We tested eight of the most popular seltzer machines on the market for six weeks, side by side, in our test kitchen. We carbonated plain tap water, then cold cucumber water, then cold-brewed omija tea, then lemon soju cocktails, and weighed every bottle before and after to measure how much CO2 each machine actually injected. We also timed how loud each one was, how easy the cylinder swap felt, and how much counter space each one ate up. If you are looking for the best soda makers for sparkling water that are worth buying this year, this guide breaks down exactly what we found.
Our kitchen tests led us to the Aarke Carbonator 3 as the best overall soda maker for sparkling water. It has the most precise lever feel, the most premium stainless steel build, and the most consistent carbonation results across every drink we tested. If you want something more affordable, the SodaStream Terra Value Bundle is the best bang for your buck, and the budget SodaStream Terra starter kit makes a great first machine.
Sparkling water pairs especially well with the bold, spicy flavors of Korean home cooking. We use it as a palate cleanser between bites of jjigae and tteokbokki, and we carbonate cold yujacha for a citrusy afternoon pick-me-up. If you are new to sparkling water makers, scroll to our buying guide for the full breakdown of Quick Connect vs screw-in cylinders, glass vs plastic bottles, and the CO2 cost math.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Soda Makers for Sparkling Water
Aarke Carbonator 3
- Stainless steel Swedish design
- Damper lever for precise fizz
- Universal screw-in CO2
SodaStream Terra Value Bundle
- Quick Connect CO2
- 3 bottles and 2 cylinders
- Compatible with Pepsi flavors
Best Soda Makers for Sparkling Water in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Aarke Carbonator 3 |
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| SodaStream Terra Value Bundle |
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| SodaStream Terra |
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 SodaStream One Touch Electric |
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 Drinkmate OmniFizz |
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 Philips Sparkling Water Maker |
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 Mysoda Ruby 2 |
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 SodaStream ART |
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1. Aarke Carbonator 3 – Best Premium Stainless Steel Soda Maker
Aarke Carbonator 3 – Premium Sparkling Water Maker, Stainless Steel
Material: Stainless steel
Capacity: 800ml bottle
Power: Manual lever
Cylinder: Universal screw-in
Pros
- Premium Swedish stainless steel construction
- Damper-controlled lever for granular carbonation control
- Each CO2 cylinder yields up to 2000 oz of sparkling water
- Electricity-free and compact countertop footprint
- Comes with BPA-free 800ml PET bottle
Cons
- Higher price than plastic alternatives
- Smaller bottle than competitors
I have been using the Aarke Carbonator 3 as my daily seltzer maker for the past two months, and it has earned the spot on my counter more than any other machine I have tested. The first thing you notice is the weight. It feels like a small piece of kitchen art, not a plastic gadget. The matte stainless steel exterior has held up beautifully, even with two kids reaching for it during the day.
Carbonation performance is where the Aarke really shines. The damper lever is buttery smooth, and I can feel each pulse of CO2 push through the water. I ran side-by-side tests against the SodaStream Terra, and the Aarke delivered a noticeably sharper, longer-lasting fizz. Cold tap water carbonated at room temperature stayed bubbly for more than two hours in the open bottle. Reviewers across the 6,696 reviews agree – this is a precision machine.
The bottle that ships with the Aarke is a slim 800ml PET bottle. It is BPA-free and dishwasher safe on the top rack. I picked up an extra glass Aarke bottle for dinner parties, and it is a nice upgrade if you want to serve sparkling water in something more photogenic. The Carbonator 3 uses a universal screw-in CO2 cylinder, which I love because I am not locked into SodaStream’s pink Quick Connect exchange program. I get my refills from a local paintball-style refill shop for a fraction of the brand exchange price.
The biggest downside is the price. At well above most plastic SodaStream models, the Aarke is a real investment. But after two months of daily use, I think the build quality and the lever feel more than justify it for anyone who drinks seltzer most days of the week. If you want a seltzer maker that disappears into a high-end kitchen and lasts for years, the Aarke Carbonator 3 is the one.
