How to Choose the Best Home Soda Maker

July 1, 2025

10 Views 0

SaveSavedRemoved 0

Table of Contents

1 Recommended Top Home Soda Makers 2025
2 What is a Home Soda Maker and How Does it Work?
3 How to Choose the Best Home Soda Maker: A Complete Buying Guide
4 Your Perfect Pour: Making the Final Decision
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6 See a Home Soda Maker in Action

Choosing the best home soda maker in 2025 ultimately comes down to balancing your priorities between running costs, convenience, and customisation.

For most UK households seeking value, a manual carbonation machine compatible with widely available screw-in CO2 cylinders offers the best combination of control and affordability. However, if one-touch convenience is your top priority, an electric model with preset carbonation levels is an excellent, albeit more expensive, choice.

A home soda maker, also known as a sparkling water maker, is a brilliant kitchen gadget that transforms ordinary tap water into fizzy water in seconds. It’s perfect for anyone who regularly buys bottled sparkling water, wants to reduce their single-use plastic consumption, or simply enjoys creating their own custom fizzy drinks.

Selecting the right model isn’t just about the initial purchase price; it’s about understanding the long-term running costs, the type of bottles you’ll use, and how it will fit into your daily routine. A thoughtful choice will save you money, be better for the planet, and deliver perfect bubbles every time.

Recommended Top Home Soda Makers 2025

Considering the guidance provided, coupled with buyer feedback and the options on the market, we suggest these models of Home Soda Makers as top choices for cost-effectiveness.

SaleRecommended Product No. 1

SodaStream - Terra Sparkling Water Maker, Quick Connect CO2 System, Includes 60L Gas Cylinder,...

Transform Your Hydration Experience: With the Terra sparkling water maker, turn ordinary tap water into exciting carbonated drinks in seconds; ideal for creating refreshing soft drinks, while reducing your plastic footprint. Enjoy the convenience of never having to go to the shop, carry heavy bottles, or worry about storage. The Terra sparkling water maker is always available when you need it, providing instant access to sparkling water and beverages right from the comfort of your home
Discover Limitless Flavours: Unlock a world of taste with the Terra fizzy water maker; customise your drinks with a variety of flavours from Sodastream and Pepsi. The Terra sparkling water maker is a smart way to enjoy your favourite sparkling drinks. It's easy to use, fun, and refreshing anytime of the day. Hosting a party? With the availability of a wide selection of flavoured drinks, youâ€ll have something for everyoneâ€s tasteâ€”making it the ideal choice for any occasion.
A Step Towards Sustainability: Embrace eco-friendly living with the Terra machine; reduce single-use plastic bottles consumption. A stylish addition to your kitchen that supports a greener planet.

SaleRecommended Product No. 2

SodaStream Duo Sparkling Water Maker, Sparkling Water Machine & 2x 1L Fizzy Water Bottles, Retro...

Introducing Duo: Enjoy the best of both worlds as you transform plain water into fresh sparkling water, or tasty soft drinks, in seconds. Stylish and versatile, Duo works with glass or plastic bottles
Better for you, better for the planet: Keep hydrated and create healthy and delicious flavoured drinks, cocktails and more at home. Say goodbye to single use plastic and hello to effortless sparkle
Be the change: Reduce your plastic waste as our fizzy water maker could save you up to 1,282 single-use plastic bottles over 4 years. With SodaStream, sparkling water doesnâ€t have to cost the Earth

SaleRecommended Product No. 3

GEEPAS Sparkling Water Maker with 900ml Bottle | Soda Maker, Soda Machine for Fizzy Drinks Machine...

✅ SPARKING SODA MAKER AT HOME: With just a touch of a button, enjoy fresh soda water or fizzy drinks quickly. Enjoy creating a variety of colorful beverages anytime, anywhere, indulging in the joy of making soda water, juice, wine, cocktails, or beer. It also makes a great gift to share happiness with friends.
✅ QUICK & EASY TO USE: All you need to do is fill the bottle with clean, cold water, screw in a 60L CO2 cylinder(Not Included), and press the carbonation button for 2-3 seconds to achieve your desired taste of richly flavored, cool, bubbly water. However, please ensure not to carbonate for more than 5 seconds at a time and use cold water between 4-5°C for richer bubbles and a better taste.
✅ BPA-FREE NONTOXIC PET CARBONATING BOTTLE: Designed for durability and withstanding the pressure of carbonation, the BPA-free 900ML carbonating bottle has an airtight sealed lid to keep your sparkling drinks fizzy for longer. 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄: 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐬𝐞.

