A sparkling water maker looks simple from the outside: a bottle, a nozzle and a cylinder of gas. In practice the difference between a good one and a disappointing one comes down to how repeatable the bubbles are, whether the bottle keeps its seal after a year of daily use, and whether the machine wastes gas when you press the button too long.
We spent weeks with ten countertop carbonators, cycling bottles, swapping cylinder formats and watching fizz levels over time. This guide covers the best sparkling water makers available in 2026, from the metal-bodied premium models to the budget plastic units that still turn tap water into something worth drinking.
If you are still working out what you want, start with our alkaline water pitcher picks to get the flat water right first, then come back here. If your tap water is questionable, read our water test kit guide before carbonating anything.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Sparkling Water Makers (October 2026)
The Aarke Carbonator 3 takes the overall spot for build quality and the most repeatable lever feel we tested. The SodaStream Terra wins on value because the bundle arrives with three bottles and multiple cylinders, ready to use. The SodaStream Art goes third for people who want visible, mechanical control over carbonation strength.
Aarke Carbonator 3
- Stainless steel body
- Damper-controlled lever
- 800ml BPA-free bottle
- No electricity needed
SodaStream Terra
- Three BPA-free bottles
- Three 60L cylinders
- Quick Connect CO2
- Works with flavor drops
SodaStream Art
- Signature carbonating lever
- Press-count fizz control
- Two 60L cylinders
- Dishwasher-safe bottles
All 10 Sparkling Water Makers Compared in 2026
The table below is the whole shortlist at a glance. Cylinder type matters more than most buyers expect: Quick Connect cylinders push straight on, while screw-in cylinders thread into the machine and are the more widely stocked format across different brands.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Aarke Carbonator 3 |
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| SodaStream Terra |
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 Drinkmate OmniFizz |
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| SodaStream Art |
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 Philips ADD4902WHOQ |
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 SodaStream E-Terra |
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 Mysoda Woody |
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 Mysoda Ruby 2 |
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 Breville InFizz Fusion |
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 Philips ADD4901BKOQ |
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How We Tested and Ranked These Machines?
We scored every machine on the same five criteria, in this order of weight.
Fizz consistency. The same bottle was carbonated three times at the same setting to see whether the result repeated.
Gas efficiency. How much of a cylinder is spent before a bottle is properly charged, and whether pressure stays in the bottle after the machine is off.
Seal and thread durability. Bottles were checked after repeated cycles for leaks at the neck and loss of holding pressure.
Cleaning and care. How easily the nozzle, cap and bottle come apart for washing.
Counter footprint and noise. Measured against a standard kitchen counter run, with attention to the hiss and pump sound during operation.
Long-term ownership reports shaped the ranking as much as our own cycles. That is a deliberate choice: the most common complaints we found in the r/SodaStream and r/sparklingwater communities were about bottles that stopped holding pressure after a few months, not about first impressions.
1. Aarke Carbonator 3 – The Best Overall Sparkling Water Maker in 2026
Aarke Carbonator 3 – Premium Sparkling Water Maker, Stainless Steel
800ml BPA-free PET bottle
Stainless steel body
No power needed
2000 oz per cylinder
Pros
- Stainless steel construction that suits a countertop
- Damper-controlled lever gives repeatable results
- Compact and electricity-free
- One bottle included with screw-in cylinders
Cons
- 800ml bottle is smaller than the 1L bottles used by rivals
- Only one bottle included
- Premium tier versus plastic machines
This is the machine we kept reaching for after working through the rest of the list. The Carbonator 3 is 1.72 kg of stainless steel with no cord, no batteries and nothing to plug in, which means it works in a rental or an off-grid cabin as happily as it does in a modern kitchen.
Carbonation is controlled by a damper under the lever rather than by counting presses. That distinction matters more than it sounds. On a press-count machine, three taps and a fast three taps produce different results; here the lever gives you a consistent pull, and the 4.4 rating across 6706 reviews reflects how rarely owners complain about that.
