The best soda maker for most people is the Drinkmate Omnifizz because it carbonates any beverage, not just water, and works with standard CO2 cartridges. It offers unmatched versatility and ease of use for home carbonation.
We evaluated soda makers based on carbonation consistency, ease of use, bottle durability, CO2 efficiency, and overall value. Our picks cover different needs and budgets.
- Best overall: Drinkmate Omnifizz
- Best value: SodaStream Terra
- Best budget: SodaStream Fizzi One Touch
- Avoid: Cheap off-brand units with poor seals and flimsy bottles
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our product rankings or recommendations.
Quick Picks
- Best overall: Drinkmate Omnifizz, Carbonates any drink, not just water, with a patented fizz infuser.. Check price on Amazon
- Best value: SodaStream Terra, Simple snap-in carbonating bottle, works with standard CO2 canisters..
- Best budget: SodaStream Fizzi One Touch, Automatic carbonation at a push of a button, great for beginners..
Comparison Table
| Product | Carbonation Type | Best for | Bottle Material | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drinkmate Omnifizz | Manual pump | Versatility | BPA-free Tritan | Check Price |
| SodaStream Terra | Manual snap | Value | BPA-free Tritan | Check Price |
| SodaStream Fizzi One Touch | Automatic | Ease of use | PET plastic | Check Price |
| Aarke Carbonator III | Manual lever | Design | Stainless steel | Check Price |
How We Chose These Small Kitchen Appliances Picks
We researched user reviews, tested carbonation consistency, checked bottle durability, compared CO2 canister compatibility, and evaluated ease of cleaning and refilling.
Key Takeaway: Choose a soda maker that fits your counter space and preferred drinks. The Drinkmate Omnifizz offers the most flexibility, while SodaStream models are reliable and widely available.
Best Overall: Drinkmate Omnifizz
Best for: Anyone who wants to carbonate juices, cocktails, or flavored water directly. Why it made the list: The Drinkmate Omnifizz lets you carbonate any liquid, from water to wine, without needing to add syrup after. Its patented fizz infuser prevents foaming and loss of carbonation. The wide-mouth bottle is easy to fill and clean.
- Key specs: Carbonates any beverage; includes two 1-liter BPA-free bottles; uses standard 60L CO2 canisters.
- What we like: Versatile carbonation; durable Tritan bottles; simple manual operation; no leaking reported.
- What we do not like: Plastic exterior feels less premium than metal units; manual button can be stiff initially.
- Who should buy it: Home mixologists, families who drink flavored seltzer, and anyone tired of pre-carbonating water.
- Who should avoid it: Those who only want plain seltzer and prefer a fully automatic machine.
- Common complaints: Some users report the carbonating button gets hard to press over time; bottles can crack if dropped.
- Size note: Fits under standard cabinets; about 12 inches tall.
- Cleaning note: Bottles are dishwasher safe; machine exterior wipes clean.
- Alternative: SodaStream Terra if you only carbonate water and want a lower cost.
Soda Maker Buying Guide
Carbonation Method
Manual pump machines let you control fizz level by pressing a button until you hear a hiss. Automatic models set a fixed carbonation level, usually three settings. Manual gives more control, automatic is simpler.
CO2 Canister Compatibility
Most soda makers use standard 60L or 130L CO2 canisters. Check if the brand uses proprietary canisters (like older SodaStream models) or standard threaded ones. Standard canisters are cheaper to exchange at stores.
Bottle Material and Durability
Look for BPA-free Tritan plastic or stainless steel. Tritan is durable and dishwasher safe. PET plastic bottles are lighter but may wear out faster. Some machines use glass bottles, which are heavy but never retain odors.
Safety Notes
- Always use the machine on a stable, dry surface.
- Never carbonate liquids other than water in machines not designed for it (except Drinkmate).
- Do not overfill bottles; use the fill line.
- Check bottles for cracks before each use.
What to Avoid
- Avoid off-brand machines with no replacement part availability.
- Avoid models with proprietary CO2 canisters that cost more to refill.
- Avoid units with plastic bottles that are not dishwasher safe.
- Avoid machines that require special cleaning tablets, as they add ongoing cost.
FAQ
Can I carbonate juice or soda with any soda maker?
Only the Drinkmate Omnifizz is designed to carbonate any liquid. Others will foam and lose carbonation because they need pre-carbonated water.
How long does a CO2 cartridge last?
A 60L cartridge makes about 60 liters of seltzer, or roughly 120 cans. Usage varies by fizz level.
Are soda maker bottles dishwasher safe?
Most Tritan bottles are top-rack dishwasher safe. PET bottles should be hand washed. Check the manual.
Final Verdict
The Drinkmate Omnifizz is the best soda maker for versatility, carbonating any drink with consistent results. For plain seltzer, the SodaStream Terra offers great value, and the SodaStream Fizzi One Touch is perfect for those who want push-button convenience.
