Best Everyday Soda Maker
SodaStream One Touch
It’s no surprise that the brand that put home carbonators on the map is also a favorite in our Test Kitchen. Although SodaStream makes many home soda makers, our pros love the SodaStream One Touch.
One of the many reasons our pros call this a favorite soda maker is the ability to customize the carbonation. On the top of the machine you will see three buttons for different levels of fizz. Just put the bottle in place and press. In seconds, you’ll have a bottle of sparkling water that’s right for you. From there, you can add all the extras you want to make an Italian soda, wine spritzer, or even an old-fashioned ice cream soda.
If getting the right flavors yourself isn’t quite for you (or you just want something tasty and bubbly fast), SodaStream makes just as many syrups and flavorings. This impressive product range, as well as the ready availability of branded accessories, are other reasons why this model is a winner.
Advantages
The inconvenients
- Requires electricity, so this machine should be placed near an outlet
Specifications
- Ability: 33 ounces
- Price: $130
Best Professional Level Carbonator
Aarke Premium Carbonator
For a premium look and experience, our Test Kitchen recommends the Aarke Premium Carbonator.
Unlike many other models, this Aarke carbonator is made of stainless steel (not plastic). It’s available in eight different finishes, and Peggy has nothing but good things to say about the copper finish. “It resists fingerprints very well,” she explains. If it does get stained, the folks at Aarke have already included a microfiber cloth in the box.
When it comes to performance, this Aarke soda maker is as luxurious as it looks. In Peggy’s words, “Wowza, that’s chic!” But don’t let the looks fool you: this machine is so easy to use. Screw the bottle in place and push the lever. That’s it! And if you want more bubbles, press the lever again. The result is crisp, sparkling water perfect for your vodka soda.
The only downside to this machine that our team could find was the price. If you like everyday soft drinks or like to show off your mixology skills, this machine will be worth it. If you’re more of a laid-back bubble drinker, you might prefer one of our Test Kitchen’s other favorite models.
Advantages
- Nice sturdy construction
- Customizable carbonation levels
- Stain resistant finish
The inconvenients
Specifications
- Ability: 33 ounces
- Price: $230
Best budget soda maker
Phillips Water GoZero
You don’t need to spend a lot to get a great home soda maker. For the price of a few cases of LaCroix, you can get the Phillips Water GoZero (and never have to buy sparkling water again).
This compact carbonator takes up very little space on your countertop. Since it doesn’t require electricity, it can be stored and used just about anywhere. But this machine is much more than a simplified design.
The Phillips Water GoZero allows you to customize the carbonation level of your drinks. This means that fizz fanatics can go all the way with the bubbles if they want! This is a major feature if you are a fan of sparkling water. It’s also a good option if you plan to use this carbonator to make club soda for cocktails; you may want more bubbles to compensate for non-carbonated ingredients like juices and syrups. Our Test Kitchen recommends you try it with this Sunshine Lime Rickey.
Advantages
- Affordable
- small footprint
- Customizable carbonation levels
- Does not require electricity
The inconvenients
- Installing the CO2 cartridge inside the machine may take some practice
- Should only be used with water
Specifications
- Ability: 33 ounces
- Price: $70
