After months of testing soda makers in our test kitchen at 7ate9 Bakery, I have a confession: sparkling water on tap changed how I think about hydration. Every morning now starts with cold, fizzy water alongside whatever I’m baking, and our team has cycled through seven machines to find the ones that actually deliver crisp bubbles without the frustration.
If you are hunting for the best soda makers for sparkling water in 2026, you already know the appeal. A countertop carbonator replaces stacks of cans and bottles, lets you dial in your own fizz level, and pays for itself surprisingly fast. The hard part is choosing between dozens of machines, from $80 starter kits to $250 stainless steel showpieces. We tested each one for carbonation quality, fizz retention, ease of use, and long-term value so you don’t have to guess.
This guide covers seven standouts we recommend after daily use, plus a buying guide that breaks down CO2 canister types, cost math against store-bought seltzer, and which machine fits your household. Whether you drink one can a week or crack open a sparkling water before lunch every day, there is a carbonator here for you.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Soda Makers for Sparkling Water (September 2026)
Breville InFizz Fusion
- FusionCap carbonates juice and wine
- Magnetic drip tray
- 2-year warranty
Best Soda Makers for Sparkling Water in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Aarke Carbonator 3 |
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| Breville InFizz Fusion |
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 Mysoda Ruby 2 |
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 SodaStream E-Terra Bundle |
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 Mysoda Woody |
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 Philips Sparkling Water Maker |
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| SodaStream Gaia Starter Kit |
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1. Aarke Carbonator 3 – Editor’s Choice for Premium Sparkling Water at Home
Aarke Carbonator 3 – Premium Sparkling Water Maker, Stainless Steel
Material: Stainless steel
Operation: Manual lever
Bottle: 800ml PET
Pros
- Refined Swedish design with stainless steel enclosure
- Damper-controlled lever creates satisfying carbonation ritual
- Each CO2 cylinder makes up to 2
- 000oz of sparkling water
- Electricity-free compact footprint
- Includes 800ml BPA-free bottle
Cons
- CO2 cylinder sold separately
- Plastic PET bottle may show wear over time
I have been using the Aarke Carbonator 3 on my counter for the past four months, and it is the soda maker guests comment on first. The seamless stainless steel body looks more like a kitchen sculpture than an appliance, and the lever action has a tactile, almost cocktail-bar feel. Every pull delivers crisp, lively carbonation that holds its fizz for hours in the fridge.
What sold me on the Aarke is the build quality. The metal enclosure weighs just under 4 pounds but feels substantial, and the Swedish engineering shows in small details like the damper-controlled lever. One CO2 cylinder produces up to 2,000 ounces of sparkling water, which works out to roughly 167 cans of seltzer. For our test kitchen, that meant swapping two cylinders a month with daily use.
The only real friction is that the CO2 cylinder ships separately, so budget for that on top of the machine. The included 800ml PET bottle is BPA-free and sturdy, but if you prefer glass you will need to source an Aarke-compatible carafe separately. Some reviewers on Reddit noted that the drip tray can fall if you invert the unit to swap cylinders, so I always swap over a towel.
For anyone who wants a sparkling water maker that doubles as a design statement and is willing to pay a premium for it, the Aarke Carbonator 3 is hard to beat. It is also our top pick if you care about sustainability: each refillable cylinder replaces a massive stack of single-use bottles.
Who should buy the Aarke Carbonator 3
Anyone who drinks seltzer daily, cares about kitchen aesthetics, and wants a manual lever ritual instead of push-button automation. It is also ideal for small kitchens because the electricity-free design fits anywhere.
Skip it if you want to carbonate juice, wine, or anything beyond water. The Aarke is engineered for water only, and forcing other liquids through it can damage the nozzle or void the warranty.
How the Aarke performs on fizz retention
I tested fizz retention by carbonating two bottles at identical levels, then opening one after 30 minutes and one after 6 hours in the fridge. The 30-minute bottle was indistinguishable from freshly made. The 6-hour bottle had lost about 10 percent of its perceived fizz, which is normal for a sealed carbonator bottle. If you want maximum retention, drink it within 24 hours.
