10 Best SodaStream Alternatives (September 2026) Professional Reviews
When SodaStream became the go-to home carbonator for millions of kitchens, nobody expected a wave of capable challengers to show up. Today, the best SodaStream alternatives run the gamut from minimalist Swedish steel to bundles built for entertaining, and they often do things SodaStream never bothered with — like carbonating juice, wine, or cocktails without a proprietary lockout. Our team spent six weeks with ten different machines, carbonating everything from tap water to leftover flat pinot, and the results surprised even us.
Why bother looking beyond SodaStream in 2026? Reviewers across r/BuyItForLife, r/ZeroWaste, and r/BDS raised five consistent concerns: CO2 cylinder cost keeps climbing on the proprietary quick-connect models, the new units feel more disposable than the originals, you can’t carbonate anything except water in most SodaStream machines, refill exchanges are inconvenient outside urban areas, and the brand’s ownership keeps some shoppers away entirely. The picks below address at least one of those pain points, and a few tackle all of them.
Whether you want a premium countertop showpiece, a versatile system for cocktail nights, or a simple soda siphon you can stash in a fridge door, this list has you covered. We weighted each machine on carbonation quality, build, CO2 availability, versatility, and value, then laid them out so you can match the right sparkling water maker to your kitchen and your habits. If you’re shopping for an everyday upgrade or a gift for someone who claims they’ve “tried everything,” the answer is in here.
Top 3 Picks for Best SodaStream Alternatives (September 2026)
Breville InFizz Aqua
- Brushed stainless steel
- Excess CO2 capture
- Twist-lock bottle
- 2-year warranty
Best SodaStream Alternatives in 2026
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1. Aarke Carbonator 3 – Premium Sparkling Water Maker for Home Counters
- Refined stainless steel craftsmanship with Swedish aesthetic
- Damper-controlled lever delivers a satisfying and ritualistic user experience
- Each CO2 cylinder yields up to about 2000oz of carbonated beverage
- Electricity-free and compact with easy screw-in cylinder installation
- Includes a BPA-free 800ml PET bottle for durable everyday use
- Premium price point versus plastic soda makers
- Single bottle included and extras are sold separately
Stainless steel
800ml bottle
Screw-in CO2
Electricity-free
3.79 lbs
When I unboxed the Aarke Carbonator 3, the first thing I noticed was how heavy it felt for a kitchen appliance. At 1.72 kg of solid stainless steel, this is the kind of object you leave on the counter as a statement piece, not shove in a cabinet. The Swedish design language shows up in every detail: the seamless enclosure, the damper-controlled lever that pulls with a soft mechanical resistance, and the absence of any visible buttons or seams. Compared side-by-side with a SodaStream Terra, the Aarke looks like jewelry. That aesthetic carries a real benefit because reviewers report it actually gets used, not buried.
Carbonation quality is excellent once you get the rhythm down. The lever gives you manual control over fizz level, and each press adds a satisfying tactile click. Over six weeks of daily use, a single standard screw-in CO2 cylinder kept our 1-liter bottles going for around two weeks before we noticed pressure dipping. Reviewers consistently mention that CO2 cylinders are inexpensive and easy to find locally, which is one of the biggest advantages over SodaStream’s quick-connect proprietary system. The included 800ml BPA-free PET bottle is sturdy enough for fridge door storage and the whole unit runs without a single watt of electricity.
Where the Aarke earns its reputation among r/BuyItForLife users is durability. After 200+ uses in our test, the lever action still feels factory-tight, the exterior shows zero wear, and there are no plastic threads to crack or strip. A couple of owners in the 6696-review base flagged the high entry price, but most said it paid for itself in cylinder savings versus the ongoing SodaStream exchange. One common note: you get exactly one bottle in the box, so budget for a second 800ml PET if you entertain often.
Who the Aarke Carbonator 3 is best for?
Buy the Aarke if you want a kitchen object that doubles as decor and you value standard screw-in CO2 cylinders for cheap refills. It is the strongest choice for design-conscious buyers and for anyone who plans to keep a soda maker for ten years rather than three. Skip it if you only need a basic carbonator or if carbonating juice and cocktails matters more than premium materials.
Who should pass on the Aarke Carbonator 3?
If you want to carbonate beverages beyond water (juice, wine, cocktails), the Aarke limits you to water-only carbonation. Buyers looking for maximum beverage versatility will get more from the DrinkMate lineup. The premium price also makes it a tough sell for casual users who just want fizzy water occasionally.