The tradeoff is the bottle. At 800 ml it is smaller than the 1L bottles on most of the machines here, and only one is included, so a rotation setup means buying a second one. Owners on the Aarke and SodaStream forums consistently praise how well the machine looks next to stainless appliances, and that is not a minor consideration for something that lives on the counter for a decade.
On efficiency, the manufacturer claims each cylinder produces up to 2000 ounces of carbonated water. In our cycling the bottle held pressure well once charged, and we did not see the slow bleed that plagues cheaper machines.
Who this suits?
This is the pick for someone who cares how the kitchen looks and wants a machine that will still work in ten years without a power outlet. It also suits anyone starting a bottle rotation, since it is easy to buy one extra bottle and keep both in the fridge.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if you want to carbonate juice or cocktails. The 800 ml PET bottle is built for water, and the smaller capacity means more refills per day than a 1L machine. Households that drink more than a litre of sparkling water each person per day will feel that limit.
2. SodaStream Terra – The Best Value Bundle
SodaStream TERRA Sparkling Water Maker, Value Bundle, CQC CO2 System, Includes 2 Quick Connect 60L CO2 Cylinders, 3 Dishwasher Safe BPA Free Bottles, 2 bubly Flavor Drops, Make your own Pepsi, Black
Three 60L cylinders
Three BPA-free bottles
Quick Connect CO2
Plastic housing
Pros
- Bundle includes multiple cylinders and three bottles
- Quick Connect cylinder snaps in with one push
- Slim body tucks under most cabinets
- Works with flavor drops and syrups
Cons
- Bottle seals need tightening occasionally
- Plastic housing
- No preset fizz settings
The Terra is the most complete package in this group. It comes with three reusable BPA-free dishwasher-safe bottles and multiple 60L Quick Connect cylinders, so you can start carbonating the day it arrives without ordering gas first.
At 4.5 stars from 5610 reviews and the number one sales rank in the soda maker category, it is the default recommendation we see in the r/SodaStream community. Owners talk less about the machine and more about the refill system: cylinders return for a refill, and prepaid return labels make the exchange routine painless.
Mechanically it is simple. There is no lever, no nozzle sophistication and no presets. You press the button as many times as you want more bubbles, which is genuinely the most intuitive interface for a first-time buyer, and it is also the most imprecise one for fine-tuning a specific fizz level.
The most common criticism across reviews is the plastic housing feeling less substantial than a metal machine, and the bottle seals needing an occasional tighten-up when they stop holding carbonation. Neither has been a widespread failure in our testing, but both are worth knowing before you buy three bottles instead of one.
Who this suits?
This is the right pick if you want the lowest-friction start: everything you need in one box, a slim profile that fits under a cabinet, and a flavour ecosystem if you want sparkling water with more than bubbles. It is also the safest recommendation for a household sharing a machine with someone who will not read instructions.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if fizz control matters to you, or if you plan to carbonate anything other than water and flavoured drops. The Terra’s press-count system is intentionally simple, and a machine designed around a physical lever gives you a wider, more repeatable range.
3. Drinkmate OmniFizz – Best for Juice, Tea and Cocktails
Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Water Maker & Soda Streaming Machine | Carbonates Any Drink | BPA-Free Bottle | No Batteries or Electricity Required | CO2 Not Included (Matte Black)
Carbonates any liquid
Patented fizz infuser
1L bottle
No power needed
Pros
- Carbonates juice
- tea
- cocktails and flat soda
- Infuser keeps bottles pressurized to cut gas waste
- No batteries or electricity
- Works with screw-in cylinders
Cons
- Button and infuser needle can loosen over time
- CO2 cylinder not included
- Plastic body feels light
The OmniFizz is the one machine in this roundup whose reason to exist is more than plain water. It forces CO2 directly into the bottle through a patented fizz infuser, so orange juice, iced tea, cocktails and even flat soda come back to life.
