The Best Soda Makers (Review) in 2020
The average American drinks around 45 gallons of soda per year. Just imagine how much time that takes to haul back from the store and how much plastic waste that produces! More and more people are ditching store-bought sodas and are choosing to produce their own drinks at home using a soda maker machine.
When you invest in a soda machine you can significantly reduce the amount of plastic that you produce and you get a lot more flexibility. You can add whatever flavoring you want and can choose how fizzy you want your drink to be. A soda water maker is designed to sit neatly on your countertop and takes up very little space. It requires no electricity and is very easy to use. To help you choose the best sparkling water maker for your needs, take a look at our useful guide.
1-liter capacity, reusable, BPA-free carbonating bottle
Includes mini CO2 carbonator cartridge
Integrated LED fizz indicator
Innovative snap-lock bottle technology
Commercial-quality carbonator
Includes nontoxic, high-quality, premium plastic PET bottle
Sleek and elegant design
Does not run on electricity or batteries
Accommodates any BPA-free, reusable 1-liter carbonating bottle
Comes with 3 ounces of CO2 starter carbonator cartridge
Integrated fizz infuser
Small and compact design
The Best Soda Maker
1.
SodaStream Soda Maker
Elegant design to suit any kitchen
Useful LED indicator
Three possible levels of fizz
Bottle snap locks into position
You get elegance and functionality with this SodaStream Starter kit. It’s sleek and refined lines will bring a touch of class to any kitchen thanks to the design created by the world-renowned designer, Yves Béhar. The ‘fizz’ is provided by a canister of carbon dioxide gas and an LED indicator lets you know how fizzy your beverage will be. You are in control of the level of fizz which can be light, medium or heavy.
Not too heavy and bulky
No awkward twisting to fit bottle in
Very simple to use
Replacement cartridges are good value
No written instructions
Starter kit will not fill many bottles
2.
DrinkMate Sparkling Water and Soda Maker
Takes up very little space in your kitchen
Will make just about any drink sparkle
No electricity or batteries
Three finishes available
With this fantastic device you can make just about every type of drink sparkle with irresistible fizz. Anything from apple cider to tea can be infused with carbon dioxide. It takes up very little space in your kitchen and requires no electricity or batteries. The whole process is quick and clean and easy to control, all you have to do is press a button and it’s done in a few seconds.
Very easy to use
Can carbonate any liquid not just water
Liquids hold the carbonation for several days
Very easy to clean
Supplied with only a very small canister of carbon dioxide
Some people find the carbonated bubbles harsh
3.
SodaStream Sparkling Water Maker
Carbonates in seconds
Cordless – requires no electricity
Comes with two 60 liter cylinders of carbon dioxide
Takes up little space
When you have this useful device, it takes just seconds to turn transform still tap water into delicious sparkling water. It is cordless and compact and all you have to do is press a button to get the carbonation going.
Bottles are high quality
Very easy to use
Flavors are very tasty
Takes up little space
Not fizzy enough for some consumers
Replacement canisters are not available everywhere
4.
KitchenAid Sparkling Beverage Maker
Made from die cast metal
Available in eight colors
Fully compatible with SodaStream products
Easy to clean
There are eight colors to choose from with this die cast metal sparkling beverage maker that will look great on any kitchen counter. As well as the polished housing, it has a soft-grip carbonation lever that is comfortable to hold. Thanks to the four settings, you will always have the perfect level of fizz for your requirements.
This versatile Kitchenaid soda maker can be used with over 60 flavors and is fully compatible with SodaStream products. It’s made here in the US (Ohio) and comes complete with a 60 liter carbon dioxide tank as well as a one liter BPA-free bottle which is reusable. The all metal design is easy to clean
Looks lovely in any kitchen
You can control the carbonation
Feels solid – dose not move around when you are using it
Easy to use
Does not come with a large carbon dioxide cylinder
The device is quite high – check that it will fit under kitchen wall units
5.
SodaStream Genesis Soda Maker
Lightweight and takes up little room
Adjustable fizz
No electricity or batteries
Compatible with most 60 liter carbonator cylinders
A sleek black and silver device that will give you endless sparkling water without having to leave your kitchen. It is lightweight and takes up very little room but is highly useful; within 30 seconds your ordinary tap water will have become tasty sparkling water. You can add as much fizz as you like. All you have to do is twist in and lock the bottle and the carbonation process starts without the need for any electricity or batteries.
