Creating sparkling water and custom sodas at home has never been more popular. A home soda maker offers a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to buying cases of plastic bottles, allowing you to control the level of carbonation and flavor to match your personal preference. Whether you are looking to reduce your environmental footprint or simply enjoy a freshly carbonated beverage on demand, there is a machine to fit your needs.
The market is filled with options, from sleek, design-forward models to feature-packed powerhouses. This roundup will help you navigate the choices, highlighting machines that excel in customization, ease of use, and versatility. We have compiled a list of the top performers to help you find the perfect carbonation companion for your kitchen counter.
The Best Soda Makers for Your Home
- Ninja Thirsti Drink System, Soda Maker
- aarke Carbonator III Premium Carbonator
- SodaStream ART Sparkling Water Maker
- Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Water and Soda Maker
- Glass Carbonating Bottle for SodaStream
- SodaStream E-TERRA Sparkling Water Maker Bundle
- ICO Soda Siphon, Sparkling Water Maker
- Mysoda Ruby 2 Sparkling Water Maker
- MrFizz Seltzer 8g CO2 Charger 50PK
- SodaStream Genesis Sparkling Water Maker
Ninja Thirsti Drink System, Soda Maker
The Ninja Thirsti Drink System stands out for its high degree of personalization. You can easily adjust the fizz level, flavor intensity, and drink size to create a beverage that is perfectly suited to your taste. With the ability to select from still water or three distinct levels of carbonation, it offers remarkable flexibility for every preference.
This machine is designed for convenience, featuring four different size settings: 6oz, 12oz, 18oz, and 24oz. This allows you to fill any cup, from a small tumbler to a large travel mug. The included 60L CO2 cylinder and variety of flavored water drops provide everything you need to get started crafting a wide array of unique sparkling and still drinks right at home.
aarke Carbonator III Premium Carbonator
The aarke Carbonator III is a statement piece for any modern kitchen. Its elegant, minimalist design and compact build are crafted from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring it looks as good as it performs. This model operates without cords or electricity, offering seamless placement and use anywhere on your countertop.
Precision engineering is at the heart of the Carbonator III. It features a redesigned stainless steel precision nozzle that creates a smooth and controlled carbonation process for a refined spray beam. The result is consistently bubbly water with a professional feel, making every glass a premium experience.
SodaStream ART Sparkling Water Maker
The SodaStream ART Sparkling Water Maker combines retro-inspired design with modern functionality. Its sleek black finish with metal accents makes it an attractive addition to any kitchen decor. The simple pull-lever mechanism makes carbonating water intuitive and straightforward.
This starter kit is an excellent value, including a 32 oz Slim Carbonating Bottle and a convenient 16 oz On-The-Go bottle with a carrying strap. Beyond its style and convenience, the ART model is an eco-conscious choice; each reusable CO2 cylinder can carbonate up to 16 gallons of water, significantly reducing plastic bottle waste.
Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Water and Soda Maker
The Drinkmate OmniFizz sets itself apart with its unique ability to carbonate almost any beverage. Thanks to its patented Fizz Infuser technology, you are not limited to just water. You can add bubbles to juice, iced tea, cocktails, wine, and even recarbonate flat soda.
This versatility makes the OmniFizz a fantastic choice for entertaining, allowing you to create signature carbonated drinks for your guests. The special bundle includes a 60L CO2 cylinder and two carbonation bottles, providing a complete setup for experimenting with a wide world of sparkling creations.
Glass Carbonating Bottle for SodaStream
This 2-pack of Glass Carbonating Bottles is an essential accessory for owners of specific SodaStream models. Designed for use with the Aqua Fizz, Crystal, and Penguin sparkling water makers, these bottles offer a more durable and taste-neutral alternative to plastic.
It is important to note that these glass carafes are not compatible with SodaStream machines that use plastic bottles, such as the Jet, Fizzi, or Terra models. For users with compatible machines, these bottles provide a premium feel and are easy to clean, enhancing the overall experience of making sparkling water at home.
SodaStream E-TERRA Sparkling Water Maker Bundle
The SodaStream E-TERRA offers a straightforward, push-button approach to carbonation. With three preset carbonation levels, you can quickly achieve your desired level of fizz without any guesswork. Its energy-efficient design is powered entirely by the CO2 cylinder, requiring no electrical outlet.
This bundle is an excellent starter set, as it includes the sparkling water maker, two 60L CO2 cylinders, reusable carbonating bottles, and bubly drops flavors. This comprehensive package ensures you have everything needed to begin making fresh sparkling water and flavored seltzers immediately.
ICO Soda Siphon, Sparkling Water Maker
The ICO Soda Siphon provides a classic and compact solution for making carbonated water. This device is a great money-saving alternative to larger machines and store-bought seltzer, requiring no electricity and very little counter space. Its small size allows it to fit conveniently in your refrigerator.
Using standard 8g CO2 cartridges (sold separately), this siphon can create fresh soda water in seconds from tap or bottled water. Its durable, TUV-certified aluminum build and dishwasher-safe components make it both reliable and easy to maintain. It is also highly portable for use on picnics or camping trips.
Mysoda Ruby 2 Sparkling Water Maker
The Mysoda Ruby 2 is a multi-award winning soda maker known for its silent operation and striking Nordic design. It has earned accolades for its aesthetic and functional qualities, making it a beautiful and practical addition to any kitchen. The machine features an improved anti-freeze nozzle designed to produce a larger amount of smaller bubbles for a superior mouthfeel.
