A soda maker carbonates plain water at home using a refillable CO2 cylinder. You press a button or pump a lever, and the water turns sparkling in seconds. Add a flavor syrup if you want soda, or a squeeze of citrus if you want a lighter fizz. It cuts down on bottles and cans, and it lets you tune the fizz level.
The six machines below range from simple push-button models to a design piece and a hand-held siphon. We have not used these products ourselves, so please confirm which CO2 cylinder each machine uses, which bottles are included, and the current features on the listing before you buy. CO2 cylinder systems are not interchangeable across all brands.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Cylinder type | Quick-connect and screw-in cylinders differ, so check what the machine needs |
| Bottle type | Plastic, glass and steel bottles each have different care rules |
| Fizz control | More presses or a dial give a stronger fizz |
| What you can carbonate | Some machines only carbonate water, while others handle juice and wine |
| Power | Electric models add buttons, while manual models need none |
Specs at a Glance
| Soda maker | How it works | Power | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SodaStream Terra | Push to carbonate | Manual | Quick-connect cylinder; plastic bottle |
| SodaStream Art | Lever style | Manual | Slim, retro design |
| Drinkmate OmniFizz | Carbonates any drink | Manual | Sealed bottle with a pressure valve |
| Aarke Carbonator 3 | Lever style | Manual | Stainless steel body |
| SodaStream Jet | Push to carbonate | Manual | Compact option |
| iSi Soda Siphon | Hand-held siphon | Manual | Uses small CO2 chargers |
The 6 Best Soda Makers
1. SodaStream Terra
A well-known push-button model that uses quick-connect CO2 cylinders. It is compact, easy to operate and a good starting point for a first machine. The kit typically comes with a bottle, but check the listing for what is included and which cylinder it uses.
Suits: first-time buyers. Strengths: simple operation and a quick-connect cylinder. Weaknesses: plastic bottle. Skip it if you want a metal body.
View SodaStream Terra on Amazon
2. SodaStream Art
A slim lever-style machine with a retro look that works with quick-connect cylinders. It does not need electricity and fits a narrow spot on the counter, which makes it a good pick for a small kitchen or a bar cart.
Suits: small counters. Strengths: slim, stylish body. Weaknesses: lever takes practice. Skip it if you want a sleek metal finish.
3. Drinkmate OmniFizz
A carbonator designed to fizz drinks other than plain water, such as juice, tea or cocktails. It uses a sealed bottle with a pressure relief valve. Check the listing for the CO2 cylinder type.
Suits: fizzing juice and tea. Strengths: carbonates any drink. Weaknesses: bigger setup. Skip it if you only make plain water.
View Drinkmate OmniFizz on Amazon
4. Aarke Carbonator 3
A stainless steel design piece that uses a lever and a bottle made to match. It is a more premium look than most machines and suits an open counter. Check the listing for the cylinder system.
Suits: design-minded kitchens. Strengths: metal body and good looks. Weaknesses: takes more room on the counter. Skip it if you want a plain plastic machine.
View Aarke Carbonator 3 on Amazon
5. SodaStream Jet
A compact machine in the SodaStream line, with a simple push mechanism. It is a good fit for small kitchens, and it works with the brand cylinder system.
Suits: dorms and small kitchens. Strengths: very compact. Weaknesses: fewer extras. Skip it if you want a larger bottle.
6. iSi Soda Siphon
A hand-held stainless steel siphon that uses small CO2 chargers instead of a large cylinder. It makes a bottle of soda at a time and suits cocktails and entertaining.
Suits: bartenders and cocktail fans. Strengths: strong fizz and a metal body. Weaknesses: small batches and chargers. Skip it if you want to refill big bottles.
View iSi Soda Siphon on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Rinse bottles after each use and let them dry upside down so odors do not build up.
- Never put plastic bottles through a hot dishwasher cycle unless the maker allows it.
- Replace the CO2 cylinder through the maker exchange or refill program.
- Wipe the machine head so syrup does not build up.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Carbonating anything other than water in a machine not made for it.
- Overfilling the bottle past the line.
- Forgetting that cylinder types differ.
- Storing flavored bottles without cleaning.
Soda Maker FAQ
Can I carbonate flavored drinks?
Only in machines made for it. Most carbonate plain water first, and you add syrup or juice after, because sugary liquids can foam over and damage the head.
How long does a CO2 cylinder last?
It depends on the size and how fizzy you like your water. Check the listing.
Does a soda maker cut down on bottles?
Yes. A refillable system does cut down on bottles and cans, and it lets you make exactly the amount you need.
Do I need electricity?
Many machines are manual. Some newer models use buttons and power.
The Short Version
For simple operation, the SodaStream Terra. For a slim body, the SodaStream Art. For juice and tea, the Drinkmate. For design, the Aarke. For small kitchens, the SodaStream Jet. For cocktails, the iSi siphon.