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Telegraph
30-06-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
The best sparkling water makers from SodaStream to SMEG, tested for refreshing bubbles
Whether you're cutting down on bottled water or mixing up bar-worthy spritzes at home, a soda maker can be a savvy, sustainable investment. These compact machines use a CO2 cylinder to carbonate tap or filtered water (and, in some cases, juice, wine or cocktails) in seconds. Prices range from £80 to over £150, with entry-level options from ProCook and SodaStream and more premium models by Aarke, SMEG and Sage. When choosing a carbonator, consider how easily the CO2 can be replaced (either exchanging the empty cylinder in-store, or via a more streamlined home delivery service), whether the bottles are dishwasher-safe and how much counter space it needs. Newer models can be stylish, but fiddlier to use, while others prioritise simplicity (via silent levers and one-touch presets) over aesthetics. Each soda maker has been thoroughly tested and we regularly update this guide to keep pace with new arrivals and pricing changes. The best sparkling water makers: At a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS How to choose the best sparkling water makers There's more to choosing a soda maker than meets the eye. The first consideration is carbonation strength: some machines offer adjustable fizz levels (necessary if your household prefers different degrees of sparkle) while others use a single, manual pump. If you like full control or stronger bubbles, look for models with multiple pressure presets or lever systems. Next, it's worth noting the bottle type. Most makers use BPA-free plastic, which is lightweight and durable, while premium models offer dishwasher-safe glass bottles that deserve to be seen on the dining table when hosting. CO2 compatibility is another factor. Some brands, like SodaStream, require specific cylinders, while others work with standard threaded options that are often cheaper and easier to refill. Be sure to check which type your machine supports before buying. Finally, think about footprint and design. Sure, some machines look good on your countertop, but form shouldn't come at the expense of function; some of the best performers are also the simplest to use. How we test sparkling water makers I tested 10 soda makers, but only the seven sparkliest performers made it into this guide. Each machine was scored against the following criteria: Design: I assessed how each fits into a typical kitchen: is it compact enough and sturdy for withstanding regular use? Visual appeal was also considered as these appliances tend to live on the counter. Ease of use: From setup to daily operation, I tested the intuitiveness of each model, including attaching bottles, inserting CO2 cartridges and using the controls. Carbonation and taste: Following the manufacturer's guidelines, I compared each drink to shop-bought sparkling water. I also tested the same bottle 24 hours later to see if it retained fizz. Quality and value: Build quality, durability and overall materials were carefully considered, noting the cost of refills and how long each cylinder actually lasts. Additional features: Extras such as the ability to carbonate other liquids (like juice or wine), included accessories such as reusable bottles, or the option to add syrups were all factored into final scores. All soda makers are retained for long-term testing, allowing us to spot-check carbonation performance, cylinder lifespan and build quality over time. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All opinions are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The Best Sparkling Water Makers of 2025 1. Best Buy Soda Maker: Sage The InFizz Fusion Unlike most models, which are strictly for water, the InFizz can add bubbles to juices, cocktails and iced teas with ease. Yes, it's larger than most rivals, but there's a reassuring weight to the brushed stainless steel design and it feels every inch a premium appliance. Performance-wise, it's faultless. The ergonomic lever gives you full carbonation control (a couple of short presses for light bubbles, or a longer hold for the bold effervescence you'd expect from bottled brands