It is also the most flexible machine for gas. The listed cylinder is not included, but the machine accepts screw-in cylinders, Quick Connect cylinders and standard CO2 tanks through an adapter hose, which is the cheapest per-litre route if you already have a home refill setup.
The infuser is the smart part. Because the bottle stays pressurised after you stop, gas is not vented to waste, which is a real running-cost difference over months of daily use. Forums repeatedly recommend Drinkmate over SodaStream for exactly this reason, and the 4.4 rating from 2525 reviews reflects strong enthusiasm for the versatility.
The recurring negatives are mechanical. Some owners report the top button and the infuser needle loosening or sticking, and repairs mean pulling the unit apart. The bottles also carry expiration dates because they are designed to be repeatedly pressurised, so treat them as consumables rather than permanent glass.
Who this suits?
This is the pick for anyone who wants sparkling mocktails, fizzy juice for a dinner party, or a second life for flat leftover soda. It is also the cheapest-per-litre option here if you already own a refillable standard tank.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if you only ever drink plain water and want a machine that feels solid on the counter. The plastic body is noticeably lighter than the metal alternatives, and a sticking button in the middle of a dinner party is a worse experience than a cheaper machine with fewer features to go wrong.
Safety note: carbonate any non-water liquid slowly and in small quantities, use a bottle rated for the job, and never exceed the fill line. Over-carbonating juice or wine can foam violently, and users on home carbonation forums have reported damaged seals and bottles from over-pressurised drinks.
4. SodaStream Art – Best for Adjustable Fizz
SodaStream ART Sparkling Water Maker, Value Bundle, Soda Maker, Includes 2 Quick Connect 60L CO2 Cylinders, 2 Dishwasher Safe BPA Free Bottles, 2 bubly Flavor Drops, Make your own Pepsi, Black
Carbonating lever
Quick Connect CO2 system
Plastic body
Dishwasher-safe bottles
Pros
- Lever gives clearly adjustable carbonation strength
- Retro design suits a display counter
- Tight lid holds carbonation for days
- Bundle includes cylinders and bottles
Cons
- Plastic PET bottles rather than glass
- Some reports of gas leaking at the seal
- Bundled flavor drops are weak
The Art is the mechanical sibling to the Terra, and it exists for one reason: the lever. One pull gives you light bubbles, more pulls give you stronger carbonation, and because the action is a physical lever you can feel the cycle rather than guess at it.
At 4.6 stars across 2114 reviews, with 82% of ratings at five stars, satisfaction here is high for a machine in this price band. The lid is the other quiet hero: bottles kept carbonated for days without going noticeably flat, which solves one of the most common complaints in sparkling water communities.
Design is not incidental with this one. The retro silhouette was clearly meant to be looked at rather than hidden in a cupboard, and it is the most deliberately styled plastic-bodied machine in this roundup.
A minority of reviews report seal and leakage problems around the bottle neck, and the bundled flavour drops are not the strongest use of the money in the box. Plan on buying the cylinders and water separately if you are picky about flavour.
Who this suits?
Choose the Art if you enjoy sparkling water enough to care how fizzy it is, and if you want one machine that covers water, flavour drops and syrup-based sodas. It is also a good fit for anyone hosting regularly, where a tight seal matters more than the machine looking technical.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if you want glass bottles or a metal body, or if under-cabinet clearance is tight. At 16.9 inches tall it is one of the taller machines here, and the lever adds a little depth to the footprint behind the body.
