What You Need to Know Before Buying a Soda Maker
Photo courtesy of hivemodern.com
Last updated
June 23, 2026

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Key considerations

Most people buy a carbonator to cut down on their seltzer habit expenses. The reality is that the machine itself is just a down payment on the CO2 cylinders you will buy for years. You need an appliance that makes fizzing tap water simple and does not leak gas everywhere. The main decisions come down to bottle material and whether you want a sleek metal design or basic plastic. A good machine turns a chore into a quick daily habit without crowding your kitchen counter.

The Basic Everyday Workhorse

You want fizzy water without spending a fortune upfront. Basic plastic machines do the exact same job as the expensive metal ones. They use the same gas cylinders and produce the same bubbles. The tradeoff is mostly aesthetic. Look for models with a simple snap-lock bottle mechanism rather than a screw-in type to save yourself daily frustration.
the InFizz Aqua
Top Pick 4.4
Breville
Breville

the InFizz Aqua

Best countertop carbonator for design-conscious home entertainers.

This is the rare countertop appliance that actually improves your kitchen’s aesthetic rather than cluttering it. While it lacks the bells and whistles of electric carbonators, the mechanical, heavy-duty build offers a satisfying, tactile experience that feels built to last for years, not just seasons.

Aerflo Aer1 Sparkling Water System
Runner Up 4.4
Aerflo

Aerflo Aer1 Sparkling Water System

Best countertop appliance for effortless daily sparkling beverage creation.

This portable carbonation system finally makes sparkling water a viable travel companion rather than a kitchen-counter anchor. While you trade the convenience of a plug-in machine for a manual process, you gain the freedom to craft custom fizz anywhere, from the office to the campsite.

Stelton Brus Carbonator
Runner Up 4.4
Stelton

Stelton Brus Carbonator

Best sparkling water maker for design-conscious, eco-friendly home entertainers.

A masterclass in minimalist kitchen utility, this carbonator strips away the clutter to focus on pure, sculptural form. It transforms the mundane task of making sparkling water into a refined, tactile experience, proving that everyday appliances can be as beautiful as they are functional.

SodaStream DUO
Runner Up 4.5
SodaStream
SodaStream

SodaStream DUO

Best versatile carbonator for eco conscious families seeking glass bottle options.

This manual carbonator offers the flexibility to use both glass and plastic bottles, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen. Its compact, cordless design fits easily under cabinets, providing a simple, eco-friendly way to enjoy sparkling water without the need for electricity.

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basic plastic soda maker

Machines That Use Glass Bottles

Plastic carbonating bottles expire after a few years and hold onto weird smells if you add flavorings. Glass carafes solve both problems and look much better on a dining table. These machines cost more and are significantly heavier. They require a specific machine design to safely contain the glass during the pressurized carbonation process.
Aqua Fizz Sparkling Water Maker
Top Pick 4.6
SodaStream
SodaStream

Aqua Fizz Sparkling Water Maker

Best sparkling water maker for design-conscious home entertainers.

This is the rare countertop appliance that actually elevates your kitchen aesthetic while ditching the plastic waste. By opting for a premium glass carafe, you trade the portability of lightweight plastic bottles for a sophisticated serving experience that feels like a permanent upgrade to your daily routine.

Aarke Carbonator Pro
Runner Up 4.6
Aarke
Aarke

Aarke Carbonator Pro

Best glass bottle for dedicated home carbonation enthusiasts.

This glass carafe transforms your sparkling water routine from a plastic-heavy chore into a refined ritual. While it limits you to a specific machine, the switch to premium materials and dishwasher-safe convenience makes the daily experience feel significantly more intentional and elevated.

Penguin Sparkling Water Maker
Runner Up 4.3
SodaStream
SodaStream

Penguin Sparkling Water Maker

Best elegant maker for those prioritizing glass carafes and refined design.

This countertop essential turns tap water into crisp fizz without needing a single outlet. While you sacrifice the convenience of pre-bottled drinks, you gain total control over your carbonation levels and a sleek, glass-carafe aesthetic that looks far better than a pile of plastic recycling.

SodaStream E-DUO Sparkling Water Maker
Runner Up 4.4
SodaStream
SodaStream

SodaStream E-DUO Sparkling Water Maker

Best versatile carbonator for eco conscious hosts and commuters.

This electric sparkling water maker simplifies the process with one-touch operation and three distinct fizz levels. Its versatile design accommodates both glass and plastic bottles, making it a convenient solution for those who want fresh, customized sparkling water at home without the hassle of manual pumping.

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soda maker with glass bottles

Upgrading Your Countertop

If a machine lives permanently on your kitchen counter, you might want it to look like a real appliance. Stainless steel models offer a massive upgrade in build quality over the creaky plastic entry-level options. They operate with a satisfying mechanical lever instead of a mushy plastic button. The water tastes the same but the process feels better.
Breville InFizz Fusion Carbonator
Top Pick 4.5
Breville
Breville

Breville InFizz Fusion Carbonator

Best carbonator for home entertainers and craft beverage enthusiasts.

This is the rare carbonator that actually looks good enough to leave on your counter. While it demands a bit more manual effort than a plug-in machine, the brushed stainless steel build and ability to carbonate anything from juice to cocktails make it the ultimate tool for the home mixologist.

FIZZIT Spärklï Sparkling Water Maker
Runner Up 4.5
FIZZIT

FIZZIT Spärklï Sparkling Water Maker

Best stylish carbonator for minimalist kitchen enthusiasts

A straightforward solution for home carbonation that prioritizes durability with its stainless steel construction. It eliminates the need for disposable plastic bottles, offering a sustainable way to enjoy sparkling water on demand.

iSi Soda Siphon
Runner Up 4.7
iSi
iSi

iSi Soda Siphon

Best manual carbonator for eco-conscious cocktail enthusiasts and sparkling water lovers.

This manual carbonator offers a reliable, electricity-free way to create sparkling water at home. Its stainless steel build and pressure-regulated design prioritize safety and longevity over the convenience of modern electric machines.

Aerflo Aer1 Carbonation System
Runner Up 4.3
Aerflo

Aerflo Aer1 Carbonation System

Best portable carbonator for style conscious travelers and minimalist kitchens

This handheld device brings the convenience of sparkling water to any location without the bulk of traditional countertop machines. It offers a simple, manual way to customize fizz levels on the go, paired with a clever, subscription-free recycling program for the carbonation capsules.

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stainless steel carbonator

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