How to Make Soda Water at Home

On this page (9 sections)

1. How do you make soda water with a countertop machine?
2. How can you make soda water with a siphon?
3. Why should you chill water before carbonating it?
4. Can you carbonate flavored water?
5. How do you adjust the fizz level?
6. How should you care for a soda maker or siphon?
7. What common mistakes make homemade soda water fall flat?
8. What should you do if the water has little fizz?
9. Which method should you choose for homemade soda water?

To make soda water, chill plain water, carbonate it with a soda maker or siphon, then pour and flavor it if you like. The best setup depends on how often you want fizz, how much you make per batch, and whether you prefer a countertop machine or a manual siphon.

A countertop maker suits regular batches and lets you adjust the fizz with its controls. A siphon takes less counter space and makes a smaller amount at a time.

For either method, use cold water and follow the device's fill line, bottle fit, and carbonation steps.

How do you make soda water with a countertop machine?

Fill the compatible bottle with cold water, attach it as directed, and carbonate in short presses or cycles. Your machine's manual sets the fill line and the right way to connect, fizz, and release the bottle.

1. Chill plain drinking water.
2. Fill the maker's compatible bottle to its marked line.
3. Secure the bottle as the manual directs.
4. Press the carbonation control as instructed.
5. Release or remove the bottle as directed, then pour.

Start with a light fizz and add carbonation only if your model allows another press or cycle. Controls differ, so don't rely on a press count from another machine.

The SodaStream Terra Starter Kit comes with a Quick Connect CO2 cylinder, a dishwasher-safe BPA-free bottle, and bubly lime drops. SodaStream says its cylinder makes up to 60 liters, and slow presses can adjust the fizz.

The Philips ADD4902 Soda Maker comes with a 1-liter carbonating bottle and uses standard 60-liter screw-in CO2 cylinders, sold separately. Philips calls for clean water between the bottle's marked lines and a 2 to 3 second press for each carbonation cycle.

These two machines use different cylinder connections. Check the cylinder type before buying refills, and don't force a bottle or cylinder into place if it doesn't connect as the manual describes.

For model-specific steps, see our guide to how to use a SodaStream. If you're choosing between the two formats, read soda siphons vs SodaStream machines.

How can you make soda water with a siphon?

Fill the siphon with cold water, fit the charger specified by its maker, and follow the siphon's charging steps. A siphon works without a powered countertop machine and is a practical choice for smaller batches.

The iSi Classic Mesh Soda Siphon holds 1 quart and has stainless steel mesh over a BPA-free bottle. iSi's instructions call for cold water, one iSi CO2 Soda Charger, shaking, and pouring.

The iSi CO2 Soda Siphon Chargers are made for iSi sparkling devices, including the Classic SodaMaker and iSi Soda Siphons. Each charger is intended for one fill, and the package contains 30 chargers.

The siphon and charger work as a system: use the specified charger and follow the siphon's instructions for installation, shaking, and pouring. Don't assume a charger designed for another device will fit.

For a more detailed choice between a siphon and countertop model, see soda siphon vs SodaStream. If you make larger amounts often, a countertop machine may be easier than charging a siphon one fill at a time.

Why should you chill water before carbonating it?

Cold water holds more carbonation than warm water, so start with chilled water for livelier bubbles. iSi also recommends chilling the drink before charging its siphon.

Keep drinking water in the refrigerator before making a batch. If you plan to serve several people, chill enough plain water ahead of time, then carbonate it in the compatible bottle as needed.

Don't add ice to the carbonating bottle unless its manual allows it. Ice takes up space and can interfere with the marked fill line, which helps keep the bottle within its intended capacity.

Can you carbonate flavored water?

Carbonate plain water first, then add flavor, unless your machine's instructions specifically allow other liquids. Machines designed for water can foam or spill when you carbonate syrup or juice, and sticky liquid can make cleanup harder.

Pour the carbonated water into a glass before adding syrup, citrus, or drops. Add a little at a time and stir gently so the bubbles don't push the drink over the rim.