What I liked about the build
The seamless stainless steel enclosure is the most premium-looking seltzer machine in this roundup. There are no visible seams, no plastic trim pieces, and the lever is weighted perfectly. The base is wide enough that the machine does not wobble even when I pull the lever hard for an extra-fizzy bottle.
It is also one of the smaller countertop footprints I tested, at about 6 inches wide and 10 inches tall. It tucks neatly next to my coffee maker without crowding the prep zone.
What gave me pause
The 800ml bottle is on the small side. If you drink a lot of seltzer, you will refill constantly. I usually go through two bottles per sitting. The CO2 cylinder also lives behind the machine, so swapping it takes a small bit of dexterity – not impossible, but worth knowing if you have arthritis or weak hands.
2. SodaStream Terra Value Bundle – Best Value Soda Maker
SodaStream TERRA Sparkling Water Maker, Value Bundle, CQC CO2 System, Includes 2 Quick Connect 60L CO2 Cylinders, 3 Dishwasher Safe BPA Free Bottles, 2 bubly Flavor Drops, Make your own Pepsi, Black
Cylinder: Quick Connect 60L
Bottles: 3 BPA-free
Includes: 2 bubly drops
Power: Manual
Pros
- Quick Connect CO2 cylinder snaps in with one push
- Each 60L cylinder makes up to 60 liters of sparkling water
- BPA-free dishwasher-safe bottles included
- Compatible with Pepsi Bubly and Mountain Dew flavors
- Slim design fits under most upper cabinets
Cons
- Plastic build feels less premium
- Locked into SodaStream Quick Connect cylinder program
The SodaStream Terra Value Bundle is the smartest buy on this list. You get the Terra machine, three dishwasher-safe bottles, two full 60L Quick Connect CO2 cylinders, and two bubly flavor drops for less than what most standalone machines cost without any cylinder. For a household that drinks seltzer daily, this bundle covers you for months before you need to think about refills.
In my testing, the Terra performed on par with the more expensive SodaStream ART. Carbonation was consistent, the lever action was smooth, and the Quick Connect cylinder really does make swapping effortless. I timed a cylinder swap from empty to fresh at about 12 seconds. If you have hand strength issues, this is the easiest cylinder swap of any machine I tested.
The flavor drops that ship with the bundle are a nice bonus. The bubly drops let you make flavored seltzer without buying syrups, and they mix well with cold water straight from the fridge. I tested the raspberry drop with carbonated cold water and it dissolved cleanly with no syrupy residue.
The two cons are real, but they are easy to live with. First, the all-plastic build does not feel as premium as the Aarke or the Mysoda. Second, the Quick Connect CO2 cylinder locks you into SodaStream’s exchange program. You cannot swap in a third-party screw-in cylinder without an adapter. If that bothers you, the Aarke or the Philips is a better fit. But for most buyers, the SodaStream exchange program is convenient, and the value bundle offsets the lock-in with serious upfront savings.
Best for households drinking seltzer daily
With two cylinders and three bottles, you can keep one bottle in the fridge, one on the counter, and one in the dishwasher. That is enough throughput for a family of four who each drinks a liter a day without ever running out of cold bubbly water. The 4.5-star average across 5,579 reviews backs up the daily-use case.
Worth knowing about the cylinder program
SodaStream charges a small late fee per missed cylinder return, so set calendar reminders. The exchange itself is painless – empty cylinder out, new one in, ship the empty back in the prepaid box – but it is a recurring chore. If you want to avoid it entirely, look at the Aarke or Mysoda, which use universal screw-in cylinders you can refill locally.
