If you’ve ever stood in the grocery aisle debating which sparkling water flavor to lug home, a home soda maker might be your new favorite kitchen sidekick. In 2025, countertop soda machines have gone from “nice-to-have gadget” to “why didn’t I buy this sooner?” They save money, cut down on single-use plastic, and keep your fridge stocked with bubbles on demand.

We looked at hands-on testing and expert reviews from leading U.S. food and product publications — including Food & Wine, Wired, Epicurious, Bon Appétit, Serious Eats, and more — along with feedback from long-term owners to find the best soda makers of 2025. The five machines below consistently rose to the top for fizz quality, ease of use, durability, and overall value.

Whether you want ultra-crisp sparkling water, custom-flavored seltzer, or bubbly cocktails, these are the soda makers worth your counter space this year.

How We Chose the Best Soda Makers of 2025

Instead of trusting marketing claims, we focused on real-world testing. Multiple U.S. outlets have run side-by-side comparisons of soda machines, carbonating liters and liters of water (and sometimes juice, wine, and cold brew) to see which models actually deliver. From that pool, we zeroed in on:

• Carbonation performance: How fizzy can it get? Are the bubbles fine and crisp or big and aggressive? Does it stay sparkling in the fridge?
• Versatility: Some soda makers only carbonate water; others can handle juice, tea, or cocktails like a champ.
• Ease of use: We looked for intuitive controls, simple bottle locking mechanisms, and CO₂ canisters that don’t require wrestling.
• Design and footprint: These machines live on your counter, so we favored slim, good-looking sparkling water makers that don’t hog space.
• Long-term value: We factored in CO₂ refill options, bottle durability, and build quality.

From there, we narrowed things down to five soda makers that keep appearing in expert “best of” lists for 2025 and earn glowing feedback from everyday users.

Quick Look: The Top 5 Soda Makers of 2025

• Best Overall: Drinkmate OmniFizz
• Best High-End: Breville InFizz Fusion
• Best for Everyday Use: SodaStream Art
• Best Budget: Philips GoZero Sparkling Water Maker
• Best Design-Forward: Aarke Carbonator 3

1. Drinkmate OmniFizz — Best Overall Soda Maker of 2025

Across several U.S. test panels, the Drinkmate OmniFizz is consistently named the best soda maker overall. Experts like its ability to carbonate not just water but also juice, tea, cocktails, and even flat soda, thanks to its unique release valve system.

Why it stands out

Most home carbonation systems insist on water only, but the OmniFizz lets you get creative. Want bubbly cold brew? Gently fizzy rosé? Ginger ale that actually tastes like ginger? You can carbonate the base liquid directly, then adjust the fizz level with a manual button press.

Reviewers also note that the carbonation is strong and consistent, with fine bubbles that give a premium feel instead of a harsh, gassy burn. In independent testing, the OmniFizz topped or tied for first in both carbonation power and flavor retention.

Best for

• Households that want to carbonate more than just water
• Home mixologists and cocktail fans
• People who like control over bubble intensity

Key details

• Carbonation: Manual button; multiple short presses for big bubbles
• Beverages: Water plus most cold drinks (with care)
• CO₂ compatibility: Standard screw-in cylinders from multiple brands

Pros: Extremely versatile, strong fizz, widely available CO₂ refills.
Cons: More parts to clean than very simple water-only models; design is more functional than luxurious.

2. Breville InFizz Fusion — Best High-End Soda Maker

If you want a soda maker that looks and feels like a premium espresso machine, the Breville InFizz Fusion is the one that keeps coming up at the top of 2025 roundups. Food & Wine and Bon Appétit highlight it as a splurge-worthy machine that carbonates water beautifully and can also add bubbles to juices and cocktails.

Why it stands out

The InFizz Fusion is all about precision and polish. It has a sturdy metal body, a weighted lever, and a stable base that makes carbonation feel secure and controlled. Testers note that it produces especially fine, delicate bubbles that taste closer to high-end bottled mineral water than budget seltzer.

It also works with Breville’s glass and stainless-steel bottles on certain bundles, which is a plus if you’re trying to avoid plastic as much as possible.

Best for

• Design-focused kitchens where aesthetics matter
• Fans of sparkling wine, spritzes, and elevated cocktails
• Heavy seltzer drinkers who want a sturdy, long-term investment

Key details

• Carbonation: Lever-operated, with good control over bubble strength
• Beverages: Water, juice, premixed cocktails (within guidelines)
• Price tier: Premium — but often discounted at major retailers

Pros: Luxurious build, refined bubbles, supports multiple bottle styles.
Cons: Expensive; overkill if you just want basic fizzy water.

3. SodaStream Art — Best Soda Maker for Everyday Use

SodaStream is practically synonymous with at-home sparkling water, and the SodaStream Art is the current sweet spot in their lineup. Serious Eats and other testers have recommended it consistently since 2022 for its strong carbonation, easy canister loading, and approachable design.