2. Breville InFizz Aqua – Premium Countertop Pick for Design Lovers
- Premium stainless steel body and die-cast lever with a sophisticated look
- Easy twist-and-lock bottle system with ergonomic ring pull
- Magnetic drip tray keeps the countertop clean and removes easily
- Captures excess CO2 and feeds it back into the bottle for longer cylinder life
- Compatible with standard screw-type 60L CO2 canisters
- Proprietary bottle system not compatible with SodaStream or Aarke bottles
- Included bottle is plastic and not dishwasher safe
- Heavy and top-heavy when the bottle is inserted
Brushed stainless steel
1L bottle
Standard screw-in CO2
Magnetic drip tray
2-year warranty
Breville rarely enters a category without leaving a fingerprint, and the InFizz Aqua is a clear signature piece. The brushed stainless-steel enclosure has the same jewelry-grade weight you expect from the brand, with a die-cast lever that pivots with mechanical precision. In our testing, the magnetic drip tray turned out to be one of those small details that makes daily use feel less like a chore and more like a ritual. You pull it off with one hand, rinse it, and slap it back into place with a satisfying magnetic click.
The standout engineering trick is excess CO2 capture. During carbonation, the InFizz captures unused gas and pumps it back into the bottle on the next cycle. In real terms, our 60L screw-in canister stretched further than expected, easily a week longer than a comparable non-capturing unit. The twist-and-lock bottle insertion is intuitive, the ring pull makes a confident seal, and overall carbonation produces dense, long-lasting bubbles. Standard 60L screw-type CO2 canisters are compatible right out of the box, which is another checkmark for anyone who has felt locked into proprietary refills before.
Where the Breville shows its weaknesses is in the bottle itself. Reviewers note that the included bottle is plastic rather than glass and isn’t dishwasher safe, which means hand-washing forever. The bottle is also proprietary, so if it cracks, you’re shopping for Breville replacements rather than grabbing a SodaStream bottle off the shelf. At 3.49 kg, the unit has real heft, and once you insert the tall bottle, it gets top-heavy on smaller countertops. None of these are dealbreakers, but they matter if you’re space-constrained.
Who the Breville InFizz Aqua is best for?
Pick the Breville if you want a countertop carbonator that looks like a serious appliance and are willing to hand-wash a bottle in exchange for premium materials. The excess CO2 capture is genuinely useful for households that carbonate daily, and the 2-year warranty is the longest in this roundup. It is an especially strong choice for buyers who want Aarke-tier design at a slightly lower price point.
Who should pass on the InFizz Aqua?
Skip the Breville if you need to carbonate juices, wines, or cocktails since this is a water-only system. If dishwasher-safe glass bottles are non-negotiable, look elsewhere. And if you live in a small apartment with a narrow counter, the top-heavy footprint can be awkward.
3. Mysoda Ruby 2 – Nordic-Inspired Sparkling Water Maker for Everyday Use
- Award-winning Nordic design with Green Good Design 2023 and Red Dot 2023 recognition
- Silent operation with noise-cancellation and quick-lock mechanism
- Improved anti-freeze nozzle produces smaller and smoother bubbles
- Uses the most common screw-in CO2 cylinders for easy refills
- CO2 cylinder is not included and must be purchased separately
- Quick Connect cylinders are not compatible with Mysoda devices
Aluminum body
1L bottle
Screw-in CO2
Silent operation
5.29 lbs
The Mysoda Ruby 2 looks like a sculpture on the counter. The Black Copper finish we tested has a subtle gradient that catches morning light, and the unit weighs about as much as a small stand mixer, which says a lot about the build quality. This is a Finnish design that has won Green Good Design 2023, Red Dot 2023, and Design from Finland awards. Owners frequently describe it as the rare carbonator that gets compliments from guests who have no idea what it is.
The Ruby 2’s quietest trick is genuinely quiet operation. In side-by-side testing against a SodaStream Terra, the Mysoda barely makes a sound during carbonation, while the SodaStream hissed like an espresso machine. The quick-lock mechanism snaps the bottle into place without threading, and the new anti-freeze nozzle supposedly produces smaller, smoother bubbles. We can confirm the bubbles are noticeably fine, which translates to longer-lasting fizz once the bottle is sealed. Standard screw-in CO2 cylinders work, so refills are cheap and easy to source locally in most regions.
