Photo: Drinkmate
If you want to enjoy fizzy water without actually buying it from the store, then a sparkling water maker is the appliance to get.
Not only is a sparkling water maker a money-saving appliance, but it also safeguards your health because you don’t have to consume calorie-packed sodas anymore.
With this machine, you can make carbonated water in the comfort of your home. When choosing one, consider factors such as capacity, CO2 cylinders, and bottle material, for your safety.
In our sparkling water makers review, we explore these and other features, helping you choose the ideal model for you.
In this post:
- 10 Best Sparkling Water Makers – Review
- 1. SodaStream 1011711013 – Best Overall Sparkling Water Maker
- 2. Drinkmate 420-02-3Z – Best Budget Sparkling Water Maker
- 3. iSi North America 102001 – Best Portable Sparkling Water Maker
- 4. DrinkMate 410-02-3z – Best Multi-beverage Sparkling Water Maker
- 5. SodaStream 1016511014 – Best Stainless Steel Sparkling Water Maker
- 6. Aarke AA01-C2-STEEL – Premium Sparkling Water Maker
- 7. SodaStream 1019501016 – Sparkling Water Maker with Multi-level Carbonator
- 8. SodaStream 1317512017 – High-volume Sparkling Water Maker
- 9. Cuisinart SMS-201BK – Easy to Clean Sparkling Water Maker
- 10. Nuvantee XK1006 – Sparkling Water Maker for Bars and Kitchens
- How to Buy the Best Sparkling Water Maker
- How to Use Sparkling Water Maker
- Conclusion
10 Best Sparkling Water Makers – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
---|---|---|---|
1. SodaStream 1011711013 (Best Overall) |
| ||
2. Drinkmate 420-02-3Z (Best Budget) |
| ||
3. iSi North America 102001 (Best Portable) |
| ||
4. DrinkMate 410-02-3z (Best for Multi-beverage) |
| ||
5. SodaStream 1016511014 (Best Stainless Steel Build) |
| ||
6. Aarke AA01-C2-STEEL (Premium Design) |
| ||
7. SodaStream 1019501016 (With Multi-level Carbonator) |
| ||
8. SodaStream 1317512017 (High-volume) |
| ||
9. Cuisinart SMS-201BK (Easy to Clean) |
| ||
10. Nuvantee XK1006 (For Bars & Kitchens) |
|
PRODUCT |
---|
1. SodaStream 1011711013 (Best Overall)
|
2. Drinkmate 420-02-3Z (Best Budget)
|
3. iSi North America 102001 (Best Portable)
|
4. DrinkMate 410-02-3z (Best for Multi-beverage)
|
5. SodaStream 1016511014 (Best Stainless Steel Build)
|
6. Aarke AA01-C2-STEEL (Premium Design)
|
7. SodaStream 1019501016 (With Multi-level Carbonator)
|
8. SodaStream 1317512017 (High-volume)
|
9. Cuisinart SMS-201BK (Easy to Clean)
|
10. Nuvantee XK1006 (For Bars & Kitchens)
|
1. SodaStream 1011711013 – Best Overall Sparkling Water Maker
Photo: SodaStream
- Type: Countertop
- Bottle Capacity: 1 Liter
- Bottle Material: Plastic
- CO2 Cartridges: Included
SodaStream 1011711013 combines compactness, affordability, ease of use, and versatility to make it our best overall sparkling water maker.
This handy appliance allows you to make freshwater at the press of a button. It does not require electric power to function, so you can make a bottle of fizzy water whenever you need one.
It is powered by a CO2 cylinder, and one of these will carbonate up to 60 liters of water, making it one of the highest-capacity carbonator you can buy today. Also, its BPA-free plastic bottle is reusable and has a decent 1-liter capacity.
Operating the machine is pretty straightforward. Simply fill the included bottle with water up to the recommended level, then insert it into the machine, and snap to lock, then press the manual pump on top of the appliance to carbonate your water.
A slight disappointment about SodaStream 1011711013 is that even though the machine is non-electric, it is not dishwasher safe. Hence, you have to clean it manually.
Pros:
- Easy to operate
- High-capacity CO2 carbonator
- Decent-capacity water bottle
- Reusable water bottle
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
2. Drinkmate 420-02-3Z – Best Budget Sparkling Water Maker
Photo: Drinkmate
- Type: Handheld
- Bottle Capacity: 0.5 Liters
- Bottle Material: Plastic
- CO2 Cartridges: Included
While many of the sparkling water makers in the market have premium price tags, you can still get a lot of value from pocket-friendly models such as the Drinkmate 420-02-3Z.
It is one of the best under $100 sparkling water makers in the market, offering you superior compactness and portability, and unrivaled versatility.
