8 Best Carbonated Water Makers for Plain Sparkling Water (October 2026)
The best carbonated water makers for plain sparkling water include the SodaStream Terra CO2 Bundle for full refill shelves, the Aarke Carbonator 3 for steel-finish kitchens, and the SodaStream Art Kit for lever-control fans.
On this page (5 sections)
The SodaStream Terra CO2 Bundle is the best carbonated water maker for most homes if you want to start with cylinders and a reusable bottle included. Its manual button keeps the process simple, while Aarke, E-Terra and the other picks suit different preferences for materials, controls and cylinder connections.
A home carbonator can make plain water fizzy in a few seconds. Your best fit depends on which refill system you can get, how much control you want over each batch, whether you want an outlet-free machine and how many bottles you need.
Our picks at a glance
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Which carbonated water makers stand out for plain water?
The SodaStream Terra bundle is the easiest starting point for many households because it includes three cylinders. The other picks make sense when you have a clear preference for a lever, automatic settings, a screw-in cylinder or a particular body material.
| Product | Best for | CO2 system | Operation | Included cylinders | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SodaStream Terra CO2 Bundle | full refill shelves | Quick Connect | Manual | 3 x 60L | 8.8 |
| Aarke Carbonator 3 | steel-finish kitchens | Screw-in | Manual | 8.4 | |
| SodaStream Art Kit, Black | lever-control fans | Quick Connect | Manual lever | 8.0 | |
| SodaStream E-Terra Value Bundle | preset fizz levels | Quick Connect | Electric, automatic | 7.9 | |
| Philips ADD4901 Soda Maker | screw-in refills | Standard screw-in | No electricity required | 7.5 | |
| SodaStream Gaia Kit | compact starter kits | Quick Connect | Manual | 7.4 | |
| Mysoda Ruby 2 | aluminum styling | Common screw-in | Manual | 7.3 | |
| Mysoda Woody | wood-composite decor | Common screw-in | Manual | 7.0 |
We compared the included parts, controls, bottle details and cylinder connections against the needs of someone who mainly wants plain sparkling water. The scores reflect how well each setup fits those needs, including the extra steps required when a cylinder or compatible bottle is sold separately.
SodaStream Terra CO2 Bundle: Best for full refill shelves
- Manual carbonation
- 3 Quick Connect 60L CO2 cylinders
- Dishwasher-safe 1L bottle
- Snap-and-seal bottle attachment
Three Quick Connect cylinders and a reusable bottle give you the key parts to start making plain sparkling water. The manual push button lets you add fizz in short presses.
Pros
- 3 cylinders included
- Dishwasher-safe bottle
- Manual operation needs no power
Cons
- Uses SodaStream Quick Connect cylinders
- Plastic body
The Terra CO2 Bundle is the strongest choice for a first machine if you want spare CO2 on hand. It includes three 60L Quick Connect cylinders and a dishwasher-safe 1L bottle, so you can begin carbonating without first sourcing a cylinder.
The manual button gives you control over fizz in short presses. Start with a small number of presses, taste, then add more if you want stronger bubbles; a few short additions are easier to control than one long press.
Choose the Terra if you like manual control and can use SodaStream's Quick Connect exchange system. Skip it if the cylinders available to you are screw-in, since those will not fit.
Aarke Carbonator 3: Best for steel-finish kitchens
- Stainless steel enclosure
- Manual lever
- 800 ml BPA-free PET bottle
- Screw-in CO2 cylinder
A stainless steel enclosure and lever-operated carbonation suit buyers who want a metal finish and manual routine. The 800 ml bottle is smaller than the 1L bottles included with several other picks.
Pros
- Stainless steel enclosure
- Electricity-free operation
- Screw-in cylinder installation
Cons
- Cylinder not included
- 800 ml bottle
The Aarke Carbonator 3 is for buyers who want a stainless steel enclosure and a lever-operated routine. It uses a screw-in cylinder and includes an 800 ml BPA-free PET bottle, a smaller serving size than the 1L bottles in several other kits.
The machine works without electricity. Its damper-controlled lever makes carbonation a manual process, so it suits someone who wants to decide how much fizz to add rather than select a preset.