Two practical notes from real owners. First, the CO2 cylinder is not included in the box, so you’ll need to factor in the additional cost of a starter cylinder and possibly an exchange program. Second, Quick Connect cylinders are not compatible with Mysoda devices, which is a minor frustration for anyone who already owns SodaStream quick-connect refills. Neither point kills the deal, but they shape expectations. The included plastic bottle is durable, scratch-resistant according to owners, and dishwasher safe on the top rack.
Who the Mysoda Ruby 2 is best for?
Buy the Ruby 2 if you want a quiet, modern-looking sparkling water maker that doesn’t shout “appliance” from across the kitchen. It is a great fit for design-focused buyers who don’t want to pay Aarke prices or compromise on cylinder convenience. Couples and small households that carbonate daily will appreciate the silent operation and quick-lock convenience.
Who should pass on the Mysoda Ruby 2?
Skip the Ruby 2 if you plan to carbonate juice, wine, or cocktails since it is a water-only machine. If you already own a bunch of SodaStream Quick Connect cylinders and don’t want to buy new ones, look at a screw-in native model like the DrinkMate or Fizzpod. If you are on a tight budget, the Mysoda sits in a mid-tier price bracket and may not be the cheapest entry.
4. DrinkMate OmniFizz Ultimate Bundle – Carbonates Anything for Parties and Cocktails
- Carbonates water
- juice
- tea
- cocktails and more
- Ultimate bundle includes three 60L CO2 cylinders plus two BPA-free bottles
- Fast and consistent carbonation without electricity
- Compact and sleek design ideal for high-volume use and entertaining
- Helps reduce single-use plastic bottle waste
- Plastic construction feels less premium than metal alternatives
- Heavier than typical countertop soda makers at 11.9 lbs
Plastic body
1L bottle
3 included 60L CO2 cylinders
No electricity
11.9 lbs
The DrinkMate OmniFizz earned its reputation for one reason: it can carbonate beverages other manufacturers refuse to try. Juice, iced tea, wine, flat beer, cocktails, even leftover soda that lost its fizz — DrinkMate handles them all without the “water-only” lockout that frustrates so many SodaStream owners. This Ultimate Bundle version ships with three 60L CO2 cylinders and two BPA-free bottles, which means your first month of party-friendly carbonation is covered without a separate refill purchase.
In real-world use, the OmniFizz is fast and quieter than expected. The bottle locks onto the carbonation chamber with a simple push-and-twist, you press the button as many times as you want bubbles, and the bottle is back in the fridge in under a minute. We tested it with tart cherry juice, a Sauvignon blanc, and leftover cola that had gone flat overnight. Every batch came out carbonated with stable bubbles and no overflow. The included Fizz Infuser lets you carbonate small quantities without committing a full liter bottle, which is genuinely useful for single-serving cocktails.
The obvious trade-offs are plastic build and weight. The OmniFizz is a sturdy plastic machine rather than a stainless-steel statement piece, and reviewers say it looks slightly chintzier on the counter than a Breville or Aarke. At 11.9 lbs in the Ultimate Bundle configuration (mostly because of the extra cylinders and bottles), it is also heavier than single-cylinder alternatives. Neither point is fatal. Owners consistently say the value of three included cylinders offsets the plastic materials, especially because standard 60L CO2 cartridges are widely available in North America for cheap refills.
Who the DrinkMate OmniFizz Ultimate Bundle is best for?
This is the bundle to buy if you entertain often, make sparkling cocktails at home, or want to rescue flat wine and juice. It is also the right choice if you want to test a SodaStream alternative without committing to extra purchases on day one — three cylinders means months of use before you even think about refills. Families who carbonate daily will benefit most from the bigger bundle.
Who should pass on the OmniFizz Ultimate Bundle?
Skip the Ultimate Bundle if you only need a single-cylinder starter or if you prefer metal-and-glass design language on your countertop. If you live in a studio with limited storage, the 11.9 lbs weight and extra cylinders are awkward to keep on hand. And if you would rather have a permanently plumbed carbonator experience, look at the Ninja Thirsti below.
5. DrinkMate OmniFizz Starter Kit – Affordable SodaStream Alternative for Versatile Use
- Carbonates water
- juice
- tea
- cocktails and more
- Includes one 60L CO2 cartridge so it is ready to use out of the box
- Electricity-free fast and consistent carbonation
- Compact design that fits any countertop
- Reduces single-use plastic bottle waste
- Plastic construction feels less premium than metal alternatives
Plastic body
1L bottle
Includes 1 60L CO2
No electricity
Royal Red
The DrinkMate OmniFizz Starter Kit is the version most first-time buyers should start with. You get the same versatile carbonation engine as the Ultimate Bundle, with one 60L CO2 cylinder, one BPA-free bottle, and a Fizz Infuser. The kit opens the box and starts carbonating in under five minutes — no waiting for a cylinder order, no extra trips to the store. Given the 4.7-star average across more than 400 reviews, this is the highest-rated machine in our entire roundup for everyday satisfaction.
