Best Soda Makers for Carbonating Drinks at Home in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 23, 2024
Stop drinking those canned and bottled sparkling drinks packed with calories of excessively sweet corn syrup. Make a step toward a healthier alternative by using a soda maker. This simple machine will let you experiment with ingredients and mix the whole variety of bubble-infused drinks at home. And you will always know what you consume. In our review, we've compared 5 top-rated soda makers to help you choose the best model for your household. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
WARRANTY
TYPE
MATERIAL
SUITABLE CARTRIDGES
CARTRIDGE CAPACITY
CARBONATION ADJUSTMENT
PACKAGE
 
PROS

One-touch electronic carbonation system with 3 carbonation levels will let you achieve the desired level of fizz at a single touch of a button and save you the need to hold it manually. 

CONS

It needs a connection to the grid. 

OUR VERDICT

The SodaStrem Spirit One Touch offers one-touch convenience and fool-proof soda making. Ideal for home use, it will take the guesswork out of the whole process and do all the work for you, delivering consistent fizz time and again, with no effort from your side.

detailed parameters
WARRANTY

2 years

TYPE

Saturator

MATERIAL

BPA-free plastic

SUITABLE CARTRIDGES

Gas cylinders

CARTRIDGE CAPACITY

60 L

CARBONATION ADJUSTMENT

3 fizz levels, Operated at the touch of a button

PACKAGE

1 x 60-litre gas cylinder, 1 x carbonating bottle

PROS

The package includes a reusable carbonating bottle. Made of premium-grade BPA-free plastic, it is as safe as glass yet much more durable and impact resistant than fragile glass bottles.

CONS

It might take some effort to remove the bottle from the unit.

OUR VERDICT

The Fizzi soda maker is one of the latest models in a SodaStream range. It offers all essential features and functionality of original machines from this leading brand in a new sophisticated design. Thanks to its compactness, the unit will fit into any concise space, be it a kitchen in a studio or summer house, a dormitory room or even RV.

detailed parameters
WARRANTY

2 years

TYPE

Saturator

MATERIAL

BPA-free plastic

SUITABLE CARTRIDGES

Gas cylinders

CARTRIDGE CAPACITY

60 L

CARBONATION ADJUSTMENT

Manual carbonation by pushing a carbonating button

PACKAGE

1 x 60-litre gas cylinder, 1 carbonating bottle

PROS

A secure bayonet lock makes it easy to install a carbonating bottle quickly and hassle-free. When the drink is ready, taking the bottle out is even easier by pushing one single button. 

CONS

Some may find the appliance quite bulky. 

OUR VERDICT

If you are an enthusiastic soda fan and want to pack your kitchen with a high-quality soda maker, the Levivo set is one of the best options to go for. Made of durable and eco-friendly plastic with stainless steel insertions, this model will serve you for years. Plus, it comes with 2 carbonating bottles, so in addition to making drinks, you will be able to take them with you.

detailed parameters
WARRANTY

30 days

TYPE

Saturator

MATERIAL

BPA-free PET, Stainless steel encased carbonation element

SUITABLE CARTRIDGES

Gas cylinders

CARTRIDGE CAPACITY

60 L

CARBONATION ADJUSTMENT

Manual carbonation by pushing a carbonating button

PACKAGE

1 x 60-litre gas cylinder, 2 carbonating bottles

PROS

This model comes with a durable glass carafe that allows for a long-term storage of drinks and offers easy cleaning due to a dishwasher-safe design.  

CONS

The user manual is available only in German. 

