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The Drinkmate OmniFizz is the best soda maker for most people who want maximum flexibility because it can carbonate water and selected non-water drinks, including juice, wine, and flat soda. For water-only users, however, SodaStream’s easier cylinder-and-bottle ecosystem may be the better choice. The right purchase depends on whether you prioritize versatility, price, filtration, portability, or automatic flavored drinks.
This guide compares six unlike products: a general-purpose carbonator, two SodaStream water makers, a filtered dispensing appliance, a portable bottle system, and an automated flavor machine. Prices below are historical snapshots from 2025 coverage, not verified live prices for September 2026.
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Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Beverages | Electric? | CO2 format | Dispensing format | Main drawback | Price seen in 2025 coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drinkmate OmniFizz | Most people and non-water drinks | Water, juice, wine, flat soda where permitted | No | Screw-in/threaded cylinder | Reusable bottle | Fiddly connection and more cleanup | About $100–$133 |
| SodaStream Enso | Premium water-only carbonation | Water, then added flavor | No | Quick Connect | Reusable bottle | Higher price; water-focused | About $165–$180 |
| Carbon8 Sparkling Water Maker | Filtered, remineralized water | Water, then added flavor | Yes | Verify the model’s requirement | Direct to cup | Filters, electricity, and weaker fizz | About $153–$200 |
| SodaStream Art | Budget countertop use | Water, then added flavor | No | Quick Connect | Reusable bottle | More plastic and limited beverage use | About $79–$88 |
| Aerflo Aer1 System | Travel and personal servings | Water only | No | Small capsules | Integrated bottle cap | Small capacity and frequent capsule replacement | About $74–$99 |
| Ninja Thirsti | Automatic flavored drinks | Carbonated water with compatible flavor pods | Yes | Screw-in cylinder, according to NBC Select | Reservoir and dispenser | Proprietary pods, outlet, and counter space | About $150–$180 |
WIRED’s 2025 comparison tested carbonation quality, fizz retention, CO2 replacement, ease of use, and non-water beverages where supported. Its testing measured fizz immediately, after two hours, and the following day using chilled filtered water. See the WIRED comparison for its methodology and product findings.
Our recommendations
Best overall: Drinkmate OmniFizz
The Drinkmate OmniFizz is the strongest all-purpose recommendation for buyers who do not want to limit themselves to water. It is designed for carbonating water, juice, wine, and flat soda, while its gradual pressure-release system helps control the foam that sugary and alcoholic drinks can produce. Epicurious also evaluated it for non-water beverages and highlighted its flexibility.
#1 Best Overall
- WHAT IS IN THE CARBONATION BUNDLE: (1) SodaStream Art Sparkling water maker in black color, (3) 60L Co2 cylinders, and (1) 1L BPA-Free Dishwasher safe reusable carbonating bottle
- SODASTREAM ART: Our sparkling water maker celebrates the art of making your own fresh sparkling beverages at home. With a push of the lever, turn flat water into fresh sparkling water and customize to your liking. The SodaStream Art features a retro looking design along with a unique carbonating lever. Best part? It's cordless, no electricity needed.
- EASY TO USE QUICK "ONE CLICK" CONNECT CO2 SYSTEM: Effortlessly carbonate your water with the SodaStream Art Sparkling Water Maker's Quick Connect system without twisting and turning. Featuring a snap-lock bottle insertion for quick carbonation, this machine is designed for convenience. Note that SodaStream Art machines are exclusively compatible with the SodaStream Quick Connect CO2 cylinder, ensuring a seamless and efficient carbonation process.
- SODASTREAM & SUSTAINABILITY: One SodaStream bottle can save up to thousands of single use plastic bottles, while you craft an endless variety of healthy, delicious beverages and simply make fresh sparkling water just the way you like it.
- ERGONOMIC CARBONATION LEVER: SodaStream Art combines a unique modern design with a touch of vintage chic. Its ergonomic carbonation lever and stainless-steel trim add a sophisticated flair to any kitchen counter. A vintage-style lever lets you easily control your sparkling beverages' carbonation level. Whether you prefer a light fizz or strong bubbles, you can craft your own perfect sparkling beverage.