5. Philips ADD4902WHOQ – Best for Small Kitchens
Philips Sparkling Water Maker & Soda Streaming Machine, ADD4902WHOQ/37
1L BPA-free bottle
Quick Twist lock
Stainless steel housing
No power needed
Pros
- Metal housing at a low entry point
- Compact footprint
- Press once for light sparkle or 2-3 times for more
- Standard screw-in cylinders
Cons
- Seals and threads reported to leak over time
- Only one bottle included
- CO2 cylinder not included
The Quick Twist system is the most straightforward bottle mechanism in this roundup. Twist the bottle in, press to carbonate. There is no lever to learn, no preset panel and no power cord, so the only thing standing between you and sparkling water is a standard 60L screw-in cylinder.
Two things make it interesting. The housing is stainless steel, which is unusual at this entry point, and the 1L bottle is larger than the Aarke’s 800 ml. Reviewers also note that a single cylinder can carbonate up to 16 gallons, replacing roughly 120 single-use bottles.
The catch is satisfaction. At 4.0 stars with 1542 reviews, this is the second-lowest average in the group, and the reason is consistent: seals, threads and leakage. Reports of prematurity in those parts drag the score down, along with 14% one-star ratings.
That pattern is worth taking seriously rather than dismissing. The machine itself performs, and the bottle system is locked to specific Philips Quick Twist models, so if a seal fails you are replacing within the Philips range rather than switching to a generic bottle.
Who this suits?
This suits renters, small kitchens and anyone who wants a metal-bodied machine without committing to a premium tier. If you carbonate mostly plain water and do not mind buying bottles again every few years, the low outlay is easy to justify.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if you want a sealed bottle that keeps its carbonation for a week, or if you plan to carbonate anything other than water. It is also the wrong choice for anyone who wants to flavour sodas, since it is built as a water carbonator.
6. SodaStream E-Terra – Best for Electric, One-Touch Operation
SodaStream – E-TERRA Soda Maker | VALUE BUNDLE | 3 Automatic Carbonation Levels | Includes 2x CO2 Cylinders, 3x 32 Fl Oz Dishwasher Safe Bottles, 2x Bubly Fruit Flavor Drops, 1x Power Adapter | Black
Three preset fizz levels
Electric with AC adapter
Blue illumination
Three 32 oz bottles
Pros
- Three preset carbonation levels remove guesswork
- Power adapter included
- Blue light makes the cycle visible
- Bundles cylinders
- bottles and flavour drops
Cons
- Needs a nearby outlet and a cord on the counter
- Plastic housing
- Included flavor drops are weak
This is the electric option in the roundup, and the reason to choose it is the preset levels. Three automatic carbonation settings mean you stop counting button presses entirely, which is the single biggest usability difference between manual and electric machines.
The blue illumination during the carbonation cycle is more useful than it sounds. You can see when the machine is working instead of standing there guessing, and the AC 100-240V adapter is in the box, so there is no separate accessory purchase.
At 4.5 stars from 1038 reviews, with 79% five-star ratings, the electric approach is well received. Each 60L Quick Connect cylinder carbonates up to 16 gallons, and the machine is compatible with SodaStream, Pepsi, Bubly, Starry and Mountain Dew flavours.
The compromise is space and cord management. A power lead on the counter is a real cost in a compact kitchen, and if you wanted a machine specifically to avoid wiring and outlets, the manual models do that job better.
Who this suits?
Choose the E-Terra if the idea of judging fizz by feel is unsatisfying, or if you want to serve sparkling water to guests without training them first. It is also a sensible pick for a busy office kitchen where several people will use the machine.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if you rent and cannot place an outlet conveniently, or if a cord across the counter bothers you. The preset levels also stop short of the fine control a lever gives you, so manual machines remain the better choice for tinkering.
7. Mysoda Woody – Best for Quiet Operation
Mysoda Woody Sparkling Water Maker with 1L Bottle – Premium Quality – Black
Wood composite body
Noise-free mechanism
1L bottle
Screw-in CO2 cylinder
Pros
- Quietest mechanism in this lineup
- Wood composite body looks warm and premium
- Quick-lock bottle
- No electricity required
Cons
- CO2 cylinder not included
- Only one 1L bottle included
- Quick Connect cylinders will not fit
Noise is a genuine household complaint that almost no roundup addresses, and the Woody is the answer to it. Its mechanism is specifically designed to run quietly, and owners consistently single that out as the reason they chose it over plastic-bodied rivals.
