Fizzy and Flavorful: The Best Soda Makers for Home
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SodaStream Genesis Home Soda Maker -
KitchenAid Sparkling Beverage Soda Maker -
Home Brewing Carbonation System Soda Maker -
SodaPlus 10-Count CO2 Carbonizing Soda Maker -
Sparkle Soda Siphon -
Buyer's Guide
Soda originated from mineral water and was originally bottled for consumption due to its health benefits. In the late 1700s, carbon dioxide (CO2) was infused into water by dripping sulfuric acid onto chalk to replicate the "fizz" that mineral water has, allowing the gas to penetrate water when the liquid was agitated. Initially, plain water was consumed as a health drink, but flavors like ginger for ginger ale, birch bark for birch beer, dandelion and sassafras for root beer, and finally fruit extracts were added. This created a fruit-flavored drink that eventually evolved into modern soda pop.
We’ve chosen the best soda makers in 2022 that allows you to choose whatever flavor you desire, either in concentrated forms offered by the manufacturer or your own flavor that you can add yourself. Each of these soda-making machines is economical to use, meaning they’ll cost less to use for making your own soda over the long run versus purchasing canned soda from a store. They’re also environmentally friendly to use so long as you use the same bottles over and over again. While each of these soda makers will need CO2 carbonation added in the form of cartridges or a bulk carbonator-filled gas, they feature air-tight seals so none of the CO2 escapes and mechanisms so the actual process of infusing the liquid with CO2 is fast and uncomplicated. Ready for your favorite drink from the comfort of your own home? Read on to see our favorite soda makers.
Here Are the Best Soda Makers of 2022
SodaStream Genesis Home Soda Maker - Best Soda Maker Overall
SodaStream almost created this category of making soda at home with some other soda makers actually using this manufacturer’s accessories because of how they’ve gotten it so right. There are several different varieties of the SodaStream maker, with this one being a starter kit. It comes with everything you need, including a bottle and a CO2 cartridge, to make sparkling water as soon as you take it out of the package.
Screw in the carbonator bottle of CO2, fill a bottle with water and screw it on the front, and push the button on the top and infuse the water with CO2. Believe it or not, that's all there is to it. There are over 60 different SodaStream flavors to choose from with all being free of high-fructose corn syrup. The carbonator bottles and soda bottles needed for use with this appliance are readily available at many department stores. The SodaStream Genesis also comes covered with a 10 year warranty.
KitchenAid Sparkling Beverage Soda Maker - Runner Up
If you want a deluxe soda maker (and price is no object) the KitchenAid KSS1121CU Sparkling Beverage Maker stands alone. The appliances design allows you to monitor how much carbonation you are infusing via a pressure gauge, giving you a precise measurement so you'll always have the right amount of carbonation in every bottle. The large handle makes it easy to control the CO2 infusing process, and the metal housing is solid and sturdy, unlike more commonly found plastic-housing types.
Although the unit is made by KitchenAid, it makes use of SodaStream accessories, like theCO2 carbonator and the SodaStream flavors. The KitchenAid KSS1121CU Sparkling Beverage Maker offer deluxe construction and design, but it will cost about three times more than our top pick. Even with the premium price, you'll still only get a one year warranty.
Home Brewing Carbonation System Soda Maker - Honorable Mention
If you’re into home brewing, or just need versatility for carbonating any beverage, consider the CarbaCap Carbonation System. This unique carbonation system needs to be supplied with a CO2 tank that’s connected to a pressure valve, which can be found at virtually any home brewing supply store or on-line. Bulk CO2 is inexpensive compared to the packaged cans that come with other soda makers, and this little cap will screw on to virtually any 1 liter, 2 liter or any bottle with those standardized threads.
Add any flavoring you like (from packaged soft drink mixes or even real fruit juice) screw on the cap and carbonate until your desired pressure/carbonation is reached. You can carbonate virtually anything, including commercially made soda that has gone flat. This is the simplest and easiest pick listed here, provided you supply the bulk CO2 bottle and the valve to regulate the pressure. But for a versatility in carbonation that is unmatched, the CarbaCap Carbonation System rocks, and it comes covered by a lifetime guarantee.
SodaPlus 10-Count CO2 Carbonizing Soda Maker - Consider
For single serving carbonated beverages, the SodaPlus SP76327 Soda Carbonating Starter Kit is easy and effective to use. You’ll need to use only the proprietary bottles made for this unit, which is why the SodaPlus is considered a single serving. Pour a liquid into the bottle, add the flavor of your choice, from soft drinks to flat soda, and attach an 8 gram CO2 cartridge to the top. Shake the bottle and the CO2 will infuse the liquid. One cartridge is good per serving but you can use two cartridges for extra fizz. This appliance will carbonate virtually any liquid you pour into the bottle, from wine to cider, flat soda or any flavor packet you choose to add. The 1.2 liter bottle can be resealed and placed in the fridge to be consumed later.
Sparkle Soda Siphon - Best Soda Maker
This is the classic sparkling water dispenser that can be used to make virtually any liquid bubbly and effervescent drink. For home bars or if you just want a cold glass of soda, Sparkle Soda Siphon is a good option. The Sparkle Soda Siphon uses 8g CO2 cartridges that are readily available on-line or in many department stores. You fill the one liter container with water, attach the CO2 cartridge, and shake it like a polaroid. Remove the cartridge, place the container into the fridge for a couple of hours, and you'll have carbonated water at the touch of a button.
