Carbonated water–whether you call it seltzer, soda, sparkling…
…or fizzy water–is trending, and for good reason:
…the bubbles make plain old water fun and more versatile.
It can be enjoyed plain or flavored, substituted for sweetened colas…
…or added to cocktails.
You can kick your store-bought soda habit by investing in a DIY soda maker…
…if you are addicted to bubbly water.
A soda maker not only saves you money in the long run…
…but also allows you to choose the ingredients in your drinks…
…and makes your drinks more environmentally friendly…
…since fewer bottles and cans are wasted.
Using a replaceable cartridge, soda makers create sparkling water…
…in seconds by injecting CO2, which is carbon dioxide, into plain water.
Soda makers can even be used to add fizz to other beverages like juices and teas.
We’ll hear Joey’s story before we move on…
Drinking soda makes me happy. It would be nice if I could make soda myself.
One hot summer day, my friend gifted me a soda maker, just what I always wanted.
I’m so happy! I learned how to use the machine immediately,
and made one glass of soda for my friend.
On a hot summer day, sitting back and drinking soda is the perfect way to relax.
Now, here are the best soda makers…
Our Top Picks for Soda Maker
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Drinkmate Sparkling Water and Soda Maker, Carbonates Any Drink, Special Bundle- Includes 60L CO2 Cylinder, Two Carbonation Bottles, and Fizz Infuser- Matte Black | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | SodaStream Aqua Fizz Sparkling Water Machine (Black) with Co2 & Glass Carafes | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Aarke - Carbonator III Premium Carbonator | Sparkling & Seltzer Water Maker | Soda Maker with PET Bottle (Stainless Steel) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | sodastream Fizzi Sparkling Water Maker (Black) with CO2 and BPA free Bottle | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | Spärkel Beverage System (Black) - Sparkling Water and Soda Maker - A New Way of Sparkling - Use Fresh & Natural Ingredients - No CO2 Tank Needed | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Let’s go through them one by one…
Drinkmate Home Carbonation System
- CARBONATES ANY DRINK, NOT JUST WATER - Enjoy the sensation of sparkling water, juices, wine, cocktails, and even flat soda or beer. The Drinkmate carbonate anything soda maker puts you in control with the push of a button.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
You can carbonate any liquid with this soda maker…
…which is one of its biggest selling points.
Making fizzy orange juice in the morning, a sparkling cup of tea in the afternoon…
…as well as carbonated cocktails for happy hour is no problem.
Other soda makers are designed to only work with water…
…so this is a big advantage.
It has a small footprint, so it’s great for small kitchens, RVs, dorm rooms…
…or anywhere with limited space.
Since it does not require electricity (or batteries for that matter)…
…you can keep it on the kitchen table and make fresh fizzy drinks…
…whenever you have a meal.
With a clearly marked fill line and low and high foam levels included in the bottle…
…you can always eyeball how much carbonation you need…
…to get the perfect amount of fizz.
You can choose from black, white, or red…
…and it comes with a 3-ounce carbonation cylinder to get you started.
It accepts both standard 60-liter carbonation cylinders from similar brands…
…as well as DrinkMate branded cylinders.
The manufacturer offers a trade-in program in which you can score…
…discounted CO2 cylinders when you send back your empties.
Pros:
- Carbonates nearly any beverage, not just water
- Stylish design
- Compatible with any brand’s carbonation cartridge
- No batteries or electricity required
Cons:
- Doesn’t include a full-size carbonator
SodaStream Aqua Fizz Sparkling Water Maker
- Make fresh sparkling water at the push of a button
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
One of the best features about the SodaStream Aqua Fizz Sparkling Water Maker…
…is that it comes with two glass carafes.
Featuring a ribbed design, the bottles hold 22 ounces each…
…and can be served tableside at your next dinner party.
As with the other SodaStream models on this list…
…the Aqua Fizz uses a 60-liter carbon dioxide cylinder that screws…
…into place and is only for adding bubbles to water.
There is no need for electricity or batteries with this model…
…so you can use it anywhere. To manually add carbonation…
…there is a button on top of the machine.
Test out how many times you need to push the button to get enough bubbles…
…for your taste.
As you can see, this soda maker is on the bulky side…
…and stands over 17-inches tall, but you’ll need even more clearance…
…to insert a glass bottle when the unit is opened.
Make sure you have enough clearance where you plan to store it…
…by measuring the space.