like Acqua Panna or Perrier). Thanks to the cap design, it lasts, too; sparkling water I made on a Monday still had a pleasant bite when I revisited it on the following Wednesday. Mixed drinks were a hit and it quickly tackled batch after batch of sparkling peach sangria without splutters or spills. The included one-litre bottle is solid, fashionable and great for serving and thirstier households can purchase extras separately to ensure they never run dry. With an RRP of £179.95, it's undeniably an investment, but if you're looking to experiment with beverages beyond sparkling water, the Sage InFizz Fusion is in a league of its own. Key specifications 2. Best Value Soda Maker: ProCook Sparkling Water Maker ProCook's Sparkling Water Maker punches well above its price tag. At under £100 with two one-litre bottles included, it'll work hard in your kitchen and quickly save the pennies on pre-bottled fizzy water. Design-wise, we'll admit it's no showstopper. The plastic body is fairly utilitarian, but it is light and compact enough to stash in a cupboard if space is tight. Plus, it uses standard screw-in CO2 cylinders, so you're not tied into a costly brand. Though there's no lever or dial to customise to your preferences, it couldn't be simpler to use; just a few firm presses of the top button delivered an impressive level of fizz, which held up well after 48 hours. The included bottles lock in easily and the added value of a second means never running out of bubbles – good if you're mixing up pitchers for summer picnics. If you're all about aesthetics, this won't be for you. But as an entry-level pick that does the basics well, the ProCook is tough to top. This is currently out of stock, but we have been told it will be available again shortly. For now, you can sign up for stock notifications. Key specifications 3. Best Designed Soda Maker: SMEG Soda Maker SMEG's entry into the home carbonation market strikes the same blend of style and simplicity that made its kettles, coffee machines and toasters cult kitchen favourites. Design-wise, it's unmistakably SMEG: sculptural, rounded edges and a soft matte finish available in minimalist shades including black, emerald green and storm blue. But beyond the looks, it's refreshingly easy to use – no electricity, no screen, no learning curve. Carbonation is controlled via a satisfying metal dial; two twists gave a lightly sparkling water, four gave a sharp, nose-tingling fizz akin to San Pellegrino. During testing, the results were crisp and consistent. I followed the recommended fill and fizz times and got well-carbonated water with good bubble retention after 24 hours. The included 800ml Tritan bottle felt robust and clicked in with minimal effort. It uses standard screw-thread CO2 cylinders and swapping one out took less than a minute. The only let downs? At this price, I'd have liked a second bottle and while it looks premium, the plastic build doesn't quite match the brushed metal finish of the Aarke or Sage models. Still, if you want a simple soda maker that complements a curated kitchen, the SMEG SKC01 is as handsome as it is handy. Key specifications 4. Best Luxury Soda Maker: Aarke Carbonator 3 If soda makers were judged on looks alone, the Aarke Carbonator 3 would win hands down. So much so that it had been unboxed just four short hours before it gained as many compliments from curious house guests. But rest assured, it's more than just a pretty face. The stainless-steel construction looks undeniably high-end (and wouldn't be out of place in a home bar). It also has a surprisingly compact footprint – good if you're short on countertop space, or looking to lean into Marie Kondo minimalism. It works with standard CO2 canisters and includes a custom BPA-free bottle that slots in easily. There's no adjustable fizz dial (you control the carbonation level by how long you press the lever), but I found it intuitive, consistent and satisfyingly smooth to operate. In taste tests, the bubbles were crisp and long-lasting; even after 48 hours, there was a noticeable sparkle. This isn't the most feature-packed machine on the market (there are no glass bottles and it cannot carbonate other liquids), but for those who value elegant design and solid build quality, it's an investment