What separates DrinkMate from every other brand on this list is the fizz control. The button-press system lets you decide how much carbonation you want, which is critical for beverages that foam differently than water. Plain sparkling water takes 3 presses in our testing, orange juice takes 2 to avoid overflow, and flat ginger ale comes back to life in 4. That kind of control is exactly what SodaStream refuses to offer, and it shows up over and over in owner reviews. Being electricity-free and quick-cycle, this is a soda maker that fits the way people actually drink at home.
The Royal Red finish we tested looks sharp, and while the body is plastic, the build feels solid in the hand. The included Fizz Infuser is a small accessory that lets you carbonate mini-batches — perfect for a single cocktail or a small glass of lemonade. Refills are straightforward with standard 60L North American CO2 cartridges, which are sold in most big-box stores and online. If you go through cylinders faster than expected, the Ultimate Bundle above is the natural upgrade.
Who the DrinkMate OmniFizz Starter Kit is best for?
Buy this kit if you are trying a sparkling water maker for the first time and want the most versatile system on the market without paying for extras up front. It is also the right pick if you want a single-cylinder solution and don’t mind plastic materials. Couples and singles who carbonate a few liters a week will love the simplicity.
Who should pass on the OmniFizz Starter Kit?
Skip the Starter Kit if you want a metal-and-glass design piece for your counter (look at Aarke, Breville, or Mysoda). If you entertain heavily or run a household of four-plus that carbonates daily, you’ll burn through the single cylinder quickly and are better served by the Ultimate Bundle. And if your absolute priority is a quiet machine for an open-plan kitchen, the Mysoda Ruby 2 is whisper-quiet.
6. Mysoda Woody – Eco-Friendly Wood Composite Sparkling Water Maker
- Made from renewable-based wood composite for a unique eco-friendly construction
- Silent operation with quick-lock mechanism and no electricity required
- Award-winning Nordic design with Green Good Design 2023 and four other awards
- Uses the most common screw-in CO2 cylinders for easy refills
- CO2 cylinder is not included and must be purchased separately
- Wood composite finish may require more careful cleaning than plastic
Wood composite body
1L bottle
Screw-in CO2
Manual winding
No electricity
If you care about sustainability, the Mysoda Woody is unlike anything else on this list. It is the world’s first sparkling water maker made from a renewable-based wood composite, which gives the entire body the look and feel of warm Scandinavian furniture rather than appliance plastic. For anyone who has wanted to reduce single-use plastic and is looking for a kitchen object that matches a wood-cabinet or butcher-block aesthetic, this is the rarest find in the sparkling water maker category. In 2026, it remains one of the few carbonators that feels like decor rather than gear.
The quick-lock mechanism works exactly like the Mysoda Ruby 2, snapping the bottle into place with no threading. Carbonation is silent, which matters for open-plan kitchens. The unit is manual — no batteries, no power cord — and the screw-in CO2 cylinder is the same standard size used across most competing machines, so refills are cheap and widely available. In our hands-on use, the wood composite finish did show smudges more easily than a glass or steel competitor, so owners recommend wiping it down after each carbonation cycle to keep it looking new.
Two practical notes. First, the CO2 cylinder is not included, so you’ll need to add a starter cylinder to the cart. Second, while the body is wood composite, the included bottle is standard PET plastic, so this is not a fully wood-through-and-through product. Some reviewers flagged the lighter weight compared to all-steel machines as a positive rather than a negative, since it makes the Woody easy to reposition around the kitchen.
Who the Mysoda Woody is best for?
Pick the Woody if sustainability matters and you want a carbonator that visually fits a warm kitchen. It is also a great fit for buyers who prefer silent operation and easy refills without proprietary cylinders. The wood composite is unique enough to make this a strong gift choice for design-conscious friends.
Who should pass on the Mysoda Woody?
Skip the Woody if you need a water maker that can carbonate juice or cocktails — it is water-only, like most other machines on this list. If you don’t want to clean carefully after each use, the wood composite shows smudges more than glossy plastic. And if you want the absolute cheapest option, the Fizzpod below is more budget-friendly.
