Not covered in depth by this source

  • Not covered: Fit & Sizing
  • Not covered: Ride Feel
  • Not covered: Durability
  • Not covered: Stability
  • Not covered: Traction
  • Not covered: Breathability

Why this source is included

70/100 source quality

  • • Independent of the brand
  • ✓ Hands-on demonstration
  • ✓ Specific testing or measurements
  • ✓ Clear sponsorship / relationship disclosure

Transcript summary

The review initially praises the Ninja Thirsti for its ease of use and delicious drinks, with the reviewer having used it daily. However, a significant shift in opinion occurs after the initial consumables run out, primarily due to difficulty finding replacement flavor pods and CO2 canisters in stock across multiple retail platforms. The core of the dissatisfaction stems from the high ongoing cost of these consumables, calculated at roughly a dollar per drink, making it an expensive daily habit. Despite the appliance itself performing excellently, the financial and logistical challenges lead the reviewer to discontinue its use, concluding it's not worth the continuous expense.

Full transcript is not redistributed here to respect the original creator’s rights.

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