piece that will stand the test of time. Key specifications 5. Best SodaStream Soda Marker: SodaStream Art What sets the SodaStream Art apart is the side lever, which gives you tactile control over carbonation. Short pull for light bubbles, longer for something punchier – it's a game-changer for those who know exactly how they like they're soda (and, in my opinion, a lot more fun than repeatedly pressing a button). The slim retro body looks striking on the counter; however, its height is worth noting, as it didn't quite fit under my kitchen units. Be sure to measure before you buy if this is a dealbreaker for you. Like the Terra (below), the Art uses SodaStream's Quick‑Connect CO2 system, which clicks easily into place and saves fiddling with screw threads. You don't get a glass bottle at this price, which feels like a missed opportunity; though the included plastic one is robust, it lacks the premium feel and presentation of glass. All in all, the Art strikes a good balance of design, performance and fizz customisation. If you like a bit of theatre with your bubbles, this is the SodaStream to go for. Key specifications 6. Best Eco-friendly Sparkling Water Maker: Mysoda Glassy Sparkling Water Maker This Finnish-born brand boasts impressive sustainability credentials – and, refreshingly, its latest release outperformed many bigger brands on test. Built from renewable wood composite in a matte finish, the Glassy made a welcome change from clunkier plastic models, scoring serious style points with its automated sliding door opening and range of colourways. After weeks of loud hissing and fizzing, I particularly appreciated its near-silent carbonation system. It works with readily available screw-in CO2 cylinders and the included bottles are a real plus: they feel sturdy, look smart and hold fizz well. You don't get a lever or fizz dial (carbonation is handled by short button presses), but the resulting bubbles are clean, consistent and lasted 48 hours without fading. It's slightly slower to fizz than SodaStream or Aarke models, but not frustratingly so. If you want a greener appliance that performs, the Mysoda Glassy is a quiet overachiever. Key specifications 7. Best Entry-level SodaStream: SodaStream Terra If you're looking for a straightforward, affordable way to cut back on bottled water, the SodaStream Terra delivers. I tested it over four weeks and found it simple to set up, with a no-fuss Quick‑Connect cylinder that slots neatly into place. It carbonates well, delivering solid fizz that holds up over 24 hours and the lightweight frame makes it easy to whisk from cupboard to countertop. Functionally, it's solid. Simply press the top button in short bursts to get reliably fizzy water every time. But there's no way to customise the fizz level and it lacks the satisfying feel of other lever or rotary systems. It only supports plastic bottles, which may put off those who prefer glass. That said, the bottles are BPA-free and feel sturdy in use. Still, at under £110 (and often on offer), it's a solid starter option for fizz fans. Key specifications Soda Maker FAQs How long does a CO2 cartridge last? Standard cartridges last for around 60 litres of water, roughly four to eight weeks for an average household. Heavier use (or higher fizz settings) will use gas faster. Is making sparkling water at home cheaper than buying bottled water? Yes, especially over time. Once you've bought the machine, the cost per litre drops to as little as 15 to 25p, compared to 50 to 80p for bottled water. Plus, there's less plastic waste. Can I use any brand of CO2 cylinder with my sparkling water maker? Not always. Some machines (like SodaStream) use proprietary cartridges, while others accept standard screw-thread cylinders. Check your model's compatibility before switching. Are glass bottles better than plastic ones for sparkling water makers? Glass bottles are more eco-friendly and dishwasher-safe, but heavier and not offered by all brands. Plastic bottles are lighter and safer to store, but may need replacing more often. Can I carbonate drinks other than water? Only with certain models like the Sage InFizz. Most soda makers are designed for water only and carbonating other liquids can void the warranty or damage the machine.