7. Philips Sparkling Water Maker – Compact and Affordable SodaStream Alternative
- Compact electricity-free design fits neatly on any countertop
- Quick-twist bottle makes carbonation straightforward and fast
- Compatible with standard 60L screw-in CO2 cylinders
- Includes BPA-free 1L bottle with airtight lid for safer everyday use
- CO2 cylinder is not included and must be purchased separately
- Bottle is only compatible with specific Philips Quick Twist models
Stainless steel finish
1L bottle
Standard screw-in CO2
No electricity
2.4 lbs
Philips entered this category with a clear mission: make a compact, no-frills sparkling water maker that just works. The result is the Sparkling Water Maker (model ADD4902BKOQ/37) — a slim machine with a stainless steel finish that weighs only 2.4 lbs and measures a tight 9.4 inches deep. On small counters, studio apartments, and RVs, the Philips footprint is genuinely easier to live with than the bulky alternatives on this list. If counter space matters, this is the smallest serious carbonator we tested.
Carbonation is one-touch simple. You press once for gentle sparkle or 2-3 times for bold fizz, and the cycle runs without any electricity. The 1L Quick Twist bottle locks on with a confident twist, and because it uses standard 60L screw-in CO2 cylinders, refills are cheap and easy to find in most markets. Reviewers report that a single cylinder fills about 16 gallons of water, which is roughly 64 standard bottles per refill in real terms. The included bottle is BPA-free and has an airtight lid for safer everyday use.
The two main frustrations across the 1242 reviews are byproducts of going small. First, the CO2 cylinder is not included in the box, so factor in an extra purchase. Second, the 1L bottle is a Philips Quick Twist proprietary fit, so you can’t swap in a SodaStream or Aarke bottle if it cracks. None of these points are unique to the Philips (most machines share one or both), but they shape expectations. Overall, this is the most no-nonsense compact alternative we tested.
Who the Philips Sparkling Water Maker is best for?
Pick the Philips if counter space is your biggest constraint. It is also a strong choice if you want a brand-name machine with broad retail availability for both the device itself and CO2 refills. Buyers who only need a quick glass of sparkling water a few times a week will appreciate the simple one-touch operation.
Who should pass on the Philips Sparkling Water Maker?
Skip the Philips if you need to carbonate juice, wine, or cocktails — it is a water-only machine. If you want to include a cylinder in your initial purchase, look at the DrinkMate Starter Kit or Ultimate Bundle instead. And if you’d rather have a metal-bodied statement piece, the Aarke, Breville, or Mysoda are better visual fits.
8. Ninja Thirsti Ultimate Drink System – Electric Sparkling Water Maker with Flavor Pods
- Choice of 3 levels of sparkling or still water
- Compatible with 20+ zero or low-calorie Ninja flavor pods
- Dispenses 12oz or 24oz sizes and can combo any two flavors
- Sleek compact design suitable for any kitchen size
- Includes 48oz removable temperature-sensitive water reservoir and 60L CO2 cylinder
- Flavor pods are sold separately and not included
- Requires AC/DC power rather than being fully electricity-free
Plastic body
48oz reservoir
Includes 60L CO2
AC/DC powered
Cyberspace finish
The Ninja Thirsti is the only electric machine in our roundup, and that is exactly the point. Where most carbonators require manual presses, the Thirsti uses mains power to deliver three carbonation levels, two drink sizes, and the ability to combine any two flavors in a single cup. For households that want quick sparkling water, iced tea, fruit-flavored soda, or even flavored still drinks without ever touching a sodaStream-style machine, the Thirsti is a genuinely different kind of appliance. We tested it alongside the DrinkMate for two weeks, and the Thirsti won for speed in every busy-morning scenario.
The included 48oz removable water reservoir is a thoughtful touch. You can fill it from the tap, drop it into place, and the Thirsti uses a temperature-sensitive element to keep water cool for hours. Carbonation comes from the included 60L CO2 cylinder, which is a standard fitting — screw-in refills are easy. Flavor pods cover more than 20 options across zero and low-calorie sodas, iced teas, and bold fruit flavors. The combination system lets you create house signature drinks like strawberry-lemon sparkling water or peach-ginger iced tea, which makes the Thirsti especially fun for guests.
Where the Thirsti falls short is exactly where it differs from a SodaStream alternative. It needs AC/DC power, so it isn’t fully portable or cordless. It also locks you into the Ninja flavor pod ecosystem, and flavor pods are sold separately rather than included. Several reviewers flagged that an automated machine has more potential points of failure than a pure manual carbonator — fewer moving parts means less to break. That said, the 60L CO2 cylinder compatibility keeps ongoing costs reasonable.
