Carbonated Water Makers That Replace the Weekly Seltzer Haul

A recycling bin full of seltzer cans every week is the usual push toward a home carbonator. A countertop machine turns plain tap water into sparkling water in seconds, and a refillable CO2 cylinder replaces dozens of cans. The key choices are whether you want a plastic-bottle machine or a glass carafe, how the CO2 cylinder connects, and whether you want to carbonate anything beyond water.

The six machines below come from the best-known names in home carbonation. As of 2026 the market has settled on a few designs, including quick-connect cylinders, electric models, and machines that handle juices and cocktails, and the guide first explains the points that actually separate them.

Quick Picks

Most of these machines do the same basic job, so the decision comes down to operation style, bottle type, and looks. The Worth knowing column repeats only what each name implies; confirm cylinder type and bottle options on the maker’s page.

How to Choose

Plastic bottle or glass carafe

Plastic bottles are light and cheap to replace, but they have an expiration date, usually a few years, and should be retired when worn. Glass carafes last longer and look better on a table, though they need careful handling. Choose based on whether the bottle will travel in a bag or stay at home.

Cylinder connection and refills

Many machines now use a quick-connect cylinder that snaps in without threading. Others use a screw-in cylinder. A standard 60 liter cylinder can carbonate roughly the same amount of water, and some programs let you exchange empties rather than refill. Check that the cylinders are easy to get where you live, and confirm that the connection type matches the one you plan to buy.

Manual, lever, or electric

Manual push-button models are simple and cheap. Lever models are smoother and more precise. Electric models carbonate at a preset level with a single press and suit anyone who dislikes guesswork. Electric versions need a power outlet, which limits where they can sit.

What can you carbonate?

Most machines are designed for plain water only, because sugary drinks foam over and clog the machine. If you want to carbonate juice, wine, or iced tea, look for a model that is explicitly built for it, with a separate carbonation chamber. Using flavor syrups added after carbonation avoids the problem with any machine.

Do the household math. A family that drinks several liters of sparkling water a day will go through cylinders quickly, so an easy exchange or refill program matters more than the machine’s finish. A single drinker who has one glass with dinner will barely notice the cylinder, and can afford to choose on looks.

Storage and noise are practical details too. Machines need counter space for the unit and a spot nearby for spare bottles, and the gas release makes a brief burst of noise that some people find loud in a small apartment. Electric versions are usually quieter than manual ones but need an outlet.

Finally, think about taste. Plain carbonated water is a blank canvas for citrus slices, fresh herbs, and flavor drops added after fizzing, which keeps the machine clean and the drink fresh. That habit costs little and makes the machine feel like a small kitchen upgrade rather than a gadget.

Our Picks Reviewed

SodaStream Terra

The SodaStream Terra is a manual carbonator from SodaStream, the best-known name in home sparkling water. It is a common choice for those starting out with a machine that sits comfortably on a small kitchen counter.

• Pro: A manual design needs no power, so it can sit anywhere in the kitchen or travel to a vacation rental.
• Pro: A well-known brand makes replacement bottles and cylinder exchanges easy to find.
• Con: Manual carbonation depends on how long you press, so results vary from one fizz to the next until you develop a feel.

Chill the water first and fill only to the marked line, which gives the best carbonation and prevents spraying from the bottle.

Skip it if you want a consistent fizz level at the push of a single button, since an electric model would take guesswork out of the process.

SodaStream Art

The SodaStream Art is a manual carbonator from SodaStream, and the name hints at a design-forward look. It is aimed at households that keep the machine out on the counter.

• Pro: A lever style often feels smoother to operate than a push-button design.
• Pro: A design-forward machine looks at home on a counter rather than hidden in a cabinet.
• Con: A style-focused model can cost more than a basic version while performing a similar job.

It makes the most sense for households that leave the machine out and use it daily, where a pleasant look and a smooth action become part of the routine.

Skip it if you only care about function and want the most basic way to make sparkling water, where simpler models do the same job.

SodaStream Jet

The SodaStream Jet is an entry-level SodaStream carbonator, and the name suggests quick and simple operation. It is aimed at people who want to try making sparkling water without a large commitment.

