Best SodaStreams and sparkling water machines for making fizzy drinks at home

If you love fizzy drinks, a sparkling water maker could be a great addition for your kitchen. For the best value, look for carbonators with durable bottles and gas canisters that can later be recycled and replaced as part of a nationwide programme.

Some of these clever machines have a simple and sleek monochrome look; others boast beautiful curves in a range of gorgeous finishes – all of them will create delicious bubbles to jazz up your drinks. A SodaStream is also an excellent way to encourage your children to drink water, and some can even be used with wine to make your own celebration fizz.

Whatever your budget and preferred tipple, here are the best sparkling water makers to buy in 2022.

1. Best overall SodaStream: SodaStream Spirit One Touch

Price: £134.99 | Buy now from Amazon

“I have the One Touch Spirit SodaStream, and have loved it for a few years. Saved so much single use plastic by taking fizzy water to work every day.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user cyclingwife)

The SodaStream Spirit One Touch has an attractive, simple matte black design and is super easy to use. Snapping the robust BPA-free plastic bottle into place is simple, and you can control the number of bubbles you’re introducing into the water; three pumps for a light fizz and five for a more intense feel and flavour.

A sleek one-litre bottle and gas canister (enough for 60 litres of water) are included, making this a great value bundle. You’ll also receive a fantastic recipe book for delicious cocktails and refreshing summer drinks.

This is a quiet machine, but you don’t miss out on the satisfying hiss. The SodaStream Spirit is made of durable black plastic that feels strong and will look great out on the countertop of any modern kitchen.

Key specs

• Water bottles included: One 1000ml bottle

• Colours available: Black; white; black and gold

• Height: 42.9 cm

• Warranty: Two years

Pros

• Quiet

• Easy to use

• Durable

Cons

• Not as stylish as some models

2. Best budget sparkling water maker: Levivo Water Bubbler Set

Price: £76.86 | Buy now from Amazon

We think the Levivo Water Bubbler Set is the best value SodaStream alternative available in the UK. You get a robust machine, two carbonation bottles and a gas canister included in the package, which is excellent value.

This is a streamlined, good-looking machine that is easy to use. The bottle can be attached quickly and is released with a no-fuss one-button press and twist mechanism. You can also control the amount of fizz, which is great when serving drinks to the whole family.

The Levivo Water Bubbler comes in classic black, modern white and a funky red and silver design. It’s attractive enough to be on display but is compact enough to fit neatly into the cupboard.

Key specs

• Water bottles included: Two 1000ml bottles

• Colours available: White; black; red/silver

• Height: 42.3 cm

• Warranty: One year

Pros

• Gas canister included

• Great value

• Would make a fantastic gift

Cons

• The gas canisters aren’t accepted in some exchange schemes

3. Best one-touch sparkling water maker: SodaStream Genesis Sparkling Water Maker

Price: £87.00 | Buy now from Amazon

“Absolutely love mine. One of the best purchases I’ve made.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user catfunk)

The SodaStream Genesis Sparkling Water Maker is a no-nonsense machine that feels sturdy, looks great and uses gas canisters that can be recycled as part of an innovative, money-saving and environmentally-friendly exchange programme.

The Genesis has a stylish modern design and comes in black or white; it will fit elegantly into most contemporary kitchens. It is also straightforward to use; the bottles can be attached and removed in moments with a simple twist and lock system.

We loved the fact you can choose the level of fizz you’re adding to your hydration, as this allows you to cater to all tastes and styles of drink, from crisp gin and tonics to cooling beverages that will truly tickle the taste buds.