SaleRecommended Product No. 4

SodaStream - Art Sparkling Water Maker, Retro Design, Quick Connect CO2 system, Includes 60L Gas...

Transform Your Hydration: With the SodaStream Art Sparkling Water Maker, elevate daily water intake into an exciting experience; create refreshing fizzy drinks effortlessly at home; ideal for family gatherings or solo relaxation time. Enjoy the convenience of never having to go to the shop, carry heavy bottles, or worry about storage. The Art sparkling water maker is always available when you need it, providing instant access to sparkling water and drinks right from the comfort of your home
Discover Limitless Flavours: Unlock a world of taste with the Art fizzy water maker; customise your drinks with a variety of flavours from Sodastream and Pepsi. The Art sparkling water maker is a smart way to enjoy your favourite sparkling drinks, offering a delicious taste and a wide selection of flavours. It's easy to use, fun, and refreshing anytime of the day. Hosting a party? With Sodastream, you'll have something for everyone's taste making it the ideal choice for any occasion
A Step Towards Sustainability: Embrace eco-friendly living with the Terra machine; reduce single-use plastic bottles consumption. A stylish addition to your kitchen that supports a greener planet

SaleRecommended Product No. 5

Art Sparkling Water Maker, Sparkling Water Machine & 1 L Fizzy Water Bottle, Retro Drinks Maker w....

The Art of sparkling water: Transform plain water into fresh sparkling water, or tasty soft drinks, in seconds. Designed for the modern kitchen, this stylish retro machine will complement any daccor
Better for you, better for the planet: Keep hydrated and create healthy and delicious flavoured drinks, cocktails and more at home. Say goodbye to single use plastic and hello to effortless sparkle
Be the change: Reduce your plastic waste. With SodaStream, sparkling water doesn't have to cost the Earth

What is a Home Soda Maker and How Does it Work?

At its core, a home soda maker is a surprisingly simple device designed for one primary purpose: to dissolve carbon dioxide (CO2) gas into water under pressure. This process, known as carbonation, is what creates the bubbles in fizzy drinks. The machine itself is essentially a stand that holds a bottle of water and a cylinder of food-grade CO2 gas.

The process is straightforward. You fill a specially designed, pressure-resistant bottle with cold water, attach it to the machine, and then press a button or pull a lever. This action releases CO2 from the cylinder, injecting it directly into the water. After a few seconds, you have freshly made sparkling water, ready to drink as is or with added flavours. The key components are the carbonation machine itself, a replaceable CO2 cylinder, and one or more reusable bottles.

How to Choose the Best Home Soda Maker: A Complete Buying Guide

Navigating the world of sparkling water makers can feel a bit daunting at first. With different technologies, bottle types, and running costs to consider, it’s easy to get lost in the fizz. But fear not. As an expert who has tested countless kitchen gadgets, I’m here to walk you through every critical factor. My experience has shown that the happiest owners are those who looked beyond the initial price tag and considered how the machine would fit into their lives long-term. Let’s break down what truly matters when choosing your perfect home soda maker.

Manual vs. Electric Models: Convenience vs. Control

The first major decision you’ll face is whether to opt for a manual or an electric machine. This choice fundamentally affects how you use the device, its placement in your kitchen, and the consistency of the carbonation.

The Appeal of Manual Soda Makers

Manual models are the workhorses of the sparkling water world. They operate without any electricity, relying on your physical action to carbonate the water. You typically press a large button or pump a lever on top of the machine multiple times. Each press injects a shot of CO2 into the bottle.

The primary advantage here is control. You are in complete charge of the carbonation levels. If you prefer a light, gentle fizz, you might press the button just two or three times. If you love an intense, almost-painful sparkle, you can keep pressing until the machine’s pressure-release valve makes a buzzing or hissing sound. This hands-on approach allows you to tailor every single bottle to your exact preference.