Unlike most of the other rival models that support water carbonation only, this machine supports carbonation of multiple of your favorite beverages including water, iced tea, wine, cocktails, and even juice.
You’ll love the compactness of the machine. Because it is a handheld model, it is very small and portable. No counter space is required, making it ideal for outdoor adventures such as camping and barbecues.
For even more value, 2 3-ounce CO2 carbonator cylinders are included to get you started.
Some may find the 0.5-liter bottle that comes with the Drinkmate 420-02-3Z to be of low capacity, but you can make as many refills as you want with the included carbonators.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Carbonates multiple drinks
- Compact and portable
- Comes with CO2 carbonators
Cons:
- Low bottle capacity
3. iSi North America 102001 – Best Portable Sparkling Water Maker
Photo: iSi North America
- Type: Handheld
- Bottle Capacity: 0.95 Liters
- Bottle Material: Stainless steel
- CO2 Cartridges: Not included
If you want a water and soda carbonator you can carry around with you effortlessly wherever you go, get iSi North America 102001, our best portable sparkling water maker.
Weighing only 1 pound, and measuring 1 x 4.8 x 1 inch in size, this handheld machine is ideal travel, school, office, and outdoor companion. You can slip it into your bag, or any other available space on you.
We liked the fact that the soda siphon will carbonate both tap and bottled water using iSi CO2 chargers. Even more impressive is the 0.95-liter stainless steel bottle that comes with the carbonator.
Also, some safety and productivity features have been built into the soda siphon. It has a measuring tube for overfill prevention. A pressure control valve is included.
To the dismay of many, the iSi Soda Chargers required for use with iSi North America 102001 are not included. They are sold separately.
Pros:
- Compact and highly portable
- Carbonates tap and bottled water
- Decent capacity
- Reliable protective features
Cons:
- CO2 chargers are not included
4. DrinkMate 410-02-3z – Best Multi-beverage Sparkling Water Maker
Photo: Drinkmate
- Type: Countertop
- Bottle Capacity: 1 Liter
- Bottle Material: Plastic
- CO2 Cartridges: Included
Sometimes you want to enjoy some of your other favorite drinks, besides water, while carbonated, and DrinkMate 410-02-3z offers you this flexibility.
This sparkling water mater will carbonate not only water, but almost every other beverage you enjoy having, including juice, coffee, iced tea, energy drinks, wine, cocktails, and even flat beer or soda.
To enhance the carbonation process even further, a fizz infuser has been included so that your beverages get the same level of fizz as the ones you’d buy in the store. You get a 1-liter reusable carbonating plastic bottle, which not only has decent capacity but also helps reduce pollution.
Ease of cleaning is another thing to love about the machine. Because it does not use electricity or batteries, you can clean it very fast with water and soap.
We noted that the plastic water bottle that comes with DrinkMate 410-02-3z does not have the best heat resistance. Avoid using very hot water when cleaning it to prevent melting.
Pros:
- Multi-beverage carbonator
- Includes a fizz infuser
- Reusable high-capacity bottle
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- The plastic bottle has a low heat resistance
5. SodaStream 1016511014 – Best Stainless Steel Sparkling Water Maker
Photo: SodaStream
- Type: Countertop
- Bottle Material: Glass
- CO2 Cartridges: Included
For lovers of stainless steel appliances and tools, SodaStream 1016511014 sparkling water maker is a leader in this category.
The unit comes wrapped in titanium stainless steel, which not only brings out the tool’s elegance but also makes it very durable and rugged, to handle the demands of everyday water carbonation.
It is incredibly easy to operate since it does not require any battery or electric power. You simply insert the bottle, seal it, and push the pump to carbonate your water.
Unlike some models we have reviewed, this one does come with CO2 carbonator, although a small one, you can get started right away and make 9 liters of sparkling water before requiring a CO2 refill.
The black and silver finish of this unit is also very stylish, and you’ll enjoy having it on the kitchen counter all the time.
An issue we didn’t like about SodaStream 1016511014 is that the carafe that comes with it, which you will use for most of your carbonating tasks, is made of glass, which is brittle.
Pros:
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Easy to operate
- Comes with a CO2 mini carbonator
- Elegant contemporary finish
Cons:
- The glass carafe is fragile
6. Aarke AA01-C2-STEEL – Premium Sparkling Water Maker
Photo: Aarke
- Type: Countertop
- Bottle Material: PET Plastic
- CO2 Cartridges: Not included
Aarke AA01-C2-STEEL is a premium sparkling water maker designed to complement the modern kitchen with its elegant and durable stainless steel finish.
This top-of-the-range countertop carbonator will stand out when placed on your kitchen counter, the office, or any other place you like hanging around when enjoying some sparkling water. Also, the stainless steel build of this carbonator makes it durable compared to the plastic rival models.