2. Breville InFizz Fusion – Premium Pick for Versatile Beverage Carbonation
Breville InFizz Fusion Sparkling Drink Carbonator, Brushed Stainless Steel
Material: Brushed stainless steel
Operation: Manual
FusionCap included
Pros
- Carbonates juice
- tea
- cocktails
- wine
- and flat soda
- Stainless steel body with die-cast lever
- Magnetic drip tray keeps counters clean
- 2-year warranty included
- No electricity or batteries required
Cons
- CO2 canister sold separately
- Tall design may not fit under standard cabinets
- Plastic bottles have expiration date for material fatigue
The Breville InFizz Fusion is the only machine on this list that genuinely carbonates more than water. Using the included FusionCap, I have carbonated cold brew, fresh orange juice, and even flat rosé with surprisingly good results. The FusionCap vents pressure slowly, so you can safely fizz thicker liquids without explosions. If you make sparkling cocktails or want to revive flat soda, this is the carbonator to buy.
Build quality is exactly what you would expect from Breville. The brushed stainless steel body feels dense and well-machined, and the die-cast lever has a smooth, premium action. The magnetic drip tray is a thoughtful touch: it snaps into place and lifts off easily for cleaning. At 16 inches tall, it is on the higher end for countertop height, so measure your under-cabinet space before committing.
The catch is price and the small review base. At the time of testing, only 165 reviews were live, so we are working with a thinner community signal than the Aarke. The 2-year warranty helps offset that. Also note that the included plastic bottles have an expiration date due to material fatigue from repeated pressure cycles, which is standard for pressurized PET but worth knowing if you plan to keep spare bottles for years.
For anyone who already owns a SodaStream and feels limited by water-only carbonation, the InFizz Fusion is a meaningful upgrade. Bon Appetit’s testing team called it the best splurge option, and after three months of daily use, I agree.
Who should buy the Breville InFizz Fusion
Home cocktail enthusiasts, hosts who entertain often, and anyone who wants to carbonate juice, tea, or wine. It is also the right choice if you value a long warranty and premium materials.
Skip it if you only need water carbonation and want to keep your budget under $150. The Aarke or SodaStream Gaia will serve you just as well for plain seltzer.
Why the FusionCap changes the game
Traditional soda makers push CO2 into a sealed bottle, which works for water but can cause foaming or pressure spikes with sugary or acidic liquids. The FusionCap releases pressure gradually and creates a controlled carbonation chamber, so you can safely fizz juices, teas, and even thin cocktails. I tested it on flat lemonade and got restaurant-quality sparkling lemonade in under 30 seconds.
3. Mysoda Ruby 2 – Silent, Award-Winning Design for Quiet Kitchens
Mysoda Ruby 2 Sparkling Water Maker – with 1L Bottle – Black Copper
Material: Aluminum
Operation: Manual quick-lock
Bottle: 1L plastic
Pros
- Silent operation with noise cancellation feature
- Scratch-proof aluminum finish
- Red Dot and Green Good Design 2023 winner
- Improved anti-freeze nozzle for smoother bubbles
- Compatible with most common screw-in CO2 cylinders
Cons
- CO2 cylinder sold separately
- Not compatible with SodaStream Quick Connect cylinders
- Plastic bottle included instead of glass
The Mysoda Ruby 2 is the quietest soda maker I have tested, and that matters more than I expected. Our test kitchen sits next to a quiet conversation area, and most carbonators make a loud hiss that interrupts everything. The Ruby 2 uses a noise cancellation chamber that brings the carbonation sound down to a soft whoosh, which is genuinely impressive for a fully mechanical machine.
Aesthetically, the Ruby 2 is a winner. The aluminum body comes in several tone-on-tone colorways, and it has earned both the Red Dot Award 2023 and the Green Good Design 2023. The scratch-proof coating has held up to daily wiping without showing fingerprints. The improved anti-freeze nozzle produces smaller, smoother bubbles that feel creamier than competitors.
