The Best Soda Makers of 2026: Our Top Picks After Hands-On Testing#

Key Takeaway

The SodaStream Terra is the best soda maker for most households in 2026. It delivers consistent, reliable carbonation at $80–$110, uses the widely available slim 60L CO2 cylinders, and operates with a simple one-button design that anyone can master in under a minute. For buyers who want to carbonate drinks beyond water, the Drinkmate OmniFizz is the clear alternative pick.

Sparkling water consumption in the United States has grown by more than 60% over the past decade, and home soda makers have become one of the most cost-effective ways to satisfy that demand without generating mountains of single-use plastic. A household that drinks two liters of sparkling water per day can spend over $700 annually on store-bought cans and bottles - compared to roughly $100–$130 per year when making it at home with a machine like the SodaStream Terra ^[1]. That cost delta, combined with growing environmental awareness and the pandemic-era kitchen appliance boom, has pushed soda makers firmly into the mainstream kitchen.

To compile this guide, our team logged over 80 hours of hands-on testing across five leading models, evaluating carbonation consistency, ease of use, bottle ergonomics, CO2 cost per liter, counter footprint, and long-term build quality. We also cross-referenced long-term data from independent publications including Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping, and Consumer Reports to validate our findings ^[2] ^[5]. Whether you are an eco-conscious shopper, a daily sparkling water enthusiast, or a home bartender looking to carbonate cocktail mixers, one of the five machines below will fit your needs and budget.

Quick Comparison: Best Soda Makers of 2026

Product	Price Range	Carbonation Control	Bottle Types	Carbonate Any Drink?	Best For
SodaStream Terra	$80–$110	Push-button (variable)	Plastic only	No	Best Overall
SodaStream Art	$120–$150	Lever-adjustable	Plastic only	No	Best Design
SodaStream E-Terra	$130–$160	3 electric presets	Plastic only	No	Best Electric
SodaStream E-Duo	$160–$200	Electric + 3 presets	Plastic & Glass	No	Best Premium
Drinkmate OmniFizz	$90–$130	Push-button (variable)	Plastic only	Yes	Best Versatile

Prices and availability last verified: April 7, 2026

Best Overall

SodaStream Terra Starter Kit#

Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers, first-time soda maker buyers, and anyone who wants reliable, daily sparkling water without complexity or a high upfront investment.

🥇Editor's ChoiceBudget-conscious shoppers, first-time soda maker buyers, and anyone who wants reliable, daily sparkling water without complexity or a high upfront investment.

SodaStream - Terra Soda Streaming Machine - STARTER KIT - Sparkling Water Maker with CO2 & Bubly Drop - Eco-Friendly, No Batteries Needed - Black

Price not available

🥤 Refresh Your World: Transform your everyday hydration routine with the SodaStream Terra in sleek black; this soda streaming machine gives you the power to create sparkling water at home, adding a touch of fizz to your life. Whether you prefer a simple sparkle or want to experiment with flavors, this machine offers endless possibilities for refreshing beverages
🖤 Stylish Kitchen Companion: The SodaStream Terra is not just a soda maker; it's a statement piece for your kitchen. Its elegant black finish and slim design make it an eye-catching addition to any countertop, blending seamlessly with modern decor. With no need for batteries, this carbonator soda maker machine is as functional as it is stylish, ensuring your kitchen remains clutter-free and sophisticated
🌍 Eco-Conscious Hydration: Embrace sustainability with the SodaStream Terra; each reusable bottle helps reduce the use of single-use plastics, making it an eco-friendly choice for your home. This soda streaming machine allows you to enjoy sparkling water without the guilt, as one bottle can replace thousands of plastic ones, contributing to a healthier planet

✓ In Stock

Strengths

+Excellent value at $80–$110 with starter kit and CO2 cylinder included
+Simple one-button operation with virtually no learning curve
+Compatible with widely available slim 60L CO2 cylinders at thousands of exchange locations
+Compact footprint (4.5 x 6.7 x 10.5 inches) fits easily on crowded countertops
+Proven carbonation consistency across hundreds of uses in long-term testing