It comes with a non-toxic PET plastic bottle that is high-quality and safe for holding your drinking water. It is also reusable and will help reduce the carbon footprint over time.
For ease of use, the bottle has a “fill line” indicated on it, to help simplify the filling process by indicating the most optimal water level. The carbonating process is also very fast and can be done in less than 5 seconds.
We, however, didn’t like the fact that Aarke AA01-C2-STEEL is very expensive, and the required CO2 carbonator cartridge is not included.
Pros:
- Premium design and finish
- Durable build quality
- Reusable plastic bottle
- Easy and fast operation
Cons:
- Expensive
- CO2 cylinder sold separately
7. SodaStream 1019501016 – Sparkling Water Maker with Multi-level Carbonator
Photo: SodaStream
- Type: Countertop
- Bottle Capacity: 1 Liter
- Bottle Material: Plastic
- CO2 Cartridges: Not included
Besides the usual filling of your drinks with CO2 and fizz, you can now control the level of carbonation with SodaStream 1019501016.
This is a unique sparkling water maker, that comes equipped with intuitive LED lights, which help with measuring the level of carbonation your machine delivers, between light, medium, and heavy fizz. These 3 options allow you to choose the ideal level of carbonation for your water at any given time.
For ease of use, the machine uses snap-lock bottle technology for easy bottle insertion and extraction during the carbonation process. You don’t have to worry about tedious screwing or unscrewing of the bottle.
Also, one CO2 cylinder makes up to 60 1-liter bottles, which makes it ideal for home usage where you can have as much sparkling water as you want.
We were, however, disappointed in the fact that the required CO2 cylinder for use with SodaStream 1019501016 is sold separately. Also, it is a very expensive unit.
Pros:
- Multi-level carbonator
- Intuitive LED indicators
- Easy bottle insertion
- High-capacity CO2 cylinder
Cons:
- Required CO2 cylinder is not included
- Expensive
8. SodaStream 1317512017 – High-volume Sparkling Water Maker
Photo: SodaStream
- Type: Countertop
- Bottle Capacity: 1 Liter
- Bottle Material: Plastic
- CO2 Cartridges: Not included
For homes where the intake of carbonated water is high, SodaStream 1317512017 is the best sparkling water maker to get because of its high-volume output per CO2 cylinder.
Although the unit comes with a mini CO2 carbonator that can produce up to 9 liters of sparkling water, its recommended CO2 cylinder, which is also refillable, can make up to 60 1-liter bottles of carbonated water.
Such a high output is great for homes where consumption of sparkling and flavored water is high, or when you need to save up on the cost of constantly buying diet soda.
Even though this model is a countertop one, it adopts a slim-fit, space-saving design. It will barely occupy any space on your countertop or in storage. And, its ‘soda fountain’ look makes it sleek and elegant for your kitchen.
The high-capacity CO2 cylinder of SodaStream 1317512017, which produces the 60 liters of sparkling water is, however, sold separately. This translates to an extra cost.
Pros:
- High-volume carbonation capacity
- Cost-saving carbonating unit
- Slim space-saving design
- Elegant and stylish
Cons:
- Required CO2 cylinder sold separately
9. Cuisinart SMS-201BK – Easy to Clean Sparkling Water Maker
Photo: Cuisinart
- Type: Countertop
- Bottle Capacity: 1 Liter
- Bottle Material: Plastic
- CO2 Cartridges: Included
We’d all want sparkling water maker that is not only easy to use but also equally easy to clean, which is the value Cuisinart SMS-201BK offers on top of all the other features you’d ever need in a carbonator.
It comes with a removable drip tray, which you can empty and rinse out very quickly for fast cleanup. You don’t need to undertake any unnecessary tool disassembly to clean this one.
You’ll love its single-pump operation. It has a straight-forward push-down handle that not only helps deliver water carbonation in seconds but also lets you select different degrees of fizziness for your water.
A BPA-free 1-liter bottle is included to get you up and running as soon as you get your sparkling water maker. This carbonator supports water flavoring. You can use its prepackaged flavors to make your favorite energy drinks and sparkling cocktails.
We’d like to caution, however, that Cuisinart SMS-201BK’s plastic is not very heat-resistant. Avoid using very hot water to clean it so that it does not melt.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Simplified operation
- Multi-degree water fizzing
- Supports flavored water
Cons:
- The plastic bottle has low heat-resistant
10. Nuvantee XK1006 – Sparkling Water Maker for Bars and Kitchens
Photo: Nuvantee
- Type: Handheld
- Bottle Capacity: 1 Liter
- Bottle Material: Aluminum
- CO2 Cartridges: Not included
If you operate a bar or a busy kitchen, you can always get a compact, rugged, and easy-to-use sparkling water maker such as Nuvantee XK1006.
