6 Best Soda Makers [Tested and Reviewed]

At the top of our list is the "Terra" by SodaStream. This model increases carbonation intensity each time the plate on the top of the machine is pressed.

Following the instructions from the manufacturer to press the gas release five times, we made a strong carbonated water that recorded 3.91GV, a level stronger than commercially available carbonated beverages in PET bottles. Our taste testers noted that this model produced a strong fizz that spread throughout the mouth and bubbles that popped sharply, giving every beverage they tasted a refreshing texture.

Setting up the bottle was easy, requiring just a simple push of the cylinder into the front of the machine. The gas is automatically released after removing the bottle, making the operation simple. The gas cylinders were also easy to install just by lowering the lever.

For this model, cylinders cannot be disposed of as household trash, but there is a waste collection service. By ordering parts online and handing the used cylinders to the courier or putting them in your mailbox, you can conveniently exchange your gas cylinders for new ones. It's also possible to bring them into a store for collection.

This product does not require a power source due to its manual operation, so you won't have trouble finding a place for it. Overall, this model proved to have the best ability to make strong carbonated water, making it the best pick for those purchasing a soda maker for the first time.

The "Art" by SodaStream boasts a design that is both functional and sleek, being the only model with a lever to control the carbonation level manually.

After pushing the level five times, our testers were able to create carbonated water with a strong intensity of 3.68GV. With its large, crackling bubbles, it offers an excellent long-lasting tingling sensation, offering a carbonation level beyond that of commercially available carbonated seltzer waters and beverages.

This model was also extremely easy to use. Just push the bottle in and push, and you can set the cylinder just by lowering the lever. The carbonation is infused by lowering the lever. The more times the lever is lowered, the stronger the carbonation. With its lever configuration, this model doesn't require as much effort as the models that inject gas with a button, making it easier to handle. This model could be a good option if you value convenience.

Although they cannot be discarded as household trash, the used cylinders can be disposed of by using a pick-up collection service or bringing them into a store.

This product not only produces strong carbonation but also is easy to operate. The lever type doesn't require much effort compared to injecting gas with a button, making it easier to handle. Therefore, it could be a good option if you value convenience.

The "E-Duo" by SodaStream has won the "Red Dot Design Award," one of the world's most prestigious product design prizes and, in addition to a traditional plastic bottle, it comes with a glass bottle, making it more sustainable and eco-friendly than most models.

In our tests, we recorded a carbonation intensity of 3.25GV. While this is initially a relatively strong level of carbonation, the samples showed the carbonation quickly dissipates after finishing the beverage. However, the carbonation was strong at the start, so overall we rated it as a solid performer in this category.

The bottle is set by putting it into the silver flask and securing a locking mechanism from above. The operation is simple, but it's worth noting that our testers had to apply some force to lock it. However, compared to the type of cylinder that hangs on the main body, this model has no concern about water leaking out during the carbonation process.

The used gas cylinders cannot be disposed of as household waste but can be exchanged for new ones through a pick-up collection service, saving customers the hassle of purchasing them in-store.

The ability to automatically adjust the carbonation level is a benefit. Unlike manual models, where the strength of the carbonation changes depending on how long you press the button, with this model you can consistently get the same strength of carbonation every time. This one is also easy to use for beginners, as you only need to press the button once.

Sparkel's "Beverage System" allows you to automatically adjust the carbonation level up to five levels simply by pressing a button located on the top of the unit, making it one of the most user-friendly models. It is also compatible with drinks other than water and is advertised as being able to create original beverages.

This product’s easy waste disposal and bottle installation make it an appealing option. The bag containing citric acid and baking soda can be disposed of as household waste. Moreover, the bottle only needs to be placed in the designated spot, with no need to push or turn anything to secure it in place.

However, this product did receive low ratings for weak carbonation. Even when our testers made carbonated water at the highest level of the five stages recommended by the manufacturer, the carbonation strength was subpar at 2.78GV. During tasting, the testers felt the stimulation of large bubbles for a moment, but the carbonation disappeared immediately. It is also concerning that while many products complete gas injection in 5-10 seconds, this product took 4 minutes.

The product’s operation process, while straightforward, is a little tedious. Carbonation requires putting water in the tank at the back, adding powdered citric acid and baking soda from the top, and pressing a switch. Each use requires adding the powder, which could be a bit of a hassle.

The "Sodamaker Classic 1060" from iSi boasts a stylish, retro design that can compliment any kitchen or bar as a piece of decor in addition to being a practical appliance.

This model uses gas cartridges, rather than cylinders, and can be disposed of as household waste after use, which is an added benefit. However, the downside of this type of configuration is the hassle of needing to change the cartridge after every use, making it less sustainable than other models.

When making carbonated water, our testers recorded a carbonation strength of 2.57GV, which is weak in comparison to several of the other, more modern products available. During the taste test, there was a slight feel of carbonation, but the bubbly sensation was short-lived. Achieving strong carbonation with this product is challenging.

There are also aspects of this product that make it difficult to use. After inserting the cartridge, it requires the user to shake the main body by hand more than five times to add carbonation. This makes it hard to adjust the level of carbonation because it can’t be monitored without disrupting the process. The fact that you can't remove the bottle cap and thus can't clean the inside is also a concern.