Key specs

• Water bottles included: One 1000ml bottle

• Colours available: White or black

• Height: 43.1 cm

• Warranty: Two years

Pros

• Quick fizz action

• Great value

• Controllable level of fizz

Cons

• You can only use SodaStream gas canisters

4. Best eco-friendly soda maker: SodaStream Crystal Sparkling Water Maker

Price: £97.50 | Buy now from Amazon

“We've had ours for a few years now, and I love it. I got it so that we could cut right down on the amount of plastic we were buying - we were going through at least four two-litre bottles of fizzy water a week, sometimes double that if it was hot. I bought the Crystal option which comes with glass bottles. I bought four extra bottles, so in our fridge we always have six 600ml bottles of fizzy water.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user BIWI)

In terms of being kind to the environment, the SodaStream Crystal is one of the best fizzy water makers UK retailers sell. Why? It comes with durable and sleek glass bottles rather than plastic, a fantastic feature for consumers trying to minimise the amount of plastic in their lives.

The Crystal has a funky, geometric design and will look fabulous in a modern kitchen. The dishwasher-safe bottles are elegant, and as they're made of glass they are lovely to drink out of.

This fantastic machine is easy to use. It has a twist lock mechanism, one button carbonation and provides bespoke levels of fizz. We were also delighted with the standard two-year SodaStream guarantee against faults.

Key specs

• Water bottles included: One 600ml glass bottle

• Colours available: Black

• Height: 44 cm

• Warranty: Two year guarantee

Pros

• Gas canister included

• Glass rather than plastic bottle

• Stylish

Cons

• Small carbonation bottles

5. Best sparkling water maker for style: Aarke Carbonator 3 Sparkling Water Maker

Price: £169.00 | Buy now from Amazon

“We have an Aarke because it looks nicer, but also because it does not use power. The SodaStream bottles fit the Aarke which slightly brings down some of the cost.” (Suggested by Mumsnet user schoggiweggli)

The Aarke Carbonator 3 Sparkling Water Maker is a beautiful machine available in a wide range of gorgeous colours and finishes from copper and gold to stainless steel and chrome; there’s a design to suit every kitchen.

This brilliant sparkling water maker comes with two stylish one-litre bottles which are made from BPA-free plastic and are dishwasher safe. Unfortunately, there’s no CO2 canister included, but all generic brands will fit, and it’s a good idea to choose one that is part of a recycling scheme.

The carbonation lever looks great and is easy to use; reviewers loved the smoothness of each action, the drip tray and the entirely splash-free process. Aarke sugar-free essence drops are also delicious and not too sweet.

Key specs

• Water bottles included: Two x 800ml

• Colours available: Black; white; copper; chrome; grey; sand; stainless steel; gold

• Height: 41.4 cm

• Warranty: Lifetime on everything other than cosmetic damage

Pros

• Stylish

• Lifetime guarantee

• BPA-free bottles

Cons

• Noisy

• Pricey

6. Best versatile water carbonator: Drinkmate Omnifizz Sparkling Water Maker

Price: £129.99 | Buy now from Amazon

“We have the Drinkmate and use it daily.” (Suggested by Mumsnet user Eve)

The Drinkmate Omnifizz Carbonator is unique because it can add tantalising bubbles to any drink, from white wine to fresh orange, thanks to an innovative slow-release valve. So it’s perfect for jazzing up cocktails, making your own ‘prosecco', and tempting your kids into trying exotic fruit juices.

The Drinkmate is user-friendly in every way. Assembling it is straightforward, the instructions are clear and perfect carbonation is achieved in moments. The robust bottles slide in effortlessly, and most brands of CO2 canisters will fit.

This clever soda water maker has a simple design with no frills and comes in modern black or white and bold blue or red. It’s also very light and compact, so it’s great for visiting a friend’s house for a party.

Key specs

• Water bottles included: One 1000ml bottle

• Colours available: White; black; red; blue

• Height: 43 cm

• Warranty: Two years

Pros

• Can be used with all kinds of drink

• Controllable levels of fizz

• Two gas canisters included

Cons

• Expensive

7. Best sparkling water maker for parties: iSI Stainless Steel Soda Siphon

Price: £85.59 | Buy now from Amazon

The iSi is the best sparkling water maker if you fancy yourself as a bartender with pizzazz. It's a soda siphon, a simple yet sophisticated piece of kit for your home bar. It's sleek, is portable and will look excellent on an old-school drinks trolley.

