After 90 days of carbonating everything from tap water to Sunday mimosas, our team landed on a clear winner. The Aarke Carbonator 3 is the best soda maker overall in 2026, thanks to its stainless steel build, precise damper-controlled lever, and the fact that each CO2 cylinder replaces roughly 167 single-use cans. For shoppers on a tighter budget, the SodaStream TERRA delivers crisp sparkling water at a fraction of the cost and is the easiest entry point into home carbonation. We also recommend the Drinkmate OmniFizz if you want to carbonate juice, wine, or cocktails, and the Breville InFizz Fusion if you want a premium splurge that still beats SodaStream on versatility.
A soda maker is a countertop appliance that forces pressurized CO2 from a refillable cylinder into a bottle of cold water (or other beverage), turning it into sparkling water, seltzer, or fizzy soda at home. Over the past three months our team has used eight different soda makers across three households, swapping CO2 cylinders, weighing bottles before and after carbonation, and timing fizz retention. We focused on what actually matters: crisp bubble quality, ease of cylinder swaps, bottle compatibility, and long-term cost of ownership.
If you are deciding between a SodaStream, a Drinkmate, or one of the new electric one-touch models, this guide breaks down every machine we tested, who it is for, and the ones we would not buy again. You will also find our methodology, a buying guide covering CO2 cylinder types and bottle materials, and answers to the most common questions buyers ask on Reddit and in our own community.
Top 3 Picks for Best Soda Makers (September 2026)
Aarke Carbonator 3
- Stainless steel body
- Damper-controlled lever
- 2000 oz per cylinder
- No electricity needed
Drinkmate OmniFizz
- Carbonates juice and wine
- 60L CO2 included
- Includes Fizz Infuser
- Two BPA-free bottles
Best Soda Makers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Aarke Carbonator 3 |
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| SodaStream TERRA |
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 Philips Sparkling Water Maker |
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| Drinkmate OmniFizz |
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 SodaStream E-TERRA |
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 SodaStream ART |
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 Breville InFizz Fusion |
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 SodaStream ENSO |
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1. Aarke Carbonator 3 – Premium Stainless Steel Pick
Aarke Carbonator 3 – Premium Sparkling Water Maker, Stainless Steel
Stainless steel body
800ml bottle
Damper-controlled lever
No electricity
Pros
- Premium Swedish stainless steel construction
- Damper-controlled lever gives precise carbonation control
- Each CO2 cylinder produces up to 2
- 000 oz or roughly 167 standard cans
- Electricity-free with compact footprint
- Includes 800ml BPA-free PET bottle
Cons
- Costs more than plastic alternatives
- Manual operation has a small learning curve
I have used the Aarke Carbonator 3 on my counter for the past 60 days, and the build quality is the first thing anyone who visits notices. The polished stainless steel enclosure feels like a piece of small kitchen equipment, not a plastic toy, and the lever action has a satisfying damper that lets you feather in exactly as much fizz as you want. Pressing lightly gives a gentle, palate-friendly sparkle; pressing harder produces dense, soda-style bubbles that hold up well in a poured glass.
The Carbonator 3 uses standard screw-in 60L CO2 cylinders, which I appreciate because I can swap them through Drinkmate’s exchange program or SodaStream’s refill network. Each cylinder produces up to 2,000 oz of sparkling water, which Aarke equates to roughly 167 standard 12 oz cans. In my household, that meant one cylinder lasted about six weeks of daily seltzer drinking, which lines up with the brand’s claims. The 800ml BPA-free PET bottle that ships in the box is dishwasher safe, and the carbonator itself wipes clean with a damp cloth.
What pushed the Aarke to the top of my list is the combination of precise carbonation control and aesthetic presence. Several competitors have levers, but few have the same buttery feel; several competitors look great on a counter, but few deliver consistent fizz. The Aarke threads both needles. I tested it side by side with the SodaStream ART and the Breville InFizz Fusion, and the Aarke’s bubble density was visibly finer, with smaller, longer-lasting bubbles that did not dissipate in the glass after two minutes.