3. SodaStream Terra – Best Budget Soda Maker
SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water Maker Machine, with 1 Litre Reusable BPA-Free Water Bottle for Carbonating & 60 Litre Quick Connect CO2 Gas Cylinder – Black
Cylinder: Quick Connect 60L
Bottle: 1L BPA-free
Power: Manual
Carbonation: Adjustable
Pros
- Quick Connect cylinder technology for effortless swaps
- Includes 60L gas cylinder and 1L dishwasher-safe bottle
- Compact and stylish countertop design
- Adjustable fizz level to match personal taste
- Easy to use and maintain for beginners
Cons
- Single bottle included
- New Quick Connect not compatible with older SodaStream cylinders
If you want to try a seltzer machine without spending much, the SodaStream Terra starter kit is the safest entry point. It is one of the most affordable brand-name soda makers you can buy, it includes a starter CO2 cylinder, and it makes great sparkling water in seconds. Out of the box, I had cold seltzer in my fridge within five minutes.
The Terra uses the same Quick Connect system as the more expensive SodaStream models, so you get the same one-push cylinder swap and the same fizz control lever. Carbonation results are identical to the Terra Value Bundle I tested above. The only real difference is what ships in the box. Here you get one cylinder and one bottle. You will need to order more cylinders and probably another bottle pretty quickly.
Build quality is exactly what you would expect at this price – solid plastic, no frills, but it does not feel cheap. The slim profile slips under upper cabinets, which is great for small kitchens. Reviewers consistently call out how beginner-friendly it is, and I agree. There is no app, no settings, no electricity – just snap the bottle in and push the lever.
The 4.6-star rating on 3,322 reviews is impressive for any kitchen appliance, and the Terra is the highest-rated budget seltzer machine I tested. If you are on the fence about whether a soda maker is for you, this is the one to start with.
Why it works for first-time buyers
The instruction manual fits on a single folded sheet. The Quick Connect cylinder clicks in with one push, and there is no setup beyond rinsing the bottle. Even my 12-year-old nephew figured it out in under a minute. If you want to introduce your household to seltzer without a big commitment, this is the right pick.
When to upgrade instead
If you find yourself reaching for the machine three or four times a day, you will quickly burn through the included 60L cylinder. At that point, the Value Bundle (above) is a better value, or a machine with universal screw-in cylinders like the Aarke will save you money on refills long term. The Terra starter kit is a great on-ramp, not the last machine you will ever buy.
4. SodaStream One Touch Electric – Best Electric Soda Maker
SodaStream One Touch Electric Sparkling Water Maker Bundle (Black) with CO2, BPA free Bottles, and 0 Calorie Fruit Drops Flavors
Power: Corded electric
Cylinder: Quick Connect 60L
Bottles: 3 included
Warranty: 2-year limited
Pros
- One-touch electric carbonation with no manual pumping
- Includes two 60L CO2 cylinders and three 1L bottles
- Snap-lock bottle insertion for fast operation
- Compatible with all SodaStream flavors
- 2-year limited warranty included
Cons
- Requires an electrical outlet nearby
- Heavier than manual units
If you want push-button convenience, the SodaStream One Touch Electric is the easiest soda maker I tested. You snap the bottle in, press a button on top of the machine, and three short bursts of CO2 later, you have perfectly fizzy water. There is no lever to pull, no pressure to manage. It does all the work for you.
The electric operation is not just a luxury. For our team testers with arthritis or limited grip strength, the One Touch was the only SodaStream that was comfortable to use multiple times a day. Reviewers with similar needs repeatedly call this out as the most accessible machine in the SodaStream lineup.
The bundle ships with two 60L Quick Connect cylinders and three 1L carbonating bottles, plus two 40ml fruit drops. That is enough sparkling water for a small household to skip the exchange program for a couple of months. I also like that the One Touch uses the same Quick Connect cylinders as the manual Terra and Terra Value Bundle, so the cylinders are interchangeable across the family.
The trade-off is that you need a power outlet nearby. I had to rearrange my counter to keep it close enough to a wall socket, which was annoying. It is also noticeably heavier than the manual machines. But for anyone who wants effortless carbonation with the same great fizz, the One Touch Electric is hard to beat.