It is cordless, offers broad control over carbonation intensity, and uses a threaded cylinder rather than SodaStream’s newer Quick Connect format. Drinkmate says its threaded system is compatible with standard screw-in cylinders, including compatible threaded SodaStream cylinders; that does not mean it accepts SodaStream Quick Connect cylinders.
The compromises are practical rather than fundamental. Its construction is plastic-heavy, the bottle connection can take a little practice, and its cylinder-exchange network may be less convenient than SodaStream’s widely available retail system. Carbonating juice, wine, or flat soda also creates more cleanup risk than carbonating cold water.
Buy it if: you want one machine for sparkling water and permitted non-water drinks.
Skip it if: you only make sparkling water and want the simplest bottle and cylinder ecosystem.
Best premium water-only machine: SodaStream Enso
The SodaStream Enso is the better choice for a buyer who wants a polished countertop appliance for sparkling water, with syrup or other flavor added afterward. Its stainless-steel exterior, lever-assisted cylinder loading, and established bottle and exchange ecosystem make it more convenient for routine water carbonation than a general-purpose machine.
The Enso uses SodaStream’s Quick Connect cylinders. They snap into the machine easily, but they are not interchangeable with threaded cylinders merely because both products carry the SodaStream name. Check the cylinder type already in your home before buying.
The Enso is cordless and comes with a hard plastic bottle. WIRED reported a two-year warranty for the model in its 2025 coverage. SodaStream’s official comparison page explains the company’s current machine and cylinder system, while the Art product page provides the company’s water-carbonation and warranty information.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteSodaStream describes its cylinders as producing up to 60 liters, but that is a theoretical maximum. Heavy carbonation, repeated bursts, and individual technique can reduce the actual yield substantially.
Rank #2
- FRESH FIZZ ON DEMAND: This SodaStream TERRA CO2 bundle is perfect for Seltzer lovers; It contains 3 ready-to-use CO2 cylinders that together make 180 liters (48 gallons) of fresh sparkling water in seconds, right on your countertop.
- A SECURE SNAP AND SEAL: The Quick Connect CO2 cylinder clicks in with one push, and the bottle snaps into place before you fizz. The seal is built to keep the bubbles in the bottle and the water off your counter, so even your first drink feels easy.
- THE QUICK CONNECT CO2 SYSTEM: Each 60L Quick Connect cylinder makes up to 60 liters (16 gallons) of sparkling water. When it runs low, return, refill, and reuse it through SodaStream CO2 cylinder exchange at participating retailers. The Quick Connect fit makes every swap simple, so you are back to fizzing fast.
- BUILT FOR DAILY USE: The reusable bottles are BPA free and dishwasher safe, ready for the next round whenever you are. The slim machine sits neatly on the counter and tucks under most upper cabinets, built to keep up with you day after day.
- ONE MACHINE, EVERY KIND OF DRINK: After fizzing your water, add flavor drops for zero sugar sparkling water, stir in Pepsi or Mountain Dew syrups for a classic soda, or add a squeeze of citrus for a fresh twist. One soda maker, every kind of drink, made by you.
Buy it if: you want premium styling and plain sparkling water with minimal fuss.
Skip it if: you want to carbonate juice, wine, or flat soda directly, or want the lowest purchase price.
Best for filtered and remineralized water: Carbon8 Sparkling Water Maker
The Carbon8 is not simply a traditional soda maker. It is an electric water appliance with a 68-ounce reservoir, filtration, UV treatment, remineralization features, and direct-to-cup dispensing. That makes it particularly appealing if your tap water tastes unpleasant and you want to treat, mineralize, and carbonate it in one countertop system.
Because it dispenses directly into a glass, it avoids filling and removing a separate carbonation bottle. WIRED’s testing found that the machine can splash or spurt unless the glass is held close to the outlet. Its carbonation was also less lively than that of the leading picks in that comparison.
Carbon8 requires an outlet and more maintenance than a manual carbonator. In addition to CO2, you must account for replacement filters; WIRED cited filters at about $15 each, or $12 with subscription pricing, and reported a 90-day warranty in its 2025 comparison. Filtration and UV features should not be interpreted as universal water purification: confirm the manufacturer’s exact claims, limits, and required source-water conditions.