Pros:
- Water bottles are made from glass
- Include two water bottles
- No electricity or batteries required
Cons:
- Bigger than other models
- Pricey
- No settings to control fizz levels
“Cold, filtered water will give you the best results with a sparkling water maker. Cold water carbonates better than room temperature water. It’s best to skip the tap, though, since carbonation can amplifies any impurities, making water taste more metallic, acidic, or bitter. “
Donna Currie, Food Writer and Blogger
Aarke Carbonator
- ✅Newest Model/Generation 3 - Sparkling water maker featuring compact design and top of the line user-friendly engineering. Available in a range of classic finishes to elevate any countertop.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you have an expensive kitchen, you want your countertop appliances…
…to look the same, and this Swedish-designed carbonator is sure to stand out.
Made of stainless steel, it has a copper finish for an elegant appearance.
Additionally, it comes in white, matte black…
…black chrome, brass, and stainless steel.
Although the stainless steel construction is likely to withstand wear…
…and tear from carbonation pressure better than plastic soda makers…
…the carbonated water didn’t taste any better than cheaper models.
Its luxe design shouldn’t intimidate you, though.
The soda maker is easy to use.
To carbonate your water, you simply press down on the single lever.
In addition to releasing excess carbonation…
…the lever also prevents a mess from occurring.
The soda maker comes with a carbonating bottle…
…that has a sturdy stainless steel cap and is compatible…
…with standard 60-liter carbonation bottles available at many stores and online.
You will need to purchase a canister separately for this model…
…since it does not include one.
Pros:
- Sleek, stylish design
- Minimal footprint
- Many finish options
- Cordless design
Cons:
- Expensive
- Tedious cartridge loading
- CO2 not included
- Only plastic bottles available
SodaStream Fizzi Classic
- Make fresh sparkling water at the push of a button
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Save a few dollars with this carbonator…
…by comparing it to the other SodaStream models.
As opposed to the Fizzi One Touch…
…the Fizzi Classic does not require electricity to operate…
…so you can use it wherever you like.
No levels of fizz are available and the carbonation process is not automated.
By pressing one button, you can manually add carbonation…
…from a 60-liter CO2 cylinder until the water has your desired level of bubbles.
There’s a bit of a learning curve to figuring out how much CO2 to add…
…but once you understand how many pushes of the button make water…
…that suits your tastes, it’s easy to use.
There are several color options, including white, black, navy, and icy blue.
The Fizzi can only be used for carbonating water for seltzer…
…or else the warranty will be voided.
After carbonating, you can add flavor with the brand’s flavoring drops…
…or your own syrups or fresh fruit.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Portable
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Lacks fizz levels
- Learning curve to get preferred carbonation levels
Spärkel Beverage System
- WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF SPARKLING WATER - Spärkel is the only sparkling beverage system that doesn’t require a CO2 Cylinder.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Spärkel Beverage System might be the right soda maker for you…
…if you don’t want to deal with carbon dioxide canisters…
…keeping extras on hand, and returning empties to an authorized retailer to recycle.
The system can carbonate water, tea, juice, and cocktails…
…(a huge selling point over water-only models)…
…but it delivers CO2 in a different way.
Fresh fruit and herbs can also be added directly to the bottle…
…and the pressure created by the CO2 will instantly extract flavor from them.
The Spärkel comes with individual packets of powdered carbonators…
…called A+B packs, instead of a standard CO2 cylinder.
The “A” packet contains citric acid and the “B” packet sodium bicarbonate.
The amount of CO2 in each packet is just right for adding fizz to one bottle.
Carbonation occurs in a chamber on top of the machine…
…and tap water is added to a tank on the back.
In the machine, they mix together in a sealed chamber, creating CO2.
There is no powder or tap water in your drink. Only the CO2 gas they produce.
Each time a carbonator is emptied, any leftovers are placed in a chamber…
…that must be emptied.
When it is done, the machine plays a pleasant melody…
…and the bottle lights up as it carbonates.
A 26-ounce bottle and 10 carbonators are included in the Spärkel…
…and the bottle comes in several colors.
Additional carbonators are available in packs of 30.
Additional bottles can also be purchased.
Pros:
- No CO2 cylinders required
- Five levels of carbonation
- Fully automatic
- Carbonates more than water
Cons:
- Two water chambers to fill and empty
- Bottle lever tricky to lock into place
- Takes longer to carbonate than other models
Sum Up!
Consider buying one of the five best soda makers compiled above…
…if you’re looking for an easy way to quench your thirst.
They help you create the taste of bottled beverages at home in a homemade version!
Conclusion
Drinkmate Beverage Carbonation Maker is our top pick…
…because it can carbonate any liquid without electricity or batteries.
Additionally, it is compatible with other brands’ CO2 cartridges and is affordable.
If you don’t like the idea of storing and swapping carbon dioxide cylinders…
…you might like the Spärkel Beverage System.
The carbonator uses powdered carbonator packets with five levels of carbonation.
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