Why it stands out

The Art uses a satisfying side-pull lever instead of a top button, which makes it feel more intuitive and a little bit retro. Its CO₂ loading system is simpler than older SodaStream models that require tilting or twisting the whole machine.

It’s also supported by SodaStream’s massive flavor library and widespread CO₂ exchange programs, which means it’s easy to keep the bubbles flowing without hunting for specialty refills. Lifestyle coverage in 2025 even highlights SodaStream models as celebrity-approved essentials for sparkling water and creative drinks at home.

Best for

• Families who want simple, dependable sparkling water
• First-time soda maker buyers
• People who like having many ready-made flavors

Key details

• Carbonation: Lever action; multiple pulls for extra fizz
• Beverages: Water (flavored after carbonating)
• Perks: Widespread CO₂ exchanges at grocery and big-box stores

Pros: Strong bubbles, easy to use, great flavor ecosystem, widely supported.
Cons: Meant for water only; mostly plastic construction.

4. Philips GoZero Sparkling Water Maker — Best Budget Pick

If you want a simple sparkling water maker that doesn’t feel flimsy, reviewers repeatedly point to the Philips GoZero. Food & Wine calls it a best value pick thanks to its balance of price, performance, and clean design.

Why it stands out

The GoZero sticks to the basics in the best way. There’s no cord, no screen, no fancy extras — just a sturdy manual carbonation button and a slim bottle that clicks into place. In testing, it produced reliable carbonation and held its own against pricier competitors, especially when you factor in the lower upfront cost.

It’s a smart pick for smaller kitchens, dorms, or anyone who wants to dip a toe into home carbonation without going straight for a top-tier machine.

Best for

• Budget-conscious shoppers
• Apartment dwellers with limited counter space
• Minimalists who just want cold, fizzy water

Key details

• Carbonation: Manual press button
• Beverages: Water only
• Footprint: Compact, lightweight, easy to move

Pros: Affordable, small footprint, straightforward operation.
Cons: Fewer premium touches, fewer accessories than big-name brands.

5. Aarke Carbonator 3 — Best Design-Forward Soda Maker

For people who care as much about how their kitchen looks as how it works, the Aarke Carbonator 3 is the standout choice. Multiple reviews describe it as one of the best-designed and best-performing sparkling water makers available, with a sleek stainless steel shell and high-quality hardware.

Why it stands out

Unlike many plastic-heavy soda machines, the Carbonator 3 is built around a metal body with a slim, sculptural profile. Testers consistently praise its solid feel, smooth lever action, and the way it produces reliably crisp sparkling water with just a few pulls.

It’s also available in several finishes, from classic steel to matte black and brass, so you can match it to your appliances or let it be a statement piece on its own.

Best for

• Design lovers and minimalists
• Entertainers who leave appliances on display
• Users who prioritize durability and premium materials

Key details

• Carbonation: Manual lever with three typical “levels” of fizz
• Beverages: Water (flavor added after)
• Materials: Metal body, reusable bottle included

Pros: Beautiful, durable, compact, excellent carbonation.
Cons: Higher price; most bundles don’t include a CO₂ cylinder.

What to Look for in a Soda Maker in 2025

Still deciding which home carbonation system fits your lifestyle? Keep these factors in mind:

1. Type of beverages

If you only want sparkling water, a basic model like Philips GoZero or SodaStream Art is perfect. If you want to carbonate iced tea, juice, or cocktails, prioritize versatile machines like Drinkmate OmniFizz or certain Breville InFizz bundles that are designed to handle more than water.

2. CO₂ availability and cost

Check what kind of CO₂ cylinder the machine uses and how easy (and affordable) it is to refill where you live. Major brands like SodaStream, Drinkmate, and Aarke use standard-sized cylinders with established exchange programs, which often cost less per liter than bottled sparkling water.

3. Manual vs. electric

Manual soda makers don’t need an outlet and are easy to move between the kitchen, patio, or bar cart. Electric models handle carbonation at the push of a button and sometimes add extras like lighting or preset fizz levels but take up outlet space and typically cost more.

4. Bottle materials and size

Most machines use BPA-free plastic bottles, which are lightweight and durable. If you prefer glass, look for systems that support glass carafes. Consider how much sparkling water you typically drink at once: standard bottles are around 1 liter, but some brands offer smaller or larger sizes.

5. Design and footprint

Because a soda maker usually sits out on the counter, design matters. If you have limited space, a slim, vertical machine like Aarke or GoZero may fit better than a wide, boxy unit. If you love hosting, a stylish, statement-maker like the Carbonator 3 or InFizz Fusion can double as functional decor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Soda Makers

Are soda makers cheaper than buying sparkling water?

Over time, usually yes. Once you own the machine, your main cost is CO₂ refills and tap water. Tests from consumer organizations suggest that per-liter costs for home carbonation often undercut most canned seltzers, especially if you drink sparkling water daily.

Are soda makers safe?

