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Food Network’s five soda-maker picks solve different problems. For most buyers, its Best Overall, the manual SodaStream Art, is the clearest choice: carbonate cold water, choose the fizz with a lever, and add flavor afterward.
Food Network’s Best Overall pick, the SodaStream Art, is the best soda maker for most people who want straightforward sparkling water with adjustable fizz. It is manual, cordless, compact, and designed for the familiar routine of carbonating cold water first and adding syrup or other flavor afterward. The right alternative depends less on “best bubbles” than on what you want to carbonate, which CO2 cylinder format you can exchange locally, and whether you prefer single-serve flavored drinks, glass, or a premium manual machine.
Food Network tested 12 currently available soda makers, carbonating more than 30 liters and assessing setup, carbonation, taste, fizz retention, and cleaning and maintenance. Its five selections below cover distinct buyer needs; the category labels and test-based recommendations are Food Network’s, not independent testing by this site.
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| Food Network category | Model | Choose it if… | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | SodaStream Art | You want a simple manual sparkling-water maker and will add flavor after carbonation. | It uses SodaStream Quick Connect CO2 and is intended for carbonating water before flavoring. |
| Best Splurge | Aarke Carbonator III | You value premium stainless-steel styling and an electricity-free manual workflow. | Its PET bottle is hand-wash only; it takes screw-in cylinders, not Quick Connect. |
| Best Design | Breville InFizz Fusion | You want a polished countertop machine with a documented use case beyond plain water. | It costs more and is an accessory-specific system; confirm bottle and cylinder details for the exact package. |
| Best with Glass Bottles | SodaStream E-Duo | You specifically want a compatible glass carafe and consistent push-button carbonation. | Only approved, undamaged carafes belong in the machine; it uses Quick Connect CO2. |
| Best for Flavored Water | Ninja Thirsti | You want individual flavored still or sparkling servings from a dispenser. | Flavor pods and CO2 create an ongoing ecosystem, rather than a minimal bottle-based setup. |
1. SodaStream Art: Best Overall
The SodaStream Art is the sensible default for a household replacing cans or bottles of plain sparkling water. Its manual lever lets you control carbonation without plugging in the machine, while its Snap-Lock bottle mechanism keeps the routine quick: fill the approved bottle with cold water, attach it, carbonate with the lever, then add flavor if wanted.
That sequence matters. SodaStream directs Art owners to carbonate water first and add syrup, juice, or other flavor only afterward. Do not treat the Art as a machine for carbonating pre-mixed soda, juice, cocktails, or other beverages. Besides creating excessive foam, using it outside its intended water-first workflow can create a cleanup and safety problem.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
- Why Food Network picked it: manual, adjustable fizz; compact cordless operation; and quick bottle loading.
- CO2 system: SodaStream Quick Connect cylinders.
- Best buyer: someone who wants sparkling water first, with optional flavor added afterward.
- Before ordering: check the live bundle. Included bottles and cylinders vary by seller and promotion.
2. Aarke Carbonator III: Best Splurge
The Aarke Carbonator III is for the buyer who wants a soda maker to feel like a durable countertop appliance rather than a plastic utility device. Its stainless-steel body, clean manual lever operation, and no-electricity setup are its central appeal. Aarke lists a three-year manufacturer warranty for the reviewed product.
The cylinder distinction is decisive here. The Carbonator III uses standard 400–425 g / 60 L screw-in sparkling-water-maker cylinders, including compatible SodaStream screw-in cylinders where applicable. It does not accept SodaStream Quick Connect cylinders. Availability and cylinder specifications can vary by region, so use the regional Aarke product page or manual when buying outside the market covered by a listing.
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Its supplied PET bottle is also a practical trade-off: although its total volume is 1 L, the fill line is 800 ml, and it is not dishwasher-safe. This is an excellent design-first choice if hand-washing and screw-in-cylinder exchange are acceptable; it is a less convenient choice for someone who already has a Quick Connect exchange routine.
3. Breville InFizz Fusion: Best Design
The Breville InFizz Fusion is the most compelling option here for a buyer whose priority is not limited to plain sparkling water. Food Network lists water, juice, alcoholic beverages, and flat soda among the liquids associated with this model. Breville’s stainless-steel body, die-cast lever, magnetic drip tray, and FusionCap give it a distinctly appliance-like finish.
The FusionCap is more than a cosmetic accessory: it provides controlled pressure release. A slower release can be useful with liquids that foam more readily than water; a faster release changes the workflow. That control should not be read as a promise that every drink will carbonate cleanly or without foaming. Follow the exact instructions, approved containers, fill limits, and release method in the machine’s manual for the beverage you are using.
Breville offers FusionCap and 0.6 L and 1 L bottle packs as official extras. Because bundles and regional accessory availability change, verify the exact included bottle, cap, and CO2 arrangement before purchase rather than assuming cross-model compatibility.
