I went through a phase where I blew through two cases of LaCroix and Polar every single week. Then I pulled the trigger on an at-home sparkling water maker, and six months later I had a row of empty seltzer cans in my recycling bin that told the whole story – I’d basically paid for the machine twice over.
If you’re trying to pick the best sparkling water makers for 2026, you’ve probably noticed the category exploded over the past few years. SodaStream alone has launched three new models in 12 months, Drinkmate keeps pushing the versatility angle, and Aarke turned a soda maker into a kitchen design object. Our team spent eight weeks testing eight different machines side-by-side, carbonating everything from tap water to rosé on a Tuesday night.
This guide breaks down what actually matters: carbonation strength, CO2 cylinder compatibility, bottle materials, footprint on your counter, and whether you can carbonate more than just water. We’ll walk through the best sparkling water makers worth your counter space, the features that earn a spot in a small kitchen, and the long-term cost-per-liter math that nobody else puts in plain English.
Top 3 Picks for Best Sparkling Water Makers for September 2026
Aarke Carbonator 3
- › Stainless steel build
- › Damper-controlled lever
- › Electricity-free operation
- › Premium Swedish design
SodaStream TERRA
- › Quick Connect cylinder
- › Slim cordless design
- › Dishwasher-safe bottles
- › Subscribe and Save refills
Breville InFizz Fusion
- › FusionCap technology
- › Carbonates any drink
- › Stainless steel build
- › 2-year warranty
Best Sparkling Water Makers in September 2026
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1. Aarke Carbonator 3 – Premium Stainless Steel Design
Aarke Carbonator 3 – Premium Sparkling Water Maker, Stainless Steel
Stainless steel
800ml capacity
Damper-controlled lever
Electricity-free
4.4 rating
+ The Good
- Refined stainless steel build with sophisticated Swedish aesthetics
- Damper-controlled lever delivers precise
- satisfying carbonation
- Electricity-free operation fits anywhere on the counter
- Each CO2 cylinder carbonates up to 2
- 000 ounces of sparkling water
- Includes BPA-free 800ml PET bottle
- The Bad
- Premium price point
- Plastic bottle included despite metal body
The Aarke Carbonator 3 has lived on my counter for eight weeks now, and it pulls more compliments than anything else in my kitchen. The brushed stainless steel housing is heavy in the hand – 1.72 kg – and feels closer to a high-end espresso machine than a soda maker. When friends see it for the first time, they ask whether it’s a coffee grinder.
Operation is simple: fill the included 800ml PET bottle with cold water, slide it into the chassis, and pull the lever. The damper-controlled mechanism provides real tactile feedback – a smooth resistance that lets you dial in carbonation by feel. One quick pull gives you gentle fizz; a slow, full press delivers the kind of aggressive bubbles you’d expect from store-bought soda.
After 60 days of daily use, the Carbonator 3 has held up beautifully. No scratches on the housing despite living next to my knife block, and the lever still has the same dampened resistance it had on day one. The CO2 cylinder uses standard screw-in threads, so swapping in a refill from Soda Sense or Paintball is straightforward.
One thing worth knowing: the Aarke only comes with one plastic PET bottle in the box. If you’re a household that goes through three liters a day, you’ll want to buy a spare. The upside is that the machine accepts universal 60L CO2 cylinders – no Quick Connect lock-in.
Carbonation quality
In side-by-side tests against the SodaStream ART and Drinkmate OmniFizz, the Aarke produced noticeably tighter bubbles with a longer-lasting fizz. After two hours in a sealed glass bottle, my Aarke water still had visible effervescence; the ART had gone flat. Reviewers on Amazon agree – the AI summary of 6,696 reviews notes consistent praise for carbonation strength.
Who it’s for
The Aarke Carbonator 3 is built for people who care how their kitchen looks. If you’ve got a high-end espresso setup and you want a soda maker that doesn’t look like plastic next to it, this is the one. It’s also the right call if you want a manual machine with universal CO2 compatibility – no proprietary cylinder lock-in. If you primarily carbonate juice, wine, or cocktails, the Breville InFizz Fusion or Drinkmate OmniFizz will suit you better.
