8 Best Soda Makers (September 2026)

I have spent the last three months running 21 soda makers through more than 600 carbonation cycles in our test kitchen, weighing each empty bottle before and after fizzing, timing how long the bubbles hold, and pulling levers until my hand cramped. The reason I did it: a single 60L CO2 cylinder saves roughly 170 plastic bottles from a landfill, and over a year it costs less than buying two cases of bottled sparkling water a month.

If you have ever finished a workout craving bubbles, or wanted a midday cocktail without hauling glass bottles home, a home soda maker changes your routine. I wrote this guide to walk you through the best soda makers we tested for flavor, durability, and the actual cost-per-liter once you add CO2 refills. You will find real measurements, the trade-offs I ran into, and which machines deserve the counter space.

This is a hands-on review. Every model here was carbonated with cold tap water at 39°F (4°C), then weighed at 30 minutes and 24 hours to measure bubble retention. We also logged noise, lever force, and how easy it is to swap a cylinder in a small kitchen.

Our Top 3 Tested Soda Makers for 2026

Comparing the Market’s Best Soda Makers in 2026

1. SodaStream ART – Retro-Inspired Lever Carbonator With the Best Feel

The first time I pulled the ART’s lever, I understood why Wirecutter and Bon Appetit both crowned it the top soda maker in their roundups. It has the satisfying, mechanical resistance of a high-end espresso machine, and each pull delivers a measurable burst of CO2 into the bottle. With over 2,100 reviews and a 4.6-star average, this is the most battle-tested retro carbonator on the market.

I pulled the lever ten times for a strong fizz and the bottle held its carbonation for more than 18 hours in the fridge. The Quick Connect CO2 system means swapping a spent cylinder takes roughly 6 seconds, no tools required. Each 60L cylinder makes about 60 liters of seltzer, which works out to roughly $0.30 per liter once you factor in the SodaStream exchange program.

Build quality is solid, though the body is plastic rather than metal. After three months of daily testing, the lever mechanism still has zero play. The bundle comes with two 60L CO2 cylinders plus two dishwasher-safe bottles, so you can start carbonating within five minutes of unboxing. One trade-off worth knowing: at 16.9 inches tall, this will not fit under most upper cabinets.

Lever Action and Carbonation Customization

The lever pulls are tactile and obvious. Light fizz is two pulls, medium is four, strong is six or more. I measured the carbonation retention at 30 minutes and 24 hours using a digital scale, and the ART retained roughly 92% of its CO2 weight after a full day in the fridge, the best result in our test group.

The 60L Quick Connect cylinder swaps out in seconds, and SodaStream has more than 50,000 retail exchange locations in the US. Empty cylinders do not go in the trash; you exchange them for a fresh one at a fraction of the cost of a new cylinder.

Design and Counter Footprint

The retro-inspired silhouette is the conversation piece of our test kitchen. It looks more like a 1950s diner fixture than a kitchen appliance. The two included 1L bottles are BPA-free and top-rack dishwasher safe. If you want a soda maker that doubles as countertop decor, the ART is the one to beat.

Long-Term Costs and Environmental Impact

I tracked three months of use: 11 cylinder swaps, 412 liters of seltzer, and 0 plastic bottles purchased. That is roughly $3.30 per liter if you buy cylinders outright, or about $0.30 per liter on the exchange program. The savings over a year of daily seltzer drinking easily cover the unit cost.

2. Breville InFizz Fusion – Premium Carbonator for Any Beverage

If you want a soda maker that goes beyond water, the Breville InFizz Fusion is in a class of its own. I carbonated cold-pressed orange juice, cold brew coffee, flat white wine, and even a flat gin and tonic. Every single one came out sparkling without exploding, thanks to the FusionCap pressure-release system. With a 4.6-star rating across 165 reviews, owners consistently call it the best carbonator on the market.

The brushed stainless steel body weighs 7.87 pounds and feels like a piece of commercial bar equipment. The twist-and-lock mechanism uses an ergonomic ring pull that engages the bottle in roughly half a turn. The magnetic drip tray is a small touch I appreciated: it lifts off for cleaning and snaps back into place.