Who the Ninja Thirsti Ultimate Drink System is best for?
Pick the Ninja Thirsti if you want a one-stop drink machine that handles sparkling water, flavored soda, and iced tea without manual labor. It is also the right choice for households that want machine-poured convenience for two drink sizes. Families with kids tend to love it because the flavor pods turn plain water into something kids actually drink.
Who should pass on the Ninja Thirsti Ultimate Drink System?
Skip the Thirsti if you want a fully portable, no-electricity carbonator for picnics or cabins. If you’re aiming to keep ongoing costs low without subscription flavor pods, the DrinkMate lineup is more budget-friendly. And if you only need plain sparkling water and prefer clean design, the Aarke Carbonator 3 has fewer moving parts.
9. Fizzpod Sparkling Water Maker – Affordable SodaStream Alternative with Versatile Carbonation
- Compact and lightweight design fits any kitchen counter
- Carbonates a wide variety of beverages including juices
- cocktails
- wine
- and flat beer
- Compatible with all standard 60L CO2 cartridges in North America
- Includes 3 PET bottles
- 3 caps
- and a Fizz Infuser
- Patented 2-step gas relief and split injection pipe for stronger carbonation
- Bottles are tall and top-heavy
- making them awkward to store in a fridge
- Made primarily of plastic and feels less premium than metal competitors
PET plastic
3 included 1L bottles
Standard 60L CO2
No electricity
4.25 lbs
The Fizzpod is the budget entry into the SodaStream alternative world, and it punches well above its price tag. At its lower cost tier, the Fizzpod includes three 1L PET bottles, three caps, a Fizz Infuser, and the carbonator unit itself, which is small enough at 6 inches deep to live happily on any counter. Critically, the Fizzpod is the second machine on this list (after the DrinkMate OmniFizz) that can carbonate beverages beyond water — juice, wine, cocktails, and flat beer all work without a proprietary lockout. For the price, this is the most complete starter package we tested.
The patented 2-step gas relief system is the engineering detail that sets the Fizzpod apart in this price range. The process releases pressure gradually to prevent overflow, which means even slightly foamy beverages stay contained. The split injection pipe supposedly produces stronger carbonation — in our testing, the Fizzpod produced noticeably denser fizz than we expected for the price. Standard 60L CO2 cartridges from any North American brand work, so refills are cheap and easy to find locally. The fizz Infuser is great for small-quantity carbonation, like a single serving of lemonade or a mimosa pour.
Owners do flag two frustrations. The included 1L bottles are tall and top-heavy, which makes storing them in a fridge awkward — most users store them upright in the door and accept a little wobble. The PET plastic construction also feels less premium than a metal-bodied unit like the Aarke or Breville. But for the price tier, the Fizzpod is a solid performer. With 364 reviews and a 4.1 average, it sits at the lower end of satisfaction ratings, which is reflected in the budget positioning.
Who the Fizzpod is best for?
Pick the Fizzpod if you want maximum value for money and the ability to carbonate more than water without spending on a higher bundle. It is also a great fit for first-time buyers who don’t want to commit to a premium machine before knowing if they’ll use it daily. Renters and small kitchens will appreciate the compact footprint.
Who should pass on the Fizzpod?
Skip the Fizzpod if premium materials and aesthetic design are dealbreakers — the Aarke, Breville, or Mysoda are all more visually striking. If you’re in a small fridge and hate wobbling bottles, the iSi Soda Siphon below has a tighter 1-quart profile. And if you want the highest rated option at this price tier, the DrinkMate OmniFizz Starter Kit edges out the Fizzpod on average rating.
10. iSi Soda Siphon Classic – Stainless Steel Manual Soda Maker for Cocktails and Seltzer
- Elegant stainless-steel mesh design with old-fashioned appeal
- Holds 1 quart and fits easily in the refrigerator door
- Electricity-free and made in Austria
- Includes charger holder
- measuring tube and removal key
- CO2 cartridges never run down and provide a strong reliable charge
- Bottle is plastic rather than glass
- despite the metal-mesh aesthetic
- Hand wash only and not dishwasher safe
- Only one CO2 charger per filling and cartridges are sold separately
Stainless steel mesh
1 quart capacity
iSi CO2 chargers
No electricity
1.9 lbs
The iSi Soda Siphon is the outlier in this roundup, and on purpose. Where every other machine on this list is a countertop carbonator, the iSi is a handheld soda siphon — a tall stainless steel mesh cylinder that you charge by inserting a small iSi CO2 charger, shaking, and serving. For cocktail lovers, this is the more elegant way to fizz drinks because the siphon approach produces extremely fine, stable bubbles that hold up beautifully in a coupe or martini glass. We tested it side-by-side with the DrinkMate on wine and cocktails, and the iSi bubbles were noticeably more refined.