The body is made from renewable-based wood composite rather than moulded plastic, and the finish is what you actually notice day to day. It won a Chicago Athenaeum Green Good Design award among others, and it is the warmest-looking machine here.
Operation is manual and electricity-free, with a quick-lock bottle and a two-to-three press carbonation cycle. The cylinder is sold separately and uses the common screw-in format, so refills are the easier format to source. That is not a serious problem for most households since screw-in cylinders come from many sellers, but it does rule out the convenient exchange programs attached to some other formats.
The limitation is that Quick Connect cylinders are not compatible. That is not a serious problem for most households since screw-in cylinders come from many sellers, but it does rule out the convenient exchange programs attached to some other formats.
Who this suits?
This is the pick for small apartments, open-plan kitchens and anyone who does not want a hissing appliance running while guests are over. The wood finish also suits kitchens that have moved past white plastic appliances.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if you want a bottle rotation on day one, since only one 1L bottle is in the box, and consider the smaller review base of 309 ratings as a reason to weigh the long ownership track record more carefully.
8. Mysoda Ruby 2 – Best for Countertop Style
Mysoda Ruby 2 Sparkling Water Maker – with 1L Bottle – Black Copper
Aluminum body in black copper
Anti-freeze nozzle
1L bottle
Screw-in cylinders
Pros
- Aluminum body feels substantial
- Anti-freeze nozzle yields finer bubbles
- Quiet operation
- Scratch-proof coating simplifies cleaning
Cons
- CO2 cylinder not included
- Quick Connect cylinders incompatible
- Only one 1L bottle included
The Ruby 2 is the machine we would leave out on display. The aluminum body carries a scratch-proof coating in a black copper tone, and at 2.4 kg it has the density of a small appliance rather than a plastic toy.
The technical differentiator is the improved anti-freeze nozzle, which produces a greater volume of smaller bubbles. That shows up in the glass: the carbonation reads finer and more even than the coarse fizz you get from a basic press machine.
At 4.6 stars from 332 reviews, with 82% of ratings at five stars, this is the highest-rated Mysoda model in the group. It also carries a Red Dot Award and a Design from Finland mark.
As with the Woody, the cylinder is sold separately and only common screw-in cylinders fit. The quick-lock bottle needs two to three button presses, and the whole thing runs silently with no electricity involved.
Who this suits?
Choose the Ruby 2 if the machine is visible from the living room and you want it to look deliberate. It also suits anyone who finds fine, small bubbles noticeably better than a light spritz, since the nozzle is tuned for exactly that.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if you need a large bottle or want syrup and flavour-drop compatibility, because this is a water carbonator. With 332 reviews it also carries a thinner evidence base than the heavily reviewed SodaStream models.
9. Breville InFizz Fusion – Best for Build Quality and Multi-Drink Use
Breville InFizz Fusion Sparkling Drink Carbonator, Brushed Stainless Steel
FusionCap for juice and wine
Die-cast lever
Magnetic drip tray
1L bottle with steel cap
Pros
- Highest share of five-star ratings in this group
- Die-cast lever and steel body feel durable
- FusionCap handles juice
- tea
- wine and flat soda
- Quiet operation with removable magnetic drip tray
Cons
- CO2 canister not included
- Only one 1L bottle included
- Tall body may not clear low cabinets
The InFizz Fusion weighs 3.57 kg, which is roughly double most of the plastic machines in this roundup. That extra mass is the die-cast lever and steel body, and owners who upgraded from cheaper machines describe it as a clear step up in build quality.
The FusionCap is the real feature. It is designed to carbonate juice, tea, cocktails, wine and flat soda safely, switching between fast and slow carbonation depending on what is in the bottle. Owners report using it to turn leftover wine into something sparkling.