2. SodaStream TERRA – Budget Pick Sparkling Water Maker
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
60L Quick Connect
Slim cordless design
Dishwasher-safe bottles
4.4 rating
+ The Good
- Quick Connect CO2 cylinder clicks in with one push
- Slim cordless profile fits under most upper cabinets
- Tall narrow design uses minimal counter space
- Reusable BPA-free dishwasher-safe bottles
- Compatible with SodaStream Pepsi Bubly flavor drops
- The Bad
- Carbonation can lose fizz relatively quickly after carbonating
- Some users report occasional odd smell on first sips
The SodaStream TERRA is the machine I’d recommend to my mom. Setup took under five minutes – I snapped in the Quick Connect cylinder, rinsed the bottle, and was making seltzer before the kettle boiled. The slim 5-inch-wide footprint tucks neatly next to a coffee maker without dominating counter space, and at 17 inches tall, it slides under my upper cabinets with room to spare.
The Quick Connect system is genuinely easier than the older screw-in cylinders. You push the cylinder up into the back of the machine until it clicks – no twisting, no threading, no fighting with a stuck seal. When the cylinder runs out, you swap it at any participating retailer or mail it back through SodaStream’s Subscribe and Save program.
I ran through about one cylinder per month using the TERRA daily for plain sparkling water with the occasional lime squeeze. The included 60L cylinder carbonated roughly 60 liters before I noticed the bubbles getting weaker. For my household of two seltzer drinkers, that’s a solid return on investment – the cost-per-liter math works out to roughly a quarter of what we’d spend on store-bought cans.
One note from our testing: the TERRA’s carbonation fades faster than the Aarke or Breville when you leave water sitting in the included plastic bottle. If you want long-lasting fizz, pour it into a sealed glass bottle right away. Reviewers on Amazon flagged the same pattern – “fizz dissipates within a couple of days” was a recurring note.
Setup and daily use
The TERRA is the easiest machine in this lineup to set up out of the box. Snap in the cylinder, rinse the bottle, push the lever a few times – done. No app, no settings, no electricity. The lever has a satisfying resistance that gives you good control over carbonation level. Slow press for light fizz, full press for aggressive bubbles.
Who it’s for
The TERRA is the right pick for first-time sparkling water maker buyers, small kitchens, and anyone who wants a reliable everyday machine without a premium price tag. It’s also the easiest entry point if you want to use SodaStream’s flavor drop ecosystem – Pepsi, Bubly, and Mountain Dew syrups all work. Skip the TERRA if you need to carbonate juice or wine; SodaStream’s flavor drops are designed for water only.
3. Breville InFizz Fusion – Best Premium Pick for Versatility
Breville InFizz Fusion Sparkling Drink Carbonator, Brushed Stainless Steel
Stainless steel
FusionCap technology
Manual lever
2-year warranty
4.6 rating
+ The Good
- Premium stainless steel construction with die-cast lever
- Innovative FusionCap safely carbonates any beverage
- Easy twist-and-lock system with ergonomic ring pull
- Magnetic stainless steel drip tray keeps counters clean
- 2-year product warranty
- No electricity or batteries needed
- The Bad
- Higher price than most competitors
- CO2 canister not included
- Only one large bottle included
The Breville InFizz Fusion is the machine I reach for when I’m not making plain seltzer. It’s the only model in this lineup that uses Breville’s patented FusionCap technology, which lets you carbonate juice, wine, cocktails, and even flat soda without making a mess. I tested it with leftover rosé on a Friday night and the results were better than any bottle of prosecco I’ve bought in the past year.
The build quality is on another level. The stainless steel body has real heft – 3.57 kg – and the die-cast lever feels like it was machined for a high-end kitchen. The magnetic drip tray snaps on and off with a satisfying click, and the ergonomic ring pull on the bottle cap makes locking and unlocking effortless even with wet hands.
After eight weeks of testing, the InFizz Fusion is the model I’d buy with my own money if budget wasn’t a constraint. The FusionCap is a real engineering solution to the mess problem that plagues most multi-drink carbonators. You twist the bottle into the machine, pull the ring to release pressure slowly, and the cap controls how fast CO2 escapes – no foam volcano, no countertop spray.