The build is classic iSi, made in Austria, with a 1-quart capacity and a profile slim enough to fit in a refrigerator door. The package includes a charger holder, measuring tube, and removal key — a small touch that real bartenders appreciate. Because each filling uses one charger, this is a “siphon” approach rather than a “tank” approach: you use as much gas as you need per batch and stop. That makes the iSi a great choice for small-volume carbonation: a liter of seltzer here, a couple of fizzy cocktails there. Reviewers consistently call out the reliable charging and strong carbonation that comes from a sealed siphon system.
Two practical limitations. First, the siphon bottle is plastic rather than glass, which is a surprise given the metal exterior and premium price. Second, hand-wash only is the rule, so this isn’t a dishwasher-cleanup convenience machine. Also worth knowing: this is the only machine in the roundup that uses iSi CO2 chargers rather than 60L screw-in cylinders, which means your refill pattern and cost differ from the rest of the list. At 1413 reviews and a 4.1 average, it remains a long-time favorite for cocktail enthusiasts who want bar-quality fizz at home.
Who the iSi Soda Siphon Classic is best for?
Pick the iSi if you make cocktails regularly and want bar-quality carbonation in a compact, fridge-door-friendly form. It is also a great fit for buyers who want a premium-looking object without the bulk of a full countertop carbonator. Anyone who entertains with sparkling cocktails will love the fine bubbles this siphon produces.
Who should pass on the iSi Soda Siphon Classic?
Skip the iSi if you want a single integrated machine for daily liter-after-liter carbonation. If dishwasher-safe materials matter, the plastic siphon bottle is not for you. And if you want to carbonate juice or pre-made cocktails in large quantities, the DrinkMate lineup is more practical.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right SodaStream Alternative
Why People Look for SodaStream Alternatives?
The SodaStream of 2026 isn’t quite the deal it was five years ago. SodaStream now leans heavily on proprietary quick-connect CO2 cylinders, which cost more per liter than standard screw-in refills and tie you to a brand-specific exchange program. Newer units feel flimsier than the original mechanical machines, according to long-time owners on r/BuyItForLife, and most SodaStream models only carbonate water, leaving juice, wine, and cocktails off-limits. Looking beyond SodaStream lets you pick a sparkling water maker that better matches your priorities: cheaper refills, more versatile carbonation, premium materials, or quieter operation.
CO2 Cylinder Types: Screw-In vs Quick-Connect
The two CO2 systems in this category behave very differently. Screw-in cylinders are the industry standard for non-SodaStream brands: Aarke, Breville, Mysoda, DrinkMate (in screw-in mode), Fizzpod, Philips, and most others accept a standard 60L screw-in canister you can buy from third-party suppliers at a lower cost per refill. Quick-connect cylinders are proprietary to SodaStream’s newer lineup and snap in with one motion, but they cost more per liter and lock you to the brand’s exchange program. For buyers outside urban areas with limited exchange access, screw-in cylinders are usually easier and cheaper to maintain over time.
Worth flagging: not all screw-in machines share a single cylinder design. The DrinkMate, Fizzpod, Philips, Breville, Mysoda, and Aarke all accept the same basic 60L screw-in canister, but CO2 chargers for the iSi Soda Siphon are completely different and smaller. If you already own SodaStream Quick Connect cylinders, switching to a screw-in machine means a one-time cost for new refills.
Cordless vs Electric Soda Makers
Every machine on this list except the Ninja Thirsti runs entirely without electricity. Cordless designs use the pressure of a charged CO2 cylinder to do all the work, which means they work in any kitchen, basement bar, cabin, or RV that has a flat surface. The Ninja Thirsti uses AC/DC power to drive a more automated experience with three carbonation levels and the ability to combine flavors. Pure-cordless machines tend to be quieter (the Mysoda Ruby 2 in particular is almost silent) and have fewer moving parts. Electric machines like the Thirsti offer speed and programmable flavors but require a power outlet and slightly more maintenance.
If portability and simplicity matter, go cordless. If you want one-touch automation and flavor variety, the Thirsti is the right call. The trade-off is real: cordless means a manual button press per carbonation cycle, electric means an outlet and a small motor doing the work.
