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Do you want to add some fizz to a party or just have a fun family night? If yes, you will love how wonderfully a soda maker can spice up your special event and bring the nostalgia of the old soda shops right into your own home.
Soda makers are not only entertaining, but they offer a more nutritious alternative to traditional sodas. You can use healthier ingredients and create your new favorite fizzy drinks! There are many soda recipes available online and you can even create your own custom drinks.
On top of that, they’re more economical in the long run and will lower your ecological footprint, as you won’t be using single-use plastic bottles and cans. One of the best features of soda makers is that they can also make carbonated water and save you money on buying bottled carbonated water, too.
However, not every soda maker offers the same benefits. So, how do you choose the best soda maker for your specific needs? Hopefully, you’ll find the answer among our reviews of the best soda makers available today. Keep reading to learn more about soda makers and find out which are the most important factors you should look out for when shopping for a soda maker.
The Best Soda Makers
Best Overall: SodaStream Aqua Fizz
The SodaStream Aqua Fizz soda maker is our best overall pick, as it’s a very durable and eco-friendly unit. Plus, the product has an amazing market value considering all the accessories included in the package. You’ll be getting a full starter pack, with everything you need to start making your own sodas. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced soda makers so anyone can use it.
Pros:
The SodaStream Aqua Fizz soda maker is a highly durable device. The unit even comes with glass bottles, which means you can goodbye to plastic, completely.
Although compact and easy to store, the SodaStream Aqua Fizz comes with a 60L CO2 tank, which means you can make up to 60L of soda bottles before you need to refill it. Of course, the number of soda bottles that you make will depend on the level of carbonation of your drinks.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the unit allows you to control the carbonation level by the number of times you press the lever control and gauge.
You’ll also be happy to find that you’ll get two glass bottles with this soda maker. The glass bottle is a great alternative for people who want to ditch plastic products altogether.
Aside from being very easy-to-use, the SodaStream Aqua Fizz is also dishwasher safe. In other words, you can save a lot of time by safely washing the soda maker’s accessories and parts in the dishwasher. Be careful, you can’t throw the whole soda maker in the dishwasher.
Cons:
The glass bottles are about 20 oz each, which can be small for some people. If you’re a person who expects to carbonate large quantities of water on a daily basis, you may want to consider a device that can quickly carbonate larger bottles.
Another remark from customers was that the product is not suited for “to-go” use, because of the glass bottles. However, this is a larger model and if you’re looking for something portable, you might be better off with our budget-pick.
The Verdict:
It’s easy to see why the SodaStream Aqua Fizz comes at the top of our list. SodaStream is a very reputable brand that basically sets the standard for every other soda maker on the market. Besides, the Aqua Fizz model is one of the most balanced soda makers with an amazing price to quality and accessories ratio, which is why we believe it can make most people very happy.
Best Quality: KitchenAid KSS1121CU Sparkling Beverage Maker
Another popular, but a lot pricier soda maker is the KitchenAid’s KSS1121CU model. If you’re into a high-quality, vintage-looking soda maker, this unit might be the right one for you. This soda maker is made to last, and the attractive design, advanced CO2-release control, and SodaStream compatibility is something that many soda maker enthusiasts will appreciate.
Pros:
The KitchenAid KSS1121CU soda maker has a sturdy construction and beautiful design. The machine’s housing is made of premium die-cast metal which ensures you’ll be making soda for years to come, and it’s available in more than seven different colors, so you can make sure it is indeed a pleasant addition to your kitchen decor.
The unit has a nice vintage-looking lever on the side that releases CO2. You can completely control the amount of carbonation while monitoring the whole process, as there’s a meter that shows the release of CO2. The handle is comfortable and easy to grip.
KitchenAid made sure its soda maker can stay competitive on the market by making it compatible with SodaStream’s products. This means that you can enjoy more than 60 Sodastream flavors on your KitchenAid soda maker.
When it comes to accessories, you’ll get a big (60L) CO2 tank, plus a 1L BPA-Free reusable bottle.
Finally, another attractive feature of the KitchenAid soda maker is that it’s 100% made in the USA. The unit is designed, engineered, and assembled in Greenville, Ohio.
Cons:
Be careful of Amazon sellers’ conditions, especially for the return policy and warranty. Some people have had trouble returning the device to be repaired for free, because of issues between the sellers and the original manufacturer – KitchenAid. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and require transparency before buying anything.
Being expensive is not a disadvantage when you’re offering a product with superior quality. However, considering that you need to also buy cartridges on a regular basis (to fill the tank) the overall cost for making carbonated water at home can be an issue for some people. This is why if you’re using the device to make soda, you have nothing to worry about, but if you only use it for carbonated water, it would be wiser to go for a more basic and affordable model.
The Verdict:
The KitchenAid KSS1121CU is definitely one of the best soda makers, suited for people who are looking for a high-end device. By choosing this model, you’ll get an attractive soda maker that will allow you to make more than 60 different flavor drinks. You can also control the carbonization level, so you can make the perfect drink for your taste.