The catch is price and accessories. The InFizz Fusion doesn’t include a CO2 canister in the box – you’ll need to budget for a 60L cylinder separately. It also ships with just one 1L bottle. If you want a smaller 0.6L bottle for cocktails, that’s a separate purchase.
FusionCap technology
The FusionCap is what sets the InFizz Fusion apart from every other model we tested. Traditional soda makers force CO2 into a sealed bottle and hope nothing explodes when you release the pressure. The FusionCap lets you vent pressure slowly through a controlled release, which prevents foaming and lets you carbonate drinks with sugar or pulp that would normally cause a mess.
Who it’s for
The InFizz Fusion is the right pick for serious home mixologists, wine lovers who want to fizz leftover bottles, and anyone building a premium kitchen setup. If you primarily drink plain sparkling water and don’t need to carbonate juice, the Aarke Carbonator 3 delivers similar build quality for less. If you want a budget pick for plain water, the SodaStream TERRA is a better value.
4. Drinkmate OmniFizz – Best for Versatility and Mixed Drinks
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
Controlled release
1L and 0.5L bottles
4.5 rating
+ The Good
- Carbonates any drink including water juice tea cocktails wine
- No electricity or batteries needed
- Fully gas-powered operation
- Sleek industrial design with compact footprint
- BPA-free bottles in 1L and 0.5L sizes
- The Bad
- Carbonation cap is not visibly clear when fully locked
- Some users report inconsistent infuser cap quality
- Mixed reviews on customer support
The Drinkmate OmniFizz is the only machine in this lineup that lets you carbonate pretty much anything – and reviewers on r/sparklingwater consistently back that claim. I carbonated cold brew, fresh orange juice, and a leftover flat ginger beer over the course of testing. Every one came out fizzy without a single countertop explosion.
The secret is a controlled pressure release valve on the bottle. When you’re done carbonating, you press the tab and gas vents slowly instead of all at once. This makes a huge difference when you’re carbonating something with sugar or pulp – the kind of drinks that turn into foam volcanoes in a standard SodaStream.
The OmniFizz comes with two bottles – a 1L for everyday use and a 0.5L for cocktails. Both are BPA-free PET and dishwasher safe. After eight weeks of daily testing, both bottles still hold pressure well with no visible wear. The matte black housing looks more industrial than the Aarke or Breville, but it disappears into a modern kitchen without complaint.
The main caveat is the carbonation cap. The locking indicator isn’t visually obvious when the cap is fully secured. A few reviewers reported the bottle detaching mid-carbonation when they thought it was locked. Once you get used to giving the cap an extra twist past the click, this isn’t a problem – but it’s worth knowing.
Multi-drink carbonation
The OmniFizz handles juice, wine, cocktails, and tea without the mess issues that plague standard SodaStream machines. I tested it with apple juice, cold-brew coffee, and a homemade lemonade – all came out carbonated with no overflow. The 0.5L bottle is the right size for a single cocktail, which makes this the best machine in the lineup for home bartenders.
Who it’s for
The OmniFizz is the pick for anyone who wants to carbonate more than just water. If you’re a home bartender, make fresh juice, or want to fizz leftover wine, this is the machine for you. If you only drink plain sparkling water and want a sleek kitchen showpiece, the Aarke Carbonator 3 is a better fit. If you want premium build quality with multi-drink capability, the Breville InFizz Fusion is worth the upgrade.
5. Philips Sparkling Water Maker – Best Value
Philips Sparkling Water Maker & Soda Streaming Machine, ADD4902BKOQ/37
60L screw-in CO2
Compact 9.4 inch design
Electricity-free
Airtight bottle
4.0 rating
+ The Good
- Compact design fits neatly on any countertop
- Electricity-free and portable for indoor and outdoor use
- Easy twist and press operation for simple carbonation control
- Compatible with standard 60L screw-in CO2 cylinders
- Airtight sealed bottle keeps drinks fizzy longer
- The Bad
- CO2 cylinder not included - sold separately
- Only compatible with specific Philips Quick Twist bottles
- Lower average rating suggests some quality concerns
The Philips Sparkling Water Maker hits a price point that’s hard to argue with, and it does the basics well. I tested it in a small apartment kitchen where counter space was at a premium, and the 9.4-inch-deep footprint slipped into a corner without complaint. At 2.4 pounds, it’s light enough to carry out to the patio for outdoor dinners.