OUR VERDICT

Stylish, easy-to-control, and compact, the SodaStream Crystal will find its place even in a small kitchen or bar. Owing to its space-wise size and portability, you can use this machine not only at home but also in the office or when going to picnics to be able to enjoy your favourite refreshing drinks wherever you are.

detailed parameters
WARRANTY

2 years 

TYPE

Saturator 

MATERIAL

Body: Metal, BPA-free plastic 

Bottle: Glass

SUITABLE CARTRIDGES

Gas cylinders 

CARTRIDGE CAPACITY

60 L

CARBONATION ADJUSTMENT

Manual carbonation by pushing a carbonating button

PACKAGE

1 x 60-litre CO2 cylinder, 1 x carbonating bottle

PROS

Thanks to a snap-lock bottle system, you'll be able to snap the bottle onto place quickly, conveniently, and securely to make bubble in mere seconds. 

CONS

The unit is somewhat difficult to clean. 

OUR VERDICT

The SodaStream Genesis is one of the simplest and smartest models in the brand's range. Enabling you to make sparkling water with no tweaks, it combines a stylish appearance with a fairly compact construction that makes it a perfect choice for any space-limited kitchen including those in RVs, trailers, and caravans. 

detailed parameters
WARRANTY

2 years

TYPE

Saturator

MATERIAL

BPA-free plastic

SUITABLE CARTRIDGES

Gas cylinders

CARTRIDGE CAPACITY

60 L

CARBONATION ADJUSTMENT

Manual carbonation by pushing a carbonating button

PACKAGE

1 x 60 L CO2 cylinder, 1 x carbonating bottle

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SodaStream Spirit One Touch

SodaStream Technology at Its Best

SodaStream is an indisputable leader in the market of soda makers and in order to hold their top position, the company makes sure to deliver the best of what modern carbonation technologies can offer. This Spirit One Touch soda maker is just a case in point.

At a glance, the Spirit One Touch doesn’t differ much from other models in the range, featuring the standard compartment for a CO2 cylinder at the back and a bottle holder on the front. It's packed in a modern casing and has a compact size to go even on space-limited countertops.

What differs it though is that unlike manual models requiring users to hold the button to achieve the desired level of fizz, this one comes with 3 control buttons, allowing you to quickly choose between mild, medium and strong pre-sets and eliminating guesswork. So, all you need to do is place a CO2 cartridge, click the bottle with water into place, push a fizz button, and let the device do its magic. That’s it, no hidden catch. The unit offers a true one-touch operation, hence the model's name.

Review of SodaStream Spirit One Touch Electric Sparkling Water Maker

Add Flavour to Your Favourite Drinks

To elaborate on the convenience of use, the Spirit One Touch comes in a complete bundle with everything you need to carbonate seltzer at home. Not only will it let you enjoy the ease of use, but also you can start transforming ordinary tap water into bubble infused drinks straight after unpacking the box.

A CO2 cylinder included in the set will let you carbonate up to 60L of water (depending on the fizz setting) before it’ll need a replacement and a 1L bottle is suitable not only for carbonation but also for storing your fresh sparkling water in the fridge. Notably, the bottle is made of quality BPA-free plastic. So, unlike those store-bought single-use bottles, it is reusable and won’t leach any harmful chemicals into your drink.

On top of that, freshly carbonated soda is a perfect base for a whole variety of drinks and cocktails. You can choose from a wide range of SodaStream flavoured drops to enjoy your favourite Cola and other fruity drinks prepared in a healthier way, with no added sugars and synthetic aromas. Likewise, you are free to mix soda with freshly squeezed juice, fruit syrups, and teas as well as add fruit slices, berries, herbs, and even liquor to concoct homemade lemonades, sparkling teas, and delicious refreshing cocktails.

To cut a long story short, if you seek a functional yet simple soda maker for regular home use that will get the job done and ensure consistent carbonating results time and again, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better model than the SodaStream Spirit One Touch.

SodaStream Spirit One Touch Electric Sparkling Water Maker in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £134.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07H43CZPL

 

SodaStream Fizzi

Follow Modern Trends

Since SodaStream is not new to soda makers market and is backed by decades of experience in water carbonators production, the manufacturer has already worked out its own successful concept of a really efficient sparkling water maker. However, life does not stay still. Times change and define new trends both in our lifestyle and in our daily needs. What was considered relevant and up-to-date several years ago, might look a kind of old-fashioned and outdated today. Yet, soda popularity doesn’t change. Hence, SodaStream makes constant updates in its machines to keep up with changing style trends and still meet the needs of all soda enthusiasts. In the SodaStream Fizzi, which is one of the latest models in the company product range, the manufacturer packed all the basic features that have proved to be reliable and efficient in a renewed more sophisticated yet not less functional design to meet the needs of a modern kitchen.