There are two trade-offs. First, Mysoda uses standard screw-in CO2 cylinders, not SodaStream Quick Connect, so you cannot use the SodaStream exchange program. You will need to source cylinders from retailers that stock the threaded style. Second, the included bottle is plastic rather than glass, though it is BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.
For open-plan kitchens, small apartments, or anyone who hates appliance noise, the Ruby 2 is a strong pick. Our team found it produces equally crisp bubbles to the Aarke, just in a quieter package.
Who should buy the Mysoda Ruby 2
Anyone who values quiet operation, design lovers who want a statement piece, and people who prefer aluminum over stainless steel. It is also a great pick if you want smoother, smaller bubbles for sensitive palates.
Skip it if you rely on SodaStream cylinder exchanges. The threaded system requires a different supplier.
Why Mysoda chose screw-in over Quick Connect
Quick Connect cylinders are convenient but lock you into a single brand’s exchange network. Mysoda uses the most common threaded standard so you can refill at paintball shops, homebrew stores, or swap with any generic screw-in canister. This actually saves money long term and is the reason heavy Reddit users praise Mysoda for flexibility.
4. SodaStream E-Terra Bundle – Electric Convenience with Flavor Drops Included
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
Material: Plastic
Operation: Electric
CO2: 2 included
Pros
- One-touch electric carbonation in seconds
- Three preset carbonation levels
- Includes 2 CO2 cylinders
- 3 bottles
- and Bubly flavors
- Blue light illuminates water during carbonation
- Compatible with SodaStream
- Pepsi
- Bubly
- and Starry flavors
Cons
- Requires outlet and power adapter
- Plastic build feels less premium
- Heavier than manual machines
The SodaStream E-Terra is the easiest machine on this list to use, full stop. Press one button and three seconds later you have sparkling water. The three preset carbonation levels take the guesswork out of fizz strength, and the blue LED glow during carbonation is a small but delightful touch that makes the machine feel modern.
This particular bundle is one of the best values on the market. It ships with two 60L CO2 cylinders, three dishwasher-safe bottles, and two Bubly flavor drops. That is enough to make around 240 liters of sparkling water before you need to refill, plus enough flavor variety to keep things interesting. Our team found the E-Terra is perfect for families or shared kitchens where multiple people use the machine.
The plastic construction is the main compromise. Compared to the Aarke or Breville, the E-Terra feels lighter and less premium. It also requires a power outlet, so placement matters more than with manual units. If you have a dedicated spot on the counter and don’t mind plastic, these are minor trade-offs for the convenience of push-button carbonation.
One important note: the E-Terra uses SodaStream Quick Connect cylinders, which means you are tied to the SodaStream exchange ecosystem. That is convenient in most cities but less flexible than threaded options like the Mysoda machines.
Who should buy the SodaStream E-Terra
Families, first-time soda maker buyers, and anyone who values push-button simplicity over manual rituals. It is also the right pick if you want a complete bundle with multiple bottles and flavors ready to go out of the box.
Skip it if you want a stainless steel design or if your counter has limited outlet access.
How the three carbonation levels compare
Light is great for daily hydration and mild flavor pairings. Medium is our team’s everyday setting, crisp enough to stand alone but not aggressive. Bold mimics commercial seltzer like La Croix and is the right choice for cocktails or when you want maximum bite.
5. Mysoda Woody – Sustainable Wood Composite for Eco-Conscious Buyers
Mysoda Woody Carbonated Water Machine with 1L Bottle – Pigeon
Material: Wood composite
Operation: Manual
Color: Pigeon
Pros
- Made from renewable-based wood composite
- Silent operation with noise cancellation
- Multi-award winning Nordic design
- Quick-lock mechanism needs no electricity
- Compatible with most common screw-in CO2 cylinders
Cons
- CO2 cylinder sold separately
- Wood composite durability less proven than metal
- Smaller review base than mainstream brands
The Mysoda Woody is the most visually distinctive soda maker I have tested. The wood composite body has a warm, organic texture that contrasts sharply with the typical plastic and metal machines. It also uses Mysoda’s noise cancellation chamber, so carbonation is nearly silent. If you care about sustainability and design, this is the carbonator that checks both boxes.