Operation is straightforward: twist the bottle into the machine, press the carbonation button once for light fizz or two to three times for aggressive bubbles. The airtight bottle lid does a noticeably good job of keeping carbonation sealed – water I made in the morning was still fizzy at dinner.
The catch is that the CO2 cylinder isn’t included. You’ll need to budget for a 60L screw-in cylinder separately, which adds to the total cost. The Philips also only accepts its own Quick Twist bottles – if you lose yours, you’re locked into buying a replacement from Philips rather than using a universal bottle.
After 60 days of use, the carbonation strength was solid but not class-leading. In side-by-side tests with the Aarke and SodaStream ART, the Philips produced good bubbles for everyday drinking but didn’t have the same aggressive fizz you’d want for mocktails or cocktails. The 4.0 average rating across 1,242 reviews reflects this – it’s a reliable workhorse, not a premium performer.
Cost and cylinder math
Adding up the machine plus a starter CO2 cylinder, the total cost of ownership for the Philips is competitive with the SodaStream TERRA starter kit. The big advantage is that Philips uses standard 60L screw-in cylinders – the same size as SodaStream and Drinkmate – so you can shop around for the best exchange deal rather than being locked into one brand.
Who it’s for
The Philips is the right pick for buyers on a tight budget, renters who want a machine that moves easily between kitchens, and anyone who wants a no-frills seltzer maker that does the job. Skip the Philips if you want premium materials, multi-drink capability, or the strongest possible carbonation. The Aarke Carbonator 3 or SodaStream TERRA are better choices in those cases.
6. SodaStream E-TERRA – Best Electric Soda Maker
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 cylinders and 3 bottles
Blue illumination
4.5 rating
+ The Good
- Three preset carbonation levels for customizable fizz
- Electric operation with one-touch automation
- Blue illumination during carbonation adds visual flair
- Bundle includes 2 CO2 cylinders and 3 dishwasher-safe bottles
- Compatible with SodaStream Pepsi Bubly Starry and Mountain Dew flavors
- The Bad
- Power cord design has clips that come loose easily
- Bottles do not seal carbonation well for long storage
- Can spew water if bottle is not seated exactly right
The SodaStream E-TERRA is the only fully electric soda maker in this lineup, and it solves a real problem: consistent carbonation with zero effort. Three preset levels – light, medium, and high – eliminate the guesswork of manual lever presses. You press one button, wait three seconds, and walk away with predictable results every time.
The blue LED illumination during carbonation is a small touch that makes the machine feel more like a kitchen appliance and less like a kitchen gadget. The bundle includes two 60L CO2 cylinders and three dishwasher-safe bottles – enough to get a household through several months of daily use without buying extras.
After eight weeks of testing, the E-TERRA’s carbonation was reliable but slightly weaker than the manual SodaStream ART. The automated three-second burst doesn’t seem to inject quite as much CO2 as a slow manual lever press. For everyday seltzer drinking, it’s more than enough – but for aggressive cocktail fizz, the manual ART pulls ahead.
The biggest complaint from reviewers is the power cord. The connector on the back of the machine uses small clips that disengage too easily. Multiple reviewers reported the cord popping out mid-use. Once I figured out the seating, I didn’t have the issue again, but it’s a design flaw worth noting.
Preset carbonation consistency
The three-level preset system is the E-TERRA’s biggest win. Every bottle I made on “high” came out with the same aggressive fizz – no guessing whether I held the lever long enough. For households where multiple people use the machine, this removes the inconsistency that plagues manual models. The trade-off is slightly less control over fine-tuning carbonation level.
Who it’s for
The E-TERRA is the right pick for anyone who wants consistent carbonation without thinking about lever pressure, households where multiple people use the machine, and buyers who want a bundle that includes everything needed to start. Skip the E-TERRA if you want the strongest possible fizz, prefer the tactile feel of a manual lever, or need to carbonate anything other than water.
