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The 8 Best Soda Makers, Tested & Reviewed

These machines are the champions of CO2

Best soda makers arranged on wooden table and blocks

The Spruce Eats / Tamara Staples

Being able to make seltzers and soft drinks at home saves you a lot of money in the long run, puts you in control of the ingredients, and is an eco-friendly choice that eliminates bottle and can waste. Soda makers create soft drinks in seconds by injecting carbon dioxide from a replaceable cartridge into plain water, and some can even be used to add fizz to other beverages, like fresh juices and teas.

To help you sift through all the options out there, we tested and rated soda makers on the following attributes: ease of use, carbonation performance, and ease of cleaning. For machines that carbonate more than water, we made effervescent apple juice, natural wine, and even cocktail syrup. Lots of bubbly drinks were made, but not every maker passed our standards.

Best Overall

Drinkmate Sparkling Water and Soda Maker

Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Water and Soda Maker

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.8/5
  • Carbonation Performance
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
What We Like
  • Carbonates any beverage beautifully

  • Sleek design 

  • Compatible with any brand’s carbonation cartridges

  • No batteries or electricity needed

What We Don't Like
  • Some leaking if not careful removing bottle

One of the biggest draws of this soda maker is that it can be used to carbonate any liquid. You can make fizzy orange juice in the morning, sparkling tea in the afternoon, and carbonated cocktails for happy hour. (Most carbonators are designed to only work with water.) The sparkling wine we made came out beautifully carbonated, like Prosecco, and the carbonation lasted even after it had been sitting out for a while. The carbonation distributed evenly for all beverages, too, with tiny bubbles and a great mouthfeel. It performed well across all the tests we put it through.

We liked this machine's small countertop footprint, which makes it a great option for small spaces, and that it doesn't require electricity (or batteries for that matter). The included bottle has a clearly marked fill line, plus low and high bubble levels that let you easily eyeball if you need more or less carbonation. The manual lists how many seconds you'll need to carbonate different drinks.

The Drinkmate can accept standard 60-liter carbonation cylinders from any brand. To help keep things cost-effective, the manufacturer has a trade-in program with which you'll score discounted CO2 cylinders when you send back your empties.

Power Source: Manual | Bottle Material: BPA-free plastic | Bottle Capacity: 1 liter | Carbonator Included: No | Dimensions: 5 x 8 x 16 inches | Weight: 4.55 pounds

Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Water and Soda Maker displayed on teal counter

The Spruce Eats / Tamara Staples

Runner-Up, Best Overall

SodaStream Fizzi One Touch

SodaStream Fizzi One Touch Sparkling Water Maker

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Carbonation Performance
    4.8/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
What We Like
  • Easy to clean

  • Very even carbonation

  • Three carbonation levels

  • Includes full-size CO2 cartridge

What We Don't Like
  • Needs to be plugged in

  • Large countertop footprint

This machine is incredibly easy to use; you can select from three levels of carbonation, and the machine will automatically add just the right amount of bubbles to your water. Although its electrical needs are small, you will need access to an electrical outlet to use this soda maker. A full CO2 canister comes with it, which makes up to 60 liters, so you won't need to buy anything extra to get started.

During testing, we found that the small, tingly, effervescent bubbles distributed well and made the water deliciously drinkable—the carbonation even lasted longer than many other soda makers. We especially loved the way it drew out the flavor of a bubbly chardonnay. The automation made the machine very consistent, unlike manual carbonators. It was also very easy to clean. The design is straightforward and sturdy.

Carbonating anything besides water will void the warranty, but you can add flavor drops or homemade flavored syrups after you've added carbonation. We used it to carbonate wine anyway and found that the carbonation brought out the flavor nuances. Try at your own risk?

