I’ve always loved the crisp, bubbly joy of sparkling water. There’s something about that effervescent tingle that makes every sip feel like a mini celebration.
For years, my go-to for homemade carbonation was SodaStream. It was reliable, easy, and let me whip up sparkling water in seconds.
But as much as I enjoyed my SodaStream, I started wondering if there were other ways to get my fizzy fix. Maybe something cheaper, more versatile, or just different. So, I embarked on a quest to explore SodaStream alternatives, and let me tell you, it’s been a refreshing ride.
Here’s what I found—each option with its own quirks, perks, and personality.
Common Alternatives To SodaStream
- Drinkmate
- Aarke Carbonator
- Spärkel
- Soda Sense
- iSi Soda Siphon
Drinkmate: The All-Purpose Carbonation Champ
First up, I tried the Drinkmate, and wow, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of carbonation machines.
Unlike SodaStream, which limits you to carbonating water, Drinkmate lets you fizz up anything—juice, wine, even flat soda that’s lost its sparkle.
I was skeptical at first, but I decided to test it with some apple juice.
The result? A crisp, bubbly apple spritzer that felt like it came straight from a fancy café.
What I love about Drinkmate is its flexibility.
It uses a similar CO2 canister system as SodaStream, but the machine’s design allows for more creativity. The carbonation process is straightforward: fill the bottle with your liquid of choice, attach it to the machine, press the button, and release the pressure with a quick twist.
I found it just as user-friendly as my SodaStream, but the ability to carbonate non-water beverages was a game-changer.
One downside?
The initial cost is comparable to SodaStream, with models ranging from $100 to $150, depending on the bundle. The CO2 canisters are also proprietary, though they’re interchangeable with SodaStream’s, which is a nice bonus if you’re switching brands.
I did notice that carbonating thicker liquids like juice can sometimes clog the nozzle if you’re not careful, so cleaning it thoroughly after each use is a must. Still, for someone like me who loves experimenting with flavors, Drinkmate is a standout.
Aarke Carbonator: Sleek, Stylish, and Timeless
Next, I got my hands on the Aarke Carbonator, and I’ll be honest—it’s the most gorgeous sparkling water maker I’ve ever seen.
It looks like something you’d find in a high-end kitchen showroom, with its stainless steel body and minimalist design.
I chose the matte black model, and it’s been a conversation starter every time someone visits my kitchen.
Functionally, the Aarke is similar to SodaStream.
You fill the provided bottle with cold water, screw it into the machine, and press the lever to carbonate. What sets it apart is the premium feel.
The lever action is smooth, almost therapeutic, and the carbonation level is easy to control by adjusting how many times you press. I found I could get a light fizz with one press or a super-bubbly seltzer with three.
The catch? Aarke is pricier, with models starting around $200. It also doesn’t come with a CO2 canister, so you’ll need to buy one separately or use a SodaStream-compatible canister.
I appreciated that Aarke’s bottles are made of glass or high-quality PET plastic, which feels more durable than SodaStream’s standard bottles. However, like SodaStream, it’s limited to carbonating water only, so if you’re dreaming of fizzy lemonade, you’ll need to add flavors post-carbonation.
For me, the Aarke is about elevating the experience. It’s not just about making sparkling water—it’s about doing it with style. If aesthetics matter to you as much as function, this one’s a winner.
Spärkel: No CO2 Canisters, Just Sachets
Then there’s Spärkel, which threw me for a loop because it doesn’t use CO2 canisters at all. Instead, it relies on proprietary carbonation sachets—little packets of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate that create CO2 when mixed with water.
It’s like a science experiment in your kitchen, and I was all in for it.
Using the Spärkel is a breeze. You fill the bottle with water (or another liquid, because yes, it’s versatile like Drinkmate), add a sachet to the carbonation chamber, and let the machine do its thing.
The system offers five carbonation levels, so I could dial in exactly how fizzy I wanted my drink. I tried carbonating some iced tea, and the result was a delightful, lightly sparkling beverage that felt like a treat.