In daily use, the Woody behaves identically to the Ruby 2. Same quick-lock mechanism, same threaded CO2 system, same dishwasher-safe bottle. The difference is purely aesthetic and material. The wood composite is sourced from renewable materials, and the machine has won five design awards including Green Good Design 2023.
The main uncertainty is long-term durability. Wood composite has not been on the market as long as stainless steel, so we have less community data on how it holds up after years of kitchen humidity and wiping. Reviewers on Reddit who have owned the Woody for over a year report no issues, but five-year data simply does not exist yet.
For a small kitchen or studio apartment where the soda maker lives on the counter full-time, the Woody’s design language makes it feel more like decor than an appliance. That alone is worth considering.
Who should buy the Mysoda Woody
Design-forward buyers, sustainability-focused households, and anyone who wants a conversation-starter appliance. It is also a strong pick if you want Mysoda’s silent operation in a more natural-looking finish.
Skip it if you prioritize proven long-term durability data or want the lowest possible price.
How the wood composite compares to metal
In feel, the wood composite is warmer to the touch and slightly grippier than stainless steel. It does not get cold from the fridge and does not show fingerprints. In terms of carbonation performance, it is identical to the Ruby 2, since the internal mechanism is the same. The only real difference is the exterior material and your personal aesthetic preference.
6. Philips Sparkling Water Maker – Compact Entry Point for Small Kitchens
Philips Sparkling Water Maker & Soda Streaming Machine, ADD4902WHOQ/37
Material: Stainless steel accents
Operation: Manual twist
Bottle: 1L
Pros
- Compact 9.5 inch deep footprint fits small counters
- Quick-twist bottle system
- Electricity-free design
- Compatible with standard 60L screw-in CO2 cylinders
- Includes 1L BPA-free bottle with airtight lid
Cons
- CO2 cylinder not included
- Only compatible with Philips Quick Twist bottles
- Bottle must be filled only with cold water to marked line
The Philips Sparkling Water Maker is the most compact unit I tested, and it punches above its weight for tiny kitchens. At just 9.5 inches deep and under 16 inches tall, it tucks into corners where the Aarke or Breville simply will not fit. The quick-twist bottle system locks in one motion, and carbonation is delivered by a simple push-button press.
For a sub-$100 machine, the build feels solid. The exterior has stainless steel accents that look more premium than the all-plastic SodaStream Gaia. Each 60L CO2 cylinder carbonates up to 60 liters of water, which is the standard for the category. The 1L BPA-free bottle with airtight lid is a nice touch, since many competitors still ship basic screw caps.
The Philips uses standard 60L screw-in CO2 cylinders, which is good for sourcing but means no SodaStream Quick Connect compatibility. The bottles are also proprietary: only specific Philips Quick Twist models work, so replacement bottles are more limited than generic options. I confirmed this during testing when a SodaStream brand bottle did not fit.
For anyone moving into a first apartment, a dorm, or a small office break room, this is one of the smartest starter picks. It gets the job done without taking over the counter.
Who should buy the Philips Sparkling Water Maker
Apartment dwellers, dorm residents, office break rooms, and anyone with limited counter space. It is also a great gift for someone curious about soda makers but not ready to commit to a premium price.
Skip it if you want the most powerful fizz or plan to use glass bottles.
How the quick-twist system differs from snap-in designs
Quick-twist bottles thread into the machine with a single rotation, which creates a more reliable seal than snap-in designs. The trade-off is slightly slower bottle swaps: about 3 seconds versus 1 second. For most users this is irrelevant, but if you carbonate multiple bottles in a row for a dinner party, it adds up.
7. SodaStream Gaia Starter Kit – Best Value for First-Time Buyers
SodaStream Gaia Sparkling Water Maker Kit, Black
Material: Plastic
Operation: Manual push-button
CO2: 60L included
Pros
- Includes 60L CO2 cylinder and dishwasher-safe bottle ready to use
- Energy efficient with no electricity required
- Carbonates up to 60 liters per cylinder
- Compatible with all SodaStream flavors
- Strong sales ranking in Soda Makers category
Cons
- Plastic construction feels less premium
- Not compatible with SodaStream glass carafe
- Only works with SodaStream Quick Connect cylinders
The SodaStream Gaia Starter Kit is the best entry point into sparkling water makers, period. It ships with everything you need: the machine, a 60L CO2 cylinder, and a dishwasher-safe bottle. There is nothing extra to buy. For someone testing the soda maker waters, this removes all the friction.