At 4.6 stars from 169 reviews, with 86% of ratings at five stars, it has the highest five-star share of any machine here. That number is impressive, and it comes with a caveat: 169 reviews is the smallest sample in the group, so treat the percentage as encouraging rather than conclusive.
The box is well thought out. You get a 1L bottle with a stainless steel cap and base, plus a cleaning brush, funnel and sieve, and a magnetic drip tray that lifts out for cleaning. A two-year warranty is included, and an optional 0.6L bottle is sold as an accessory.
Who this suits?
Pick the Fusion if you want one machine that covers sparkling water, sparkling wine and cocktails without switching systems, and if you would rather buy it once than replace a plastic machine in a few years.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if counter height or under-cabinet clearance is a problem, since the body is tall. It is also the top price tier in this roundup, and the canister plus any extra bottles add to that, which is a real cost for a water-only household.
10. Philips ADD4901BKOQ – The Budget Pick
Philips Sparkling Water Maker & Soda Streaming Machine, ADD4901BKOQ/37
1L BPA-free bottle
Quick Twist lock
Plastic housing
No power needed
Pros
- Lowest cost machine in this comparison
- Compact footprint using about half the space of older machines
- Standard 60L screw-in cylinders
- Simple twist-in and press operation
Cons
- Seals and threads reported to leak within months
- Carbonation described as weak by some owners
- Only one bottle included
This is the cheapest way into the category and it does the basic job without fuss. The Quick Twist bottle locks in, you press the button once for gentle sparkle or two to three times for a bolder fizz, and it runs on standard 60L screw-in cylinders with no electricity.
At 4.1 stars from 208 reviews, with 69% five-star ratings, it sits at the bottom of this list on satisfaction, and the reason is consistent across reviews: durability of the seals and bottle threads. Several owners report leakage or connection failure within months of use.
The 1L bottle is BPA-free with an airtight lid, and the machine is compact enough for a small counter. One cylinder can carbonate up to 16 gallons, which is the same efficiency figure as the larger machines in this roundup.
Both Philips machines here restrict bottles to specific Quick Twist models, so replacement bottles come from the same range rather than a generic market. If you already have a filter at the tap, our whole-house filtration guide is worth a look before you carbonate, since water quality drives bubble quality.
Who this suits?
This suits a first-time buyer on a tight budget, a student or dorm room, and anyone who wants to try carbonation before spending on a premium body. The footprint is small enough for a kitchen with almost no free counter space.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if you care about bubble quality, or if you would rather not replace bottles and seals over time. The reported leakage issues suggest a shorter useful life, which cancels much of the saving if you plan to keep it for years.
How to Choose the Right Sparkling Water Maker?
Manual or electric. A manual machine gives you the widest control because you decide how long CO2 enters the bottle, and it needs no outlet, cord or batteries. An electric machine trades that control for three preset levels, which is easier for guests and for anyone who does not want to judge fizz by feel. If your counter has no convenient outlet, manual is the only sensible choice.
Cylinder format. This is the decision people regret. Quick Connect cylinders push on with one hand and are tied to a specific brand ecosystem and its exchange program. Screw-in cylinders are the more universal format, are accepted by the Philips, Mysoda and Breville machines here and by most third-party sellers. A 60L cylinder is the standard unit, and the machines here that use one typically produce around 16 gallons of sparkling water per cylinder.
Refill cost, not purchase cost. Divide what you pay for a cylinder by the litres it yields and you get the number that actually matters. A machine that looks expensive per unit can be cheaper over two years if its bottle seals hold pressure and it wastes less gas. A machine that holds pressure is worth more than one that looks better on the counter, and reviews that mention leaking seals are the ones to read carefully.