With this useful kit, you also get a mini carbon dioxide carbonator which will make up to nine liters of sparkling water, a one liter carbonating bottle which is reusable and BPA-free and caps to keep in the fizz. It is compatible with most 60 liter carbonator cylinders which can be exchanged at local stores.
Bottles are very durable
Produces great tasting soda
Very durable machine
Comes with everything you need to get started
The syrup flavors are not to everyone’s taste
Carbon dioxide canisters don’t last that long
6.
Aarke Sparkling Water Maker
Available in four stunning metallic finishes
Sleek and compact design
Delivered with a PET plastic bottle
Carbonates in just a few seconds
Available in four stunning metallic finishes, the Carbonator II will look fantastic in any modern kitchen. The sleek and compact design takes up hardly any space and you don’t need to provide batteries or electricity to operate it. Within the kit you get the carbonator itself as well as a PET plastic bottle which is non-toxic and completely safe. You need to buy the 60 liter 14.5 ounce gas cylinder separately and then exchange it for a full one when it is empty.
The carbonator is extremely easy to use. All you have to do is fill the water bottle to the marked line (refrigerated water is best) and screw the bottle tightly onto the machine. Then pull down the handle to release the gas into the bottle. When you hear a sound of released gas it means that the process is complete and you can release the handle. It takes just a few seconds but you can repeat the process if you want a fizzier drink. Then you just unscrew the bottle and enjoy. If you want to add flavor, you need to transfer the water out of the carbonating bottle.
One cartridge produces 60 bottles of soda
Very sleek appearance
Simple to install and set up
Produces great tasting water
Can only be used with water
Does not come with any canisters
Best Soda Maker Buying Guide & FAQ
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Soda Makers
All soda makers work in basically the same way – they force carbon dioxide into water to make it fizzy and allow you to enjoy sparkling water at home whenever you want. However, there are subtle differences between models and there is a fairly broad price range. Here are some of the things that you should consider before you make your choice.
- Do you want a handheld or countertop device?
Most soda makers are a countertop design and are stable so they stand securely on your kitchen counters. They will take a large carbon dioxide canister that will make 60 liters of soda before it needs to be replaced. This would be most suitable for an average family. However, if you are looking for a device to take with you to a party or a picnic, you may prefer a handheld version. These will not be able to produce such large quantities of soda.
- How big are the carbon dioxide canisters?
All soda makers need a carbon dioxide canister but these vary in size. If you want a countertop soda maker, you will probably have a choice of a 60 liter up to a 130 liter canister. The more soda you make, the bigger the canister you will need. Also, check out if the device is compatible with all brands of cylinders, this makes it easier to source a new one when you need to. Stores seldom stock all types of brands so the more flexibility you have the better. The price of replacement cartridges is also an important consideration.
- How big is the soda bottle?
You start off the carbonation process by filling a special bottle with tap water. Some soda makers allow you to fill it with other drinks such as wine. These bottles are mostly made of plastic and are reusable but some are made from glass and you may prefer this if you want to protect the environment. The capacity is important because it will determine how much carbonated drink you can make at one time. If you use a lot of soda in your home, you may wish to choose a model that can take larger bottles.
- What does it look like?
As with all kitchen devices, there are several designs to choose from. They are all compact and will take up little space in your kitchen; they are designed to sit on your kitchen counter. This means that they are on display at all times and it is important that you select one that fits in with your décor. They can be ultra-modern with sleek plastic finishes or have a vintage vibe with a metallic finish. The choice is yours and some models give you the option of several different types of finishes.
- How versatile is it?
Do you want to use your soda maker to carbonate liquids other than water? Some can be used on juice, wine and beer as well. Others can only be used on water so this is worth thinking about. Also, some models are more portable and could be taken to picnics or used for outdoor dining.
Reasons to Buy a Soda Maker
There are three main reasons why you should buy a soda maker.
- They save you money
Buying bottles of soda is expensive. If you drink a lot of soda or if you have a large family, this can add up to a lot of dollars every month. When you buy a soda maker, the main ingredient you use is tap water which you do not have to pay for. You will need to replace the carbon dioxide cartridge but this still works out cheaper than buying soda at the store. You can experiment with different types of syrups until you find one that you like.
- It saves you time
If you added up all the time that you have spent hauling bottles of soda back from the store you would be shocked at how time-consuming it is. Soda bottles are also heavy and are not easy to transport. It makes sense to create the drink within your own home.