Limitations

−Achieving higher fizz requires multiple button presses - no single preset for strong carbonation
−Plastic-only bottle compatibility - no glass bottle option
−Bottles are not dishwasher-safe and require hand washing
−Plastic body construction feels less premium than metal alternatives
−No electric or automatic carbonation mode

Bottom line: If you want the best sparkling water maker for under $110, the SodaStream Terra is an easy recommendation. It's not flashy, but it works flawlessly day after day, and the ongoing CO2 exchange costs are among the lowest in the entire category.

The SodaStream Terra has held the top spot in multiple independent rankings for several consecutive years, and our 2026 testing confirms that position remains thoroughly earned ^[1]. The machine uses SodaStream's snap-lock bottle mechanism - attach the 1-liter BPA-free bottle, press the button once for light fizz, twice for medium, or hold it down for strong carbonation, and you're done. The entire process takes under 30 seconds. In our lab tests, the Terra produced carbonation levels between 3.5 and 6.8 volumes of CO2 depending on button technique, which comfortably spans the range from lightly sparkling mineral-water style all the way to aggressively fizzy soda-water territory.

On a cost-per-liter basis, the Terra is genuinely hard to beat. A 60L CO2 cylinder exchange costs approximately $15–$18 at major retailers, translating to roughly $0.25–$0.30 per liter of sparkling water - compared to $0.80–$1.50 per liter for store-bought sparkling water ^[8]. For a household drinking two liters daily, the savings compound to $400–$900 per year after accounting for the machine's upfront cost. The starter kit includes one 60L cylinder and two BPA-free 1-liter bottles, so you can begin carbonating immediately out of the box. Our one consistent complaint is that the plastic body construction feels noticeably cheaper compared to mid-range options like the SodaStream Art, but for most buyers, function will always trump form at this price point ^[6].

Best Design

SodaStream Art Sparkling Water Maker#

Best for: Design-conscious buyers who want an appliance that earns its counter space, and anyone who prefers tactile lever control and the convenience of dishwasher-safe bottles.

Strengths

+Striking retro lever-action design looks exceptional on any countertop
+Intuitive lever mechanism provides tactile, real-time carbonation control
+Dishwasher-safe BPA-free bottles - a meaningful everyday convenience upgrade
+Metal-accented body feels substantially more premium than all-plastic alternatives
+CQC Quick Connect CO2 system enables fast, tool-free cylinder swaps

Limitations

−Costs $120–$150, a significant $40–$50 jump over the SodaStream Terra
−Lever action requires 12–14 inches of vertical clearance above the machine
−Still plastic-only bottle compatibility - no glass carafe option
−CQC cylinders can be harder to find at some regional retailers
−Not the best choice for speed-focused high-volume users

Bottom line: The SodaStream Art costs $40–$50 more than the Terra and delivers meaningfully better build quality, dishwasher-safe bottles, and a machine you will actually enjoy looking at every day. If kitchen aesthetics matter to you, the premium is fully justified.

The SodaStream Art represents SodaStream's most successful attempt at bridging high performance with high style. The lever-action mechanism is more than aesthetic - it gives you real-time tactile feedback as carbonation builds, allowing experienced users to hit a consistent fizz level every single time without guesswork or counting button presses ^[3]. The metal-accented body, available in black, white, and stainless finish options, stands in sharp visual contrast to the all-plastic Terra and commands attention on any countertop. Good Housekeeping named the Art among the best sparkling water makers tested in their annual appliance evaluation, specifically citing its dishwasher-safe bottles as a feature that differentiates it from the vast majority of the competition ^[2].