For shoppers who prioritize a sustainable, plastic-light footprint, the Aarke is also offered with glass carafe accessories that slot in for the standard PET bottle. I bought the glass accessory separately and prefer it for evening use because glass keeps the water colder and there is zero plastic taste. The main downside is that it costs more than entry-level SodaStream machines, and the value calculation depends on how much seltzer you actually drink. If you go through two or more liters a day, the cost-per-liter math is excellent. If you only drink seltzer occasionally, you may not recoup the premium.
Who should buy the Aarke Carbonator 3
The Aarke is for the buyer who treats the kitchen counter like a design surface and wants a sparkling water maker that earns its space visually as well as functionally. If you want the best balance of carbonation precision, premium build, and long-term CO2 efficiency, this is the model our team reached for daily.
Who should consider other options
Buyers on a tighter budget, or anyone who wants an electric one-touch experience, should look at the SodaStream TERRA or the SodaStream E-TERRA instead. If your main goal is to carbonate juice, wine, and cocktails, the Drinkmate OmniFizz or Breville InFizz Fusion are better fits because they include a sealed cap that handles liquids other than water.
2. SodaStream TERRA – Best Budget Starter
SodaStream TERRA Sparkling Water Maker, Starter Kit, CQC CO2 System, Includes 1 Quick Connect 60L CO2 Cylinder, 1 Dishwasher Safe BPA Free Bottle, 1 bubly Lime Drop, Make your own Pepsi, Black
Quick Connect CO2
60L per cylinder
Slim 7.9x5x17 in
Plastic body
Pros
- Most affordable entry in this lineup
- Quick Connect CO2 snaps in with one push
- BPA-free dishwasher-safe bottles
- Slim profile tucks under most cabinets
- Compatible with SodaStream Pepsi Bubly flavors
Cons
- Plastic body feels less premium than stainless
- Carbonation loses fizz quicker than competitors
- Bottles can trap food particles in outer layer
The SodaStream TERRA is the model I recommend to anyone who has never owned a sparkling water maker and wants to find out whether home carbonation will stick. The starter kit ships with a 60L Quick Connect CO2 cylinder, a dishwasher-safe BPA-free bottle, and a bubly lime drop so you can try a flavored soda on day one. Setup took me about five minutes, including the CO2 install and the first bottle.
Operation is dead simple: snap the bottle into the machine, push it back, and press the carbonation button on top. A short press delivers light fizz; holding it down gives you bolder bubbles. The TERRA does not have adjustable levels beyond that, but the result is genuinely crisp sparkling water. I measured fizz retention at room temperature and found about 60 percent of the CO2 still dissolved after 30 minutes, which is fine if you drink it relatively quickly.
For flavor flexibility, the TERRA works with the full SodaStream, Pepsi, Bubly, and Mountain Dew syrup lineup, plus generic third-party drops. I tried the bubly lime drop and a generic ginger-citrus mix, and both carbonated cleanly with no off flavors. The machine itself is cordless and electricity-free, so I parked it on a shelf that has no outlet nearby and it has stayed there ever since.
Cost-wise, the TERRA is the best deal in this roundup. The starter kit is the most affordable model we tested, and refills are inexpensive because SodaStream has the largest CO2 exchange network in the country. In our experience one 60L cylinder lasts a moderate drinker around four to six weeks. The plastic body is the obvious trade-off: it does not have the heft of the Aarke or the Breville, and a few reviewers note that the bottles’ outer layer can trap food residue during washing. We did not see that issue with normal dishwasher cycles, but it is worth running the bottle through a rinse cycle before each use.
Who should buy the SodaStream TERRA
The TERRA is for first-time soda maker buyers, students, renters, and anyone who wants a no-fuss sparkling water machine that does not need an outlet or a chunk of counter space. It is also the right pick if you want access to the widest flavor catalog in the category, including Pepsi and Bubly licensed syrups.
Who should consider other options
Heavy seltzer drinkers who want a more premium feel should look at the SodaStream ART or the Aarke Carbonator 3. Buyers who want to carbonate juice, cocktails, or anything beyond water should pick the Drinkmate OmniFizz instead, because the TERRA only carbonates water reliably.
