How to Use a SodaStream: A First-Timer's Guide

On this page (10 sections)

1. How do you use a SodaStream for the first time?
2. How much water goes in a SodaStream bottle?
3. How do you carbonate water in a SodaStream?
4. Should you add flavor before or after carbonating?
5. Which SodaStream bottle should you choose?
6. How do you choose a SodaStream CO2 cylinder?
7. What mistakes should first-time SodaStream users avoid?
8. How do you care for SodaStream bottles and equipment?
9. How do you get lighter or stronger fizz?
10. Which SodaStream setup should you choose?

To learn how to use a SodaStream, start with a bottle and CO2 cylinder that fit your exact model. Fill the bottle with cold water to its marked line, carbonate plain water as the manual directs, then add flavor if you want it.

For a first batch, keep the steps simple: check compatibility, set the machine on a steady counter, and don’t fill past the line. Once the water is fizzy, you can adjust the level on later batches and try flavors.

How do you use a SodaStream for the first time?

Fill the bottle, secure it in the machine, carbonate plain water, then remove and flavor it as directed. Your model’s manual shows the right way to attach the bottle and CO2 cylinder because those connections and controls can vary.

1. Check the manual and confirm the bottle and cylinder match your model.
2. Fill the bottle with cold water to its marked line.
3. Attach the CO2 cylinder as the manual instructs, if it isn’t already installed.
4. Place or lock the bottle into the machine using its stated method.
5. Use the carbonation control as directed, stopping when the water reaches your preferred fizz level.
6. Remove the bottle as directed, then add flavor if you want it.

Start with plain water so you can judge the carbonation before adding anything else. For other ways to make fizzy water, see our guide to making sparkling water at home.

What should you check before using a SodaStream?

Check the model, bottle fit, fill line, and CO2 connection before your first batch. A bottle or cylinder that fits one SodaStream may not fit another.

Leave space around the machine to place and remove the bottle comfortably. If you’re choosing a new setup, the SodaStream TERRA starter kit combines the machine with a Quick Connect cylinder, bottle, and bubly Lime Drop.

The TERRA uses a pink Quick Connect cylinder. Its included 60L cylinder makes up to 60 liters of sparkling water, according to SodaStream.

How much water goes in a SodaStream bottle?

Fill to the line marked on your compatible bottle, and don’t go above it. Bottle sizes and fill marks differ, so use the line on the bottle you have rather than estimating from another model.

The Fizz & Go Cool has an opaque body, so fill it to the bottom of the neck, about 25 oz (745 ml). Too much water can overflow when you carbonate.

These Classic bottles are dishwasher safe and BPA free. They don’t fit Aqua Fizz, Duo, or e-Duo machines, so check your model before buying them.

How do you carbonate water in a SodaStream?

Carbonate plain water using the number and length of presses in your machine’s manual. Start with less fizz, taste it, and adjust only within the machine’s directions.

The TERRA uses a manual button: one slow press gives light fizz, and a few more build stronger bubbles. Other models may use different controls or steps, so follow their manuals.

Stop if the bottle shifts, water sprays, or a connection seems loose. Remove the bottle as directed, and don’t force a lock or connection.

Should you add flavor before or after carbonating?

Add syrup, drops, or citrus after carbonating plain water. Fizzing plain water first helps avoid extra foam and overflow from sugary or flavored drinks.

Remove the bottle carefully, add a small amount of flavor, and stir gently. Start with less than you think you need, then adjust the taste in your glass.

For syrup-based drinks, follow the syrup’s instructions. Our guide to making Italian soda at home shows how to combine syrup and sparkling water.

Which SodaStream bottle should you choose?

Choose a bottle approved for your exact machine, then decide whether you need a spare or an insulated bottle for carrying drinks. Compatibility matters most because some bottles fit only selected SodaStream models.

The Classic twin pack suits households that want two reusable bottles and have compatible Fizzi, Source, or Jet machines. Skip it if you have an Aqua Fizz, Duo, or e-Duo.