Best on a Budget: Drinkmate Spritzer Portable Soda Maker
Incredibly versatile, portable, and easy-to-use, the Drinkmate Spritzer makes our list as the best on a budget soda maker. However, don’t let the price fool you, as this unit has its own target. It’s perfect for campers, singles, offices, and anyone else who appreciates simplicity.
Pros:
It may be easy to underestimate the Drinkmate Spritzer soda maker, but if you decide to buy it, this little machine won’t disappoint you. It’s amazingly versatile as it can carbonate water, ice tea, juices, wine, and even cocktails.
The Drinkmate Spritzer is so compact that you can easily put it in your bag and take it with you whenever you need a fresh carbonated drink. Once you want to use it, simply press the handle to carbonate the liquid in the bottle. And it’s not just easy-to-use, the Drinkmate Spritzer is also very easy-to-clean and store.
It comes with two 10L CO2 carbonator cylinders that can make up to 40 bottles of sparkling beverages. On top of that, the cartridges for this model are easily available on Amazon or other online stores, so you won’t have problems finding a replacement.
Cons:
The Drinkmate Spritzer’s size and capacity are like a double-edged sword. While for some people it’s the best soda maker because of these features, for others it might be a major limitation. People who have large families or want to use a soda maker for parties and special occasions will probably feel extremely limited with this model.
The Verdict:
If you’re buying a soda maker for the first time or you want something simple, affordable, and easy-to-move, the Drinkmate Spritzer is the right choice for you. While it is a budget choice, the Drinkmate Spritzer has everything a high-quality soda maker should have. Plus, perfectly carbonated drinks are a guarantee.
Best Design: Aarke Carbonator II Soda Maker
IWhen you have a beautifully designed kitchen, you want just as beautiful kitchen appliances that will complement one another. We believe the Aarke Carbonator II soda maker is such a device that can also offer durability, quality, and high capacity.
Pros:
The first advantage of the Aarke Carbonator II relates to its unique Swedish design. The housing is made of stainless steel and finished with copper which gives it an even more elegant look. You can choose from five different colors: white, silver, black, brass, and copper.
The Aarke Carbonator II carbonates when the front lever is pressed, which works very quickly. You’ll have your fresh sparkling water in a matter of seconds.
When it comes to capacity, the Aarke Carbonator II soda maker is compatible with most 60L CO2 carbonated cartridges. The filling bottle that comes with the product is around 0.8L which is quite large. The bottle itself is made from non-toxic PET plastic but optically finished with a lower stainless steel base and screw cap. You should only use that bottle with the product.
Finally, to be sure you’re buying a long-lasting product, this soda maker comes with a 2-year warranty.
Cons:
The device is pretty expensive and yet it comes without a cartridge. You need to purchase one separately, which for some people might be a deal-breaker considering you have more affordable products that come with one or two cartridges.
The bottle that comes with the soda maker is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll have to carefully wash it by hand each time.
The Verdict:
The Aarke Carbonator II is the best-designed soda maker with a slim and cool style that can fit perfectly in every modern kitchen. It’s also a high-capacity device, which means it will be a nice addition to a gathering, party, wedding, or some other special occasion. If aesthetics are important for you, the Aarke Carbonator II is without doubt the best soda maker for you.
Conclusion:
SodaStream Aqua Fizz takes the first place as the best soda maker available on the market today. It’s durable, eco-friendly, and easy-to-use. Plus, it has a large tank capacity, which means you won’t need to refill new cartridges too often. Finally, this model also shines in another aspect thanks to the SodaStream reputation. It’s very easy to find replacement parts and flavor samples if you want to get more creative. The SodaStream Crystal 2.0 would be a great choice for most people.
If money is not an issue, then owning the KitchenAid KSS1121CU soda maker can bring you a lot of fun by allowing you to easily create your own personalized fizzy drinks. It’s a very strong and stable unit with a beautiful design, which you can have in eight different colors. When it comes to the drinks themselves, the KitchenAid KSS1121CU gives you full control over the carbonization and allows you to combine over 60 different flavors.
On the other hand, if affordability and portability are your two top priorities, the small but extremely efficient Drinkmate Spritzer will make sure you still get the high-quality soda maker you deserve. It’s a very versatile and user-friendly soda maker, ready to follow you wherever you go. The Drinkmate Spritzer is a perfect choice for newbies, campers, and one-person users.
Finally, when you’re looking for a soda maker to use at weddings, parties, or other special occasions, you’ll find the Aarke Carbonator II as the best soda maker. It will also please the aesthetic-lovers, as it has a very unique and beautiful stainless steel design.
Everything You Need to Know About Soda Makers
A Little History
The first rendition of the soda machine was invented in 1903. It was called the “Apparatus for aerating liquids” and was the predecessor to today’s SodaStream. Reserved for the affluent and wealthy, this device added flavor to the mix in the 1920s. By 1955, updated versions of the soda maker were made available to the general public.
Soda Makers offer fun and a touch of nostalgia for events such as birthday parties, weddings, and family reunions. They are also fun for the family to enjoy, especially if all family members enjoy fizzy drinks. SodaStream’s first commercial sells the fun of making soda at home with the tagline “Get busy with the Fizzy!”