This brilliant soda siphon needs a CO2 canister to create the bubbles and fire the fizzy water into a glass, ready to create a stunning cocktail. We also liked the safety features such as the pressure control valve and clear fill line. Use them, and you’ll avoid mess.

Just remember that the gas cylinders required don’t last as long as bigger SodaStreams.

Key specs

• Water bottles included: Not applicable

• Colours available: Stainless steel

• Height: 36.4 cm

• Warranty: One year

Pros

• Stylish

• Compact and portable

• Adds pizzazz to cocktail night

Cons

• Tricky to assemble

8. Best quiet soda machine: The Carbonator by CO2 YOU

Price: £99.99 | Buy now from Amazon

The Carbonator by CO2 You is a funky-looking sparkling water maker that wouldn’t look out of place on the bar in an expensive hotel. It’s excellent value too, as it comes with a stylish bottle and a gas canister.

Made from durable plastic, The Carbonator feels like it is built to last, and carbonation requires a single touch of a button. You can also choose the levels of fizz you want to add to your drink, and it’s quiet to operate.

Attaching the gas canister is tricky; a safety valve needs to be removed, and it’s hard to reach. That said, once you have the knack, it gets more manageable, and you can feel reassured that it’s a very safe system.

Key specs

• Water bottles included: One 1000ml bottle

• Colours available: White or black

• Height: 44.5 cm

• Warranty: 30-day Amazon return policy

Pros

• Streamlined design

• Quiet

• Gas canister included

Cons

• It’s tricky to replace the gas canister

What is a SodaStream?

SodaStream is the brand that pioneered sparkling water makers in the 1970s. Thanks to their continuing popularity, the term ‘SodaStream’ is sometimes used to describe the many other water carbonators on the market, such as Aarke and Drinkmate.

A ‘SodaStream’ is a machine that uses a gas canister containing pressurised CO2 to add fizzy bubbles to water to make it sparkling. You can then add flavoured syrup or cordial to the water so that you’ve created ‘homemade’ pop.

Many people now buy water carbonators purely because it saves on the plastic waste their home produces. Some models are also considered to be things of beauty, so they take pride of  place on the curated surfaces of house-proud consumers all over the world.

Where to buy SodaStream flavours

SodaStream flavours can be purchased directly from the brand’s website or online retailers like Amazon. The choice is vast; you can buy big-name syrups such as Pepsi Max, SodaStream classics like cream soda and even slimline tonic for your Friday night G&T.

Or, you can follow the advice of Mumsnet user BIWI: “I don't buy the SodaStream flavours. We just add ordinary cordials to the water when we pour.” 

Drinkmate carbonators can also fizz up most drinks, so you can make your own sparkling white wine, add drama to homemade cocktails or jazz up your morning orange juice.

What’s the deal with the CO2 cartridge?

Pressurised gas canisters containing carbon dioxide are essential to creating delicious bubbles. These nifty bottles of fizz are safe when used correctly, but there are strict postage, replacement and disposal rules.

Replacing/exchanging cartridges

“We get the gas canister from Argos or direct from SodaStream.” 

If, like drspous, you buy direct from SodaStream, the price of your replacement gas canister will be around £20.00. You’ll then receive £10 off the cost of your next canister (or a refund) if you send your empties back to them in the safe packaging provided. Alternatively, you can drop them off at Collect+ shops such as Argos.

It’s dangerous to throw gas canisters away, and your recycling service won’t accept them. Check that the maker of your soda water maker operates a recycling programme, so you won’t be stuck with canisters you can’t get rid of safely.

You don’t always have to buy SodaStream gas canisters either. Most of the cheaper generic brands will work with most sparkling water makers; just check your manual before buying.

How long do they last for

A standard SodaStream gas canister will make around 60 litres of fizzy drinks. So, how long it will last depends on how much you consume. The number of bubbles you prefer will also make a difference to canister longevity. If you find yourself pressing the button on your sparkling water maker for longer than recommended to get the extra fizz, the gas will run out sooner.

How do you know they’ve run out?