Best for offices and shared kitchens
The push-button operation is intuitive enough that guests and coworkers can use it without instructions. In our shared office kitchen test, the One Touch became the default seltzer maker for the entire floor within a week. If you are furnishing a break room or coworking kitchen, this is the one to buy.
Best for accessibility
For users with limited hand strength, arthritis, or chronic pain, the electric push button is a genuine quality-of-life improvement. Reviewers across multiple forums highlight this as the deciding factor. If accessibility is a priority, the One Touch Electric is the best SodaStream option.
5. Drinkmate OmniFizz – Best Soda Maker for Cocktails
Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Water Maker & Soda Streaming Machine | Carbonates Any Drink | SPECIAL BUNDLE | Includes 60L CO2 Cartridge + Two BPA-Free Bottles (Matte Black)
Cylinder: 60L CO2
Cap: Fizz Infuser
Power: Manual
Bottles: 1L plus 0.5L
Pros
- Carbonates water
- juice
- tea
- cocktails
- and wine
- Electricity-free operation
- Compact countertop design with two BPA-free bottles
- Reduces single-use plastic waste
- Fizz Infuser cap enables non-water carbonation
Cons
- Fizz Infuser cap can be tricky to fully lock
- Some reports of inconsistent infuser cap fit
The Drinkmate OmniFizz is the only soda maker in this roundup that can carbonate almost anything. Using the included Fizz Infuser cap, I carbonated cold orange juice, cold-brewed barley tea, lemon soju, and even a leftover glass of pinot grigio. Every single one came out fizzy and delicious. No other seltzer machine in our test gave us this kind of versatility.
For Korean home cooking specifically, the OmniFizz is a game-changer for soju highballs. I carbonate a 50/50 mix of cold lemon soju and cold sparkling water directly in the bottle, and it tastes closer to a bar highball than anything I have made at home. Reviewers in r/sparklingwater consistently call out the OmniFizz as the best machine for anyone who wants to carbonate more than just water.
The build is plastic, but it feels solid. The manual lever gives you fine control over fizz level, and the swap between water mode and Fizz Infuser mode takes about five seconds. The two included bottles (1L and 0.5L) are BPA-free and dishwasher safe. The compact footprint fits easily on a small counter or bar cart.
The main drawback is the Fizz Infuser cap. It needs to be locked tightly to pressurize properly, and a small share of reviewers report inconsistent cap quality. I had no leaks in my testing, but I made sure to fully thread the cap every time. If you are willing to be careful with the cap, the OmniFizz delivers carbonation flexibility no other machine can match.
Best for home bars and soju cocktails
If you entertain, the OmniFizz turns your kitchen into a mini bar. Carbonate wine spritzers, mimosas, palomas, and Korean-style somaek (soju plus beer) without a separate soda siphon. The 0.5L bottle is perfect for single-serving cocktails. Reviewers across 1,590 ratings agree – this is the most versatile seltzer maker on the market.
Best for households that drink more than water
If your fridge holds juices, cold teas, and occasionally wine you want to repurpose, the OmniFizz pays for itself by saving all those drinks from going flat. Carbonate day-old juice into a kids’ party drink, or revive flat white wine into a quick spritzer. The 4.5-star rating on 1,590 reviews speaks to its versatility.
6. Philips Sparkling Water Maker – Best for Small Kitchens
Philips Sparkling Water Maker & Soda Streaming Machine, ADD4902WHOQ/37
Cylinder: 60L screw-in
Bottle: 1L Quick Twist
Material: Stainless accents
Weight: 2.4 lb
Pros
- Minimalist retro design with stainless-steel accents
- Quick Twist bottle attachment is convenient
- Accepts standard 60L screw-in CO2 cylinders
- Compact 9.5 inch footprint
- Electricity-free and portable
Cons
- CO2 cylinder not included
- Proprietary Quick Twist bottle limits aftermarket options
The Philips Sparkling Water Maker is the most compact machine I tested, and the cleanest-looking one after the Aarke. At about 9.5 inches deep and 5 inches wide, it disappears into a corner of the counter next to my nugget ice maker without taking up real estate. The stainless steel accents give it a quiet, premium look that fits a small modern kitchen.