Power Source: Electric | Bottle Material: BPA-free plastic | Bottle Capacity: 1 liter and 0.5 liter | Carbonator Included: Yes | Dimensions: 5.63 x 8.0 x 16.8 inches | Weight: 7.49 pounds

Best Splurge

Aarke Carbonator III Sparkling & Seltzer Water Maker

Aarke Carbonator III Premium Sparkling & Seltzer Water Maker

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.7/5
  • Carbonation Performance
    4.8/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
What We Like
  • Stylish design

  • Minimal countertop footprint

  • Many finish options

  • Cordless design

What We Don't Like
  • Tedious cartridge loading

  • Only plastic bottles available

This beautifully designed stainless steel carbonator's previous model (the Aarke Carbonator II, detailed in our full review, above) looks gorgeous on the countertop. Don't let the luxe design intimidate you, though—it is very simple to use. We tested the current model (pictured below) and were pleased with how ergonomic the lever was, which can be good for users with mobility limitations. We also found that the carbonation was strong and lasted a long time, and we appreciated that the lever releases excess carbonation to avoid messes. There was even a mix of large and small bubbles, which we really enjoyed.

This soda maker includes one carbonating bottle with a sturdy stainless steel cap and is compatible with standard 60-liter carbonation canisters that are widely available in stores and online. It's cordless and doesn't take up much space, which makes it easy to fit anywhere in your kitchen. Just be aware this model does not include a canister, so you'll need to pick one up separately to get started.

This machine is pricey, but if you're in the market for a sleek and high-end option that will look elegant in your kitchen, it's a great choice.

Power Source: Manual | Bottle Material: BPA-free plastic | Bottle Capacity: 800 milliliters | Carbonator Included: No | Dimensions: 6 x 10.2 x 16.3 inches | Weight: 3.2 pounds

Best Traditional Siphon

iSi Soda Siphon

iSi Soda Siphon

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Carbonation Performance
    4.3/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.9/5
What We Like
  • Sleek design

  • No batteries or electricity needed

  • Portable

What We Don't Like
  • Time-consuming to assemble and use

If you're looking for a soda maker that can be stashed on your bar cart, a traditional soda siphon is your best choice. Used by professional bartenders, a siphon's canister carbonates the water and shoots it into your glass, which feels and looks impressive when making fancy cocktails.

We have to admit, this carbonator is tricky to put together and takes quite a few tedious steps to use, but we found the end carbonation level was strong and lasted a long time, so the initial struggle was worth it. The results were also crisp but smooth, with no burn, which is definitely a plus.

The bottle can hold 1 quart of water, and a measuring tube helps you add just the right amount of liquid so you don’t overfill it. There's also a pressure control valve that prevents over-pressurizing the unit. This uses small CO2 chargers, but they're one-time-use only, so you'll need to keep plenty on hand.

Power Source: Manual | Bottle Material: Stainless steel | Bottle Capacity: 1 quart | Carbonator Included: No | Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 12.25 inches | Weight: 1.68 pounds

Best Design

MySoda Woody Sparkling Water Maker

MySoda Woody Sparkling Water Maker

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.8/5
  • Carbonation Performance
    4.8/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
What We Like
  • Made from sustainable materials

  • Easy to set up and use

  • Consistently great carbonation performance

What We Don't Like
  • Does not come with CO2 cylinder

We loved this machine's design, which is similar to the Drinkmate. It comes from a sustainability focused company in Finland, which means higher shipping prices, but the price is still comparable to SodaStream even with the international shipping cost. We love that this model is made of a sustainable material called biocomposite and doesn't require electricity, which makes it the most eco-friendly option on our list.

We found this carbonator to be very easy to set up, use, and clean, even though it isn't dishwasher-safe. It only carbonates water, though, unlike the Drinkmate. We loved the carbonation each time and found it to be really consistent. The end result was so refreshing—crispy and really drinkable with small bubbles.

This machine does not come with a CO2 cylinder, but it is compatible with all standard cylinder brands. The Mysoda even comes in several different colors to match your kitchen.

Power Source: None | Bottle Material: Plastic | Bottle Capacity: 1 liter | Carbonator Included: No | Dimensions: 9.6 x 5.1 x 16.1 inches | Weight: 4.9 pounds

Best Ease of Use

SodaStream Art Sparkling Water Maker

SodaStream Art Sparkling Water Maker

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Carbonation Performance
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
What We Like
  • Easy bottle installation

  • Lasting carbonation

  • Infinite bubble control

What We Don't Like
  • Only carbonates water

  • Quick connect bottles are fairly new

SodaStream's Art Sparkling Water Maker is both sleek and simple: a winning combination. Setup is easy as can be, thanks to the SodaStream's quick connect system. Snap the bottle in place and you're ready to go. Just be sure you're purchasing the correct bottle and cylinder types, since the machine only uses that quick connect system. The design marries retro vibes with modern convenience in a tall soda maker that won't dominate your counter space.

