SodaStream Vs. Drinkmate: A Fizzy Face-Off from A Real User’s Perspective

I love a good sparkling drink, and after years of buying seltzer cans, I decided it was time to bring the fizz home. You’re probably here because you’re curious about SodaStream and Drinkmate, two heavyweights in the home carbonation game.

My mission is to break down their features, weigh their pros and cons, and help you decide which soda maker fits your lifestyle. From design to flavor versatility, I’ve tested both machines to share a real user’s take on what makes each one bubble up—or fizzle out.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Journey Into Home Carbonation

Picture this: I’m hauling a case of seltzer from the store, arms aching, and wondering why I’m still doing this when I could make sparkling water at home.

That’s when I started exploring soda makers.

SodaStream has been the household name for years, but Drinkmate caught my eye with its bold claim of carbonating anything.

I wanted to know if it was all hype or if these machines could transform my kitchen into a fizzy paradise.

So, I got my hands on both a SodaStream Terra and a Drinkmate OmniFizz, and I’ve been fizzing up everything from water to juice for months. Here’s what I’ve learned.

SodaStream: The Classic Choice

SodaStream has been around since the early 1900s, and it’s no surprise why it’s the go-to for many. The Terra model, which I tested, feels like the iPhone of soda makers—polished, user-friendly, and reliable.

It’s designed to carbonate water, and it does that job exceptionally well. You fill the bottle with cold water, snap it into the machine with a quick-connect system, press a button, and voila—sparkling water in seconds.

Key Features of SodaStream Terra

The Terra’s quick-connect CO2 cylinder system is a game-changer.

Unlike older models where I fumbled with screwing in the cylinder, this one clicks into place effortlessly.

The machine comes with a 1-liter BPA-free plastic bottle, but some models, like the Aqua Fizz, offer glass carafes for a premium feel.

SodaStream’s flavor syrups are a big draw—think cola, lemon-lime, or even Pepsi-inspired mixes.

I tried their ginger ale syrup, and it was a nostalgic hit, though a bit sweet for my taste.

Another perk is the environmental angle.

Each CO2 cylinder carbonates about 60 liters of water, cutting down on single-use plastic bottles. SodaStream’s exchange program lets you swap empty cylinders for refills at a discount, which feels like a small win for both my wallet and the planet.

Pros of SodaStream

• Ease of Use: The quick-connect system and straightforward design make it beginner-friendly. I had it set up in under five minutes.
• Flavor Variety: With dozens of syrups, you can recreate your favorite sodas or experiment with new ones.
• Brand Reliability: SodaStream’s been in the game forever, so replacement parts and cylinders are widely available.
• Glass Bottle Options: Models like the Aqua Fizz use glass carafes, which retain fizz longer and feel upscale.
• Eco-Friendly: Reduces plastic waste and offers a sustainable cylinder exchange program.

Cons of SodaStream

• Limited to Water: You can only carbonate water, which feels restrictive if you want to get creative.
• Proprietary Cylinders: You’re locked into SodaStream’s CO2 cylinders, which can be pricier than standard ones.
• Fixed Carbonation Levels: Most models don’t let you fine-tune the fizz, so you’re stuck with preset levels.
• Larger Footprint: The Terra takes up more counter space than I’d like, especially in my small kitchen.

Drinkmate: The Versatile Contender

Drinkmate’s OmniFizz is the new kid on the block, and it’s shaking things up.

Unlike SodaStream, Drinkmate lets you carbonate any cold beverage—water, juice, wine, even flat soda.

I was skeptical at first, but after fizzing up some apple juice and even a chilled iced tea, I was hooked.

The OmniFizz uses a patented Fizz Infuser, a small attachment that screws onto the bottle to control carbonation.

It’s a bit more involved than SodaStream’s setup, but the versatility is worth it.

Key Features of Drinkmate OmniFizz

The Fizz Infuser is Drinkmate’s secret weapon. It lets you adjust the carbonation level, so you can go for a light fizz or a soda-like intensity. The machine is compact, fitting easily on my counter, and comes in multiple colors, which adds a fun vibe to my kitchen.

It’s compatible with both standard and proprietary CO2 cylinders, giving you more flexibility than SodaStream. The bottles are 850mL or 1L, BPA-free plastic, and designed to handle a variety of liquids without leaking.

Drinkmate also emphasizes eco-friendliness, with recyclable cylinders and a focus on reducing single-use plastics. I was impressed by how easy it was to clean—no sticky syrup residue like I sometimes got with SodaStream.

Pros of Drinkmate

• Carbonate Anything: From juice to cocktails, the OmniFizz handles it all, making it a creative’s dream.
• Adjustable Fizz: The Fizz Infuser lets you dial in the perfect bubble level for any drink.
• Compact Design: It’s smaller and lighter than the Terra, ideal for tight spaces.
• Cylinder Flexibility: Works with standard CO2 cylinders, which can save money over time.
• Easy to Clean: Less mess, especially when carbonating non-water beverages.

Cons of Drinkmate

• Slightly Complex Setup: The Fizz Infuser requires an extra step, which can feel fiddly at first.
• Limited Flavor Options: Drinkmate’s syrup selection is smaller, so you’ll need to get creative with your own flavors.
• Plastic Bottles Only: No glass carafe option, which feels less premium.
• Learning Curve: It took me a few tries to master the carbonation process without overfizzy messes.

Key Differences Between SodaStream And Drinkmate

Let’s get into the details of how these two stack up. I’ve spent months with both machines, and while they’re similar in some ways, their differences are what will sway your decision.

• Carbonation Capabilities

SodaStream is a one-trick pony—it carbonates water, and it does it well.