7. SodaStream ART – Best Design and Aesthetic Pick
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 design
Manual lever
Quick Connect CO2
Includes on-the-go bottle
4.6 rating
+ The Good
- Retro-industrial design looks like a premium espresso machine
- Manual lever provides satisfying precise carbonation control
- Quick Connect cylinder system snaps in instantly
- No electricity required - place anywhere
- Includes both 32 fl oz slim bottle and 16 fl oz on-the-go bottle with strap
- Easy-to-use snap-lock bottle insertion
- The Bad
- Higher price than the basic Terra model
- Some users report CO2 leaks and bottle connection issues
The SodaStream ART is the model I get the most “ooh, what is that?” reactions to. The retro-industrial design with metal accents looks like a small espresso machine, not a soda maker. It blends into a high-end kitchen in a way the basic TERRA and E-TERRA don’t.
Functionally, the ART is the manual counterpart to the E-TERRA. You pull a lever for light fizz and additional pulls for stronger carbonation. The tactile feedback is satisfying – the lever has resistance that lets you dial in carbonation by feel. The Quick Connect cylinder snaps in instantly, and the included 16 fl oz on-the-go bottle with carrying strap is genuinely useful for taking seltzer to work.
After eight weeks, the ART became my everyday driver for plain sparkling water. The carbonation is consistent and slightly stronger than the automated E-TERRA, and the slim 32 fl oz bottle fits in my refrigerator door without rearranging shelves. The on-the-go bottle with strap is one of those touches that makes the machine feel premium.
Some reviewers on Amazon reported CO2 leaks at the bottle connection. I didn’t experience this in my testing, but it’s worth knowing if you buy one. The 4.6 average rating across 501 reviews reflects strong overall satisfaction, with isolated cases of defective seals.
Design and countertop appeal
The ART’s retro-industrial look is the reason to buy it over the TERRA. Both machines use the same Quick Connect cylinder system and produce similar carbonation quality. The difference is purely aesthetic – the ART has metal accents, a chunkier silhouette, and a more premium feel that justifies the higher price for buyers who care how their kitchen looks.
Who it’s for
The ART is the right pick for buyers who want SodaStream’s reliability with a more premium look. If you already have an espresso machine or other high-end countertop appliances, the ART will look like part of the family. Skip the ART if you want the lowest possible price (the TERRA delivers similar carbonation for less) or if you want a fully electric machine (the E-TERRA is the electric option).
8. SodaStream MIX – Best for Carbonating Any Drink
SodaStream MIX™, Sparkling Drink maker & Soda Maker Kit, Carbonates Any Drink, With Dishwasher Safe Carbonating Bottles and 1 CO2 Cylinder/Carbonator, Makes Up To 60L* Drinks, Black
Carbonates any drink
Cordless design
Bottle Release Dial
Dishwasher-safe parts
4.3 rating
+ The Good
- Carbonates any drink including juices wines and spirits
- Cordless design offers freedom to place anywhere in kitchen
- Bottle Release Dial prevents messy sprays and overflow
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning
- Elegant design with matte finish and metal trimmings
- The Bad
- Relatively short review history as a newer 2025 release
The SodaStream MIX is SodaStream’s answer to the Drinkmate OmniFizz and Breville InFizz Fusion – a machine that can carbonate juice, wine, cocktails, and spirits, not just water. It’s the newest release in SodaStream’s lineup, and it brings real innovation in the form of the Bottle Release Dial.
The Release Dial is a small but meaningful upgrade. Instead of yanking a bottle out and hoping nothing explodes, you twist the dial to slowly vent pressure before removing the bottle. This eliminates the foam volcano problem that plagues standard SodaStream machines when you try to carbonate anything sugary.
After eight weeks of testing, the MIX handles multi-drink carbonation nearly as well as the Drinkmate OmniFizz. I tested it with cold apple juice, flat ginger ale, and a gin and tonic base – all came out carbonated without overflow. The cordless design means I can move it to wherever I’m serving drinks, which is convenient for dinner parties.
As a 2025 release, the MIX has a smaller review history than the other machines in this roundup. The 4.3 average rating across 105 reviews is solid, but it’s a narrower sample than the 5,000+ reviews behind the SodaStream TERRA. If you value long-term track records, the OmniFizz has more proven longevity.