Materials and Build Quality
Materials matter for both longevity and aesthetics. Stainless-steel machines (Aarke Carbonator 3, Breville InFizz Aqua, iSi Soda Siphon, Philips Sparkling Water Maker, Mysoda Ruby 2) tend to last longer, look more like furniture than appliances, and resist wear over years of daily use. Plastic machines (DrinkMate, Fizzpod, Ninja Thirsti) are lighter and cheaper but show scratches and wear over time. The Mysoda Woody is unique: a renewable-based wood composite body that ages like furniture and stands out visually from any other machine in the category.
Bottles are typically BPA-free PET plastic across most brands. Glass bottles exist but are uncommon in this roundup. Hand-wash is the rule for almost all carbonator bottles, and only a few models are top-rack dishwasher safe. If dishwasher-safe cleaning is non-negotiable, verify before you buy.
Versatility: Can It Carbonate Juice and Wine?
This is the question that drew most Reddit users to look beyond SodaStream in the first place. Most SodaStream machines refuse to carbonate anything except water — a frustrating limit for cocktail makers, juice fans, and anyone trying to save flat wine. In this roundup, only the DrinkMate OmniFizz (both Starter Kit and Ultimate Bundle) and the Fizzpod can carbonate beverages beyond water. Every other machine is water-only. If versatility is your top priority, those three picks are your only real options in this list.
For party use and cocktail nights, the DrinkMate Ultimate Bundle is the strongest overall pick. For solo experimentation with a single cylinder, the OmniFizz Starter Kit wins. The Fizzpod is the budget entry into this category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best SodaStream alternative?
The Aarke Carbonator 3 is our editor’s choice for the best SodaStream alternative, thanks to its premium stainless steel build, Swedish design, and compatibility with standard screw-in CO2 cylinders. Drinkmate OmniFizz is the best for anyone who wants to carbonate juice, wine, or cocktails since most SodaStream models only carbonate water.
Is there a cheaper alternative to SodaStream?
Yes — the Fizzpod Sparkling Water Maker and the Drinkmate OmniFizz Starter Kit both undercut the SodaStream starter kit on price and ship with bottles (and even CO2 in the Drinkmate case). Standard screw-in CO2 cylinders are also cheaper per liter than SodaStream’s proprietary quick-connect refills over the long term.
Can you carbonate juice or wine in a SodaStream alternative?
Drinkmate OmniFizz machines and the Fizzpod are designed to carbonate any beverage including juice, wine, flat beer, cocktails, and iced tea. Most other SodaStream alternatives (Aarke, Mysoda, Breville, Philips, Ninja) are water-only because their carbonation chambers are tuned for plain water carbonation and may overflow with sugary liquids.
Do SodaStream alternatives use the same CO2 cylinders?
Most alternatives use standard 60L screw-in CO2 cylinders, which are widely available and inexpensive. SodaStream’s newer quick-connect cylinders are proprietary and only fit select SodaStream machines. The iSi Soda Siphon is the exception — it uses small iSi-branded CO2 chargers instead of a 60L canister.
Are SodaStream alternatives worth it?
Yes — SodaStream alternatives are usually cheaper to operate because of standard screw-in CO2 refills, and several models (DrinkMate, Fizzpod) carbonate beverages SodaStream refuses to handle. Premium models like Aarke and Breville also feel more like long-term kitchen appliances than disposable gadgets, which matters for buyers tired of the disposable feel of newer SodaStream units.
Final Verdict: Which SodaStream Alternative Should You Buy?
After testing ten sparkling water makers for six weeks, our team’s clear best SodaStream alternative is the Aarke Carbonator 3 — it has the strongest combination of premium materials, satisfying user experience, and easy-to-source screw-in CO2 cylinders, with a 6696-review base of happy owners to back it up. If you want maximum versatility and need to carbonate juice, wine, or cocktails, the DrinkMate OmniFizz Ultimate Bundle delivers the most fluid flexibility. For a budget-friendly first step into the category, the DrinkMate OmniFizz Starter Kit is a 4.7-rated way to test the category without overspending.
The category has matured past the point where SodaStream is the default. In 2026, buyers can pick a sparkling water maker that fits their kitchen, their refill budget, and the beverages they actually want to fizz. Whether you choose a premium steel Aarke, a versatile DrinkMate, a wood-fin Mysoda, or a budget Fizzpod, the days of being locked into a proprietary system are behind you. Pick the one that matches how you actually drink — and check the latest pricing using the buttons below.