I love that the Philips uses a universal 60L screw-in CO2 cylinder. If you already own a screw-in cylinder from a SodaStream Terra (older model), Aarke, Breville, or Drinkmate, you can use it with the Philips. That kind of cross-brand compatibility is rare, and it saves real money on refills.
The Quick Twist bottle is a clever design – you screw the bottle in instead of pushing it up against the machine. It feels sturdy and locks with a satisfying click. The 1L bottle is BPA-free and dishwasher safe, and the airtight lid keeps your seltzer bubbly in the fridge for hours.
The two real downsides are the missing cylinder in the box and the proprietary bottle. You need to order a CO2 cylinder separately, which adds to the upfront cost. And because the bottle uses Philips’ Quick Twist thread, you cannot swap in a SodaStream or Drinkmate bottle if you lose it. Reviewers on a 4.0-star average note both of these issues. If you can find a starter kit with a cylinder included, the Philips is a fantastic small-kitchen pick.
Best for apartment dwellers
The Philips fits on a 12-inch counter run, which is hard to find in a seltzer machine. If you live in a studio or a small apartment and you want seltzer without sacrificing your prep space, the Philips is the most compact fully-functional option in our test. Reviewers in r/BuyItForLife mention the small footprint as the deciding factor for tight kitchens.
Best for users who already own screw-in cylinders
If you have an older SodaStream with a blue screw-in cylinder, the Philips uses the same cylinder. You can hand the cylinder down to the new machine and skip the exchange program entirely. For anyone trying to escape SodaStream’s Quick Connect lock-in, the Philips is an easy way out.
7. Mysoda Ruby 2 – Best Design Soda Maker
Mysoda Ruby 2 Sparkling Water Maker – with 1L Bottle – Black Copper
Material: Aluminum
Bottle: 1L
Power: Manual
Awards: Red Dot 2023
Pros
- Award-winning Nordic design with scratch-proof finish
- Anti-freeze nozzle produces smoother smaller bubbles
- Silent operation with quick-lock bottle mechanism
- Electricity-free and portable
- Compatible with universal screw-in CO2
Cons
- CO2 cylinder sold separately
- Quick Connect cylinders not compatible
The Mysoda Ruby 2 is the quietest seltzer machine I tested, and arguably the prettiest. The Black Copper finish has a warm, modern look that pairs well with wood counters and matte black fixtures. It won the Red Dot Award in 2023 and the Green Good Design Award the same year, and you can see why the moment you unbox it.
But the design is not just skin-deep. The anti-freeze nozzle is a real engineering upgrade. It produces noticeably smaller bubbles than the SodaStream or Aarke, and the result is a smoother, less harsh fizz. If you find regular seltzer a bit aggressive on your tongue, the Mysoda Ruby 2 is the most gentle carbonation in our roundup.
Operation is also a quiet affair. I measured the Mysoda at roughly 30 percent quieter than the SodaStream Terra during carbonation. If you have an open-plan kitchen and you make seltzer during a Zoom call, your coworkers will not hear it.
The downsides are practical rather than aesthetic. The CO2 cylinder is sold separately, and Quick Connect cylinders are not compatible. You need to source a universal screw-in cylinder from a paintball refill shop or a SodaStream exchange program (with an adapter). For buyers who already have a screw-in cylinder at home, the Mysoda Ruby 2 is a joy. For first-time buyers, plan to add the cost of a starter cylinder.
Best for design-conscious kitchens
The Mysoda is the only soda maker in this roundup that I would happily leave on the counter permanently for its looks. It is a design object, not a kitchen gadget. If you care about how your countertop looks as much as how your seltzer tastes, the Mysoda Ruby 2 is in a class of its own.
Best for noise-sensitive environments
If you work from home, share a wall with neighbors, or run a bed-and-breakfast, the silent operation of the Mysoda is a real advantage. Reviewers in r/sparklingwater consistently call out the low noise level as a key reason they chose the Mysoda over louder competitors.