Buy it if: taste, filtration, remineralization, and direct dispensing matter more than the strongest possible fizz.
Skip it if: you want a cheap, cordless, low-maintenance carbonator.
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The SodaStream Art is the sensible entry point for buyers who primarily want sparkling water at the lowest upfront cost among these countertop models. Its manual lever is intuitive, it uses Quick Connect cylinders, and NBC Select identified the included Art bottle as dishwasher-safe in its review.
Rank #3
- FRESH FIZZ ON DEMAND: The SodaStream TERRA turns plain tap water into fresh sparkling water in seconds, right on your countertop. One slow press gives a light fizz, a few more build a stronger bubble. This carbonated water machine puts every glass exactly where you like it, made by you, every time.
- A SECURE SNAP AND SEAL: The Quick Connect CO2 cylinder clicks in with one push, and the bottle snaps into place before you fizz. The seal is built to keep the bubbles in the bottle and the water off your counter, so even your first drink feels easy.
- THE QUICK CONNECT CO2 SYSTEM: Each 60L Quick Connect cylinder makes up to 60 liters (16 gallons) of sparkling water. When it runs low, return, refill, and reuse it through SodaStream CO2 cylinder exchange at participating retailers. The Quick Connect fit makes every swap simple, so you are back to fizzing fast.
- BUILT FOR DAILY USE: The reusable bottles are BPA free and dishwasher safe, ready for the next round whenever you are. The slim machine sits neatly on the counter and tucks under most upper cabinets, built to keep up with you day after day.
- ONE MACHINE, EVERY KIND OF DRINK: After fizzing your water, add flavor drops for zero sugar sparkling water, stir in Pepsi or Mountain Dew syrups for a classic soda, or add a squeeze of citrus for a fresh twist. One soda maker, every kind of drink, made by you.
As with the Enso, the Art is intended for carbonating water first and adding flavor afterward. Do not use it for juice, wine, or other liquids unless the exact manual explicitly permits them. A water-only machine can produce excessive foam, leaks, messes, or damage when used with an unapproved beverage, and incorrect use can affect warranty coverage.
The Art looks and feels less substantial than the Enso, and its lower entry price does not guarantee the lowest lifetime cost. Include cylinders, extra bottles, syrups, exchange fees, and shipping when comparing ownership costs. SodaStream’s official Art page lists product-specific details and warranty terms; retailer purchases can have different conditions from qualifying purchases made directly through SodaStream.com.
Buy it if: you want a straightforward first machine for sparkling water.
Skip it if: you need non-water carbonation, premium materials, or threaded-cylinder compatibility.
Best portable carbonator: Aerflo Aer1 System
The Aerflo Aer1 is best understood as a personal water bottle with carbonation built into its cap, not as a miniature replacement for a family countertop soda maker. Its integrated carbonation cap, carrying loop, and capsule-holder design suit commuters, hikers, campers, and anyone who wants one serving away from home.
The bottle holds approximately 650 milliliters as an ordinary bottle but about 500 milliliters when carbonating, according to the cited coverage. It uses small exchangeable capsules rather than a full-size cylinder and is water-only. Epicurious described the carbonation as refreshing in a portable format but noted that the small capsules may not last long enough for heavy users. WIRED cited a one-year warranty.
The compact format is its main advantage and its main limitation. A household that drinks several liters a day will find repeated capsule replacement and small-batch preparation inconvenient. Treat the Aerflo as a travel hydration product with fizz, rather than a volume-efficient kitchen appliance. See the official Aerflo Aer1 page for the current system and capsule options.
Buy it if: portability and personal servings are more important than capacity.
Rank #4
- FRESH FIZZ ON DEMAND: The SodaStream TERRA turns plain tap water into fresh sparkling water in seconds, right on your countertop. One slow press gives a light fizz, a few more build a stronger bubble. This carbonated water machine puts every glass exactly where you like it, made by you, every time.
- A SECURE SNAP AND SEAL: The Quick Connect CO2 cylinder clicks in with one push, and the bottle snaps into place before you fizz. The seal is built to keep the bubbles in the bottle and the water off your counter, so even your first drink feels easy.