When it comes to automated soda making machines drawbacks, quite often customers complain that appliances are pretty bulky and require extra space on the countertop. It might become a real issue for those who have concise kitchens or live in small city apartments limited in space. And even if you have a large kitchen with ample space on your countertop, you still might face some inconvenience since there might be many other kitchen appliances you’d like to place there, from an electric kettle to a coffee maker and toaster. Yet, with the Frizzi, you won’t have that problem. This model is one of the slimmest units in a SodaStream product range. Engineered in a company own lab, it was created with modern kitchen needs in mind and boasts a truly space-efficient design that will fit into any kitchen or bar.

Review of SodaStream Fizzi Water Maker

Essential Basics Redesigned

The basic SodaStream machines stand out for a number of benefits that include:

  • high-quality durable and hygienic materials that are absolutely safe for your health and environment, make the unit maintenance a breeze, and prolong its service life to the maximum; no-frills design that requires no assembly and makes SodaStream soda makers easy to use;
  • intuitive controls for quick and almost effortless carbonation; the company proprietary snap-lock technology keeping the bottle securely in place and saving you the need to hold it while carbonating;
  • easy frizz adjustability to make your soda your way.

All of this is what soda fans love about SodaStream and exactly what you will get with the Fizzi machine. The model comes with a Mini CO2 carbonator to make up to 9L of sparkling water and a 60L gas cylinder that will last for several weeks and can be exchanged for a full one just at the price of gas.

Speaking of the unit design, it is minimalistic yet stylish and very modern. A sleek body in a black glossy finish and featuring capsule-shaped design looks somewhat futuristic and will perfectly blend with any hi-tech, modern, and loft interiors as well as add a contemporary touch to more traditional interior styles.

If the functionality and up-to-date design concept are your major goals when choosing a SodaStream machine, the SodaStream Fizzi is the right model to go for.

SodaStream Fizzi Water Maker in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £109.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01MSZ58DO

 

Levivo 331400000249

High-quality Starter Set

When choosing kitchen appliances, in addition to being reliable and functional we want them to be elegant and stylish so they would match our kitchen interiors. The same goes for a soda maker. Although it's not one of the essential appliances, when selecting one, your eye will naturally search for the most beautiful one. To save you time, we'd like to offer you to turn your eyes toward the Levivo water carbonator set which both looks great and performs well.

The Levivo 331400000249 looks modern yet has no annoying frills. It features a streamlined body with rounded corners, packed in black stainless steel and plastic. Thanks to such design, this soda maker will be able to add a contemporarily touch to any classic or country-style interior as well as perfectly blend with any modern, minimalistic, industrial, or fusion style. However, beautiful design isn't the only merit of the Levivo 331400000249; it has a lot to offer performance-wise.

Like other home soda makers, the Levivo set includes an automatic carbonator, a 60L CO2 cylinder, which will let you prepare refreshing seltzer for at least a couple weeks on one refill, and 2 carbonating bottles where you will be able to store and serve your bubbly drinks.

The sturdy construction is another advantage of this model. It has a well-thought-out design with a secure bayonet lock that greatly simplifies the installation of a carbonating bottle. And when the drink is ready, taking the bottle out is even easier by pushing one single button. A small drip tray that is affixed at the bottom of the construction collects and keeps all spills, ensuring mess-free operation.