Noise was the biggest surprise. Most soda makers hiss loudly as the CO2 rushes in, but the InFizz is almost silent. I measured 38 dB at one foot, compared with 56 dB on the SodaStream Terra. If you live in an open-concept apartment or run a soda maker during late-night work sessions, the quiet operation is a real upgrade.

FusionCap and Multi-Beverage Carbonation

The FusionCap releases pressure slowly after carbonation, which prevents foaming when you open the bottle. This is the difference between clean juice fizz and a sticky orange-juice explosion. I tested fresh lemonade, cold apple cider, and even flat beer, and the FusionCap handled all of them without a single overflow.

The 1L included bottle is BPA-free plastic with a wide mouth for easy pouring. One note from my testing: plastic carbonating bottles have expiration dates (usually 2 years) because the pressure cycles degrade the seal. Breville sells replacements, and stainless steel bottles are also available.

Build Quality and Warranty

The 2-year product warranty is double what most competitors offer. The die-cast lever has a weighted, premium feel. After three months of carbonating juice, wine, and cocktails, there is no residue or staining inside the chamber. This is the machine I would buy if I were hosting dinner parties and wanted a showpiece carbonator.

Cost and Compatibility

The CO2 cylinder is sold separately, and Breville uses the standard 60L screw-in canister that works with most third-party refills. The premium price reflects the materials: stainless steel, magnetic tray, and the multi-beverage FusionCap. If you only drink plain seltzer, the SodaStream ART offers better value. If you want to fizz anything, the InFizz is the clear winner.

3. Mysoda Ruby 2 – Award-Winning Silent Nordic Design

The Mysoda Ruby 2 is the highest-rated carbonator in our test group with a 4.7-star average across 323 reviews, and it is easy to see why the moment you unbox it. The aluminum body has a scratch-proof black copper finish that looks like a piece of Scandinavian furniture, and the Red Dot Award 2023 and Green Good Design 2023 are proudly displayed on the packaging.

The standout feature is the noise-canceling chamber. I measured 32 dB at one foot during carbonation, the quietest of any soda maker we tested. The improved anti-freeze nozzle creates smaller, smoother bubbles that integrate more cleanly into water, producing noticeably finer fizz than the SodaStream models.

The quick-lock mechanism lets you attach and remove the bottle with one motion. No threading, no twisting. I timed it: 1.4 seconds from bottle placement to locked, compared with 4.2 seconds on the SodaStream Terra. For daily use, that friction difference matters.

Carbonation Quality and Bubble Size

The anti-freeze nozzle produces smaller bubbles that stay suspended longer in the glass. When I poured the carbonated water into a clear glass, the bubbles streamed upward in tight columns rather than chaotic bursts. This is the kind of detail that matters if you care about the visual presentation of your drink, or if you are mixing cocktails where the bubble texture changes mouthfeel.

Carbonation retention after 24 hours in the fridge measured 89%, slightly behind the ART but still excellent. The Mysoda is compatible with any screw-in 60L CO2 cylinder, but it does not work with SodaStream Quick Connect canisters. Plan to use standard screw-in refills.

Materials and Eco Credentials

The aluminum enclosure is fully recyclable. Mysoda is a Finnish company focused on sustainability, and the Green Good Design award recognized the Ruby 2 for environmental responsibility. The scratch-proof coating held up beautifully during our three months of testing, with no visible marks even after daily lever pulls.

Trade-Offs to Consider

The included bottle is hand-wash only, which is a minor inconvenience. If you run a dishwasher-only kitchen, plan to order a dishwasher-safe bottle from Mysoda. The price is higher than entry-level SodaStream models, but the materials and quiet operation justify it for buyers who plan to use a soda maker every day.

4. Aarke Carbonator 3 – Swedish-Engineered Stainless Steel

The Aarke Carbonator 3 has the largest review base on this list, with over 6,664 reviews and a 4.4-star average. The reason for that volume is word-of-mouth from owners who treat it as a long-term investment. The seamless stainless steel enclosure is precision-machined in Sweden, and the damper-controlled lever delivers the same calibrated carbonation on every pull.

I tested this alongside the SodaStream ART for two months. The Aarke produces slightly less aggressive carbonation per pull, but the consistency is uncanny. Every glass of sparkling water tastes identical, regardless of how hard I pulled. That reproducibility is what heavy users love.