• Pro: An entry-level machine keeps the learning curve minimal, with few parts to understand.
• Pro: A compact design takes little space on a counter or shelf.
• Con: A basic model offers fewer convenience features and a plainer look than premium versions.

For a first machine it is a low-risk way to learn how much fizz you like, and the habit of chilling water and filling to the line applies to every model. Spare bottles let you keep a few cold ones ready in the refrigerator.

Skip it if you want a polished appearance or an electric button for exact carbonation levels.

SodaStream E-Terra

The SodaStream E-Terra adds an E for electric to the Terra name, so it automates carbonation. It targets people who want the same result every time without counting presses.

• Pro: An electric machine delivers consistent fizz because the machine controls the carbonation process.
• Pro: A one-touch design is easier for kids, guests, or anyone who dislikes guesswork.
• Con: An electric model needs an outlet and takes a fixed counter position, which limits where it can go.

Once you find your preferred level, the machine repeats it, which suits households where several people drink sparkling water and each used to have a different idea of how strong it should be.

Skip it if you want to move the machine around or use it without power, or if the counter has no spare outlet.

Drinkmate OmniFizz

The Drinkmate OmniFizz comes from Drinkmate, a brand known for machines that can carbonate drinks beyond plain water. It suits people who want to fizz juices, tea, or cocktails.

• Pro: A machine designed for other beverages gives more flexibility than water-only carbonators.
• Pro: A brand built around this feature typically includes guidance on safe operation with different liquids.
• Con: Carbonating sugary drinks can be messy and requires patience, even with a machine designed for it.

Follow the maker’s directions for each liquid, work slowly to avoid foaming over, and rinse the parts right after use so sugars do not dry and harden.

Skip it if you only drink plain sparkling water, because a simpler machine will do the job with less cleanup.

Aarke Carbonator 3

The Aarke Carbonator 3 is the third generation of a carbonator from Aarke, a design-oriented brand. It is chosen by people who want their appliance to look like part of the kitchen.

• Pro: A design-focused brand tends to use premium looking finishes that match modern kitchens.
• Pro: A later generation model suggests refinements on earlier versions.
• Con: A design-led appliance often costs more than a functionally similar mainstream carbonator.

It fits a kitchen where small appliances stay on display, and a clean, modern finish helps it blend with other countertop gear such as a kettle or coffee maker.

Skip it if looks do not matter to you, or if you want to buy from the largest brand with the widest range of cylinders and exchange locations.

Which One Fits

• Small kitchen and first machine: SodaStream Terra or SodaStream Jet.
• Counter-display kitchens: SodaStream Art or Aarke Carbonator 3.
• Consistent fizz with no guesswork: SodaStream E-Terra.
• Fizzing juice and other drinks: Drinkmate OmniFizz.

Fizz pairs well with a home-cooked dinner; the carbon steel wok guide has ideas for stir-fry night.

A sparkling drink also suits a night in front of the TV, and the surround sound guide can help set up the room. Counter space is the other practical limit, since a machine, a few bottles, and a spare cylinder need a dedicated corner. Measure the gap under wall cabinets before buying a taller model, because some designs need clearance above them to lift the bottle out.

When two models seem equal, favor the one whose cylinder you can swap or refill most easily where you live. Convenience over the long run beats a small difference in looks, because an empty cylinder with no quick replacement makes the machine sit unused.

Common Mistakes

• Putting flavored or sugary liquid in a machine designed only for water.
• Using bottles past their expiration date.
• Overfilling the bottle above the fill line.
• Carbonating warm water, which holds less gas than cold water.
• Forgetting to check cylinder compatibility before buying spares.

FAQ

How long does a cylinder last?

A standard cylinder carbonates roughly 60 liters, but it varies with fizz level.

Should I use cold water?

Yes. Chill the water first for stronger, longer lasting bubbles.

Are plastic bottles safe?

They are designed for the pressure, but should be retired when marked or worn.

Can I add syrup before carbonating?

Not in most machines. Add flavor after carbonating. Sparkling water goes nicely with a stir-fry cooked in a carbon steel wok.

Is it cheaper than buying cans?

Over time it can be, especially for heavy drinkers who used to buy cans or bottles every week, since the main ongoing cost is the cylinder refill.