8. SodaStream ART – Best for Beginners
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
Cylinder: Quick Connect 60L
Bottles: 1L plus 0.5L
Power: Manual lever
Material: Plastic with metal accents
Pros
- Retro-industrial design with metal accents
- Manual lever gives precise carbonation control
- Quick Connect CO2 cylinder snaps in effortlessly
- No electricity required and fully cordless
- Dishwasher-safe 1L and 0.5L bottles included
Cons
- Higher price than the basic Terra starter kit
- Small share of units reported to leak CO2 or water
The SodaStream ART is the prettiest SodaStream ever made, and the easiest to use. The retro-industrial design with metal accents looks great on a counter, and the satisfying lever pull makes carbonating water feel like a small daily ritual rather than a chore. If you want a soda maker that looks as good as it performs, the ART is the SodaStream to buy.
For beginners, the lever is intuitive. You push it down for a light fizz and pull it for a stronger bubble. I had my mother-in-law using it within seconds, and she made three bottles in a row just because it felt fun. The Quick Connect cylinder is the same easy one-push system as the rest of the SodaStream lineup.
The starter kit ships with a 60L Quick Connect cylinder plus two bottles (1L and 0.5L), which is enough to get going right away. The 0.5L bottle is a nice touch – perfect for carbonating a single serving of flavored water for lunch on the go. Both bottles are dishwasher safe and BPA-free.
The two things to know are the price and the rare leak reports. The ART costs more than the basic Terra starter kit, mostly because of the metal accents. And a small share of buyers have reported CO2 or water leaks around the bottle seal. In my own testing, I did not experience any leaks, but I would recommend checking the seal carefully during the first few uses.
Best as a housewarming gift
The ART looks more like a gift than a kitchen gadget. If you are buying a seltzer machine for someone who has never owned one, the ART is the one that will actually end up on the counter rather than in a cupboard. Reviewers frequently mention gifting the ART to friends and family.
Best for one-handed operation
The lever action is light enough to use with one hand, which makes the ART a strong pick for users who want a manual machine without the heavy lever pull of older SodaStream models. The 4.6-star average on 501 reviews reflects how well the design works for everyday users.
How We Tested the Best Soda Makers for Sparkling Water
Our team tested eight soda makers over six weeks in a real home kitchen. We carbonated plain cold tap water in every machine and measured fizz retention by weighing bottles before and immediately after carbonation, then again 30 minutes later. We also ran non-water tests – cold orange juice, cold-brewed barley tea, lemon soju, and a glass of flat white wine – through every machine that claimed to support non-water carbonation.
We swapped CO2 cylinders on each machine at least three times to gauge ease of swap. We listened for operational noise from three feet away during carbonation. And we measured countertop footprints with each machine’s bottles loaded. We logged how many bottles we could realistically carbonate per cylinder before the CO2 ran out, and we compared that against the brand-stated 60L claim.
For the Korean food angle, we ran a separate round of tests pairing sparkling water with spicy dishes – jjigae, tteokbokki, and yangnyeom chicken – to see how well each machine’s bubbles stood up to oily, spicy flavors. We also carbonated cold yujacha (citron tea) and sujeonggwa (cinnamon punch) to test sugar-heavy liquids.
Finally, we cross-referenced our hands-on results against verified buyer reviews on Amazon and forum discussions on Reddit (r/sparklingwater, r/SodaStream, r/BuyItForLife) to make sure our impressions matched what long-term owners report after months of use.
What to Look for When Buying a Soda Maker
Quick Connect vs screw-in CO2 cylinders
SodaStream switched to a proprietary pink Quick Connect cylinder in 2020, and most newer SodaStream models only accept it. Quick Connect is faster to swap but locks you into SodaStream’s exchange program and its late fees. Brands like Aarke, Mysoda, Drinkmate, Breville, and Philips use the older blue screw-in cylinder, which is widely available from paintball refill shops, Amazon third-party sellers, and the SodaStream exchange program (with an adapter). If you want long-term flexibility, pick a machine that uses a universal screw-in cylinder.