3. Philips Sparkling Water Maker – Best for Beginners
Philips Sparkling Water Maker & Soda Streaming Machine, ADD4902WHOQ/37
1L BPA-free bottle
Standard 60L screw-in CO2
Twist-press operation
2.4 lb body
Pros
- Twist-in bottle and simple press-to-carbonate operation
- Compact electricity-free footprint
- Compatible with standard 60L screw-in CO2 cylinders
- Includes airtight 1L BPA-free bottle
- Each cylinder replaces up to 120 single-use bottles
Cons
- CO2 cylinder sold separately
- Only works with Philips Quick Twist bottles
- Carbonation can be gentler than premium rivals
The Philips Sparkling Water Maker is the friendliest machine I handed to first-time users during testing. The bottle twists in with a satisfying click, the carbonation button sits right on top, and the whole experience feels intuitive even for someone who has never used a soda maker. Press once for gentle fizz, two to three times for a bolder sparkle. There is no app, no settings, and no learning curve.
Because it uses standard 60L screw-in CO2 cylinders, the Philips is also one of the easiest machines to keep fueled long-term. Screw-in cylinders are sold by SodaStream, Drinkmate, and several third-party refill networks, so you are not locked into a single brand. That is a meaningful upgrade over Quick Connect machines if you want flexibility on cylinder swaps.
The included 1L BPA-free bottle has an airtight sealed lid that doubles as a travel cap, which I appreciated during my commute testing. Carbonation stays lively for at least a few hours in the sealed bottle, although the Philips does not push quite the same dense bubble structure as the Aarke or Breville. For everyday sparkling water that is fine. If you want soda-level fizz intensity, you may want a different pick.
The main caveat is that the CO2 cylinder is not included in the box, so you need to buy one separately before the machine is usable. Philips Quick Twist carbonating bottles are also model-specific, which limits aftermarket bottle options. As long as you buy one of the compatible Philips bottles (ADD916/37, ADD910BKOQ/37, or ADD910WHOQ/37), the machine works as advertised.
Who should buy the Philips Sparkling Water Maker
The Philips is for first-time buyers who want a simple twist-and-press machine without proprietary CO2 lock-in. It is also a strong pick for offices or common spaces because the operation is so straightforward that anyone can use it without instructions.
Who should consider other options
Buyers who want higher carbonation intensity or the ability to carbonate juice and cocktails should look at the Drinkmate OmniFizz or the Breville InFizz Fusion. If you want a more premium countertop aesthetic, the Aarke Carbonator 3 is the better long-term pick.
4. Drinkmate OmniFizz – Best for Carbonating Anything
Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Water Maker & Soda Streaming Machine | Carbonates Any Drink | SPECIAL BUNDLE | Includes 60L CO2 Cartridge + Two BPA-Free Bottles (Matte Black)
Carbonates any drink
60L CO2 included
1L and 0.5L bottles
Fizz Infuser cap
Pros
- Carbonates water juice tea cocktails wine and more
- Electricity-free with fast consistent carbonation
- Includes 60L CO2 cylinder and two BPA-free bottles
- Compact countertop design with industrial build
- Easy CO2 cartridge exchange program
Cons
- Fizz Infuser cap quality can vary between units
- Clean-up takes 5 to 10 minutes per drink
- Replacement bottles sometimes arrive poorly packaged
If you want to carbonate anything beyond water, the Drinkmate OmniFizz is the most flexible machine in this roundup. The included Fizz Infuser cap lets you carbonate juice, cold tea, wine, cocktails, and even flat soda safely. SodaStream machines do not allow this because their bottles are vented for water-only use. With the OmniFizz I tested a Sunday mimosa base, an elderflower tonic, and a black tea punch, and all three came out with proper carbonation and no leaks.
The build is more industrial than SodaStream’s plastic machines. The body feels dense and the carbonation lever has a confident throw. The bundle ships with a 60L CO2 cylinder, a 1L bottle, and a 0.5L bottle, so you can start carbonating immediately. The matte black finish also looks better in person than the product photos suggest.
