The Best At-Home Soda Makers

If you can't get enough of your favorite bubbly, fizzy drinks and spirits but are looking for a more economical supply of them, it's time to invest in a soda maker. Capable of turning plain, still water into carbonated liquid at the touch of a button or pull of a trigger, they're one of the easiest and most convenient ways to make your own sodas and sparkling drinks -- and also one of the most environmentally friendly, since they can be paired with reusable, rather than disposable plastic, bottles. We've rounded up the best options from some of the top brands on the market, including DrinkMate and, of course, SodaStream.

SodaStream Fizzi One Touch Sparkling Water Maker

From Basic to Bubbly in No Time

Turn boring water into bubbly soda at the touch of a button with the SodaStream Fizzi One Touch.
Best Overall

Find on Amazon

SodaStream is perhaps the best known manufacturer of sparkling water makers out there, and among their various offerings, SodaStream One Touch is the best. As its name suggests, the automatic model transforms still water into extremely fizzy liquid with a single touch of a button, making it much easier to use than other manual options. But it’s also more effective than other options, since the end product is reliably fizzy, with a clean, fresh flavor.

Pros:

  • Includes 1 Liter BPA-free reusable bottle
  • Compatible with all SodaStream flavors and containers
  • Different fizz levels

Cons:

  • Not dishwasher safe
  • Not as stable as other models

DrinkMate Sparkling Water and Soda Maker

Transform Any Drink of Your Choice

If you're looking to carbonate more than just H2O, you need the DrinkMate Soda Maker.
Most Versatile

Find on Amazon

While SodaStreams may take the crown when it comes to making sparkling water, they’re not as ideal for carbonating other drinks, such as juices or spirits. In those cases, the better choice is the DrinkMate, which is capable of turning any cold drink into a delicious treat. It still uses standard CO2 cylinders, and requires no external power, making it one of the simplest solutions to your flat water problems on the market.

Pros:

  • Comes in three colors
  • Small footprint
  • Safe for kids to operate

Cons:

  • Not as durably-built as other models
  • Bubbles are smaller too

FOMAGAS Soda Maker Home Portable

When You're In a Hurry

Take your sparkling water on-the-go with the Fomagas portable bottle, one of the most compact models out there.
Best On-The-Go

Find on Amazon

Whether it’s sitting in the car or in the office, there are definitely days when we wish we could whip up a glass of sparkling mineral water or juice. Well, with the Fomagas Portable Bottle, you can make that wish a reality. Consisting of a simple cartridge dispenser and plastic bottle, it’s one of the most compact and straightforward soda makers on the market, allowing you to take your bubbly drinks anywhere. As an added bonus, it’s also one of the most affordable, so you can save your hard-earned cash for other things.

Pros:

  • Takes just 30 seconds to work
  • Environmentally-friendly
  • Fits in purses and bags

Cons:

  • Not very durable

iSi 102001 Stainless Steel Soda Siphon

Sparkle Doesn't Have to Break Your Wallet

The iSi Soda Siphon is a no-frills solution to your sparkling water needs that is also cheaper than other options.
Best On A Budget

Find on Amazon

Whether you need to make fizzy drinks for a cocktail party or to satisfy your own daily cravings, the iSi Soda Siphon is one way to do it. It’s not as elaborate or feature-rich as some of the other options on this list, but it is functional, being able to turn still water into extremely bubbly liquid at the pull of a trigger. It also boasts a fairly sleek and stylish contemporary design, despite it costing a good deal less than its competitors.

Pros:

  • Stainless steel construction
  • Non-slip silicon grip
  • Safety features prevent overfilling

Cons:

  • Not as simple to use as other models
  • Cartridges not included

Frequently Asked Questions

How do soda makers work?

Soda makers work by carbonating water — i.e., by adding carbon dioxide from a pressurized cylinder to create bubbly water. The CO2 can be purchased in pre-packaged cartridges, which are then place inside the machine. The machine punctures the cartridge and injects the gas into the liquid, making it fizz.

Why do I need a soda maker?

For those who consume lots of sparkling water or other bubbly liquids, a soda maker is a good investment for a few reasons. One, owning a soda maker is often more convenient than purchasing individual bottles of your favorite drink, since it’s always at your fingers — all you need to do is pick up CO2 cartridges every now and then. Second, it can help save you money over individual bottles, since making your own soda will be cheaper in the long run. And third, it’s more environmentally friendly — on average, owning a soda maker can help save up to 1,300 plastic bottles per year.