Best Budget Soda Maker

Philips GoZero Sparkling Water Maker

Many soda makers cost $100+, but the Philips GoZero doesn’t come close. This device is slim at just 9.5 x 5.5 x 16.5 inches, and won’t hog prized counter space. It also doesn’t require electricity, so you free up a plug. The GoZero is slightly more complicated than our top pick to operate: You have to twist the bottle in manually vs. just snapping it in place. The GoZero also doesn’t come with a CO2 canister—you’ll need to buy that separately. Still, this machine allows you to customize your bubbles, pressing down on the overhead button once to get basic carbonation and two to three times for additional fizz. Lastly, it’s available in shades of gray and black.

Best Splurge Soda Maker

You Won't Mind Having This On Display

Aarke Carbonator III

Most soda makers have a plastic exterior—the Aarke Carobnator III is crafted from stainless steel and looks good perched on your counter. The Carbonator III has a similar feel to a slender bar tap, with a handle you hold down to infuse CO2 into your water. (You can repeat this up to three types to get additional bubbles, if you so desire.) This soda water maker is compatible with most CO2 cylinders, too, making it easy to refill your machine. Here’s a tip: Crate & Barrel has an in-store carbonator cylinder exchange program, where you can exchange your empty cartridge for a new one at a 50% discount. This sleek machine comes in four chic finishes: copper, stainless steel, matte black and matte gray.

Best Soda Maker Design

Just Press A Button And Enjoy Your Creation

SodaStream Fizzi One Touch Sparkling Water Maker

SodaStream is a legacy brand on the market, and the company’s Fizzi One Touch machine is designed to be incredibly simple to operate. The Fizzi One Touch lights up when you touch it and has clear buttons to designate desired levels of carbonation from small to medium and large. Simply clip in your bottle with the snap-lock system, tap your desired level of fizziness and wait for your results. You’ll receive a 60-liter CO2 cylinder with your purchase, along with a 1-liter reusable bottle. Keep in mind that this option is electric, so a nearby outlet is necessary.

Most Versatile Soda Maker

Fizz Up Just About Anything

Ninja Thirsti Drink System

Some soda makers are particular about what you can use them for. The Ninja Thirsti Drink System has a range of options to help you create just about any fizzy or still drink you can dream up. Ninja offers 20 different types of flavor pods called “water drops” that you can use as-is, or to mix and match. (You decide how intense you want the flavor to be.) Choose from four different size settings—6, 12, 18 and 24 ounces—that can be dispensed into any cup or bottle. You can also flip between three levels of bubbles or even dispense still water, with or without a flavor infusion. This kit comes with the device, along with a 48-ounce water reservoir, 60-liter CO2 cylinder and eight flavored water drops to get you started.

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Why Trust Forbes Vetted

Forbes Vetted’s editors and writers regularly test, research and write about home and kitchen products, making us experts in the field. (Check out our lists of the best blenders, microwaves and drinking glasses, for starters.) We have real-world experience with several of the soda makers that made our list, giving us insight into how these machines perform at home. We also consulted with a nutritionist and culinary expert for advice on what functions to seek out in a soda maker, as well as additional information potential owners should know about these machines.

How We Chose The Best Soda Maker

Whether you’re a recreational fan of seltzer or reach for something fizzy on a daily basis, choosing a soda maker is an investment in your future beverages. To select the best soda and sparkling water makers, we consulted with two experts in the field—a nutritionist and a culinary expert—for their input on features, size and capabilities of these devices to consider.

Using that advice, we analyzed the field, looking for the most popular soda makers on the market and narrowing machines down based on their range, flexibility and value. Reviews from real customers were also considered in our final decision. Only soda makers with an average of four or more stars were included in the final list.

What To Look For In The Best Soda Maker

There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a soda maker. Consider these during your search.

Size

Most soda makers are relatively small, but there is a range. A machine with a built-in water tank like the Ninja Thirsti Drink System will take up more counter space than a a device that you attach a water bottle to, like the others that made our list. “Look for something that fits your lifestyle,” Christensen says. “Ideally you want it to live on your counter so you can easily make bottles of sparkling water whenever the urge strikes.” It’s possible to store your soda maker in a cupboard and bring it out when the need strikes, but Christensen says you may be less likely to use it if you go that route. “Look for something that fits your kitchen and that you don't mind looking at every day,” she says.

Range

Not all soda makers will fizz up any liquid. While our top choice, the DrinkMate OmniFizz, can infuse any beverage, some are intended to only carbonate water (which you can then add flavorings to afterward). “If you have grand plans to sparkle-up a bottle of fruit juice or your evening cocktail, this is something to consider,” Christensen says.

CO2 Cartridges

Many—but not all—soda makers come with a CO2 cartridge to get you started. Once it runs out, it’s on you to replace it if you want to keep making sparkling drinks. Some machines accept nearly every type of standard CO2 cartridge on the market, while others require a brand-specific type. The latter isn’t necessarily bad, but you’ll want to ensure in advance that you’re able to easily find cartridges that work for your machine. “Look at the process for replacing the cartridges and choose something that makes sense for you,” Cording says.

Are Soda Makers Worth It?

If you regularly drink soda or seltzer water, investing in a soda maker should save you money in the long run. “These machines are great for somebody who loves carbonated beverages, consumes them regularly and is looking to have a bit more agency over the type of drinks they make,” Cording says. “But they can also be fun for people who want to be creative.” While soda makers have an upfront cost that ranges from $50 to over $200, the replacement cartridges are typically the only fee you’ll see after that. Christensen points out that one CO2 cartridge for a soda maker costs about $30 and will last for anywhere from weeks to months, depending on how often you make drinks. When you compare that to the cost of regularly buying seltzer water or soda, soda makers end up being a cost-saving investment.

Which Is The Best SodaStream Model To Buy?

There is a large range of SodaStream options on the market and the best model is ultimately one that meets your needs. However, we like the SodaStream Fizzi One-Touch Sparkling Water Maker. This machine is incredibly easy to use, making it a great option for new home fizzy fans and aficionados alike. While some soda makers require you to hold down a lever and guesstimate to get your desired level of bubbles, the Fizzi One-Touch has set buttons that clearly indicate how much fizz you’ll get. Those buttons also allow you to press them and do other things in the kitchen while your drink is being infused, rather than having to stand over your machine.