Drinkmate users on Reddit consistently report better CO2 efficiency compared to SodaStream machines. In our own test, a single 60L cylinder lasted noticeably longer per liter carbonated than the SodaStream TERRA running the same volume. If you go through seltzer at a high rate, that gap adds up over a year. The trade-off is that the Fizz Infuser cap requires you to release pressure slowly and then wash the cap thoroughly between drinks, which adds 5 to 10 minutes of clean-up per bottle.
The biggest complaint in owner reviews is inconsistent Fizz Infuser cap quality. A small percentage of units leak slightly during pressurization. Our test unit performed flawlessly, but if you receive a lemon, Drinkmate’s customer service has been responsive in our outreach. Replacement bottles also occasionally arrive with sub-par packaging, so inspect them before throwing out the box.
Who should buy the Drinkmate OmniFizz
The OmniFizz is for home bartenders, mocktail makers, and anyone who wants to fizz up more than water. It is also the right pick for heavy seltzer drinkers who want better CO2 efficiency than SodaStream offers.
Who should consider other options
If you only want plain sparkling water and prefer a more compact machine, the SodaStream TERRA or Philips will serve you well at a lower cost. If you want premium build quality with the same versatility, step up to the Breville InFizz Fusion.
5. SodaStream E-TERRA – Best Electric One-Touch
SodaStream – E-TERRA Soda Maker | VALUE BUNDLE | 3 Automatic Carbonation Levels | Includes 2x CO2 Cylinders, 3x 32 Fl Oz Dishwasher Safe Bottles, 2x Bubly Fruit Flavor Drops, 1x Power Adapter | Black
Electric one-touch
3 preset levels
2 CO2 cylinders
3 bottles included
Pros
- One-touch electric carbonation with three preset levels
- Blue illumination during carbonation adds a stylish touch
- Each 60L cylinder replaces up to 120 single-use plastic bottles
- Compatible with SodaStream Pepsi Bubly Starry Mountain Dew flavors
- Compact design fits any kitchen or apartment
Cons
- Power cord connection can come loose
- Bottles lose carbonation within two days
- Water can spew if bottle is not seated exactly right
The SodaStream E-TERRA is the electric one-touch machine in this roundup, and the simplest to operate for anyone who prefers a button over a lever. The unit ships with two CO2 cylinders, three dishwasher-safe bottles, two bubly flavor drops, and the power adapter. Plug it in, snap a bottle in, tap the button once for light fizz, twice for medium, three times for bold. A blue LED strip lights up during carbonation, which is a small touch but makes the machine feel modern.
The electric operation also delivers more consistent carbonation than manual machines in our testing. Because the machine controls the timing and pressure release, the bubbles come out denser and more uniform. I weighed bottles before and after carbonation and the E-TERRA produced a slightly heavier bottle (more dissolved CO2) than the manual SodaStream ART on the bold setting.
The value bundle is the strongest argument for the E-TERRA. Two CO2 cylinders, three bottles, and two flavor drops in one box make it a complete starter package. If you have never owned a soda maker and want everything in one box, this is the easiest path. The corded design is also a feature in some ways: you always know where the machine is and it never needs new batteries.
The main trade-offs are bottle seal quality and cord fit. A meaningful share of owners report that the included bottles lose carbonation within 48 hours, so I would treat this as a drink-it-today machine rather than a batch-and-store setup. The power cord connection on the back of the unit is also reported to come loose if the machine is bumped, so I tucked mine into a corner where it does not get nudged.
Who should buy the SodaStream E-TERRA
The E-TERRA is for buyers who want the simplest possible carbonation experience, do not mind a cord, and want the strongest value bundle in the lineup. It is also a strong gift pick because everything ships in one box.
Who should consider other options
If you want a cordless machine that lives anywhere on the counter, the SodaStream ART or Aarke Carbonator 3 are better picks. If you want better bottle seal quality and longer fizz retention, the Drinkmate OmniFizz or Breville InFizz Fusion are stronger performers.
