We first evaluated each machine by reading the assembly and operation instructions. Then, using cold water, we tested the highest carbonation setting for each model. We then had several coworkers do a blind tasting out of identical drinking glasses to assess the carbonation levels, and I tasted the water myself.
During the tests, we found that there was little difference in noise level, carbonation time, and amount of carbonation between the different models. All of the machines we successfully tested (there was one failure) were equally quiet, capable of lighter or stronger levels of carbonation, and took between 3–10 seconds to carbonate. Aside from the Spärkel, which we’ll get into below, all brands also used more or less the same type of gas canister.
As for other qualities, we evaluated the general build and appearance. Does it look nice? Does it feel sturdy or cheap? How much counter space does it take up? Does it come with multiple BPA-free water bottles? Is it easy or hard to replace CO2 cylinders? Does the company offer a CO2 tank exchange program?
Other soda makers we tested
Glacier Fresh Sparkin Cold Soda Maker
If you’ve always dreamed of having a La Croix tap at home, but don’t have the kind of lavish lifestyle that allows for such luxuries, the Glacier Fresh Sparkin Cold Soda Maker might just be the next best thing. This is the only soda maker we tested that doesn’t require you to carbonate in a bottle. Instead, a 1.6-liter reservoir feeds water into the machine where it gets chilled (the machine cools the water but the manual also recommends starting with cold water for better bubbles). When you’re ready to make soda magic happen, you push a button on the front of the machine to fill the little bubbling chamber, then push down on a lever to engage the CO2 canister (you can use the same canisters you would with any other machine). Once your water is sufficiently bubbly, you simply press down on a small lever on the front to dispense your homemade soda right into your glass. It sounds more complicated than it is; the whole process is actually quick, easy, and fairly intuitive. We don’t think it’s super practical for most people. At 8 inches wide and 11 inches deep, this electric machine is a lot bulkier than the bottle-style devices and it’s pricey too ($290 at the time of publishing), but if you want a tap-like experience without calling a plumber or cutting into your countertops, it’s a good option.
Philips Sparkling Water Maker
The Philips Sparkling Water Maker is a great machine with a price that’s in line with the Mysoda Woody. It is capable of making sharply fizzy soda water and has a pleasing appearance that won’t look garish next to your coffee maker—all for only $60. It’s simple to set up, uses the same single button design that pretty much all countertop carbonators have, and it performs as well. Ultimately, we prefer the Mysoda as far as build quality is concerned, but this is still a worthwhile budget machine.
SodaStream Terra
This is SodaStream’s most basic current model, and it functions much like the original Fizzi. The key difference is that it utilizes SodaStream’s new Quick Connect CO2 cartridges, which click in instead of twist. We found this design change to be unnecessary, and it only serves to make consumers rely exclusively on SodaStream’s gas exchange program.
SodaStream Art
The SodaStream Art is marketed as the company’s premium carbonator, with a retro-inspired body and lever instead of a button. It performs just like any other Soda Stream model, but if you are shopping for aesthetics, we think there are some more enticing options out there.
SodaStream Fizzi One Touch
This was our previous choice for the best electric soda maker, but SodaStream seems to be phasing it out for the newer E-Terra, which is nearly identical in performance and build. We’ve moved away from recommending electric soda makers, though; there’s no reason to devote a valuable outlet when you don’t have to.
SodaStream Fizzi (discontinued)
The original Fizzi delivered strong carbonation and is simple to use, but unfortunately it’s now discontinued.
SodaStream Aqua Fizz (discontinued)
This came with lovely glass carafes, which were also dishwasher-safe, but we found the design clunky, cumbersome, and not very intuitive. Taste testers also found the carbonation to be a bit underwhelming even at the highest setting. This model has also been discontinued.
Aarke Carbonator II (discontinued)
The original Aarke is certainly a tall drink of fizzy water in the looks department, with its stainless-steel body and sleek design. But its basic functionality and middle-of-the-pack carbonation capabilities didn’t blow us away. Its handsome bod wasn’t enough to justify the price.
Aarke Carbonator III
The differences between the Carbonator III and the Carbonator II are all in the form factor: The Carbonator III has fewer plastic parts than the II, with the lever handle and the nozzle now made of steel. Performance-wise, it is a perfectly fine soda maker. Just like all previous Aarke models, you are paying for looks, and if that’s worth it to you, then go for it.
Aarke Carbonator Pro
This somewhat fancier Aarke model has glass bottles instead of plastic, and like the Aqua Fizz, the machine covers the bottle entirely during the carbonation process to safeguard from exploding glass. Aarke Carbonators are undoubtedly the best looking carbonating gadgets on the market (even more sleek than the Breville in our opinion), with matte black or stainless-steel finishes. However, they tend to fall a little short on performance. The locking mechanism on the Pro we tested had trouble shifting into the lock position, causing the carbonator to blow open and spray water everywhere. After manually fiddling with the ring on the bottom, we got it to work, but it felt like a lot of effort for such an expensive soda machine.
Drinkpod Fizzpod
Considering the price point, this model was incredibly flimsy and cheap. The drink canisters were also unnecessarily tall, making them unable to fit inside most fridges.
Spärkel Beverage System
This machine uses citric acid and baking soda to produce carbon dioxide in lieu of gas canisters. Long story short, due to user error, this machine made a loud popping noise when we opened the canister and shot citric acid and baking soda into our eyes. When we attempted to use the machine again, the mistake had rendered it unusable. A colleague tested the machine at a previous job and had a similar experience.