Aarke includes a bottle and manual, but no CO2 cylinder. Plan for that separate purchase before expecting to make a first batch.
Skip this pick if you want the most complete starter bundle. See our guide to premium sparkling water makers for more design-focused options.
SodaStream Art Kit, Black: Best for lever-control fans
- Manual carbonation lever
- 60L Quick Connect CO2 cylinder
- 1L dishwasher-safe bottle
- No batteries required
The Art pairs a manual lever with a 1L dishwasher-safe bottle and one 60L cylinder. It uses SodaStream Quick Connect cylinders and isn't compatible with the brand's glass carafe.
Pros
- Lever-controlled carbonation
- 1L bottle included
- One cylinder included
Cons
- Quick Connect cylinders only
- Not compatible with the SodaStream glass carafe
The SodaStream Art Kit suits buyers who prefer a lever to a push button. It includes one 60L Quick Connect cylinder and a 1L dishwasher-safe bottle, so its basic setup is ready once the cylinder is installed.
It needs no batteries and uses a snap-lock bottle insertion. The Art works with SodaStream flavors and carbonation bottles, but not the brand's glass carafe.
Choose Art if the lever is the control style you want and Quick Connect refills are convenient for you. Skip it if you plan to use a glass carafe or already have screw-in cylinders.
For a closer look at the brand's options, read our SodaStream models guide.
SodaStream E-Terra Value Bundle: Best for preset fizz levels
- 3 automatic carbonation levels
- 2 x 60L CO2 cylinders
- 3 dishwasher-safe bottles
- Power adapter included
Three preset levels let you choose fizz with a button instead of repeated manual presses. This bundle also includes two cylinders and three dishwasher-safe bottles.
Pros
- Three preset carbonation levels
- Two cylinders and three bottles included
- Automatic button operation
Cons
- Needs a power outlet
- Plastic body
The SodaStream E-Terra is the pick for people who want carbonation to follow repeatable presets. Its three automatic levels let you choose a strength with a button, and a blue light illuminates the water while the machine runs.
The bundle includes two 60L Quick Connect cylinders, three dishwasher-safe bottles and a power adapter. Extra bottles help when you want to chill several servings in advance, but the machine needs a spot near an outlet.
Choose E-Terra if you like the convenience of automatic settings and will use the additional bottles. Skip it if you want an outlet-free appliance or prefer to control every press yourself.
Philips ADD4901 Soda Maker: Best for screw-in refills
- Electricity-free operation
- Standard 60L screw-in CO2 cylinder compatibility
- 1L BPA-free bottle
- Quick-twist bottle attachment
The Philips uses standard 60L screw-in cylinders, which are sold separately, and includes a 1L BPA-free bottle. Its twist-in bottle and repeated presses let you adjust fizz.
Pros
- Compatible with screw-in cylinders
- 1L bottle included
- No electricity required
Cons
- CO2 cylinder sold separately
- Bottle compatibility is limited to specified Philips models
The Philips ADD4901 fits buyers who can source standard screw-in cylinders and want a manual, electricity-free machine. It includes a 1L BPA-free bottle, but the cylinder is sold separately, so account for that setup step before choosing it.
The twist-in bottle attaches before you press to carbonate. Philips advises using clean water filled to the marked line, then pressing again for more fizz; replacements are limited to specified Philips Quick Twist bottles.
Choose Philips if a screw-in system matches your local refill options and the bottle restriction works for you. Skip it if you want CO2 included or want to mix bottles from different systems.
SodaStream Gaia Kit: Best for compact starter kits
- Manual push-button carbonation
- 60L Quick Connect cylinder
- Reusable carbonation bottle
- No batteries required
The Gaia is a manual SodaStream option with one 60L Quick Connect cylinder and a reusable bottle. It works with SodaStream flavors and bottles, except the glass carafe.
Pros
- Cylinder and bottle included
- Manual operation
- Quick Connect cylinder insertion
Cons
- Quick Connect cylinders only
- Not compatible with SodaStream glass carafe
The SodaStream Gaia Kit is a straightforward manual starter option with one 60L Quick Connect cylinder and a reusable bottle. It uses a push button and needs no batteries, making it a sensible pick if you want the basic SodaStream routine without the Terra bundle's three cylinders.
