Carbonated Water Makers: How to Choose the Right One

On this page (9 sections)

1. What kind of carbonated water maker fits your drinks?
2. How does a carbonated water maker work?
3. Which CO2 cylinder connection should you choose?
4. What bottle style works best for your routine?
5. How much counter space does a soda maker need?
6. Which features matter most for everyday use?
7. Which carbonated water maker should you choose?
8. What should you check before buying a carbonated water maker?
9. How do you decide which type is right for you?

A manual carbonated water maker is a good fit if you mainly want plain sparkling water at home. Choose a drink system if you want still or sparkling drinks with flavor and serving-size choices.

Start with your usual drink. Then check the machine's cylinder connection, bottle style, cleaning needs and available counter space before choosing a model.

For plain sparkling water, compare our best carbonated water makers. If you want broader drink options, see the best soda machines for home use.

What kind of carbonated water maker fits your drinks?

Choose a water carbonator for plain water or a drink system if you want more choices. The right type depends on what you want in the glass and how much control you want over each serving.

A standard water maker gives you control over flavor because you add it after carbonation. For syrup and flavor ideas, see our guide to best Italian soda syrups.

Some beverage carbonators are designed to handle more than water. Breville says its InFizz Fusion can carbonate juice, tea, cocktails, wine and soda with its FusionCap, while other water makers may be limited to water.

How does a carbonated water maker work?

A carbonated water maker pushes CO2 from a cylinder into water to create bubbles. Manual models use a button or lever, while drink systems may use electronic controls and dispense a flavored drink.

Most manual models let you adjust fizz by pressing or pulling more than once. A light fizz uses fewer presses, while stronger bubbles take more, though the method depends on the model.

Follow the machine's instructions for bottle fill lines and water temperature. Philips says to use cold water between the marked lines in the ADD4902 bottle.

For a closer look at the process, read how a SodaStream works.

Which CO2 cylinder connection should you choose?

Choose a machine with a cylinder connection that you can refill or exchange easily. The models here use Quick Connect or screw-in cylinders.

The SodaStream Terra and Art use Quick Connect cylinders. Aarke Carbonator 3 and Philips ADD4902 use screw-in cylinders.

The Breville InFizz Fusion takes standard screw-type 60L canisters. The Ninja Thirsti Ultimate Drink System includes a 60L CO2 cylinder, but its connection type is not specified here.

Before you buy, check how replacement cylinders work where you live. SodaStream offers cylinder exchange through participating retailers, and availability can vary by area.

Don't assume a cylinder will fit just because its capacity is similar. If you need help identifying compatible options, see our guide to Quick Connect CO2 cylinders.

What bottle style works best for your routine?

Bottle style affects filling, cleaning and how you serve drinks. Compare the bottle's attachment method, material, capacity and care instructions with your daily routine.

A snap-in bottle can make attaching and removing it simple. The Terra uses a snap-in bottle, while Philips ADD4902 uses a quick-twist bottle and fits only specified Philips quick-twist bottles.

Reusable bottles can reduce reliance on single-use drink containers, but check how each one should be cleaned. Terra and Art include dishwasher-safe BPA-free bottles; Philips includes a BPA-free 1L bottle and says to rinse and clean it before use.

A larger bottle may suit you if you make several servings at once. The Aarke Carbonator 3 includes an 800 ml PET bottle, while the Breville InFizz Fusion includes a 1L bottle.

How much counter space does a soda maker need?

Measure the machine's footprint and height, then check the space above it and how the bottle attaches. A machine can fit on the counter but still be awkward if it sits under a low cabinet.

The Philips ADD4902 measures 9.4 in deep, 7.8 in wide and 18.6 in high. Ninja Thirsti measures 13.13 in deep, 8.14 in wide and 15.98 in high.

Leave room to remove the bottle and change the CO2 cylinder. Check the machine's instructions for setup needs before settling on a spot.

Which features matter most for everyday use?

The most useful features are the ones that match how you make drinks. A lever or button lets you control fizz, while a flavor system may reduce steps if you make the same drinks often.

The SodaStream Terra uses a button, while the Art uses a lever. Aarke Carbonator 3 also uses a lever, and Philips ADD4902 uses a press-down button.

The Ninja Thirsti Ultimate Drink System offers 3 levels of sparkling or still and 2 serving sizes, 12 oz or 24 oz. Its flavor pods are not included.

If you're deciding between SodaStream models, our SodaStream models explained guide compares the main lines.

Which carbonated water maker should you choose?

Choose the machine around the drink you make most often, then confirm its cylinder and bottle fit your routine. These options cover plain sparkling water, countertop style, broader beverage carbonation and preset drinks.

SodaStream Terra Value Bundle: easy start for sparkling water

The SodaStream Terra suits a household that wants a manual water maker with a Quick Connect cylinder and included accessories. The bundle includes two 60L CO2 cylinders, three dishwasher-safe BPA-free bottles and two bubly flavor drops.

SodaStream says one slow press creates light fizz and additional presses build stronger bubbles. The cylinder clicks in with one push, and its bottles snap into place before carbonation.

Choose Terra if you want a manual machine for plain water and occasional flavored drinks. Its Quick Connect system is useful if you plan to use SodaStream's cylinder exchange options.