Built with a robust, long-lasting aluminum body and a scratch-proof coating, the Ruby 2 is made for durability and easy maintenance. The package includes the machine and a 1L water bottle, while the CO2 cylinder uses a common screw-in system and is sold separately for easy exchanges.
MrFizz Seltzer 8g CO2 Charger 50PK
This 50-pack of MrFizz 8g CO2 chargers is an essential supply for owners of compatible soda siphons. It offers great value for frequent users, ensuring you always have chargers on hand to make fresh seltzer water. These chargers are designed for use with a wide range of 1-liter soda siphons.
They are compatible with brands like iSi, Liss, and Mosa, as well as Hamilton Beach handheld soda makers. It is important to verify that your specific device uses this standard 8g cartridge size, as they are not compatible with all systems, such as the Soda Sparkle or iSoda Drinkmate machines.
SodaStream Genesis Sparkling Water Maker
The SodaStream Genesis is a popular and reliable model known for its user-friendly design. It provides a simple and efficient way to turn tap water into sparkling water in seconds. Its compact footprint makes it easy to find a spot for on any kitchen counter.
As a core model in the SodaStream lineup, the Genesis is designed for everyday use and leverages the brand’s extensive ecosystem of CO2 cylinder exchanges and flavor syrups. It represents a straightforward and effective entry into the world of home carbonation for those who value simplicity and proven performance.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Soda Maker for Your Home
So, you’re thinking about getting a soda maker. It’s a great way to make your own fizzy drinks at home, save on plastic bottles, and get creative with flavors. But with a bunch of options out there, how do you pick the right one? I’ve found that focusing on a few key areas makes the decision much easier.
First, consider the carbonation system. Most home soda makers use small, threaded CO2 cylinders. The big question here is: are they proprietary or universal? Some brands, like SodaStream, have their own specific cylinder design, meaning you have to buy refills from them or their authorized partners. Others use a more standard thread, which can sometimes be refilled at local shops that sell welding or beer-making gas. This can be a huge cost saver in the long run. Also, check how much carbonation each cylinder promises. They’re usually rated for a certain number of liters, like 60L. Think about how much soda you drink to estimate how often you’ll need a refill.
Next, look at the machine’s design and ease of use. Is it a simple push-button operation, or does it have multiple carbonation levels? Having control over the fizz level is a nice feature if you like everything from lightly sparkling water to intensely bubbly cola. The size and shape of the bottle that comes with it matter too. Most use durable plastic bottles, but check if they are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The physical footprint of the machine is also important if your counter space is limited. A slim, compact design can be a major advantage.
Finally, think about the long-term costs and flavor options. The initial price of the machine is just one part of the equation. The ongoing expense is the CO2 cylinders and the flavor syrups. Compare the cost of official brand syrups versus the potential to use generic, sugar-free, or even your own homemade fruit infusions. Some machines are more forgiving with what you can carbonate beyond plain water (though carbonating anything other than water is generally not recommended as it can get very messy). By weighing these factors—the gas system, the machine’s usability, and the long-term flavor and cost—you’ll be well on your way to finding one of the best soda makers for home use that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a CO2 cylinder last?
This is probably the most common question I see. A standard 60L cylinder is the most typical size, and it’s rated for, you guessed it, about 60 liters of carbonated water. But what does that mean in practice? It really depends on how fizzy you like your drinks. If you prefer a light sparkle, you might get more than 60 liters. If you like a really strong, sharp fizz, you might get a bit less. For a household of two people drinking a couple of glasses a day, a cylinder might last a month or two. It’s a good idea to keep a spare cylinder on hand so you’re never without bubbles.
Can I carbonate anything other than water?
Technically, you can, but I really don’t recommend it. Carbonating anything with sugar or other ingredients in it is a recipe for a sticky disaster. The liquid can foam up and overflow into the machine, clogging the mechanism and attracting ants. It’s also much harder to clean. The best practice is to only carbonate cold, plain water. Once the water is carbonated, you can then add your flavor syrups, fruit juices, or other concentrates directly into the glass or a separate pitcher. This keeps your machine clean and functioning properly for a long time.
Are homemade sodas healthier than store-bought ones?
They can be, because you have complete control over what goes into your drink. Store-bought sodas are often loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and artificial ingredients. When you make your own, you can choose from a wide variety of sugar-free, natural, or low-calorie syrups. You can even skip the syrup altogether and just add a squeeze of fresh lemon, lime, or muddled berries to your sparkling water. This makes it much easier to cut down on sugar and calories, which is a big benefit for many people looking for the best soda makers for home use.
How do I get my CO2 cylinders refilled or exchanged?
The process is usually very simple. For brands like SodaStream, you don’t actually get the cylinder “refilled” on the spot. You do an exchange. You take your empty cylinder to a participating store (many big-box retailers, grocery stores, and kitchen supply stores have this service), and you swap it for a full, new one for a fee. You can also order exchanges online through the manufacturer’s website. If your machine uses a universal thread, you might be able to get it refilled at a local business that deals with beverage-grade CO2, such as a homebrew supply store. Always check your manufacturer’s guidelines first.
Is a soda maker cost-effective?
This depends on your current habits. If you’re someone who buys a lot of individual bottles of sparkling water or brand-name soda, a soda maker will likely save you a significant amount of money over time. The initial investment in the machine is offset by the lower cost per liter of homemade seltzer and soda. If you only occasionally drink carbonated beverages, it might take longer to see the savings. You also have to factor in the cost of the CO2 cylinders and the syrups you choose. For most regular drinkers, it proves to be a much more economical choice.