- It gives you choice
You get to choose how fizzy your drink is. If you are a fan of lots of bubbles you can simply add more carbon dioxide to your soda. However, you also have the choice of producing a very slightly sparkling beverage which you may find gentler on the tongue.
- It saves the environment
We all understand that plastic waste is ruining our environment. When you invest in a soda maker, you will get bottles that are designed to be used over and over again. This is safer for you (they are nontoxic) and better for the environment. Most cartridges can also be refilled which cuts down on waste.
How to Use Soda Maker Machine at Home
There will be full instructions provided with your soda maker and all models are very easy to use. The general basic steps are:
- Fill up the bottle with tap water as far as the clearly indicated fill line. Take care not to over fill the bottle.
- Lock the bottle into the machine. This is normally done using a twist and click method. It needs to be securely fixed in to stop the carbon dioxide from escaping.
- You may have an option of choosing the level of fizz on some models.
- Press a button or pull a level to start the carbonation process. This usually only takes a few seconds. In some machines, it can be repeated if you want more fizz.
- Remove the bottle and put on the cap.
- Pour the water into another container to add flavors if required.
Best Soda Maker FAQ:
Q: What is a Soda Maker?
A: Soda maker is a device that is used to make sodas and sparkling water in the comfort of your own home. They need to have a canister of compressed carbon dioxide and they work by adding carbon dioxide into the water. This process is called carbonation. Once water is carbonated, it will remain fizzy for some time.
Some people like a lot of fizz where a lot of carbon dioxide has been added but others prefer a gentle sparkle. Most people agree that it improves the flavor and drinking experience of plain tap water.
Q: How to Clean Soda Maker?
A: Hygiene is important when it comes to the preparation of food and drink so it is vital that you know how to clean your soda maker correctly. You will need to clean both the bottle and the machine itself.
- Cleaning the bottle
Start by rinsing the bottle with lukewarm water. Then add some mild dishwashing detergent and some lukewarm water, put on the cap and shake vigorously. Leave the bottle to soak for around 15 minutes and then thoroughly rinse making sure that every bit of detergent has been washed out. Do not use bleach as this will damage the plastic. It is possible to buy special soda maker cleaning tablets that you may find useful. Leave the cap off the bottle so that it can air dry before you put it away. If you do not do this, mold and bacteria will be able to grow in the empty bottle.
If you find that the bottle has a musty odor, squeeze some lemon juice in with the water and leave it for 15 minutes before rinsing. Make sure that the bottle is dry before replacing the cap. For the removal of stains, you can use a special bottle brush that will not scratch the plastic.
You cannot put soda maker bottles in a dishwasher because they are made from Polyethylene Terephthalate – a type of plastic that cannot withstand heat. This is why you do not hand wash them in hot water. They could get damaged by the heat and then would not be able to cope with the pressure of the carbonation process. They should not be washed in water above 120 degrees F.
However, if your soda maker uses glass bottles, you will probably be able to wash these in a dishwasher.
- Cleaning a soda maker machine
The manufacturer should supply specific instructions for how the machine should be cleaned as all surfaces are different. In most cases, you will be directed to wipe the outside of the machine with a damp cloth and you may be able to use a mild detergent. It is important that you wipe between all the crevices as dirt can build up here.
Q: Can I carbonate drinks other than water?
A: This depends on the type of soda maker that you buy. Some are designed to be used with water only. You carbonate the water in the machine and end up with a bottle of fizzy water. In some models, you can then add a flavored syrup to the water in the bottle. However, for other devices, you have to decant the fizzy water into another bottle or carafe before you can add any syrup.
Other soda makers can be used with a variety of liquids. You can use them on juices and cocktails as well as on wine. You can even use them to put the sparkle back into flat beer or soda.
Q: Can I re-fizz a drink that has gone flat?
A: You can do this using some machines but you should check the manufacturers instructions. Many machines can only be used with water and you would not be able to use them on other drinks that have gone flat.
Our Top Pick
Our chosen top pick soda maker machine delivers elegance and functionality. It is a starter kit that gives you everything you need. The ‘fizz’ is provided by a canister of carbon dioxide gas and an LED indicator lets you know how fizzy your beverage will be. You are in control of the level of fizz which can be light, medium or heavy.
It suits beginners because it is exceptionally easy to use by just snapping the bottle into place prior to the carbonation process starting. It takes just 30 seconds and does not require batteries or electricity. When the cylinder is empty it can be replaced and each cylinder makes up to 60 liters of fizzy soda.
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