Gaia works with SodaStream flavors and carbonation bottles, except the brand's glass carafe. As with the Terra and Art, check that Quick Connect cylinders are easy for you to exchange before committing to this system.
Choose Gaia for a simple first machine with one cylinder included. Skip it if you want several spare cylinders or need a screw-in setup.
Our guide to choosing a carbonated water maker walks through the same connection and control choices in more depth.
Mysoda Ruby 2: Best for aluminum styling
- Aluminum body
- 1L bottle included
- Common screw-in cylinder system
- Manual quick-lock bottle attachment
The Ruby 2 has an aluminum body and a 1L bottle, with a common screw-in cylinder system. The CO2 cylinder is sold separately.
Pros
- Aluminum body
- 1L bottle included
- Uses common screw-in cylinders
Cons
- Cylinder sold separately
- Quick Connect cylinders are not compatible
The Mysoda Ruby 2 combines an aluminum body with a 1L bottle and a common screw-in cylinder system. The cylinder is sold separately, and Quick Connect cylinders do not fit, so this pick makes the most sense when you can get the compatible screw-in type.
Attach the bottle with the manual quick-lock system, then press to carbonate. Mysoda describes the Ruby 2 as quiet, which may appeal if you prefer a less intrusive kitchen routine.
Choose Ruby 2 for its aluminum finish and screw-in connection. Skip it if you want a cylinder included or rely on Quick Connect refills.
If you are comparing SodaStream starter options instead, see our SodaStream starter kit comparison.
Mysoda Woody: Best for wood-composite decor
- Wood-composite body
- 1L bottle included
- Common screw-in cylinder system
- Manual carbonation
The Woody has a wood-composite body and includes a 1L bottle. Its common screw-in CO2 cylinder is sold separately.
Pros
- Wood-composite body
- 1L bottle included
- No electricity required
Cons
- Cylinder sold separately
- Quick Connect cylinders are not compatible
The Mysoda Woody is the distinctive choice for buyers who want a wood-composite body. It includes a 1L bottle and uses a common screw-in cylinder system, but the CO2 cylinder is sold separately.
Its manual button and quick-lock bottle system keep the routine simple, and it does not require electricity. Quick Connect cylinders are not compatible, so check your refill source before choosing Woody.
Choose it when the body material is a priority and you are comfortable sourcing a screw-in cylinder. Skip it if you need a complete kit ready to make the first batch.
How do you choose the best carbonated water maker for your kitchen?
Start with the cylinder connection, since that determines which refills fit and how easy it will be to keep making sparkling water. Then compare the controls, bottle capacity and included parts against the way you plan to serve it.
Which CO2 connection can you refill locally?
SodaStream Terra, Art and Gaia use Quick Connect cylinders. Philips ADD4901, Aarke Carbonator 3, Mysoda Ruby 2 and Mysoda Woody use screw-in cylinders.
The connections are not interchangeable. Check which type you can exchange or refill near you before choosing a machine.
Use a matching cylinder every time. Our Quick Connect CO2 cylinder guide explains the SodaStream side of that choice.
Do you want manual fizz or automatic presets?
Manual machines let you add carbonation through presses or a lever. E-Terra is the electric pick here, with three preset levels selected by button.
Manual controls suit you if you want to adjust each batch and keep the machine away from an outlet. Choose E-Terra if you prefer the preset routine and have a counter spot near power.
How many bottles and cylinders should be included?
The Terra bundle includes three cylinders, while E-Terra comes with two cylinders and three bottles. Gaia and Art include one cylinder each; Philips and the Mysoda models come without a cylinder, and Aarke includes a bottle but no cylinder.
One bottle works if you carbonate and pour as you go. Extra bottles can help when you want several servings chilled and ready, but they do not replace the need to match your cylinder connection.
What should you consider about bottle size and cleaning?
Bottle capacity affects how much you can carbonate in one batch. Several picks include 1L bottles, while Aarke's bottle holds 800 ml; choose based on whether you usually make a glass at a time or want a larger bottle ready to chill.
Follow the bottle's own care instructions. The Terra and E-Terra bundles include dishwasher-safe bottles, while the Philips bottle is limited to specified replacement models; don't assume bottles from one system fit another.
How do you set up and use a carbonated water maker?