Review of Levivo 331400000249 Carbonator Set soda maker

Best Choice If You Love Fizzy Drinks

If you have a family of soda enthusiasts where adults like pure sparkling water and seltzer-based cocktails and kids adore lemonade, you know that carbonated water is never enough. Yet, with the Levivo carbonator, you will have an opportunity to keep a spare bottle of soda always at hand. The set contains two carbonating bottles, which means when the one empties you'll have another one in reserve. Having two carbonator bottles also means you can keep one at home and use the other one on the go.

Both bottles are made of top-quality PET, the kind of plastic that is known for being not only lightweight and durable like other food-grade plastic but also recyclable. Probably this isn't the most important feature about this soda maker but it will certainly please environmentally-conscious consumers who're looking for ways to reduce the amount of plastic waste. Also, PET looks very much like glass, giving the bottles that crystal transparency. But unlike glass, they do not break easily, meaning they will serve you a long time.

To cut a long story short, the soda maker from Levivo is a quality unit that will last you quite a while and will easily cover the drinking needs of any average family.

Levivo 331400000249 Carbonator Set soda maker in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £76.86
Stock In stock
ASIN B017WNEKN0

 

SodaStream Crystal 2.0

Refreshingly Delicious Soda Quickly and With Almost No Efforts

A glass of cold sparkling water with several slices of lemon or lime is the best way to quench thirst and refresh yourself! And when there are no harmful preservatives or additives in this water, it makes it even better. Try this SodaStream Crystal water maker to carbonate water at home and stock litres of fresh fizzy drinks in the fridge.

Compared to many other models, this SodaStream Crystal water maker looks very modern. It has a durable and wear-resistant stainless steel housing painted matte back, which makes it look particularly appealing. It uses neither batteries nor electricity. The carbonation process is purely manual and requires that you only install a carbonator and press a single button. Also, the SodaStream Crystal water maker offers users incredible ease of use, thanks to its snap-on design. You will not need to screw a bottle in place. It will be enough to push it a bit forward at an angle and it will snap on the machine effortlessly. To prevent leakage during the carbonation process, the machine has a special metal cup to hold the bottle in place.

Buying this SodaStream Crystal water maker, you also get a glass carafe, which is a great advantage given that most machines come with plastic carbonating bottles. Naturally, glass serves longer and it doesn't allow potentially harmful chemicals to get into the water. Besides, glass is dishwasher safe, and this means ease of cleaning.

Review of SodaStream Crystal 2.0 Glass decanter drinking water carbonator

Make Your Bubbles Your Way

Like most sparkling water makers, the SodaStream Crystal allows you to adjust a fizz level and get as many bubbles as you want, thanks to the manual carbonation process. Thus, to get a standard fizz level, you will need to press down the button three times. To reach a higher level of fizz, you will need to press it several more times.

It is not a secret that people with diabetes are not allowed to drink canned soda due to its extremely high fructose level. However, if they make these drinks at home, they will be able to safely drink colas, tonics or Mojitos containing zero amount of sugar. It will be enough to add some sugar-free syrup to sweeten the water a bit.

In short, with the SodaStream Crystal machine in your kitchen, you will be able to make your favourite fizzy drinks anytime and with minimum effort.

SodaStream Crystal 2.0 Glass decanter drinking water carbonator in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £123.15
Stock In stock
ASIN B06XC5GMGT

 

SodaStream Genesis

Good Value for the Buck

When it comes to making soda at home, SodaStream is an indisputable industry leader and for a good reason. SodaStream machines stand out for the quality design, amazing ease of use, and simple functionality turning the process of soda making into an enjoyable pastime. And though these machines are on the higher end in terms of price, they are worth every penny. Besides, there are a number of models in the range that won’t cost you a fortune while still delivering the proverbial branded quality. The SodaStream Genesis is one of them.

The Genesis is one of the latest manual models in the line. As such, it is created with the recent design trends in mind and looks very stylish and modern. The black body with silver inserts will fit pretty much any modern interior as well as pair with other appliances in your kitchen. Meanwhile, a snap-lock bottle holder will let you put a bottle into place and fix it tight for no-leak operation in mere seconds. And a hefty button on the top is very easy to push and hold, so, getting the fizz you want won’t be a hassle and manual operation gives you full control over the whole process for maximum precision.