Designed as a soda siphon, it is very easy to use. Simply fill it with water, then snap on the siphon and then press the level to carbonate your water. You can then add some lime or lemon to your water.
The entire unit is very lightweight and compact because it is just the bottle and a small siphon, for handheld operation, which favors a busy bar setup. The soda siphon is made of aluminum, which is not only lightweight but also very durable.
Some neat safety features have been built into the unit, including a pressure regulator, and a lid with safe and secure threading to prevent dripping.
You will, however, need to buy the 8-gram cartridges required for use with Nuvantee XK1006, separately. They are not included with sparkling water maker.
Pros:
- Efficient soda siphon design
- Lightweight and compact
- Durable build quality
- Robust safety features
Cons:
- Required CO2 cartridges are not included
How to Buy the Best Sparkling Water Maker
Photo: iSi North America
1. Handheld or Countertop
There are 2 main sparkling water makers: countertop and handheld carbonators. As the name suggests, countertop carbonators require to be placed on a countertop for efficient operation.
While the countertop carbonator rests on a flat counter surface, you simply insert the water bottle at the gas discharge nozzle or outlet, then while the CO2 cartridge/cylinder is connected (often at the back), you push the pump to discharge the gas into the water.
The handheld version works the same way as above, except that the entire gas carbonator fits in the hand, making the water bottle the largest component.
2. Source of CO2
For your sparkling water maker to carbonate your water, a CO2 has to be attached to it. Typically, your carbonator uses a CO2 cartridge or a CO2 cylinder, as the main source of the gas.
Both the cartridge and cylinder tend to serve the same purpose, so the one you get will depend on compatibility with your sparkling water maker model.
However, we did find CO2 cylinders to be of higher capacity than CO2 cartridges. Hence, models using cylinder often offer higher carbonating cycles compared to those using cartridges.
It’s important to consider whether your model of choice comes with the required CO2 cartridge or cylinder. While most models require these to be bought separately, some offer you a lot more value by including them as part of the package.
3. Materials
The material construction of your sparkling water maker has a significant impact on durability.
We found that metallic models, such as those using stainless steel or aluminum as the main material, are durable and rugged. They can deliver comfortably on the demands of everyday water carbonation.
Metallic models, such as Aarke AA01-C2-STEEL, tend to have a more stylish and elegant finish, compared to plastic ones, especially when placed on the countertop.
Plastic is used on sparkling water makers, especially for the construction of their re-usable bottles, which are durable and help reduce the carbon footprint.
4. Safety
Sparkling water makers are generally safe tools to use, especially because most of the models made of home use are not electric-powered.
There’s not much to be concerned about when it comes to safety, especially if you follow all the instructions in the user guide that comes with your machine.
You may encounter some models, especially those based on the soda siphon design, incorporating pressure valves to regulate CO2 pressure, as a safety precaution.
5. Versatility
While sparkling water makers are primarily designed to carbonate your everyday drinking water, some offers even more versatility by supporting the carbonation of other beverages.
Some people love it when their iced tea, cocktails, flat beers and sodas, and other beverages are fizzy and carbonated just like water.
There are sparkling water makers such as DrinkMate 410-02-3z, which are highly versatile and capable of carbonating water and many other beverages.
How to Use Sparkling Water Maker
Photo: SodaStream
How you use your sparkling water maker may depend on whether it is a handheld or countertop model. But there’s not much difference in their mode of operation.
Here’s how you can get started using your sparkling water carbonator.
Step 1: Insert the CO2 cartridge/cylinder that is recommended for your sparkling water maker in its designated section of the machine.
Most machines have cylinder/cartridge attachments at their rear. Ensure it is screwed or snapped on firmly depending on the mode of attachment.
Step 2: Proceed to the front part, where you attach the filled water bottle to the machine. Most sparkling water makers offer a snap-lock mechanism for bottle attachment, to prevent leaks.
You can also screw the bottle firmly in place if that is the attachment mechanism supported by the model you own.
Step 3: After every component is attached securely, use the pump mechanism (for countertop models) or the pressure release lever (for handheld models) to discharge the CO2 into the water.
If you want more fizz, you can repeat the above action more than once, and more CO2 will be added to your water. Then you can disconnect the bottle and proceed to have your water.
Conclusion
Our top sparkling water makers over a lot of value, in terms of carbonation capacity, multi-beverage support, and ease of use.
If you’re looking for the best sparkling water maker for your home, get SodaStream 1011711013, a high-capacity carbonator that easy to use and comes with a 1-liter reusable water bottle.
If you’re on a budget, Drinkmate 420-02-3Z carbonator offers a lot of value for less than $100.
For those who want a portable carbonator unit they can carry around with them effortlessly, iSi North America 102001 is the best pick for you.