There are a few clear signs that your CO2 has run out:

• The gas will ‘sputter’ as it is released

• The carbonation button will stop working

• You’ll notice fewer bubbles being created

• The gas will feel less powerful than normal

Are SodaStreams bad for the environment?

The answer to how ‘bad’ SodaStreams are for the environment is complex. However, if your family guzzles a lot of pop, then using a soda water maker will dramatically reduce the amount of plastic and metal waste your family generates.

If you choose the SodaStream Crystal model, which works with reusable glass bottles rather than the standard BPA-free plastic ones, you’re impacting the amount of plastic being created.

However, the production, transport and complicated recycling process of the CO2 bottles required for SodaStream machines means that your fizzy water habit is worse for the environment than simply drinking tap water.

How to choose the best sparkling water maker for you

What is the best sparkling water maker? Here are the features and benefits you need to consider before you invest in a new SodaStream machine:

• Aesthetics: The retro styling of SodaStream machines is one of the reasons they have remained so popular. Sleek lines, streamlined mechanism and the satisfying hiss of the fizz make them great to look at and fun to use. If your sparkling water maker is going to be on display, look for models in colours and finishes that will match the style of your kitchen.

• Ease of use: The best carbonating machine should be simple and quick. The CO2 canister should slot easily in and out, the bottle must be easy to attach and clean, and the fizzing process must be fuss-free.

• Power required: If you want to avoid having unsightly wires cluttering your worktop, choose a carbonator that only requires a CO2 cartridge to work. Avoid machines that need to be plugged in.

• Versatility: Some carbonators, like the Drinkmate, can add fizz to all kinds of fluids, from wine and cocktail mixers to fruit juices and plain water. They are also helpful for reviving pop that has gone flat. Others, like the SodaStreams, are only recommended for use with water.

• Size: If you have a small kitchen but will be using your SodaStream a lot, look for compact models that won’t take up much room on your work surface. If you only need to add fizz to drinks when friends come over for the evening for cocktails, a soda siphon is a fantastic portable option that will sit neatly in your booze cupboard until you need it.

• Quality of bubbles: Some sparkling water makers allow you to choose the level of fizz you’re adding to fluids, this is especially useful if you’re catering to fussy family members or adapting to different types of drinks.

Is carbonated water bad for you?

No evidence suggests that carbonated water is bad for your teeth or general health. However, if you mix high-sugar syrups and cordials with your fizzy water and drink a lot of it, that may have a detrimental effect. Bubbles can also cause mild tummy bloating and burps.

Can you recarbonate flat drinks with a soda maker?

The best at-home sparkling water maker has more than one use, and if your expensive branded pop has gone flat, some models can re-invigorate the missing fizz. That said, SodaStream machines should only be used with water, so check your manual before cracking open the rose wine.

How we chose our recommendations

Recommendations from real Mumsnet users

Many users of the Mumsnet community adore sparkling water and are keen to reduce the plastic waste from their children’s fizzy pop habit. So we listened carefully to their reviews and recommendations on the SodaStream and sparkling water makers they’ve used and rated highly. In addition, we included their advice on any challenges and the essential things to be aware of when investing, such as how expensive spare gas canisters are and the quality of the recommended flavoured syrups.

Expert opinions

SodaStreams, especially automated and stylish models, can be expensive, so we wanted to ensure that the products we recommended were of excellent quality, durable and beautifully designed. To do this, we investigated the views of kitchen appliance connoisseurs and interior designers on the sparkling water makers they trust to perform well while looking fantastic on the countertop.

Authentic customer reviews

Finally, we evaluated SodaStream bestseller lists and scrutinised authentic reviews from various retailer sites to see which carbonators were best rated. We also weighed the pros and cons of each of our choices to determine which products worked best with a variety of drinks and had comprehensive canister recycling programmes.

Why you should trust us

Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in that time, we've investigated, tried and reviewed thousands of products.

As a lover of a refreshing fizzy drink on a summer’s day, our writer Gemma understands the importance of finding the best sparkling water maker for her home and family. So, she was determined to provide honest and independent advice on the most stylish and practical SodaStreams available.