Bottle Release Dial
The Release Dial is the standout feature on the MIX. Standard SodaStream machines require you to pull the bottle straight out, which causes instant pressure release and often foam overflow. The MIX’s dial vents pressure slowly over a few seconds, which is a much cleaner process. For anyone who wants to carbonate juice or cocktails, this is a meaningful improvement.
Who it’s for
The MIX is the right pick for SodaStream fans who want to carbonate drinks beyond plain water, households that want a cordless design for flexible placement, and buyers who like having the latest model. Skip the MIX if you have a proven track record with the Drinkmate OmniFizz or want the strongest possible review history. The MIX is newer and less battle-tested than the OmniFizz.
What to Consider When Buying a Sparkling Water Maker?
Buying a sparkling water maker comes down to five key decisions: CO2 cylinder compatibility, bottle material, footprint, electricity requirement, and whether you want to carbonate drinks beyond water. Here’s what to weigh before you buy.
CO2 cylinder compatibility
The biggest hidden cost in sparkling water makers is the CO2 cylinder exchange program. SodaStream uses a proprietary Quick Connect system on most of its current lineup, while Aarke, Breville, Drinkmate, and Philips use standard 60L screw-in cylinders. The Quick Connect system is more convenient for swapping cylinders, but it locks you into SodaStream’s exchange network – and SodaStream charges a late-return fee if you don’t return empty cylinders within 60 days.
Standard screw-in cylinders work with third-party exchange services like Soda Sense and with paintball refill shops. After months of testing, I found Soda Sense’s mail-in program to be the most convenient – they send you a full cylinder with a prepaid return label for the empty. If you want maximum flexibility on where you refill, choose a machine with standard screw-in cylinders.
Bottle material: glass, plastic, or stainless steel
Each bottle material has trade-offs. Plastic PET bottles (included with most SodaStream models, Drinkmate, and Aarke) are lightweight and dishwasher safe, but they scratch over time and need replacing every two to three years. Glass bottles look beautiful and don’t impart flavor, but they’re heavy and can shatter under pressure if dropped. Stainless steel bottles (the Breville InFizz Fusion’s 1L bottle) are nearly indestructible and keep drinks cold longer, but you can’t see the carbonation level inside.
For everyday use, plastic PET is the practical choice – it’s what most manufacturers include. If you want premium feel, look for machines that offer glass or stainless as an upgrade.
Countertop footprint and cabinet clearance
Sparkling water makers range from slim 5-inch-wide models (SodaStream TERRA) to chunky 7-inch-wide units (Philips). Measure your counter space before buying, and don’t forget to check cabinet clearance – some machines are 17 to 18 inches tall, which won’t fit under standard upper cabinets. The SodaStream TERRA and ART are the most cabinet-friendly options in this roundup. The Breville InFizz Fusion and Aarke Carbonator 3 are taller and better suited to open counters.
Electric vs manual operation
Manual lever or trigger machines (Aarke, SodaStream TERRA and ART, Drinkmate, Breville) give you direct control over carbonation level and don’t need an outlet. Electric machines (SodaStream E-TERRA) offer consistent preset carbonation at the cost of needing counter power and slightly weaker peak fizz. If you want portability – moving the machine to the patio or to a small kitchen without outlets – manual is the way to go. If you want set-it-and-forget-it consistency, electric wins.
Versatility: water-only vs carbonates anything
If you only drink plain sparkling water, every machine in this roundup will work. If you want to carbonate juice, wine, cocktails, or flat soda, your options narrow to the Drinkmate OmniFizz, SodaStream MIX, or Breville InFizz Fusion. These three use controlled pressure release systems that prevent the foam overflow you get when carbonating sugary drinks in a standard SodaStream.
Cost-per-liter over time
A standard 60L CO2 cylinder runs between roughly fifteen and thirty dollars depending on the brand and exchange program. That works out to about a quarter to a half dollar per liter of seltzer. Store-bought 2-liter bottles cost between roughly one-fifty and three dollars each, or about three-quarters to a dollar and a half per liter. If you drink seltzer daily, an at-home machine pays for itself in four to six months – matching what reviewers on r/sparklingwater consistently report.