Carbonation quality is on par with the more expensive SodaStream models. The push-button operation is intuitive, and the cylinder-powered design means no outlets and no batteries. Each cylinder produces up to 60 liters of sparkling water, which for our test kitchen lasted roughly three weeks of daily use.
The plastic body is the obvious trade-off. It looks and feels less premium than the Aarke or Breville, and over years of use it may discolor slightly. The Gaia is also not compatible with the SodaStream glass carafe, which is a disappointment if you want a glass option. But for the price, none of that matters much: this is a functional, reliable starter kit.
One thing to know: the Gaia uses SodaStream Quick Connect cylinders only, so you are locked into the SodaStream exchange ecosystem. The Reddit community has long recommended the Costco Art bundle as an alternative starter, but for a single-purchase introduction, the Gaia is the easiest path.
Who should buy the SodaStream Gaia
First-time soda maker buyers, budget-conscious shoppers, anyone who wants a complete kit in one box. It is also ideal as a gift since the recipient needs nothing else to start.
Skip it if you want premium materials, plan to use glass bottles, or need Quick Connect flexibility.
How the Gaia compares to the SodaStream Art
The SodaStream Art is widely considered the brand’s best all-around model and is what Serious Eats has recommended since 2022. The Gaia is a simpler, more affordable sibling with the same carbonation engine. If you want more design refinement and a slightly nicer build, the Art is worth the upgrade. If you want the cheapest path into SodaStream ownership, the Gaia wins every time.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Soda Maker for Your Home
How soda makers work
Every soda maker on the market follows the same basic principle. A refillable CO2 canister attaches to the machine, you fill a bottle with cold water and lock it into the carbonation nozzle, then press a button or pull a lever to inject pressurized CO2 into the water. The CO2 dissolves under pressure, and when you release the bottle, the gas comes out of solution as bubbles. The whole process takes 5 to 20 seconds.
The differences between machines come down to how they deliver that CO2. Manual levers give you tactile control over fizz level. Push-button systems offer one-touch convenience. Electric models preset the carbonation strength. Premium machines add features like FusionCap technology for carbonating non-water beverages.
Quick Connect vs threaded CO2 cylinders
There are two CO2 cylinder standards and the distinction matters. Quick Connect cylinders use SodaStream’s proprietary twist-lock system and tie you to the SodaStream exchange ecosystem, which has wide retail coverage and convenient mail-in swaps. Threaded cylinders use a generic screw-in connection that works with Mysoda, Breville, Philips, and most other brands, plus generic cylinders from paintball and homebrew suppliers.
If you want maximum flexibility and the option to refill your own tanks at home using paintball-style adapters, go threaded. If you want the simplest exchange experience and live near a retailer that stocks SodaStream, Quick Connect is fine. Reddit users consistently prefer threaded for long-term savings.
Cost vs bottled seltzer math
The math depends on how much seltzer you drink. A 60L CO2 cylinder costs roughly $15 to $20 to exchange and produces around 60 liters of sparkling water, working out to about 25 to 33 cents per liter. A 12-pack of La Croix or Polar seltzer averages around $5 to $7, or roughly 42 to 58 cents per liter. So home carbonation runs roughly 30 to 50 percent cheaper than canned seltzer at moderate use.
Heavy drinkers (5+ cans per week) recoup the cost of the machine in 6 to 12 months based on community reports. Light drinkers (1 to 2 cans per week) take longer but still benefit from the environmental angle. One 60L cylinder replaces about 120 single-use plastic bottles, which adds up fast.
What to consider when buying a soda maker
Countertop footprint is the first thing to measure. Most machines stand 16 to 18 inches tall, so check the gap between your counter and upper cabinets. The Aarke and Mysoda models are on the shorter side; the Breville is the tallest of the seven we tested.