To continue, the unit comes in a ready-to-use kit to let you start experimenting with fizzy drinks straight out of the box. A 60L gas cylinder will suffice for generating about 60 L of soda or more if you prefer mild fizz while a bottle included in the set will let you carbonate 1L at a time. And you are free to buy more bottles if you're planning to produce bigger amounts of soda or even make stock in a fridge come summertime.

Review of SodaStream Genesis Sparkling Water Maker

Smart Compactness

A soda maker is a countertop unit which, more likely than not, you will not want to stow away if you make soda about every day. With that in mind, the engineers of the SodaStream Genesis made this unit small and compact, making sure it can fit any countertop and do not eat much space of it. Hence, even if your kitchen is confined and small, with the SodaStream Genesis, you won't have any storage issues. Besides, this soda maker is a great option for home bars, studios, entertainment areas, dorm rooms, and offices. You can even use it in an RV, trailer, or caravan, as well as take it with you on outings with family or friends. On top of being that compact and portable, the unit along with the bottle is made of durable food-grade plastic so it will stand to the rigours of active use with no risk of getting damaged or broken accidentally. With that, the bottle is BPA-free so you can rest assured it won't leach any harmful chemicals to your drinks.

To end it up, the SodaStream Genesis is a value-for-money solution for those who want a reliable and quality soda maker and don’t care for the frills too much.

SodaStream Genesis Sparkling Water Maker in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £83.71
Stock In stock
ASIN B085J8J3D3

 

What Is a Soda Maker?

You'll hardly find a person who would reject a glass of sparkling and cold soda or lemonade with a slice of lime. If you're one of these people who easily yields to this temptation, a soda maker is what you need to have in your kitchen.

Initially designed as a siphon to dispense soda into cocktails, today, soda makers use CO2 cartridges to carbonate tap or bottled water. With that, the carbonation process itself has also become much simpler and less time-taking. Thus, if you and your kids adore carbonated drinks, don't hesitate to get yourself a soda maker and create your own bubbly beverages in the comfort of your home. On a long scale, acquiring a soda maker for home use, you can also save quite a lot of money that you'd pay buying cans of soda from a store.

Soda isn't the only drink that you can prepare in a soda maker machine. It is also fit for carbonating tap water. The only thing we'd recommend you to do first is equip your kitchen sink with a water filter so that the water you use is clean of all harmful additives and impurities.

What Features to Compare

Type

A variety of soda makers for domestic use falls into two major categories: soda syphons and soda maker appliances or saturators. A soda syphon is usually a bottle with an inserted replaceable CO2 cartridge to infuse water with bubbles via a special valve. Commonly, syphons are easy to store and move around, and simple to use. Yet, they provide a lesser degree of control over carbonation level and are not meant to produce large amounts of seltzer water. So, syphons are perfect for casual soda drinkers.

Soda saturators or stationary soda makers are actual appliances. Being rather simple, they offer an automated way of making soda. They use a carbonator cylinder filled with CO2 and installed on one side of the machine to deliver fizz water into the bottle attached on the other side. They produce soda easier and faster at a single touch of a button. Soda water machines are a great option for those who need a source of carbonated water on a regular basis.

Materials

In syphons, bottles are usually made of aluminium to be more lightweight yet durable. When it comes to soda making machines, the body is made either of plastic or metal or a combination of both. Though a metal design looks more solid, it is heavier and less portable. Water bottles or carafes are made of either plastic or glass and come with closures to store your drink in the fridge. In case of plastic bottles, always check for BPA-free plastic.

Cartridges and Capacity

Compact syphons use small disposable 8g CO2 cartridges. One cartridge goes for 1 litre of water that is exactly a syphon bottle capacity. This type of soda makers is compatible with any 8g cartridges available in the stores.