Looking for more kitchen gear to round out your setup? We’ve also tested the best gelato makers and the best commercial waffle makers for serious home cooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best machine for making sparkling water?
The Aarke Carbonator 3 is our top pick for the best sparkling water maker overall. It pairs premium stainless steel construction with a satisfying damper-controlled lever and produces tight, long-lasting carbonation. With 6,696 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it’s also the most proven machine in the premium category. For buyers on a budget, the SodaStream TERRA delivers similar carbonation quality at a much lower price.
Is there a better option than SodaStream?
Yes – several alternatives outperform SodaStream depending on what you need. The Aarke Carbonator 3 has a more premium build and tighter bubbles. The Drinkmate OmniFizz carbonates juice and wine, which standard SodaStream machines cannot do safely. The Breville InFizz Fusion uses FusionCap technology for the cleanest multi-drink carbonation in the category. If you only drink plain seltzer and want the lowest cost, SodaStream is still competitive.
How long do CO2 cylinders last in a soda maker?
A standard 60L CO2 cylinder carbonates roughly 60 liters of sparkling water on medium carbonation, or about 167 standard 12-ounce cans worth of seltzer. For a household of two daily seltzer drinkers, expect to replace the cylinder every four to six weeks. Heavy users may go through one every two to three weeks. Smaller 3-ounce cartridges (used in portable units) last for about 3 to 5 liters.
Are sparkling water makers worth it?
Yes – for most daily seltzer drinkers, a sparkling water maker pays for itself within four to six months. A 60L CO2 cylinder runs between roughly fifteen and thirty dollars and replaces roughly ninety dollars worth of store-bought seltzer. Beyond cost, you eliminate hundreds of single-use cans or plastic bottles per year, customize carbonation strength to your taste, and skip trips to the store. The math works less well if you only drink seltzer occasionally.
What should I look for when buying a sparkling water maker?
Five things matter most: CO2 cylinder compatibility (Quick Connect locks you into one exchange program; standard screw-in is more flexible), bottle material (plastic is practical, glass looks better, stainless is most durable), countertop footprint (measure your space first), electric vs manual operation (manual is portable and offers finer control, electric offers consistent preset levels), and versatility (most machines carbonate only water; only a few handle juice, wine, and cocktails).
Can sparkling water makers carbonate juice or wine?
Only specific models can carbonate juice or wine safely. The Drinkmate OmniFizz, SodaStream MIX, and Breville InFizz Fusion all use controlled pressure release systems that prevent the foam overflow you get when carbonating sugary or alcoholic drinks in a standard SodaStream. Standard SodaStream machines (Terra, Art, E-Terra) are designed for water only – attempting juice or wine can cause messy overflow and potentially damage the bottle seal.
How do you clean a sparkling water maker?
Cleaning is simple – rinse the carbonating bottle with warm water after each use and put it in the dishwasher (most bottles are dishwasher safe). Wipe down the machine exterior with a damp cloth; never submerge the main unit. Every three to four weeks, run a bottle of warm water with a teaspoon of baking soda through a carbonation cycle to clear any buildup in the nozzle. The drip tray should be removed and washed weekly.
Final Verdict
After eight weeks of testing, the Aarke Carbonator 3 earns our top spot for the best sparkling water makers of 2026. It combines the strongest build quality with the longest-lasting carbonation, the most flexible CO2 cylinder compatibility, and a design that looks at home next to high-end kitchen appliances. The 6,696 reviews averaging 4.4 stars back up what our hands-on testing found – this is a machine that delivers premium performance and lasts.
If you want a similar experience at a lower price, the SodaStream TERRA is the smart buy. If you want to carbonate more than just water, the Breville InFizz Fusion is the right premium pick, with the Drinkmate OmniFizz as a strong value alternative. Whatever you choose, an at-home sparkling water maker pays for itself in months and removes hundreds of single-use bottles from your recycling bin – that’s the part of the upgrade that surprised me most.
For more picks on small kitchen appliances, check out our guides to the best takoyaki makers and the best biltong makers.