You can add your favorite soft drink mix into a cup and fill it with carbonated water right from the siphon. This is a great idea for single servings, or making drinks on your home bar. The classic, easy to use design makes the Sparkle Soda Siphon a favorite among bartenders, but it’s just as good for making bubbly drinks out of any drink mix that you have.
Buyer's Guide
For sugar-loving soda pop enthusiasts, soda machines can be a lifesaver. Making your own fizzy drink with less sugar can reduce the chances of diabetes and ensure you don’t put on too much weight. With one of these machines in your home, you’ll also never have to pay those extortionate Coca-Cola or Pepsi prices again.
However, not all soda makers are created equally, so what is the right one for you? Read our buyers guide below to get some useful tips on how to choose your perfect soda machine.
What is a soda maker?
A soda maker is a home appliance used for carbonating water. To create the desired effect, most devices use carbon dioxide from a pressurized cartridge.
Despite their rise to prominence in recent years, soda makers are much older than you may think, becoming commercially available at the beginning of the 20th century. The first drinkable glass of manmade soda water was actually produced in 1767. This was produced by suspending water above a beer vat in a brewery in Leeds. In 1783 the Schweppes company started selling fizzy drinks commercially.
The first soda maker for home use was sold in 1903. They became very popular in the 1920s before falling out of fashion. Eventually, they resurfaced in the 90s due to clever marketing aimed at teenage girls.
Why do you need a soda maker?
There are many reasons to buy one of these versatile devices. You can impress your friends with homemade spritzers. You can also improve your health and save some money in the process. Here are just a few of the many benefits of buying a soda maker.
Better for the environment
A soda maker allows you to reuse a cleanable bottle. Buying pre-made soda from a store equates to buying a lot of unnecessary plastic. You should also think about the sheer pollution produced by the transportation of all those bottles and what such a large-scale operation is doing for the environment.
They're a lot of fun
Making different sodas is a fun activity for all the family to enjoy. You can enjoy coming up with new mocktail recipes with your children, or simply create your own tonic for a homemade G&T.
Healthier than other sodas
Many store-bought sodas are filled with sugar and sweeteners. You can reduce your intake of these by choosing how to flavor your soda water with healthy alternatives. Adding natural fruit juices and herbs to your soda water is a much healthier option. Reducing sugar intake can lead to healthier teeth, clearer skin, and weight loss.
You can control the amount of fizz
If you find regular fizzy drinks a bit too fizzy for you, you can control the amount of fizz with a soda maker.
They allow for creativity
Soda makers are great if you want to make innovative new flavors and drinks recipes. You still always have the option to use readily available pre-bought syrups, but you could also try throwing out the rule book and come up with a mad concoction of your own.
Things to consider before buying a soda maker
There are a number of factors you may wish to consider before picking a soda maker. Every soda maker is different from the last. With so many variables, it’s easy to get confused. Follow our advice and you should be able to make an informed decision and come away with a soda maker which is right for your individual needs.
AirCharge two-stage pressure release valve
Choosing a soda maker with a two-stage pressure release valve allows for easy fusing of flavors. These soda makers can mix the flavors whilst inside the bottle so you do not lose any fizz.
Wide-opening bottle
If the bottle of the soda maker is wide, it enables you to add fruit or herbs to your fizzy drink. Of course, you can always add the ingredients after carbonating the water, but the flavors will blend better if you can do it in the soda bottle itself.
Recipe book
Some soda makers come with a free recipe book— perfect if you want to get adventurous with flavors. You can use this as a guide or a jumping-off point, especially if you like to get a little bit crazy in the kitchen.
Gas cylinders
Some designs of soda makers require you to buy gas cylinders separately. If choosing a design with separate gas cylinders, make sure they are easy to buy. Obviously, you will also need to incorporate this into your budget.
Power source
Most soda makers do not use electricity or batteries. Smaller models that are enough for one water bottle will often use CO2 cartridges. It is a good idea to make sure you have access to more cartridges before you buy a soda maker that uses them. You can usually find these CO2 cartridges in the same place you bought your soda maker.
Ease of use
Some soda makers are more complicated than others. Look for a design that is simple to use, especially if you are something of a technophobe. There are several designs of soda makers that only require you to push a single button for your soda water.
Easy to clean
You will want to buy a design of soda maker that allows you to easily clean the bottle. Look for wide-top bottles and easy-to-remove lids.
Color
Some soda makers come in a variety of colors to perfectly match your kitchen decor. Take some time to find a soda maker which will fit right in with your other kitchen appliances.
Levels of fizz
Some soda makers offer only one level of fizz. However, there are a variety of models which let you choose your own level of fizz. If you have tried a soda maker in the past and found it too gassy for your tastes, an adjustable fizz option is something you should consider.
Soda maker price range
Believe it or not, a soda maker can cost you between $35 and $1000. If you are buying your first soda maker, you may aim to spend about $100. This will ensure you get a decent all-around product with a variety of features.
Soda Maker FAQ
Q. What are some brands of soda makers?
A. Some of the most popular soda maker brands include Sodastream, Drinkmate, and Levivo. However, there are plenty of other brands that provide consistent, high-quality machines.
Q. How many drinks will a CO2 canister produce in my soda maker?
A. On average, a CO2 canister will produce around 130 liters of water. That equates to about 520 glasses of water. Of course, this is dependent on how fizzy you chose to make your drink.
