Soda maker test: The 7 best models in comparison - plus: the best offers in Cyber Week
Sparkling water makerare the saviors – and not just for people on upper floors. Because they produce sparkling water whenever you want - and all without heavy water crates.Sparkling water makerhave experienced a real boom in recent years, and for good reason: they promise comfort,and even a variety of drinks. But how do these devices actually work, and what should you know about CO₂ cylinders, filters and sustainability? We have summarized the most important facts for you.
The 3 best soda makers – plus: the best Cyber Week deals
“Aarke Carbonator III” soda maker
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Robust and stylish with a stainless steel case
- Aesthetics suitable for modern kitchens
- Easy to use: one lever is enough for bubbling
Disadvantages
- More expensive than many competing models
- No CO₂ cartridge included
- PET bottle compatible only
Water carbonator “Brita SodaONE”
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Easy to use: The desired bubbling level can be adjusted at the touch of a button
- Provides up to 60 liters of sparkling water per cylinder
- Integrated filtering: The Brita filter ensures better water
Disadvantages
- Just plastic bottle
- No bubbling level display
- High price point
Wassersprudler “SodaStream Easy”
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Space saving
- Easy to use
Disadvantages
- plastic bottles
- No fizz level indicator
- Limited customization options
- “Aarke Carbonator III”– 149 € instead
210 € - “SodaStream Easy”– for 100 €
105 € - “Mysoda Ruby Set”– for 95 € full
190 € - “Twist'n Sparkle” by Isi– for €69
86 €
How do sparkling water makers work?
The technology behind youSparkling water makeris easier than you might think: tap water is poured into a special bottle that is inserted into the soda maker. At the push of a button, carbon dioxide is pressed into the water from a CO₂ cylinder. Depending on your preference, you can regulate the intensity of the fizz yourself. Some devices even offer different levels of fizz – from slightly fizzy to extra fizzy.
The result: fresh, sparkling water in seconds. And you can refine your water individually with syrups or fresh ingredients.
How sustainable is a soda maker?
Sustainability plays a role in your decisionSparkling water makera big role. Instead of buying single-use plastic bottles, you can use reusable bottles, which are usually made of BPA-free plastic or glass.
You also save CO₂ during transport: because your tap water comes directly from the region, without long delivery routes. According to SodaStream, a single one replacesSparkling water makerup to 3,000 single-use plastic bottles per year – a lot. This means that it is not only environmentally friendly, but also helps to reduce plastic waste. Another plus point: Most soda bottles are durable and can often be used for several years before they need to be replaced.
And to everyone who has concerns about tap water: In Germany, it can be drunk almost without any concerns. The only thing you can ask the property manager is whether there are lead pipes in the house, because lead can cause health problems.
Sparkling water makerare a sustainable and stylish alternative to purchased bottled drinks. They reduce plastic waste, save transport routes and make it easy for you to enjoy sparkling water at any time.
How much does a CO₂ cylinder cost?
CO₂ cylinders are the heart of your sparkling water maker because they provide the carbon dioxide for your sparkling water. A new cylinder usually costs between20 and 30 euros. However, the exchange is significantly cheaper: for about7 to 10 eurosYou can exchange your empty cylinder for a filled one - for example in supermarkets or drugstores.
One cylinder is usually enough for 60 liters of water, depending on the fizzing strength. This makes it not only practical but also cost-effective compared to store-bought bottles.
What should you pay attention to when it comes to filters and cartridges?
If you live in an area with hard water, you should consider an additional water filter. SomeSparkling water makercan be directly equipped with filters that remove limescale and other substances from tap water. This protects the device and ensures a better taste.
There are filters for different thingsRequirements, for example:
- Removal of limescale (softening filter)
- Removal of pollutants such as chlorine, lead or pesticides (activated carbon filter)
- Improving taste (activated carbon)
- Removal of microorganisms (microfilters or reverse osmosis systems)
When purchasing bottles and accessories, you should make sure that they are compatible with your model. Glass bottles in particular do not fit in every device. The shelf life of the bottles is also important: plastic bottles often have an expiry date that should be observed for safety reasons.
How can CO₂ cartridges be disposed of?
Empty CO₂ cylinders do not belong in household waste because they are pressurized and can be refilled. Instead, you simply exchange them – an environmentally friendly cycle. If you no longer use a cylinder, you can return it to the manufacturer or an authorized dealer. Some retailers even offer refunds or discounts for this.
Disposable cartridges used with other brands have specific disposal guidelines depending on the region. In Germany you can often hand them in at recycling centers or specialist retailers.