Another must-have quality? Versatility. The SodaStream Art offers total control over the fizziness levels of the drink, creating long-lasting bubbles that can withstand a few days in the fridge. The more you crank the lever, the more bubbly the results will be.

Though the machine only carbonates water, SodaStream offers a host of flavors that you can add to the sparkling water after it's carbonated. There are classic soda flavors, such as root beer or cola, fruity options, including pineapple and lemon, and even kombucha concentrate. We enjoyed trying a suite of flavors and even mixed and matched some to create fun combinations.

We also found that the SodaStream Art was easy to clean since it had few moving parts and only carbonates water. A simple wipe-down of the exterior and the carbonation needle is all you need to do to keep things nice and tidy.

Power Source: Manual | Bottle Material: Plastic | Bottle Capacity: 1 liter | Carbonator Included: Yes | Dimensions: 9.64 x 6.81 x 16.93 inches | Weight: 3.8 pounds

Best Single-Serve

Carbon8 One Touch Sparkling Water Maker and Dispenser

Carbon8 One Touch Sparkling Water Maker and Dispenser

Williams Sonoma

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Carbonation Performance
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
What We Like
  • Easy to operate

  • Single servings

  • Uses readily available CO2 tanks

What We Don't Like
  • Needs to be plugged in

The Carbon8 One Touch Sparkling Water Maker and Dispenser is dedicated to water (as its name implies) and isn't meant to carbonate other liquids such as wine or juice. Don't let that deter you: You can use the sparkling water to make your own cocktails or sodas after you dispense it. We were impressed with the water's fizziness and long-lasting bubbles. The unit is tall and sleek but does require a nearby outlet for power.

Unlike most other models on this list, the Carbon8 does not come with a bottle. Instead, the carbonator has a water tank that carbonates water as it dispenses into the container of your choice. It's a single-serve, at-the-ready machine that's ideal for single people or families who all want a different flavor of drink. No need to carbonate and flavor an entire bottle that will go to waste if you only want a few sips. As far as carbonating tanks go, this model uses the same standard ones that are used by other brands.

Power Source: Plug-in | Reservoir Material: Plastic | Reservoir Capacity: 68 ounces | Carbonator Included: No | Dimensions: 13.1 x 5.6 x 16.7 inches | Weight: 9.9 pounds

Best with Flavor

Ninja Thirsti Drink System

Ninja Thirsti Drink System

Ninja

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Carbonation Performance
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
What We Like
  • Push-button control

  • Three levels of fizz

  • Automatically dispenses one or two flavors

  • Control over flavor intensity

  • Dispenses still water as well

What We Don't Like
  • Flavor pods aren’t refillable

  • Third-party flavors don’t exist yet

If you love flavored fizzy water, the Ninja Thirsti may be just what you’re looking for. It dispenses one glass at a time, in a variety of sizes, and can add one or two flavors from its proprietary pods. Simple, well-labeled buttons control all the options, including drink size, still or fizzy water, the intensity of the fizziness, and the intensity of one or two different flavors.

The Thirsti comes with a variety pack of flavors, and more can be purchased. They're simple to snap into the machine and make refreshingly fruity drinks. Of course, you can also add your own favorite flavors, syrups, or fruit juices, too. We also like the water temperature sensor, which lets you know if your water is cold enough to bubble properly. This does requires electricity to operate and uses standard screw-in CO2 canisters.

Power Source: Plug-in | Reservoir Material: Plastic | Reservoir Capacity: 48 ounces | Carbonator Included: Yes | Dimensions: 14 x 8.8 x 16 inches | Weight: 8.5 pounds

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the sleek Drinkmate Beverage Carbonation Maker because it can carbonate any liquid and doesn't require any electricity or batteries. It's also consistent, affordable, and compatible with other brands' CO2 cartridges. If you want to be able to control the level of precise carbonation through automation, the SodaStream Fizzi One Touch (our second-favorite option) is a great product.

How We Tested Soda Makers

Based on the results of previous testing and extensive online research, we chose 11 soda makers to test side-by-side in our Lab. We used the same water source for everything and made sure the water temperature was consistent from test to test. Additionally, many of the machines in this roundup have been tested in the home kitchens of our product reviewers.