Design And Functionality
The soda makers of today have come a long way from the models of yesterday. They generally do not use electricity, and therefore, require no batteries and don’t even have to be plugged in. They operate by utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) which comes in a can and is inserted into the device. This is where the machines may vary. Some soda makers come with one starter can, but inevitably, you will need to purchase more. CO2 cans come in different sizes, and of course, vary in price, so it’s good to take this into consideration when deciding upon a certain model.
Much of choosing your device will depend on your intentions for it. If you want to use it at a wedding or for parties, you will most likely want to opt for one with a larger capacity. But if the soda maker will strictly be for home use, you can most likely get away with a less expensive model that will still hold up nicely for your purposes.
The designs of the soda makers range from plastic to stainless steel and everything in between. As a rule, the devices are priced accordingly.
The option of controlling the amount of carbonation you put into the drink is a nice feature. Especially if you like more or less than the usual amount, or if you have children who you’d rather use bubbles sparingly.
Additional Features
The majority of the soda makers on the market come with one or two plastic/glass bottles. Good quality soda makers come with BPA-free plastic bottles. Some, however, come with at least one glass bottle which is nice for those who prefer not to drink out of plastic.
Another twist is that some devices feature the ability to lock in freshness which is a good thing considering carbonation tends to go flat fairly quickly.
If you do opt to purchase a soda maker, you will love the wide array of choices you have for flavors. Many of the units come with flavor samples which are a great way for you to try and decide which you would like to purchase more of. You can find a number of recipes online, although many devices come with recipe booklets. There are standard flavorings and those you can combine to make unique and even custom drinks.
The device you choose will depend a lot on how much you plan to use it and what for. There are many options available, which is why it’s important to learn more about soda makers before making a purchase. The good thing is, you can easily find the best soda makers for you as long as you know what you’re looking for.
What Are the Advantages of Soda Makers?
Soda makers are entertaining and nostalgic. They are great additions to a party, wedding, or even a fun family night in. Young and old alike take pleasure in making soft drinks the old fashioned way.
On top of that, soda makers offer a more affordable way to enjoy carbonated beverages. Most sodas can be made for pennies per serving. For large events, soda makers save you a lot of money.
The third advantage would be of great appeal to environmentalists and people who aspire to be more eco-friendly. This is because when it comes to taking care of the Earth, soda makers are at the top of the list. Each soda dispensed in the device means one less can or bottle.
Last but certainly not least, soda makers give you the ability to create your own drink. You can add in little or no sugar and make other changes for a more nutritional alternative to traditional sodas. There is no limit to the creative edge you can use to concoct your own signature drinks.
How To Find the Best Soda Maker?
The best soda makers will have a few basic things in common that you will want to compare. They will also offer different features so you can decide which ones you would like to have on your device. The following factors will guide you as you narrow down the best soda maker for your needs and will help you determine which devices are good and which are the best.
Safety
Safety is something you want to watch out for in a soda maker or any appliance you intend to use. It’s wise to look for such safety features as safety punch out valves for the CO2 tanks. In addition, never leave the device on direct sunlight, around a fire, or on a hot surface, since the CO2 is under pressure and can explode if heated – this applies to all soda makers.
Simplicity And Capacity
A soda maker should be simple to use. The insertion of the CO2 can is one thing to keep in mind. The easier, the better. The buttons should be clear and easy to figure out. You don’t want to have to bear down too hard on them, or they won’t last.
Look for models that offer ease of operation. Since most soda makers these days don’t need to be plugged in or have batteries, they work via a CO2 can. It’s wise to check the size, price, and availability of the replacement cans and also to determine how many bottles the CO2 tank can produce.
Gasification Level
You’ll know that you’re looking at a good quality soda maker if it offers at least two different gasification (carbonization) levels. However, most high-end units offer a lot more control and let you choose how carbonated you like your drink to be. This is important because depending on your health, you may not be allowed to drink above a certain level of carbonization.
Accessories
When you’re comparing soda makers, take a look at the accessories or additional features that are included in your purchase. Some devices, although pricier, may come with a 60L CO2 tank, one/two reusable bottles, flavor samples, or even recipe booklets on how to create your own drink. “Cheaper” models sometimes use this illusion – sellers put a lower price, but the package doesn’t include any of the above-mentioned accessories. So, when you calculate how much you need to spend to buy the separate parts, you’ll see that the deal wasn’t cheap at all.
Before You Go
By buying one of the best soda makers we’ve picked for you, you can make your home more fun and cut your whole family’s ecological footprint. To find out more information about each product, like specific prices, detailed product descriptions, and customer reviews, feel free to follow the links.
You can also use the buying guide and all the other pieces of information we’ve shared about soda makers while you shop. Hopefully, that can help you make the right decision and find the best soda maker for you.
Finally, don’t forget to check out our blog because we have many more product reviews, product guides, and even delicious recipes.
Want to see our favorite soda makers one more time before you go? Here they are!
Amazon product information last updated on March 24, 2022. Images, prices and links from Amazon Product Advertising API.