The 7 best soda makers in the test
The best soda maker for design lovers
“Aarke Carbonator III” soda maker
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Robust and stylish with a stainless steel case
- Aesthetics suitable for modern kitchens
- Easy to use: one lever is enough for bubbling
Disadvantages
- More expensive than many competing models
- No CO₂ cartridge included
- PET bottle compatible only
- Color:stainless steel
- Material:stainless steel
- Product dimensions:41,5 T x 15,3 B x 25,8 H cm
- Item weight:1.72 Kilograms
Why we love him:Theis the successor to the Stiftung Warentest test winner. With a slim, seamless stainless steel housing, it not only looks elegant, but thanks to its compact design it also fits perfectly into any kitchen and impresses with innovative technology such as safety valves and a stainless steel nozzle. Available in several stylish colors (matte black, cream), it is not only a real eye-catcher, but also incredibly user-friendly. Just press a button and you can conjure up sparkling water - sustainable, elegant and effortless.
The best soda maker for Kitchen Aid fans
“KitchenAid-Sodastream”
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Cool optics
- CO2-Advertisement
- selectable carbon dioxide content
Disadvantages
- plastic bottles
- Higher price point
- Color:Schwarz
- Material:stainless steel
- Product dimensions:19,99 x 27,89 x 45,39 cm
- Item weight:9.6 Kilograms
Why we love him:Third place at Stiftung Warentest! The KitchenAid Sodastream is a collaboration between the two big brands - and scores points twice in terms of design and function. We love that you can set the exact “bubbling level” and, thanks to a display, you always know exactly when you need to replace the cartridge.
The best soda maker for small kitchens
Wassersprudler “SodaStream Easy”
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Space saving
- Easy to use
Disadvantages
- plastic bottles
- No fizz level indicator
- Limited customization options
- Color:Schwarz
- Material:plastic
- Product dimensions:18,6 x 13 x 43 cm
- Item weight:2.6 Kilograms
Why we love him:With a 2.5 (“good”), the “SodaStream Easy” took third place at Stiftung Warentest – it offers a quick and easy solution for sparkling water without taking up a lot of space. Ideal for households looking for a practical and reliable everyday device that works effortlessly while improving the drinking experience - plus it's particularly space-saving!
The best 2-in-1 soda maker
Water carbonator “Brita SodaONE”
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Easy to use: The desired bubbling level can be adjusted at the touch of a button
- Provides up to 60 liters of sparkling water per cylinder
- Integrated filtering: The Brita filter ensures better water
Disadvantages
- Just plastic bottle
- No bubbling level display
- High price point
- Color:White
- Material:Not specified
- Product dimensions:Width 24 cm, height 44.6 cm, depth 12.9 cm
- Item weight:2.6 Kilograms
Why we love him:Filter and carbonator in one - the Brita water carbonator uses the well-known Brita filter technology, which removes impurities from the water before sparkling and ensures a better taste. So you not only get sparkling water, but also freshly filtered water.
The best sparkling water maker for juices and cocktails
“The InFizz Fusion” soda maker from Sage
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Can also bubble juices
- Elegant design
- With a practical lever mechanism, the fizz strength can be adjusted quickly and easily
Disadvantages
- High price point
- plastic bottles
- Color:Schwarz
- Material:stainless steel
- Product dimensions: 31 x 22 x 49,3 cm
- Item weight:3.7 Kilograms
Why we love him:The “InFizz Fusion” can not only sparkle water, but also other drinks such as juices and cocktails: whether for the preparation of sparkling water or for creative drink creations such as sparkling juices or– the “InFizz Fusion” offers everything you need for refreshments.
The best designer soda maker
Wassersprudler “Mysoda Ruby Set”
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Cooles Design
- Glass bottles
- Adjustable fizz strength
Disadvantages
- No precise carbon dioxide display
- CO₂ cylinder not included
- Color:Rosa
- Material:Aluminium
- Product dimensions: 24 T x 14,3 B x 41 H cm
- Item weight:3.6 Kilograms
Why we love him:The “Mysoda Ruby Set” is particularly stylish – you can choose it in beige grey, pink or silver. Anyone who values sustainability and at the same time is looking for a device that impresses both visually and functionally will be happy with the “Ruby Set”. It provides sparkling water at the touch of a button and makes daily sparkling an elegant experience.
The best soda maker for on the go
Water carbonator “Twist'n Sparkle” from Isi
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Always sparkling water everywhere
- Also suitable for juices
Disadvantages
- Limited fizz strength
- plastic bottle
- Color:Silber
- Material:PET
- Product dimensions:35 x 22 x 12 cm
- Item weight:2.5 Kilograms
Why we love him:The soda maker to go! To create sparkling water, all you have to do is fill the bottle, put the lid on and turn it - quick and easy to use. It works without electricity and only requires CO₂ cylinders, which makes it independent of electrical devices.