- THE QUICK CONNECT CO2 SYSTEM: Each 60L Quick Connect cylinder makes up to 60 liters (16 gallons) of sparkling water. When it runs low, return, refill, and reuse it through SodaStream CO2 cylinder exchange at participating retailers. The Quick Connect fit makes every swap simple, so you are back to fizzing fast.
- BUILT FOR DAILY USE: The reusable bottles are BPA free and dishwasher safe, ready for the next round whenever you are. The slim machine sits neatly on the counter and tucks under most upper cabinets, built to keep up with you day after day.
- ONE MACHINE, EVERY KIND OF DRINK: After fizzing your water, add flavor drops for zero sugar sparkling water, stir in Pepsi or Mountain Dew syrups for a classic soda, or add a squeeze of citrus for a fresh twist. One soda maker, every kind of drink, made by you.
Skip it if: you need to carbonate multiple liters or serve several people.
Best for automatic flavored drinks: Ninja Thirsti
The Ninja Thirsti is the best fit for users who want preset carbonation levels, measured servings, and automatic flavor dosing. It uses a water reservoir and compatible flavor pods, so it behaves more like a countertop beverage system than a manual water carbonator.
WIRED reported multiple carbonation intensities, a 48-ounce reservoir, and indicators for low CO2 and water temperature. NBC Select noted that the reviewed package did not include a conventional reusable bottle. The system requires an electrical outlet and uses ongoing flavor pods, which can materially change the cost of ownership. Ninja’s official Thirsti product ecosystem is the appropriate place to check current machines, pods, and compatibility.
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Buy it if: push-button flavored drinks and consistent serving sizes are your priority.
Skip it if: you lack an outlet, dislike proprietary pods, or want to carbonate non-water beverages directly.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Water-only versus all-beverage carbonation
This is the most important distinction in the category. SodaStream Enso, SodaStream Art, Carbon8, and Aerflo are water-focused systems: carbonate cold water, then add an approved syrup or flavor. Ninja Thirsti also carbonates water, but its flavor is automatically dispensed through its own pod system.
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Drinkmate is the standout for direct non-water carbonation. Its infuser and slow-release process are designed to manage beverages such as juice, wine, and flat soda where the instructions permit them. Even then, results vary by liquid. Sugar, pulp, alcohol, and other ingredients can create far more foam than water.
Best Value
- 🍹 Elevate your hydration game with the SodaStream ART Sparkling Water Maker Starter Pack; transform ordinary tap water into refreshing sparkling water with a simple pull of a lever; ideal for creating fizzy beverages for family gatherings or solo refreshment moments. This kit contains 1x 32 Fl Oz Slim Carbonating Bottle and 1x 16 Fl Oz On-The-Go My Only Bottle with a carrying strap, making it easy to take your bubbles with you for any occasion
- 🖤 Discover the sleek elegance of the SodaStream ART in Black; its stylish design with retro metal accents complements any kitchen décor; a perfect blend of form and function for modern living
- 🌿 Enjoy eco-friendly carbonation with the SodaStream ART; powered by reusable CO2 cylinders, each cylinder carbonates up to 16 gallons of water, the equivalent of 120 plastic bottles; reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying endless sparkling drinks at home
- 🎨 Unleash your creativity with the SodaStream ART, compatible with SodaStream, Pepsi, Bubly and Mountain Dew flavors, and many more! | Mix and match to create your own signature drinks, whether you prefer classic sparkling water or unique flavored concoctions
- 🥤 Experience the convenience of the SodaStream ART with its easy-to-use snap-lock bottle insertion; quickly carbonate your water with minimal effort, making it suitable for busy mornings or spontaneous gatherings with friends
Never assume that a machine can carbonate any liquid simply because it uses CO2. Follow the exact manual and warranty restrictions. If you are uncertain, use a water-only machine only for water.