NBC News
28-02-2025
- General
- NBC News
These 7 staff-favorite soda makers are easy to set up and use
I'll admit it: I am absolutely a seltzer water devotee. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if a doctor told me I was part CO2 at this point. But I wasn't always like this — I switched from soft drinks to sparkling water to reduce my sugar intake years ago. And while I love an ice-cold can of LeCroix or Bubly, I had to start trying out at-home soda makers to help give my recycling bin a break and be more mindful of my wallet. My soda maker, which is from the brand Sodasense has lasted me years, but it was time to try something new. To find the best soda makers on the market, my fellow NBC Select staffers and I tested the top soda makers from brands like Sodastream, Aarke, Drinkmate and more. I also spoke with experts from soda maker brands for their guidance. How I picked the best at-home soda makers There are few important aspects to consider when choosing a good at-home soda maker. Here's everything our experts recommended I keep in mind when making this list: Functionality: In looking for a good at-home soda maker, I prioritized machines that are easy to operate, including installing the CO2 cylinder. I also looked for ones that are suitable for both water and other types of beverages like juice. All of the soda makers below are meant for carbonating water but only a few are good for both water and juice. Brands like SodaStream and Aarke are only for water, while Breville's InFizz and Drinkmate's soda maker can carbonate juice in addition to water. OEM bottles: It's also best to only use soda makers that come with their own OEM-style plastic bottles (original equipment manufacturer), according to Bill Turnau, a digital marketing specialist for Drinkmate. 'Since these bottles are designed to withstand high pressure, using knock-off bottles or bottles not designed for this purpose is extremely dangerous,' he says. All of the soda makers on this list come with bottles designed for their machines. Any mention of Drinkmate in this article was made independently of Turnau. We did not ask him for product recommendations — we only asked him for guidance. Locking system: Another important factor I considered is whether or not the soda maker comes with a traditional safety locking system or some other way to release pressure from inside the bottle. When you carbonate drinks in the machine's bottles, there's a lot of excess carbonation that has to be released to safely remove the cap. Many soda makers, such as Breville, have this locking component for releasing pressure from the bottle before opening it. Other brands like Aarke have the machine release the pressure on its own. Carbon dioxide cylinder: Every soda maker on this list comes with its own compatible carbon dioxide cylinder, also called CO2. It's important to note that at-home soda makers come with either a screw-in (also called threaded) cylinder or a snap-in cylinder brands like Sodastream call a 'Quick Connect.' This means that many CO2 cylinders from different brands are compatible with one another, while the ones from SodaStream for example, are only compatible with their machines. The majority of soda makers on this list have a screw-in-style CO2 cylinder and a few others have a snap-in-style design. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. The best at-home soda makers, tested & reviewed All of the soda makers on this list are ones that NBC Select staffers or I tested out and/or are highly rated on Amazon. Sodastream, Aarke, Breville and Drinkmate sent us samples of soda makers to try out, though I selected models independently of their input and guidance. I also didn't ask any of the brands to recommend products for this story. Editor's pick: Breville InFizz Fusion I tried out the Breville InFizz Fusion soda maker and immediately loved how easy it was to set up. While my previous experience using soda makers helped with the process, knowing how to screw in the CO2 cylinder, press the lever at the top to carbonate and then slowly releasing the locking system on top of the bottle was extremely straightforward. The locking system has a red panel that I could push to the side to release the excess pressure from inside the bottle before opening it. Plus, the plastic bottle that it comes with is extremely durable, so I didn't worry about it getting dented, scratched or warped over time. The brush also made it easy to wash by hand and get non-water residue out of the bottom and sides. My favorite part, though, was that I could carbonate juice in addition to water, so I loved making sparkling apple juice and could see many people (especially kids) getting creative with making their own soda. I also tried out the Aarke Carbonator 3, which was one of the most well designed at-home soda makers on this list. This soda maker was incredibly easy to set up, since it only required screwing in the CO2 cylinder into the bottom of the base. I could also tell when the bottle was finished carbonating when the machine made a distinct sound. Similar to many of the other bottles on this list, the Aarke OEM bottle has a mark on the side telling you how much water to fill up, including a maximum