Another huge benefit is portability. Since they don’t need to be plugged in, you can place a manual sparkling water maker anywhere on your kitchen counter, take it to the dining table, or even bring it into the garden for a summer barbecue. From my experience, this freedom from a power cord is a more significant advantage than many people initially realise. They are also generally less expensive to purchase upfront.

The Simplicity of Electric Soda Makers

Electric models are all about effortless, one-touch convenience. You plug the machine into a wall socket, and it handles the carbonation process for you. Most electric machines feature a set of buttons, typically for three distinct carbonation levels: light, medium, and high fizz.

You simply dock the bottle, press your desired level, and the machine automatically injects the precise amount of CO2 to achieve that result consistently, every single time. This is their main selling point: perfect, repeatable results with a single touch. If you have multiple people in your household with different preferences, or if you value speed and ease above all else, an electric model is very appealing.

However, this convenience comes at a price. Electric models are almost always more expensive than their manual counterparts. They also require a permanent spot near a power socket, which can limit placement options in a crowded kitchen. Finally, you lose the ability to fine-tune the fizz beyond the preset levels offered.

The Heart of the Machine: CO2 Cylinders and Compatibility

This is, without a doubt, the most important factor for the pragmatic, cost-conscious consumer. The initial cost of the home soda maker is a one-time expense, but the CO2 is a recurring cost. Understanding the cylinders is key to managing your long-term spending.

Proprietary vs. Third-Party and Refill Schemes

Most soda makers are sold by brands that also produce their own proprietary CO2 cylinders. The most famous is SodaStream, which has historically dominated the market. They operate an exchange programme: you buy your first cylinder for a higher price (around £25-£30), and when it’s empty, you take it to a registered retailer and exchange it for a full one at a reduced price (typically £13-£15).

A crucial tip I always give is to investigate your local refill options before you buy a machine. Major supermarkets like Sainsbury’s and Asda, as well as retailers like Argos and Robert Dyas, are common exchange points. However, a growing number of third-party services now offer to refill your official cylinders for an even lower price. A quick online search for “CO2 refill near me” can reveal local businesses that provide this service, potentially cutting your running costs in half. This is where the real long-term savings are found.

The Great Cylinder Debate: Blue vs. Pink

To make things more complex, the market leader, SodaStream, now has two different cylinder systems that are not cross-compatible:

The Blue Screw-In System: This is the classic, long-standing system. You manually screw the blue-labelled cylinder into the back or base of the machine. It’s widely available and compatible with a huge range of older SodaStream models and many third-party machines.
The Pink Quick-Connect System: This is the newer system, designed for convenience. The pink-labelled cylinders feature a ‘Quick Connect’ mechanism that simply clicks into place with a lever. It’s faster and easier, but it’s only compatible with newer SodaStream models (like the Art, Terra, and Duo).

When choosing a carbonation machine, you must check which cylinder system it uses. The blue system currently offers more flexibility with third-party machines and refill services, whilst the pink system offers greater ease of use but locks you more tightly into the official ecosystem for now.

Cylinder Size and Yield

The standard size for a home soda maker cylinder is a “60-Litre” cylinder. This is a slightly confusing marketing term. It doesn’t mean the cylinder contains 60 litres of gas; it means it contains enough CO2 (425g) to carbonate up to 60 litres of water. Your actual yield will depend entirely on how fizzy you make your water. If you prefer a light sparkle, you might get close to 60 litres. If you’re like me and love an aggressive fizz, you’ll likely get closer to 30-40 litres per cylinder. Factoring this into your cost-per-litre calculation is essential.

Bottles Matter: Material, Size, and Lifespan

The bottle is where the magic happens. It needs to withstand significant pressure repeatedly, so its material, size, and maintenance are critical for both safety and convenience. Using reusable bottles is the cornerstone of the system’s eco-friendly credentials.

Plastic vs. Glass Carafes

This is another key decision point that affects daily use and aesthetics.