Modern soda machines are designed with pressure relief valves and safety-tested bottles. As long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions (don’t carbonate hot liquids unless explicitly allowed, don’t overfill the bottle, and replace bottles when they expire), they’re considered safe for home use.

Can I carbonate wine or juice?

Only in machines specifically designed for it. Drinkmate OmniFizz and some higher-end systems handle non-water beverages, thanks to controlled pressure release mechanisms. For water-only machines, you can always carbonate plain water and add syrups or juice afterward.

How long does a CO₂ cylinder last?

Most standard cylinders claim around 60 liters of carbonation, but your mileage will vary based on how fizzy you make your drinks. Heavy users may swap cartridges monthly; lighter users might get several months from a single cylinder.

Final Thoughts: Which Soda Maker Should You Buy?

If you want the most flexible and future-proof soda maker in 2025, the Drinkmate OmniFizz is hard to beat. Its ability to carbonate almost any cold beverage, combined with strong fizz and easy refills, makes it a true workhorse.

For design lovers, the Breville InFizz Fusion and Aarke Carbonator 3 turn sparkling water into a full-on kitchen experience, pairing premium materials with excellent performance. If you just need solid, everyday bubbles without spending a fortune, SodaStream Art and Philips GoZero deliver exactly that.

No matter which model you choose, bringing a sparkling water maker home means fewer heavy bottles to carry, less plastic waste, and fizzy drinks that match your taste perfectly. Your fridge, your wallet, and your taste buds will all be pretty happy about it.

Real-Life Soda Maker Experiences and Tips (Bonus)

Once you start paying attention to how people actually use their soda makers, a few patterns pop up. Think of these as “field notes” from real kitchens that can help you get the most from whichever machine you bring home.

1. The “always-on-the-counter” effect. Owners who leave their soda maker plugged in or parked permanently on the counter tend to use it dramatically more often than people who stash it in a cabinet. It’s the same principle as a coffee maker: if it’s visible and ready, you’ll reach for it. If your kitchen is small, that’s an argument for a slimmer machine like the Aarke Carbonator 3 or Philips GoZero, which look intentional on a counter instead of like clutter.

2. Custom fizz makes picky drinkers happy. In many families, one person loves mouth-tingling, aggressive bubbles while someone else prefers a gentle sparkle. Machines with strong manual control — like Drinkmate OmniFizz, SodaStream Art, or InFizz Fusion — shine here. You can give the kids one or two quick presses for a softer fizz and go all-in with extra pushes for your own glass. Over time, most households fall into a routine: “three presses for Dad, two for the kids,” and bubble drama disappears.

3. Flavor experiments are where the fun starts. Most people begin with plain sparkling water, then move quickly into flavor territory. Simple add-ins like lemon and lime slices, cucumber, or a splash of fruit juice are easy wins. Cocktail fans often use a soda maker to stretch pricier ingredients: top off a good vermouth, bitter aperitif, or homemade syrup with sparkling water for low-alcohol spritzes. In more advanced tests, reviewers use OmniFizz and InFizz Fusion to add bubbles directly to cold brew, aguas frescas, and mocktails, with consistently good results when they follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

4. The sustainability glow-up is real. Many long-term soda maker users started for the savings and stayed for the trash reduction. Cutting out cases of cans or plastic bottles makes recycling day noticeably lighter. Reviewers note that seeing a single reusable bottle on the counter, instead of a pile of empties, is surprisingly satisfying. Sustainable-minded models like Mysoda’s wood-based designs or refill-friendly systems highlighted by consumer testing show how the category is evolving, but even classic brands already make a big dent in waste.

5. Hosting gets easier (and cheaper). If you entertain, a soda maker quietly solves one of the most annoying party problems: how much sparkling water, club soda, and mixer to buy. With a good machine and a spare CO₂ cylinder, you can keep refilling pitchers without watching the stash of bottles run dry. Hosts using SodaStream, Drinkmate, or Aarke models report that guests often gravitate to the bubbly drink station as a kind of DIY bar, customizing sweetness and fizz to their liking. The machine becomes both a tool and a conversation piece, especially if it’s a design-forward model like the Carbonator 3 or a retro-inspired SodaStream Art.

6. A few pro tips that bubble up again and again:

• Start with very cold water. The colder the water, the better it holds carbonation. Keep a bottle in the fridge for best results.
• Don’t overfill past the line. It’s tempting to “just add a little more,” but overfilling can lead to messy sprays when you release the pressure.
• Short, repeated bursts usually work better than one long press. This helps build up fine bubbles instead of large, aggressive ones.
• Keep a backup CO₂ cylinder. Running out mid-party is the soda maker equivalent of realizing you’re out of ice.

Put all of this together and you get the real picture: a good soda maker isn’t just a gadget, it’s a habit-forming upgrade. Once your household gets used to having fresh sparkling water on tap, going back to hauling home heavy bottles starts to feel strangely old-fashioned.

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