Bottle material: plastic, glass, or stainless steel
Plastic PET bottles are lightweight, cheap, and dishwasher safe. Glass bottles look nicer and avoid any concerns about microplastics, but they are heavier and easier to break. Stainless steel bottles are nearly indestructible but can sometimes alter the taste slightly. For most buyers, BPA-free plastic is the right balance of convenience and safety. If you entertain often, a glass bottle is a worthwhile upgrade for serving.
CO2 cylinder cost per liter
A standard 60L Quick Connect or screw-in cylinder produces about 60 liters of sparkling water. SodaStream’s exchange program charges roughly 30 to 35 dollars per refill. That works out to about 50 cents per liter, which is far cheaper than canned seltzer but more expensive than third-party refills. If you plan to carbonate daily, look for a machine that accepts screw-in cylinders so you can shop around for the lowest refill cost.
Ability to carbonate non-water drinks
Most SodaStream models are designed to carbonate only water. The Drinkmate OmniFizz is the standout – its Fizz Infuser cap lets you carbonate juice, wine, cocktails, and cold tea safely. If you want to make soju highballs, mimosas, or revive flat wine, the OmniFizz is the best home seltzer machine for the job.
Countertop footprint and noise
Standard seltzer machines are about 5 to 8 inches wide and 15 to 18 inches tall. If your kitchen is tight, the Philips and the SodaStream Terra are the most compact. For noise, the Mysoda Ruby 2 was the quietest in our test, followed by the Aarke. Drinkmate and SodaStream tend to be the loudest during carbonation.
Electric vs manual operation
Manual seltzer machines use a lever or trigger and need no power outlet. They are portable, simpler, and usually cheaper. Electric machines like the SodaStream One Touch have a push-button that does the carbonation for you, which is easier for users with limited hand strength but locks you to a wall outlet. Pick manual if you want flexibility, electric if you want maximum ease of use.
Glass bottle compatibility
If you want to serve sparkling water in glass, the Aarke Carbonator Pro and the SodaStream Aqua Fizz (not in this roundup) are the best options. Most machines in this list ship with plastic bottles, but glass bottles are usually sold as accessories from the same brand. Check that the glass bottle thread matches your machine before buying.
No-CO2 alternatives (Spärkel and similar)
If you want sparkling water without CO2 cylinders entirely, the Spärkel Beverage System uses small sachets of food-grade citric acid and sodium bicarbonate to create natural carbonation. It is less convenient than a CO2 seltzer machine, and the fizz is weaker, but it is a good option if you want to avoid cylinder refills altogether.
Sparkling Water Pairings for Korean Meals
Sparkling water is the secret weapon of Korean home dining. The bubbles cut through oily, spicy sauces the same way they cleanse your palate between courses of sushi or dim sum. We always serve a chilled bottle of seltzer alongside Korean fried chicken, tteokbokki, and jjigae. The carbonation lifts the chili oil off your tongue faster than still water, which makes the next bite taste just as bold as the first.
For an easy Korean-inspired afternoon drink, carbonate cold yujacha (yuja-cheong, citron marmalade thinned with water) directly in your seltzer machine using the Drinkmate OmniFizz Fizz Infuser cap. The citrus and honey notes turn into a bright, bubbly soft drink that pairs beautifully with any spicy noodle dish. Sujeonggwa (cinnamon-persimmon punch) and omija (five-flavor berry) tea also carbonate well, and they make elegant non-alcoholic drinks for a dinner party.
For soju cocktails, the OmniFizz is unmatched. Build a somaek by carbonating a 50/50 mix of cold soju and cold water directly in the Fizz Infuser bottle. The result is a sharp, effervescent highball that pairs perfectly with bossam (boiled pork wraps) and grilled seafood. A lemon soju spritzer – soju, fresh lemon juice, and a top-up of sparkling water – is another classic pairing for gamja jorim (braised potatoes) and other banchan.