We Observed

  • Carbonating water: Following the included directions, we used each machine to make a batch of plain sparkling water on every available setting. We taste-tested the results, looking for off flavors and paying special attention to whether different settings resulted in noticeable differences in carbonation level. (For soda makers with only one setting, we made three batches in a row and tasted them for consistent flavor and level of bubbles.)
  • Carbonating other ingredients: For machines that can accommodate liquids besides plain water, we made test batches of apple juice, natural wine, and a mocktail (made by diluting Liber & Co. Passion Fruit Syrup). We tasted these for flavor and fizz level, and noted whether we encountered any special difficulties with the actual carbonation process.
  • Ease of cleaning: After the tests, we cleaned each machine following the manufacturer's instructions, using a dishwasher when allowed and hand-washing otherwise. We noted how complicated it was to disassemble each soda maker, and if any sticky juices or syrups made their way into the interior or anywhere else difficult to reach.

We Noted

  • Size and capacity: We considered how much soda the machines can make at a time as well as their physical sizes, and whether they come with more than one carbonation vessel. We also looked at the size and types of CO2 cartridges the soda makers can use—higher-capacity chargers mean you can make more bubbles in between reloads.
  • Controls and accessories: As we tested out the soda makers' various settings, we noted how simple it was to control the carbonation and select the mode you want. We also considered whether the machines include accessories like extra bottles, lids, and flavorings.
  • Value: We only revealed the retail prices and considered value after we completed all of our other testing. We compared costs directly between models, as well as to the average price across the category. One very important accessory we included in our ratings for value is CO2 chargers: Some soda makers come with just a single sample cartridge, while others throw in a generous supply. You'll eventually need to buy more chargers for any machine, and their cost comes into play when thinking about its overall value.

About Our Testers

  • Our Lab team has spent collective decades working in professional kitchens, developing recipes, and testing kitchen gear.
  • Meredith Hurd has been writing for The Spruce Eats since 2019 and has also done copywriting for brands including Ralph Lauren, TOMS Shoes, Pressed Juicery, and more. She tested the DrinkMate Home Carbonation System and iSi Soda Siphon at home.
  • Julie Hershman home-tested the SodaStream Fizzi One Touch and the Aarke Carbonator II. A writer and photographer who covers music, theater, travel, and food, she's traveled the whole world but lives in Astoria, Queens.
  • Food writer and cookbook author Donnie Currie covers gadgets of all kinds for The Spruce Eats and tried out the SodaStream Art, Carbon8, and Ninja Thirsti at home. Her work has also appeared on Serious Eats and Fine Cooking.

Other Options We Tested

  • Twenty39 Qarbo - Sparkling Water Maker: We loved the ease of assembly and ease of use on this machine, but the carbonation performance was mediocre and many of the beverages we made lost their fizz quickly. The wine we carbonated tasted like wine after the ice has melted, and the bottle was so tall that it was difficult to store in the fridge.
  • Soda Stream Aqua Fizz: This machine is quite loud and screechy, and we found that the carbonation was highly inconsistent, underwhelming, and not at all long-lasting. It was hard to know how much to push down the lever to get enough carbonation yet also avoid spills. We also felt that the glass was poorly designed and bulky, albeit sturdy.
  • Sparkel Beverage System: This machine uses citric acid and baking soda to produce carbon dioxide in lieu of gas canisters, which we found innovative despite the extra step of having to add the citric acid packet. However, it was leaky and far less easy to use than other options; it required a great deal of effort and wasted water for carbonation that didn't last long.

What to Look for in a Soda Maker

Versatility

Many soda makers, including the popular SodaStream models, are designed for carbonating only water. Flavor in the form of fresh fruit, herbs, or flavoring drops can be added to the water after the carbonation process.

Other soda makers can be used to carbonate any liquid you like, including juice, tea, cocktails, and wine. You can also use these machines to add bubbles back to drinks that have gone flat.

If you just want carbonated water, you probably don't need a model that’s able to carbonate your iced tea. If you entertain or like trying new recipes, the added versatility may be worth it.