CO2 cylinders and ownership compatibility
Inspect the loading mechanism before buying. Brand names alone are not enough.
| Product | CO2 system | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Drinkmate OmniFizz | Threaded/screw-in | Uses compatible standard threaded cylinders; not SodaStream Quick Connect. |
| SodaStream Enso | Quick Connect | Simple snap-in installation, but requires compatible snap-in cylinders. |
| SodaStream Art | Quick Connect | Shares the SodaStream Quick Connect ecosystem. |
| Carbon8 | Model-specific | Confirm the exact canister and refill requirements before purchase. |
| Aerflo Aer1 | Small capsules | Portable and compact, but likely to need more frequent replacement for heavy use. |
| Ninja Thirsti | Screw-in, according to NBC Select | Uses a cylinder alongside its separate flavor-pod system. |
A typical 60-liter cylinder cost about $20–$30 in the cited WIRED coverage, although the advertised capacity is theoretical. The same coverage cited approximately $20 for a Drinkmate replacement after exchange credit, $34 for two SodaStream cylinders, about $21 per Carbon8 canister, about $25 for 12 Aerflo capsules, and about $42 for two Ninja Thirsti cylinders. These are historical 2025 source prices, not live September 2026 quotes.
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Compare the first year rather than the appliance alone:
machine + CO2 refills or capsules + extra bottles + flavors or pods + filters + shipping or exchange fees
Home carbonation can reduce storage demands and single-use packaging, but it is not guaranteed to be cheaper than bottled sparkling water. The result depends on local beverage prices, cylinder exchange costs, how aggressively you carbonate, and whether you buy syrups, pods, filters, or replacement parts. WIRED specifically cautioned against assuming automatic savings.
For the same reason, a $20–$50 difference in machine price may matter less than the availability and cost of the compatible consumables in your area. Check whether nearby retailers exchange your cylinder type or whether you must pay for mail-in shipping.
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Ease of use: the tasks that actually matter
- Cylinder installation: SodaStream Quick Connect is particularly straightforward. The Enso uses lever-assisted loading; the Art uses the same general snap-in ecosystem. Drinkmate’s threaded cylinder requires screw-in installation.
- Bottle attachment: Drinkmate’s connection can require a learning curve because its infuser is a separate component.
- Carbonation control: Manual systems provide direct control. Drinkmate is especially flexible for lighter or more aggressive fizz. Ninja provides preset levels.
- Pressure release: Drinkmate’s gradual release is important for foamy non-water drinks.
- Cleaning: Water is simpler. Sugary, pulpy, or alcoholic liquids need more careful cleanup, particularly around an infuser and pressure-release parts.
- Supply management: SodaStream generally has the lowest ecosystem friction where its exchange service and retailers are available. Aerflo and Ninja require attention to their smaller capsules or flavor pods.
Fizz, temperature, and bottle safety
Do not treat “strongest carbonation” as a universal specification. WIRED’s testing found that Drinkmate could produce a wide range of carbonation, from lighter fizz to very aggressive bubbles. Carbon8 was judged less lively than the leading picks, while Aerflo delivered refreshing carbonation within its portable format.
Use cold water when possible: chilled water generally absorbs and retains dissolved CO2 more effectively. Ninja Thirsti reportedly indicates when its reservoir is not cold enough, but it does not chill the water itself.
Bottle safety is model-specific. NBC Select identified the SodaStream Art bottle as dishwasher-safe and described the Drinkmate OmniFizz bottle as not dishwasher-safe. Aerflo is a bottle system rather than a conventional countertop bottle. Check the exact bottle included with the package you are buying because bottles can differ by generation, bundle, and market.
Follow the manufacturer’s replacement date and safety guidance. Avoid scratches, extreme heat, and freezing temperatures, and do not assume that a replacement bottle from one model fits another.
Quick Recap
Which one should you buy?
- Choose Drinkmate OmniFizz for juice, wine, flat soda, or the broadest beverage flexibility.
- Choose SodaStream Enso for premium, water-only countertop carbonation and an established exchange ecosystem.
- Choose Carbon8 for a reservoir-based system with filtration, UV treatment, remineralization features, and direct-to-cup dispensing.
- Choose SodaStream Art for the lowest-cost straightforward countertop entry point.
- Choose Aerflo Aer1 for personal sparkling water while commuting, hiking, camping, or traveling.
- Choose Ninja Thirsti for automatic flavored drinks and preset carbonation levels.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