The biggest advantage of Spärkel is freedom from CO2 canisters. No trips to the store for refills, no worrying about running out of gas mid-party. The sachets are compact and easy to store, and each one carbonates a single bottle.
However, the sachets aren’t cheap—around $1 per use—and they’re not as eco-friendly as reusable CO2 canisters. Plus, the machine itself is a bit bulky, so it might not be ideal for small kitchens.
I enjoyed the Spärkel’s simplicity and the fun of trying new beverages, but the ongoing cost of sachets made me pause. If you’re someone who values convenience over long-term savings, this could be your perfect match.
Soda Sense: The Subscription Solution
Soda Sense caught my attention because it’s not just a machine—it’s a whole system designed to make CO2 refills effortless.
The machine itself is similar to SodaStream in function: you carbonate water using a CO2 canister and a push-button mechanism.
But what makes Soda Sense unique is its “Sensei Club” subscription for CO2 refills.
You order a canister, use it up, and mail it back in a prepaid box for a replacement. No trips to the store, no hassle.
I found the machine easy to use, with a sturdy build and a straightforward design. The carbonation process is quick, and the bottles are BPA-free, which I appreciated. The real draw, though, is the subscription model.
I’m someone who forgets to exchange canisters until I’m mid-carbonate and out of gas, so having refills delivered to my door was a lifesaver. The cost of the machine is around $100, and the subscription pricing for CO2 is competitive with SodaStream’s exchange program.
The downside?
Like SodaStream, Soda Sense is limited to water carbonation. I also found the subscription model a bit restrictive if you don’t carbonate frequently—you’re locked into regular deliveries unless you pause or cancel. Still, for someone who wants a low-maintenance option, Soda Sense delivers.
iSi Soda Siphon: Old-School Charm with Modern Flair
For a completely different vibe, I tried the iSi Soda Siphon, a handheld device that’s been around for decades but still feels fresh.
It’s essentially a sleek, stainless steel bottle that uses single-use CO2 chargers to carbonate water. Think of it as the bartender’s choice—perfect for whipping up a quick seltzer or a cocktail base.
Using the iSi was a bit more hands-on than the countertop machines. You fill the siphon with cold water, screw on a CO2 charger, shake it to mix the gas, and you’re ready to pour. I loved the portability—it’s compact enough to toss in a picnic bag or take to a party.
The carbonation is strong, though it took me a few tries to get the shaking technique right for consistent bubbles.
The iSi is affordable, with models starting around $50, but the CO2 chargers can add up if you’re a heavy user. Each charger carbonates one liter, and they’re about $0.50 each when bought in bulk. I also found that the siphon’s capacity is smaller than most countertop machines, so it’s better for occasional use rather than daily fizz-making.
What won me over was the iSi’s retro charm and versatility. I used it to make a sparkling mojito, and it felt like I was channeling a 1920s mixologist. If you’re into cocktails or want a portable option, the iSi is a fun, budget-friendly choice.
DIY Carbonation: Hacking Your Own Fizz
Feeling adventurous, I decided to try my hand at DIY carbonation—no machine required. This method involves using dry ice or a combination of baking soda and vinegar to create CO2. I went with the dry ice route because it sounded less messy, but it’s not for the faint of heart.
I bought a small amount of dry ice from a local supplier, broke it into tiny pieces (wearing gloves, of course), and dropped a few into a sealed bottle of water. After a few minutes, the dry ice sublimated, releasing CO2 and carbonating the water.
The result was surprisingly fizzy, though the process felt a bit like a chemistry experiment gone rogue. I had to be careful not to overdo it, as too much dry ice can cause the bottle to burst.
The baking soda and vinegar method was less intense but also less effective. I mixed the two in a bottle with water, sealed it, and shook it to release CO2. The bubbles were mild at best, and the taste wasn’t great due to the vinegar.