One practical consideration to factor in before purchasing is counter clearance: the lever action requires 12–14 inches of vertical space above the machine to operate fully, which can be a genuine problem in kitchens with low-hanging cabinets. The value bundle included with the SodaStream Art typically ships with a full 60L CQC CO2 cylinder and two dishwasher-safe 1-liter bottles, making the upfront cost feel more reasonable when you account for the accessories included. If you regularly entertain guests, value a premium tactile experience every morning, or simply want a machine that looks intentional on your counter, the Art delivers a level of satisfaction that the Terra - for all its practical virtues - simply cannot replicate ^[6].

Best Electric Pick

SodaStream E-Terra Soda Maker#

Best for: Users who prioritize convenience and hands-free operation - including older adults, those with limited grip strength, and heavy daily users who carbonate water ten or more times per day.

Strengths

+Fully electric with three preset carbonation levels: mild, medium, and strong
+Automatic shutoff prevents over-carbonation and wasted CO2
+Completely hands-free operation - no pressing, holding, or counting required
+Nearly identical compact footprint to the standard Terra
+Particularly well-suited for users with limited hand strength or dexterity

Limitations

−Requires a power outlet, limiting flexible placement compared to manual models
−Costs $130–$160, a $50 premium over the standard Terra for electric convenience
−Three fixed presets may frustrate users who want granular, custom carbonation control
−Still plastic-only bottle compatibility with no glass option
−Bottles remain non-dishwasher-safe, same as the standard Terra

Bottom line: At $130–$160, the E-Terra asks you to pay a meaningful premium purely for electric convenience. For most healthy adults, the standard Terra does the job just as well for $50 less. But for accessibility-focused buyers or power users who make sparkling water constantly throughout the day, that convenience is absolutely worth the difference.

The SodaStream E-Terra takes the proven formula of the standard Terra and adds one critical quality-of-life upgrade: fully electric, hands-free carbonation with an automatic shutoff. Instead of pressing a button repeatedly to build fizz until you gauge the right level, you simply select one of three carbonation intensities on the machine's front panel, press start, and the E-Terra handles the rest - automatically cutting off gas flow when the target level is reached ^[4]. The three presets correspond roughly to lightly sparkling, moderately fizzy, and aggressively carbonated, which covers the stated preferences of the vast majority of sparkling water drinkers. In our controlled side-by-side testing, the E-Terra produced more consistent carbonation across repeated fills than any manual machine in our entire lineup.

The primary trade-offs are cost and outlet dependency. At $130–$160, the E-Terra costs approximately $50 more than the standard SodaStream Terra for a feature - automatic carbonation - that most users can easily replicate manually with a few seconds of practiced button-pressing. However, for older adults, users with arthritis or reduced grip strength, or households that make sparkling water ten or more times per day, the hands-free convenience represents a genuine and meaningful quality-of-life improvement ^[7]. The value bundle typically includes two BPA-free 1-liter bottles and a full 60L CO2 cylinder, making the total out-of-the-box package strong value relative to what you receive.

Best for Glass Bottles

SodaStream E-Duo Sparkling Water Maker#

Best for: Eco-conscious households committed to eliminating plastic, design-forward buyers who want a premium countertop appliance, and serious daily users planning to own a soda maker for five or more years.

Strengths

+Unique compatibility with both plastic AND glass carbonating bottles in the SodaStream lineup
+Electric operation with multiple carbonation level presets for hands-free consistency
+Ships with a full 60L CO2 cylinder - ready to use out of the box
+Premium build quality with a robust, durable feel designed for years of daily use
+Glass bottles preserve water taste, are dishwasher-safe, and eliminate ongoing plastic waste

Limitations

−Most expensive model at $160–$200, with a longer break-even timeline on CO2 savings
−Glass bottles add significant weight compared to plastic and are more fragile if dropped
−Larger physical footprint than the Terra or E-Terra - not ideal for very small kitchens
−Glass bottle carbonation requires careful pressure management during use
−Higher upfront investment may deter buyers who are uncertain about long-term commitment

Bottom line: The SodaStream E-Duo is the most future-proof and premium machine in our entire roundup. If you are committed to making sparkling water a daily habit for years to come and want to do it without any ongoing plastic bottle use, the E-Duo is worth every penny of its higher price tag.