People looking at and discussing soda makers on a white countertop

The Spruce Eats / Tamara Staples

Carbonation Style

Most soda makers on the market use a carbon dioxide (CO2) cylinder to carbonate your beverages. Before buying, check to see if your model includes a CO2 cylinder to get started. Not all do, so you may need to purchase one separately.

Alternatively, you may find soda makers bundled into starter kits that include a couple CO2 cylinders and/or additional bottles. If you plan to carbonate a lot of liquids or have a large household where everyone enjoys fizzy drinks, a bundled starter kit might make sense.

Bottle Material

Most soda maker water bottles or carafes are made from plastic. If you'd like to avoid plastic, look for a soda maker that comes with a glass bottle. Just be aware that models with glass bottles tend to cost more than their plastic counterparts. Most manufacturers offer additional bottles, whether plastic or glass, so you can make sure you always have a clean bottle ready to go.

Size

Countertop units are usually able to accommodate larger CO2 tanks—so you won’t need to replace them as often—while smaller models, like a classic soda siphon, are perfectly sized for stashing on a small bar cart, tucking into a picnic basket, or taking to a party.

Power Source

You'll find both electric and manual countertop soda makers. Manual models are more portable and can be used anywhere without needing access to an electrical outlet.

The electric models on this list have settings for various fizz levels and a carbonation process that's hands-free, while manual models require you to push a lever to achieve your preferred amount of carbonation.

Person pouring carbonated wine into champagne flutes

The Spruce Eats / Tamara Staples

FAQs

What are some tips for using a soda maker?

Most brands will have helpful tips, tricks, and recipes on their websites. Check out Drinkmate's cocktail recipes or SodaStream's helpful blog. The Spruce Eats has also done a lot of soda making to find the best of the best, and we have a few tips to help you get the best bubbles, no matter what machine you choose.

The Spruce Eats / Roirvin Lin / Maddy Baker

How long does a CO2 cylinder last?

The exact length of time a cylinder will last depends on how often you use it. Most of the soda makers on this list work with a 60-liter CO2 cylinder, which has enough gas to carbonate 60 liters. If you carbonate a liter of water each day, your cylinder should last about two months.

How do you know when your cylinder is out of gas?

You'll know it's time to replace your CO2 cylinder when you notice the gas going into your water sputters or seems to be less powerful than usual. If the carbonation button(s) on your soda maker don't work, seem less forceful, or make an unusual noise, it's probably because the cylinder is running low.

What do you do with empty CO2 cylinders?

Cylinders should not be thrown away and are not accepted by residential recycling programs.

Most soda maker companies offer a cylinder exchange program. Cylinders can be returned to some retailers who sell soda makers for recycling or mailed back directly to the company.

SodaStream offers discounted refill cylinders as part of their mail-in exchange program. Drinkmate offers cash rebates for cylinders returned to them that can be used to purchase more cylinders. The details for these exchange programs can be found on the companies' websites.

Can you recarbonate flat drinks with a soda maker?

Yes, if your soda maker is designed to carbonate liquids other than water, it can also be used to add bubbles back into flat soda or beer. Not all soda makers are designed to carbonate beverages other than water, though, so be sure to check your product manual first.

SodaStream soda makers, in particular, are not designed to be used to carbonate any liquid other than water; any flavors should be added after the water is fizzy. However, if you browse the internet, you'll notice customers have experimented with carbonating other liquids (like The Spruce Eats tried out in the video below) with mixed success (it can get very messy!). Just note that the money-back guarantee and warranty will be invalid if you do choose to carbonate anything other than water.

The SodaStream Fizzi One Touch

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Donna Currie is a cookbook author, writer, and product tester for The Spruce Eats. In addition to reviewing more than 90 products for the brand, Donna has also written numerous roundups on all manner of small appliances, including the best blenders, snow cone makers, and pasta makers.

This roundup was updated by Katya Weiss-Andersson, a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience as a professional chef, and Allison Wignall, who may or may not be slightly obsessed with flavored sparkling water. She primarily writes about kitchen products and food gifts, and her work has been featured in publications including Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living.

Additional reporting by
Allison Wignall
Allison Wignall The Spruce Eats

Allison Wignall is a staff writer for The Spruce Eats who focuses on product reviews. She has also contributed to publications such as Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living.

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  1. Food and Drug Administration. Bisphenol A (BPA): Use in food contact application.

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