Bottle material. Tritan and PET plastic bottles are light, cheap to replace and dishwasher-safe on most models here, but users on home carbonation forums report that repeated pressurising shortens their life and that dishwasher heat can degrade the seals over time. Glass bottles taste cleaner and stay cold longer, and stainless steel bottles are reported by users to keep water chilled and fresher than plastic, but all three cost more to replace. If you plan a three-bottle fridge rotation, budget for that.
Counter footprint and clearance. Heights range from about 16.06 inches on the Mysoda Woody to 18.6 inches on the Philips models. Measure your cabinet clearance before you buy, and remember that the bottle stays attached while it carbonates, so the useful working height includes the bottle neck.
What you are carbonating. Water, flavoured drops and syrups are handled by every SodaStream model here. Juice, tea, wine and cocktails need a machine designed for it, such as the Drinkmate OmniFizz with its fizz infuser or the Breville InFizz Fusion with its FusionCap. Carbonate those drinks slowly, stay under the fill line, and use a bottle rated for the job.
When a sparkling tap is the better answer. If you drink several litres a day, want continuous pouring at the sink and do not mind a plumbed installation, a sparkling water tap removes the bottle step entirely. Benchtop carbonators win on flexibility, portability and the ability to carbonate drinks other than water. Renters who cannot modify plumbing should stay with a countertop machine; if hard water is your problem, our water softener guide explains how it interacts with carbonation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best machine for making sparkling water?
The Aarke Carbonator 3 is the best machine for making sparkling water overall, thanks to its stainless steel body, damper-controlled lever and repeatable carbonation. The SodaStream Terra is the best value bundle, and the SodaStream Art is the best for anyone who wants a physical lever to control fizz strength.
What is the best sparkling water machine to buy?
Most people should buy the Aarke Carbonator 3 if you want a machine that looks good and lasts, or the SodaStream Terra if you want bottles, cylinders and flavour drops in one box. Buy a Philips model if counter space is tight, and a Drinkmate OmniFizz if you plan to carbonate juice, tea or cocktails.
Is Ninja or SodaStream better?
SodaStream is the stronger all-round choice: its machines are sold in far more places, use refillable Quick Connect cylinders and cover everything from plain water to syrup sodas. On the machines tested here, SodaStream consistently scored higher on owner satisfaction than the budget alternatives, with tighter seals and more predictable carbonation. We did not test a Ninja machine in this roundup, so we cannot give it a rating.
Are sparkling water makers worth it?
A sparkling water maker is worth it if you drink sparkling water most days. A 60L cylinder typically yields around 16 gallons of sparkling water, which works out to a small fraction of a cent per litre, so the machine usually pays for its cylinder spend within months. It also cuts single-use bottle waste and lets you control sugar and flavourings.
Can you carbonate anything other than water?
Yes, but only on machines designed for it. The Drinkmate OmniFizz and the Breville InFizz Fusion carbonate juice, tea, cocktails and wine, while the SodaStream models handle flavour drops and syrups. Carbonate slowly, stay under the fill line and use a rated bottle, because over-pressurised drinks can foam violently and damage seals.
Why does my sparkling water come out flat with a full cylinder?
The usual causes are a bottle seal that has stopped holding pressure, a warm bottle, or water that was poured at room temperature and never chilled. Cold water holds far more dissolved gas, and a seal that leaks slowly wastes CO2 without showing it. If the same bottle consistently underperforms, replace the seal or the bottle before blaming the cylinder.
Final Verdict: Which Sparkling Water Maker Should You Buy in 2026?
The Aarke Carbonator 3 is our pick for the best sparkling water makers in 2026 because it combines a genuinely better-built machine with the most repeatable carbonation control we tested, and it needs no power at all. Buy the SodaStream Terra if you want the most complete starting package, the SodaStream Art if fizz control is the point, and the Drinkmate OmniFizz if you plan to carbonate more than water.
Whatever you pick, start with a bottle of cold water, a slow first cycle, and a proper look at your cylinder format before you order refills.