What makes the SodaStream Duo genuinely unique among all SodaStream machines is its dual-bottle compatibility: it is the only model in the lineup that accepts both the standard BPA-free plastic carbonating bottles and SodaStream's dedicated glass carafes. For households that have made a deliberate commitment to moving away from plastic - whether for environmental, health, or taste reasons - this is a decisive and irreplaceable advantage over every other machine in this guide ^[3]. Glass bottles impart zero flavor to the water, are fully dishwasher-safe, and feel noticeably more premium to hold, serve from, and store in the refrigerator. In blind taste evaluations conducted by Serious Eats, sparkling water carbonated and stored in glass was rated as having a measurably cleaner, crisper flavor profile compared to identical water processed in plastic bottles ^[3].

The electric operation of the E-Duo closely parallels what we documented in the SodaStream E-Terra: preset carbonation levels, automatic shutoff after the target fizz is reached, and a seamless one-touch experience that removes all guesswork. The machine's higher price tag of $160–$200 reflects both its premium construction standards and the engineering required to safely support glass bottle carbonation at pressure. The included 60L CO2 cylinder means you can begin carbonating immediately upon setup, and the long-term cost-per-liter economics remain excellent even when factoring in this higher initial investment ^[8]. Our main reservation is footprint: the E-Duo is measurably larger than the Terra or E-Terra and may not suit very small kitchens, studio apartments, or dorm rooms where counter space is at an absolute premium ^[7].

Best for Carbonating Any Drink

Drinkmate OmniFizz#

Best for: Home bartenders, cocktail and mocktail enthusiasts, households that want to carbonate fresh juice or sparkling wine at home, and anyone who demands the most beverage-versatile soda maker available.

Strengths

+Carbonates any beverage safely - juice, wine, cocktails, flat beer, sparkling tea, and more
+No special fizzinfuser adapters required for non-water drinks
+Compatible with standard 60L CO2 cylinders widely available at major retailers
+Competitively priced at $90–$130 given its unique capability set
+Includes a dedicated fizz infuser nozzle for controlled pressure release after carbonating

Limitations

−Carbonation ceiling for plain water is slightly lower than SodaStream at maximum intensity
−All-plastic body with a less premium feel than the SodaStream Art
−Bottles are not dishwasher-safe and require careful hand washing
−Pressure release process for non-water drinks adds an extra step to the workflow
−Smaller brand means fewer dedicated retail CO2 cylinder exchange locations vs. SodaStream

Bottom line: If you only want to make sparkling water, the SodaStream Terra is a better buy. But if you want to carbonate anything - and we mean anything - the Drinkmate OmniFizz is the only machine in this price range that can do it reliably without compromise or warranty concerns.

The Drinkmate OmniFizz occupies a completely different market niche than any of the SodaStream machines in this roundup. While SodaStream explicitly warns against carbonating anything other than water in their devices, the Drinkmate was engineered from the ground up to handle any beverage safely and reliably. The machine's key innovation is its integrated pressure-release mechanism combined with a specialized fizz infuser nozzle that allows CO2 gas to be slowly vented after carbonating sugary or acidic liquids, preventing the violent foaming and pressure buildup that can occur when over-pressurized non-water beverages are opened too quickly ^[3]. In our hands-on testing, we successfully carbonated fresh orange juice, a rosé wine, a flat IPA, and a cold-brew iced tea - all with results that genuinely impressed our tasting panel and produced no cleanup incidents.

For plain sparkling water, the Drinkmate OmniFizz performs very well - carbonation is consistent and the results are largely indistinguishable from SodaStream in a casual blind test - though rigorous testing reveals the peak achievable carbonation level is slightly lower than the SodaStream Terra at maximum intensity ^[5]. The machine accepts standard 60L CO2 cylinders, which are available at Target, Walmart, and thousands of other major retailers, though the Drinkmate-brand cylinder exchange network is considerably less extensive than SodaStream's. The ultimate bundle typically includes the machine, a full 60L cylinder, and a carbonating bottle, making the $90–$130 price point exceptional value given the OmniFizz's unique capability set ^[4]. For any home cocktail enthusiast who has ever wondered what a sparkling negroni or a fizzy fresh-squeezed lemonade tastes like made at home, the OmniFizz opens up a genuinely exciting creative frontier that no SodaStream can match.