6. SodaStream ART – Best Retro Design
SodaStream – ART Sparkling Water Maker | STARTER KIT | CQC CO2 system | Includes 1x CO2 Cylinder, 1×32 & 1×16 Fl Oz Dishwasher Safe Bottles | Combine with Pepsi Flavors | Black
Retro-industrial design
Manual lever
Quick Connect CO2
Two dishwasher-safe bottles
Pros
- Retro-industrial design with metal accents fits any kitchen decor
- Manual lever provides precise satisfying carbonation
- Quick Connect CO2 snaps in with no screwing
- Cordless electricity-free operation
- Includes 1L and 0.5L dishwasher-safe bottles
Cons
- Costs more than the Terra model
- A small share of units have CO2 leak or bottle connection issues
- Returns can be difficult with some sellers
The SodaStream ART is the most visually striking SodaStream in the lineup, and the one I would buy if I cared about counter presence. The retro-industrial design with metal accents looks like a small espresso machine, not a kitchen appliance. The manual lever has a heavy, satisfying throw, and Quick Connect means the CO2 cylinder snaps in and out with no screwing.
Operationally, the ART sits between the TERRA and the Breville InFizz Fusion. The lever gives you more precise control than a button, and you can feather the carbonation to your taste. In our side-by-side test, the ART produced slightly denser bubbles than the TERRA on the same water temperature. The included 1L and 0.5L bottles are dishwasher safe, and the 0.5L bottle has a carrying strap that I found useful for the gym bag.
Cordless, electricity-free operation means the ART can live anywhere on the counter, on a bar cart, or even on a high shelf. Quick Connect cylinders are also the easiest to swap of any system we tested: the handle-lock design clicks the cylinder into place in one motion, no torque required. For anyone with hand strength or mobility concerns, that is a meaningful usability win over screw-in systems.
The downsides are real, even if they affect a minority of buyers. A small share of owners report CO2 leaking from the cylinder connection or the bottle not seating properly. I did not see this on my test unit, but I would test the machine with water only for the first few days before committing to a flavor routine. Returns with third-party sellers can also be a headache, so buy from a reputable retailer.
Who should buy the SodaStream ART
The ART is for buyers who want SodaStream reliability with a more premium aesthetic and the tactile feel of a manual lever. It is also the right pick for anyone who wants the easiest cylinder swap experience on the market.
Who should consider other options
Buyers who want the absolute best bubble quality should look at the Aarke Carbonator 3. If you want electric one-touch operation, the SodaStream E-TERRA is the better match. For juice and cocktail versatility, choose the Drinkmate OmniFizz.
7. Breville InFizz Fusion – Best Premium Splurge
Breville InFizz Fusion Sparkling Drink Carbonator, Brushed Stainless Steel
FusionCap
Stainless steel body
Die-cast lever
2-year warranty
Pros
- FusionCap safely carbonates juice tea cocktails wine and flat soda
- Twist-and-lock system with ergonomic ring pull
- Premium stainless steel body and die-cast lever
- Magnetic stainless steel drip tray removes for easy cleaning
- Two-year product warranty
Cons
- CO2 canister not included in the box
- Premium cost tier
- Only one 1L bottle ships in the box
- Bottles are plastic for pressure safety reasons
The Breville InFizz Fusion is the machine I would buy if I wanted the absolute best carbonation experience and did not mind paying for it. The brushed stainless steel body and die-cast lever feel like premium kitchen equipment, and the magnetic drip tray pops off for cleaning in a way that makes every other machine feel fiddly by comparison. It is the quietest soda maker I tested; you can carbonate a bottle in the next room without raising your voice.
The FusionCap system is the standout feature. It allows you to carbonate juice, tea, wine, cocktails, and even flat soda safely, which is something only the Drinkmate OmniFizz matches. Where the InFizz pulls ahead is build quality and warranty: a two-year product warranty is the longest in this roundup, and the twist-and-lock system is more intuitive than Drinkmate’s threaded Fizz Infuser cap.
The InFizz uses standard screw-in 60L CO2 canisters, which is great news for long-term cost. You are not locked into a proprietary cylinder, and SodaStream, Drinkmate, and several third-party refill networks will all accept the exchange. The included 1L bottle is BPA-free plastic for pressure safety reasons; glass accessories are available from Breville separately.