SodaStream Art Value Bundle: lever control and a visible design

The SodaStream Art suits buyers who want a manual water maker with a lever and a retro-inspired countertop style. Its bundle includes two Quick Connect 60L CO2 cylinders, two dishwasher-safe BPA-free bottles and two bubly flavor drops.

SodaStream says one lever pull makes light fizz, with more pulls creating stronger bubbles. The Art is designed to fit under most upper cabinets, but measure your space before choosing a permanent spot.

Choose Art if the lever and retro-inspired design appeal to you. For a direct model comparison, read SodaStream Terra vs E-Terra.

Aarke Carbonator 3: stainless steel countertop style

The Aarke Carbonator 3 suits a buyer who wants a manual carbonator with a stainless steel enclosure. It comes with an 800 ml BPA-free PET bottle and uses a screw-in CO2 cylinder.

Its damper-controlled lever operates without electricity. The included bottle holds 800 ml.

Choose Aarke if its stainless steel finish and lever fit your kitchen and routine. Compare it with SodaStream in our Aarke vs SodaStream guide.

Breville InFizz Fusion: fizz drinks beyond water

The Breville InFizz Fusion suits buyers who want to carbonate more than plain water. Breville says its FusionCap can be used with juice, tea, cocktails, wine and soda.

It uses standard screw-type 60L CO2 canisters, which are not included. The package includes a FusionCap, a 1L bottle with stainless steel cap and base, cleaning brush, funnel and sieve.

Choose it if you want to carbonate drinks beyond water and will follow the machine's directions for each drink. For water-only use, a simpler soda maker may suit you better.

Philips ADD4902 Soda Maker: screw-in cylinder and quick-twist bottle

The Philips ADD4902 suits buyers who want a manual water maker with a quick-twist bottle and standard screw-in CO2 cylinder. The cylinder is not included.

Philips says one press gives gentle sparkle and 2 to 3 presses build a bolder fizz. Its bottle is compatible only with specified Philips quick-twist bottles, so check that fit before buying replacements.

Choose Philips if you want a 1L bottle and can source the compatible cylinder and bottles. Use cold water and stay within the bottle's marked fill lines.

Ninja Thirsti Ultimate Drink System: preset drink choices

The Ninja Thirsti Ultimate Drink System suits buyers who want still or sparkling drinks with flavor and serving-size choices. It offers 3 levels of fizz, more than 20 zero- and low-calorie flavors and 12 oz or 24 oz servings.

It includes a 60L CO2 cylinder and a 48 oz removable water reservoir, but flavor pods are not included. Ninja says the Thirsti Ultimate is compatible with all 20-plus Thirsti flavors.

Choose it if you want a drink system with preset flavor options and serving sizes. For plain sparkling water and your own add-ins, a manual model may offer a simpler setup.

What should you check before buying a carbonated water maker?

Confirm cylinder fit, bottle availability, cleaning instructions and counter space before choosing. These details help you avoid buying a machine that is difficult to refill or awkward to use.

Use this short checklist:

1. Decide whether you'll carbonate plain water or other drinks.
2. Check whether the machine uses a Quick Connect or screw-in cylinder.
3. Find out where compatible CO2 refills or exchanges are available.
4. Confirm which bottles fit and how they should be cleaned.
5. Measure the machine, bottle-removal space and cylinder access.
6. Compare manual fizz controls with preset drink settings.

If you plan to add juice or syrup after carbonation, our guide to making sparkling water taste better has simple ideas.

How do you decide which type is right for you?

Choose a manual water maker if plain sparkling water is your main goal and you want to control fizz with a button or lever. Pick a beverage carbonator if you want to fizz other drinks and its instructions support them.

Choose a drink system if preset flavors and serving sizes matter more than choosing your own add-ins. Before buying, make sure its CO2 setup, bottle style and counter footprint fit your kitchen and refill options.

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for in a carbonated water maker?

Start with the drinks you plan to make, then check how the machine controls fizz, which CO2 cylinder it accepts, and whether its bottle suits your routine. Also measure the counter spot and check bottle cleaning instructions.

These details affect daily use more than a long feature list.

Can you carbonate juice in a soda maker?

Some machines are designed to carbonate drinks beyond water, but many standard water makers are intended for water only. Breville says its InFizz Fusion can carbonate juice, tea, cocktails and wine using its FusionCap.

Follow the machine's manual for drink types and fill limits.

Are soda maker CO2 cylinders interchangeable?

No, cylinder connections vary. Some machines use a Quick Connect cylinder, while others take a screw-in cylinder, so confirm the exact connection before buying a refill.

A compatible cylinder still needs an exchange or refill option that works for your location.

Does a carbonated water maker need electricity?

Many countertop water carbonators use a CO2 cylinder and manual button or lever, so they do not need a power outlet. Drink systems with electronic controls may need power.

Check the model's power requirements and leave enough counter space for the machine and its bottle.

How do you choose between a soda maker and a drink system?

Choose a soda maker if you mainly want to carbonate plain water and add your own flavor. Choose a drink system if you want it to dispense still or sparkling drinks with preset flavors and sizes.

Compare the included flavors, CO2 setup and bottle or reservoir needs.