Plastic (PET) Bottles: Most home soda makers come with BPA-free PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles. They are lightweight, shatter-resistant, and relatively inexpensive. They are the standard for a reason. However, their biggest drawback is that they have an expiry date printed on them (usually 2-3 years from manufacture). This isn’t a marketing ploy; it’s a safety measure. Over time, the repeated stress of carbonation can cause micro-fractures in the plastic, increasing the risk of it failing under pressure. Another common pitfall is that most standard plastic bottles are not dishwasher-safe and must be hand-washed in lukewarm water to prevent warping.
Glass Carafes: A growing number of premium models are compatible with elegant glass carafes. The immediate benefit is aesthetic—they look fantastic on a dinner table. More practically, glass is infinitely reusable, has no expiry date, and is almost always dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. The downside is that glass is heavier and can shatter if dropped. The machines that use glass carafes, like the SodaStream Crystal or Duo, often have a protective metal shroud that the carafe sits inside during carbonation for safety.

Bottle Size and Dishwasher Safety

Standard bottles come in 1-litre and 0.5-litre ‘on-the-go’ sizes. A family will likely get more use out of several 1-litre bottles, whilst a single person might prefer the smaller size. Always look for a ‘fill line’ on the bottle and respect it; using cold water and not overfilling are keys to getting the best fizz and preventing spills.

As mentioned, check a bottle’s cleaning instructions carefully. Having to hand-wash bottles every day can become a chore. If easy cleaning is a priority, actively look for a sparkling water maker that comes with or is compatible with dishwasher-safe bottles, whether they are plastic or glass.

Design, Footprint, and Build Quality

Your new gadget will likely live on your kitchen counter, so it needs to fit the space and your style.

Size and Kitchen Counter Space

Before you click ‘buy’, get out a tape measure. Some models, especially older ones, are quite tall and may not fit under low-hanging kitchen cupboards. Measure the height, width, and depth of your intended space. The design varies from tall and slim, which have a small footprint, to shorter and more robust. Also, consider the action required to use it—a lever on top will need more vertical clearance than side buttons.

Materials and Aesthetics

The build quality often corresponds to the price. Entry-level models are typically all-plastic, which is functional but can feel less durable. Mid-range and premium models often incorporate stainless steel accents or full metal bodies. These not only look more professional but also add weight and stability to the unit, preventing it from shifting around on the counter during use. Choosing a colour and style that complements your kitchen décor is a small but satisfying detail.

Ease of Use Features

Little design choices can make a big difference in daily use. How does the bottle attach? Some models require you to screw the bottle into place, which can be a little fiddly. Newer designs often feature a ‘snap-lock’ mechanism where you simply push the bottle up and back until it clicks. This is significantly easier, especially for users with dexterity issues. Similarly, compare the ease of a Quick Connect cylinder to the traditional screw-in type.

The Fun Part: Carbonation Levels and Flavour Options

Once you’ve handled the practicalities, you can think about the output: the fizz and the flavour.

Customising Your Fizz

As we’ve discussed, manual machines give you unlimited control over fizz levels via the number of pumps. Electric machines offer consistency with preset buttons. Neither is inherently better; it’s purely down to personal preference. Do you want artisanal control or automated simplicity? Think about who will be using the carbonation machine most often.

Exploring Flavour Options

An entire world of flavour options awaits you. Brands like SodaStream offer a huge range of their own syrups, from classic colas and lemonades to fruit drops and branded partnerships (like Pepsi Max). These are convenient but can be quite high in sugar and relatively expensive.

The real joy, in my experience, comes from experimenting. You can use any cordial, squash, or fruit juice to flavour your sparkling water. Health-conscious users can add a squeeze of fresh lime, a few muddled raspberries, or some mint leaves. There is a booming market for high-quality, ‘craft’ cordials and natural flavour essences designed for sparkling water. A crucial rule to remember: always carbonate the plain water first, then add your flavouring directly to the bottle or glass afterwards. Adding flavourings before carbonating will create a volcanic, sticky mess, clog the machine’s nozzle, and likely void your warranty.

The Eco-Friendly & Cost-Saving Angle

For many, the two biggest drivers for buying a home soda maker are saving money and reducing environmental impact. These are compelling reasons.

