When’s the last time you tried making sparkling water or soda at home? At-home sparkling water and soda makers have come a long way in the years since SodaStream debuted the first major home carbonating system in 2009. These days, there are several major brands to choose from and dozens of models to suit every need, whether you're eager to create your own flavored seltzers or want to try your hand at concocting your own colas. Making your own sparkling water or soda at home not only makes sense financially, it creates less waste, thanks to the reusable bottles that accompany most at-home soda-making sets. (Because we are all on the reusable water bottles, travel mugs, and bags bandwagon, right?)
But choosing the right soda maker isn't always as simple as it seems. We created this guide to ensure that you will end up with a durable machine that produces consistent results, and fits not only your specific soda- or seltzer-making needs, but your budget, too. We looked at the soda maker’s performance, its design, and the fizz factor of the final product. Read on for the best, prettiest, and most effective on the market.
The Best Sparkling Water and Soda Makers
What to Consider
Finding the perfect fizz maker for you isn’t as easy as it sounds. You’re going to want to think about the size of the soda maker, the material the bottle is made with, whether or not it comes with a carbonator, and power requirements. Read on for specific guidelines, and you’ll be well on your way to making the best choice for you and your crew.
Size: You’re going to want to measure your space carefully before buying, because soda makers can vary considerably in terms of height. If you want to keep it out all the time, make sure it fits into the nook you have in mind before clicking “buy.”
Bottle material: More and more shoppers want their goods—even plastic ones—to be BPA-free. We have plenty of options.
CO2: Not all machines come with a CO2 carbonator. So, if you’re looking for a quick set-up or are purchasing the machine as a gift, look for models that come with the carbonator.
Power requirements: For some seltzer devotees, keeping a sparkling water or soda maker plugged in on the kitchen counter seems like a natural choice. However, for folks who only plan to pull out their soda-making system for parties or want to be able to operate it on road trips, a machine that doesn't require electricity makes more sense.
How We Selected
To create our list, we consulted expert and consumer reviews, and came up with the most highly-rated products on the market. We also considered aesthetic factors, carbonation variability, and price when making our final determinations.
For more great drinks inspo, check out our cocktail-making guide, a recipe for the perfect Old-Fashioned, and our rundown of the best juicers, bar none.