I've owned the Aarke II for just under 3 months and am really pleased with it. I load up the bottle with tap water every evening and give 3 good pumps and pop it into the refrigerator overnight. In the morning I start my day with a quick 8 oz. glass and take my vitamins, followed by a coffee and light breakfast. I then manage a few more glasses throughout the day while working and by dinner time I've had a full bottle of water.I've never been a big water drinker, but found myself dehydrated more often, perhaps just the stress of the pandemic. I couldn't seem to get myself motivated to drink a liter of water a day, it seemed like a chore, so I had started buying sparkling water - some with flavor some plain - to try to make hydration a little more enticing. But after a while I got tired of lugging cases of water home each week and, if I'm honest, I wasn't thrilled about the number of plastic bottles that I was going through, which didn't always get recycled. It was all starting to feel like a burden. But then I saw The Aarke II and took a chance and ordered it - suffice to say it has been a game changer.I did the math and the Aarke has paid for itself in both time, conservation and dollars spent on packaged water already. I've found it very easy to use. The gas cartridge screws into the bottom with no effort and the bottle screws in neatly to the pump mechanism which is well sealed so there is no spray or mess. The drip tray collects any backwash through the tube, and I empty that about once a week - just pick up the machine, take it to the sink and pour it out. My first cartridge has lasted a full 90 days, and is still going, so that's at least 90 liters so far. The unit sits neatly under the overhead cabinets and has a relatively small footprint. I chose the stainless steel version (because it happened to be slightly reduced compared to the other colors at the time) which feels solid, cleans easily and looks modern and smart with everything else in the kitchen. Some have said the quality isn't good, but I don't see the issues. It's stainless steel, not chrome, so you can see it looks like an industrial machine.For reference, I've got the 2nd generation and there is a newer model out which may have additional features. But for me, this model has performed exceptionally well, surpassing my expectations. Not only is it beautiful and functional, it has really added to my quality of life. I had owned one of the cheaper competitors originally, but it was fussy and ugly and leaked. The Aarke is solid Scandinavian design and high quality, a true simple luxury.I've recently started to experiment with adding ginger shots which turns it into a pep cocktail. All around a great machine that is allowing me to once and for all achieve my hydration goals and check off that box on my daily planner that says "drink water." I've never been able to do that before; at least not consistently. Now I don't even have to think about staying hydrated. I just enjoy drinking water. Definitely one of the best investments I've made all year.