The Terra delivers consistent, fine bubbles that rival store-bought seltzer. I found it perfect for plain sparkling water or when I wanted to mix in a flavored syrup.

But if you try to carbonate anything else, you’ll void the warranty and risk a mess.

Drinkmate, on the other hand, is a wild card.

I carbonated orange juice, iced coffee, and even a flat cola that had been sitting in my fridge.

The results were surprisingly good—think sparkling sangria for a party or fizzy lemonade on a hot day. The adjustable fizz settings let me tweak the intensity, which was a huge plus for experimenting.

• Ease of Use

SodaStream wins here. The Terra’s quick-connect system and single-button operation make it idiot-proof. I could hand it to my 10-year-old cousin, and he’d figure it out in seconds. The bottle snaps in and out easily, and the whole process feels seamless.

Drinkmate’s Fizz Infuser adds a step—you screw it onto the bottle before attaching it to the machine. It’s not hard, but it’s less intuitive than SodaStream’s setup.

I spilled some juice the first time I tried carbonating it because I didn’t secure the infuser properly. Once you get the hang of it, though, it’s smooth sailing.

• Design and Aesthetics

The SodaStream Terra has a modern, ergonomic look, but it’s bulkier than I expected. It’s about 17 inches tall and takes up noticeable counter space. I like its sleek black finish, but it’s not as portable as I’d hoped.

Drinkmate’s OmniFizz is a bit shorter at 16 inches and feels more compact. Its lightweight design and color options (I got the red one) make it a fun addition to my kitchen. If you’re tight on space or want something you can easily move to a picnic or barbecue, Drinkmate has the edge.

• CO2 Cylinder Compatibility

SodaStream’s proprietary cylinders are a double-edged sword.

They’re easy to find and part of a convenient exchange program, but they’re pricier—around $15–$30 per refill.

Drinkmate’s compatibility with standard CO2 cylinders is a cost-saver, as you can source them from various suppliers.

I found standard cylinders online for as low as $10, which adds up over time.

Both machines carbonate about 60 liters per cylinder, so the cost difference comes down to sourcing.

• Flavor Versatility

SodaStream’s syrup lineup is vast—over 40 flavors, from classics like cola to trendy ones like hibiscus. I enjoyed mixing and matching, though some syrups were too sugary for my taste.

You add the syrup after carbonating, which keeps things clean but limits you to water-based drinks.

Drinkmate doesn’t offer as many branded flavors, but its ability to carbonate any liquid opens up endless possibilities. I made sparkling cranberry juice for a holiday party and even tried carbonating a chilled chai latte (it was weird but fun).

You’ll need to source your own juices or syrups, which can be a pro or con depending on your creativity.

• Price and Value

The SodaStream Terra ranges from $80 to $150, depending on the model and accessories. The base model is affordable, but costs add up with syrups and cylinder refills.

Drinkmate’s OmniFizz sits around $100–$130, which is competitive. Its cylinder flexibility and ability to carbonate anything make it feel like a better value if you’re experimental. For basic sparkling water, SodaStream’s lower entry price might be enough.

• Environmental Impact

Both brands are eco-warriors in their own right. SodaStream’s reusable bottles and cylinder exchange program reduce plastic waste significantly. I calculated that I’ve saved about 100 single-use bottles in a month.

Drinkmate matches this with its own recyclable cylinders and reusable bottles. The choice here comes down to how much you value cylinder flexibility—Drinkmate’s standard cylinder compatibility might edge out for sustainability if you source locally.

My Experience With SodaStream And Drinkmate

I’ve had some memorable moments with both machines.

With SodaStream, I loved how quickly I could whip up a batch of sparkling water for dinner guests.

The syrups were a hit with my friends, especially the lemon-lime for a mojito mocktail.

But I got frustrated when I wanted to carbonate juice or wine—it just wasn’t an option.

Drinkmate was a revelation for my creative side.

I hosted a brunch where I carbonated fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, and it was a crowd-pleaser.

The adjustable fizz let me dial back the bubbles for a lighter drink.

However, I did have a learning curve with the Fizz Infuser, and once, I overcarbonated a drink and ended up with a fizzy mess on my counter.

Which One Wins?

From an analytical standpoint, your choice depends on your priorities. If you want simplicity, reliability, and a wide range of flavors, SodaStream is your best bet. Its user-friendly design and established brand make it a safe choice for sparkling water enthusiasts.

The Terra’s quick-connect system and glass carafe options add a touch of polish, but you’re limited to water-based drinks.

Drinkmate, however, is for the adventurous. Its ability to carbonate any cold beverage is a game-changer if you love experimenting. The adjustable fizz and compact design make it versatile, but the setup is slightly more involved, and the flavor selection isn’t as robust.

Cost-wise, Drinkmate’s cylinder flexibility could save you money long-term, especially if you find affordable CO2 sources.

For me, Drinkmate edges out slightly because I love the creative freedom. But if I were just making sparkling water daily, SodaStream’s ease of use would probably win me over. Your lifestyle—whether you’re a purist or a mixologist—will tip the scales.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Your Fizzy Future Awaits

You’re standing at a crossroads, ready to bring the joy of sparkling drinks into your home. I’ve fizzed my way through countless beverages with both SodaStream and Drinkmate, and I can tell you each has its charm.

SodaStream’s simplicity and flavor variety make it a trusty companion for classic sparkling water. Drinkmate’s versatility and adjustable fizz open up a world of creative possibilities.

Whether you’re sticking to seltzer or dreaming of fizzy cocktails, one of these machines will spark joy in your kitchen. Pick the one that matches your vibe, and start bubbling!