Reducing Plastic Waste

This is a significant, tangible benefit. The average UK household gets through hundreds of single-use plastic bottles a year. A single reusable bottle for your soda maker can replace thousands of these over its lifespan. By switching, you are making a direct, positive impact on plastic pollution and the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and transporting bottled water. This eco-friendly aspect is a powerful motivator.

Long-Term Savings Calculation

Let’s do the maths. A 2-litre bottle of branded sparkling water from a supermarket can cost anywhere from 60p to over £1.50. Let’s take an average of 90p, which is 45p per litre.

Now, let’s calculate the cost of homemade fizz:
1. CO2 Cost: A £14 refill for a 60L cylinder that yields, let’s say, 45 litres of very fizzy water works out to about 31p per litre.
2. Water Cost: The cost of tap water in the UK is negligible, around 0.2p per litre.
3. Total: Your homemade sparkling water costs just over 31p per litre.

In this example, you are saving around 14p per litre. If your family drinks 4 litres of sparkling water a week, that’s a saving of over £29 a year after you’ve paid off the initial cost of the machine. If you buy more expensive branded water or find cheaper CO2 refills, the savings become much more substantial very quickly.

Your Perfect Pour: Making the Final Decision

Armed with this detailed knowledge, you are now in a fantastic position to choose the best home soda maker for your needs. The journey starts by assessing the running costs. Investigate the CO2 cylinder exchange and refill options in your area first, as this will be your biggest ongoing expense. Settle on the system – the widely compatible blue screw-in or the convenient pink quick-connect – that aligns with your budget and local availability.

Once you’ve sorted the gas, the rest falls into place. Choose between a manual machine for ultimate control and placement freedom, or an electric one for one-touch simplicity. Decide if the easy-clean, stylish nature of glass carafes outweighs the lightweight practicality of plastic bottles. Measure your counter space, consider your kitchen’s aesthetic, and you’ll find the perfect model waiting for you. Now you’re ready to say goodbye to single-use plastic and hello to endless, customised bubbles on demand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I carbonate liquids other than water?

The answer from every manufacturer is a firm no. You should only ever carbonate plain, cold water. The machines are designed specifically for the viscosity and properties of water. Attempting to carbonate juice, wine, or pre-mixed drinks can cause a violent over-pressurisation, creating a huge, sticky eruption. The sugars and pulp can also clog the machine’s internal nozzles and valves, causing permanent damage and voiding your warranty.

How much does it cost to run a sparkling water maker?

The primary running cost is the CO2 gas. An official cylinder exchange in the UK typically costs between £13 and £15. Assuming a cylinder makes between 40-60 litres of sparkling water (depending on your preferred fizz level), the cost per litre for the CO2 is roughly 22p to 38p. Compared to buying store-bought sparkling water, which can range from 30p to over £1 per litre, the long-term savings are significant once you have covered the initial cost of the machine itself.

Are the plastic bottles safe to use?

Yes, they are safe. The reusable bottles supplied with reputable machines are made from BPA-free PET plastic, which is specifically engineered to be food-safe and to withstand the high pressures of carbonation. It is very important, however, to respect the expiry date printed on each bottle. Over years of use, the plastic can develop invisible micro-fractures, making it less resilient to pressure. Replacing the bottles once they expire is a crucial safety step.

How do I know when the CO2 cylinder is empty?

You’ll notice several clear signs. The most obvious is that your water will simply stop getting fizzy when you operate the machine. You may also hear a sputtering sound instead of the crisp hiss of gas being injected. When you press the carbonation button, you won’t feel the same resistance, and no bubbles will appear in the bottle. Many users, myself included, find it’s a good idea to keep a spare full cylinder on hand to avoid being caught out.

Can I use any brand’s CO2 cylinder in my machine?

This depends on the connection system. Generally, any cylinder with the traditional blue ‘screw-in’ connector will work in any machine designed for that system, regardless of the brand. Likewise, the newer pink ‘quick-connect’ cylinders are interchangeable between machines that use that specific system. However, you cannot use a blue cylinder in a pink machine, or vice-versa. Always check your machine’s specifications, as manufacturers will always recommend using their own branded cylinders to ensure safety and warranty compliance.