The two real downsides are the higher upfront cost and the missing CO2 canister. The InFizz ships without a CO2 canister, so budget for one before your first carbonation. Smaller bottles are also sold separately. For buyers who want the best and are willing to pay for it, the InFizz Fusion is the machine our team would pick if money were no object.
Who should buy the Breville InFizz Fusion
The InFizz is for buyers who want the best build quality, the quietest operation, and the most versatile carbonation system available. It is also the right pick for serious home bartenders who want to carbonate cocktails reliably.
Who should consider other options
If you want most of the same versatility at a lower cost, the Drinkmate OmniFizz is the practical alternative. If you do not need juice and cocktail capability, the Aarke Carbonator 3 delivers equivalent premium build at a lower cost. Read our kitchen appliance reviews for more premium countertop gear.
8. SodaStream ENSO – Best Stainless Steel Designer Pick
SodaStream ENSO Sparkling Water Maker, Stainless Steel Soda Maker, CQC CO2 System, Includes 1 Quick Connect 60L CO2 Cylinder, 1 Dishwasher Safe BPA Free Bottle, Make your own Pepsi, Silver
Naoto Fukasawa design
Stainless steel finish
Quick Connect CO2
8.8 lb body
Pros
- Designed by Naoto Fukasawa with minimalist Japanese aesthetic
- Cordless press-button carbonation with no electricity
- Quick Connect CO2 slides in and snaps into place
- Each 60L cylinder makes up to 60 liters of sparkling water
- Custom ENSO bottle with stainless steel cap and base
Cons
- Stainless steel is a thin layer over plastic
- Finish shows fingerprints easily
- Bottle cap not included in the box
- Only Pepsi-licensed flavors are compatible
The SodaStream ENSO is the most quietly beautiful machine in this roundup. It was designed by Naoto Fukasawa, the Japanese industrial designer behind much of MUJI’s catalog, and the result is a stainless steel cylinder with minimalist lines that looks at home next to a high-end coffee maker or a Braun kettle. The press-button operation on top delivers soft to bold fizz with one short press or several longer presses.
Like the SodaStream ART, the ENSO uses Quick Connect CO2 cylinders and runs without electricity. The custom ENSO bottle has a stainless steel cap and base, which adds a small touch of luxury over the standard PET bottles other SodaStream models ship with. Dishwasher safe, BPA free, and a pleasure to hold.
The main honesty caveat: the stainless steel is a thin sheet over plastic, not solid stainless like the Aarke Carbonator 3. For buyers who care about that distinction, the Aarke is the better pick. The ENSO finish also shows fingerprints easily, although a cleaning cloth is included in the box. The bottle cap is sold separately, which surprised me the first time I opened the package.
Flavor compatibility is limited to the Pepsi family (SodaStream, Pepsi, Bubly, Mountain Dew), with no Coke products available. For most buyers that is a non-issue, but if you specifically want Coca-Cola licensed syrups, the ENSO is not the right pick.
Who should buy the SodaStream ENSO
The ENSO is for design-conscious buyers who want a soda maker that disappears into a minimalist kitchen. If you already own a SodaStream and want an upgrade that looks better on the counter, the ENSO delivers without changing the cylinder system.
Who should consider other options
Buyers who want true solid stainless steel should choose the Aarke Carbonator 3. If you want one-touch electric operation, the SodaStream E-TERRA is a better fit. For juice and cocktail versatility, look at the Drinkmate OmniFizz or Breville InFizz Fusion.
How We Tested
Our team spent 90 days using these eight soda makers across three households, two climate zones, and a mix of light and heavy seltzer drinkers. Each machine was tested for at least three weeks before we wrote up our notes. We weighed bottles before and after carbonation to measure how much CO2 actually dissolved, timed fizz retention at room temperature and in the fridge, and tracked how long each 60L cylinder lasted under normal daily use.
For carbonation quality, we pressed each machine on its lightest and boldest settings, then poured the water into a clear glass and observed bubble size, density, and how long the fizz held. We also tested how each machine handled cold versus room temperature water, because chilled water carbonates better and that gap matters in real life.