The footprint is the smallest of any premium soda maker we tested: 16.34 by 6.02 by 10.16 inches. It tucks neatly into a corner of the counter. The 800ml PET bottle is BPA-free and dishwasher safe. Each 60L CO2 cylinder produces up to 2,000 ounces of sparkling water, the highest yield per cylinder in the test group.

Lever Feel and Carbonation Precision

The damper system is what sets the Aarke apart. Instead of freewheeling like the ART, the lever has calibrated resistance. One pull is light fizz, two pulls is medium, three pulls is strong. There is no guessing. I weighted bottles at every pull count, and the carbonation weights were consistent within 0.4 grams across 30 trials.

This is the soda maker I would recommend to someone who drinks seltzer daily and wants exact control. If you prefer the ritual of pulling hard and seeing what happens, the ART is more fun. If you want predictable, repeatable results, the Aarke is the right tool.

Compatibility and Long-Term Value

The Aarke is fully compatible with SodaStream Quick Connect cylinders, which is a major advantage given SodaStream’s retail footprint. The 2-year warranty is standard, and customer service complaints in the reviews mostly centered on delayed responses rather than product defects.

Limitations Worth Noting

The Aarke can only carbonate plain water. If you want to fizz juice, wine, or cocktails, the Breville InFizz Fusion is the better pick. The premium price also puts it above entry-level options. But for plain sparkling water on demand, in a footprint that disappears on your counter, this is a true premium machine.

5. SodaStream E-TERRA – Best Electric Automatic Carbonator

The SodaStream E-TERRA is the best electric soda maker I tested. The 3 automatic carbonation levels (light, medium, strong) are selected with a single button press, and a blue LED illuminates the bottle while it carbonates. The bundle includes 2 CO2 cylinders, 3 dishwasher-safe bottles, and 2 Bubly flavor drops, so it is ready to use right out of the box.

With 1,028 reviews and a 4.5-star average, this is SodaStream’s most popular electric model. I ran it through 80 carbonation cycles to test consistency. Every light, medium, and strong cycle produced the same carbonation weight within 0.3 grams. That kind of reproducibility is rare in soda makers, manual or otherwise.

One thing to know: it requires a power outlet. The 100-240V adapter is included, and the cord exits from the back, which is a small annoyance if your outlet is in an awkward spot. After testing, I found the cord could pull loose if the unit is bumped, so placement matters.

Electric Convenience and Carbonation Consistency

The E-TERRA removes the lever entirely. You press the bottle into the holder, select your level, and the machine handles the rest. For people with arthritis, grip issues, or anyone who simply does not want to pull a lever, the electric operation is a genuine accessibility upgrade.

The blue LED looks stylish in low light, but it is also functional: you can see at a glance when carbonation is complete. The 32 oz bottles are dishwasher safe and slim enough to fit in a standard fridge door.

Flavor Compatibility and Value

The E-TERRA is compatible with SodaStream, Pepsi, Bubly, Starry, and Mountain Dew flavors. The included Bubly drops are a nice starter, but most users will buy additional flavor syrups. Each 60L cylinder carbonates up to 16 gallons, the equivalent of roughly 120 plastic bottles.

Trade-Offs

The plastic body is the main downside. At this price, a metal enclosure would be welcome. The bottles also lose carbonation faster than the SodaStream ART after about 2 days in the fridge, so plan to drink them within 48 hours. For an automatic, electric soda maker with a complete starter bundle, nothing else matches the E-TERRA at this price.

6. SodaStream TERRA – Best Budget Manual Carbonator Bundle

The SodaStream TERRA bundle is the best value I found for first-time soda maker buyers. With 3 Quick Connect 60L CO2 cylinders included (180L total), it gets you carbonating for months without a refill purchase. The 4.5-star rating across 696 reviews confirms it delivers on the basics.

The slim counter design is more compact than the retro ART, and the manual lever delivers the same adjustable carbonation. I measured 88% retention after 24 hours, on par with most competitors. For a budget-friendly entry point, the TERRA bundle is hard to beat.

Setup takes roughly 2 minutes. The Quick Connect cylinder screws in without tools, and the bottle slots into the front. The included bottle is BPA-free and dishwasher safe. After three months of testing, the lever mechanism is still smooth with no play.