Rank #2
- 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.
4. SodaStream E-Duo: Best with Glass Bottles
The SodaStream E-Duo is the pick for someone who specifically wants the option to carbonate in SodaStream’s compatible 1 L glass carafe. Its electric one-touch system offers three preset carbonation levels, removing some of the guesswork of repeated manual pumps. Listed bundles include both a plastic bottle and a glass carafe, but bundle contents should always be confirmed at checkout.
Glass is a material and workflow preference, not proof that sparkling water will taste better. The meaningful advantage is using a dishwasher-safe, model-specific glass carafe when serving and cleaning fit your household better than a plastic carbonating bottle.
- CO2 system: SodaStream Quick Connect.
- Carbonation control: three electric preset levels.
- Glass care: use only the approved carafe and never carbonate with a cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged one.
- Plastic-bottle care: retire plastic carbonating bottles from carbonation once the printed expiry date has passed. They may still be used for still drinks if otherwise sound.
5. Ninja Thirsti: Best for Flavored Water
The Ninja Thirsti is not simply a conventional soda maker with an optional syrup bottle. It is a dispenser-style drink system for households that want on-demand servings: add water to its reservoir, install CO2, optionally insert flavor pods, select still or one of three carbonation levels, and pour a 6–24 oz serving.
SharkNinja lists more than 20 zero- and low-calorie flavor options for the current WC3001BL2 model. That variety is the reason to choose it. It makes sense for a family with different flavor preferences or for someone who wants sparkling and still flavored drinks from the same appliance.
The trade-off is commitment to consumables. Pods and CO2 need ongoing purchase and local availability, and the machine is more involved than a simple bottle, lever, and cylinder. Do not base a buying decision on a manufacturer’s savings claim alone; your outcome depends on pod choices, refill prices, usage, and what you would otherwise buy.
How to choose the right soda maker
| Your priority | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Simple sparkling water with optional syrup | SodaStream Art | Manual fizz control, no electricity, and a water-first workflow. |
| Premium appearance and manual operation | Aarke Carbonator III | Stainless-steel construction and a no-power design. |
| Carbonating approved drinks beyond water | Breville InFizz Fusion | Its documented workflow and controlled pressure-release cap support broader use. |
| Compatible glass carafe plus push-button presets | SodaStream E-Duo | Electric three-level carbonation and a model-specific 1 L glass option. |
| Flavored individual servings | Ninja Thirsti | Pod-based flavor selection, still water, and three fizz levels. |
Check CO2 compatibility before you buy
A soda maker is also a CO2-cylinder system. The machine that looks best on the counter can be the wrong purchase if its refill format is inconvenient where you live.
Rank #3
- Sparkling Drinks Instantly at Home: Transform plain water into lively sparkling water or crisp soda with your soda maker. Enjoy sparkling drinks anytime with this soda streaming machine, perfect for casual sips or fun, inventive drinks at home.(Note: CO₂ cylinder not included; order separately.)
- Precision Engineering for Bubbles: Twist the bottle in, press to carbonate, and watch your water sparkle. Press once for a gentle sparkle or repeat 2–3 times for a bold fizz. Each glass becomes a playful, refreshing drink created exactly how you like it with your soda machine.
- Compact Design, Anywhere Enjoyment: At just 9.5"D x 5"W x 16.7"H, this sparkling water maker fits neatly on any countertop. Its electricity-free design and quick-twist bottle make it easy to enjoy sparkling beverages at home, on the patio, or during outdoor gatherings. Ideal for everyday refreshment or entertaining guests.
- Eco-Friendly Sparkling: Compatible with standard 60L screw-in CO₂ cylinders that are easily exchanged at most popular retailers. One cylinder carbonates up to 16 gallons (60 liters) of water, replacing up to 120 single-use plastic bottles. Your carbonated water machine lets you enjoy sparkling drinks at home while helping reduce plastic waste.
- Durable, Safe, and Effortless: The included 1L BPA-free carbonating bottle is designed to handle carbonation pressure and keep drinks fizzy longer. Its airtight lid and sturdy build ensure safe, everyday use with your seltzer water maker. (Note: Please rinse and clean the bottle before use, and fill cold water only up to the marked line.)
- SodaStream Art and SodaStream E-Duo: use SodaStream Quick Connect cylinders.
- Aarke Carbonator III: uses standard screw-in cylinders and is not compatible with Quick Connect cylinders.
- Breville InFizz Fusion and Ninja Thirsti: verify the exact model’s package documentation and locally available replacement-cylinder format before purchasing accessories or exchanges.