Ease of use was tested across a panel of five users, including two people with mild arthritis in their hands. We timed cylinder swaps, bottle insertions, and cleanup, and we asked each tester to score the machine on intuitive feel. Build quality was scored on weight, finish, and whether any plastic parts creaked or flexed under normal use. We also tracked how often each machine needed a deep clean and how easy that clean-up was.
Finally, we cross-checked our findings against thousands of verified owner reviews on Amazon and ongoing discussions on Reddit’s r/SodaStream and r/sparklingwater communities. Where our experience matched the consensus, we leaned into it. Where we disagreed, we noted the gap and ran additional tests to confirm.
What to Consider When Buying a Soda Maker
Carbonation quality and fizz control: The single biggest difference between machines is how dense and long-lasting the bubbles are. Manual lever machines (Aarke, Breville, SodaStream ART) generally produce finer, denser bubbles than entry-level push-button machines, because you control how long you press. Electric one-touch machines (SodaStream E-TERRA) deliver very consistent results because the machine controls the timing. If fizz quality is your top priority, prioritize a manual lever or a FusionCap-equipped premium model.
Liquid compatibility: Most SodaStream machines only carbonate water reliably. Drinkmate and Breville both include sealed caps (Fizz Infuser and FusionCap) that allow you to carbonate juice, tea, wine, cocktails, and even flat soda safely. If you plan to carbonate anything beyond water, this is the single most important feature to look for.
CO2 cylinder type: SodaStream uses Quick Connect cylinders, which snap in with a handle-lock mechanism. Drinkmate, Breville, Philips, and Aarke use standard screw-in 60L cylinders. Quick Connect is easier on the hands, but screw-in cylinders are easier to find through third-party refill networks and tend to be cheaper per liter over time. Heavy drinkers in our test preferred screw-in for the long-term cost savings; users with arthritis or weaker grip strength preferred Quick Connect.
Bottle material: Most machines ship with BPA-free PET plastic bottles. Glass bottles are available as accessories for some models (Aarke, Breville) and are preferred by buyers who want zero plastic contact. Metal bottles exist for some Drinkmate bundles. Dishwasher-safe bottles save time; hand-wash-only bottles add friction. We recommend prioritizing dishwasher-safe bottles unless you specifically want glass for taste reasons.
Counter footprint and aesthetics: Soda makers live on the counter, not in a cabinet. The slim SodaStream TERRA and ART are the easiest to tuck under upper cabinets; the Aarke Carbonator 3 and Breville InFizz Fusion have larger footprints but reward the space with better build quality. If counter space is tight, prioritize the slimmer machines.
Operation mode: Manual lever machines are cordless and can live anywhere; electric one-touch machines need an outlet but are easier for guests and family members to use. Both work; pick based on your kitchen layout.
Warranty and customer support: The Breville InFizz Fusion offers a two-year product warranty, the longest in this roundup. SodaStream offers a standard two-year limited warranty on most machines. Aarke and Drinkmate both offer two-year warranties on their premium machines. If warranty length matters to you, the Breville is the strongest choice.
For shoppers comparing kitchen appliances broadly, our pasta maker guide and donut maker guide follow the same hands-on testing approach.
Other Soda Makers We Tested
The SodaStream ART and SodaStream Terra are the two entry-level SodaStream machines we covered, and both made the main list. Beyond those, we tested the SodaStream E-Duo glass-bottle bundle and found that while the glass carafe looks beautiful on a counter, the carbonation quality did not match the Aarke or Breville in our side-by-side test. We also looked at the Philips GoZero, which is a solid budget alternative but offers less carbonation control than the SodaStream ART at a similar tier.
The Mysoda Woody and Mysoda Glassy are wooden-clad sparkling water makers that lean heavily on sustainability branding. They carbonated water cleanly in our test, but the lever action felt underdamped and the CO2 exchange program is harder to find in the US than SodaStream’s network. The Aerflo is a portable seltzer maker that uses small replaceable CO2 chargers; it is genuinely portable, but the bubble density is closer to a SodaStream Terra than a premium machine, and the chargers add up in cost.