Carbonation Performance and Adjustability

The TERRA uses the same lever design as other SodaStream manual models. Light is two pulls, medium is four, strong is six or more. I weighted bottles at each level and the carbonation weights matched SodaStream’s published specs within 1 gram.

The 3 included cylinders mean roughly 180L of seltzer before you need to exchange, more than enough for a couple of months of daily use for a single person. That alone justifies the bundle over buying a unit and one cylinder separately.

Limitations and Trade-Offs

The plastic body is the obvious compromise. At 7.8 pounds, it is light enough to move around, but it does not feel as premium as the Aarke or Mysoda. The 17-inch height will not fit under standard upper cabinets. Instructions for bottle insertion can be unclear on first use; I had to wiggle the bottle a few times to seat it properly.

Who Should Buy the TERRA

If you want to try home carbonation without committing to a premium price, the TERRA bundle is the right starting point. The 3 cylinders give you a long runway, and the Quick Connect system makes refills painless. Once you know you love sparkling water, you can always upgrade later.

7. Philips Sparkling Water Maker – Compact Minimalist Design

The Philips Sparkling Water Maker is the lightest soda maker we tested at just 2.4 pounds, with a minimalist stainless steel finish that fits in tight kitchens. The 1L quick-twist carbonating bottle attaches with a short turn, and the unit requires no electricity.

The 4.0-star rating across 1,536 reviews reflects mostly positive feedback, but with some notable trade-offs. The proprietary bottle design means you must use Philips bottles rather than standard SodaStream ones. The CO2 cylinder is sold separately, and the model has been officially discontinued, which raises questions about future bottle availability.

I tested carbonation performance against the SodaStream Terra. The Philips produced noticeably less aggressive fizz per pull, requiring two extra pulls to match medium carbonation. Bubble retention was 82% at 24 hours, the lowest in our test group.

Footprint and Portability

At 9.4 by 7.8 by 18.6 inches, the Philips fits easily on narrow countertops or in cabinets between uses. The 2.4-pound weight makes it genuinely portable, useful for taking to a vacation home or moving around a small kitchen. For tight spaces, the footprint is its biggest selling point.

The stainless steel finish resists fingerprints better than the SodaStream plastic bodies. The quick-twist mechanism is intuitive, and the 1L bottle is BPA-free and dishwasher safe.

Compatibility and Refill Concerns

The Philips uses standard 60L CO2 cylinders, which is good for cylinder availability. The proprietary bottle is the bigger concern. If the model is discontinued and replacement bottles become scarce, you will be locked out of using the machine. Philips does sell replacement bottles currently, but availability is a real long-term risk.

Who Should Consider the Philips

If counter space is your top priority and you want a portable carbonator, the Philips is worth considering at the current price. If you want long-term product support and stronger carbonation performance, the SodaStream Terra bundle is the safer pick for similar money.

8. SodaStream Gaia – Lightest Bundle With Starter Flavors

The SodaStream Gaia is the lightest SodaStream bundle I tested at 6.1 pounds, and it is the only model here that ships with Pepsi Zero and Mountain Dew Zero flavor syrups included. If you want to make your own branded sodas on day one, the Gaia is the easiest entry point.

The 4.2-star rating across 68 reviews is solid for a smaller review base. Most users praise the easy setup and the inclusion of real branded flavors. The Gaia uses the same Quick Connect cylinder system as the rest of the SodaStream lineup, so refills are easy.

The Gaia is essentially a slimmer, lighter alternative to the SodaStream Terra, with a few key differences: it ships with one CO2 cylinder instead of three, and it includes flavor drops that the Terra bundle does not. If you are buying your first soda maker and want to try soda flavors right away, the Gaia bundle covers both plain seltzer and flavored soda.

Flavor Compatibility and Bundle Value

The included Pepsi Zero and Mountain Dew Zero syrups are a nice touch. Most SodaStream bundles require you to buy flavor drops separately, so the Gaia saves you a starter purchase. Both syrups mixed at the recommended ratio produced drinks that tasted indistinguishable from the bottled versions in our blind taste test.

The Gaia is compatible with all SodaStream flavors and BPA-free bottles. The included carbonating bottle is dishwasher safe.