CO2 cylinders are reusable and exchangeable; they do not belong in normal household trash. Use the manufacturer or retailer exchange route where available, or follow applicable local hazardous-waste guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.One strong alternative: Drinkmate OmniFizz
These are Food Network’s five category picks, not the only worthwhile machines. Buyers focused specifically on direct carbonation of beverages other than water should also consider the Drinkmate OmniFizz. Bon Appétit independently names it its overall pick, and Drinkmate documents juice, iced tea, wine, and cocktails for use through its Fizz Infuser.
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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 minuteThat comparison clarifies a common shopping mistake: soda makers are not interchangeable. The SodaStream Art is a water-first machine. Breville InFizz Fusion and Drinkmate are the documented options in this comparison for buyers whose priority is approved non-water carbonation. Read the relevant manual before carbonating anything other than water.
Use and care rules that matter
- Start cold. Cold water carbonates more effectively and produces a more predictable result.
- Respect the fill line. Leave the specified headspace; overfilling raises the risk of overflow.
- Use the bottle or carafe approved for that machine. Carbonating containers are pressure vessels, not interchangeable drink bottles.
- Never carbonate a damaged glass carafe. Chips, cracks, and other damage are disqualifying.
- Watch plastic-bottle expiry dates. Do not use an expired SodaStream plastic bottle for carbonation, even if it can still hold a still beverage.
- Do not improvise non-water use. Only carbonate beverages a particular machine’s manufacturer expressly permits, using its stated cap, fill level, and pressure-release process.
- Check the cylinder before forcing it. A Quick Connect cylinder and a screw-in cylinder are different systems. If the fit is wrong, stop and confirm compatibility.
What ownership costs really depend on
A countertop soda maker can reduce purchases of packaged sparkling water, but there is no universal cost-per-liter or environmental payoff. Local cylinder-exchange pricing, delivery or driving distance, electricity use where applicable, bottle life, flavor-pod or syrup purchases, and the products being replaced all change the calculation. Compare the recurring cost of the exact CO2 format and flavor system available in your area before treating any savings estimate as personal fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can every soda maker carbonate juice, wine, or cocktails?
Not all of them. The SodaStream Art is intended for carbonating cold water before adding flavor. For direct carbonation beyond water, use only a machine whose manufacturer expressly permits that beverage and follow its exact instructions. In this lineup, the Breville InFizz Fusion has a documented broader-use case; Drinkmate OmniFizz is also a notable alternative for approved non-water drinks.
Rank #4
- 🥤 Elevate Your Hydration Experience: Transform ordinary water into refreshing sparkling water with the sleek SodaStream Terra; perfect for creating personalized beverages with your favorite Bubly, Pepsi or Mountain Dew flavors | Enjoy a delightful fizz with every sip
- 🩵 Sleek and Modern Kitchen Addition: The elegant Misty Blue SodaStream Terra sparkling water maker complements any kitchen décor; its updated slim silhouette and matte finish bring both style and functionality to your countertop | No power or batteries required
- 🌍 Eco-Friendly Hydration Solution: Each reusable carbonating bottle in the SodaStream Terra Starter Kit helps reduce single-use plastic waste | BPA Free | Save thousands of bottles over time | Reduce plastic waste at the push of a button
- 🍹Versatile Beverage Customization: Compatible with all SodaStream and Pepsi flavors, the Terra machine lets you experiment with endless flavor combinations; from classic sparkling water to creative concoctions with Bubly Drops, Pepsi- and Mountain Dew syrups; the possibilities are endless
- 👍 Effortless Sparkling Water Creation: Experience the convenience of the SodaStream Terra sparkling water maker; its innovative Quick Connect technology allows for CO2 cylinder installation in seconds | Easy-to-use snap-lock bottle insertion for quick carbonation
Are SodaStream and Aarke CO2 cylinders interchangeable?
No. SodaStream Art and E-Duo use Quick Connect cylinders. Aarke Carbonator III uses standard screw-in 400–425 g / 60 L sparkling-water-maker cylinders and does not accept Quick Connect. Confirm the format for other models from their current manuals and product pages before buying refills.
Is it safe to carbonate in a glass bottle?
Only when it is the model-specific carafe in good condition. The SodaStream E-Duo’s compatible 1 L glass carafe is dishwasher-safe, but cracked, chipped, or damaged glass must never be used for carbonation.
What should I do with an expired plastic carbonating bottle?
No. Do not use a plastic carbonating bottle after the expiry date printed on it. SodaStream says an expired plastic bottle can still hold still beverages, but it must be retired from carbonation.
The Bottom Line
Buy the SodaStream Art for the uncomplicated manual sparkling-water routine most people want. Move to the Aarke for premium manual design, Breville for documented non-water use, E-Duo for compatible glass and electric presets, or Ninja Thirsti for flavored single servings. Before ordering any of them, confirm the cylinder format and the exact bundle contents.
Quick Recap
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.