and minimum amount. NBC Select associate reporter Ashley Morris tested out the Sodastream Terra, which is one of the brand's most affordable soda makers, after the SodaStream Gaia. The soda maker comes with a dishwasher-safe bottle and panel on top that you push to carbonate water once the bottle locks into place. The Sodastream Terra doesn't have the locking system lid, which eliminates one step from releasing the pressure, similar to the Aarke Carbonator. However, the Sodastream Terra has a removable back so you can easily install the CO2 cylinder without having to push and screw it into the bottom, which can be a bit awkward manually. With that said, the Terra, like with many of Sodastream's makers, is only compatible with the snap-in CO2 cylinder, meaning you can only use it with Sodastream's cylinders. Jordan Bowman, a commerce editor at NBC Select, tried out the Sodastream Art Sparkling Water Maker, which is somewhat more expensive than the Terra. Similar to Aarke's model, the Art soda maker has a lever on the side that you pull down rather than a button on the top that you press to carbonate water. Bowman was a fan of how easy it was to customize how bubbly you can make your water. 'After quickly scanning the instruction booklet I added my canister and was immediately ready to make some seltzer,' he says. 'You can quickly make about three or four glasses of seltzer water. I tend to use three pumps which creates a more gentle fizz but if you go as high as five it has a more dynamic bubbly effect.' The Art has a removable panel to install the snap-in cylinder and also doesn't require a locking system on top of the bottle to more safely release the pressure, though this does make the process of carbonating slightly faster. NBC Select social commerce editor Sadhana Daruvuri tested out the Drinkmate OmniFizz and loved how easily it fit in the kitchen of her studio apartment. that the maker came with multiple bottles of different sizes. 'The coolest thing about this soda maker is that it can carbonate drinks other than water,' she says. 'I especially enjoyed using it on fruit juices and reviving flat soda.' Daruvuri also liked that the Omnifizz has a luxe look and didn't feel the need to put it away when she wasn't using it. On the other hand, she found that it took a little bit of time to fully understand how to use the machine, particularly the bottle which didn't always screw in completely. Cylinder type: screw-in | Compatible with: water, juice and flat soda | Dimensions: 5 x 8 x 16 in. | Dishwasher-safe bottle: no The Ninja Thirsti Drink System Soda Maker is the only automatic plug-in style soda maker on this list and it came with several flavored syrups for making your own unique carbonated drinks. NBC Select editorial operations associate Jem Alabi tested this soda maker and says that the directions and overall setup process was very easy to follow and that the flavors have a pleasant taste that are great for anyone who enjoys low- or no-calorie flavored sparkling beverages. What's most unique about the Ninja Thirsti Drink System is that it has a compartment on the top that houses the flavored syrups which connect to where the water flows into the bottle, so you don't have to squeeze them yourself. Plus, the machine lets you customize how fizzy your drink is and which size you want (6, 12, 18 or 24 ounces). Instead of a bottle, this machine uses a built-in water canister that dispenses into your own cup or bottle. Cylinder type: screw-in | Compatible with: water and flavored syrup | Dimensions: 8.7 x 13.9 x 16 in. | Dishwasher-safe bottle: n/a The Aerflo Aer System is different from all of the soda makers on this list because it is technically a water bottle with a lid that has a built-in CO2 compartment, allowing you to carbonate water wherever you are. I was skeptical at first and curious as to how exactly the carbonation process worked, but I quickly became pleasantly surprised after using it. The bottle comes with small blue exchangeable CO2 capsules that's around the size of an Amazon Fire Stick. The cap has a compartment that I screwed the capsule into; then I placed the cap on the bottle and pressed the middle of it, which injects the carbonation into the water. I took it with me to work and kept it in the drink holder on my backpack and it didn't spill at all. The only drawback is that I wish the capsules lasted longer, especially as someone who enjoys a really bubbly drink. Cylinder type: capsule | Compatible with: water only | Capacity: 21 oz. | Dishwasher-safe bottle: n/a How to shop for an at-home soda maker Some aspects to consider before getting an at-home soda maker include your beverage preferences, kitchen space and more. Here's what our experts recommend keeping in mind: Consider your drink preferences'Consumers should look for functionality that's important to them,' says Turnau. 