A carbonator is easiest to use when the machine, compatible cylinder and bottle are ready before you fill the first batch. Follow the instructions for your specific model, since the bottle attachment and cylinder connection differ.
First place the machine on a stable counter with enough room to fit the bottle and operate the control. If you have an electric E-Terra, put it within reach of an outlet; the manual picks do not need one.
Install the cylinder using the machine's connection style. Quick Connect models click the compatible cylinder into place, while screw-in systems require the matching threaded cylinder; never force a cylinder that does not fit.
Fill the carbonating bottle with clean, cold water to its marked fill line. Philips specifically instructs users to use clean water and stay within the marked lines, and leaving room at the top helps keep water from reaching the carbonation mechanism.
Attach the bottle securely before carbonating. For a manual model, add fizz in short presses or lever movements and pause to check the level; with E-Terra, select one of its presets.
Carbonate plain water first, then add flavor in the glass or bottle afterward. SodaStream advises this order, and it also helps you keep the carbonation bottle clean and avoid sugary liquid entering the machine.
What common carbonated water maker mistakes should you avoid?
The most common problems come from mismatched parts, overfilling or adding flavor before carbonation. A few setup checks can prevent a frustrating first batch.
- Using the wrong cylinder type: Quick Connect and screw-in cylinders are different systems. Match the connection to the machine before installing or arranging an exchange.
- Overfilling the bottle: Use its fill line, not the neck or cap as a guide. Extra water can interfere with carbonation and may spill.
- Carbonating flavored liquid: Fizz plain water, then add flavor. This is SodaStream's stated guidance and a useful routine for keeping the bottle and machine tidy.
- Assuming every bottle fits: Philips specifies particular compatible bottle models, and SodaStream machines in this group do not fit the brand's glass carafe. Check compatibility before buying extras.
- Expecting a cylinder in every box: Aarke, Philips and both Mysoda picks require a separate cylinder. Confirm you have the right type before your first use.
- Adding too much fizz at once: Start with a few short presses or a low setting, taste, then adjust. This makes it easier to find your preferred level without overshooting it.
- Ignoring bottle care instructions: Reuse bottles as directed and clean them in the way their manufacturer specifies. Dishwasher-safe bottles are identified for the Terra and E-Terra bundles, but don't apply that care method to every bottle by assumption.
Which carbonated water maker should you choose?
Pick the Terra CO2 Bundle if you want a manual machine with three cylinders included. Choose Aarke for stainless steel and a lever, E-Terra for preset electric carbonation, or Philips and Mysoda if screw-in cylinders are the better fit for your refill routine.
For a basic manual SodaStream kit, Gaia offers one cylinder; Art adds a lever control. Ruby 2 and Woody both need a separate screw-in cylinder, with aluminum or wood-composite bodies to guide the choice.
The best carbonated water maker is the one whose refills you can get and whose controls fit your daily routine. Before you decide, compare the cost per liter of SodaStream sparkling water if ongoing cylinder use is a key part of your budget.
External references: SodaStream support and Philips support.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best carbonated water maker for plain sparkling water?
The SodaStream Terra CO2 Bundle suits many homes because it includes three Quick Connect cylinders and a dishwasher-safe bottle. Choose it if you want manual carbonation and SodaStream's cylinder exchange system.
Aarke has a stainless steel enclosure, while Philips uses standard screw-in cylinders.
Do carbonated water makers need electricity?
No. Several picks here use manual carbonation and need no outlet, including the SodaStream Terra, Aarke Carbonator 3 and Mysoda Ruby 2.
The SodaStream E-Terra uses a power adapter for its automatic preset levels, so place it near an outlet.
Are all CO2 cylinders interchangeable?
No. SodaStream Terra, Art and Gaia use Quick Connect cylinders, while Philips ADD4901, Aarke Carbonator 3 and the Mysoda models use screw-in cylinders.
Match the cylinder connection to your machine before arranging an exchange or buying a refill.
Can you carbonate flavored water in these machines?
Fizz plain water first, then add flavor. SodaStream advises carbonating water before adding flavor.
Check the instructions for other machines to learn which liquids are suitable for carbonation.
For flavor ideas, see our guide to making sparkling water taste better.