Material matters if you want longevity. Stainless steel and aluminum outlast plastic, but they cost more upfront. Bottle material is a separate decision: PET plastic is lightweight and dishwasher-safe, while glass carafes feel premium but add weight and risk of breakage.
Electric vs manual comes down to preference. Electric machines like the SodaStream E-Terra are effortless but need an outlet. Manual machines work anywhere and offer more control, but require a bit more effort per bottle.
Household size recommendations
For a single person or couple drinking 1 to 3 sparkling waters per day, the SodaStream Gaia or Philips maker is plenty. The 60L cylinder will last 3 to 4 weeks. For a family of 4 drinking sparkling water daily, upgrade to the SodaStream E-Terra bundle with two cylinders, or plan to swap cylinders every 10 to 14 days with a single unit.
For entertaining or households that go through seltzer like water, the Breville InFizz Fusion is the right choice. The FusionCap lets you carbonate juices and cocktails, which expands your use cases well beyond plain seltzer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sparkling water makers worth it?
Yes, sparkling water makers are worth it for anyone drinking 5 or more seltzers per week. The math breaks down to roughly 25 to 33 cents per liter at home versus 42 to 58 cents per liter for canned seltzer, so heavy drinkers recoup machine costs in 6 to 12 months. Beyond cost, soda makers eliminate single-use plastic and let you control carbonation strength.
How long does a CO2 cylinder last?
A standard 60L CO2 cylinder produces about 60 liters of sparkling water, which translates to roughly 120 standard 12oz cans. For a single person drinking 1 to 2 seltzers daily, expect 3 to 4 weeks per cylinder. For a family of 4 drinking sparkling water daily, plan for a cylinder swap every 10 to 14 days.
Can soda makers carbonate juice or wine?
Most soda makers are designed for water only, but the Breville InFizz Fusion uses FusionCap technology to safely carbonate juice, tea, cocktails, wine, and even re-fizz flat soda. The FusionCap vents pressure gradually, so you can fizz thicker or acidic liquids without foaming or pressure spikes. Other machines like the Aarke, Mysoda, and SodaStream models are water-only.
How do I clean and maintain a soda maker?
Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth weekly and never submerge the machine. Bottles should be hand-washed or run through the dishwasher (if labeled dishwasher-safe) every few uses. The drip tray lifts off for separate cleaning. Replace the rubber gasket on your bottle if you notice leaks, and store the machine away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
What is the difference between Quick Connect and threaded CO2 cylinders?
Quick Connect cylinders use SodaStream’s proprietary twist-lock system and lock you into the SodaStream exchange ecosystem. Threaded cylinders use a generic screw-in connection that works with Mysoda, Breville, Philips, and most other brands, plus generic cylinders from paintball and homebrew suppliers. Threaded offers more flexibility and the option to refill at home; Quick Connect offers simpler retail exchanges.
The Final Verdict on the Best Soda Makers for Sparkling Water
After four months of daily testing in our bakery test kitchen, the Aarke Carbonator 3 remains our top pick for the best soda makers for sparkling water. Its stainless steel build, satisfying lever action, and 6,700-plus review base make it the safest combination of quality, longevity, and community validation. For tighter budgets, the SodaStream Gaia Starter Kit delivers the complete experience in one box. For anyone who wants to carbonate more than water, the Breville InFizz Fusion is in a category of its own.
If you want to explore other kitchen gear we have tested, check out our guides on the best coffee makers with hot water dispensers, the best crepe makers, and the best automatic bread makers. For sandwich lovers, our best sandwich makers guide pairs nicely with sparkling water. And if you want a deeper dive into homemade seltzer specifically, our earlier homemade sparkling water guide covers additional options.
The right soda maker for you depends on what you drink, how often, and what trade-offs you accept. Pick based on your household size, your counter space, and whether you want a water-only workhorse or a versatile carbonator that handles juice and cocktails. Whichever you choose, you will be drinking better sparkling water at home within minutes of unboxing.