'If you want to be able to carbonate drinks beyond water, for example, you will want to look at Drinkmate machines as other soda makers are only capable of carbonating water.' In other words, if you want to carbonate more than water, such as juice, wine or flat soda, make sure you choose a model that states that it's compatible with these drinks, rather than trying it on one that says it's for water only. This is important since if you do try to carbonate a non-compatible beverage with machines that are water-only, it can void your warranty if it breaks. Take into account replacing CO2 cylindersWhile an at-home soda maker helps reduce your consumption of single-use plastics or aluminum, they require you to constantly replace the CO2 tanks, which could be relatively often if you make sparkling water often. Depending on your situation, this can become costly, though brands allow you to return the empty cylinders to them and subscribe to receive refilled cylinders in exchange. Maintain the bottles over timeAnother important aspect to consider before getting a soda maker is that you'll have to take care of the bottle, especially after multiple uses. Many of the bottles for the machines listed above are not dishwasher safe, so you'll have to make sure you clean them thoroughly by hand and 'avoid exposing it to scratches, extreme heat or freezing temperatures,' says Jonas Groth, the co-founder and chief-designer at safetyWhile all of the at-home soda makers above are easy to use, especially with the help of directions, it's possible to have a mishap or two when using the machine. This is why having a soda maker with some sort of safety system in place such as self-releasing pressure valves is important, according to Groth. All of the soda makers below have either a locking or self-releasing system to let you know when the water is sufficiently carbonated. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Any mention of Drinkmate, Aarke and Sodastream in this article was made independently of Turnau, Groth and Schilowitz, respectively. We did not ask them for product recommendations — we only asked them for guidance. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a commerce editor at NBC Select, where I write about home and kitchen appliances, including reviews and roundups. My colleagues and I all tested every soda maker on this list. I spoke with experts from soda maker brands for their guidance for this story.
WIRED
19-02-2025
- WIRED
The Aarke Coffee System Offers Promising Innovation With Some Fiddling
A coffee maker's purpose is not to be beautiful. I have to tell myself this when looking at Aarke's new drip coffee maker, because the Aarke Coffee System is beautiful. This fact could serve to distract me from other important things. The Aarke is Swedish, designed by Swedes in the Swedish modernist design tradition. But it also looks a little like a full Turkish tea service has been reimagined as a shiny new gasworks. It fills me with longing for a life I don't lead: functional, clean, freed from the messiness of a world marked by trivial disappointments. Including a flat-burr grinder, the entire system costs north of $700, which is perhaps the price of such a life. The Aarke is part of a quiet renaissance among drip brewers, which had long been sidelined in the luxury world by espresso and pour-over. But a new generation of machines aims to elevate the home drip coffee game to the stuff of true connoisseurship, bringing out the most delicate flavors from premium beans at minimal effort on your part. Photograph: Matthew Korfhage The Aarke is among just a couple dozen brewers now certified by the international Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) as being capable of maintaining enormous precision in every particular: temperature, brewing time, coffee extraction, and probably also the purity of heart. The number of certified makers has doubled in the past half-decade. But the Aarke, with its shiny stainless steel exterior and modern industrial minimalism, just might be the fanciest-looking of the bunch. Beneath its flashy reflective exterior, there some quite interesting engineering going on. The Aarke also offers a capability unlike any drip coffee setup I've tested: It promises to grind the exact right amount of fresh coffee beans for each batch of drip, using a sensor that measures whatever random amount of water you've freehanded into it. Wild stuff! More on that later. So Shiny, So Chrome At the most basic level, the Aarke is a thoughtfully designed coffee maker, much like the carbonation system the company is best known for. Whatever its sophisticated sensors, it requires little effort to learn. It feels old-school. At 15 inches high it's not small by any stretch, but its heft could also be described as sturdiness. The Aarke also has what phone people like to call 'haptics.' The brew basket slides in with a satisfying mechanical clunk, and even the device's sole button offers pleasing resistance. When you pour water in, the tank glows a subtle blue in response. This is the discreet way the Aarke says hello each morning. There are no beeps anywhere, no noises that aren't grinding or brewing. To start a brew, just add the appropriate amount of ground coffee to a standard No. 4 conical filter in the basket. Then, press the button. Press that button quickly, it'll brew like a standard drip coffee maker. Press it for three seconds until the little light turns on, and it'll first bloom the coffee by wetting it down and waiting for trapped carbon dioxide to escape from the fresh-ground beans.
