8 Best Soda Makers for a Crisp and Refreshing Drink

You'll love that this soda maker has a slim, modern design that doesn't take up too much real estate on the counter, but the real draw is what a breeze the machine is to operate and how consistent the results are. You simply snap and lock a bottle filled with water (up to the maximum line!) into the chamber and press down on the button on top that meets your carbonation desire. In tests, SodaStream makers yielded highly carbonated drinks that had small bubbles and a pleasant mouthfeel, and stored surprisingly well. The machine requires minimal care, too. Just wipe it clean with a damp cloth. For an even more seamless experience, you can purchase dishwasher-safe bottles.

If you're drawn to the SodaStream One Touch, but don't love the price point, the Fizzi is an excellent alternative. Like the pricier model, this machine yields soda with impressive carbonation—operation just isn't quite as effortless. Rather than push one of three buttons for your choice off fizz, you pump a single button. The more pumps you give, the more carbonated your soda will be. On the upside, this model doesn't require any electricity, so you can use it anywhere and stash it away without hassle.

This soda maker is short enough to fit under most cabinets and has a minimalist design that reflects the ease of operation. Once the CO2 canister is nestled into the back of the machine, all you need to do is fill the bottle with any cold beverage — water, tea, juice, or even wine! — push down on the single button, then release once you've reached desired level of carbonation. If versatility is what you're after, this machine rivals the SodaStream, since using anything but water on those machines will void your warranty.

This soda maker is the only sparkling beverage system that can make any liquid — from water to mixed cocktails — carbonated without the use of a CO2 canister. Instead, it works using a unique method in which you pour carbonation packets into a chamber where it mixes with water to generate the CO2 needed to create a bubbly beverage in the included reusable bottle. Like other machines, you can still choose the level of preferred carbonation by pressing one of five buttons.

For what you get in aesthetic, you pay for in price, but the Aarke Carbonator III is undoubtedly nice to look at. It has a slim footprint and looks more like a beer tap than your average soda maker, plus comes in a variety of attractive colors, from matte black and white to brass and copper. Though the lack of electricity is a definite pro, the lever design comes with a learning curve. We found inconsistent results during testing because how hard you push determines how carbonated your beverage becomes.

Making your own soda water is as simple as can be with the non-electric iSi Soda Siphon. Fill the stainless steel container with water, chill for 10 minutes, insert the CO2 charger, and press down on the lever. Tests yielded moderately fizzy water that kept well for about 24 hours. If there's any downside, though, it's that the chargers are sold separately and have to be changed after each use. When not in use, the pitcher-sized appliance fits nicely in the cabinet, making storage a breeze — something that can't be said for all soda makers.

This lightweight soda maker comes with three bottles, so multiple family members can enjoy sparkling water at the same time — or you can stash a variety of flavors all at one time. And because the machine has a two-step gas relief and split injection pipe, you can carbonate any beverage (even one containing solid fruits or herbs!) without damaging the machine. The slim design of the water bottle takes up minimal room in the fridge.

Though most soda makers don't come with glass bottles due to the risk of breaking during the carbonation process, SodaStream's premium model has a unique design that allows you to do so safely, making it a great option for anyone attempting to limit plastic usage. As an added bonus, because the bottles are glass, they're dishwasher safe. Like other SodaStream models we've tested, carbonation, the machine is easy to use and delivers a high level of carbonation.