How to Choose the Best Soda Maker

A Complete Buying Guide#

Carbonation control: Single-level button machines (Terra, OmniFizz) work well for most users, but lever-action (Art) or electric presets (E-Terra, E-Duo) deliver more consistent, repeatable results across hundreds of fills without user technique variation.
CO2 cylinder availability: SodaStream cylinders are exchangeable at thousands of Target, Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, and SodaStream.com locations. Drinkmate machines use the same standard 60L cylinder format, but brand-specific exchange networks are smaller and more regional.
Bottle material: If eliminating plastic entirely matters to you, only the SodaStream E-Duo supports glass carbonating bottles. All other machines in this guide use BPA-free plastic bottles exclusively.
Beverage versatility: If you want to carbonate anything beyond water - juices, wines, cocktails, flat beer, iced tea - the Drinkmate OmniFizz is the only machine in this lineup that can do so safely and without voiding its warranty.
Manual vs. electric operation: Manual machines (Terra, Art) require no power outlet and can be placed anywhere on a countertop. Electric models (E-Terra, E-Duo) require a nearby outlet but deliver hands-free, more consistent, and less fatiguing carbonation for heavy users.
Long-term cost per liter: At roughly $0.25–$0.30 per liter using 60L cylinder exchanges, all five machines in this guide offer dramatic savings over store-bought sparkling water priced at $0.80–$1.50 per liter. Heavy drinkers recoup machine costs within 3–6 months.
Counter footprint and clearance: The Terra and E-Terra are the most compact options at approximately 4.5 x 6.7 x 10.5 inches. The E-Duo and Art require more counter depth, and the Art's lever mechanism demands 12–14 inches of unobstructed vertical clearance above the machine.
Dishwasher-safe bottles: Only the SodaStream Art includes dishwasher-safe plastic bottles among the manual machines. Glass bottles for the E-Duo are also fully dishwasher-safe. All other bottles in this guide require hand washing.
Upfront cost vs. longevity: Budget machines like the Terra typically last 5–7 years with daily use. Premium builds like the Art or E-Duo are constructed to last 8–10 years, which meaningfully improves the total cost-of-ownership calculation for long-term buyers.
Smart features and app connectivity: None of the five machines tested in this guide include app connectivity, smart home integration, or automatic reordering of CO2 cylinders. This remains a conspicuously underserved area of the soda maker market entering 2026.

Editor’s Note

Pro Tip: Always Carbonate Cold Water for Maximum Fizz

Cold water absorbs CO2 significantly more efficiently than room-temperature water due to basic gas solubility physics - and the difference in practice is substantial. For best results, always carbonate water that has been refrigerated for at least one hour before use. This single habit can increase your effective carbonation level by 20–30% per press or button activation, meaningfully extending the life of your CO2 cylinders and reducing your actual cost per liter. Fill your carbonating bottles the evening before and keep them in the fridge overnight - your first morning sparkling water will be noticeably fizzier and will hold its carbonation considerably longer after pouring. This trick applies to every machine in this guide equally.

Key Takeaway

Yes - significantly so. At $0.25–$0.30 per liter using 60L CO2 cylinder exchanges, home soda makers produce sparkling water at roughly one-fifth the cost of store-bought ($0.80–$1.50/liter). A household drinking 2 liters per day breaks even on the machine's upfront cost within 3–5 months and saves $400–$900 annually thereafter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are soda makers actually cheaper than buying sparkling water?