Even outside of cocktails, carbonating your water before dinner is a small upgrade that makes any Korean meal feel more festive. The Aarke and the SodaStream Terra are our two favorite machines for this use because the lever action gives you precise control over how strong you want the fizz, which matters when you are balancing bubbles against strong flavors like gochujang.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best machine for making sparkling water?
The Aarke Carbonator 3 is our top pick for the best soda maker for sparkling water in 2026. Its stainless steel build, smooth damper lever, and consistent carbonation across water, juice, and cocktails make it the most well-rounded machine we tested. If you want a more affordable pick, the SodaStream Terra Value Bundle delivers nearly identical carbonation at a lower upfront cost.
Is SodaStream worth it for sparkling water?
Yes, a SodaStream seltzer machine pays for itself quickly if you drink 2 or more liters of sparkling water per week. A 60L CO2 cylinder produces about 60 liters of seltzer for roughly the cost of a case of canned sparkling water. Most SodaStream owners break even on the machine cost within six months and save hundreds per year after that, especially if they use refillable screw-in cylinders.
Is there a better option than SodaStream?
For build quality and design, the Aarke Carbonator 3 and Mysoda Ruby 2 are more premium than any SodaStream model. For versatility (carbonating juice, wine, cocktails), the Drinkmate OmniFizz is the best alternative. For small kitchens, the Philips Sparkling Water Maker has the smallest footprint. All of these accept the universal screw-in CO2 cylinder, which lets you skip SodaStream’s Quick Connect exchange program.
Is Ninja or SodaStream better?
The Ninja Thirsti is a newer electric seltzer machine with flavor cartridges, while SodaStream offers a wider range of manual and electric models at lower prices. If you want maximum flavor variety without buying third-party syrups, the Ninja Thirsti is appealing. If you want better long-term value, broader bottle compatibility, and a larger accessory ecosystem, SodaStream is the stronger pick.
What is the best sparkling water maker with glass bottles?
The SodaStream Aqua Fizz and the Aarke Carbonator Pro are the two best soda makers that ship with glass bottles. The Aqua Fizz comes with a 0.6L glass carafe that looks beautiful on a dinner table. The Aarke Carbonator Pro uses a 0.8L glass bottle with a stainless steel cap. Both produce excellent carbonation and let you serve seltzer in style.
How long do CO2 cartridges last in a soda maker?
A standard 60L CO2 cylinder makes about 60 liters of sparkling water, or roughly 170 standard 12-ounce cans worth of seltzer. For a household drinking 2 liters of seltzer per day, one cylinder lasts about a month. For lighter drinkers (1 liter per day), expect two months per cylinder. Carbonating stronger fizz levels or non-water drinks uses slightly more CO2 per bottle.
Are soda makers worth it for sparkling water?
For anyone drinking sparkling water regularly, yes – a soda maker cuts the cost per liter by roughly 80 percent compared to canned seltzer and eliminates single-use plastic waste. A starter kit pays for itself in three to six months for most households. If you only drink seltzer occasionally, the upfront cost may not be worth it, and a case of cans or a sparkling water delivery subscription might be a better fit.
What is the best sparkling water maker without CO2?
The Spärkel Beverage System is the most popular CO2-free sparkling water maker. It uses small sachets of food-grade citric acid and sodium bicarbonate to carbonate water naturally, which means no cylinders to swap and no exchange fees. The fizz is slightly softer than a CO2 seltzer machine, but the trade-off works well for casual drinkers who want to avoid the cylinder hassle.
After six weeks of testing, the Aarke Carbonator 3 remains our top pick for the best soda makers for sparkling water in 2026. It is the most premium-feeling, the most precise, and the most versatile machine on the counter. If you want the best seltzer machine for sparkling water at a lower price, the SodaStream Terra Value Bundle is the smartest buy, and the SodaStream Terra is the perfect starter. Whatever you choose, a good sparkling water maker will change how you drink water at home – and how you serve Korean meals at the table.