DIY carbonation is cheap—dry ice costs about $1 per pound, and baking soda/vinegar is pantry-staple territory—but it’s time-consuming and risky if you’re not careful. I wouldn’t recommend it for daily use, but it’s a fun experiment if you’re curious and cautious.
Portable Carbonation Bottles: Fizz on the Go
For those days when I’m out and about, I tried portable carbonation bottles like the SodaStream Go or similar third-party options. These are essentially insulated bottles with built-in CO2 chargers, designed for travel. I tested one from a brand called FizzPod, which promised sparkling water anywhere.
The process is similar to the iSi siphon: fill with water, attach a CO2 charger, shake, and drink. The FizzPod was lightweight and fit nicely in my backpack, making it great for hikes or office days.
The carbonation was decent, though not as strong as a countertop machine. The main drawback was the cost of CO2 chargers, which add up quickly if you’re using it daily.
These bottles are perfect for occasional use or for those who want sparkling water without committing to a full machine. They’re also great for gifting—my sister loved hers for her camping trips.
Comparing The Alternatives: My Take
After trying all these options, I realized each has its own personality. Drinkmate is the creative free spirit, perfect for experimenting with flavors.
Aarke is the sophisticated artist, blending form and function. Spärkel is the innovative scientist, ditching canisters for sachets.
Soda Sense is the practical planner, streamlining refills.
The iSi siphon is the nostalgic bartender, and DIY methods are the daring adventurer.
Portable bottles? They’re the jet-setting nomad.
For me, the choice came down to lifestyle. I lean toward Drinkmate for its versatility, but if I were prioritizing aesthetics, I’d go with Aarke. Budget-conscious? The iSi siphon or DIY methods are hard to beat. It’s all about what fits your vibe and fizz needs.
Also Read: Differences Between SodaStream Terra And Fizzi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Drinkmate stands out because it can carbonate any beverage, not just water. I’ve fizzed up everything from orange juice to iced coffee, which SodaStream can’t do without risking damage to the machine. Drinkmate’s CO2 canisters are also compatible with SodaStream’s, so you’re not locked into a new system. The trade-off is that it requires a bit more cleaning for thicker liquids, but for me, the creative freedom is worth it.
Exchanging SodaStream CO2 canisters at Target is super simple. I take my empty canister to the customer service desk, where they usually have a SodaStream exchange program. You hand over the empty one, pay a fee (typically around $15), and get a refilled canister. Some stores might have a dedicated display near the kitchen section, but I always check with customer service first to avoid wandering. Just make sure your canister is a standard SodaStream one, as non-compatible ones won’t work.
Technically, yes, but it’s a gray area. SodaStream machines are designed for their proprietary canisters, but some users (myself included) have successfully used compatible CO2 canisters from brands like Drinkmate or Soda Sense. The key is ensuring the threading matches—most standard 60L canisters work, but you’ll need an adapter for some third-party brands. I’d stick to SodaStream’s canisters to avoid warranty issues or potential leaks, but if you’re feeling experimental, just double-check compatibility.
You can go the DIY route, like I did with dry ice or baking soda and vinegar. For dry ice, add small pieces to a sealed bottle of water, let it sublimate, and release the pressure carefully. It’s effective but requires caution to avoid over-pressurization. The baking soda and vinegar method is safer but less fizzy—mix them in a bottle, seal, and shake. Both are cheap but finicky. For a more reliable option, a handheld siphon like iSi works great without needing a full machine.
Wrapping Up The Fizz Fest
Exploring SodaStream alternatives has been a fizzy adventure, and I’ve come to appreciate the variety of ways to bring sparkle to my drinks. Whether it’s the versatility of Drinkmate, the elegance of Aarke, or the portability of a siphon, there’s an option for every lifestyle.
I’m still a fan of my SodaStream, but these alternatives have opened my eyes to new possibilities. My advice? Try one out, experiment, and find the fizz that makes your taste buds dance.