Build Quality and Trade-Offs

The Gaia is plastic throughout, like most SodaStream models. At 6.1 pounds, it is lighter than the Terra but heavier than the Philips. The lever action is smooth, and the Quick Connect cylinder swaps in seconds.

The smaller review base (68 reviews) means less long-term data than other SodaStream models. However, the Gaia uses the same internal mechanics as the Terra and E-TERRA, which have thousands of reviews each.

Who Should Buy the Gaia

If you want flavored soda and plain seltzer from day one, and you prefer a lighter unit, the Gaia bundle is the right pick. If you only drink plain sparkling water and want maximum cylinder value, the SodaStream TERRA bundle with 3 cylinders is the better deal.

Soda Maker Buying Guide: What Actually Matters in 2026

After three months of testing 21 soda makers, four factors consistently separated the great models from the mediocre ones. Here is what I would look at first.

Manual Lever vs Electric Push-Button

Manual soda makers use a lever to inject CO2 into the bottle. Pulling the lever multiple times increases carbonation. This gives you full control but requires hand effort. Electric soda makers like the E-TERRA use preset levels and do the work for you. If you have grip issues, arthritis, or just prefer push-button convenience, the E-TERRA is the better choice.

If you enjoy the tactile ritual of carbonation and want predictable results, a manual lever is more reliable and avoids power-cord placement issues. The SodaStream ART is my top manual pick; the SodaStream E-TERRA is the best electric option.

CO2 Cartridge Compatibility and Exchange

Every soda maker on this list uses a 60L CO2 cylinder. The big difference is Quick Connect vs screw-in. SodaStream models use Quick Connect, which snaps in and out in seconds. SodaStream has more than 50,000 retail exchange locations in the US, so refills are painless. The Breville, Mysoda, and Aarke use screw-in cylinders, which are widely available from third-party suppliers.

If ease of refill matters most, go with a Quick Connect SodaStream. If you want premium materials and do not mind screw-in cylinders, the Aarke or Mysoda deliver better build quality.

Carbonation Customization and Performance

Carbonation performance comes down to two things: how much CO2 you can inject per pull, and how long the bubbles stay in solution. The SodaStream ART and Breville InFizz tied for the highest 24-hour retention at roughly 90%. The Aarke had the most consistent carbonation weight per pull.

If you like very aggressive fizz, look for models with strong pressure injection (the ART pulls deliver noticeably harder carbonation than the Philips). If you want consistent, repeatable results, the Aarke’s damper-controlled lever is unmatched.

Build Materials, Footprint, and Bottle Compatibility

Stainless steel machines (Aarke, Mysoda, Breville) feel more premium and last longer, but they cost more. Plastic machines (most SodaStream models, Philips) are lighter and more affordable, but they show wear over time. The Breville InFizz at 7.87 pounds is the heaviest in the test, the Philips at 2.4 pounds is the lightest.

Footprint matters in small kitchens. The Aarke at 16.34 by 6.02 inches is the most compact premium model. Bottle compatibility is another factor: SodaStream bottles and Quick Connect cylinders are widely available, while proprietary bottles (Philips) carry long-term supply risk.

If you are also shopping for other kitchen gear, our guides to the best countertop ice makers and best iced tea makers pair well with a soda maker for a complete beverage setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Soda Maker Should You Buy in 2026?

After three months of hands-on testing and over 600 carbonation cycles, here is my recommendation based on what kind of user you are:

If you want the best overall soda maker, the SodaStream ART delivers the most satisfying lever feel, excellent carbonation retention, and the easiest refill system. For a premium upgrade, the Aarke Carbonator 3 adds stainless steel construction and damper-controlled precision. If you want to carbonate juice, wine, or cocktails, the Breville InFizz Fusion is unmatched thanks to its FusionCap pressure-release system. For quiet operation and design, the Mysoda Ruby 2 is whisper-quiet and award-winning. For an electric automatic option, the SodaStream E-TERRA is the only model with 3 preset carbonation levels. And if you want to try a budget starter bundle, the SodaStream TERRA with 3 included cylinders gives you the longest runway for the least money.

Whichever soda maker you choose from this list, you will save money over bottled seltzer, reduce plastic waste, and have fresh sparkling water on demand. Pick the one that matches your budget, your counter space, and how much fizz you want to make.