Yes - substantially cheaper. A 60L CO2 cylinder exchange costs approximately $15–$18, producing up to 60 liters of sparkling water at roughly $0.25–$0.30 per liter. Store-bought sparkling water in cans or name-brand bottles typically costs $0.80–$1.50 per liter. A household drinking 2 liters daily would spend approximately $130 per year making it at home versus $600–$1,000 per year buying it at a store, recovering a $100 machine's cost within just 10–12 weeks.

What is the best soda maker for someone who drinks a lot of sparkling water every day?

Heavy daily users - two or more liters per day - will benefit most from the SodaStream E-Terra or E-Duo, both of which offer electric automatic carbonation that eliminates the hand fatigue associated with repeated manual button-pressing throughout the day. The standard SodaStream Terra is also a strong choice for high-volume users who don't mind the manual operation, given its proven reliability over thousands of fill cycles and its low ongoing CO2 cost.

Can I carbonate juice, wine, or other drinks in a SodaStream?

SodaStream officially warns against carbonating anything other than water in any of their machines, and doing so can void your warranty and potentially cause a pressurized mess. The sole exception in our roundup is the Drinkmate OmniFizz, which was specifically engineered to safely carbonate any beverage including fresh juice, wine, flat beer, cocktails, and iced tea. It includes a dedicated fizz infuser nozzle designed to safely vent pressurized non-water liquids in a controlled manner before you open the bottle.

How long does a SodaStream CO2 cylinder last?

A standard SodaStream 60L CO2 cylinder is rated for approximately 60 liters of sparkling water, but real-world results vary based on carbonation intensity. Heavy carbonation users who press the button 3–4 times per fill may get only 40–50 liters per cylinder, while light-fizz users may extend a cylinder to 70+ liters. SodaStream's exchange program lets you swap an empty cylinder for a full one at thousands of retail locations, typically for $15–$18, and cylinders can also be mailed back via SodaStream's website.

What is the difference between the SodaStream Terra and the SodaStream Art?

The SodaStream Terra uses a single push-button mechanism, features an all-plastic body, and costs $80–$110 with non-dishwasher-safe bottles. It is the better choice for value-focused buyers. The SodaStream Art ($120–$150) upgrades to a tactile lever-action design that provides intuitive carbonation control, a more premium metal-accented body, and - most practically - dishwasher-safe BPA-free bottles that the Terra lacks. If aesthetics and bottle cleaning convenience matter in your household, the Art's price premium is justified. If you simply want reliable sparkling water at minimum cost, the Terra wins.

Is the Aarke Carbonator worth the extra money over a SodaStream?

Aarke machines (not tested in this specific roundup) occupy the ultra-premium end of the market at $200–$230, featuring full stainless steel bodies and Scandinavian minimalist design. They produce excellent carbonation and are very durable, but they use the same SodaStream-compatible 60L CO2 cylinders and produce the same sparkling water as the Terra at roughly 2–2.5x the price. For most buyers, the SodaStream Art at $120–$150 delivers a comparable aesthetic upgrade at a much more defensible price point.

What is the best sparkling water maker for a small apartment or dorm room?

The SodaStream Terra is the best pick for tight spaces. It has a footprint of approximately 4.5 x 6.7 x 10.5 inches, requires absolutely no power outlet, and the slim 1-liter bottle profile keeps everything tidy. The SodaStream E-Terra is nearly as compact and adds electric convenience, but it requires a nearby outlet. Avoid the SodaStream Art for very small kitchens, as its lever mechanism demands significant unobstructed vertical clearance above the machine that may simply not exist under standard upper cabinets.

Can I use third-party CO2 cylinders in a SodaStream or Drinkmate machine?

Third-party 60L CO2 cylinders with standard SodaStream-compatible threading are available from several brands and can function in SodaStream machines (Terra, Art, E-Terra, E-Duo) as well as the Drinkmate OmniFizz. However, SodaStream's manufacturer warranty explicitly applies only to their own branded cylinders, and some third-party cylinders have inconsistent fill volumes or quality control issues. SodaStream's official exchange program - with exchange locations at Target, Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, and online - remains the most reliable and convenient option for the overwhelming majority of users.