The stainless steel Fizz & Go Cool is designed to keep drinks cold and bubbly for up to 12 hours. It doesn’t fit older SodaStream models or Aarke machines, and its care instructions say hand wash only.

If you want a bottle to take with you, the insulated option fits standard car cup holders and clips onto most bags. Skip it if your machine isn’t compatible or you prefer a bottle that can go in the dishwasher.

How do you choose a SodaStream CO2 cylinder?

Match the cylinder connection to your machine before buying a refill. The TERRA uses a pink Quick Connect cylinder, while other SodaStream models may require a different type.

Each cylinder makes up to 60 liters of sparkling water. The pack includes a return box and label for sending back two empty cylinders through SodaStream’s exchange program.

This refill pack is for compatible Quick Connect machines. Skip it if your machine takes another cylinder style.

Don’t force a connection that doesn’t match. For the swap steps, see how to change a SodaStream CO2 cylinder.

What mistakes should first-time SodaStream users avoid?

Use plain water, stay below the fill line, and follow the model’s instructions for connections and carbonation. Those habits help prevent spills and avoid compatibility problems.

• Don’t carbonate juice, syrup, or other drinks unless your machine’s manual explicitly allows it.
• Don’t overfill the bottle or use one that isn’t approved for your model.
• Don’t guess at cylinder fit or force a connection.
• Don’t remove a bottle in a way the manual doesn’t describe.
• Don’t add more presses than the machine’s directions allow.

If the machine doesn’t carbonate, check the bottle position and cylinder connection against the manual. Our guide to SodaStream problems and fixes covers common troubleshooting steps.

How do you care for SodaStream bottles and equipment?

Follow the care directions for the exact bottle you use. The Classic twin pack is dishwasher safe, while the Fizz & Go Cool’s care instructions say hand wash only.

Keep the bottle cap clean and let bottles dry as their instructions allow. For the machine, use the care guidance in its manual and avoid getting water into parts that aren’t meant to be washed.

Before buying a replacement, check both fit and care. That helps you choose a bottle that works with your machine and your cleaning routine.

How do you get lighter or stronger fizz?

Adjust carbonation gradually, staying within your model’s instructions. Taste the water after the first cycle before deciding whether to add more fizz.

With the TERRA, one slow press gives a light fizz and a few more build stronger bubbles. Cold water is a useful starting point for a crisp drink, while your preferred bubble level is a matter of taste.

For more on the carbonation process, read how a SodaStream works. Knowing what the machine does can make it easier to choose a fizz level and spot a setup issue.

Which SodaStream setup should you choose?

Choose the TERRA starter kit for a new countertop setup, the two-cylinder pack for compatible Quick Connect refills, and the bottle that fits your machine and routine. Skip any accessory if its connection or bottle fit doesn’t match your model.

The TERRA starter kit is the straightforward choice if you want the machine and basic accessories together. Pick the Classic twin pack if you need extra bottles for a compatible model, or the Fizz & Go Cool if you want an insulated bottle for compatible machines and on-the-go use.

To remember how to use a SodaStream, follow this order: compatible bottle, cold water to the fill line, carbonate plain water, then add flavor. Check your model’s manual for each connection and control.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do you put in a SodaStream bottle?

Fill the bottle to its marked fill line. For the Fizz & Go Cool, fill to the bottom of the neck, about 25 oz (745 ml), and avoid going above that point.

Do you add syrup before or after carbonating?

Add syrup or flavor drops after carbonating plain water. Remove the bottle as your model directs, add flavor slowly, and stir gently.

Follow the instructions for your syrup and machine.

Can you carbonate juice in a SodaStream?

Use plain water in a SodaStream, then add juice or flavor afterward. Other drinks can foam or overflow during carbonation.

See our guide to putting juice in a SodaStream for more.

How many times should I press my SodaStream?

There isn’t one press count for every SodaStream model. Follow your model’s manual and adjust to taste within its directions.

Start with less fizz, taste the water, and add carbonation if the instructions allow.