For flavor ideas, see ways to make sparkling water taste better or our guide to Italian soda syrups. To understand how soda water differs from related drinks, compare seltzer, club soda, and sparkling water.

How do you adjust the fizz level?

Change the carbonation gradually, using only the controls and steps your device allows. Fewer or shorter presses can give a lighter sparkle, while extra cycles may create stronger fizz on models that support them.

Start light, taste the water, and add another approved press or cycle if you want more bubbles. This gives you more control than using the same setting for every drink.

Don't exceed the maker's instructions or keep pressing after the device's normal carbonation cycle. If the bottle or cylinder won't seat properly, stop and check the manual instead of forcing the connection.

How should you care for a soda maker or siphon?

Rinse the bottle after use and clean it the way its maker allows. For bottles that are dishwasher safe, such as the SodaStream Terra's included bottle, follow the maker's cleaning directions.

The Philips bottle should be rinsed and cleaned before first use. Keep syrup and citrus out of the carbonation bottle unless its manual allows them, since residue can cling around the bottle opening and lid.

Store iSi chargers dry and away from direct sunlight. Handle charged siphons according to their instructions, and don't try to open a pressurized bottle or use a bottle that is damaged.

What common mistakes make homemade soda water fall flat?

Most weak or messy batches come from warm water, the wrong fill level, or a poor connection. Check those basics before adding more carbonation or changing equipment.

Warm water holds less carbon dioxide, so chill it first. Filling above the marked line or using a bottle that isn't approved for the machine can also interfere with carbonation and safe use.

A wrong cylinder or charger can keep the device from working as intended. Confirm the connection type before buying refills, attach each component as directed, and don't force a part that doesn't fit.

Adding syrup before carbonation is another frequent source of foam and cleanup. Make plain soda water first, pour it into a glass, then add flavor.

What should you do if the water has little fizz?

Check water temperature, bottle fit, and CO2 supply first. Then use the troubleshooting steps for your specific model.

Warm water may produce a less lively result. Confirm that the bottle is filled to the right line and attached correctly, then check that the cylinder or siphon charger is the type your device uses.

If the setup still won't carbonate, stop and consult the manual before trying again. Our guide to SodaStream not carbonating covers common checks for that brand.

Which method should you choose for homemade soda water?

Choose a countertop maker for frequent batches and a siphon for smaller amounts without a dedicated appliance. Then check what the starter setup includes and how its CO2 refills connect.

The SodaStream Terra kit fits a first-time buyer who wants a cylinder and bottle in the box, along with a Quick Connect connection. The Philips ADD4902 suits someone who wants an included bottle and a manual countertop machine, and is comfortable buying a compatible screw-in cylinder separately.

The iSi Classic siphon suits someone who values a manual, compact setup and usually needs about a quart at a time. Pair it with the specified iSi chargers, and skip this route if you want to make repeated larger batches without replacing a charger for each fill.

For a broader comparison of countertop models and other home options, see our guide to how to make sparkling water at home. If you want soda water regularly, choose the format that fits your batch size and refill routine, then start with cold plain water and flavor it after carbonation.

Frequently asked questions

Can you make soda water without a machine?

Yes. A soda siphon makes soda water without a countertop appliance, using the charger specified for that siphon.

Chill the water, follow the siphon's fill and charging steps, and handle the charged bottle as its manual directs.

Is soda water the same as seltzer?

Soda water and seltzer are often used for plain carbonated water, though names and usage can vary. Club soda may include added minerals.

For a closer comparison, see our guide to seltzer, club soda, and sparkling water.

Should you add syrup before or after carbonating water?

Add syrup after carbonating plain water unless your device's manual allows another method. Flavoring first can cause foaming or spills in machines designed for water, and may leave sticky residue where the device connects.

Does cold water make better soda water?

Cold water generally holds more carbon dioxide than warm water, so chilling it first can help you get livelier bubbles. Fill only to the marked line and use the bottle and water type your device allows.