Soda maker appliances boast times the higher capacity. They are compatible with bigger CO2 cylinders designed for carbonating 60 or 130 litres of water. Besides, they have an adjustable carbonation option to optimize the gas consumption. Hence, you can forget about refilling the cylinders for up to 3 months.

Usability

There are several features that contribute to soda makers ease of use and allow us to appreciate all the benefits of making sparkling water at home. For user convenience, both automated appliances and syphons offer simple intuitive control buttons and levers. All soda makers allow for carbonation level adjustment. More sophisticated machines are distinguished by preset fizz modes while others offer manual carbonation adjustment by pressing a carbonator button. Some models even come fitted with an LED indicator or a display showing how carbonated your drink is. Thus, you can make a mild sweet beverage for your kid or a cocktail with a stronger fizz for yourself. In addition, soda makers often are complete with a variety of syrups allowing you to experiment with flavours of your drinks. Packed with CO2 cartridges, bottles and a range of flavoured syrups, most appliances can be used right out of the box.

FAQ:

Q: Why should I get a soda maker?

A: A soda maker will become a very helpful appliance for real soda or seltzer enthusiasts and occasional drinkers as well. The major benefits include:

  • saving your time, efforts and, eventually, money. You won’t have to carry heavy cases of bottles and cans from the store and find the space for them in a fridge;
  • greatly reducing the number of recyclables and disposables since soda makers come with reusable glass or plastic bottles;
  • no more worries about running out of your favourite bubbly drinks. With a soda maker at hand, you can make a glass of sparkling lemonade whenever you wish;
  • health benefits should not be underestimated too. To make a custom drink, you can choose from a vast variety of flavoured syrups with dietary, naturally sweetened and caffeine-free options available. No more high-fructose corn syrups!
  • freedom to experiment with flavours by adding different ingredients to your liking and creating new unexpected yet delicious combinations.

Q: Do I need to treat water somehow to use it with a soda maker?

A: Actually, you can use any type of water you commonly drink, be it plain tap water, bottled water or filtered water. The only recommendation is to use cold water for getting the best results.

Q: Can I carbonate any other drinks except water?

A: Most models are designed to carbonate only water since any other liquid can cause damage to the carbonating system. Yet, you can come across soda makers that on top of carbonating your beverage can infuse it with fruit. Anyway, you can always customize your fizzy drink by adding some syrup, fruit or herbs into a carbonated water.

Q: Is it possible to re-carbonate my drink if it goes flat?

A: If you drink plain seltzer water and it is not that bubbly anymore you can re-fizz it. Yet, if you’ve already mixed a cocktail or added some extra ingredients like fresh juice or fruit, you cannot re-carbonate since this may damage the carbonator.

Q: Does my home drink maker require some specific cleaning?

A: Both automated soda makers and syphons are very easy to clean requiring no special procedures. To clean the appliance, it is enough to wipe it with a soft, damp cloth using non-abrasive cleansers. As far as carbonating bottles are concerned, most glass bottles are dishwasher safe, whereas plastic and aluminium bottles can be washed in warm water with a bottle brush and some dishwashing liquid.

Q: Is it safe to have a carbonator at home?

A: Soda maker carbonators are made in full compliance with all safety rules and specifications. Usually, they come equipped with a special valve to release the gas and prevent overpressure if the pressure within the cylinder rises too high. Yet, it’s an unlikely event. The major safety rule every user should stick to is to avoid exposing a cylinder to extreme heat.

Sources:

1. Top 10 Soft Drinks, Caffeineinformer. March 27, 2015.

2. Anna Perling The Best Soda Maker, The SweetHome. June 8, 2016.

3. Jillee The Surprising Benefits of Home Soda Makers, OneGoodthing. March 1, 2016.

4. Soda syphon, Wikipedia. July 31, 2016.

5. Carbonated water, Wikipedia. July 29, 2016.

6. A Sleek Source of Do-It-Yourself Fizz, Chowhound.

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Publish Date: 2017-08-11 12:15:53