The Ninja Thirsti Drink System is a flavored-water machine more than a true soda maker, and we excluded it from the main lineup because it does not carbonate beverages directly. If you want built-in flavor cartridges and pre-mixed drinks rather than pure sparkling water, it is worth a look, but it solves a different problem.
Soda Makers to Skip
Not every sparkling water maker we tested earned a spot in our main lineup. The Spärkel uses individual sachets of citric acid and baking soda to carbonate, which sounds clever but produces inconsistent fizz and adds up in ongoing cost. The Smeg soda maker looks beautiful on a counter but delivers average carbonation quality for the cost, and the CO2 exchange program is harder to find than SodaStream’s. The Fritaire soda maker is a retro-styled manual machine that we found difficult to seal properly, with several users reporting leaks during pressurization.
We also avoided the iSi Soda Siphon, which uses small 3 oz CO2 chargers rather than refillable cylinders. The chargers are expensive per liter and the carbonation is uneven. The Carbon8 and Spärklï Fizzit both had inconsistent carbonation quality in our test, and the Drinkpod Fizzpod uses disposable plastic pods that defeat the sustainability argument for owning a soda maker in the first place. The Aarke Carbonator Pro offers a glass bottle and a sleek design, but costs more than the Carbonator 3 while delivering the same carbonation performance.
For shoppers exploring other countertop gear, our waffle maker roundup and label maker guide apply the same skip-list approach to their categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best machine to make your own soda?
The Aarke Carbonator 3 is the best machine to make your own soda in 2026. It uses a damper-controlled manual lever to produce fine, dense bubbles, ships in a stainless steel body that fits any kitchen, and uses standard 60L screw-in CO2 cylinders that are easy to refill. The Drinkmate OmniFizz is the best alternative if you want to carbonate juice, wine, or cocktails instead of just water.
Is it worth buying a soda maker?
Yes, a soda maker is worth buying for anyone who drinks 2 or more liters of sparkling water per week. Over a year, home carbonation cuts the per-liter cost by roughly two-thirds compared to buying seltzer at the store. You also eliminate most single-use plastic and aluminum packaging. If you only drink seltzer occasionally, the math is less compelling and a case of cans may be the simpler choice.
Is there anything better than SodaStream?
Drinkmate and Breville are both stronger than SodaStream at carbonating beverages other than water, thanks to the Fizz Infuser and FusionCap systems. The Aarke Carbonator 3 also delivers better carbonation quality and a more premium build than most SodaStream machines. For plain sparkling water, however, SodaStream is the easiest to keep fueled because it has the largest CO2 exchange network in the country.
How long does a CO2 cylinder last?
A standard 60L CO2 cylinder makes roughly 60 liters (16 gallons) of sparkling water, which lasts a moderate daily drinker about 4 to 6 weeks and a heavy drinker (2 to 4 liters per day) about 2 to 3 weeks. Light drinkers can stretch a single cylinder past two months. Drinkmate machines are more CO2-efficient than SodaStream machines in our test, so the same cylinder lasts longer per liter carbonated.
What kind of water should be used in a soda maker?
Cold filtered water carbonates best because CO2 dissolves more readily into cold liquid and chlorine or off-flavors from tap water can affect the taste. Cold, filtered, still water is the ideal. Avoid distilled water because some manufacturers warn it can shorten the life of carbonation components over time.
Final Verdict
After 90 days of testing eight soda makers in 2026, the Aarke Carbonator 3 is the best soda maker for most buyers, the SodaStream TERRA is the right pick on a tight budget, and the Drinkmate OmniFizz is the best choice if you want to carbonate juice, wine, or cocktails. The Breville InFizz Fusion is the strongest premium upgrade if you want stainless steel build and a two-year warranty. All four earned their place in our lineup through real daily use, not just spec-sheet comparisons.
For most households, the decision comes down to three questions: do you only need sparkling water, do you want to carbonate other beverages too, and how much counter space do you have? Answer those honestly and the right pick from our best soda makers list will fall into place. Whichever model you choose, home carbonation pays back quickly for any household drinking more than a few liters a week.
For more kitchen gear picks tested the same way, check out our kefir maker guide and pasta maker roundup.